will get back to you in a moment bro.
Edit:
I don't have the HD448 with me (I bought the HD438) but I did some comparing between the HD4*8 models before and after I purchased the HD438. The HD438s are a lot bassier than the HD448.The HD448 are detailed and much more neutral sounding than Grados. If you're short on money, then the HD428 is a good alternative to the HD448. Grados tend to sound slightly elevated and lively (imo). I hope you can visualise this.
I've tried the SR80i but I've never done a side by side comparison with the HD448 but one thing is for sure, the HD448s are much more comfortable than the Grados. In fact, all the headphones in the HD4*8 lines are very comfortable (ime). One reason why it's so comfortable is that the clamping force on your head is rather weak, which may be a good or bad thing, it really depends what you intend to do with the headphone. The HD438s I have come with velour pads while the HD448s come with pleather pads. You can interchange the pleather and velour pads according to your preference but that will cost you a few extra bucks.
The HD448 is better at blocking out ambient noise since it will enclose your whole ear, and also because it's a closed-back headphone. Open backs like Grado SR80i let more noise in, and more noise out but it gives the headphones an open sound.
The HD418, 428, 438 and 448 are not difficult to drive at all. You will have no problem reaching very high volume with your laptop or portable player. If you have a decent source or portable player and you want to get an amp, then by all means. Some amps colour the sound - increasing sound stage, bass, etc. but amping is not needed. If you have a very bad source, for example a PSP, then you should get a better source as amping will increase the volume, but it will also make the noise level more apparent.
The Grados feel like they're built better. The HD448 and other headphones in the series have this little extension part on the headband that is quite flimsy. I can't imagine myself throwing my HD438s on my bed, but I can imagine doing that with some other headphones. It shouldn't be a problem if you don't mistreat or misplace them.
I haven't tried the Superluxes but they seem to be the in-thing right now. It might not be a good investment (they don't look too well-built), and you might feel the urge to upgrade after a while.
TL;DR HD448 for prolonged usage. It's a versatile headphone.
Quote:
Koolkat that was great and it made me drive though this forum again just been through this definitive review
w00t.
(
http://www.head-fi.org/products/sennheiser-hd448-around-the-ear-headphones/reviews ) About the Senn HD448's and found em perfect for bassheads(not too high) and i could get em straight from India (homeplace) for $80-90 ,this price tag +sound quality really dragged me into senn's which are just costing me of $10-20+ of AKG's K44's price [$70 incl. shipping],and i had already been through the Grados and Alessandros but they lacked the Bass punch in em (correct me if i'm wrong) ,as per review these senn's had very good increase in performance with FiiO ,by the way i could get em if i really need to Amp the HD448's.
And the Legendary ATH M50's they are the bang for buck under $250 audiophile range (been through the reviews )but that's too much for me and would cost me more for shipping and the warranty problems imo .
Anyways thanks for understanding my needs Koolkat ,and finally could you please give a quick shootout that would help me snap of my dilemma on Grados vs HD448's performance on long usages and amp'ed performance boost?
and what do you mean by "not rock solid " ?
