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Let me start out by saying I was "sold" on the words, the M-50s were giant killers for only $100. Was told their strong points were making drums and bass sound very real and powerful ( must agree on this ). I was also told they were accurate and few sins of commission. Lastly, I was told they sounded less "canned" than most closed back phones.
After reading about the Hifi 780s headphones, it seems these share very similiar traits. Can anyone straighten this newbie out with some opinions on this please ?

I'm looking for a VERY good set of cans that are very exciting, with VERY lifelike drum sounds and guitar crunch. Listening to hard rock and metal mostly, but collection does include several thousand CDs. Everything from Lyle Lovett, Allsion Krause, Holly Cole, and other SQ materials to well recorded classic and small jazz ensembles. I need a candidate around the $500 price range, and up to $1,500.

Bottom line is: I'm looking for cans that sound like a great pair of $40,000 loudspeakers. Resolution as well as full, powerful, lifelike sound.

Source will be Oppo BDP-983S and amplification will most likely be Ray Samuels HR-2 or similiar.

 

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Anybody at all ?

 

[stang]

Maybe you should change the thread title to "Rock cans: $500-$1500". You might get a few more responses. Well those cans are both very cheap, especially considering you have $500+ to spend. Do you just want one headphone? Because Well recorded classic and Jazz would be wonderful with AKG K701 (HD650 too if amped correctly). Grado/Alessandro are going to be wonderful for rock and metal. Ultrasone are great too but IMO they are just missing something, the guitars don't seem to be as life-like.

 

[andy43]

I like my M50's, but they are by no means a $500-1500 can. They are simply a solid balanced headphone for the price, by no means giant killers IMO.

I don't know about getting lifelike sounds from an Ultrasone, they really excel at producing fun colored sounds. But you said you want it to sound like a loudspeaker, which by definition produce colored sound. Perhaps you just want sound that simulates speakers, not lifelike sound? If that's the case, Ultrasone Pro 900 or ed. 8's might suit you.

If you are willing to pay $500+, then by all means do it. In the headphone world, you get what you pay for most of the time. If you want a headphone that rivals a $40,000 loudspeaker, you will have to pay for that.

 

[Pianist]

JH16 Pro

 

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Quote:

Originally Posted by andy43 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I like my M50's, but they are by no means a $500-1500 can. They are simply a solid balanced headphone for the price, by no means giant killers IMO. I don't know about getting lifelike sounds from an Ultrasone, they really excel at producing fun colored sounds. But you said you want it to sound like a loudspeaker, which by definition produce colored sound. Perhaps you just want sound that simulates speakers, not lifelike sound? If that's the case, Ultrasone Pro 900 or ed. 8's might suit you. If you are willing to pay $500+, then by all means do it. In the headphone world, you get what you pay for most of the time. If you want a headphone that rivals a $40,000 loudspeaker, you will have to pay for that.

While I will end up with several cans I'm sure, what I want right now is just one set that excells with all types of music, but which do hard rock and metal full justice. I'm not looking for colored sound, and am sorry if all of your experiences with loudspeakers have sounded colored, but I am truly looking for very dynamic sounding headphones which sound lifelike.

 

[jbergan]

I think it has been established that the M50's are not the answer, but I will add that I think they do not sound very life like. They are not bad, but with my setup I find them very thin, but detailed. The highs sparkle and the lows are pretty good, but they are missing that mid-range that I feel give you a real life like sound.

With your needs, and price range, I think you should be looking at open cans. They will give you a much better soundstage and there are some really good options in the $500 - $1500 range.

 

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jbergan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think it has been established that the M50's are not the answer, but I will add that I think they do not sound very life like. They are not bad, but with my setup I find them very thin, but detailed. The highs sparkle and the lows are pretty good, but they are missing that mid-range that I feel give you a real life like sound. With your needs, and price range, I think you should be looking at open cans. They will give you a much better soundstage and there are some really good options in the $500 - $1500 range.

I'm afraid open cans will not have the dynamic ability or low end authority my hard rock and metal demands.

 

[jbergan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by downsize /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm afraid open cans will not have the dynamic ability or low end authority my hard rock and metal demands.

Touche, I thought it was interesting that you were only looking for at closed cans.

On the other hand, I will agree that my DT880's don't have that "low end" authority, but they are very punchy and the guitar crunch is amazing. I listened to Fear Factory's Demanufacture the other day and I was very impressed how punchy and impactful the drums sounded on Replica and Dog Day Sunrise.

I have never heard these, but what about the Denon D7000? I know the bass on the Denon cans are supposed to be their strong point.

 

[HeyItsBattleKid]

If you want that "in-your-face" sound, Ultrasones. The M50 are quite fun as well, especially for the price. I've heard mentioned that the drums on the M50 are quite killer, though with your budget you should be able to find something that is more refined possibly. I think the Ultrasones have a lot more impact at that low and high end, that I don't think you will find in any other headphone. Though, with your budget, you have many options.

I'd open up to the D2000, but I don't think you will find the sound very present. I found the Denons to be more "relaxed" in what they do, as the sound seems distant, but all around. Maybe take a look at some of the Markl mods for them and see if that may satisfy your tastes. Though, personally, I would find a headphone that has the right quality to begin with, and simply use the mods to refine or amplify certain characteristics you like or don't like.

Beyers can also be a very fun route to take. I have not listened to the DT880s, but I think they could do very well. The 770 and 990 don't have the midrange you may want, as they seemed to have a misty, but bright, high end, but plenty (PLENTY) of low end to satisfy your needs. They all need good amps regardless, but that's what lets them shine

You will get many more suggestions. I have yet to listen to Grados and the AKG line. I'm not quite as familiar with the higher end models of many brands, so there may be some great options as well.