[MentalEclipse]

I’ve been looking to buy a closed set of headphones for producing and composing music around the $100 range. After doing a bit of research on this site, I’ve found that the 2 best headphones for my needs are the “Equation RP-21” and the “Sony MDR-V6”.There’s no way for me to try out either pair, so I’d really like to hear your opinions on which pair I should get. I’m also open to considering other pairs of headphones if there are other alternatives.

Basically, I’m looking for a pair of headphones that are mostly flat; however I don’t mind a little rise in the bass department (I plan to use these for listening to music too). I’d love for these phones to be somewhat portable (that seems to be a draw-back to the RP-21s); however I’m not planning on wearing these phones in public often. Clarity of sound is the most important that thing I’m looking for. I tend to work with many different layers of sound at the same time, so I’d really like to be able to hear all the detail during mixing without having parts of the song become faded or muddy sounding.

I’m really glad I came across this website, and I’d really appreciate any recommendations that you may have.

 

[Pangaea]

Welcome. RP-21, you can't go wrong.

 

[tbonner1]

The RP-21 is a modern design is the better headphone. I compare them in my review.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...t=rp-21+review

 

[warrior05]

I've had the 7506s which is similar to the V6s and the RP-21s totally blow the Sonys away IMO. Much more refined sound and the bass control of the Equations put the Sonys to shame.

 

[grndslm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MentalEclipse /img/forum/go_quote.gif Basically, I’m looking for a pair of headphones that are mostly flat; however I don’t mind a little rise in the bass department (I plan to use these for listening to music too).

Both are supposedly about as neutral as they come with a lil' rise in the bass department.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MentalEclipse /img/forum/go_quote.gif I’d love for these phones to be somewhat portable (that seems to be a draw-back to the RP-21s); however I’m not planning on wearing these phones in public often.

V6s are definitely portable -- can be folded up into a tiny ball and thrown in a bag. They also have a coily cable going to just one of the drivers whereas most cans have a cable going to each driver. I hear the RP-21's cable is detacheable, just don't know if that's to each side or just one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by MentalEclipse /img/forum/go_quote.gif Clarity of sound is the most important that thing I’m looking for. I tend to work with many different layers of sound at the same time, so I’d really like to be able to hear all the detail during mixing without having parts of the song become faded or muddy sounding.

Neither of these cans will be faded or muddy. I find the mids a bit recessed with the V6, but it's nothing serious at all... The vocals just aren't as upfront as open cans, tho... most $100 closed cans prolly won't have upfront vocals either... soooo...

Clearly either one will do for your situation. The RP-21 will sound a bit better as it was designed at least a decade (maybe two?) after the MDR-V6, but you do pay for that extra bit. And you'll lose that portability...

Tradeoffs can be difficult, especially when not able to hold and hear cans!

 

[Chu]

Wondering, what exactly do you mean by "more refined?" I've gone through many sets of headphones but always go back to my V6's for gaming (perfect positional audio) and am wondering if I can get the same with better SQ.

 

[LostOne.TR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grndslm /img/forum/go_quote.gif hear the RP-21's cable is detacheable, just don't know if that's to each side or just one...

The detachable headphone cable only runs to one side of the headphones. After removing the cable from the left, the headphone itself is free.

 

[MentalEclipse]

Thanks for all the info and recommendations so far.

The detachable chord is a huge plus for the RP-21. After reading more about them, I'm thinking that the RP-21s may be worth the extra cost.

How much bigger are the RP-21s in comparison to the MDR-V6s? If their similar in size I'm probably going to choose the RP-21s over the MDR-V6s, but if the RP-21 is way to big to carry around when I need to travel I may still be considering the V6s. Does the RP-21 fold up at all?

 

[MentalEclipse]

I just found the "ATH-ES7". It's about the same price as the "RP-21" but looks a bit more portable. How does this pair compare with the "MDR-V6" and the "RP-21"?

 

[Crazy88]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior05 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've had the 7506s which is similar to the V6s and the RP-21s totally blow the Sonys away IMO. Much more refined sound and the bass control of the Equations put the Sonys to shame.

I've had the same experience, and completely agree with you. The bass on the Sony's can seem a little bloated out of control on the bass end. But the V6s, I don't think i've tried them, just the 7506.

The RP21, is just slightly bigger than the 7506 (which I assume is very similar in shape and size to the v6). Although it doesn't fold up into a ball, it does fold flat, so it can be easily carried in luggage or bags. Compared to the ATH-es7, i never heard it, so I cannot comment on the sound, but I do know that they are supra-aural, the 7506 (or v6) is listed as circumaural but really isn't, and the RP21's are circumaural if your ears aren't gigantic like some, but my ears at least fit into the cups.

I hope this helps some.

 

[Joshatdot]

I love my old V6's...but I was craving a Grado sound. My 7506's were a tad shrill/sibilant compared to my V6's. I would love to try the RP-21's and compare them to my V6's.

If you do decide to get V6's spend an extra $25 and get DT250 Velour pads from B&H Photo.