[Holy Zoo]

Howdy all,

I need help. I've searched and read the archives (rinse, repeat) and can't quite find what I'm looking for. I'm wondering what the great Head-Fi gurus recommend.

I'm probably being way too picky, but here's my Wish List:

1. Low impedance (Source is a MacBook Pro, no amp - I want to keep things simple and portable, so no outboard amp)

2. Circumaural (open or closed, either is fine). My ear parts are way too sensitive, so IED and Supras are out.

3. Velvet-y pads -- no pleather allowed

4. 1/8 plug -- I can't handle the 1/4->1/8 adapter hanging off the laptop, and no - I don't want to use the Grado adapter thingy.

5. Good, solid bass reproduction

6. Budget is $150-$400

7. Preferably not made in China

Do such beasts exist?

 

[kostalex]

Sennheiser HD 485, if you are looking for really strong bass.

If moderate bass satisfies you too, then:
Sennheiser HD555, HD595, Audio-Technica AD900.

 

[rxc]

Denon AH-D2000 meet #1-6

 

[kwkarth]

Get a pair of Ultrasone Proline 2500s and a Creative Xmod X-Fi. A perfect combo for the Macbook Pro. I'm listening to the combo right now.

 

[grawk]

You just described DT770s.

 

[Holy Zoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grawk /img/forum/go_quote.gif You just described DT770s.

Hi Grawk,

Are those the 80ohm ones? Where can one find them?

 

[justb2]

I am in the exact same boat as Holy Zoo and have been researching and researching and researching. My two sources are my macbook and my ipod. I don't want to have to lug around a headphone amp (I also don't want to incur the cost of paying for one). I've been looking at the Audio-Technica ATH-A700, Audio-Technica ATH-A900 and the Beyerdynamic DT-770. I'm having a hard time finding a comparison between the A700 and the A900 although it seems as if both of these run quite well without the use of an amp.
To grawk:
would the DT770's run well even without extra amplification?

 

[grawk]

The 32ohm or 80 ohm beyers will do ok without an amp. They're not great headphones, but they meet all of the stated requirements. They get better with an amp, but no matter what you do, they're not gonna stop being DT770s

. If you like bass, they provide it.

 

[justb2]

I suppose this question only applies if you've had any experience with the ATH-A700/A900's. What would you say in terms of a comparison between the DT770's and the ATH-A700/A900's. I think that I've just about decided on the Audio-Technica's but I'm still not certain so any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Holy Zoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kostalex /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sennheiser HD 485, if you are looking for really strong bass. If moderate bass satisfies you too, then: Sennheiser HD555, HD595, Audio-Technica AD900.

Senn 555: 1/4 plug
Senn 595: 1/4 plug

Are the Senn 485 and Audio Technica 900 velour? I can't tell from online descriptions and pictures.

thanks for the help!

 

[Holy Zoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxc /img/forum/go_quote.gif Denon AH-D2000 meet #1-6

The Denon's are pleather, aren't they?

 

[P.F. Jo]

You do realize that under your budget you can easily get a good velour aftermarket pads, right?

Either way, Can you clarify a bit what did you mean about bass? Do you like tight bass or some Oomphy bass?

Goodluck!

-Jo

 

[Holy Zoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.F. Jo /img/forum/go_quote.gif You do realize that under your budget you can easily get a good velour aftermarket pads, right?

Nopte, I didn't know that -- who sells aftermarket pads?

Quote:

Either way, Can you clarify a bit what did you mean about bass? Do you like tight bass or some Oomphy bass?

I tend to listen at low levels. As such a little extra bass tends to help. I'm not sure about "tight" vs. "oomphy".

I previously had HD600's (our Labrador Retriever puppy just ate them. I'm not kidding. Ouch.). I liked the sound - very easy going at moderate volumes, but supposedly I can't use them with a portable without an amp.

Maybe I should just buy the 595's and snip the 1/4 plug off and put an 1/8 myself.

 

[grawk]

Sony MDR-V6s + beyer DT250 velour pads aren't a bad way to go, and a WHOLE lot cheaper than other options. But again, they're good for what they are, but not good.

 

[kostalex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holy Zoo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are the Senn 485 and Audio Technica 900 velour?

Yes. Comparing to HD485, AD900 (and AD1000) are more comfortable and less warm on ears.

DT770/80 also fits your request.