[sacd lover]

I have been debating the pros and cons of the sony cd3000 and beyer dt 880 for three days. I have researced many threads and pmed several head-fiers. Overall, the sony has had few criticisms, except a possibly microphonic cord and a tendency towards treble brightness. Many strenghts are noted and owner loyalty is high with the cd3000.

The beyer on the other hand has had some dissatified owners. Furthermore, the comments on these phones are varying wildly; to dark vs to bright is the most confounding, as well as opinions voicing an irritating or peaky treble. I have thus ruled out the beyers because I just dont know what to expect, and I have no way to personally audition them or the cd3000s.

I am looking for something somewhere between a senn hd580/600 and a grado. I prefer the grado sound but I want something more relaxing and refined. The cd3000 seems to be the solution but I thought I would ask if there are any other closed cans that can top these? In fact, are there any open cans of any brand, besides senns or grados, that can rival these for near the same money?

Are the cd3000s that good?

 

[Mike Scarpitti]

Quote:

Originally posted by sacd lover I have been debating the pros and cons of the sony cd3000 and beyer dt 880 for three days. I have researced many threads and pmed several head-fiers. Overall, the sony has had few criticisms, except a possibly microphonic cord and a tendency towards treble brightness. Many strenghts are noted and owner loyalty is high with the cd3000. The beyer on the other hand has had some dissatified owners. Furthermore, the comments on these phones are varying wildly; to dark vs to bright is the most confounding, as well as opinions voicing an irritating or peaky treble. I have thus ruled out the beyers because I just dont know what to expect, and I have no way to personally audition them or the cd3000s. I am looking for something somewhere between a senn hd580/600 and a grado. I prefer the grado sound but I want something more relaxing and refined. The cd3000 seems to be the solution but I thought I would ask if there are any other closed cans that can top these? In fact, are there any open cans of any brand, besides senns or grados, that can rival these for near the same money? Are the cd3000s that good?

Probably, but you must bear in mind that other phones may react much more differently than do the Sony's. In other words, the Sony's may be somewhat less amp-sensitive. You should auditiona all of the ones you're considering, and seek opinions here on the best amps for them before concluding that you should get the Sony. But for not a whole lot more money, I'd strongly suggest you check out Stax's entry-level phones.

Just my opinion.

 

[Nightfall]

sacd lover,


Yes, having lived with HD600's, DT931's and heard many others, the CD300o's ARE that good, with my highest recommendation, and they sound exactly like what you need.
That said, I own the 3000's, the 931's and still might buy the 880's because they are damned good, in and of themselves.



JC

 

[screwdriver]

i cant speak for the beyer 880.

but i have owned the akg k501, w1000 , hd575 , beyer dt770pro, cd3000 .

from all these - my headphone of choice is the cd3000.

but then i stumbled upon a grado HP-1 .

so i sold the cd3000

and it is my 700th post too....

 

[Geek]

The CD3k is more aggressive than the Grados (even the 325) with overhyped high end to the point of unnaturalness and fatigue.

Some people love this sort of sound, but it turns me off.

Plus the CD3k has a slightly hollow, colored bass sound.

Some think exactly the opposite of me. Rather than rely on this post or any other in its entirety, try auditioning the CD3000s and the HD600s and the RS1s in a PROPER setup for each phone.

Otherwise you will not know which one is superior truly.

Cheers,
Geek

 

[Digital-Monk]

Quote:

Originally posted by screwdriver so i sold the cd3000

It was fate actually

And so I acquired the CD3000...

 

[Guyferd]

Yes I would really suggest that you audition them.
There is no point in listening to hearsay and reviews.. coz they are all based on the owner's ear!
You may or may not like what the reviewers heard. So don't regret when you find that cd3k is not to your liking.
For me, cd3k is good.. but I don't think they're worth 379, esp new. I would rather get a used. It doesn't isolate well also. And is a little heavy, but comfortable.

 

[Geek]

Oh, and if you ever consider Stax, the most worthwhile purchases are the high end stuff they offer (which arguably is beaten by the HD600/blockhead combo).

I'll have to spend some long hours listening to the high end electrostats vs say a blockhead/meridian solid state - dynamic combo.

Back on topic, definitely audition. You can tell that each person has defined tastes. I'm guessing you will find the CD3000 sound to your liking, but it's very amp sensitive and has some extremely revealing highs so get a good amp, preferably a warmer one.

Cheers,
Geek

 

[MacDEF]

Quote:

Originally posted by Geek The CD3k is more aggressive than the Grados (even the 325) with overhyped high end to the point of unnaturalness and fatigue. Some people love this sort of sound, but it turns me off. Plus the CD3k has a slightly hollow, colored bass sound.

My impressions were very similar to Geek's.

But to reiterate what others have said, people like what people like, and you should definitely audition them yourself.

 

[purk]

Sacd Lover,

Since you love the DA-990, I think you will like the CD3K. I know that you have very good equipment, so I think you should have no problem with the CD3K. If I'm not mistaken, CD3K and Headroom amps are not meant for one another. However, based on my ears, my modest system, I really like the CD3K with Maxed out Meta42, and NS500V. CD3K will impress you with its clarity, and detail. Don't miss the seperation of the instrument, and incredible soundstage on this phone. I think for around 200-300 dollars, Meta42 is a great match with the CD3K. I use OPA-637 to the CD3K, since it seem to slow down the CD3K and give that touch of warm to the CD3K. I have had many headphone before, and non of them match the extreme vasatility of the CD3K. CD3K sounds great out of my Sony D-E900 discman, and Sharp MD-SS323 md player. You must try this for yourself. About the Headphones, I had and have a lot, check my profile or my sig.


Purk

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Boy: Do not try and lift the veil. That's impossible. Instead... only try to realize the truth.

Neo: What truth?

Boy: There is no veil.

 

[Tomcat]

Quote:

Originally posted by MacDEF Quote: Originally posted by Geek The CD3k is more aggressive than the Grados (even the 325) with overhyped high end to the point of unnaturalness and fatigue. Some people love this sort of sound, but it turns me off. Plus the CD3k has a slightly hollow, colored bass sound. My impressions were very similar to Geek's. But to reiterate what others have said, people like what people like, and you should definitely audition them yourself.

I agree too.

 

[bangraman]

The CD3000 are possibly the most generally compatible phones I've owned (<1 month, but it was pretty intensive listening and many-amped). They can be harsh, but only if the source is. One thing they can add which I wasn't too fond was extra wooliness at the bottom end. Consequently they don't quite give the speed of low end attack as the Gratos but have a relatively neutral, wide-open sound with a little something extra that draws you into complex music.
The only thing that caused me to get rid of them was the comfort, which became excruciating after half an hour or so. Caucasians probably don't need to worry about this, as even Spad I believe remarked with some wonder that my head was actually tightly against the main headband.

 

[sacd lover]

First, thanks for all the replys. I would very much like to audition the cd3000s, and the beyers too, but these phones arent available in my area. I get a choice of grados or senns. The only reason I ever tried the jvcs was they were on sale, and I bought them blind by mail order. This seems to be the route I will have to take with these as well.
One advantage I do have now is that I have good information prior to making a choice, thanks to many of you here at head-fi. I do agree with guyferd and I have my eye on a used cd3000 vs a new one. I also have a shot at some older model stax for a very reasonable amount. I want to try some different brands and see whats out there.
Obviously a meet would be a great idea but nothing has come up in Ohio so far. I will no doubt end up buying some of these, and if they arent to my liking, I will just have to sell them and try another. But thanks to you I have a good idea where to start.

 

[acs236]

sacd lover,

I suggest that you buy the CD 3000s immediately, and then come to the Ohio meet if we can ever get it organized.