[Chezzy79]

So I've played a violin acoustically for about 8 years or so and now I'm thinking about saving some money to buy a silent electric violin.  I currently own the Ultrasone pro 900 (I use it outside mainly) but I was also contemplating getting an open back headphone for home listening (because apparently open back have better soundstage in general compared to closed).  I was eyeing the HD650, Pro 2900 and K702 but which one do you think will be the best?

 

[colmustard]

Hd650 hands down

 

[LugBug1]

RS1i  

 

[Chezzy79]

hmm I would get RS1i if I had the money but I'm looking for headphone that goes for around $200-300 price range.  Even that will require me to save up for at least a couple month given that I'm a broke college student.  But yeah only worthy headphone I had the opportunity to listen to is the Pro 900's I own and I want to use that one primarily for a portable use rather than a home audio.  I heard that the HD650 is a great all-rounder so I'm strongly considering that one, and I saw a bunch of pro's use it too for electric violin.  
 
But I know K702's have a great rep for their high's and treble, which I think is important for songs I like playing (I like playing Vivaldi and songs that have a lot of high pitched notes).

 

[liamstrain]

The 702 are fantastic - and the violin is in their "sweet spot" tonality wise. 
 
Honestly, between the 650s and 702's, I don't think you can go wrong. 

 

[Chezzy79]

Quote:

The 702 are fantastic - and the violin is in their "sweet spot" tonality wise. 
 
Honestly, between the 650s and 702's, I don't think you can go wrong. 

Hmm ok I think Pro 2900 is completely out of the picture now.  Since the K702 is about $100 cheaper than the HD650 I might go with that option.  Plus since the pro 900 is a bass-heavy can it might be able cover each other's weaknesses. 
 
But I know that HD650 is a great all-rounder and that's pretty important to me too.  I wish I can buy both...
 
 so now it's either HD650 or K702.  are there any other suggestions?

 

[LugBug1]

Quote:

hmm I would get RS1i if I had the money but I'm looking for headphone that goes for around $200-300 price range.  Even that will require me to save up for at least a couple month given that I'm a broke college student.  But yeah only worthy headphone I had the opportunity to listen to is the Pro 900's I own and I want to use that one primarily for a portable use rather than a home audio.  I heard that the HD650 is a great all-rounder so I'm strongly considering that one, and I saw a bunch of pro's use it too for electric violin.  
 
But I know K702's have a great rep for their high's and treble, which I think is important for songs I like playing (I like playing Vivaldi and songs that have a lot of high pitched notes).

In that case my vote is for the 650, great all rounders as you say, I've used them for years for classical. Only recommended the rs1's first because they are great with individual timbres. You may also want to look at the HD600's as they are a little more neutral than the 650's.    
 

 

[bbophead]

I like listening to Jean Luc Ponty on my Grado SR- 325is.  Sennheiser HD-598, not quite so much.

 

[nikp]

Quote:

Hmm ok I think Pro 2900 is completely out of the picture now.  Since the K702 is about $100 cheaper than the HD650 I might go with that option.  Plus since the pro 900 is a bass-heavy can it might be able cover each other's weaknesses. 
 
But I know that HD650 is a great all-rounder and that's pretty important to me too.  I wish I can buy both...
 
 so now it's either HD650 or K702.  are there any other suggestions?

Yes the Beyer DT880. Imo, neutral and awesome for classical (esp for violins and cellos).
 

 

[Leander7777]

Just to spice things up, I'd suggest the pro2900. I've listened to all of the aforementioned headphones except for the Beye DT880 and I definitely think the pro2900 are the best all-rounders. In all honesty, the pro2900 and HD650 compete on a level above the other mentioned heaphones, although I think the pro2900 are quite a bit better in terms of neutrality, detailing and soundstage. I really liked the RS1i, but I didn't find them as neutral as the pro2900. Their soundstage is also far smaller. It's worth noting that the HD650 and k702 need a good amp and source to sound at their best. Although the pro2900 definitely improves with better amplification, it can be driven quite well from an entry level amp.
 
On a side note, you won't find pro2900 on the FS thread and they currently retail for above 300. 

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
I would consider the Sennheiser HD600. An alternative, I'll also put in a nod for the Beyer DT880 PRO. Maybe even the AudioTechnica AD900. Also look into the Hifiman HE-300.
 
Very best,

 

[Leander7777]

I heard that the Hifiman HE-500 are a amaing, while one should stay away from the HE-300. What's your take on that? I have heard neither of them.