Going to buy some new headphones today and need guidance

[Azure]

Okay, the last thread was getting really confusing with the constant topic and budget changes along with all the edits and what not. This is all getting way too intense and confusing and the pressure is really getting to me. Here's what you need to know:

-I don't have much experience with headphones (Only A500s and SR-80s), so I'm still looking for the right cans. However, due to my limited experience I cannot tell you the exact type of sound I am looking for.
-I ultimately prefer my A500s to my SR-80s for the added soundstage and bass impact.
-I don't like the idea of having my headphones "veiled." The SR-80s are NOWHERE near fatiguing or harsh; the highs are fine. I am unable to consider them to be harsh or fatiguing, same with my A500s.
-I primarily listen to electronica, trance, and J-Pop.
-I have NO headphone amp.
-My budget is $450 max (For EVERYTHING).

WHAT DO I DO?

 

[arnesto]

I recommend the Senn. HD580 for $150.
Very balanced and neutral sound, for me the veil only exist at low volumes.
Also, it's only something you notice after having it awhile and you really get used to the sound signature.

I used to have the SR125, I found them to be better by a big margin.

Only problem with the Senns, is that you really need to get an amp.

 

[Azure]

For what reason do you recommend the HD580s (Good for my music taste?)? So, the veil DOES exist and you just get used to it after while? I'd still consider that a bad thing as I can go back to listening to my crappy MDR-101s and I will get used to them after a while.

If I get the HD580s (Though I'd rather get the HD600s for the million times better aesthetics and no cheap plastic grills and what not), what amp?

 

[jagorev]

The best value you can get is a HD-580 and an amp (Portaphile V2^2 or a Z-Audio lambda, for instance). Easily fits in your budget, and sounds very good with almost any music. It's a great way to get into really hi-fi sound...for a long time, these were one of the top dynamic headphones in the world; they can still hold their own against more expensive models.

The veil is basically a way for those who dislike it to insult the Senn sound signature. It is not a defect.

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagorev The veil is basically a way for those who dislike it to insult the Senn sound signature. It is not a defect.

Is it not true though? It doesn't matter if it's a way to instul the signature or not, what matters is whether there is a veil there or not when compared to headphones like Grados (Remember, my reference point will be my A500s and SR-80s). I noticed that you also listen primarily to classical music, which might be why you don't consider the veil to be real. I'd think that classical and electronica are too very different types of music.

 

[Azure]

What headphones are best with female vocals? Are SA5k's pretty good?

(I'd search but the search feature is broken for me)

 

[arnesto]

If I didn't have a budget, I would go for the HD650 or HD600.

But with a $450 budget, you still will want to by am amp.

I would go for broke on some headphones and then buy an amp later.
As far as the veil goes, I only notice it on some CDs and at low volumes.

In the past, other headphones I have owned, I always felt like I needed to turn up the volume loud because they lacked resolution and I tried to compensate for that. The Senns have enough clarity and detail, I can listen at low volumes and enjoy, but only if I become over analytical do I start noticing the veil.

I believe it is human nature to always want more, but sometimes you can just relax and realize these headphones do sound very good.

 

[hawat]

" electronica, trance, and J-Pop with good soundstage and without an amp" Try the Sony CD3000 they eat that for breakfast.
For vocals i wouldn' t recommand the sennheiser hd650 I feel that the voices are a little bit hidden behind the instruments on some of my CDs.

 

[jagorev]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure Is it not true though? It doesn't matter if it's a way to instul the signature or not, what matters is whether there is a veil there or not when compared to headphones like Grados (Remember, my reference point will be my A500s and SR-80s). I noticed that you also listen primarily to classical music, which might be why you don't consider the veil to be real. I'd think that classical and electronica are too very different types of music.

The 580 sounds different from a Grado.

If you'd prefer the Grado's signature, get a higher-end grado. But just because some people say it has a veil doesn't mean that the Senn is a worse headphone.

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jagorev The 580 sounds different from a Grado. If you'd prefer the Grado's signature, get a higher-end grado. But just because some people say it has a veil doesn't mean that the Senn is a worse headphone.

Of course it doesn't mean that it's a worse headphone just because of a veil. All it'd means is that there's a veil. And if someone doesn't want a veil, wouldn't it be a worse headphone then?

I prefer my A500s to my SR-80s because of the more impactful and trembling bass and awesome soundstage.

 

[Dash]

Being limited in my headphone knowledge, I see a major decision. Instant gratification or build for the future. It seems that should be the first hurdle. Once that decision is rendered the rest may be easier. Having listened to several Senn, I think the recommendation of the HD 580 and amp is a great starting point. I started with a RockHopper Pimeta and some AKG 240s and they are still sweet sounding....until the next thing arrives.
Its Head-Fi anyways...you'll prob sell what you buy now and upgrade in 6 months..LOL. Hope it helped.

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daashford0404 Being limited in my headphone knowledge, I see a major decision. Instant gratification or build for the future. It seems that should be the first hurdle.

More like possible gratification with a test headphone to help me expand my experience and get more familiar with different sound signatures VS. build for the rig that everybody up until this point has told me is best suited for me.

WHAT DO I DO?

 

[dhp]

Have you considered the MS-2i?

 

[Azure]

Yes, and it'd take too long to arrive and would be too similar to my Grados (I already mentioned that I prefer my A500s to my SR-80s, so it wouldn't be much of an upgrade. Plus, I'd prefer circumaural cans).

 

[Mercuttio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure Of course it doesn't mean that it's a worse headphone just because of a veil. All it'd means is that there's a veil. And if someone doesn't want a veil, wouldn't it be a worse headphone then? I prefer my A500s to my SR-80s because of the more impactful and trembling bass and awesome soundstage.

The Sennheiser veil only exists if you THINK it exists. People need to figure this out. Essentially, the treble isn't "in front" of the presentation.

Let's make a chart, shall we? Charts are fun! Whatever is typed first below is in front of you, then moving back through the acoustic presentation.


Midrange and bass instruments.

Vocals and higher instruments.

That's what it sounds like. People get obsessed with the damned word "veil." If I'm coming from a brighter headphone back to my HD650, you're damned right I'm going to hear a recessed treble to some degree. Heck, enough time with an SA5K will veil anything that isn't a Grado.