Help...it hurts...

[arspy87]

I am now, again, in the market for bigger and better headphones. The current possibilities I'm looking at are DT880, HD590, and HD595, although I'm open to suggestions. I'd prefer to keep this below $300, and ideally *not* require an amp (these would be home cans - driven through receiver or sound card). Ignoring the fact that I don't really have the money for new cans right now

, what would you guys suggest? I listen to a lot of rock, a bit of more acoustic stuff, and some techno and electronic. Anything, really, actually. I find myself generally preferring a tight, clear response across frequencies. I like details, although again I am very open to whatever possibilities there are. I haven't ventured into the land of truly hi-fi yet, but I've been convinced that I need to get into it!

I know you guys get a lot of this, so I'm greatful for any insights.

Thanks!

 

[3lusiv3]

Easy...HD 595.

 

[arspy87]

Thanks! I noticed from your sig that you used to have HD590s (and now have HD595s) - can you remember any improvements/changes you noticed in the sound?

 

[3lusiv3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by arspy87 Thanks! I noticed from your sig that you used to have HD590s (and now have HD595s) - can you remember any improvements/changes you noticed in the sound?

I found the HD 590 had recessed mids, that I couldn't live with. The HD 595 are more balanced and neutral, but have less volume in the bass area.

 

[porschemad911]

Yep! HD595! Brilliant all-rounders ...

 

[3lusiv3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by porschemad911 Yep! HD595! Brilliant all-rounders ...

Welcome to head-fi, sorry about your wallet.

 

[porschemad911]

Hahahaha ... I was waiting for that line. I am currently fighting the urge (and winning atm) to get an amp. Hmmm, tax refund time is in a month or two ... I wonder ...

 

[3lusiv3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by porschemad911 Hahahaha ... I was waiting for that line. I am currently fighting the urge (and winning atm) to get an amp. Hmmm, tax refund time is in a month or two ... I wonder ...

I checked your previous posts before posting the head-fi greeting.

I think you would have to get a very good headamp for it to surpass your receiver.

 

[Thaddy]

Sorry to make this difficult, but what about a pair of used HD650's? Head-Fi'ers seem to take very good care of their equipment, and these go for ~$300 all the time...

 

[KenB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy Sorry to make this difficult, but what about a pair of used HD650's? Head-Fi'ers seem to take very good care of their equipment, and these go for ~$300 all the time...

I want to 2nd the above nomination. I bought my HD650's for $300 (barely used) and I run them straight out of the headphone jack on a bookshelf Yamaha receiver. I don't have the volume wheel cranked up to more than 4-5 and my ears couldn't take it any louder. I have even tried the HD650 on an IPOD and it's actually passable. The HD650 impedance is high (300 ohms), but the sensitivity must be very good because they don't seem to require an enormous power supply to drive them adequately.

I'd recommend getting a Class A headphone, like the HD650, and save up for an amp down the road (which you may not even need). As long as you have a headphone jack to provide power, you should be in business. Maybe it won't be audiophile Nirvana, but the headphones are incredible in every respect.

Ken

 

[porschemad911]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3lusiv3 I think you would have to get a very good headamp for it to surpass your receiver.

Aaaahhh ... that's the best news I've had all week! Thanks 3lusiv3!

 

[gratefulshrink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by arspy87 I am now, again, in the market for bigger and better headphones. The current possibilities I'm looking at are DT880, HD590, and HD595, although I'm open to suggestions. I'd prefer to keep this below $300, and ideally *not* require an amp (these would be home cans - driven through receiver or sound card). Ignoring the fact that I don't really have the money for new cans right now , what would you guys suggest? I listen to a lot of rock, a bit of more acoustic stuff, and some techno and electronic. Anything, really, actually. I find myself generally preferring a tight, clear response across frequencies. I like details, although again I am very open to whatever possibilities there are. I haven't ventured into the land of truly hi-fi yet, but I've been convinced that I need to get into it! I know you guys get a lot of this, so I'm greatful for any insights. Thanks!

What about the Beyers 250-80's (don't "need" an amp the way the 250-250's do)? I am pretty happy with my 250-250's.

Also, I like my AKG 240s -- they only cost $100 and don't need an amp at home.......

 

[SRM]

Hi there, have you ever tried AKG K271S? I think that they would suit you fine, they sound great with out an amp (even better with one) and they're pretty darn accurate through out the freqspectrum. And they're dirt chep (compered to HD650s). Also other phone which I can warmly recomend is Philips HP1000, but they can be quite hard to find but they're soundstage is the best I have heard, much better then K271S, which also has good but intimate soundstage.

Just a few ideas for you to listen before making decisions

and both of those are quite cheap and neither "needs" an amp to sound good and both are REALY comfy, well K271S can get hot while longer sessions thanks to leather pads..

 

[Geist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy Sorry to make this difficult, but what about a pair of used HD650's? Head-Fi'ers seem to take very good care of their equipment, and these go for ~$300 all the time...

If he's not using an amp I'd tell him to stay away from the HD650's.

 

[catscratch]

The HD650 unamped is a waste. If you're planning to buy an amp later, then you can perhaps get the HD650 now, live with the diminished sound quality for a while, and then get an amp later. However, in the period between buying them and buying an amp, you won't have hi-fi sound at all. They'll be dark, muddy, and unresolved.

If you're planning on getting a good, forward sounding amp, then of course it's a different story.

The HD590 is an older model and is in my opinion somewhat of a niche phone. It sounds very good with bass-heavy music, but the recessed mids don't make it that great for rock, jazz, and a lot of other genres. The mids also have a slight hollow quality to their sound. Most of this can be fixed with a rather expensive cable upgrade, and then they start sounding pretty good - but unless you're into techno, there are better options. If you are into techno, I sincerely recommend these. Note that while they can be driven decently unamped, they really do need one to sound good. They don't quite need as good an amp as the HD650's - but can't reach similar levels of performance either.

The HD595 is a good bet. They're pretty easy to drive and have a well-rounded sound.

I don't know much about the Beyer DT880, except that it needs an amp, and a good one. Like the HD650, it can reach superb levels of performance with good gear.

Another suggestion is the Audio-Technica ATH-A900. You can think of them as a closed, more neutral version of the HD595. They're very easy to drive - the easiest out of this group - and are reasonably good with most kinds of music. People will mention recessed mids, but it's only a very slight issue, if it is one at all.