Headphone for Sinatra

[Satchmo]

Just recently, while searching for a closed headphone I purchased the A900s. My first decent headphone and a brilliant one at that. It's Great! My only complaint would have to be while listening to some Frank Sinatra (which I do alot of), I noticed his voice didn't seem as big as I it could. So now I have decided that I would purchases new headphones and since I already have a closed one, for those time when I need some isolation, I figured I'd go open. Now I am willing to spend around 300 of your US dollars (will go higher if need be). As I said the biggest thing I need these headphones to do is bring my sinatra collection alive. I do listen to all other types of music on the side but that's not too important. No amp will be used

Anyway, thanks in advance for your help

 

[fewtch]

I love listening to vocals on my AKG K501s, but they're definitely on the lean side... could be a good choice, particularly if you tend to listen more quietly (best inexpensive open headphones for quiet listening, IMO). If you dislike "wow factor" and just want the music, I recommend 'em. You should be able to drive them without an amp, although they will improve a lot amped.

 

[bahamaman]

I, too, would cast a vote in favor of the AKG K501 for its ability to render, beautifully, the human voice. Unfortunately, the lack of any noticeable bottom end made them a bit of a one trick pony.

 

[fewtch]

"Unfortunately, the lack of any noticeable bottom end..."

I wouldn't go nearly that far, IMO that is a large exaggeration. I don't have a pair with 'brown rings' either. You just adjust to their sonic signature (along with plenty of burn-in time), and they sound fine with most stuff. Of course, I listen amped... underamping might make the bass downright anemic.

 

[episiarch]

Another K501 vote. Absolutely terrific with this kind of music.

I don't think they lack bottom end. But I do think they lack the bottom of the bottom end.

 

[bahamaman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch "Unfortunately, the lack of any noticeable bottom end..." I wouldn't go nearly that far, IMO that is a large exaggeration. I don't have a pair with 'brown rings' either. You just adjust to their sonic signature, and they sound fine with most stuff. Of course, I listen amped... underamping might make the bass downright anemic.

I guess our hearing is different. IMO, I couldn't find enough bottom to make them listenable to music where bass is critical. Do understand that, while I owned them, I was looking for one headphone to do all genres well. Perhaps that wasn't a reasonable expectation.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Satchmo Now I am willing to spend around 300 of your US dollars (will go higher if need be).

Thought you said $200 originally? Well, that definitely opens up the field a bit

. How about 80-ohm Beyerdynamic DT880s? Should be OK without a dedicated amp. Or any of the better headphones discussed around here that have low impedance and a reasonable sensitivity rating. Alessandro MS-2?

 

[billinkansas]

Concurred - DT-880s for early Sinatra.

Late Sinatra - Triports with extra foam, and make sure you have pitch control on your CD player.

 

[kramer5150]

If you want life to male vocals.... HF1. IMHO the best Grado male vocal can. I can elaborate why I like it better than thre RS1 and MS2 if you like.

Garrett

 

[jjcha]

I can see why you find the A900 lacking for this kind of music. When I'm the mood for Sinatra, I pull out the audio-technica ATH-W10VTG. For me it's about feeling a sense of the intimate spaciousness of a venue, vocals emphasized and effortless but not too smoothed over and while it's not necessarly emphasized, a nice presence to the accompanying music. I do like other headphones like the HD600 or RS-1 for music like this, but it's the woodies that I generally reach for.

Best,

-Jason

 

[jagorev]

I loove listening to Sinatra and similar music on either the K501 or the HD600.

 

[blessingx]

It depends on Sintras period a bit (and presence of drums), but "In The Wee Small Hours" and "Live at the Sands" are two of my test albums and I say HD6X0 and K701. Senns blanket warmth helps with many of the arrangements.

The Orpheus did magic with even Ryan Adams voice texture though and I'd love to hear Frank sometime.