[Trod-Samurai]

Hey guys


I'm looking for some good allround phones for about $100-140CND. I've been on this forum for days, tested several headphones by Senn and AKG (HD515, HD555, K66, K141S, K240S, and all sound really good. But they all sound different and from what I read from the forums it's all pretty much personal preference and how they're used. You have open which gives that airy crisp detailed sound which is good for more acoustic sounding music, closed which gives off that confined bassy sound which is good for harder predominate sounds. You have some that are higher tweaked, others that are a little muddy. The differences just keep going on and on. No wonder most of you audiophiles have like 10 different headphones. All I want is one good set of phones that does everything well, doesn't have to be great just good. Jack of all, master of none. Needs to have circumpheral pads, and to be tough as nails. Primary use will be in home. I use good in ears for mobility. I want to use it for movies, games, and to listen to music that range from Vavaldi to Pantera. Plus be under $140. So far the only two that has caught my eye are AKG K 240S and the Senn HD555. Note:Can't find Grados in my area of Canada

This just all started because I wanted to stop disturbing my neighbours because I like to crank my movies and games, then it turned into this quest for High Fidelity and boy is it a strange and confusing world.

T-Rod_Samurai
HI-FI NOOB

 

[dissembled]

The most hyped phones here are and what someone will eventually tell you:
MS1
MS1
MS1
KSC75
KSC75


If you want soundstage for your games/movies, you might consider the AD700's. My personal recommendation.

 

[glac1er]

^ X2 The A700 is a great all around phone. It can do all kinds of music, gaming, and movies reasonably well.

I will not consider any Grados or Allesandros at this price point to be a good all-rounder. They are not appropriate for classical or any music that needs soundstage and isn't very good for gaming.

The HD555 and AKG K240S can do everything quite well; however, HD555 sounds a bit boring for rock and dow wonders for classical. The K240S might be the opposite of that. So, IMO they are not as good of an all-rounder as the Audio Technicas.

 

[nickchen]

MS1. I personally even prefer it to the bigger A900.

 

[Headphony]

In addition to the good choices mentioned, you might add Goldring DR150's to the list.

 

[grndslm]

I'm with dissembled... AD700 is prolly best if they're at home and can leak a lil' sound. AD700 & A700 are two different cans just so the previous posters know.

Otherwise, get RP-21 if it must be closed. But I think most people generally like open cans better, 'specially comfy ones like the AD700.. MMmm...

 

[qazwsx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trod-Samurai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys I'm looking for some good allround phones for about $100-140CND. I've been on this forum for days, tested several headphones by Senn and AKG (HD515, HD555, K66, K141S, K240S, and all sound really good. But they all sound different and from what I read from the forums it's all pretty much personal preference and how they're used. You have open which gives that airy crisp detailed sound which is good for more acoustic sounding music, closed which gives off that confined bassy sound which is good for harder predominate sounds. You have some that are higher tweaked, others that are a little muddy. The differences just keep going on and on. No wonder most of you audiophiles have like 10 different headphones. All I want is one good set of phones that does everything well, doesn't have to be great just good. Jack of all, master of none. Needs to have circumpheral pads, and to be tough as nails. Primary use will be in home. I use good in ears for mobility. I want to use it for movies, games, and to listen to music that range from Vavaldi to Pantera. Plus be under $140. So far the only two that has caught my eye are AKG K 240S and the Senn HD555. Note:Can't find Grados in my area of Canada This just all started because I wanted to stop disturbing my neighbours because I like to crank my movies and games, then it turned into this quest for High Fidelity and boy is it a strange and confusing world. T-Rod_Samurai HI-FI NOOB

Probably MS1 or A700 is what you are shooting for. Something with a slight bass and bright edge but not too much.

 

[Trod-Samurai]

Thanks for the replys guys. I did some checking into the Technicas and found that aside the open and closed differences, there's also a big price difference. The A700's are a good $40 more expensive than the AD700's and a good $80 more than what I wanted to spend. They didn't have any in stock to check out, so not to sure on what they are like.

 

[F107plus5]

Actually; the $99US MS-1 is one set that you may wish to take into consideration. It does a good job with all types of music from rock(naturally!)to light classical. Including the more intimate Vivaldi performances!

The soundstage isn't terribly large, but for the more forward presentation it displays, it does seem quite natural.

For the bigger classical stuff it gives the impression of being right there with the harpsichordist or with the conductor at the podium. You don't sit back a few rows, it ain't no HD600 in that respect!

They come with the Grado "comfy" pads which are of the larger on-ear pad variety rather than the around-the-ear-pads you were looking for, but comfort wise I find my Alessandros to be equal in comfort to my HD600 with their around-the-ear pads. Comfort can be a very personal thing.

There are lots of threads talking a lot about the MS-1. I would suggest spending some time reviewing some of them just for fun!

They may be for you or they may not, but it could be fun to take a look!

....and that $99 cost is the same anywhere on the planet...plus, shipping is free!

 

[Fitz]

I find the Beyerdynamic DT931 to be an exceptional "all-rounder"

 

[BrookR1]

 

[dissembled]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trod-Samurai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the replys guys. I did some checking into the Technicas and found that aside the open and closed differences, there's also a big price difference. The A700's are a good $40 more expensive than the AD700's and a good $80 more than what I wanted to spend. They didn't have any in stock to check out, so not to sure on what they are like.

Get the AD version. Closed phones are generally more expensive than their open counterparts but will sound worse. Sort of like the headphone:iem analogy. More money doesn't always equate to better sound quality (thank God).

 

[grndslm]

Thinking I'm gonna order AD700 and IM716 today.... and forget the whole closed phone idea since I've got MDR-V6.

Mmm... Nah, I'm gonna find out more differences between AD700 and AD900 first.

 

[Trod-Samurai]

Yeah I think I'll go with the AD700s. The AKG 240s just sound a bit to bassy to me. I like a cleaner sound, so I'm gonna have the shop order some in for me. Of course I still have to listen to them, and I hope they're what I'm looking for or I'm back to square one.

Thanks for the feedback

 

[grndslm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trod-Samurai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah I think I'll go with the AD700s... Of course I still have to listen to them, and I hope they're what I'm looking for or I'm back to square one.

Yes, please let us know what you think.

I'm putting off my order for a bit longer so I can properly enjoy my IM716 and Accura SR-660 that are currently in transit.