[BK_856er]

This is my first post...please be gentle

I'm looking to round out my collection. I have a pair of Yamaha YH-1 Orthodynamic I got when I was in highschool (I'm now 44!) and just this xmas I received a pair of Sony 7509HD. Very different cans for sure. The 7509HD might take a while to grow on me, so I will reserve judgement for now.

Listeninig is primarily laptop FLAC or paid Pandora --> E-MU Tracker Pre USB with all sorts of music. Just starting out in this hobby, so equipment might grow as I get sucked in, but for now that's it.

The Grado SR 225i currently has my attention. Any other recommendations in the open category at around $200-400?

BK

 

[Uncle Erik]

I have the MDR-7509HD, too. They have more of an analytical bent, but I've come to enjoy them. They're the headphones I travel with.

A Grado would make a nice contrast to what you already have and the SR-225 is a great place to start. You might also want to look at the Alessandro MS-2i, as well.

What kind of music do you listen to? Grados might be a good contrast from what you have, however, they might not suit your tastes. I like Grados for rock and guitar-oriented music. If that's what you listen to, Grados might be what you're looking for. If you listen to jazz, classical, vocals, or acoustic music, you might want to think about something else.

 

[m1abrams]

Well I do like my Grado SR 225i so not steering you away from that.

In your price range you can also get an AKG 70x series or Senn 600 or 650. However those cans would require a bit more Amp than you currently own so may not be a good choice if an amp is not purchased.

 

[MD1032]

Definitely going to one-up the SR-225i recommendation...I think you'll be amazed at what they can do compared to your other stuff. My second choice would be the HD600.

 

[RockinCannoisseur]

if your gonna spend 400 u might as well pay 150 more and get some denon 7000

i got mine from beach audio for like 570

i too considered the 225, if u go for em let me know how they sound

 

[RockinCannoisseur]

also the denon 7000 are the most comfortable headphones ive ever worn fyi

they feel like your wearing a pillow almost

 

[BK_856er]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the MDR-7509HD, too. They have more of an analytical bent, but I've come to enjoy them. They're the headphones I travel with. A Grado would make a nice contrast to what you already have and the SR-225 is a great place to start. You might also want to look at the Alessandro MS-2i, as well. What kind of music do you listen to? Grados might be a good contrast from what you have, however, they might not suit your tastes. I like Grados for rock and guitar-oriented music. If that's what you listen to, Grados might be what you're looking for. If you listen to jazz, classical, vocals, or acoustic music, you might want to think about something else.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. $400 is definitley my upper limit this time around and a more capable amp probably won't happen for a while. As for music...that's my dilemma...rock and guitar-oriented for sure, but also acoustic and vocal stuff. The SR-225i and MS-2i are absolutely on my short list.

Below are the specs on the E-MU USB device driving the phones, just in case the info helps with a particular recommendation:

Type: Class-A power amplifier
D/A converter: CS4392 (shared with Line Out)
Gain Range: 60dB
Maximum Output Power: 22mW
Output Impedance: 22ohms
Frequency Response (20Hz-20kHz): +0.02/-0.07dB
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 112dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 112dB
THD+N (1kHz, max gain): 300ohm load: -99dB (.0011%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS, 300 ohm load): <-90dB


BK