Closed Cans Question

[Jigglybootch]

I need closed cans. But I'd like something that's Grado-like. I listen to a lot of rock and metal, so speed and attack are important to me. Also, I need something that doesn't require an amp, as I'm only going to be using these out of an iMac G5. Any suggestions. Nothing higher than $250, please.

 

[Thaddy]

The best cans I know of under your budget are the A900's. I've heard they really don't need an amp to sound good, but I'm not sure how they would handle your music preferences.

 

[go_vtec]

How about MS-2 or ATH-A900? IMHO, A900 works well with just about any music and easily driven. MS-2 sounded like refined/tamed Grado SR-325, which may just fit your bill. Between two, A900 is earily driven and works well without an amp where MS-2 sounds pretty descent without an amp (it really shines with the amp though).

 

[Jigglybootch]

Aren't the MS-2 open cans?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

The most Grado-like closed cans I've heard are the very easily driven Senn HD25, which you can use with the HD580 cable and velour pads for better sound and comfort. Also much more portable than the A900, should you have any need for that.

 

[Jigglybootch]

I'm not really concerned about portability. Curious, when you say that the HD580 cable can be used, do you mean the stock HD580 cable or are you referring to upgrade cables in general? Also, how would one go about acquiring velour pads for the HD25?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch I'm not really concerned about portability. Curious, when you say that the HD580 cable can be used, do you mean the stock HD580 cable or are you referring to upgrade cables in general? Also, how would one go about acquiring velour pads for the HD25?

All Sennheiser upgrade cables in general. The stock cable is steel, and as a result sounds much worse than even the 580's stock cable. The pads can be ordered directly from Sennheiser. Ask NeilPeart for the complete lowdown.

 

[3lusiv3]

I find the HD 25-1 a bit too uncomfortable for long listening sessions but velour pads should help. I'm very happy with them though.

 

[paspro]

The HD25-1 with velour pads and an OFC cable are excellent closed cans which can also be used as portables. If "size does not matter" you may also want to consider the DT770-80 (or DT770M as they are officially called).

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paspro The HD25-1 with velour pads and an OFC cable are excellent closed cans which can also be used as portables. If "size does not matter" you may also want to consider the DT770-80 (or DT770M as they are officially called).

I was under the impression that the DT770M were different from the DT770-80. In any case, doesn't the DT770-80 recquire an amp? I must admit, I was very tempted by those headphones, but I was under the impression that they don't sound all that great without an amp.

 

[bahamaman]

I just plugged my Beyer DT770-80s straight into my PowerMac G5 and maxed out the volume. While it didn't drive the headphones into ear-bleed territory, it was quite loud.

I think you'd be pleased with either the 770s or the A900s. But trust me, whichever you buy, it won't be long until you're wondering how much better they would sound with an amp.

 

[JensL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch I was under the impression that the DT770M were different from the DT770-80. In any case, doesn't the DT770-80 recquire an amp? I must admit, I was very tempted by those headphones, but I was under the impression that they don't sound all that great without an amp.

The DT770 M and DT770-80 Pro are two different phones.

Both are 80 ohms, but the M-version is (kinda) made for drummers and people that need lots of isolation and lots of volume.
The M doesn't have the bass-reflex ports, so it isn't as bassy as the DT770-80.
Apparently, the M sounds especially good when played loud.
I can imagine it being perfect for monitoring stuff on stage.

I've only tried the M briefly, and the impression was that it sounded quite good, although thinner than the DT770-250 Pro. I didn't try to turn it up much., though.

Even if the DT770-80 is fairly easy to drive, it still needs an amp to sound its best. Without an amp, the bass suffers quite a bit, but still sounds ok.

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahamaman I just plugged my Beyer DT770-80s straight into my PowerMac G5 and maxed out the volume. While it didn't drive the headphones into ear-bleed territory, it was quite loud.

How was the bass? The DT770-80 is supposed to be a bass monster, but, as JensL said, without an amp, the bass is said to suffer.

 

[Edwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer All Sennheiser upgrade cables in general. The stock cable is steel, and as a result sounds much worse than even the 580's stock cable. The pads can be ordered directly from Sennheiser. Ask NeilPeart for the complete lowdown.

You're kidding, right? Surely they could've used aluminum?

-Ed

 

[insomniac]

It's too bad they didn't release an 80ohm non-Pro DT770 with the more comfortable headband.