tigger
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2002
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Well, I'm sitting here listening to my new Audio Technica ATH A500's which bt the way got here ( Canada ) in 6 business days. Paid no tax or duty cause they were shown as a gift valued at $20. The shipping cost $14, so we're talking $114 delivered to my door. Pretty good value I think.
First impresions;
Looks; big but well built for the money. I don't have any complaints at this price. Nice looks and nice cord. They look more expensive than $99.
Sound; This is very early ( 3 CD's ) and no amp till my new Meta 42 arrives. Straight out of the Panasonic SL-SW890 they sound very good. Smooth and punchy with just a little bass boominess, but I'm expecting this to be reduced after breakin. Voices are not as neutral as the Senn 600's but they have other endearing qualities like somehow conveying emotion better. Highs to my old ears are reasonably extended and smooth. They are very position sensitive as to exactly how you place them on your head. Small changes in position affect the sound noticeably and I haven't figured out the best position yet.
Comfort; Light and comfortable with less clamping pressure than ths Senns. The earpads are pleather and not as pleasant feeling as HD600's but not bad either. Certainly better than Grados!
I know there are better cans out there but these are a great bang for the buck. I was looking for more punch than the Senn's and I found it. Can't help wondering what the ATH A1000's are like though!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, they have reasonable isolation too, and the PCDP has no problem driving them very loud.
In a nutshell, If I had to live with these things for the rest of my life I'd be OK. But I'd keep seeing ATH-A1000's in my dreams!
Next week I'll have an update on the AT's and first impressions on the AKG K501's I have coming. These will have to wait for the Meta though.
First impresions;
Looks; big but well built for the money. I don't have any complaints at this price. Nice looks and nice cord. They look more expensive than $99.
Sound; This is very early ( 3 CD's ) and no amp till my new Meta 42 arrives. Straight out of the Panasonic SL-SW890 they sound very good. Smooth and punchy with just a little bass boominess, but I'm expecting this to be reduced after breakin. Voices are not as neutral as the Senn 600's but they have other endearing qualities like somehow conveying emotion better. Highs to my old ears are reasonably extended and smooth. They are very position sensitive as to exactly how you place them on your head. Small changes in position affect the sound noticeably and I haven't figured out the best position yet.
Comfort; Light and comfortable with less clamping pressure than ths Senns. The earpads are pleather and not as pleasant feeling as HD600's but not bad either. Certainly better than Grados!
I know there are better cans out there but these are a great bang for the buck. I was looking for more punch than the Senn's and I found it. Can't help wondering what the ATH A1000's are like though!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, they have reasonable isolation too, and the PCDP has no problem driving them very loud.
In a nutshell, If I had to live with these things for the rest of my life I'd be OK. But I'd keep seeing ATH-A1000's in my dreams!
Next week I'll have an update on the AT's and first impressions on the AKG K501's I have coming. These will have to wait for the Meta though.