[angle_sh00ter]

Ok so I have been wondering about this recently. What is better to have like a HD800 or to use the same amount of money to buy 3 or 4 2nd tier headphones like: HD650, DT880, ATH-AD2000, Pro 900 etc etc. In 1 sense it seems stupid to me to own so many headphones because they really overlap so much and really 1 good headphone should be enough and any additional headphones will have severely reduced utility. But then I think how much better is the big boys over the little brothers. Is the HD800 really 5 times better than the HD650 etc etc. So what do you guys think is the better system 1 killer headphone or 3 lesser headphones? If you had to choose 3 headphones each under $500 what would they be, would you try and get headphones which sound very different? Do you think certain headphones sound better for certain genres of music or is that all just hype?

 

[nickchen]

Mainly a genre decision IMO. The HD800 isn't exactly a master of all genres (sucks severely with "harder" stuff IMO), so if a greater genre bandwidth is in question, multiple specialists might do a better allover job.

 

[krmathis]

I say -> Go all in for one awesome pair.
Cause if you go the other way with 3-4 'good' pairs you will most certainly look back wondering what you would have got if you went all in.

..then save up for the second awesome pair. he he

 

[MacedonianHero]

I agree with krmathis completely. I would be so much happier with just the HD800 or T1 over the HD650 and the K701 and the DT880 and....

As well, I would say that the HD800s are great for "harder" stuff, like Metallica/Black Sabbath! One might just prefer other cans for this type of music over them (like the RS1s).

 

[Nachkebia]

Denon D7000

 

[debitsohn]

if you get multiple lower tier Headphones, youll always have upgraditis. if you go for a top tier headphone... you MIGHT have upgraditis. that MIGHT is worth it for me. sold everything ihave to order a T1. its backordered so i used all my money to try out different headphones i havent tried. when the t1 is in stock ill sell all that i bought and i hope to be a happy camper headphone wise with the t1 forever (probably not).
then theres the matter of source and amp

it doesnt end.

 

[Prog Rock Man]

Multiple third tier headphones, leading to a move to second tier and I will at some point go top tier. The joy of upgrading on a budget.

 

[carm]

It has been almost a year that I have HD650. My ears were happy for that time, but I was missing something - better bass impact. For that matter I've bought Denond AH-D7000.

To my ears HD650 are better for vocal, instrumental music, and D7000 is quite good with electronica.

But I have to agree with krmathis, you should go with one awesome pair, it is less mess that way

 

[loopfreak]

You should try multiple 'phones in order to know which sound suits the type of music you are listening and your personal taste !?

I like multiple choices, and think that headfi is good example. So many choices not just one or two !

 

[mrwinick]

I'd suggest that there are multiple elements to a rig that need to be balanced. I wouldn't buy one $1500 headphone if that meant that I wouldn't be able to amp them properly. A great dac can also make a huge difference. You need everything to work together. I can tell you that senn hd600's scale up beautifully and are phenomenal for certain kinds of music. Paired with a great amp and dac they are fantastic. They are not ideal, however, for certain kinds of music. Like a few others, I have recently added denon d7000's to complement my senn's. I would not suggest a multiple upgrade strategy as that can get expensive. Aim high, but not so high as to sacrifice the rest of your rig.

 

[AudioHi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by loopfreak /img/forum/go_quote.gif You should try multiple 'phones in order to know which sound suits the type of music you are listening and your personal taste !? I like multiple choices, and think that headfi is good example. So many choices not just one or two !

X2..

I think every headphone have their own characteristics.. strength and weakness.. comfort..etc.
Some like warm sound ..some like bright..
Every ears are different..

If I had choice to buy HD800..
I would get
Senn HD650 ($300s)
Denon D7000 ($600s)
Sony SA5000 ($300s)
AKG K701 I already own one.. / Senn HD600 ($200s)

 

[angle_sh00ter]

Ok I have DT880 for classical/jazz/accoustic music. Wondering what would be a sick headphone for heavy metal and bass music. Something quick and bass heavy which will contrast nicely with the DT880. I am thinking either Ultrasones or Denons... am I on the right track?

 

[Pyriel0]

Imo 2 really good cans instead of one great can. Its nice to have a good open headphone and a good closed headphone for when you need sound either kept out or in.

 

[francisdemarte]

If you have one awesome can one you'll always want more and your always wondering what another that other one would be like...kinda like women....either way it will end up costing you

Tiger Woods would agree.

 

[oqvist]

Getting a one and only require you to have auditioned pretty much everything that is out there... I highly doubt there is a headphone that can do it all like good speakers can. there is trade offs made since you can´t wear 20 kg speakers on your head

Thus you are better off with different sound signatures for several reason... To cover up the areas where they lack and to get a change in sound signature... Can be oh so refreshing and is very easy with headphones... Their easy storage is a huge plus.