[deathklok]

I'm in the market for some new headphones for music, gaming, and movie useage, though mostly music, from my laptop and my Total BitHead 2005. I listen to rock and metal (death, black, thrash, etc. ie: fast stuff), and some classical. I'm also a huge fan of the triple.fi's, and would like a similar, if slightly bassier sound from a full size can. I've been led to believe from my research that these cans probably match my needs the best, and I'm interested in opinions on them, or maybe even some alternatives. It seems that the DT-990 might be the best, but I'd ultimately prefer a closed 'phone unless the Beyers are really right on the money. I already own a pair of K701s which I am very happy with, but I don't feel like they get adequate power out of the Total Bithead, so I'm looking for something new, and preferably a little bassier and more fun.

So, I'm open for suggestions, and I'll even give you a summary of my requirements:

-Up to $350 new or used
-Preferably closed, but not required
-No IEMs, I'm already very happy with the triple.fi's for portable usage, but a little exasperated with insertion/removal for at home usage.
-A little more than average bass, it still needs to be relatively "fast"
-Easily driven from my BitHead or soundcard.

Thanks!

 

[Deathwish238]

I listen to a lot of metal as well and I've narrowed it down to either the DT-990 or the PROline 2500. The 2500s are supposed to go deeper and the DT-990s have slightly recessed mids. From what I read...the Denons are generally a bit overpriced.

Also, I wouldn't go close...the only closed I may seriously consider the PROline 750. Generally open give you much better SQ

 

[deathklok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to a lot of metal as well and I've narrowed it down to either the DT-990 or the PROline 2500. The 2500s are supposed to go deeper and the DT-990s have slightly recessed mids. From what I read...the Denons are generally a bit overpriced. Also, I wouldn't go close...the only closed I may seriously consider the PROline 750. Generally open give you much better SQ

However, I've got opened covered with my K701, and these might need to be used in situations where minimal to no sound leakage would be preferred.

 

[Deathwish238]

The Beyer DT770 perhaps? The Ultrasone 750 is supposed to be nice for gaming and movies because of their soundstage

I haven't heard many headphones...but I've been researching like mad over the past few days. I've read a bit more about the D2000s and many people love them as well

 

[kichu1979]

I also owned K701 for a while and can comment on A900... for me A900 are mix of HD595 sound signature with sort of AKG701 space/stage (not that big but very this way). The soundstage is very open and natural... binaural recordings shine...

The only drawback and very important point wrt to A900 is that they don't like any amp or source that is warm or going this way. On iMod + Tomahawk combo A900 sound just perfect (hit sweet spot IMO), but if I switch the amp to anything giving more warmth or having more loose bas, then the overall sound balance is messed up. IMO this is also one of the main reason why you can find very mixed opinions on these headphones, ie. from being bass tight to having too much bass. Lots depends on the overall setup synergy for those IMO, I can show you a setup where they just shine, and where they play crap.

Long term owner of A900 who sold me his set was amazed how they played with iMod + Tomahawk. He sold me his A900 because he did not like how they played with his setup, btw.

But if paired with right source and amp (for me iMod + Tomahawk seems to be it)... and I say this by direct comparisions with AKG701, HD600, HD595 and high end custom IEMs (T2)... they are very good headphones...

 

[deathklok]

Any other opinions?

 

[IPodPJ]

Denon's overpriced? No, I think not. I think some other cans on the market are overpriced, but not the Denons.

The D2000 lists for $350, and can be had from Audiocubes for $275.

The D5000 lists for $700 and can be had for $497 on Amazon. (or $475 from Audiocubes, but I personally prefer Amazon.)

The D5000 are worth every penny, and would be worth the full $700 price tag. Paying $497 for them was a bargain, imo. I'm sure the D2000 are worth the price as well, although I've never heard them.

 

[uraflit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPodPJ /img/forum/go_quote.gif Denon's overpriced? No, I think not. I think some other cans on the market are overpriced, but not the Denons. The D2000 lists for $350, and can be had from Audiocubes for $275. The D5000 lists for $700 and can be had for $497 on Amazon. (or $475 from Audiocubes, but I personally prefer Amazon.) The D5000 are worth every penny, and would be worth the full $700 price tag. Paying $497 for them was a bargain, imo. I'm sure the D2000 are worth the price as well, although I've never heard them.

the denons (especially d2000) sound very sweet for the price. ~$275 for a closed headphone that has awesome bass and doesn't do anything wrong! i heard both the d2000 and d5000 at a meet and the people were basically 50/50 on noticing any real differences btw the d2000 and d5000.

the only thing that really differs is the cables. the d2000's cables get tangled easily if you dont take care of it.

 

[rxc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif the denons (especially d2000) sound very sweet for the price. ~$275 for a closed headphone that has awesome bass and doesn't do anything wrong! i heard both the d2000 and d5000 at a meet and the people were basically 50/50 on noticing any real differences btw the d2000 and d5000. the only thing that really differs is the cables. the d2000's cables get tangled easily if you dont take care of it.

I "took care of it" by sending it out for a recable. Damn I miss them.

 

[Mortalcoil]

The D 2000 / 5000 seem to be getting rave reviews. Personally, if you could swing it D5000 seems like a solid choice, if not shoot for D2000.

 

[rederanged]

I have a pair of DT-990 (2005 variety, 250 ohm), and although I don't listen to anything heavier than Tool and Porcupine Tree, I can tell you that they likely have the bass quality you're looking for: deep, fast, and powerful. However, be aware that the treble from these cans is also somewhat exaggerated. Some people like that, and the highs are nicely detailed, but I find it fatiguing, especially on my Singlepower PPX3 SLAM. Pairing them with a NAD integrated amp, which is a little rolled off on the high end, works better.

 

[Schalldampfer]

I thought the D2000 and D5000 only differed in D2000's cups being plastic and D5000's being woody. And the cable.

 

[rxc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schalldämpfer /img/forum/go_quote.gif I thought the D2000 and D5000 only differed in D2000's cups being plastic and D5000's being woody. And the cable.

And the price but you are correct.

 

[cyx]

I think A900ltd/A950ltd may be a good choice. DT990 is not very good at vocal if it is not driven well.

 

[Lad27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Generally open give you much better SQ

Huh?

I'm sure the owners of L3000, JVC DX1000, Sony R10, ATH W5000, Denon 5000 and closed Darths (to name just few) will disagree with your bold statement.