BrooklynRick
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what is the purpose of the cloth covered cable?
I have my new $31 CD780s - compare notes in this thread if you like
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bong
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got mine today!
however, mine only came with one cable, the garden variety black rubber kind.
funny thing is, the plastic wrap it came with clearly states MDR-CD480. hope i didn't get ripped. what's the other cable like? isn't it like the lanyard type...
anyway, they are super-comfy, like two fluffy pillows on the side of my head. from only half an hour listening to it in the office, i find them really bright. the treble is a lot smoother than the MDR-7506, but still, it is VERY BRIGHT. i hope some burn in will take care of it.
the midrange is super-smooth, and the bass is nice and tight; not as strong as the MDR-7506, but it seems to extend pretty low.
man, these phones are huge! i put them on on the way back home only when the subway started clearing a bit. i didn't want people staring at me. however, they seem not to leak as much as my DR60. i got the volume to a good, comfortable listening level, took the phones off, and held it at arms length, could hardly hear the music on top of the subway's rumbling.
anyway, time to connect it to a source and hide it in the sock drawer to start the burning in process. more comments in a week!
anyway, they are super-comfy, like two fluffy pillows on the side of my head. from only half an hour listening to it in the office, i find them really bright. the treble is a lot smoother than the MDR-7506, but still, it is VERY BRIGHT. i hope some burn in will take care of it.
the midrange is super-smooth, and the bass is nice and tight; not as strong as the MDR-7506, but it seems to extend pretty low.
man, these phones are huge! i put them on on the way back home only when the subway started clearing a bit. i didn't want people staring at me. however, they seem not to leak as much as my DR60. i got the volume to a good, comfortable listening level, took the phones off, and held it at arms length, could hardly hear the music on top of the subway's rumbling.
anyway, time to connect it to a source and hide it in the sock drawer to start the burning in process. more comments in a week!
blessingx
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Been burning in for about 10 hours. Just tried again (after initial 30 minutes) and they have mellowed a bit. Not sure if/how long they were used as refurbs, but change seems more dramatic than my SR80's at this point. Hope it continues.
SunByrne
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OK, I haven't given them any real burn-in yet (think it's as necessary for a refurb?) and I agree with bong--they're quite bright. Classical/acoustic is a little, well, screechy is a bit too much--they're not really bad, but like the V6s and the Grado SR60, a bit too bright for acoustic guitar and violin, at least for me. For now, I'll stick with Senns for classical and acoustic.
Other than that, however, they're quite impressive. As everyone has already said, *extremely* comfortable, even though they are huge. Good detail, nice soudstage, pretty clean bass. For the price of KSC-35s, they're amazing! I think for home non-classical/acoustic, these will displace my HD280s and V6s except when I need closed phones. Just a complete steal at this price...
Other than that, however, they're quite impressive. As everyone has already said, *extremely* comfortable, even though they are huge. Good detail, nice soudstage, pretty clean bass. For the price of KSC-35s, they're amazing! I think for home non-classical/acoustic, these will displace my HD280s and V6s except when I need closed phones. Just a complete steal at this price...
blessingx
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I wouldn't assume there are any hours on them when you get them. Depending on how Sony defines "refurbished" they could be resold as such for a variety of reasons (packaging/label issues, missing cords or uniplug, etc.). Even those that have been played may have only for ten minutes before being returned and 30 seconds in testing.
Superbaldguy
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Are the CD780's good rock cans?
Steve999
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I did listen to some classical, mainly two Brahms piano concertos, a modern digital recording, and I found the CD780s to be absolutely breathtaking for those recordings. I didn't find it screechy, but I think it will depend on the recording, particularly on how brightly they recorded the violins, which can vary quite a bit.
I've done a lot more listening to my CD780s. Truth be told, they are bright. Not as bright as V6s or D66 eggos. In the treble, they're very close to the brightness of the HD280s, but the mids of the CD780s are brighter than the HD280 mids. I think it's an area where some people like it and some people won't -- a matter of taste. For me they have a breathtaking realism that is unique among the headphones that I have. But I must concede, for the benefit of people who would think about buying them at full price, that they are on the bright side of neutral.
For the rock music I've listened to on the CD780s, I found them exuberant and engaging -- again, it's going to be whether you enjoy the elevated but silky smooth highs or if it's too much for you.
I did have one recording where the CD780s were just too bright -- a latin jazz big band (Ray Barreto) with tons of percussion. Both my Sony CD580s and my Senn HD580s handled it better. The CD580s have a balance much closer to the HD580s, but a bit more forward than the HD580s, but with less pronounced bass and upper treble, but more low to mid treble, than the HD580s. The CD580s have more bass than the CD780s, but it does not go as deep and is not as tight. If you are really into hearing the bass, the Senn HD580s are the best for that purpose.
So, my beloved Sony CD580s (which cost me $40 refurbished!) and Senn HD580s will still have a prominent place in my main rig. The CD580s are siginficantly less bright than the CD780s, by a substantial margin, again striking a balance pretty close to the Senn HD580s. The CD580s are extraordinarily well-balanced phones.
The Sony CD580s are actually a bit more comfortable in some ways than the CD780s, they are lighter and the material doesn't get as warm. It's the same concept with cheaper materials and a different driver than the CD780s. The CD580s look really goofy too, even more goofy than the CD780s. The CD580s don't give you immediate eargasms like the CD780s do, because the padding and the materials are not quite as soft or cushy.
I notice the manual (the CD580s and CD780s share the same manual) describes the CD580s sound as "high fidelity, high resolution sound," and the CD780s sound as "dynamic sound," and I think there's something to that. I think those phrases were well-chosen by Sony. The CD580s I believe are ultimately more accurate. Though make no mistake, they do not have the breathtaking smooth mids or "you are there" realism of the CD780s. I am thrilled that I walked into bargain basement deals on both phones. I consider them both major quality players in the headphone market.
The smoothness of the mids of the CD780s I find really quite astonishing.
I think I'll be using my CD780s for many recordings, but I still have a strong place for the CD580s and HD580s. As D-EJ915 said, if you have a pair of CD780s and a pair of Senn HD580s, you're pretty much set to be able to enjoy any recording or any type of music, IMHO.
For a first hi fi headphone, I would tend to recommend the Senn HD580, since it's more, well, normal. That was my first great headphone. Now, using it as a benchmark, it tells me that my CD580s and CD780s are different flavors, but very legit (and cheaper and easier to drive!).
But if you don't have the money for a Senn HD580 and the additional gear that you may need for it, the CD580s are a very, very nice place to start. I just went back and listened to them and they are no shrinking violets, no joke, they play with the big boys. As I have said many times, I prefer the CD580s to the HD580s for most recordings. That's not meant in a bad way at all. It may well be that I end up preferring my CD580s to my CD780s too.
I think the CD580s may be the best balanced of the three headphones.
Based on these baby CD3000s (which is really what the Sony CD780s are), I think there may be a pair of full-grown CD3000s in my future!!!!!
Seriously, if the CD780s are your cup of tea, the CD3000s will give you more and better.
Looking at the FR graphs I suspect that the MDR-CD580 was designed as a baby Sony CD2000.
Well if you read my meanderings, thanks. It's actually very exciting for me to share the Sony CDX80 experience with everyone, and I'm glad everyone spent just $31, so the debates won't get too heated. In any event, it's just headphones, and I certainly don't mean to step on anybody's toes. I just like to relax and have fun here.
And thanks to head-fi in general, without which I wouldn't have had the information to get any of these fine phones, and at tremendous bargain prices to boot. And thanks to BrooklynRick and BlessingX for pointing out the CD780 deal. Okay, Steve, STOP typing, STOP editing, STOP STOP....
I've done a lot more listening to my CD780s. Truth be told, they are bright. Not as bright as V6s or D66 eggos. In the treble, they're very close to the brightness of the HD280s, but the mids of the CD780s are brighter than the HD280 mids. I think it's an area where some people like it and some people won't -- a matter of taste. For me they have a breathtaking realism that is unique among the headphones that I have. But I must concede, for the benefit of people who would think about buying them at full price, that they are on the bright side of neutral.
For the rock music I've listened to on the CD780s, I found them exuberant and engaging -- again, it's going to be whether you enjoy the elevated but silky smooth highs or if it's too much for you.
I did have one recording where the CD780s were just too bright -- a latin jazz big band (Ray Barreto) with tons of percussion. Both my Sony CD580s and my Senn HD580s handled it better. The CD580s have a balance much closer to the HD580s, but a bit more forward than the HD580s, but with less pronounced bass and upper treble, but more low to mid treble, than the HD580s. The CD580s have more bass than the CD780s, but it does not go as deep and is not as tight. If you are really into hearing the bass, the Senn HD580s are the best for that purpose.
So, my beloved Sony CD580s (which cost me $40 refurbished!) and Senn HD580s will still have a prominent place in my main rig. The CD580s are siginficantly less bright than the CD780s, by a substantial margin, again striking a balance pretty close to the Senn HD580s. The CD580s are extraordinarily well-balanced phones.
The Sony CD580s are actually a bit more comfortable in some ways than the CD780s, they are lighter and the material doesn't get as warm. It's the same concept with cheaper materials and a different driver than the CD780s. The CD580s look really goofy too, even more goofy than the CD780s. The CD580s don't give you immediate eargasms like the CD780s do, because the padding and the materials are not quite as soft or cushy.
I notice the manual (the CD580s and CD780s share the same manual) describes the CD580s sound as "high fidelity, high resolution sound," and the CD780s sound as "dynamic sound," and I think there's something to that. I think those phrases were well-chosen by Sony. The CD580s I believe are ultimately more accurate. Though make no mistake, they do not have the breathtaking smooth mids or "you are there" realism of the CD780s. I am thrilled that I walked into bargain basement deals on both phones. I consider them both major quality players in the headphone market.
The smoothness of the mids of the CD780s I find really quite astonishing.
I think I'll be using my CD780s for many recordings, but I still have a strong place for the CD580s and HD580s. As D-EJ915 said, if you have a pair of CD780s and a pair of Senn HD580s, you're pretty much set to be able to enjoy any recording or any type of music, IMHO.
For a first hi fi headphone, I would tend to recommend the Senn HD580, since it's more, well, normal. That was my first great headphone. Now, using it as a benchmark, it tells me that my CD580s and CD780s are different flavors, but very legit (and cheaper and easier to drive!).
But if you don't have the money for a Senn HD580 and the additional gear that you may need for it, the CD580s are a very, very nice place to start. I just went back and listened to them and they are no shrinking violets, no joke, they play with the big boys. As I have said many times, I prefer the CD580s to the HD580s for most recordings. That's not meant in a bad way at all. It may well be that I end up preferring my CD580s to my CD780s too.
I think the CD580s may be the best balanced of the three headphones.
Based on these baby CD3000s (which is really what the Sony CD780s are), I think there may be a pair of full-grown CD3000s in my future!!!!!
Looking at the FR graphs I suspect that the MDR-CD580 was designed as a baby Sony CD2000.
Well if you read my meanderings, thanks. It's actually very exciting for me to share the Sony CDX80 experience with everyone, and I'm glad everyone spent just $31, so the debates won't get too heated. In any event, it's just headphones, and I certainly don't mean to step on anybody's toes. I just like to relax and have fun here.
And thanks to head-fi in general, without which I wouldn't have had the information to get any of these fine phones, and at tremendous bargain prices to boot. And thanks to BrooklynRick and BlessingX for pointing out the CD780 deal. Okay, Steve, STOP typing, STOP editing, STOP STOP....
blessingx
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Quote:
Great, the $31 investment will only end up costing a total of $400!
Although initially extremely bright, I'm finding them a bit less so now. We'll see after full burn in (if that happens). Guess I'd place them for this issue between the more problematic V6's and the lower Grados. They would probably benefit from being less bright though (like all three models). As Steve mentioned this is somewhat a personal preference. My other problem with the highs at the moment is they can get grainy at times. No problems with the mids or lower end. And I like the dynamic sound. I'm even finding these much more detailed than I initially thought. For price I'd put these in the $100 range. Maybe add $10 for being so insanely comfortable and making me smile whenever they touch my ears.
| Originally posted by Steve999 Based on these baby CD3000s (which is really what the Sony CD780s are), I think there may be a pair of full-grown CD3000s in my future!!!!!
|
Great, the $31 investment will only end up costing a total of $400!
Although initially extremely bright, I'm finding them a bit less so now. We'll see after full burn in (if that happens). Guess I'd place them for this issue between the more problematic V6's and the lower Grados. They would probably benefit from being less bright though (like all three models). As Steve mentioned this is somewhat a personal preference. My other problem with the highs at the moment is they can get grainy at times. No problems with the mids or lower end. And I like the dynamic sound. I'm even finding these much more detailed than I initially thought. For price I'd put these in the $100 range. Maybe add $10 for being so insanely comfortable and making me smile whenever they touch my ears.
Steve999
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I find myself slipping back to my old CD580s by default.... even more comfy than the CD780s for long-term listening (lighter weight and not as warm) and they sound good with anything. There's a definite continuum from the HD580s (laid back) to the CD580s (middle ground) to the CD780s (coming out with dukes up and swinging!).
Wait! I tried the other cable! It's amazing! I'm floored! The highs are now flat and even smoother! Just kidding.
Honestly, as far as burn-in and cables and amps, beyond anything underpowered or defective, I'm a non-believer. Fortunately nobody asks me my opinion. When in Rome do as the Roman's do.
I'm a big believer in long-term listening to decide if you like a pair of phones though. Psychological burn-in is key. But it's hard to take your own advice when you're very excited about a pair of headphones.
Wait! I tried the other cable! It's amazing! I'm floored! The highs are now flat and even smoother! Just kidding.
Honestly, as far as burn-in and cables and amps, beyond anything underpowered or defective, I'm a non-believer. Fortunately nobody asks me my opinion. When in Rome do as the Roman's do.
I'm a big believer in long-term listening to decide if you like a pair of phones though. Psychological burn-in is key. But it's hard to take your own advice when you're very excited about a pair of headphones.
DesBen
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When I had the headphones at my office, I found they had a light balance, but they weren't bright. I'm wondering if it isn't a source/amp issue. People saying they are bright seem to either have Corda amps (very prominent treble IMHO) or no amp (i.e. distorted treble
).
My pair crossed the Canadian border Friday night. I should receive them sometime this week. I'm anxious to try them without the MG Head. I'll let you know if it's an amp thing.
It could also be because they aren't broken in yet...
My pair crossed the Canadian border Friday night. I should receive them sometime this week. I'm anxious to try them without the MG Head. I'll let you know if it's an amp thing.
It could also be because they aren't broken in yet...
blessingx
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Quote:
You had me for 7/8th of that line!
| Originally posted by Steve999 Wait! I tried the other cable! It's amazing! I'm floored! The highs are now flat and even smoother! Just kidding.
|
You had me for 7/8th of that line!
Steve999
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It's just a second cable to plug into the headphones. I have a feeling it's the "real" CD780 cable, since some of the plastic cables came with a bag that says CD480 on it, and the manual says the CD780's cable is different and lower resistance.
Quote:
Quote:
| Originally posted by BrooklynRick what is the purpose of the cloth covered cable? |
Steve999
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Well, really, they're not THAT bright. They sound wonderful with many recordings, and I think some people will find them just fine. They're a little beyond optimum for me, but I really like them anyway, especially for $31, I don't get too stressed about it. I have brighter headphones that cost a lot more money.
Quote:
Quote:
| Originally posted by DesBen When I had the headphones at my office, I found they had a light balance, but they weren't bright.... I'm anxious to try them without the MG Head. I'll let you know if it's an amp thing. It could also be because they aren't broken in yet... |
Padre
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OK so I got my cd780 and the comfort is great. Im wondering if getting the beyer pads for my v6 will up the comfort level of them. Are the beyer pads the same material as the cd780 pads or something different? I would love to get my v6 as comfy as the cd780...
blessingx
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The Beyer pads make the V6's more comfortable, but I don't know of anything close to these 780's. The V6's (and Beyer 250 pads) are built to be sealed, so don't think of them as this light pillow like.
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