[Regus]

I currently have a pair of HD650 which I love, but I find myself wanting for a more in-your-face headphone, not to replace the HD650 but to complement it.

I am considering a Grado 225 and 325i, but I haven't got my heart set on either yet...

The 325i is obviously somewhat more expensive and the question is: is it worth it over the 225 or should I get something else all together?

My setup is
USB-> 2 module DDDAC Mk2 -> PPA

 

[jpr703]

I prefer the 225 to the 325i. Do some searches and you'll find some comparisons.

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I currently have a pair of HD650 which I love, but I find myself wanting for a more in-your-face headphone, not to replace the HD650 but to complement it. I am considering a Grado 225 and 325i, but I haven't got my heart set on either yet... The 325i is obviously somewhat more expensive and the question is: is it worth it over the 225 or should I get something else all together? My setup is USB-> 2 module DDDAC Mk2 -> PPA

Maybe consider MS2i too.

 

[miscreant]

325 is 100 times bigger number than 225. and did you notice the i?
it is not just your usual "i". it means IMPROVEMENT. yes.
thats a HUGE .. no no no.. E N O R M O U S difference. i like the word "enormous" a lot. that is why for me the 325i is the favorite.

 

[seacard]

SA5000 -- Much more aggressive than the HD650, but a better sounding headphone to my ears than the Grados.

AKG K501 is another option, though I'd say it's somewhere between the HD650 and the SA5000.

 

[Regus]

with regards to the MS2i, how easy are they to get your hands on in europe?

SA5000, i can get from amzon and the price range is about the same guess i'll have to research them too..

the K501 - how is the K701 compared to it? Meier has the K701 but not the K501 and the price is within range

 

[seacard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regus /img/forum/go_quote.gif with regards to the MS2i, how easy are they to get your hands on in europe? SA5000, i can get from amzon and the price range is about the same guess i'll have to research them too.. the K501 - how is the K701 compared to it? Meier has the K701 but not the K501 and the price is within range

There is a used pair of the SA5000 on the for sale forum right now. I think the last one sold for under $250, so they can be had cheaply.

The K501 is quite different from the K701. The K701 is a bit more refined and laid-back. If you want a contrast to the HD650s, I don't think that's the way to go. The K501 is a bit brighter and more forward, with a little less "bloom." It's a great headphone, and can be had for $99! these days. Quite a bargain.

 

[boomana]

I have both 650s and K340s. That pairing describes what you're looking for.

 

[Hi-Finthen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regus /img/forum/go_quote.gif with regards to the MS2i, how easy are they to get your hands on in europe? SA5000, i can get from amzon and the price range is about the same guess i'll have to research them too.. the K501 - how is the K701 compared to it? Meier has the K701 but not the K501 and the price is within range

I think, you're on the right track with consideration of the 701s; Here sometimes said to be somewhat likened to the 600s...

I say you're looking in the right direction for two reasons.
Coming from the 650s which is known to hide some of the warts of sources and the recordings, I've always feared the overly bright chareteristics of "In Your Face" with it, cans... Meaning I'll bet you want something somewhat brighter as an alternate can...

Also, personally comfort is a big issue, especially if you're use to the comfort level of 650s....

Such as even my 990s, but at least with it, when chosen for certain musics, I do yield a more hyper bass presentation which doesn't spill over into mid bass hump. With the right amp any "BRIGHT" can can coexist with the 650s I suppose....

Not coincindentally, I have both the 701s and 990s and would suggest you consider both.

Which, by the way replaced my 650s...

Stay tuned~

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regus /img/forum/go_quote.gif with regards to the MS2i, how easy are they to get your hands on in europe? SA5000, i can get from amzon and the price range is about the same guess i'll have to research them too.. the K501 - how is the K701 compared to it? Meier has the K701 but not the K501 and the price is within range

MS2i you can order straight from Alessandro.

 

[reivaj]

i will throw another out for the ms2i since its an in your face headphone but it wont give you a huge brain shock compared to the 325i unless you want to go all out lol

 

[jinp6301]

personally i prefer the 225 to the 325i when i auditioned both of them. so i bought the 225.

its just a matter of personal preferance, but its best if you can try before you buy

 

[Regus]

darn I was sorta hoping to come out of this thread with _fewer_ questions... I know, I know, very naive thinking on my part

I'm going to rule the K501 out simply because it is so cheap I can buy that one and still buy any of the others...

The K701 seems to be too close to the HD650 - definatly sounds like a phone I'll wan't to try one of these days, but being a software developer I belive in binary search over linear, so i'd rather go too in-your-face than too little...

That leaves me with the SA5000 the MS2i and the two Grados I started out with, and a no less difficult question than i started with

Now if i pick up the SA5000 on the forum it will no doubt be the cheapest solution as I can slip that one around the customs inspectors without having to pay 25% import duty, the MS2i with import duty ($375) will cost me about the same as the SR225 and the SR325i will be about $520...

 

[Regus]

Ok did a little more research and seems the SR325i and MS2i is pretty much the same and given the price difference that rules out the SR325i, and with effectively an SR325i and SR225 at the same price, the bigger number means better devil makes me drop the SR225.

putting the SA5000 and MS2i head to head.... Not really trusting Sony and finding more mixed reactions to the SA5000 than the MS2i I am now leaning towards the MS2i and trying to pick up a K501 on the forum along the way...

supose I best sleep on it though...