pow3rtr1p
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
- Posts
- 327
- Likes
- 11
I am consolidating my listening station down to a primarily CD-based system, using my PS3, Zero DAC, a new (to me) Darkvoice 336i, and a new pair of headphones. I have owned Audiotechnica A900s, Sennheiser 595s, Grado SR-80s and Grado SR-225s. Here are my impressions, as a guide:
Audiotechnica A900: Energetic, balanced, fun sound signature. Everything sounds a little bit artificial to my ears, but a good amount of detail and fast response.
Sennheiser 595: These are fairly new to me. They have a very natural sound, with better isolation than my Grados. However, they sound a bit tubby to my ears, and the mids are a bit overbearing. Guitars and vocals sound great, but cymbals and orchestral instruments lack sparkle.
Grado SR80: I haven't had these in a while, but I remember them well. Not very comfortable, but decent bass response, and a great, airy presentation.
Grado SR225: Like the SR80 done right, in my mind. Still uncomfortable, but a better soundstage than the other cans I've tried. Exciting presentation that draws me into the music. I actually don't hate the sound for jazz and classical, either.
So, I am selling all of my old cans and consolidating to get one high-end pair of cans in the $400 price range. Open or closed doesn't matter, as this will be primarily a bedroom system. Open to new or used, and also open to the concept of a slightly cheaper pair of headphones (say, $300) and maybe a recable, some tweak, tube rolling, etc.
Thanks for any and all help.
Patrick
Audiotechnica A900: Energetic, balanced, fun sound signature. Everything sounds a little bit artificial to my ears, but a good amount of detail and fast response.
Sennheiser 595: These are fairly new to me. They have a very natural sound, with better isolation than my Grados. However, they sound a bit tubby to my ears, and the mids are a bit overbearing. Guitars and vocals sound great, but cymbals and orchestral instruments lack sparkle.
Grado SR80: I haven't had these in a while, but I remember them well. Not very comfortable, but decent bass response, and a great, airy presentation.
Grado SR225: Like the SR80 done right, in my mind. Still uncomfortable, but a better soundstage than the other cans I've tried. Exciting presentation that draws me into the music. I actually don't hate the sound for jazz and classical, either.
So, I am selling all of my old cans and consolidating to get one high-end pair of cans in the $400 price range. Open or closed doesn't matter, as this will be primarily a bedroom system. Open to new or used, and also open to the concept of a slightly cheaper pair of headphones (say, $300) and maybe a recable, some tweak, tube rolling, etc.
Thanks for any and all help.
Patrick