[AndyTheDrifter]

Hey guys.
 
I'm thinking about getting a pair of full-sized headphones for the first time. They would be used to listen to FLAC music on my PC. I would probably be using them in conjunction with an external USB DAC like the Audioengine D1. They would be for home use exclusively, so I think I would prefer an open headset, but am not ruling anything out. Comfort, durability, etc. is important but sound quality is my foremost concern. My most listened-to genres are traditional country and bluegrass. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MOOPY McMELLUS]

Sennheiser HD419.
 
They sound better than anything in the $300-range.
 
If you can forgive the flimsy cable, they're solid.

 

[MattTCG]

I would try to pick up a used pair of he400's. New they are only $360 with coupon code. WELL, worth it.

 

[fabio-fi]

What about Grado? im not a country fan, but it sounds good with them. 

 

[Redrider469]

Denon D2000 or wait for a good sale and get the D5000.

Don't be afraid to buy used. HE400's are good, and even if you just want to lower the price, get the d2k/5k used

 

[peck1234]

I would go with either a HD 600/598 or a Denon D2000.
 
I miss my 598 dearly....  
 

 

[headphonatic]

Get a pair of T50rp's and mod them, and you can thank me later.

 

[AndyTheDrifter]

Okay. I think I am prepared to extend my budget to $400-$450. I figure I may as well go all-out and get me something really nice that will last me a long time. I am strongly considering either the Denon AH-D5000s or the HiFiMan HE-400s.
 
Couple things:
-I would probably be getting the Audioengine D1 as an amp/DAC. Will this get the job done?
-I noticed the AH-D5000s are closed-back, older, and more expensive. What reasons are there to consider them over the HE-400s?

 

[peck1234]

Here's a great review comparing the two.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/604583/hifiman-he-400-review

 

[wilky61]

I don't really have the expertise to describe to you the differences in sound signature, etc. between the D5000s and the HE-400s, but I will say that you should pay $400 max for an open box/like new set of D5000s. I see them offered at Amazon/Electronics Expo in the $380 range pretty often. Headphones are definitely a product where I would recommend buying used/like new because you can save yourself quite a chunk of change, and you can skip the burn-in process.

Also, word on the street is that the Denons are not difficult at all to amp... but again, this is just what I've read on these boards; not my personal expertise.

Okay. I think I am prepared to extend my budget to $400-$450. I figure I may as well go all-out and get me something really nice that will last me a long time. I am strongly considering either the Denon AH-D5000s or the HiFiMan HE-400s.
 
Couple things:
-I would probably be getting the Audioengine D1 as an amp/DAC. Will this get the job done?
-I noticed the AH-D5000s are closed-back, older, and more expensive. What reasons are there to consider them over the HE-400s?

 

[MattTCG]

Hey, thanks for the plug 

 Everything I would use to answer your question is already in the review. The HFM is very open with a wonderful soundstage, it's transparent and beautifully layered. It has good bass for an open/ortho hp. 
 
The Denon is smile inducing bass monster. Not Sony bass machine. Deep, rich, tight in your face denon bass. The d5k has tighter bass w/o loosing impact and put the mids forward and smooths them a little over the d2k. Don't forget the wooden cups (insert your woodie joke here).
 
It's not often that you get to buy a hp that will rock your world. Either of these will do just that. 

 
GL!!

 

[AndyTheDrifter]

Thanks for the all of the advice guys. Great community here. While I have not decided on either the HE-400 or D5Ks yet, I assume it's pretty much a matter of personal taste, they're essentially equivalent and I'm unlikely to be disappointed in either one. That being said, I have to admit, the more research I do, people are saying nothing but amazing things when it comes to the D5Ks, and they seem to be a bit more tired and true, but I'm far from making a final decision. What's a good website to buy from, either new or used? Preferably with a warranty and a good return policy.

 

[wilky61]

Also, Andy, I realize that the D5K is not exactly the same set of cans as the D2K, but have you seen this? This is a very in-depth review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/605929/review-comparison-he-400-vs-d2000-with-snippets-of-hd650-thrown-in#post_8311737
 

EDIT: You should be able to check Denon's website for a list of authorized dealers that offer the 1-year warranty (for example, I know that Electronics Expo -- which does not currently have the Denons in stock -- is one such authorized dealer. I have also seen Amazon Marketplace sellers mention in their item description before when they have/haven't been authorized dealers.
Quote:

Thanks for the all of the advice guys. Great community here. While I have not decided on either the HE-400 or D5Ks yet, I assume it's pretty much a matter of personal taste, they're essentially equivalent and I'm unlikely to be disappointed in either one. That being said, I have to admit, the more research I do, people are saying nothing but amazing things when it comes to the D5Ks, and they seem to be a bit more tired and true, but I'm far from making a final decision. What's a good website to buy from, either new or used? Preferably with a warranty and a good return policy.

 
 

 

[MattTCG]

The open box deals from Electronic Expo are great. Honestly I think that most or all of them are not used at all. Don't ask me why, but that's just the way it is. You get a very different experience with these two hp's. Just depends on what you're after with the sound signature. Would be very tough to pick only one. That's why I have both 

 

[AndyTheDrifter]

 
Quote:

Also, Andy, I realize that the D5K is not exactly the same set of cans as the D2K, but have you seen this? This is a very in-depth review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/605929/review-comparison-he-400-vs-d2000-with-snippets-of-hd650-thrown-in#post_8311737
 

EDIT: You should be able to check Denon's website for a list of authorized dealers that offer the 1-year warranty (for example, I know that Electronics Expo -- which does not currently have the Denons in stock -- is one such authorized dealer. I have also seen Amazon Marketplace sellers mention in their item description before when they have/haven't been authorized dealers.
 
 

 
 
The fact that the HE-400s have planar magnetic technology while the D5K doesn't is definitely something to consider. I've only managed to find one review that compare the two directly (http://www.head-fi.org/t/586885/new-hifiman-headphone-he-400-is-out/555#post_8088463), and the Denons seem to win more points, but the HiFi's are newer , slightly cheaper, and have that planar magnetic tech that seems irresistible. Dang, such a tough, tough choice.