[GlowWorm]

I'm looking to pick up a pair of headphones that have a similar sonic characteristic as the Senn HD580/600, but can be driven directly from a unamped source. Does not matter if they are open or closed, $200 max. Suggestions welcome.

 

[sc53]

Hmm. Of all the headphones I own or have owned (and my favorite phones are the Senn 650's which replaced my previous favorite HD600's), I would say the Beyer DT531 that I picked up from Superman's Ears sound the most similar to the 600/650 sound. And I can listen to them directly out of my Ipod without an amp.

 

[pbirkett]

DT531 is not that easy to drive IMHO.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

ATH-A900.

A little bit more forward, but otherwise very similar.

Very easy to drive.

 

[Natsuiro]

The a900s are very easy to drive, but I find them to sound quite different than the hd600s. The a900s to me sound somewhere between grado and senn. As said in the previous post, the a900s are more forword, but I also feel that there is something different with the bass. The bass on the 600s seem to go lower, whereas the a900's mid bass seems strong and tight, but the lower region seems somewhat sloppy. And there's also something about the a900s that also seems different. It seems to me somewhat that the a900s are more emphased or coloured vs the hd-600s. But nonetheless no headphone would sound exactly alike, and the a900s might be a great choice to you.

 

[GlowWorm]

sc53, and pbirket

I was a bit surprised by the DT531 suggestion because like the HD580/600 they are high impedence cans (250 ohms), although I'm intrigued I would be reluctant to use them unamped. I would be interested in any other opinions in this regard.

crazyfrenchman27, and Natsuiro

I already have the A900's, while I think they are very good they don't quite have the neutral nature of the HD580/600. The A900's seem to place an emphasis on the highs and lows, with a more recessed midrange (annoying at times).

 

[ssportclay]

The DT531 has been upgraded and replaced by the very easy to drive 32 ohm DT440.

 

[boodi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbirkett DT531 is not that easy to drive IMHO.

After having the dt531 for quite a time , and knowing they can go easily out of any source , in the end i have also to agree with this .
actually my recabled hd650 sound better then dt531 on portables
I would maybe look also at hd555 if i were you

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

By "Neutral," do you mean "Subdued?"

Because neither can is neutral.

The Sennheisers are dark, the Audiotechnicas are bright. I think the ATH are more neutral, but that's just me.

 

[GlowWorm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssportclay The DT531 has been upgraded and replaced by the very easy to drive 32 ohm DT440.

That's interesting, but how do they compare?

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 ATH-A900. A little bit more forward, but otherwise very similar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 The Sennheisers are dark, the Audiotechnicas are bright. I think the ATH are more neutral, but that's just me.

Sorry to pick on you two threads in a row, but what the hell?

How do you think they're similar (besides the A900 being forward and bright and the HD580/600 being laid back and dark)?

 

[GlowWorm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 By "Neutral," do you mean "Subdued?" Because neither can is neutral.

Good point. I guess the more appropriate term would be "even", by that I mean everything (highs, mids, lows) being on the same plane (nothing overwhelming the other). Sorry for the confusion.

 

[N@Z]

Try Beyer DT250 (available in 80 or 250 ohms). Personally this closed heaphones has the closest sound characteristics to the HD600 IMO except for the slightly forward nature.

 

[GlowWorm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by N@Z Try Beyer DT250 (available in 80 or 250 ohms). Personally this closed heaphones has the closest sound characteristics to the HD600 IMO except for the slightly forward nature.

Sounds good to me N@Z, I'll look into it.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

The ATH-A900s (I think) are more laid back than the HD555s/HD595s, which would make them more comparable to the HD600s. This is why I recommended them over the HD555s/HD595s.

They are easier to drive than the HD555s/HD595s.

There really isn't anything that sounds like the HD600 but is easy to drive, to be truthful.

Most of the good Beyerdynamics/AKGs are difficult to drive, too.

DT-880s are power hogs. AKG501 require a decent amp.

You're out of luck.