Music Alchemist
Pokémon trainer of headphones
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I can't tell you for sure. But if you get the 3D adapters, you can put larger aftermarket pads on it.
Are there headphones like this under $500 USD?
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I can't tell you for sure. But if you get the 3D adapters, you can put larger aftermarket pads on it.
When I was choosing a pair of headphones based on very similar criteria to what you described (less-than $500, closed-back, great bass), I went for the SINE.
However, the SINE's potential comfort problems (depending on the person) are IMO closely tied to its design goals for trying to be portable -- and in particular, the way it's trying to (and not completely succeeding at) fitting into the "on-ear" category in terms of its size.
Having said that, because of its sound quality (which I like quite a lot on its own terms), I would still think of it as a viable/tempting option even if portability is not a major concern -- so long as you're okay with the fit. Try them in person if you can. I find them to be fairly okay in terms of comfort, though, when I first got them, I was pretty concerned about it, but I probably got used to them over time. I'll wear them at work for 1-2 hours without thinking about it. But I can definitely see comfort being an issue for some.
However, the SINE's potential comfort problems (depending on the person) are IMO closely tied to its design goals for trying to be portable -- and in particular, the way it's trying to (and not completely succeeding at) fitting into the "on-ear" category in terms of its size.
Having said that, because of its sound quality (which I like quite a lot on its own terms), I would still think of it as a viable/tempting option even if portability is not a major concern -- so long as you're okay with the fit. Try them in person if you can. I find them to be fairly okay in terms of comfort, though, when I first got them, I was pretty concerned about it, but I probably got used to them over time. I'll wear them at work for 1-2 hours without thinking about it. But I can definitely see comfort being an issue for some.
Hifiearspeakers
Headphoneus Supremus
It sounds like the Shure 1540 is what you’re looking for. They’re neutral with a little elevated bass, they’re built like a tank, and they’re extremely comfortable. But they are closed back. I’m not sure what you prefer.
I like to listen to EDM and would also game a little with these. How would they fare?
Hifiearspeakers
Headphoneus Supremus
They would be great for that. Like I said, they have above neutral bass and are very comfortable. They’re also pretty easy to drive and have a fantastic soundstage, especially for a closed back. They have a larger soundstage than both the Sennheiser 600 and 650, for example. And those are open back.
Shure 1540 may be one of the best recommendations here. As long as you are okay with it being primarily a stay around the house kind-of headphone. It is really comfortable, not too heavy. I would say it has a somewhAt darker yet linear treble tilt. It is a smooth sound that is well-suited to EDM / electronic and it very good bass. It wasn't designed strictly for professional work, Shure intended it to be a listening heaphone.
HD250 Linear are very very good, but you will likely love the Shure 1540 as much or more. HD250 is a n older phone, and may need some TLC to get it up and running. HD250 is excellent for gaming because of its diffuse-feild tuning, games can sound very realistic, and great for FPS. Not easy to drive especially the 600ohm version, works well with tube amps and powerful amps.
Sennheiser HD630VB, overall a neutralish signature, with some dips that flavour the sound a bit and make it excellent for electronic but still good for other music. The best part, is the bass is tunable and can create a 'room feel' or even a heavy 'club sound' for the bass. Or you can turn it down to very neutral sound. Its bass capabilities are above the others in this respect. Easy to drive but so is the 1540. Cable is a bit short, and comfort isn't as good as the 1540 but pretty good as it has quality pads. Very good with gaming.
PM3 are perhaps the most technically adept. Would put the 630VB at similar quality. PM3 is very good headphone, but does not have as much bass kick. It can be EQ'd but you may not care to do that.
HD250 Linear are very very good, but you will likely love the Shure 1540 as much or more. HD250 is a n older phone, and may need some TLC to get it up and running. HD250 is excellent for gaming because of its diffuse-feild tuning, games can sound very realistic, and great for FPS. Not easy to drive especially the 600ohm version, works well with tube amps and powerful amps.
Sennheiser HD630VB, overall a neutralish signature, with some dips that flavour the sound a bit and make it excellent for electronic but still good for other music. The best part, is the bass is tunable and can create a 'room feel' or even a heavy 'club sound' for the bass. Or you can turn it down to very neutral sound. Its bass capabilities are above the others in this respect. Easy to drive but so is the 1540. Cable is a bit short, and comfort isn't as good as the 1540 but pretty good as it has quality pads. Very good with gaming.
PM3 are perhaps the most technically adept. Would put the 630VB at similar quality. PM3 is very good headphone, but does not have as much bass kick. It can be EQ'd but you may not care to do that.
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Which would be better the SRH1540 or the 630VB.
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The E-MU Teak has a U-shaped sig with the bass being most prominent, mids slightly recessed, and the top end only boosted for some sparkle and harmonics. They scale really well too, with plenty of aftermarket cable options available. I prefer them to the PM-3 when at home.
bit of a wash, both are very good for different reasons.
1540 for comfort, bit lighter.
630VB - bass can hit hard, very good sub bass. Detailed top end and low distortion. Has built in mic for Ios / android. Portable enough you could go walking with them.
How does the 1540 compare in sound?
The HD630VB has more treble tilt, it sounds quite spacious for a closed back. The Shure has a tilt downward, and is bit darker sound but still clear. I would say the 1540 is the less fatiguing of the headphones, but it really depends on the volume they are played at. HD630VB is best at lower levels volumes, as the treble and adjustable bass balance out the sound.
Don't think you'll find many here that have both on hand. Myself, I'm going from memory on the 1540. But familiar enough with many closed backs to be somewhat objective.
Respective measurements:
HD630VB
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-s-se/hd630vb/
SRH1540
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/cool-comfy-and-competent-shure-srh1540-measurements
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Thank you. How would these compare to something like the Beyerdynanic DT 770 or DT 1770?
Good question. The DT770 is very good, a friend of mine had one. Comfy pads, good bass. Not a neutral can (but this can be fine, really depends on music choices and listening volume).
Heard the DT1770 is up there among Beyerdynamic's best efforts, and others say it isn't that much of jump over then 770 to warrant the new price. I haven't heard it. Looks pretty awesome though.
Be aware with DT770 if the different ohm versions.
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-a-i/dt770-pro-250ω/
http://nwavguy.blogspot.ca/2011/04/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-80-review.html
info on impedance
http://nwavguy.blogspot.ca/2011/02/headphone-amp-impedance.html
DT1770 measurements
https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-a-i/dt-1770-pro/
Personally, I'm digging the 630VB because of the of variable bass. It also is very well engineered, doesn't shy away from the high-end though still rolls off (unlike Denon Ah-D2000) at the highest treble. Many closed cans don't balance the highs very well and deliver bass. The 630VB does both, with technical performance that rivals / exceed HD650-level headphones. Denon AH-D2000 and its Fostex brethren TH-610, TH-6XX are all really good. But they may not have enough bass for you and perhaps too bright/analytical of treble.
The Shure is a good bet though. You can't adjust comfort, and that is an area that is so important.
I think I am going to go with the Shure. But would the 770 and 1770s sound better for EDM or would the shure? Thank you.
Id go with the 1540. The 770 and 1770 have sharper treble. The 1540 will give you a full bodied and deep sound.
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