[Longbowman]

Hi folks,

Trying to figure out what to buy. I have DT880 600's, and while I love the fit, I did find myself EQ'ing the phones somewhat to sound more like my familiar HS80M's -- few dB boost from 1k-6k, very slight dip around 8k, -2dB dip in the ~150-400 region, and slight boost in the low-bass frequencies (any tips on how to better EQ, please let them fly). I found this to cut the sibilance well without losing too much treble, brought kick drums forward and made them punchy without sounding "bass boosted", and made guitars/vocals sound much more upfront. Strings sound more prominent in classical music, and jazz sounds a touch warmer.

In any case, I consider the overall signature somewhat more neutral now (at least in such a way that they're clear but familiar).

I'm looking for cans to sound similar (I don't mind running a slight EQ either), for general listening purposes and such. I'll probably do a bit of gaming with them, but they'll primarily be for listening around the house or outside (they don't need to be ultra-portable), and I'll likely use them for tracking as well. My 880's work fine through my Scarlett 18i8, but they're hard for an iPod or the like to drive.

So far I've had DT770s, HP150's, and M50x's recommended to me.

TL;DR:
-Headphones for general listening, preferably will work with an iPod
-Want it to sound similar to my open-backed cans (within reason) with the aforementioned EQ -- reasonably neutral, punchy but not "bass heavy"
-Easier to drive than DT880 600
-Closed-back, preferably somewhat noise-isolating

DT770's -- $232CAD (prices from Amazon.ca)
+ Familiar sound signature, really comfy, relatively durable
- Expensive (relatively), 32ohm is overly bass heavy (can be adjusted though)

HD598C -- $190
+ Comfy, Sennheiser signature (decent bass, good mids, adequate highs)
- Haven't tried them, not terribly cheap

M50x -- $199 (though go down to $150 regularly)
+ Reasonably comfy, durable, sound decent
- Small soundstage, hyped bass and treble, overpriced (apparently)

HP150/151 -- $154
+ Cheapest on list, good reviews, seems like a good soundstage and EQ signature
- Fragile/poor build quality, not very noise-isolating?

Other option: Would getting a portable DAC/AMP be a better idea? I doubt this would work portably (i.e. with iPod) though.

 

[CJG888]

DT150?

 

[Longbowman]

Those things sure aren't lookers!

They don't need to be completely noise-cancelling, just good enough for outdoor listening and tracking. Those are $212 here though. Worth the cost over the others? A quick lookup seems like they're flatter than 770's.

 

[CJG888]

Sorry, I was thinking in German prices!

I have the DT880-600, DT770-250 (Custom Cans damping mod), and the DT150s. IMO, the 150s sound very neutral and open (incredibly so for a sealed can), but are somewhat warmer than the 880s (not exactly difficult!). The 770s are faster, more dynamic and have incredible sub-bass (with the mod), but are clearly V-shaped.

You’ll need a good dap (or portable amp) to do the DT150 justice, though.

 

[Longbowman]

Sorry, I was thinking in German prices!

I have the DT880-600, DT770-250 (Custom Cans damping mod), and the DT150s. IMO, the 150s sound very neutral and open (incredibly so for a sealed can), but are somewhat warmer than the 880s (not exactly difficult!). The 770s are faster, more dynamic and have incredible sub-bass (with the mod), but are clearly V-shaped.

You’ll need a good dap (or portable amp) to do the DT150 justice, though.

Does it still sound good without a portable amp? I again would prefer to be able to listen decently well through an iPod, though honestly if good cans can't really do that then I'm open to a portable amp, if it really does make that much of a difference. I sort of accept that portable listening won't be the same as amped/at home listening.

 

[Longbowman]

Bump. Thoughts on any of the above? Are the 598c's worth looking at? Which win out for comfort, and which need an amp to drive them well?

 

[Longbowman]

Any other thoughts on the above models?

A few more pros/cons I've found, wondering if anyone can confirm:

DT770's -- $232CAD (prices from Amazon.ca)
+ Familiar sound signature, really comfy, relatively durable
- Expensive (relatively), 32/80ohm is overly bass heavy (can be adjusted though) and mid-recessed

HD598C -- $190
+ Comfy, Sennheiser signature (decent bass, good mids, adequate highs)
- Haven't tried them, not terribly cheap

M50x -- $199 (though go down to $150 regularly)
+ Reasonably comfy, durable, sound decent
- Small soundstage, hyped bass and treble, overpriced (apparently)

HP150/151 -- $154
+ Cheapest on list, good reviews, seems like a good soundstage and EQ signature
- Fragile/poor build quality, not very noise-isolating?
-No male 3.5mm connector

DT150 -- $190
+ Neutral, good isolation, good soundstage
- Don't fold
- No carry case (for portable use)
- Bulky (not a big deal)
- No stereo sound capability?

 

[kman1211]

Any other thoughts on the above models?

A few more pros/cons I've found, wondering if anyone can confirm:

DT770's -- $232CAD (prices from Amazon.ca)
+ Familiar sound signature, really comfy, relatively durable
- Expensive (relatively), 32/80ohm is overly bass heavy (can be adjusted though) and mid-recessed

HD598C -- $190
+ Comfy, Sennheiser signature (decent bass, good mids, adequate highs)
- Haven't tried them, not terribly cheap

M50x -- $199 (though go down to $150 regularly)
+ Reasonably comfy, durable, sound decent
- Small soundstage, hyped bass and treble, overpriced (apparently)

HP150/151 -- $154
+ Cheapest on list, good reviews, seems like a good soundstage and EQ signature
- Fragile/poor build quality, not very noise-isolating?
-No male 3.5mm connector

DT150 -- $190
+ Neutral, good isolation, good soundstage
- Don't fold
- No carry case (for portable use)
- Bulky (not a big deal)
- No stereo sound capability?

The DT 150 are stereo and the cable is replaceable on them(comes out of the right earcup instead of left though, so something to keep in mind).

 

[Audioholic123]

Any other thoughts on the above models?

A few more pros/cons I've found, wondering if anyone can confirm:

DT770's -- $232CAD (prices from Amazon.ca)
+ Familiar sound signature, really comfy, relatively durable
- Expensive (relatively), 32/80ohm is overly bass heavy (can be adjusted though) and mid-recessed

HD598C -- $190
+ Comfy, Sennheiser signature (decent bass, good mids, adequate highs)
- Haven't tried them, not terribly cheap

M50x -- $199 (though go down to $150 regularly)
+ Reasonably comfy, durable, sound decent
- Small soundstage, hyped bass and treble, overpriced (apparently)

HP150/151 -- $154
+ Cheapest on list, good reviews, seems like a good soundstage and EQ signature
- Fragile/poor build quality, not very noise-isolating?
-No male 3.5mm connector

DT150 -- $190
+ Neutral, good isolation, good soundstage
- Don't fold
- No carry case (for portable use)
- Bulky (not a big deal)
- No stereo sound capability?

I recommend the M50X. I've owned both the DT880 600 ohm and the M50X and the one major difference between the two (regarding sound quality) is bass. The M50X has more bass, I wouldn't describe it as "hyped" though, to my ears it's very accurate..it's just that it can reach lower frequencies than most other headphones (this is also one of the reasons why I consider it to be a good mixing/mastering headphone for music production). I also liked the mids on the M50X, to me the mids are clear and smooth. The treble is very accurate with lots of detail and whilst the M50X doesn't have a particularly big soundstage, the imaging is the best i've heard for a headphone of it's price.

 

[zazex]

I think that the Sony MDR-7520 is quite a good closed headphone in and around its price range.
Plenty of bass (ported design) clear midrange, and a detailed - though not overbearing - treble.
I'm pretty sure it was Sony's TOTL for a few years until they released the MDR-Z7.

 

[Longbowman]

I recommend the M50X. I've owned both the DT880 600 ohm and the M50X and the one major difference between the two (regarding sound quality) is bass. The M50X has more bass, I wouldn't describe it as "hyped" though, to my ears it's very accurate..it's just that it can reach lower frequencies than most other headphones (this is also one of the reasons why I consider it to be a good mixing/mastering headphone for music production). I also liked the mids on the M50X, to me the mids are clear and smooth. The treble is very accurate with lots of detail and whilst the M50X doesn't have a particularly big soundstage, the imaging is the best i've heard for a headphone of it's price.

That's quite interesting. I've heard M50x's and the soundstage/overall signature isn't nearly as appealing to me as the 880s, though they're comfortable and do sound good. The bass isn't as accurate, IMO, but it's there and it's pretty good.

I think that the Sony MDR-7520 is quite a good closed headphone in and around its price range.
Plenty of bass (ported design) clear midrange, and a detailed - though not overbearing - treble.
I'm pretty sure it was Sony's TOTL for a few years until they released the MDR-Z7.

I can't find these easily -- what about 7506's?

 

[zazex]

That's quite interesting. I've heard M50x's and the soundstage/overall signature isn't nearly as appealing to me as the 880s, though they're comfortable and do sound good. The bass isn't as accurate, IMO, but it's there and it's pretty good.


I can't find these easily -- what about 7506's?

The 7506's are a pretty solid choice in their price range,
but one listen to the 7520's and their superior sound (and comfort) of
the 7520's

That's quite interesting. I've heard M50x's and the soundstage/overall signature isn't nearly as appealing to me as the 880s, though they're comfortable and do sound good. The bass isn't as accurate, IMO, but it's there and it's pretty good.


I can't find these easily -- what about 7506's?

The 7506 remain a solid choice in their price range, but
one listen to the 7520's and their superior sound (and
comfort) will become immediately apparent.

As my "day job" involves research, I had a look
around on your behalf and found some good sources for the 7520's.
The first two have some very attractive prices; certainly less than I
paid - though that was some time ago.

https://www.adorama.com/somdr7520.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._MDR_7520_Professional_Studio_Headphones.html

Amazon also has them, albeit at a higher price.

Hope you find this info useful.

Cheers,

 

[Nick 214]

How about the D2000 as a foil to the 880?

 

[zazex]

How about the D2000 as a foil to the 880?

I think it's a reasonably good choice, as far as it goes.
The problem is availability - or lack of availability, to be more accurate.
The D2000's were discontinued by Denon about 6 years ago, if memory
serves me correctly. And since they were quite popular, offerings on the
secondary market (eBay, forums, etc.) fetched high prices and still
disappeared rapidly.
I'd be somewhat surprised if you could find a pair today at a reasonable price.
And I'm quite certain that you could find a new product that will better fit your
needs at a more attractive price.

Have you looked at/heard the Shure 1540's?
They're very good - just take a look at the reviews,
even if you look only here on Head-Fi.

The Oppo PM3 (planar), Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro,
Sony MDR1A Premium (and there's a brand
new version just released) - those a just a few. Literally hundreds
of models now crowd the closed headphone category in and around
this price range.

Personally, I happen to like the Shure 1540's. And the Audio Technica
MSR7 - available now for $180.00 - I think are a really great bargain.
If you stick with the manufacturers and models that you see/hear over and
again as you continue looking, my feeling is that you won't go wrong.
And, crucially, I urge you to buy from a reputable dealer who offers
an iron-clad money back guarantee (such as B&H, Amazon, and
many others.)

Cheers,

 

[329161]

I'd go the m40x over the m50x. More neutral and closer to the dt880 balance.