I uh...need a new headphone!
Mar 15, 2007 at 10:16 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 21

Asr

Headphoneus Supremus
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So I'm on the prowl for another headphone! What can you guys bring my attention to?
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I've been through a crapload of headphones so far. These are ones I have passionate dislikes for:
- Sony MDR-V6, Headphile Darth Beyer CD3000, MDR-SA5000

These are ones that have just never grabbed me:
- AKG K501, K81DJ
- Audio-Technica A900, OR7, FC7
- Beyer DT770, DT250-80
- Senn HD650, HD600, HD595

These I've liked for one reason or another but ended up tossing because they ceased to pass muster as my ears got better and I acquired my taste:
- AKG K401, K271S
- Audio-Technica ES5 (still evaluating the ES7 btw, not sure what to think of it yet)
- Beyer 2006 DT880
- Grado SR225

I have four criteria that must absolutely be met: (1) it has to be single-ended & dynamic, (2) it has to cost less than $500, (3) the impedance rating has to be 120 Ohms or more, and (4) it has to offer something different than both the K701 and AD2000!
 
Mar 15, 2007 at 10:41 PM Post #4 of 21
Youve certianly been through a fair bunch without finding your sound. The K340 is a worthwhile suggestion, although they do need more than the initial investment to bring them up to the world class they are capable of. Ergo 2 would be my unhesitating recommendation even if I werent selling one, but its 20 ohms below your minimum requirments for impedience. If you didnt like the DT770 and eventually parted with the DT880, then perhaps the DT990 might be more what youre after?

Why do you have that stipulation on the impedience by the way? It does limit your choices a little bit. The Grados you eventually tired of were a lot less.

What was it about those various likeable misses that you found lacking? We might be able to help out better if we knew what sonic aspects youre after or tryign to avoid because we arnt all familiar with the sounds of the headphoens themselves personally.
 
Mar 15, 2007 at 10:57 PM Post #5 of 21
Intricate question Duggeh, with your love for flaots/ergos, why are you selling one?
 
Mar 15, 2007 at 11:03 PM Post #6 of 21
You've got 3000+ posts. You should know by now. Maybe it's time to join the vintage Stax team.
 
Mar 15, 2007 at 11:08 PM Post #7 of 21
>> AKG K401, K271S
I liked the K401 because it was nice and balanced, just not up to the scale of the K701, and the K271 for its gloriously warm mid-range.

>> Audio-Technica ES5 (still evaluating the ES7 btw, not sure what to think of it yet)
I liked this one cuz it had tons of PRAT!
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>> Beyer 2006 DT880
Best clarity and detail I've ever heard - would probably still have it if the sibilance hadn't gotten to me first.

>> Grado SR225
Best transients I've ever heard, but the AD2K easily supplants it.
wink.gif


The impedance criteria is because I need something that provides a bigger challenge for any amp, to help me do reviews for StereoMojo. I should probably add that whatever I get isn't going to be a main listening headphone, as I already have two favorites. I just need a third that I can tolerate and will pass the test of my ears.

My ideal sound is perfectly centered on the mids, no recession, strong clarity. Bass doesn't matter to me, and treble must be extended yet not bright.

I've taken a look at both the DT990 and Ultrasone threads but those have scary monsters lurking within, if someone could simplify them for me that would be much appreciated.
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Mar 15, 2007 at 11:09 PM Post #8 of 21
Quote:

Originally Posted by MaloS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Intricate question Duggeh, with your love for flaots/ergos, why are you selling one?


Needs must, I need the cash for something special.
 
Mar 15, 2007 at 11:10 PM Post #10 of 21
If nothing makes you happy, then how about a pair of the original Jeckin Floats?
 
Mar 15, 2007 at 11:12 PM Post #11 of 21
Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomagnate /img/forum/go_quote.gif
If nothing makes you happy, then how about a pair of the original Jeckin Floats?


oh! can i have them?
 
Mar 16, 2007 at 1:50 AM Post #12 of 21
AT W100's if you can find them.
 
Mar 16, 2007 at 2:06 AM Post #13 of 21
Sounds like the sound you are looking for is the MS2i! Unfortunately you must "resist".

...or perhaps rather be impeded from making that obvious choice.

Well...they'd be kinda close, otherwise.
 
Mar 16, 2007 at 2:12 AM Post #14 of 21
Actually that description fits k340 very well, they are a very mid and highs oriented headphone...next non-Grado thing on the list is obviously MS series, but they don't account for the requested impedance.

DT990 from what I gather in the threads is similar to dt880 but with strong bass and more upper midrange detail? Its kind of hard to summarize from what people say without just listening. I am zero on Ultrasones >.<
 
Mar 16, 2007 at 2:12 AM Post #15 of 21
The DT990 has had my interest ever since I saw it at the 2006 International Meet. Can anyone speak for sibilance on it though? The DT880's sibilance had me finally running away from it screaming!

Strongly considering the K340 now, I've been interested in them even longer and they seem like the ideal headphone for my next amp.
 

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