[luumage]

Basically, I have a $300 budget, I live in Canada but I don't mind buying online, and I want something open-backed. I currently have the ATH-ES7 and the ATH-M50. Although I love the M50 sound, I'm finding that I want something with a larger soundstage and open-back (sweaty ears).

I've narrowed it down to these three phones, but feel free to suggest others. I'm currently leaning towards the Ultrasones...

Thanks

 

[hairybottle123]

Senn HD-595 just that i own this one =P

 

[luumage]

Oh yea forgot to mention, this would hopefully be an "upgrade" from my M50s.

 

[tim3320070]

You can get HD650's for very close to $300 new and low $200's used. Seriously better than the HD595.
Hell, I'm about to win a bid on some HD580's for low $100's.

 

[CountChoculaBot]

I'm guessing you like bass? If so, I wouldn't get the HD650 or HD600. The HD650's been described as bass heavy, but I'm going to say that only applies to the old version. I'm listening to new rev. ones and they're pretty middle of the line for bass IMO.

The Ultrasones would definitely be an upgrade *IF*
1. You can stand overly bright/sibilant treble
2. You accept that the open back is kind of half assed and the construction is still going to give you sweaty ears.


But yeah, you could maybe try the DT990's. I'm pretty sure they're regarded as the bassiest open headphones. You can get the regular ohm version for pretty cheap, and the very well regarded 600 ohm version for $320 before shipping.

 

[dweaver]

Do you plan on using an amp and what music genres do you listen to? I ask because the AD900 does not have as much bass as your ES7 and won't even come close to the M50 if you can wait a couple days I have a pair of Hd600 coming in and I will do a direct comparison between them and the AD900, I will also give a comparison to the ES7 which I just sold from memory.

If your not averse to IEM's Audio Technica recently released the CKS70 which has great bass, midrange, and non-sibilant treble with huge soundstage for an IEM, something I place slot of value in. They sell for less than $100Can shipped from accessoryjack.com a great place to get the AD900 from as well.

 

[luumage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweaver /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do you plan on using an amp and what music genres do you listen to? I ask because the AD900 does not have as much bass as your ES7 and won't even come close to the M50 if you can wait a couple days I have a pair of Hd600 coming in and I will do a direct comparison between them and the AD900, I will also give a comparison to the ES7 which I just sold from memory. If your not averse to IEM's Audio Technica recently released the CKS70 which has great bass, midrange, and non-sibilant treble with huge soundstage for an IEM, something I place slot of value in. They sell for less than $100Can shipped from accessoryjack.com a great place to get the AD900 from as well.

I'm currently using foobar -> alien USB DAC -> AMP3
I know the AMP3 doesn't have much power, so low impedence would be better. I listen to mostly jazz, lounge, big band, and some asian pop/R&B. I wouldn't call myself an utter basshead, and would love some phones that have nice female vocals. Also, have you heard the M50? I find that my ES7 has a punchier and beefier bass...

And thanks for the site, I might look into the CKS70 but I think I would prefer the ES7 staying as my main portable. Thanks for the suggestions, would love to hear your impressions with the HD600.

 

[dweaver]

wow I have never heard an M50 but the way they have always been decribed they are supposed to be like having a subwoofer stapped to your head! I did own a pair of ES7 and thought it had fairly decent bass but never thought it was better! Good to know information.

BTW the CKS70 has fuller yet more controlled bass than the ES7 IMO. I actually sold my ES7 shortly after getting the CKS70 since I liked the IEM more and needed the funds to help buy the HD600 coming in. But not everyone will hear the same way I do.

 

[Acix]

I can recommend the K702 that need some amp or sound card. The GMP 435 are great choice too, and they can be amp by any source they have 35 ohm drivers.

 

[dweaver]

OK the bass of the HD600 is very similar to my AD900. If you have a good amp (my amp is from a local Calgary manufacturer who I have a link for in my signature, he is just getting started up so has a great price on my amp right now) it has no veil in the midrange in my opinion. I prefer the treble of the HD600 over the AD900 as it has no fatigue for me and no sibilance (it is not as detailed for these same reasons though).

If you don't have a nice amp and do not want to spend the money on one, I would recommend the AD900 over the HD600.

You mentioned sound stage. The sound stage is better with both of these in comparison to the M50 but the AD900 has a larger sound stage than the HD600.

If bass is extremely important to you, then they both might be a bit light for you especially if you listen at lower volume levels.