$350 for new headphones. ATH-ESW9 or SA5000?

[Andrew_WOT]

What other, worthy consideration headphones are available in that price range? I do not care if they are open or closed, portable or full size. One more condition, they should not be Ultrasone or Grado.
My prime candidate was ATH-ESW9, but I am not 100% sure that portable phones, even $300+ ones, will be as refined as full size counterpart. My other candidate was Sony MDR-SA5000, but I have read so many negative reviews on those recently that pretty much discounted them altogether. Plus as ex owner of DT880 I guess I got the idea what they might sound like, not sure that it's totally my cup of tea. Same goes for K701.

Current inventory:
W5000, HD650 (Zu), AD2000, K271S (Zu, velour pads), ER4S
Exes: DT250-80, DT250-250, HD595, ATH-A900, MS2i, HFI-650,PL750, Denon-AHD-950, D2000, DT880 (2005), ES7.

Thanks in advance

 

[Blackmore]

Maybe Sennh HD650 with upgraded cable, but you may need a new amp, cos they need a lot of juice. Also fully modded K340 can be a good choice, which needs a ton of power as well.
Other than that, ESW9 are very good phones.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackmore /img/forum/go_quote.gif Maybe Sennh HD650 with upgraded cable

Thanks, I have it already, check the original post. And why do I need a new amp?

 

[Blackmore]

Ahh, you have so many, sorry

K340

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks, I have it already, check the original post. And why do I need a new amp?

 

[YtseJamer]

HD600 with the Cardas cable

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Can anyone comment on SA5000?

 

[Blackmore]

Bright and fast as hell

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can anyone comment on SA5000?

 

[dr dougie]

Is there anything else left to try around that price?!

Maybe the Dr. Dre Beats when they come out heh.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackmore /img/forum/go_quote.gif Bright and fast as hell

I might try those.
So down to two, ESW9 and SA5000. Which one?

 

[SteveM324]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can anyone comment on SA5000?

SA5000, was my only headphone purchase that was a complete mistake. Bright highs even with very warm NOS tubes in my tube amp. I could only listen for about 10-15 minutes before they gave me a headache. I've purchased many headphones over the past 18 years, including K340, K1000, K501, K701, HD580, HD600, HD650, RS1, CD3000, and ED9, the SA5000 was the absolute worst of the bunch.

 

[Rickio]

Since you like the AT sound why are you waiting

There have been plenty of comments how good they are. I doubt I have read even one negative comment. I cannot remember one at least...wish I had the bucks

I'd get one in a flash...

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickio /img/forum/go_quote.gif Since you like the AT sound why are you waiting There have been plenty of comments how good they are. I doubt I have read even one negative comment. I cannot remember one at least...wish I had the bucks I'd get one in a flash...

There is no AT sound, that's a myth, at least all ATs I owned sounded differently.
ESW9 no doubt is a top notch *portable* can, but $300+ puts it into full size cans price area, which provide better return for bucks. I am quite happy with ER4S on the go, wondering if buying ESW9 for mostly stationary use is a worthwhile investment.

 

[onlychild]

I bought mine strictly for home use. I was after something warm and lush, but easy to drive with a portable amp.

 

[souperman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is no AT sound, that's a myth, at least all ATs I owned sounded differently. ESW9 no doubt is a top notch *portable* can, but $300+ puts it into full size cans price area, which provide better return for bucks. I am quite happy with ER4S on the go, wondering if buying ESW9 for mostly stationary use is a worthwhile investment.

Well remember that the ESW9 press on your ears. For stationary use, that may not be a good candidate since, especially if you didn't like the Grado's comfort. Are you looking for any certain sound signature, or is this just a free for all? What about the DT990? Maybe you won't like them since it doesn't seem like you are into the aggressive treble type of headphone. It seems like you got the Senns covered with the 650's so it's hard to recommend Senns

. Seems like you don't have very many options given your constraints unless you go past the $300 mark

.

 

[number1sixerfan]

The SA5000 is a great can, but just keep in mind that there are a couple of very good cans in this price range:

HD650:great all arounder and has better bass response than the SA5000, but is also darker and slower than the sa5000.

K701: More open sound than the Sony's with a wider soundstage and more natural presentation. However, the K701's are less lively in regards to bass and dynamics.

There are be some more in this price range, but you said no grados or ultrasones. lol

Good Luck!