Headphone Connundrum

[Bobes]

well it is time for my anual christmas present to myself... as I am the only one that gets me what I want... so I'm looking for a new set of cans. I dove in last year and got a nice pair of AKG 401s which I like, but I want to upgrade. The way I see it, I'm going one of 3 ways, BD 831, Senn HD600 or ATH-A1000. Based on the reading I've done all are nice cans but each has a characteristic sound. I was impressed with both the 831 and HD600 at the world of Headphones tour (Thanks Tyll) but the A1000s are new to the market.
Based on my budget, I can only afford one pair of cans. I want to hear some thoughts from all the camps about these phones. I know the 831 is closed, the HD600 is open and the A1000s are sorta closed, but that is not a major concern for me. I want a nice flat frequency respone so I can hear the music, and not be concerned with the diffences in the phones.
A little about my listening preferences. Much of what I listen to are live recordings in the jamband genre (think the legacy of the Dead). There are more flavors to the sound of these recordings than there are flavors of cans out there. I also enjoy inde rock, rockabilly and bluegrass over headphones.
As for amping the cans, I'm hoping to afford a MG Head OTL this spring, but I may assemble a meta kit before then. Until that point, the cans will be driven by a TAH or headphone out from my CDP or DAT deck.
I'm interested in what you have to say.
bobes

 

[Bobes]

I should add, soundstage is a very important consideration for me as many of the recordings I enjoy are recorded in stereo on location.
Bobes

 

[elnero]

Although I've not heard any of the headphones (I did own the HD580's) I would say if your going to get an MG Head OTL and you like a somewhat laid back sound than the HD600's would be a good choice. Plus they probably have the best soundstage out of the lot and leave an upgrade path with replacement cables. This is speculation but they may sound a bit muddy with the TAH but a Meta or the Head should clear that up. From what I understand the Head doesn't deal all that well with low imepdance cans such as the A1000 so they probably wouldn't be the best choice and I'm not familiar with the the 831 so I can't really say much about it. Well those are just some not so educated guesses so take em with a grain of salt.

 

[wallijonn]

Bobes,

this recommendation is strictly intuitive (my psychic side flares up every now and then): give a listen to Sony 3000s. I have not heard the 3000s, and I have no idea as to why they poped into my head when I read your note, so take my recommendation for what it is - a gut feeling. BTW, I'm a rabid supporter of DT831s, finding them to be comfortable and very sweet sounding. For some reason I don't think Senns would be right for you. Again, just a gut feeling. And I am also an Audio Technica team member, so I am somewhat acquainted with the ATH sound that may be a match for your tastes. The A1000s will cost you almost exactly what the 3000s will cost you. The difference is that you may be able to audition the 3000s in a store near you, albeit at a high end audio store.

 

[Alex Altorfer]

Bobes,
Why not the AKG K 501s? Are you disappointed with the AKG brand?
Cheers,
Alex Altorfer

 

[bangraman]

Maybe it's just me but I find the HD600's very good, but not amazing, so I put them up for sale.
I would veer towards the Audio-Technicas myself, but even I haven't heard the A1000 yet (will do in about 2-3 days). And I don't yet know if they are 'sorta closed' or 'really closed' as the A900 is. Generally I prefer the nature of closed phones for the extra level of detail they provide in anything other than a deathly quiet room. The downside is the closed phone coloration, and the A-T's seem to limit this to an impressive aspect. The DADS-equipped A900 seems to lend an extra punch to the music on most equipment, although strangely the better kit I put it on, the less I notice the punch. It's definitely an amp thing. Odd though, eh? As for 'soundstage' the A900 is certainly very good.
Duncan (the European Mod) says that the Cardas cables can make the HD580 sound amazing, and that it bolts straight on the HD600 ~ but I don't know how amazing, and the cables seem to cost practically as much as the HD600's sell for in some UK stores these days, to import. I daresay the situation is different in the US.

 

[Bobes]

So my wallet just lost 3 sizes today.
I choose to go with the HD600s and the Little More Power (Premium) (which was my second choice from the World of Headphones tour, esp. in terms of bang for the buck). More than I wanted to spend for X-mas, but I'm worth it.
I appreciate the suggestions and I look forward to reading evals of the ATH A1000 and W1000 and listening to my presents.

Alex: I am not disappointed with AKG, but I do like different flavors. While I bought the 401s before the WOH tour (and a chance to try the 501s), I found the 501s to have an exagerated bass, much the same way AKG mics do, I just think that based on my experieces at the tour that the HD600s and 831s blew them away.


Bobes

 

[Alex Altorfer]

Bobes,

Quote:

I found the 501s to have an exagerated bass

Gasp! Really!? I understand the overwhelming majority of AKG K 501 users complain of these cans LACKING BASS. A search on this forum as well as a visit to audioreviews website will quickly confirm this. Very few people claim the K 501s have sufficient bass, and you are the first fellow to claim that it's bass is exagerated! Are you sure you've used the correct (or intended) adjective?

If you really heard the K 501s with exagerated bass, then, specifically what rig did you audition them with?

Cheers,
Alex Altorfer

 

[Bobes]

What I remember of the 501 was an undefined bass response. Maybe it was what I was hearing. Maybe it was the set-up. Maybe it is what I was listening to. If my memory serves me, the amp was the Little More Power.
Although what you describe would correlate well if AKG tested their mics with their own cans. In this situation, a bass deficient phone would sound good with their bass heavy mics.
Bobes

 

[richpjr]

Bobes,

Did you buy both the headphone and amp from HeadRoom? If so, do they give you a discount for buying both? This is one of the combinations I am looking at.

Rich