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Originally Posted by Thurston Moore /img/forum/go_quote.gif
kwkarth/
I´m in the search for a set of closed cans and found this thread while trying to gather some info on different cans iwas interested in. Must say that your mods looks very interesting...though I´m not sure I feel confident enough to carry them out myself. Now when you are at a point where you seem to really like the Proline 650s I´m kind of curious how you would compare them to your DT 250s that you spoke about in the beginning of this thread. Are they better in overall sound quality? Are their sound signatures any alike?
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Good question. they're both good cans and it depends upon what you're looking for because they are certainly different from one another.
The DT-250s I would describe as having a mildly warm presentation. The spectrum is fairly well balanced. The highs are mildly recessed. For long term casual listening, these are really nice, comfortable cans. Built like a tank.
The modified PL650s provide a leaner, higher resolution presentation. It's easier to identify each performer and instrument in the mix with these cans.
They isolate external noises much better than the DT-250s. Before the mods, the isolation was virtually useless, now they're not as good as the ETY ER4s but MUCH better than the Beyer DT-250s with regard to the isolation they provide.
Now that their internal resonances are completely controlled, I believe I'm hearing the FR of the driver alone without any additional colorations. The FR that's left can be adjusted to sound like the DT250s if that's what is desired, but I can't make the 250s sound like the PL650s. The speed of the 250s driver just isn't there to begin with. The Beyer cans now sound dated to my ear.
Most conventional cans, open or closed, have a mid-bass bump of varying degrees added to them to make them sound fuller. The 650's do not have that bump. In that regard, they remind me of my K1000s. The PL650s really shine with acoustic and biphonic material that I have, including the demo disc they came with.
When I first got them, they were unlistenable under any circumstances. Then after burn-in, they improved a little, but really were pretty much useless for anything. After the modifications, these are real keepers!
For overall complete neutrality I would have to rate the K701s at the top. The DT250s on the warm side and a little slow. The PL650s a little on the lean side (mid-bass only), fast, and resolving. Because of their complete control of any resonant or standing wave problems, they can be EQ'd to sound any way you want them to sound. The bass goes very deep. They're a joy to listen to on a good pipe organ. You hear/feel the rumble of the 32' pipes and all the brilliance of the high end, and everything in between.
Kick drums have good impact and immediacy. Pacing is very good.
I will keep my DT250s around because they're an old friend, but I think they've been un-seated for monitoring cans by the PL650s.
For listening at home when isolation is not an issue, the K701s are still better at everything.
I hope this helps.