[Deafears]

Really like the sound of the Sennheiser HD497's I've had for 5 years, but wondering if newer, reasonably priced phones would significantly improve things.

What I like about the 497's are strong bass and soundstage. Want something at least as good in those areas. Maybe what makes them sound good is
how hard they clamp on my head. Tiresome after a couple hours, but my ears don't stick out as much as when I was 5 years younger.

I listen to light classical, symphony, dixieland, piano, big band (swing), some vocal. Like music with rhythm and a beat, but not rock or electric instruments much. No games or TV use. House quiet. Open phones not a problem.

Been researching the forums for ideas and found a few that seem good on paper anyway. I live in a rural area with no way to audition several
models/brands without traveling a couple hours. Nearest "audiophile" store is a noisy BestBuy 40 miles away. But, while there, I did get to listen to a Bose headset with great sound in one ear and none in the other.

I have a decent 5.1 HT system downstairs, but find myself upstairs in the recliner with my laptop listening to the above type mp3 music more and more. I don't need any more wires to strangle myself with and am NOT considering an amp, so for whatever might get recommended, keep that in mind. The 497's do well with the laptop and even a tiny Sansa (Ipod thingy) works ok, but mostly it's mp3's off the laptop.

Here's what I am thinking might work. Especially interested comments from 497 users that have experienced other phones. I bought a cheap Sennheiser HD201, thinking maybe that would work based on some good comments here. BIG mistake. No bass, less soundstage and noticeably less volume than the 497's even though the specs are pretty similar.

ATH AD700
Senn HD555
Grado SR80i
Grado SR225i

HD497 was $60 when I bought. Most these are ~$150. Not one who feels you must always spend more to get more, but...

Comments?

 

[fatcat28037]

My old ears have found Grado to be the best match. if you can't find a pair to listen to before purchasing go for the 225i, it's generally agreed here they are the price/performance sweet-spot in the Grado lineup. In the off event it's not to your liking you'd have no trouble selling the.

I see this is your first post, hang around, it's an interesting place to visit.

 

[paulb09]

Well I previously used an HD497 as my main headphone before the K601, but the K601 is an entirely different headphone. If you really like the presentation of the HD497 it might be worth sticking on the Sennheiser path. From what I know of the HD555 from reading these forums, it could well provide some all round refinement and some increased soundstage accuracy over the HD497.

 

[Deafears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat28037 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I see this is your first post, hang around, it's an interesting place to visit.

Thanks, but I'm scared to after seeing the number of headsets some own and the money being dropped on searching for the perfect sound!

Any experience with the AD700's? I see some price deals right now. Some say bass is light, others not. I've been thinking about the 225i, but hoping for a price break.

 

[iPoodz]

When I listened to the AD700, I remember missing the bass, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the clarity and comfort of these phones.

Looking at your musical choices, everything will sound good, except for symphony/classical music, which will sound great. In my humble opinion, I very much preferred the semi-closed K240/K140 for jazz / big band / swing, but you might feel otherwise. I'd read through the appreciation thread, and see if these cans are your cup of tea.

 

[Deafears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulb09 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you really like the presentation of the HD497 it might be worth sticking on the Sennheiser path.

I do like the 497, but unfortunately have nothing to compare with other than the 201 mentioned. Someday I'll get to a big city with a real store to audition headphones.

 

[rhfactor1]

If you like the HD 497's, stay where you are at, don't start down the slippery-slope of "Head-Fi". Maybe you can stretch out the headband on the 497's by putting some books in between the earpads and stretching them a little bit futher than what would be wearing them on your head, I would say to try this first for at least two to three days to see if this help the clamping on ears. I bought my son a pair of HD 497's several years ago and I would say they are still quite competitve as far as SQ for that price range (paid a litte over $55 I believe). I have a pair of Grado SR-60 and Grado SR-125's and even though I am probably legally deaf in my right ear, both of these models are far to stringent in the midrange and high-end frequencies for my to listen to at any length of time. FWIR the Sennheiser and Audio-Technica models you mentioned would be too bass light. One suggestion for a cheap headphone that is loads of fun is the JVC HA-RX700 (can be purchased at Newegg.com or Buy.com for about $35) the reason I mention these is because they are little bit different flavor than the 497's, but are loads of fun. They throw a huge soundstage and are great on voice and orchestra. If you do purchase these please "burn-in" with music for at lest six days. I like to mention these because, they are IMHO so great for the price they are almost an impulse buy (please read other threads on this model in full-size headphone forum for further info), they have a darker sonic signature than the 497's and the earcups themselves are huge (they can be worn for hours without any discomfort). The only other HP that I can wholeheartedly recommend in this range would be the Denon AH-D1001K, these are a definite upgrade in SQ fom the HD 497's in every aspect, also most people agree as I do that they are the most comfortable HP's they have ever worn. I purchased mine for under $100 USD, but the price does seem to fluctuate quite a bit, about the best price I seen lately is around $125 USD. I hope my info. has helped you out a little bit. Happy Listening.

 

[Deafears]

Thanks for the level-set Rhfactor1. It's easy to get immersed in jubilation in any enthusiast group. Especially this one with so many product options. When I started thinking about upgrading I was skeptical about the degree of difference a similarly priced upgrade could produce. Still I'm curious and appreciate all comments. This would be so much easier if there were convenient sources to go listen to. Life is tough.