[GanChan]

I'm getting closer in my quest for a closed-headphone upgrade from the 280 Pro for under $200. These will probably be used more for movies than music. Here's what I need in a headphone:

-As I mentioned, closed (already satisfied with my HD590 for open phone)
-Very deep bass (not necessarily FAT bass, just a nice low extension)
-Wide soundstage (well, for closed anyway)
-Detailed presentation
-Easily driven (fairly low impedence/can sound good from a receiver jack)

This purchase is intended to be a step up from my 280 Pro, which is a perfectly decent closed phone, but I think I can do better without spending hundreds more. My current short list is:

Ultrasone 650 DVD
AKG K271 Studio
Beyer 250-80

I have regrettably ruled out the Sony CD3000 as being permanently out my price range.

Am I forgetting any other contenders that meet my demands?

 

[becomethemould]

i had a listen to beyer 250-250, ultrasone 650 dvd and beyer dt770 the other week.

the ultrasone's have pleather pads so your ears boil after 1 hour. the midrange on the dt770 is recessed. i reckon the beyer 250 is the best pick out of the 3.

 

[Rizumu]

Quote:

-As I mentioned, closed (already satisfied with my HD590 for open phone) -Very deep bass (not necessarily FAT bass, just a nice low extension) -Wide soundstage (well, for closed anyway) -Detailed presentation -Easily driven (fairly low impedence/can sound good from a receiver jack)

That's exactly how I would describe the Ultrasone HFI-650 Trackmaster.

 

[usc goose]

i have to point out yet again. don't any west coast head-fiers ever sleep?

sorry for the thread jack. now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

[Rizumu]

Quote:

Originally posted by usc goose i have to point out yet again. don't any west coast head-fiers ever sleep? sorry for the thread jack. now back to your regularly scheduled thread.

I'm about to pass on on my keyboard buyt the music sounds soooo good...

 

[miroslav]

Quote:

Originally posted by Rizumu That's exactly how I would describe the Ultrasone HFI-650 Trackmaster.

Absolutely agree.

BTW, they make your ears warm and a bit sweaty, not boil. If it doesn`t bother you after first 15 minutes, you shouldn`t have problems at all.

[size=xx-small]PS[/size]
[size=xx-small]Hey, Rizumu, may I ask what exactly is your system right now? I don`t see the META any more. [/size]

 

[GanChan]

Quote:

Originally posted by miroslav Absolutely agree. BTW, they make your ears warm and a bit sweaty, not boil. If it doesn`t bother you after first 15 minutes, you shouldn`t have problems at all. [size=xx-small]PS[/size] [size=xx-small]Hey, Rizumu, may I ask what exactly is your system right now? I don`t see the META any more. [/size]

So, you and Rizumu prefer the Trackmaster to the DVD version of the 650, yes? Even for movies and such?

 

[miroslav]

Until Rizumu recovers from his late night posting session, I`ll clarify it for myself - I have never heard the DVD Edition, but IMO and as Rizumu suggested, your description fits fully for the Trackmaster.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I hope some of those who have heard both will be more helpful to you.

I believe TerryKok is preparing a direct shootout between these particular models, so you might wait for it if you want to try with the Ultrasones.

 

[CD44hi]

I also recommend the Ultrasone Trackmasters in your price range. They are good phones, and would, most likely, satisfy the list of requirements you propose. I have not heard/owned the DVD version, so could not comment on these.

CD..

 

[GanChan]

Thanks. It will be Christmas before I pull the trigger.

Jan Meier compared the two versions, but basically just said the DVD version had a little more bass and a little less detail. That isn't very specific, but it made me feel that it was probably just a boost somewhere in the midbass, especially if detail is affected. The specs do show the DVD version going slightly lower, though. I imagine they're both in the same basic quality bracket. I'm also curious to hear how they both compare for music, as well as DVD.

Knowing my own tastes, if the Trackmaster is the better-balanced and more detailed of the two, that's probably the one I want. As long as I still have plenty of deep bass for movie nights.

 

[miroslav]

I know which version Jan prefers (the man admitted it recently), but I think it is not appropriate for me to speak for others.

BTW, would someone explain it to me what is it that differs musical "deep bass" from movie "deep bass"?

 

[GanChan]

Quote:

Originally posted by miroslav I know which version Jan prefers (the man admitted it recently), but I think it is not appropriate for me to speak for others. BTW, would someone explain it to me what is it that differs musical "deep bass" from movie "deep bass"?

I couldn't tell you. I do know that in the world of subwoofers, there are subs deemed to be "more for music" and "more for movies," but the only guess I have about that is that movie-theater audiences are used to that big toneless deafening thump that they hear in the multiplexes. I'd prefer something tighter and more accurate -- muddy or unfocused bass is not good bass, to my ears.

Side note: I did really love the Sony V6's bass for movies, though it was sometimes distracting. Too bad the soundstage, comfort, and midrange were inadequate for extended listening.

 

[GanChan]

Well, now I've just read a review that says the Ultrasone is difficult to drive because of its 94dB sensitivity. Anyone out there having trouble driving theirs without an amp?...I would be using my Yamaha receiver w/o amp.

 

[andrzejpw]

Although both the 650s and the 250-80s are great phones, I have to give the nod to the beyers. The combination of the extended and detailed highs and their deep lows just really appeal to me. Know, however, that I just love detailed highs.

 

[Rizumu]

Quote:

Originally posted by miroslav Until Rizumu recovers from his late night posting session, I`ll clarify it for myself - I have never heard the DVD Edition, but IMO and as Rizumu suggested, your description fits fully for the Trackmaster. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I hope some of those who have heard both will be more helpful to you. I believe TerryKok is preparing a direct shootout between these particular models, so you might wait for it if you want to try with the Ultrasones.

LOL. It's around noon and I believe I have recovered

Anyway, yes, I haven't heard the DVD edition either, I was merely stating that the TrackMaster itself fulfills all of what you're looking for. The DVD edition might be better for it or it might not, I wouldn't know.

miroslav: Sold the META, saving up for a Gilmore Lite, bought a CHA-47 to tide me over till I get it

Right now I am ampless though