[sagitta]

Pardon me if this has been discussed before and redirect me to the appropriate thread if that's the case, i am new here and couldn't find any thread about this subject.

Anyway, i am looking for an open headphones for my ambient needs (Steve Roach etc..). I owned a Sony MDR-7509 for some time and althought they are very good for more Dubby/ Techno sounds (Heavy bass), i was after something more airy and spacious to chill with. I read a lot about the AD700/900 and they sounds quite suitable but i cannot somehow convince myself about the price difference, especially here in the UK where the AD900 is about £100 to £150 more than the AD700. As i mostly listen to Instrumentals/Electronic music, vocals is not a focal point. If the 900 is that much better even for electronic music then i would consider it.

But then i might be missing on some other headphones/brand hence i am asking for some recommendations. Thanks.

 

[sagitta]

Forgot to mention, I will use it my with my hifi (Marantz Cd6002+ Amp Pm6002).

 

[Blackmore]

I would put some budget amount in the title, so folks can see if this something they can advice/share, just make it easier, nothing more...

 

[sagitta]

Done, thanks for the tip

 

[darkswordsman17]

While they're on the high side of your budget (even used, I think but I don't know prices off the top of my head) you might also check out the Sony MDR-SA5000 as its pretty highly regarded for the type of music you mention. Soundstage also seems to be one of the foremost strengths people mention. I don't have any personal experience with it (although it does sound like a headphone that I would like).

 

[xaval]

I'm into Steve Roach, Vidna Obmana or Bass Communion and through my HFI780 they sound absolutely brilliant. If owned them only for a few days and they are still burning in 24/7 so it can only get better! With these on you'll even save some money for candy

Edit: but these are closed cans! Sorry.

 

[sagitta]

Quote:

I'm into Steve Roach, Vidna Obmana or Bass Communion and through my HFI780 they sound absolutely brilliant

Hey, glad to hear from someone who enjoy similar artists. If i am not mistaken the HFI780 is a closed headphones, no? As i mentioned, i already owned the closed Sony MDR7509 for a few years. I just wanted to go for an open headphones for the more atmospheric sounds. Spaciousness and headstage are some of the more important aspect i am looking for as well as sound quality of course.

Reading about the MDR-SA5000 right now....

 

[Rakooon]

I've just own sony MDR-SA1000 , and i'd say they shine for classic, instrumental and even vocal if needed. Pleasently detailed with a really great soundstage witch is the best particularity of these phones.But I must admit that when i first audition em ( after buying ) , i kinda freaked out about how less dynamic they felt comparing my closed cans.it first scare me but more i listen to them , more i appreciate em for accoustical music , being probably from now on, my phones for this genre.
That being said , the SA5000 recommendation must be more then reliable !! I would go for em without hesitation.

The little "con" for SA1000 though is the cheap feeling in hands.... Maybe not the best build ever !

 

[Detritusdave]

Love Bass Communion as well

Some will disagree with me, but I love my Grado SR80 for ambient/drone kind of music. I've heard some say they think the Grado's are too forward for ambient, but personally they are my go to headphones for this style.

 

[sagitta]

After reading about the sony MDR-SA5000, althought they seem to be a very detailed headphones, a couple of things bother me: That they might be too bright for my taste and that the soundstage is not that great. Now i didn't try the headphones, just reading this thread :http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/son...review-133306/.

What about Audio-Technica then?

 

[Epicfailman]

AD700s are pretty amazing. You will be hard pressed to find a pair of cans with a soundstage like them that doesn't cost a good deal more. If soundstage is a big deal to you, then AD700s will be better than the AD900s from the reviews I have read. The 900s will be more accurate and detailed, but from what I have seen, they have a lesser soundstage than the 700s. But I have not heard the 900s myself, so take what I say worth a grain of salt.

 

[sagitta]

Thanks for the info guys...The more i read the posts on this forum, the more ifeel like gravitating towards the AD700 for that immersive and expansive feeling.