Bored and Ready to Switch

[Ayreonaut]

I've had my Sennheiser HD555s for about two years. They have done OK straight out of my workstation soundcard, which is a little bright and lacks bass power. (of course) I tried the Bithead a year ago and found the combination very muddy. I sent it back.

I decided to give HeadRoom amps another shot, and I got the MicroStack (dm) a week ago. It's much better than the Bithead was, and not muddy. But I'm bored. The MicroStack and HD555 combo sounds very pretty, pleaseant, nice, etc., but I want to ROCK OUT.

So I'm almost ready to try some Grados or whatever else will rock. But I HATE sibilance and piercing highs. I also hate bloated bass.

Would anyone care to recommend the 225 or the MS-2 or the HF-1? Will it hurt? Should I look at other brands?

(I'll spend around $300 and that gives me some options. I listen to lots of stuff from Progressive Metal to Classical.)

Thanks

 

[mbd2884]

For that much money and just looking for a change I'm surprised you're not considering Beyerdynamic's dt770s or the dt880s. Oh well, have fun with the Grados.

 

[Ayreonaut]

I have considered the Beyer 880s. Do you LOVE them? Are they exciting?

The Grado fans around here seem to really LOVE their phones for rock, and I really want to find cans to LOVE.

I don't know what will get me excited, but I'm on the search.

 

[shesmylovernow]

The HF-1 with a C-pad mod would run you $300. I think it's the sound you're looking for and it'll be extraordinarily comfortable.

 

[1967cutlass]

Most grado headphones have an overemphasis in the highs. Look no further than the DT-990 pro for rock. I've owned the sr-60, 80, and 325 in the past and the beyers are better than any of those.

 

[wakeride74]

The flats you can get from Todd are very comfortable and much cheaper than the cpads. The SR225 or 325i would probably satisify your thirst for excitment

 

[Tachikoma]

If you hate siblance and ear-piercing highs, hate the 225.

How much is the DT-990 pro anyway?

 

[AsuAmo76]

Quote:

... I've owned the sr-60, 80, and 325 in the past and the beyers are better than any of those.

Well said.

 

[fante7]

The DT880 is not harsh but my HF-1 is fairly harsh in terms of piercing highs. They both have a fair amount of treble but the presentation is very different. I LOVE the DT880, it works well for everything, and I'm probably getting rid of the HF-1. I also listen to Ayreon and a lot of progressive rock/metal and classical, and the DT880 shines on everything. I also have the HD555. The DT880 has much livelier dynamics than the HD555, which does sound a little flat. The change from HD555 to DT880 was probably the biggest positive change I have ever made in my system.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Just a question but what about some AKG501s with an amp that has bass boost(so Boodi says) or perhaps wait and see how the new akg 701\801s are?

 

[augustwest]

I can't help but notice that you indicate that you will be using them for classical, as well as, rock and other types of music. The Beyer 990's would be a good choice, as it is a much better "all arounder" than the lower to mid range Grados. Also the 990's have the "comfort factor" built in, and you won't need to spend an additional $100, just to get the pads that already come with the Beyers. Soundwise the 990's beat the 225's and lesser models without much strain, and provide lively competition for the 325i/MS2i. All of this for only $157.00 (amazon.com)

The one important note is that the 990's do require decent amplification to make them sing.

- augustwest

 

[Ayreonaut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fante7 I LOVE the DT880, it works well for everything, and I'm probably getting rid of the HF-1. I also listen to Ayreon and a lot of progressive rock/metal and classical, and the DT880 shines on everything. I also have the HD555. The DT880 has much livelier dynamics than the HD555, which does sound a little flat. The change from HD555 to DT880 was probably the biggest positive change I have ever made in my system.

Well that hits the nail right on the head, doesn't it? It sounds like the DT880 is more neutral, and the DT990 is colored for rocking. That's a tough choice.

What do you think about the ideals of "Hi-Fi"? Is it possible to go for the more "neutral" piece of equipment and still have a system that is exciting? Or does "neutral" just end up being boring?

 

[carlosgp]

Grados for rock... This is a very extended afirmation not true for everybody. Many people find grados too bright for rock, myself included. After buying a HF-1 now I think this model is very good for certain kinds of rock, especially from '70s or good recordings strong in bass. It's very important to place them well in your head to attenuate the highs and improve the bass. You can enjoy a lot their presentation of agressive, distorted guitars. You can even tweak the sound easily modding the pads. But in my opinion they are *awful* with most of heavy metal stuff from the '80s.
You may end preferring warmer cans like Beyer 990 (open, good all rounder), Beyer 770/80 (closed, strongest bass, really good if "darthbeyerized" by headphile) or AKG 240 (good, cheap and incredible durable), all of them very good for rock. AKG 501 are not suitable for rock in my opinion. Very good for classical or jazz, but not for rock.

 

[fante7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayreonaut Well that hits the nail right on the head, doesn't it? It sounds like the DT880 is more neutral, and the DT990 is colored for rocking. That's a tough choice. What do you think about the ideals of "Hi-Fi"? Is it possible to go for the more "neutral" piece of equipment and still have a system that is exciting? Or does "neutral" just end up being boring?

I was considering both the DT880 and DT990 when I made my purchase, and unfortunately I never got a chance to hear the DT990. I went with the DT880 because of its pure technical competence. The DT880 is fairly neutral but neutral does not necessarily equal boring. Lack of good dynamics is boring. Personally, I do color the DT880 slightly with my amp. I prefer the coloration in the amp rather than the headphones. Hi-fi is whatever you make it out to be. It also depends on how you listen to music. On rock, the bass drum kicks harder with the HF-1 and guitars sound more aggressive but that doesn't necessarily make me enjoy it more. Some people feel the opposite way though, so YMMV.