ATH-SJ11 -> M50(x) or others

[AsnOtk]

I'm a real noob in terms of headphones, so sorry if I say anything stupid.
 
I currently have an ATH-SJ11, I think it's a good headphone, but that's about it - considering it's really cheap, portable and on-ear. Now I'm looking for a new headphone, so that I can dive into the music experience. I really want to just get into the music, so I feel like over-the-ear closed headphones are best for me(right?). I'm currently looking at the M50 or the M50x, but I want some recommendations if you have any. My budget is $2000 HK (around $200 US but some headphones are more expensive than the US price and some are cheaper) and I mainly listen to pop and vocaloid (no h8 pls).
 
Thanks

 

[AsnOtk]

Was browsing other posts and saw someone asking these. Might be useful so I'll answer them
 
What equipment will be feeding and powering these cans?  Will you be using an amp?
I'll be using it for my laptop, sometimes my ipod touch or phone.
What is the format of your music and other sounds will you be putting into these cans?
.mp3 or .wav on itunes
Describe the sound signature that you are seeking?
Isolated like I'm diving into an experience. Overall neutral I guess, I want good bass and vocal in my pop music, as well as high when listening to vocaloids.
Do you plan to use them outside your home?  If so, in what way & with what equipment?
I plan to use it at home on my laptop or PC (I might build one in the near future), while I plan to make my SJ11 my "outside headphones"
If you don't buy in the U.S.--where you buy?
Hong Kong

 

[AsnOtk]

I'm also considering the sony 5706 now because I heard the sound provided is neutral and good - and I may craft some music in the near future which this headphone excels at ?

 

[KG Jag]

The Sony MDR 7506 is a decent can and you can get it here in U.S. for under $100.
 
Problem is that closed, full sized headphone, no amp, neutral to neutral-ish and up to $200 is somewhat of dead zone.  Check into the KRK KNS 8400.
 
If your OK with open cans the Audio Technica ATH-AD900X is currently a good choice for under $200 in the U.S., as is the Sony MDR-MA900 (shipped from Japan).

 

[AsnOtk]

I want to prioritize the sound quality - I just thought that closed headphones are better because they isolate you from the surroundings, therefore feel more impact. How different is the sound quality? You stated that one's under $200 are somewhat a deadzone, but what are the actual cons of it? 
 
PS: I am fine with buying a DAC and amp for $4000 HKD ($400 USD approx) (although honestly I would like it to be around $2000) if necessary IF they are sustainable (eg If I get a better headphone future on, I would still like the use the same DAC and amp). 
I would like the DAC to be portable, and be powered by a USB or a simple socket (don't want loads of cables). If you know anything about iBasso d42 mamba or miniaudio Dzero or Xduoo xp1 any comments will be cool.)
 
By the way, Hong Kong doesn't seem to have KRK products in stock even though I looked at several. +both the AD900X and MA900 are above $2000 and that's fine, because my budget isn't super strict. If some are a bit over $200 but significantly better please recommend them so I can look into it ^^
 
Thanks

 

[AsnOtk]

Found a source where I can buy the KRK KNS 8400. Looked through different posts but I can't seem to find a clear comparison with the m50x's. Seems like KRK KNS 8400 has a weaker bass, and M50x's seem to be slightly more popular (although no clear reasonings found). What are your opinions?

 

[AsnOtk]

Update: Actually I'm considering between MDR-CD900ST(Japanese model) and KRK KNS-8400. (I know they aren't really consumer listening headphones but they're neutral, and I like that). Is anyone familiar with BOTH these headphones? If so could you compare them for me please? I've read several Japanese reviews but they don't really have any detailed comparison.

 

[KG Jag]

  Update: Actually I'm considering between MDR-CD900ST(Japanese model) and KRK KNS-8400. (I know they aren't really consumer listening headphones but they're neutral, and I like that). Is anyone familiar with BOTH these headphones? If so could you compare them for me please? I've read several Japanese reviews but they don't really have any detailed comparison.

 
I have both.  Both are excellent cans.  The Sony has more extended bass.  It's weakness is that with its thin ear pads, it can be uncomfortable for longer listening sessions.  On the other hand the KRK has memory foam ear pads  I find it to be among the most comfortable headphones.
 
The M50X is not a neutral can.  It retains a "v" shaped sound signature with recessed mids.  It is a slight improvement and refinement of the M50.

 

[AsnOtk]

   
I have both.  Both are excellent cans.  The Sony has more extended bass.  It's weakness is that with its thin ear pads, it can be uncomfortable for longer listening sessions.  On the other hand the KRK has memory foam ear pads  I find it to be among the most comfortable headphones.
 
The M50X is not a neutral can.  It retains a "v" shaped sound signature with recessed mids.  It is a slight improvement and refinement of the M50.

Thanks ^^ Are the mid-highs and highs clear on both of them? If you were to compare which one would be clearer (in terms of the high sides). Thanks again for the loads of help!

 

[KG Jag]

I can only go from memory, as I have never done an A/B comparison with them and the Sony is currently in a different time zone than I am.  Based on that memory, both are very good in the treble range but the Sony is a touch better.

 

[AsnOtk]

Thanks again for the reply. That makes it even harder to decide x_x Both seem like amazing headphones. If the Sony is only a touch better in terms of treble, I might consider getting the KNS 8400 because I can get them for slightly cheaper here and are better comfort wise - but still I'm wavering lol

 

[uthemus]

Don't waste your $$ on the M50x.  Go for the M40x.  More accurate, less bulky and offer a flat response.  Both of these have spot-on bass accuracy; however, with closed headphones, this may become an issue at higher volume.  Sony MDR7506 are just bright and trebly, but they sound good.  It's strange trickery.  If you're able, try both.  One does what the other doesn't.  You really don't need an amp for either of these cans if using a laptop or phone.   

 

[AsnOtk]

  Don't waste your $$ on the M50x.  Go for the M40x.  More accurate, less bulky and offer a flat response.  Both of these have spot-on bass accuracy; however, with closed headphones, this may become an issue at higher volume.  Sony MDR7506 are just bright and trebly, but they sound good.  It's strange trickery.  If you're able, try both.  One does what the other doesn't.  You really don't need an amp for either of these cans if using a laptop or phone.   

I want my headphones to be neutral so I moved onto thinking that I should get the KRK KNS 8400 or Sony MDR-CD900ST even though they're more of a monitor headphone rather than consumer headphone. Do you have any opinions on them?
By the way, unfortunately I won't be able to try them out - which is why I'm trying to find as much info before buying my pair.

 

[zunehdrocks]

  Don't waste your $$ on the M50x.  Go for the M40x.  More accurate, less bulky and offer a flat response.  Both of these have spot-on bass accuracy; however, with closed headphones, this may become an issue at higher volume.  Sony MDR7506 are just bright and trebly, but they sound good.  It's strange trickery.  If you're able, try both.  One does what the other doesn't.  You really don't need an amp for either of these cans if using a laptop or phone.   

http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz296/solderdude/m40x110dbsmoothed_zpsf3aeee8f.png
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHM50x.pdf
They both seem to be a bit v shaped. You can't compare the graphs directly btw because of different equipment

 

[zunehdrocks]

  I'm a real noob in terms of headphones, so sorry if I say anything stupid.
 
I currently have an ATH-SJ11, I think it's a good headphone, but that's about it - considering it's really cheap, portable and on-ear. Now I'm looking for a new headphone, so that I can dive into the music experience. I really want to just get into the music, so I feel like over-the-ear closed headphones are best for me(right?). I'm currently looking at the M50 or the M50x, but I want some recommendations if you have any. My budget is $2000 HK (around $200 US but some headphones are more expensive than the US price and some are cheaper) and I mainly listen to pop and vocaloid (no h8 pls).
 
Thanks

Did you finish oreimo and oreimo 2 with the "true" ending (or was it a game)?