[jonathanjong]

The AD900 sounds like a winner here. Indeed, from what I've read while I was deciding between K601 and AD900, they're pretty similar. I only went for the K601 'cos one popped up in the FS forum at an opportune time.

 

[Bengt77]

What you described does indeed sound a lot like what the Audio-Technica ATH-AD900 will offer. It's an amazing headphone for the money. Especially considering the fact you do not need an amp to properly drive it.

 

[chi2]

Another vote for a used Grado RS-1 which can be found these days in very good shape for $450. You can look for a way to listen to one first or you can just buy it and resell it for the very same amount if you happen to not like its sound signature.

 

[paaj]

SR325i / RS1 / HF2 for sure.
...
used Stax entry setup?

 

[peli_kan]

Thanks guys, you've given me a wealth of information right off the bat. Clearly, the Audio Technica ATH-AD900 fits the bill best, with both the Alessandro MS-1i and AD700 as the best lower cost alternatives.

Are we sure that the Beyerdynamic DT880 32ohm wouldn't be easily driven? Their marketing literature advertises their compatibility with portable sources, and their specs seem to suggest that they'd do just fine. I can't seem to find much info on them, even here on head-fi. It seems that the most experienced ears here have no need for easily driven hi-fi headphones, so the 32ohm Beyers don't get any listen time, especially since they're overshadowed by the 600ohm.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Another vote for a used RS-1.

 

[userlander]

AD900 for the soundstage requirement. Otherwise, MS1.

 

[UtzY]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Same headphones, but two totally different prices? Weird!

Second one was bought from me

 

[userlander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Same headphones, but two totally different prices? Weird!

Three even, with the "new improved" model for $109.99.

 

[KrypticMind]

You could also get the AD2000 for $500.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

If I remember correctly the Audio Technica ATH-AD900 that I owned for a short time was very colored.

EDIT: Sorry it was the ATH-A900 that I owned.

 

[estreeter]

To assume that the RS1 is coloured and the AD900 isnt is being naive, IMO. A-T make good headphones, no question, but you can rest assured that they have a distinct coloration.

 

[Happy Camper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Another vote for a used RS-1.

Me too.

 

[estreeter]

HC, the OP did say 'no Grados', and 70% of this thread is a recommendation for the RS1 (my own posts included). Are we just imposing our own choices on this poor fellow ?

 

[peli_kan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by estreeter /img/forum/go_quote.gif HC, the OP did say 'no Grados', and 70% of this thread is a recommendation for the RS1 (my own posts included). Are we just imposing our own choices on this poor fellow ?

It's alright. I enjoy the grado sound myself, and the RS-1 is on my own shopping list. It's good to see that they're so highly recommended as open headphones, and there's no chance that I'd mistake them for being paragons of neutrality.

estreeter, how would you describe the coloration of ATs? IIRC the AD700 has a bass and treble roll-off, almost like an antigrado.