Can I get Some Headphone Recommendations?

[headchange4u]

I know this is like the millionth thread on this subject, but bear with me.

My musical tastes change on an almost daily basis. I get bored with music and I am constantly listening to new things. I also have a kinda wide musical palette so it's hard for me to say I need headphone for rock or acoustic or jazz etc..... What I thought I would do is give to a couple of lists of music. The first list will be my heavy rotation list. These are artists that I listen to on a pretty regular basis and one I never really get tired of listening to. The second list is just a list of artists I like and will hopefully give you and idea of my musically tastes. Hopefully some of you will listen to the same stuff that I do and can give some recommendations based on the music I like.

Heavy Rotation (in no order):

Gomez
Tool
Matthew Good (Band)
Kelly Joe Phelps
Gov't Mule
A Perfect Circle
Tragically Hip
Big Sugar Ben Harper
Black Crowes
Portishead
Big Sugar
Ben Harper


Some of my favorite artists:

Zero 7, Zakk Wylde/Black Label Society, Edwin McCain, Natalie Merchant, Alison Krauss, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, The Orb, Eastmountainsouth, Dream Theater, Theivery Corp., Monte Montgomery, Keller Williams, Coltrane, Drive-By Truckers, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, Mile Davis, Nick Cave, Sinch, 80's metal, Black Sabbath, Thornley, Marvin Gay, Glenn Phillips, Nickelcreek, Nikka Costa....

I don't listen to much rap or country music.

I have been leaning toward Sennheisers. I already own a pair of Ety ER-6i's which I like a lot. Now I am looking for a full size headphone for home and portable use. I like extended ,clear highs that don't make you cringe, tight defined bass that does not overpower the rest of the music, and smooth mids. I like a warmer sound.

An iPod 4G,Dynaco tube cd player, and a Marantz 2335 reciever will be my main sources. I just finished a CMoy and I will be building a Pimeta in the near furture. I would kinda want to try and tailor the parts (OP amps and stuff) for the Pimeta to best mate with the headphones I will be getting.

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[fr4c]

what is your budget?

 

[spike33]

you will need 2 cans:
1) a grado for rock like tool and perfect circle
2) a more laid back can like hd555/595 for everything else

both will be very easy to drive, will work great with your pimeta

 

[headchange4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fr4c what is your budget?

Say $300 very top end. I would prefer to spend less if possible.

 

[headchange4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike33 you will need 2 cans: 1) a grado for rock like tool and perfect circle 2) a more laid back can like hd555/595 for everything else both will be very easy to drive, will work great with your pimeta

What model Grados?

 

[Thaddy]

I say pick up some Grado SR-80's and some Sennheiser HD-580's. Scour the Classifieds section to make it easier on your wallet

 

[spike33]

get ms1, its a tweaked sr125, $100 shipped from alessandro, best bang for buck in grado line

 

[headchange4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy I say pick up some Grado SR-80's and some Sennheiser HD-580's. Scour the Classifieds section to make it easier on your wallet

I am looking at a set of HD 580's in the "Headphones For Sell" thread right now. Waiting on pics.

 

[leapincoog]

yea, i would get the ms1's. they are supposed to be amazing, especially for the cheap price. Those are the headphones that im getting. I think that those would be good for all of those types of music. I dont know all of those artists, but for they are supposed to be great rock, jazz headphones. Maybe not as good with classical because of the limited soundstage. Also, they are open, so if you are planning on using them in loud environments, or where people around you dont want to hear your music too, then they might be a problem. Other then that id say theyre your best bet. You can use your ety's for whenever you need isolation though, so I dont think it should be a problem.

 

[headchange4u]

Are Senn's not suited for rock?

 

[spike33]

they're decent for rock but not their strong suit

 

[Nak Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike33 get ms1, its a tweaked sr125, $100 shipped from alessandro, best bang for buck in grado line

Agreed, $100 MS-1 and $200 HD600 (if they're still on J&R sale) would be a perfect fit for your budget.

 

[Murdoch]

I haven't heard them yet myself, but based on what I've read here about their sound signature I'd say you should probably audition the new grado sr325i. It'll cost you $300, but judging by your sound and music preferences you seem like a grado guy.

 

[headchange4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nak Man Agreed, $100 MS-1 and $200 HD600 (if they're still on J&R sale) would be a perfect fit for your budget.

I think I'm gonna try the Senn HD-580 since a fellow Head-fier has a set for sell and I'm also looking at a some MS-1's in the 'For Sale' thread.

 

[headchange4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdoch I haven't heard them yet myself, but based on what I've read here about their sound signature I'd say you should probably audition the new grado sr325i. It'll cost you $300, but judging by your sound and music preferences you seem like a grado guy.

I have been seriously looking into those. I might pick a set up used.