The Grados are not good all arounders.
We'll have to agree to disagree. The "Grados are for rock" is an unfortunate type-casting with a history in print journalism from maybe 10-15 years ago. Many people enjoy their Grados with a large variety of music and it's a dis-service to the brand to keyhole them into "rock only." I'm curious though, which Grados have you heard?
Also, I'll add that imho Ultrasones excel at metal far beyond what a Grado can do. The bass isn't really "anemic" unless you're used to modern bass bloat as a signature of quality (this is just a result of shifting tastes - even modern speakers are moving in this direction; I'm a bit older, and just hear it as a lot of clatter - perhaps if I had been raised listening to hip-hop I'd feel differently (was just having this discussion in another thread come to think of it!)
). It extends appropriately well, at least compared to similar headphones (like the K701 and various Sony high-end models that you can't buy anymore). The HFI-2400 are *much* bassier, even surpassing many closed headphones, true to their Ultrasone nature.
Ultrasone... I do not know. Never heard them though.
So why talk about them?
The HD598 I mentioned does not need an amp to sound good (though amp benefits greatly). That's why it's technically the cheapest option here. Unless.. does the topic creator already have an amp? Can't scroll up since I'm on the second page. I forget.
The argument over "amp benefits greatly" is fairly subjective - technically speaking, nothing mentioned except the HD 650 need any special consideration at all in light of modern portable players and computers, and the HD 650 only need a thought or two given to their impedance. With a conventional hi-fi component, they are no problem, the same goes for most modern soundcards and similar devices. Most dedicated headphone amplifiers are overpriced tripe.
yes I will be using a Fiio e17 with them. So now I have second thoguhts on the 650??? So have you guys thought of a clear winner? I listen to singers like
Eric Clapton
Santana
skrillex
Nero
Datsik
Luther Vandross
Some mainstream hip hop ( lil wayne, drake , kanye )
acoustic
For Clapton, Santana, Vandross, and other acoustic material I'm a big fan of the K701 or SR-225 (depending on what you "like" about those performers, I'd pick one or the other - the 701 have a bigger/better soundstage, the 225 have a more forward presentation). For Skrillex, Nero, and Datsik, I like all of the sets I suggested (I would probably personally preference the K701, but I think the more mainstream choice would be the HFI-2400; most people who like bassy music tend to lean towards a bassy presentation), for hip-hop I *really* like the Sennheisers, and the AKGs as a close second.
I think the 650 are a fantastic all-rounder (the HD 600 should also be considered, as they tend to cost less, and the 580, if you can find one used), and would do everything you've listed there exceptionally well. They would (imho) excel with performers like Kanye West, and perhaps be somewhat withdrawn or overly polite with Nero or Skrillex, but no worse for the wear. If you want more bass, the HFI-2400 get the nod, if you want a bit more analytical sound, the K701, and a more forward presentation, the SR-225 or SR-325 (I'm partial to the 225 because they're more comfortable and less bright, but both are good - I should qualify that I haven't heard the very latest 325 revision so maybe they've tamed it a bit (they've re-done this one a few times since the original goldies)). If the 598s are anything like their predecessors, they would probably be acceptable all-rounders as well, but not to the level of the 580/6x0 or 70x series cans, but for all I know they're magical world-beaters camouflaged with "European sports car" trim.
