Input on Closed Cans

[R_burke]

I am considering either a pair of ATH W1000s or a pair of Darth Beyers. I am interested in isolation, but don't want to sacrifice too much for it. They will be powered by the built-in headphone amp of a Shanling CD T-100 CDP (WE 396A tubes).

I listen to every kind of music with the exception of RAP, although I do have some Hip Hop in my collection. Some of my all time favorites are Early Santana, Dr. John, Rory Block and John McLaughlin.

I'd love to hear from someone who has tried both, but any input is appreciated.

 

[nibiyabi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by R_burke /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am considering either a pair of ATH W1000s or a pair of Darth Beyers. I am interested in isolation, but don't want to sacrifice too much for it. They will be powered by the built-in headphone amp of a Shanling CD T-100 CDP (WE 396A tubes). I listen to every kind of music with the exception of RAP, although I do have some Hip Hop in my collection. Some of my all time favorites are Early Santana, Dr. John, Rory Block and John McLaughlin. I'd love to hear from someone who has tried both, but any input is appreciated.

I was deciding between these two headphones yesterday. At first I was going to go with the Darths but I decided that I didn't want them unless I could afford the premium package, so those will have to wait. I ordered the W1000 yesterday.

From what I understand, the Darths are on the dark side (duh!

), leaning toward the Sennheiser sound, and the W1000s are on the bright side, leaning toward the Grado sound. Seeing as how I love the Grado sound and I didn't feel like shelling out nearly $900 for the top-of-the-line Darth Beyer, I went with the W1000. Of course, the bottom-of-the-line Darth can be had for $345.

 

[warubozu]

I would agree with nibiyabi as I own both. The Darths are a bass monster and would definitely fit in if you listen to lot of rap or bass heavy music. Since you don't listen to much rap, the W1000 may just be for you. In general they do vocals quite well and their level of detail and soundstage are exceptional. Both Darths and W1000 isolate quite well around my ears. The W1000's do sound brighter than the Darths, but the that's the type of sound that I generally prefer.

 

[Lord Chaos]

As usual, I'm looking at improvements in my bedroom listening... currently using Sennheiser HD25s, which are pretty good. They're a bit thin in the midrange, though. When you say the W1000 are "bright," do you mean excessively so? I want good articulation and detail, but I don't want the high end to be over-emphasized.

 

[warubozu]

Compared to the Senns I would say yes. At times with certain recordings and with my current set up, the highs can be a bit unbearable requiring me to turn the volume down a bit. Others who have paired the W1000's with a certain amp haven't had issues with them sounding bright.

 

[R_burke]

So I'm confused - I currently have a pair of Senn 580s w/woodies and a Blue Dragon cable and I like the sound.

This would suggest that I would like the Darth's better, but most people suggest that based on my musical styles I would like the W1000s better.

Flip a coin????

 

[warubozu]

For me at times the bass out of the Darths can be a bit too much. When I listen to classic rock, jazz, or classical music I want a balanced sound. I want to hear instruments and vocals equally as much as some bass. Sometimes with these genres of music, the bass out Darth Beyers to me ears seems to drown them out making it sound a bit unbalanced. With your Shanling CD T-100 CDP amp it might just work it's synergy with the W1000 giving it a bit of warmth.

 

[thrillmetoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by R_burke /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am considering either a pair of ATH W1000s or a pair of Darth Beyers. I am interested in isolation, but don't want to sacrifice too much for it. They will be powered by the built-in headphone amp of a Shanling CD T-100 CDP (WE 396A tubes). I'd love to hear from someone who has tried both, but any input is appreciated.

Keep in mind that Beyers isolate much better than the W1000. As for sound, I very much favour the W1000. There have been a few reviews the last few weeks (also one of me). Just search for W1000.