Best Closed Unamped Can for $250 or less
Jul 11, 2007 at 3:23 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 39

bassaddict1

New Head-Fier
Joined
Feb 11, 2007
Posts
21
Likes
0
Well, I don't think I can get any more direct then the thread title, and I'm looking for advice.
I'm going for a closed can to be used in a workspace, so sound leakage and dampeing is a must. Unamped because right now where my checkbook sits I can't really afford one (maybe in the future as an upgrade), but for now these phones will be playing unamped. And $250< is the set budget.

My music tastes are pretty bass heavy, listening to mostly hip-hop but as I mature I'm finding the jazz, classics and different acoustical type stuff becoming added to my playlist. As a point of referance, I tried out some AKG 271's and I felt like the bass was on life support, I could not bring myself to purchase something where the impact was that increadible weak. The rest of the musical spectrum, as long as it is fairly balanced, and I prefer phones typically on the warmer side.

Portability isn't a real issue, comfort is huge (6+ hr usage). Using my experiance with the AKG's once again, I found them to be very nice in the comfort department, I did notice that the cups were not deep enough to prevent from resting on my ear, but it did not seem to cause to much discomfort. So anything with equivilant levels in comfort as the 271 or greater is the goal.

From some things I've read on the forums the list I have considered is such:
-AT ES7
-AT A900
-AT A900 LTD
-Beyer 770-80 Pro
-Beyer 880?
-Beyer 990?
-Denon D2000 (although I heard they isolated as well as open phones, which doesn't fly)
-Senn HD25-1
-Sony V6
-please add or subtract

The requirements are simply: Closed and isolated, $250<, slightly bass heavy to bass heavy and do very well unamped out of an ipod.

Thanks for your time
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 3:39 PM Post #2 of 39
A900 or A900LTD if you can find them.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 5:59 PM Post #3 of 39
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=241060

(es7
wink.gif
)
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 8:08 PM Post #5 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by bassaddict1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well, I don't think I can get any more direct then the thread title, and I'm looking for advice.
I'm going for a closed can to be used in a workspace, so sound leakage and dampeing is a must. Unamped because right now where my checkbook sits I can't really afford one (maybe in the future as an upgrade), but for now these phones will be playing unamped. And $250< is the set budget.

My music tastes are pretty bass heavy, listening to mostly hip-hop but as I mature I'm finding the jazz, classics and different acoustical type stuff becoming added to my playlist. As a point of referance, I tried out some AKG 271's and I felt like the bass was on life support, I could not bring myself to purchase something where the impact was that increadible weak. The rest of the musical spectrum, as long as it is fairly balanced, and I prefer phones typically on the warmer side.

Portability isn't a real issue, comfort is huge (6+ hr usage). Using my experiance with the AKG's once again, I found them to be very nice in the comfort department, I did notice that the cups were not deep enough to prevent from resting on my ear, but it did not seem to cause to much discomfort. So anything with equivilant levels in comfort as the 271 or greater is the goal.

From some things I've read on the forums the list I have considered is such:
-AT ES7
-AT A900
-AT A900 LTD
-Beyer 770-80 Pro
-Beyer 880?
-Beyer 990?
-Denon D2000 (although I heard they isolated as well as open phones, which doesn't fly)
-Senn HD25-1
-Sony V6
-please add or subtract

The requirements are simply: Closed and isolated, $250<, slightly bass heavy to bass heavy and do very well unamped out of an ipod.

Thanks for your time



Well...the D2000 doesn't fit your requirements...they aren't <$250 (you stated that incorrectly in your budget.) It looks like you are asking for headphones more than $250. Beyer DT880's and 990's are not isolated either. Try to fix your original post, and do some more research (as it seems like you don't know which phones are isolated.) I would add on the D1000's instead of D2000's. Also bass heavy music, I would shy away from the A700's or A900's, as they don't pump out as much bass as they DT770's if you really like bass. However, even the DT770's don't have as much bass as the Equation RP-21's which have thumping bass and only $99. If I were you, I'd go with the Equation RP-21's.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 8:15 PM Post #6 of 39
If you want EPIC bass, definitely the DT 770-80ohm. The ATH-A900's would be more even over-all, but they're very far from bass shy.
basshead.gif


I've tried the HD25-1 and they are nice and punchy, but not very comfortable over long periods. That said, I can't really wear ANY supra-aural phones as I have glasses and they push into my head. Might be different for you.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 8:21 PM Post #7 of 39
Beyer DT880 and 990 are open.
If you still have K271S I'd rather keep them and get an amp instead of wasting money on another headphones which will be a step down at this price point.
If amp is absolutely impossible then A900 or ES7. A900 are more comfortable and have a bigger soundstage, ES7 are better rounded and more balanced throughout the spectrum comparing to A900 which are infamous for recessed mids. HD25-1, not SP as already suggested is another good alternative, although I haven't had pleasure listening one. But with HD650 cord and velour pads they claimed to be a portable king. But some find them too neutral and even boring comparing to fun and exciting presentation of ES7.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 8:26 PM Post #8 of 39
If you want to start out with a less-expensive set, go for the RP-21 by Equation Audio. You can even get yourself a cheap amp if you want (iBasso T2 for 109+Shipping) with the RP-21 and still be under the 250 budget.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 8:45 PM Post #9 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by Pibborando /img/forum/go_quote.gif
If you want EPIC bass, definitely the DT 770-80ohm. The ATH-A900's would be more even over-all, but they're very far from bass shy.
basshead.gif


I've tried the HD25-1 and they are nice and punchy, but not very comfortable over long periods. That said, I can't really wear ANY supra-aural phones as I have glasses and they push into my head. Might be different for you.



I disagree with the epic bass part. Yes the DT770's have a lot of bass, but it isn't very good. The RP21's have better QUANTITY and QUALITY. That's just for me though. Many others have also said the same thing.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 8:56 PM Post #11 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by souperman /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I disagree with the epic bass part. Yes the DT770's have a lot of bass, but it isn't very good. The RP21's have better QUANTITY and QUALITY. That's just for me though. Many others have also said the same thing.


Well, I meant epic as in there's tons of it. Definitely not the most taught and refined bass around. I haven't heard the RP-21's but they sound like good cans from everything I've been hearing around here.
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 9:01 PM Post #12 of 39
Quote:

Originally Posted by souperman /img/forum/go_quote.gif
However, even the DT770's don't have as much bass as the Equation RP-21's which have thumping bass and only $99. If I were you, I'd go with the Equation RP-21's.


If you're talking about the more popular pre 05/03 770 pro 80's:

I owned both (at the same time) and I can say I 100% disagree with that and with ease. 770's are far bassier than the rp-21's. 770's are totally EXTREME (but in the good way, as in that it's still enjoyable). RP-21's are a little clearer and tighter and neutral sounding but they still have decent bass. If I had to choose between the 2 I really couldnt say what I liked better. They're both very different from each other and both very enjoyable headphones. I sold the 770's for 990 05's for the increased soundstage and detail but I still miss the insane and fun bass of the 770's.

Unamped I'd say they're about equal quality but if you plan to amp then the 770's will probably have the edge overall. It would also depend on the type of music listened to. For anything electronic or hiphop/breakbeats/anything with heavy focus on low end I would tend to grab the 770's. For rock and stuff the RP-21's are a safer bet.
 
Jul 12, 2007 at 3:04 AM Post #13 of 39
If you're looking for a set of cans that are easy to drive and has bass that extends deep, I'd recommend the DT770/80. They are easy to drive and don't require and amp. Along with the A900's, the DT770 are really comfortable. The velour pads on them doesn't make your ears get hot and sweaty. They are quite warm sounding compared to the A900 which at times can sound bright and harsh with certain recordings.

The A900s are also easy to drive and are quite comfortable. They sound great when listening to to jazz or classical as they are very detailed and have a large soundstage. Unfortunately as Andrew_WOT has mentioned the A900 has mids that are recessed. The A900 has a bass that's tight but doesn't extend as deep as the DT770, therefore the A900 making sound like it's lacking bass when listening to hip hop or bass heavy music.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top