at ad700 vs hd580 for classical? detail?

[kjfarley]

at ad700 vs hd580 for classical? detail?

 

[ciphercomplete]

If you use a amp, the HD580s win hands down. They do everything better than the ad700s. If you go unamped things even out a bit only because the ad700 can go louder unamped. The 580s need a amp to get going imo.

I never got the chance to test these two cans side by side and I am going from memory with the ad700s. However, I did numerous comparisons between the DR150 and the ad700 and those two came out about even for me. However, there is no comparison between the DR150 and the hd580s though. The 580s blow them out of the water.

 

[souperman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjfarley /img/forum/go_quote.gif at ad700 vs hd580 for classical? detail?

HD580 will have better soundstage for classical music. Detail and resolution will go to the HD580 if you can get them amped at all, but is still on par with the AD700.

 

[1Time]

My comments are based on a choice between the AD700 (~$100) and the HD580 (~$150 - $200) for use at home, what I've read about each and a few amps, my experience with a few amps, the A900 (unamped) and the HD580 (unamped and amped), and my typical uses: rock, classical, jazz, electronica, and movies. I have not heard the AD700.

If no amp will be used, I'd buy the AD700. If my budget was in the $150 to $200 range and I hoped to never spend more, I'd buy the AD700 and an amp if I already had a good source or a DAC/amp if I didn't. If my budget was ~$150 - $200 and I could budget at least $100 more in the future, I'd buy the HD580 and an amp or DAC/amp later. If my budget was in the $250 to $300 range, I'd buy the HD580 and an amp or DAC/amp for around $100. With a higher budget, I'd buy the HD580 and better equipment.

 

[asuka10456]

amped hd580's win easy

 

[synaesthetic]

Well it all depends on if you like Sennheiser sound, and if you can stand those horrible elliptical earcups. I can do neither. AD700 wins hands-down for me.

It's entirely subjective. =)

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by synaesthetic /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well it all depends on if you like Sennheiser sound, and if you can stand those horrible elliptical earcups. I can do neither. AD700 wins hands-down for me. It's entirely subjective. =)

That's true.

I may still have owned my A900 had my ears not rubbed the inside of the cups to the point of discomfort. I'm sure that's not common, but neither is it common to find the elliptically shaped cups of Senns uncomfortable. And so the consideration of comfort with either seems to be more one of exception than the rule.

 

[wae5]

I listen to classical music and compared the AD700 to my HD600, MDR-F1, MS1, K501 and K701 and believe they easily hold their own against phones which should sound better because they cost more. While some say they’re too big, I think they’re one of the most comfortable phones I own and the only issue I have is their drivers touch my ears but this is easily remedied by placing plastic tubing under their cushions. They have angled drivers so they image well and they’re designed to play Japanese music so they sound very refined which is good for classical music. Some say their bass for pop music is too weak but for classical music this is a good thing because their refined bass doesn't muddy the midrange. I had them for a while in December but returned them because I thought they sounded too much like my much loved MS1 to keep. However, I missed their big, comfy cushions and refined sound with super imaging so I bought them again and they should be here again on Monday.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wae5 /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... their drivers touch my ears but this is easily remedied by placing plastic tubing under their cushions.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[Namrac]

I have been searching for HD580s for a while, but recently gave up and picked up a lightly used pair of AD700's on ebay for $90 shipped. I love the Senn sound, so it will be interesting to see how these compare.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Namrac /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have been searching for HD580s for a while, but recently gave up and picked up a lightly used pair of AD700's on ebay for $90 shipped. I love the Senn sound, so it will be interesting to see how these compare.

That's a good deal on the AD700. Audio-Technica's sound is appealing and if buying one, it would be an AD700. But as you're apparently aware, it won't replace the Senn house sound.

 

[lucky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wae5 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to classical music and compared the AD700 to my HD600, MDR-F1, MS1, K501 and K701 and believe they easily hold their own against phones which should sound better because they cost more. While some say they’re too big, I think they’re one of the most comfortable phones I own and the only issue I have is their drivers touch my ears but this is easily remedied by placing plastic tubing under their cushions. They have angled drivers so they image well and they’re designed to play Japanese music so they sound very refined which is good for classical music. Some say their bass for pop music is too weak but for classical music this is a good thing because their refined bass doesn't muddy the midrange. I had them for a while in December but returned them because I thought they sounded too much like my much loved MS1 to keep. However, I missed their big, comfy cushions and refined sound with super imaging so I bought them again and they should be here again on Monday.

Nice review!

 

[sputnik00]

i agree with wae5's comment that the AD700 sounds a bit like the MS1.

was looking for my first pair of full-sized headphones primarily for jazz and classical music.

auditioned the AD500, AD700, MS1, Senn555 and AD900. the MS1 reminded a little of my PX100 and a bit of the AD700. AD500 didn't really leave any impression. found the Senn555 less comfortable than the audio technicas. finally settled on the AD900.