[elliot42]

The Grados will have a more in-your-face sound, sitting on stage with the band. I haven't heard the 225s, but from what I've read they're like the 325s but without the super bright highs, slightly mellower (but still the bright, detailed Grado sound). Either the AD900 or Grado 225 may suit you, but perhaps someone that actually listens to trance may be of more assistance

Another thing to note is comfort and size. Some people seem to have issues with the comfort of Grados. I don't, I can wear them for long periods of time without any discomfort. But the AD900, they are super comfy MS2is are fine, not uncomfortable, but after wearing them all day at work and using the AD900 at home, I notice how comfy they really are; you can barely notice they're there sometimes. But a possible downside is that they're pretty huge.

 

[schneller]

So I'm still considering...

HD595
AD700/AD900
SR225

What else should be there around $200 I wonder?

 

[schneller]

I just wish I had a better description of the types of sound these brands product.

Sennheiser vs. Audio Technica vs. Grado vs. Beyerdynamic

I just dunno.

 

[schneller]

As I said, I like trance. Female vocal trance to be exact. ATB is an example.

I like strong mids, decent bass, some highs...but nothing fatiguing. I want something also more on the accurate/neutral side. I want open cans. I want something so comfortable that I forget they are there. And finally, I just want a solid/high value product for under $200 USD.

(It will be un-amped, used on a PC.)

 

[Alai]

Buy that guy's AD900 in the FS forums for $175.

 

[schneller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Buy that guy's AD900 in the FS forums for $175.

As much as I would like to help out the seller, I would prefer to buy new.

 

[El_Doug]

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneller /img/forum/go_quote.gif As I said, I like trance. Female vocal trance to be exact. ATB is an example. I like strong mids, decent bass, some highs...but nothing fatiguing. I want something also more on the accurate/neutral side. I want open cans. I want something so comfortable that I forget they are there. And finally, I just want a solid/high value product for under $200 USD. (It will be un-amped, used on a PC.)

a shame about your budget, as the AD2k's (in my opinion, of course) fit the rest of your requirements perfectly

have you considered DT-770's? i wouldnt really consider them neutral, but youd probably enjoy them a lot based on your musical tastes, as well as most of the tonal qualities you describe - sure, theyre closed, but unless it's critical you hear outside noise, you shouldnt pass over these immediately

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneller /img/forum/go_quote.gif As I said, I like trance. Female vocal trance to be exact. ATB is an example. I like strong mids, decent bass, some highs...but nothing fatiguing. I want something also more on the accurate/neutral side. I want open cans. I want something so comfortable that I forget they are there. And finally, I just want a solid/high value product for under $200 USD. (It will be un-amped, used on a PC.)

What sound card will you be using, or is this onboard sound?

I suggest prioritizing these preferences will help - put them in order from most to least important:
- good with female vocal trance
- strong mids
- decent bass
- some highs
- nothing fatiguing
- accurate/neutral
- open
- so comfortable that you forget they are there
- unamped
- under $200

 

[schneller]

SoundBlaster X-Fi soundcard.

Ranked:
-unamped
-nothing fatiguing
-so comfortable that you forget they are there
-open
-good with female vocal trance
-strong mids
-decent bass
-some highs
-accurate/neutral
-under $200 (but the absolute max is $300)

 

[RealDealz]

The AD900s are fantastic for the ranking you gave, with the only exception of perhaps the fatiguing one. If you want to have good female vocals and transients, your going to have a bit more fatigue then with more rolled off highs. I wouldn't say the AD900s highs are overly presented, but their there, and not rolled off. However, I find that if you equalize a bit you can mellow it down nicely and the highs still shine while being a bit less tinny.

In general I wouldn't reach for my AD900s when im looking for trance, but then again I find that I emphasize bass higher than it seems like you do when it comes to trance. If bass is as low on your list as you say it is, then I say go for the 900's and don't look back.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneller /img/forum/go_quote.gif SoundBlaster X-Fi soundcard. Ranked: -unamped -nothing fatiguing -so comfortable that you forget they are there -open -good with female vocal trance -strong mids -decent bass -some highs -accurate/neutral -under $200 (but the absolute max is $300)

FWIR, that would be the AD900.

 

[elliot42]

Yep, looks like the AD900. I find they are definitely not fatiguing, and are so comfortable that you forget they are there. They sort of float around your head...

 

[Kernmac]

AD900 for sure. I don't believe they are bass light at all ( not Trance specialists through but handle the Genre fine), and with even a half decent portable amp, the bass is more than adequate.

 

[schneller]

Wow, some consensus!

So, AD900...even over Grado, Beyer, etc.?

 

[c0mfortably_numb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneller /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow, some consensus! So, AD900...even over Grado, Beyer, etc.?

I just purchased the ATH-AD700, I also own and have owned since 2005 Grado SR80, and the Beyer DT231.

Out of all them I would say go for the Audio Technica, if your concerned with bass I would say jump to the 900, I kind of wish I did but I just can't afford them. The reason I bought the Audio Technica was to use as an all arounder.

The Grado is to upfront in your face, which is good for some music not all, comfort is a big issue for most. The Audio Technica ATH-AD700 is with out a doubt the most comfortable can I've ever put on, I guess I have a huge melon head as they stay put just fine. Only complaint I have is that they do creak when you move your head and or adjust them.

Aside from fit, they sound great, they have an almost never ending sound-stage as most others have reported. The bass well it's not booming like the Beyer DT770, Sen HD485, etc... but it's accurate and there. The mids seem to be laid back just a tad, and the highs are spot on no veil and no sibilance.

I've tested the ATH-AD700 both unamped (through a computer that had Sounblaster Live -> Foobar2000 Kernel Streaming) and amped through my other computer EMU0404 -> Entech 0404 DAC -> Headfve Amp. The bass does improve "slightly" with an amp, but I wouldn't rush out and buy an amp just for these cans.