Can you help me upgrade?

[GanChan]

I'm thinking about upgrading my rig (at least at home) and would like your thoughts. Here's some background info:

I listen mostly to classical, classic rock, and DVD movies through headphones. My current rig is A900 (main rig, with Yamaha receiver), HD497 (computer), and Shure E2 (portable/isolating).

I was happy with the HD280 Pro except for the thin midbass and the infamous cracking headband. The 280 Pro finally died on me so I moved on. Then I had the HD590 and liked it, but I wanted something with a little "closer" soundstage and a little less high-end sizzle. The HD555 sounded a little too muddy and un-detailed for me so I switched to the A900. I like the A900 sound signature a LOT, especially for movies, and I'm wondering what the next step up from that should be. I was going to list isolation as a priority for home use, but if it means sacrificing sound quality then I can just fall back on my E2s when the neighbors are noisy. (I've discovered that I can even fit shooter earmuffs over the E2s for super-isolation!) I know that open phones are generally better than closed phones for the same money....

So, knowing what I've tried and liked, and what my usage is, what's next for me? not looking for a huger leap from the ($200) A900s, just the next solid upgrade.

 

[dj_mocok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanChan I like the A900 sound signature a LOT

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanChan So, knowing what I've tried and liked, and what my usage is, what's next for me? not looking for a huger leap from the ($200) A900s, just the next solid upgrade.

Against the Head-fi's norm, I recommend you just stick with it.
If you're currently very happy, why should you upgrade?
The other reason is, since you don't wanna venture so far from the A900 (US$200) price range, I think you'd better stick with what you have. A900 is a very good headphone for the money.

Get more DVDs.

 

[GanChan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_mocok Against the Head-fi's norm, I recommend you just stick with it. If you're currently very happy, why should you upgrade? The other reason is, since you don't wanna venture so far from the A900 (US$200) price range, I think you'd better stick with what you have. A900 is a very good headphone for the money. Get more DVDs.

So I already hit the quality-price sweet spot, huh?

you know how we Head-Fiers are...we're always happy, until we wonder if we could be happier....

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GanChan So I already hit the quality-price sweet spot, huh? you know how we Head-Fiers are...we're always happy, until we wonder if we could be happier....

That's is too true my friend!
I think it is pretty hard to find cans that can shine as bright in classical, rock, and DVD movies.
I love my HD650's and hunger for nothing when they are on my head (and I listen to classical and some rock/metal).
However I use Beyer DT770-250 which are sealed for late night gaming and movies. Most movies, even when running you cans through the 5.1>headphone amp have too much snap on the high end IMO. Since the DT770's are so heavy on the low end they do very well for movies. If you really have upgrade-idus they might be an option for you. I think the DT770-80 are under $200 and can go unamped.

Many will say the dt770 are too bright on the high end and lack midrange. This is true to an extent. I find the bass on them to be very nice for classical and rock (which can often be slim without the right cans) but the midrange is defiantly lacking. Only certain music/songs will display the high end brightness so I don't find it to be so pronounced that would misdirect your focus much. That's my 2¢