[roker]

I was looking for a Yin/Yang kind of comparison.  I use the Denons for my Punk/New Wave/80s stuff, but I was looking for something that pairs better with Rock and Vocals.
 
Any advice?
 
Anyone know where to score them cheap?
 
Thanks, in advance.

 

[roker]

no one wants to tackle this?

 

[obobskivich]

Sennheiser enforces a MAP now - so the prices is the prices for authorized dealers.

Regarding the Sennheiser and Denon pair - they're more similar than different. I'd probably suggest looking at AKG, Grado, Audio-Technica, that sort of thing - more mid/treble driven than bass/mid-bass driven like the Denon and Sennheiser. Try something like the K701.

 

[roker]

Quote:

Sennheiser enforces a MAP now - so the prices is the prices for authorized dealers.
Regarding the Sennheiser and Denon pair - they're more similar than different. I'd probably suggest looking at AKG, Grado, Audio-Technica, that sort of thing - more mid/treble driven than bass/mid-bass driven like the Denon and Sennheiser. Try something like the K701.

 
always awesome to get a response from you.  Seriously an asset to this community.
 
I was still able to find Senns on the cheap by contacting some distributors directly.  I was hoping for the same hookup, but you're saying they're similar-ish, so I'll put the K701 on my short list.
 
How about the HE400s or Senn HD600s? (I know I might be asking for a lot, but it never hurts to ask, eh?)

 

[obobskivich]

I haven't heard the planars, but I feel like the mid-bass driven presentation from the Senns is almost too similar to the Denons (you'll end up competing them against each other more than seeing them complement, at least IME). I think the general consensus is that the 600 are the most even-keeled of the three Senns, or most musical if you will, but I've seen this debated pretty heatedly (maybe not today, but a few years ago certainly) between the three.

The K701, by contrast, will be more mid/treble driven, are very open and spacious sounding, have much less bass, and are a very different presentation than the D2000s. Both image very well, I'd give the nod to the 701.

Regarding pricing - if you can get lower than SRP prices from an authorized dealer (which means you get warranty), take'em, but for the last year or so, Sennheiser has been pretty hard-line on their MSRP (like Grado or Bose). IMHO the $250-$350 range that they used to run for is VERY fair, but I don't think $500 is really a kick in the face compared to some of the other cans out there these days...

 

[planx]

HE-400 is a very good all-rounder. I have yet to find a genre it doesn't play well in. However, if you want to get down to specifics, I think Grados will please you very well playing rock and vocals. You don't need to pay for the high-end stuff! I personally think the Grado SR225i is the sweet spot in the Grado lineup and I even returned a SR325i for the less expensive SR225i. Grados tend to be bright and aggressive sounding and that's why rock and vocals work very well. People get pretty confused when I say Grados are aggressive sounding and play vocals well because I think music like Andrea Bocelli and Pavarotti sound stellar on my SR225is. My idea of aggressive sound is very forward mids and treble with a fast pace. Sort of slaps you in the face with mids and treble. 

 

[roker]

Quote:

HE-400 is a very good all-rounder. I have yet to find a genre it doesn't play well in. However, if you want to get down to specifics, I think Grados will please you very well playing rock and vocals. You don't need to pay for the high-end stuff! I personally think the Grado SR225i is the sweet spot in the Grado lineup and I even returned a SR325i for the less expensive SR225i. Grados tend to be bright and aggressive sounding and that's why rock and vocals work very well. People get pretty confused when I say Grados are aggressive sounding and play vocals well because I think music like Andrea Bocelli and Pavarotti sound stellar on my SR225is. My idea of aggressive sound is very forward mids and treble with a fast pace. Sort of slaps you in the face with mids and treble. 

 
I used to own the 225s.  I got tired of them after a while, same for the 125s.  I think the problem is I don't like on ear headphones.  

 

[RushNerd]

The 650 has made me incredibly curious over the years having my denon's so long. Probably not worth buying for me, but I'd love to try them out for like a week. It's been WAY too long since the last time I tried them.
 
I remember it being a great experience, but with very little low-end, but I suppose that is to be expected.

 

[steve2151]

I hear the Audio Technica AD series are a good complement to the darker, bass heavy Denons. My AD1000PRM has got speed, air, and a clear upper mid that reminds me of an improved RS series Grado. It's great for acoustic and classic rock, where my HF2 is better at metal. As for comfort, a phatpad modded Audio Technica is much better than any circumaural Grado.

 

[planx]

Quote:

 
I used to own the 225s.  I got tired of them after a while, same for the 125s.  I think the problem is I don't like on ear headphones.  

 
Fair enough. I would say go for either the AKG x70x or HD650 then. Both are great cans. The HE-400 might be a bit too similar to the D2k.

 

[RushNerd]

Quote:

 
The HE-400 might be a bit too similar to the D2k.

I thought this might be the case too. Odd since it's a completely different technology that it could still be close.

 

[Lorspeaker]

x1 on the hd600

 

[planx]

Quote:

I thought this might be the case too. Odd since it's a completely different technology that it could still be close.

 
As surprising as it may seem, they somehow resemble each other. Of course both are still different, but somehow they seem somewhat related. Might be the strong bass and recessed mids?
 
EDIT: No, the HE-400s do not have recessed mids. Just feels a bit distant when compared to the bass, but the mids are very very good as well. You get a lot of bang for the buck with these HE-400s! I absolutely adore them and I can't wait till I get velours... Pleather is okayyy..