Advice: Upgrading from ATH-M50
Sep 16, 2012 at 8:17 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 21

shane67

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[size=10pt]Hello everyone,[/size]
 
[size=10pt]So, I am looking to purchase a new set of headphones, and I was hoping I could get some advice from the knowledgeable members of Head-fi.org.[/size]
 
[size=10pt]Here are the details:[/size]
  1. [size=10pt]Iv had the ATH-M50 headphones for 1.5 years, and I love them. They are great. [/size]
  2. [size=10pt]A need another pair of headphones. Since this is the case, I wouldn't mind upgrading if there is something good in my price range. [/size]
  3. [size=10pt]I am hoping to spend less than $300[/size]
  4. [size=10pt]I primarily want to use my headphones for PC music listening. I mainly listen to Dubstep, drumstep, electronic music, sometimes rock.[/size]
  5. [size=10pt]I [/size][size=10pt]do[/size][size=10pt] have a Asus Xonar DG that I am using [/size][size=10pt]for a headphone amp.[/size][size=10pt] I will be happy to buy a new one if needed.[/size]
  6. [size=10pt]I mainly want to upgrade because I want better sound quality. AKG isnt really an option because I want good bass, but not overpowering bass.[/size]
  7. [size=10pt]Oh, and they also must be closed headphones due to sound leakage.[/size]
 
Iv been considering getting a Denon AH-2000, would that be considered a good upgrade?
 
 
Sep 16, 2012 at 8:36 PM Post #2 of 21
As awesome as the D2000 are, there are three things you must consider with those:
1. Unless you get them used, you will probably need to stretch your budget a little.
2. They sound fine unamped, but need an amp to reach their full potential.
3. They're closed, but they leak a bit of sound.

Other than the above, they are truly amazing cans for their price range. If the things I mentioned are an issue, see if you can secure some Sony XB1000s. Cheers

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus.
In MalVeauX we trust.
 
Sep 16, 2012 at 9:49 PM Post #4 of 21
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pros are a phenomenal choice if you're looking for bass. 80 ohm and 250 ohm versions can be found for $150 area, but will need an amp for full potential. The 32 ohm version can be had for $249
 
Sep 16, 2012 at 11:53 PM Post #5 of 21
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250-Ohm headphones $155-$180.
Muse 6N11 tube amplifier $48 at Amazon.
 
Sep 17, 2012 at 1:07 PM Post #10 of 21
I am new to the Denon 2K's and just love them.  Came from a pair of Sony MDR's and Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's.  The Denon's so much better, they sound great and are just "fun".  I use a Galaxy Nexus and no amp and they sound spectacular.  I am looking at picking up the Fiio E18 when it becomes available.  The cans sound great unamped but I have always wanted an amp so.....  :)
-gl
 
 
Sep 18, 2012 at 4:23 AM Post #12 of 21
Iv decided to not get the d2000's, i need headphones that don't leak, i'm trying to decide now what ones to get now from the list below
 
esw9
DT770 pro80
K181DJ
SRH-940
HFI-680
HFI-780
AKG K550
ATH-A900X
AKG k271 MK II
 
Does anyone know which ones sound the best? and which ones sound the worst so i can remove them from the list?
 
Sep 18, 2012 at 4:49 AM Post #13 of 21
Quote:
Iv decided to not get the d2000's, i need headphones that don't leak, i'm trying to decide now what ones to get now from the list below
 
esw9
DT770 pro80
K181DJ
SRH-940
HFI-680
HFI-780
AKG K550
ATH-A900X
AKG k271 MK II
 
Does anyone know which ones sound the best? and which ones sound the worst so i can remove them from the list?

 
Heya,
 
ESW9a - On-ear, with a very short skinny cable. I would avoid for your use.
DT770 - Excellent for your needs, good passive isolation, comfortable, bassy but not overlly bassy.
SRH940 - Avoid, bass shy, not what you're after at all.
HFI680 - Not quite what you want, bass won't be where you want it.
HFI780 & 580 - More what you're after with strong bass.
K550 - It could be ok, but if you can get a seal, without a good seal the bass will seem shy.
A900X - Excellent for what you want, good strong bass, great mids, nice treble, overall excellent in all ways and no issues with seal.
K271 - Nope, you listen to dub, so really just avoid AKG in general for this kind of stuff.
 
I would suggest you focus in on: Beyer DT770, Ultrasone PRO 750, AudioTechnica A900X, and M-Audio Q40, and a modded T50RP (Mad Dog or Paradox) for your needs.
 
Very best,
 
Sep 19, 2012 at 5:09 AM Post #14 of 21
Thanks for all the answers, iv increased my budget now and im thinking about getting some in the 400-500 price range. Any recommendations on what ones i should get around that price? what about the t70's?
 

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