[mnagali]

I used to be happy with my Sennheiser eH-150s before, but after getting my TF10s it's been painful to go back to those. I love my TF10s, but I can't wear them for too many hours continuously (even w/complys), so I'm looking to get a pair of comfortable full size cans. Most of my listening is lounge/low-fi/bossa & original movie soundtracks, with the occasional pop & hip-hop. These will also be used pretty much in a study setting, so preferrably closed headphones please, and good noise isolation would be a plus!

I'm saving up to upgrade my current Fiio E5 amp right now to an E7 possibly; and I just had a string of unexpected car repair bills, so my current budget is $100-150. I've browsed thru headphones on Amazon for some in this price range, but I can't begin to wonder how to compare their SQ, so that's why I'm asking here from people who have experience with both full-size cans & IEMs. I'd hate to buy a pair, but be left with that nagging feeling that it isn't "as good".... or is it asking too much for comparable sound at this price point?

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Have you thought about a Grado, or maybe the ATH-AD700?

Maybe even a used Sennheiser HD 580/600?

 

[bcpk]

Quote:

or is it asking too much for comparable sound at this price point?

I honestly don't think so. I had TF10s at the same time as ATH-AD700s, and while the TF10s were very fun to listen to, the AD700s gave me more "wow" moments. The Triple.Fi would pip them in clarity but the spaciousness of the AD700s simply blew me away.

However, you're looking for closed so the AD700s don't really suit ... so check out Audio Technica ATH-A700s which are the closed-back variety. Reduced soundstage but increased bass and the same excellent comfort.

 

[dweaver]

I don't think you will find a headphones in that price range that will match the clarity of the TF10. The only models I can think might do the trick are the Shure 440. If comfort with the TF10 is you main issue you might also want to consider getting them customed by Fisher as per the big thread in the portable forum.

 

[mnagali]

thanks for the direct comparison! i was able to find the closed ATH-A700 for $126 shipped

before i commit, can anyone compare this set to other closed cans in the same price range?
Quote:

Originally Posted by Headphone Buyer's Guide thread $70 to $150 Closed Headphone 1-Sony Mdr-v6 ($71) A very neutral headphone. Good mids, highs. No bass bloat IMO. 1-Sennheiser HD280 ($80) Extreme isolation in a closed Headphone. Slightly anemic bass. 1-Audio Technica a500/700 ($98 and $140) Very balanced overall sound. Good for rock and metal. Speedy, controlled bass. Cheap pleather pads. 1-Equation rp21/rp22x ($85-$90) Plenty of awesome bass. Slightly recessed mids, good highs 1-Audio Technica ES7 ($110) 2-Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO ($150) Bass monsters! Also a good gaming/movie watching 'phone. 1-Denon d1000 ($130)

 

[mnagali]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcpk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I honestly don't think so. I had TF10s at the same time as ATH-AD700s, and while the TF10s were very fun to listen to, the AD700s gave me more "wow" moments. The Triple.Fi would pip them in clarity but the spaciousness of the AD700s simply blew me away. However, you're looking for closed so the AD700s don't really suit ... so check out Audio Technica ATH-A700s which are the closed-back variety. Reduced soundstage but increased bass and the same excellent comfort.

thanks for the direct comparison. at $126 shipped, i'll definitely keep these in mind

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweaver /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't think you will find a headphones in that price range that will match the clarity of the TF10. The only models I can think might do the trick are the Shure 440. If comfort with the TF10 is you main issue you might also want to consider getting them customed by Fisher as per the big thread in the portable forum.

were the Shure 440 just recent released? they weren't mentioned in the Headphone Buyer's Guide sticky, nor are there too many Amazon reviews of them. while comfort is important, i admit that i also just want another new pair of headphones to add to my collection for variety

btw how do the ATH-AD700s & Shure 440s compare with other full-size headphones of the same price point?
Quote:

Originally Posted by Headphone Buyer's Guide $70 to $150 Closed Headphone 1-Sony Mdr-v6 ($71) A very neutral headphone. Good mids, highs. No bass bloat IMO. 1-Sennheiser HD280 ($80) Extreme isolation in a closed Headphone. Slightly anemic bass. 1-Audio Technica a500/700 ($98 and $140) Very balanced overall sound. Good for rock and metal. Speedy, controlled bass. Cheap pleather pads. 1-Equation rp21/rp22x ($85-$90) Plenty of awesome bass. Slightly recessed mids, good highs 1-Audio Technica ES7 ($110) 2-Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO ($150) Bass monsters! Also a good gaming/movie watching 'phone. 1-Denon d1000 ($130)

 

[Ninkul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweaver /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't think you will find a headphones in that price range that will match the clarity of the TF10. The only models I can think might do the trick are the Shure 440. If comfort with the TF10 is you main issue you might also want to consider getting them customed by Fisher as per the big thread in the portable forum.

Quite right. The resolution of my TF10's easily blows my DT770/80s out of the water (which cost me more at the time -- purely due to exchange rates i believe 65c to the NZD whereas i got the TF10 at 75c to the USD?). Which in fact purely because of my TF10's i'm selling my DT770/80 as soon as my pads dry from the cleaning (although i've considered keeping them for the winter since they're extremely warm .. although they're quite expensive earmuffs aren't they..).

Edit: Veering way off topic but i've been watching Top Gear so much that i've got Jeremy Clarkson's voice in my head narrating everything i read/type.. oh lord lol


Edit2: Back on topic... what exactly is it that you want in a full-sized can that you don't have with your portable headphones?

 

[Currawong]

If you want something fairly similar tonally maybe Denon D1001s. The only way I could wear my TF10s for any period of time was to put some very small AT tips I found on them, which are smaller than the smallest UE tip.

 

[mnagali]

my main issue was the discomfort after using them for 6-8hrs/day... comply tips help a lot, but i can feel my ear canals still feeling sore after awhile. it's more noticeable when i've been wearing them a while, take them off, then put them back on again. btw, what are these AT tips you speak of?

since the TripleFi's were universal fit, i wasn't aware they could be customized... i'll have to find that thread... how much would you say those run overall?

in the meanwhile, it seems that in spite of bcpk's suggestion, SQ will be comprised if I settle at a $100-150 price point? how about the best SQ/most comfortable then at that budget?

 

[icedtrip]

I just started research into full size cans and wanted them to be comparable to the TF10s for home use, but I find the TF10s with comply tips to be very comfortable, even at 6-8 hours. Going to a meet in a month or so, so I am putting it off till then.

As for the custom shells, the thread is in the portable (IEMs, etc) forum. Last I checked Fisher was doing them for $80. Impressions will run you anywhere from $20-$80 from what I have noticed. Add in shipping and you have custom shells for for less than $150 on average.

 

[mnagali]

thanks for the heads up about the Fisher custom molds!!! i think i may go that route instead

 

[DKaz]

I hate to hijack your thread, btu I had the same question, but with a higher price range. I love my Triple.fi 10's sound but I prefer the fit and comfort of my Denon D1000 cans. What cans wil have the same sound as teh trifple.fi 10's in the $250 arena?