Choosing a closed phone is difficult... DT250-80 or A900?

[Murdoch]

I've been conisdering several closed phones and am seriouly stuck. I need isolation and good bass, but I'm a little sensitive to highs and I don't want anything ear-drum piercing. I'm also hoping to get some refinement in the bargain too.

I was considering the DT250-80 on account of the rolled-off highs and solid bass, but they are reputed to be lacking in refinement and isolation.

Now I'm reading alot here about the A900, and the isolation, refinement, and bass seem to be on the money, but I'm hesitating on account of the highs. I've read that the A900 is considered the baby CD3000- and from what I've read that is one VERY bright phone. And that makes me very nervous.

DT250-250 is described as balanced by some, bass shy by others. Everyone seems to agree that the isloation is not good.



I could use some help....

 

[Head Creep]

I can't give you a good answer since I've never tried the phones you're talking about. However, I did just read a review by Commando (check his sig) which compares the CD3000 and A900. Apparently the A900's aren't as bright as the CD3k's. Again, this isn't from my POV, but someone else's.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

You're a wimp if you can't handle the highs of the ATH-A900.

Yes, they go very high compared to other headphones, which requires some adjustment if you are accustomed to lousy gear.

But they are never uncomfortable and make vocals sparkle. They won't approach sibilance. They aren't dry and irritating highs; rather, they feel lush and full.

I didn't enjoy Sarah McLachlan quite the way I do now after receiving my pair of ATH-A900s.

One word of caution: I like the ATH-A900 for everything except fast rock music. They seem to suck out the mids, rendering electric guitars a bit artificial and lifeless. I don't encounter the problem with other music.

Regular guitars=fine, electric guitars=something else (recessed?)

 

[Jasper994]

You sound like the perfect candidate for some Shure E5's...

 

[commando]

Once I got my A900s I stopped looking for new headphones, if that helps.

 

[Bill Ward]

Another A900 fan here. I also have problems with headphones that tend to be bright, and I found the A900 to offer a really satisfying balance across the audio spectrum. Never heard the Sonys, so I can't compare, but I don't recall anyone complaining that the A900 ever seemed shrill. I'm like Commando. No longer looking for an upgrade.

Hope this helps.

BW

 

[Murdoch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 One word of caution: I like the ATH-A900 for everything except fast rock music. They seem to suck out the mids, rendering electric guitars a bit artificial and lifeless. I don't encounter the problem with other music. Regular guitars=fine, electric guitars=something else (recessed?)

Anyone else have this experience? This is a potential cause for concern since I listen to lots of Rock...

 

[Evilson]

Well, I should be getting my A900s today. I listen to a lot of rock, so I'll post an impression

 

[strogg]

i have the a900's, and have used both the hd590 and the sr80. i'd like to say that initially, the a900's seem to have higher highs than the sr80, but they settled down after some burn in. now, they are still a bit high, bordering on artifically high. compared to the hd590, the a900's are grating in the highs, so much so that in a direct comparison, i'd prefer the hd590's. but now with the a900's in a standalone w/o the hd590 to compare to, i would prefer its upfrontness and its highs, since it does spring a bit of life into music. so all in all, the a900 highs (to me) are too high, but not so high that i would mind very much.

 

[Evilson]

USPS guy just dropped of the headphones and I'm listening to it right now without any burn in. They sound nice. I'm listening to The Clash album. These are definitely bright. And it gets VERY loud. Had to tone down the volume quite a bit. The bass is very good, it goes fairly deep and theres enough of it. I wouldn't want any less(good thing I didn't go for the Etys).

Quote:

Everyone seems to agree that the isloation is not good.

Yeah, I can hear my fingers snapping with the music on, so the isolation is a bit less than I expected. Still, it should be enough for home use. Police and Thieves sounds good to me through these. I'm not blown away, but I'm certainly not regretting buying these so far.

Oh, and these aren't 'Huge.' They're big, yes, but I was expecting something gargantuan. They're very comfy, but my ears are already getting hot. Probably due to this hot weather than the headphones themselves.

 

[Murdoch]

Thanks Strogg & Evilson. You've confirmed my fears about the A900 and highs. I think I'll steer clear of the A900.

I guess I need to reconsider the dt 250-80. Or maybe the dt250-250 after all.

 

[commando]

Have you read my closed can review? Compared with the CD3K and Senn 280s, the A900 has nice, ballanced highs, I don't find them harsh or artificial at all.

Check out graphs.headphone.com too, for comparisons (has Beyers but not AT cans).

 

[Evilson]

Murdoch, I wouldn't worry too much. They're certainly not shrill or harsh or grating. Even after a few hours of burn-in, they seem to have improved a bit. I've listened to some weird electronica stuff, and it sounds great. My main gripe right now is that my (fairly large)ears get hot with these on. I have to let the air in every 20 minutes or so.

 

[commando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evilson My main gripe right now is that my (fairly large)ears get hot with these on. I have to let the air in every 20 minutes or so.

That's pretty normal for closed cans in warm weather, not an A900 specific issue. A900 are better than AKG 271s or A900 IMHO, possibly because of a larger air volume inside the cups.

 

[Evilson]

That's good to hear. Aside from that, these are very comfy