[ilovesocks]

I need a pair of closed phones with MAXIMUM isolation. In fact, isolation almost more important than sound quality. The main contenders are the AKG K-271 and Audio-Technica's A#00 series EDIT: now also considering the Sennheiser 280 Pro.

Which isolates most?

 

[Jigglybootch]

In my experience, the HD280s isolate the most. By far.

 

[ilovesocks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch In my experience, the HD280s isolate the most. By far.

What is your experience?

Have you heard an ATH-A series, a 271, and a 280? I just ask because my id really wants to spring for 271's for the facts that they're AKG's and that they're sexy. Plus the removable cable and the auto-muting feature. *dreamy sigh*

 

[tkam]

The AKG 271's isolate quite a bit better than the AT Axxx series. I can't comment on the hd280's as I have no experience with them.

 

[GChow]

I have all three of these headphones and this is how I would rate them in order of less to more isolation:

3. AT A900
2. AKG 271s
1. Senn HD280

Hope that helps. The only thing I've heard that has more isolation than the HD280 are my Shure E2Cs...

 

[ilovesocks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GChow I have all three of these headphones and this is how I would rate them in order of less to more isolation: 3. AT A900 2. AKG 271s 1. Senn HD280 Hope that helps. The only thing I've heard that has more isolation than the HD280 are my Shure E2Cs...

Okay, that's what I figured. How much better is the 280's isolation than the 271? Barely noticeable, or big difference? Second, what about sound quality?

Thanks a lot, everyone!

 

[pbalcer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovesocks Okay, that's what I figured. How much better is the 280's isolation than the 271? Barely noticeable, or big difference? Second, what about sound quality?

I heard HD280 in store. They isolate very well indeed but they lack bass. If you need very good isolation and good bass, you might also consider Sennheiser HD25-1 - they isolate only a tad worse than HD280 (they are not as comfortable). K271S would be my third choice in terms of isolation: HD280>HD25-1>K271 - but I must say honestly I didn't hear Audiotechnica or Bayerdynamic.

As far as the isolation goes, the difference between K271 and HD25-1 is not very big (ok, this is relative, of course). The difference in isolation between HD280 and K271 is not worth the trade-off in sound quality department (again my personal opinion).

In terms of sound quality I would say: K271>HD25-1>HD280.

HD280 are smooth but they lack bass. I'm not a bass-head but I did miss bass on them.

HD25-1 is perfect commuter headphone: small, durable, sensitive and good sounding (fast and clear). But the sound is "compressed", too bassy (the bass affects midrange) and they lack soundstage.

K271 are very well balanced though a bit warm compared to high-end headphones due to a recess in lower highs. For the best sound they need amplifier with gain boost around lower bass (20-30 Hz). They also have great soundstage - as for closed headphones, and are the most comfortable among the three mentioned.

IMHO: "on-the-go"/commuting/subway = HD25-1, noisy office/appartment = K271S (+ amplifier).

 

[Jigglybootch]

As far as sound quality goes, the K271 sounded better than the HD280, but not by very much, IMO. Also, the K271 really needs a good amp to sound their best. He HD280s do not need and amp and sound just fine out of any source. The bass impact is it's weakness. But as far as isolation goes, the HD280 blows away the K271.