Decisons Decisions

[sleverette]

I've been a user of headphones for the last 30 years I guess. My last two sets were the Koss Pro4 AAs and the Koss Pro AAAs. I enjoyed them both except the Pro4AAs were on the heavy side. My question is...I just received a set of the V600s and have also ordered the HD280s to compare with the Sonys and I should get them Tuesday. I am seeing a lot of post about the superb bass response of the V600. I don't hear that, actually that (bass) is the one area I'm disapointed in with them. I am using them with a Yamaha receiver. My previous Koss set definately had more bass. Should I be looking back at Koss..if so any suggestions?

 

[Jackangel]

The V600s? I don't remember seeing anything good about them, maybe you're thinking of the V6s? They're fairly popular, and have a strong, but fairly tight bass response which people seem to like (those who want some emphasis to their bass, at least).

 

[joelongwood]

Welcome to Head-Fi, sleverette!

The V600s (although I've never heard them), are generally held in poor regard on these boards. If you search for V600, you'll see what I mean. But you may like them.........and that's what this hobby is all about, finding something you like. As for the Koss 4AAs, I listened to them extensively about 30 years ago, and all I can remember is the weight and the BASS! Headphones have come a long way since then. Where Koss was once a big player in the higher end headphones, they concentrate mainly on less expensive 'phones now, some of which are excellent for the money, such as the KSC-35 and the Porta Pros.
If you're planning on getting into this stuff, be prepared to obtain a dedicated headphone amplifier. The headphone jack on most consumer grade amps and receivers is just not up to snuff when it comes to properly driving headphones.
That said, it would help if you would tell us what type of music you listen to, whether you want open or closed design headphones, and what your budget is. I'm sure the good folks here will find numerous and creative ways to spend your money.

 

[sleverette]

Thanks for the reply. In the 70s I did have the Senn HD414 open-air design. I used these on the board when I was in the radio business. I also used them at home with a Marantz amp and they worked really well for me. I have since gotten used to the closed ear designs and would rather go that route. I would like to stay in the $100 range, but for satisfaction would go to $150.

 

[Duncan]

Closed... $150... good bass...

Sounds like the Beyer DT250-80 to me

Or... for $60, try hunting down the Sony MDR-V6... only problem with them is that they're a bit subdued in the midrange ~ overall still a great sound though

Having heard the HD280s briefly, I do tend to think that they sound a little like the MDR-7509s (aka MDR-V700s) which isn't neccesarily a good thing... but, as JoeLongwood said... its your ears, so ~ if you like the sound, sit there with a huge smile on your face

 

[Eagle_Driver]

Quote:

Originally posted by sleverette I am seeing a lot of post about the superb bass response of the V600. I don't hear that, actually that (bass) is the one area I'm disapointed in with them.

First, the superb bass response refers to the MDR-V6, NOT the MDR-V600. The "professional" version of the MDR-V6 (not the MDR-V600) is the MDR-7506.

Second, the MDR-V600 actually has significantly colored, overboosted upper bass and lower midrange, and also peaky lower treble. All that while having practically no deep bass response whatsoever (the bass extension only goes down to about 50 to 60 Hz).

But what I said was moot, sleverette, since you received a pair of the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones - which IMHO are much closer to the sound of the V6/7506 than to that of the V600.