[Riggaberto]

Would spending $200 on Grado 225's be an upgrade from the Sennheiser HD-280s I currently own? The sources would be primarily a Macbook Pro straight up audio jack (unless anyone has advice for a good soundcard add on that's not huge), and a record player.

The HD280s sound decent, but even on FLACs I get distortion on some higher end sounds. Good example of something I can't stand:

Radiohead-Weird Fishes/Arpeggi: slight distortion at 0:14, and from 0:26 on when the next guitar layer comes in there's horrible distortion in the left channel. I cant even listen to the song. It crackles like no other. Maybe my headphones are just busted or something but it's horrible.

I get random distortion in other cases as well; most songs are okay, but enough of them get that problem that I want new headphones.

So in short, would the 225s be a worthwhile upgrade? Thank you for good advice, I appreciate it greatly.

 

[QQQ]

I'm betting it's not hd 280 problem.

 

[Steggy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riggaberto /img/forum/go_quote.gif Would spending $200 on Grado 225's be an upgrade from the Sennheiser HD-280s I currently own? The sources would be primarily a Macbook Pro straight up audio jack (unless anyone has advice for a good soundcard add on that's not huge), and a record player. The HD280s sound decent, but even on FLACs I get distortion on some higher end sounds. Good example of something I can't stand: Radiohead-Weird Fishes/Arpeggi: slight distortion at 0:14, and from 0:26 on when the next guitar layer comes in there's horrible distortion in the left channel. I cant even listen to the song. It crackles like no other. Maybe my headphones are just busted or something but it's horrible. I get random distortion in other cases as well; most songs are okay, but enough of them get that problem that I want new headphones. So in short, would the 225s be a worthwhile upgrade? Thank you for good advice, I appreciate it greatly.

what program do you use to play the FLAC with

but yes, the grados will be a step up. 280s are closed which limits its soundstage. you'll notice a difference with the 225s. although it also depends on the music you listen to. grados are more for rock while i think the 280s are really bassy so they would be for hip hop

 

[moonboy403]

i'm also positive that the hd280 isn't your problem. I have the hd280 myself and it never ever distorted.

 

[lordmozilla]

The 225's will be significantly nicer than the 280s, but the distortion you're hearing is probably due to the soundcard or your music player.

 

[charonme]

definitely try other phones to check whether it's the source

 

[WittyzTH]

check your media player first. then check your MacBook. The problem isn't from HD280 I guess.

Probably you may need to spend your $200 for new source instead.

 

[FallenAngel]

You shouldn't be getting "much" distortion with HD280, although I really do think they're tin cans, my girlfriend got a pair for free at work and gave them back.

 

[steinba]

I'm guessing they distort because the Macbook's headphone output isn't able to deliver enough power to drive the headphones to the listening level you want.

How about trying a small amp?

 

[silverrain]

.

 

[MD1032]

100% sure it's either the recording or the Macbook. The HD-280's are fine phones, although I prefer the SR-225's by a very significant margin.

 

[inthecup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD1032 /img/forum/go_quote.gif 100% sure it's either the recording or the Macbook. The HD-280's are fine phones, although I prefer the SR-225's by a very significant margin.

Been there, done that, absolutely go for it and don't look back.

 

[moogoob]

Get an inexpensive amp/DAC combo (I use the Headroom Total Bithead) and you'll be golden. Both your 280s (I still use mine when I need isolation) and Grados will thank you.

225s are very nice, 325is are nicer, but not everyone can stand their crazy/beautiful sound.

Also, one thing you might not be used to with the Grados is actually turning your equalizer off. I find the 280s sound best with a mild "rock" curve to mellow their honky mids, Grados neither need nor react very well to crazy headphone fanatics fooling around with the EQ sliders.

 

[xFih2]

I preferred someone else's Grado SR80s to my old HD-280 pros

In short, yes, I believe they will be quite a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[dvessel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by moogoob /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also, one thing you might not be used to with the Grados is actually turning your equalizer off. I find the 280s sound best with a mild "rock" curve to mellow their honky mids, Grados neither need nor react very well to crazy headphone fanatics fooling around with the EQ sliders.

So true, especially with a nice head amp. The internal line out from Intel based MacBook's sucks big time.