Help me pick out some headphones that will be great for trance, around $250

[Penguin Growl]

Basically what I am looking for is a set of headphones that will have a huge, airy soundstage, have great resolution with every little bit of music, and a lush, euphoric sound. I want to be overcome by the music.

I will also be buying a Corda Aria amp, so if there's something that synergizes particularly well with that, that would be extra nice. But please do not let this stop you from recommending different headphones/amps. Like I said, I'm looking to spend around $250 on these headphones, though I could be persuaded to go a bit higher, if there's something really great on the horizon. Thanks so much for any help.

 

[kin0kin]

hmmmm airy soundstage phone for trance? personally, I prefer something impactful, fast, and with bass that hits low enough. Any grados from 225 and onwards would be fantastic for trance.

 

[b0dhi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kin0kin hmmmm airy soundstage phone for trance? personally, I prefer something impactful, fast, and with bass that hits low enough. Any grados from 225 and onwards would be fantastic for trance.

Why would "air" affect the impact or depth of bass? I was under the impression it meant something else.

My recommendation would be the DT-990. I would not recommend any Grado other than the PS-1 for trance, as the bass does not go that deep and imo there isn't enough of it to suit trance. However, they do have luscious mids that do suit trance in that regard. If you can EQ them, and don't mind a very small albeit very "airy"/open soundstage, the Grado 225 or 325i would make you very happy.

I can't speak for how well the 990 synergises with the Aria, but I can tell you that you will *need* a suitable amp to bring out their magic. Generally, the output impedance of the amp should be as close as possible to the impedance of the headphones, in the case of the 990, 250 Ohms.

 

[b0dhi]

doh

 

[no1likesme]

take a set of cans with good mids and highs (sr325i)
strap a 12" powered subwoofer to your back

then you should really "feel the music"

 

[Penguin Growl]

bump

 

[legcramp]

well from my nooby experience... phones with a more airy sound would work better for a LIVE trance songs, while phones like grados or my Koss Ksc-75 would be better for regular non live songs.. well that's just me hehe.

 

[a1rocketpilot]

From my experience, the DT-770's rock for trance. They have a massive soundstage and are a very fun can to listen to, very headbanging. For music like that, I prefer them to my HF-1's (very little soundstage, DT-770 bass better for Trance IMO).

 

[sgrossklass]

IMHO and from my experience, one does not need exceptionally bassy cans for trance. In fact, since that kind of stuff is usually bassy enough as-is, even somewhat mid-centric cans like my vintage HD420SLs don't fare too badly. Only the bass extension should be decent, OK, and *some* bass impact couldn't hurt either. (That being said, I'm no

and prefer to adjust the EQ so I get a fairly flat bass response.) In terms of soundstaging, both the diffuse imaging of those vintage Senns and the more precise rendition of current circumaural cans have their merits. (Haven't heard Grados.) Good mids and highs indeed cannot hurt. With their respective EQs, both of my usual home cans (HD590, SHP805) perform well. I'd think that basically almost any of the circumaural usual suspects in the price range in question should do (save possibly the K601, but I'd have to hear it myself to comment on its bass impact).

 

[wakked1]

I find bass heavy phones for trance to be too much. It turns everything into a huge muddy river of bass. It needs a nice shimmering top end and good imaging to offset all the bass.

Oddly I found the Ultrasones did well for trance and electronica in general (deep tight bass well separated from the detailed teble), but their vocal midrange is a bit odd. DT660 isn't bad but bass detail is a bit lacking. I actually like my HF-1s, solid bass but good imaging. DT880 should be here soon, that might also be a good match.

I'd avoid Senns like the 580, 600 and 650, too dark for trance for my tastes.. 595's might be ok, I haven't tried those. My brothers 212 Pros sound pretty good for the $$, though.

 

[dmb367]

I listen to trance 95% of the time, and I came hear asking the same question. I got a lot of responses saying the Darth Beyer DT770 was unbeatable for trance. So, I bought a pair, and hated them from day one. I've heard a lot of different cans with the music I like, and I think you'll need to do the same. I recommend listening to a few and decide for yourself.

BTW, I have Grado RS-2's, and they are by FAR the best sounding headphone I've heard in my trance listening.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Sony Mdr Sa-5000 anyone? It's about 300 or a bit more used but damn fine air friend.