I've narrowed down: DT-880, DT-990, DT-831, AKG240DF

[Philco]

Hi,

As you may know, I'm in the business to get the flattest, most accurate dynamic headphones (under US$500) for studio mixing.

I have the 7506, 7509 and HD270. All three sound utterly BAD in their own ways, no kidding, those phones suck...

I'd like to get something that isolates (at least a little) from the noise my mega computer fan is making. That means no Senns please. I also consider the AKG271S which are supposedly the best closed cans.

Some of you recommended the DT-880, but some local shop guy told me the 831 was awesome sounding too. Moreover, I need LOUD cans, 125dBspl is a minimum requirement as I like things loud sometimes.

I amp everything BTW, so no worry about 600 ohms cans.

Thanks

 

[sacundim]

Are you sure you want headphones that sound louder than a jet plane takeoff at 200ft?

 

[ReDVsion]

The K271 is the only headphone you've mentioned that will isolate decently at all. They're also said to be fairly neutral as well.

 

[ReDVsion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philco I'd like to get something that isolates (at least a little) from the noise my mega computer fan is making. That means no Senns please.

And dude... Sennheiser makes... closed headphones... that isolate.

 

[Potatoe1313]

Is your goal in life to go deaf...because I'm pretty sure listening to headphones that loud could kill you, or at least your hearing...I'm not sure which is worse...

 

[Philco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sacundim Are you sure you want headphones that sound louder than a jet plane takeoff at 200ft?

My 7509 can handle 3 Watts of power and have 107db of sensitivity (at 1mW input), that means they can pump up to 142 dB. That's some loudness!

My 7506 are rated at 1 Watt, 106dB sensitivity (at 1 mW), which means they go up to 136dB.

My HD270 are rated at 106dBspl for 1Vrms into 64 ohms, that means 106dB at 1.56mW. They don't specify the maximum power you can shoot those, but guessing the average 200mW, the cans can go to 127dB.

Bottom line is this: I can't get the 7509 or 7506 to distort without my ears bleeding red blood all over the place, but the HD270 farts out when I start to have fun listening to some loud music. If it can go to 127dB and I fart the suckers out, then I need someting really loud!

 

[Philco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Potatoe1313 Is your goal in life to go deaf...because I'm pretty sure listening to headphones that loud could kill you, or at least your hearing...I'm not sure which is worse...

99% of the time, I listen to about 90-100 dB, but I like to get this push IF ever want to. That's like buying a V8 Mustang when you know speed limits are there...

I guess I just don't like to bottom things out, I like to use things in their normal range, that's just it.

 

[EdipisReks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philco 99% of the time, I listen to about 90-100 dB, but I like to get this push IF ever want to. That's like buying a V8 Mustang when you know speed limits are there... I guess I just don't like to bottom things out, I like to use things in their normal range, that's just it.

90-100 db is still way to loud for prolonged time periods.

 

[Philco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReDVsion The K271 is the only headphone you've mentioned that will isolate decently at all. They're also said to be fairly neutral as well.

Fairly neutral yes, but Aman and many others think the bass lacks certain frequencies.

If there is somewhere I need to be accurate, it's down there, to eliminate unneeded speaker rumbles and unefficient dissipated power.

I don't exclude the K271 yet, but I think the Diffuse Field headphones will offer much better neutrality and "speakerlike" feel ?

 

[Philco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks 90-100 db is still way to loud for prolonged time periods.

This is only when I mix, which happens not so often and I take frequent pauses.

When I listen for "fun" I use non neutral headphones and drive them to just enough so that I get sense of detail.

I certainly don't want to go deaf, but 90dB is a good volume for trying to hear what is going on and getting a "feel" of the mix.

 

[Aman]

Philco: It really depends on your music.

I can recommend the headphones to the lighter music crowd. They performed the best with chamber classical music, but also did very well with classic rock recordings. It became troublesome in the acid jazz, blues, and heavy metal areas.

Overall, the AKG K271S headphones depend on your music and your amp.

EDIT:

I noticed you said studio work. I have never heard a better headphone for recording studios than the K271S. It's what kept me from selling them. I am a bass player and drummer, and my friend a guitar player - it was a blast mixing with these headphones, and they are definitely one of the best headphones (dare I say in the WORLD?) for mixing due to the incredibly unique sound qualities.

For mixing, I don't think you could get much better than the AKG K271S, let alone ANY AKG headphone.

 

[vbmechanic]

Making your computer quiet is not that tough... and would open up your possibilities quite a bit. I have a Prescott Pentium that overclocks to 3.7G and it is nearly silent. A good power supply and a few Nexus fans is all you really need to do it.

 

[Philco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman Philco: It really depends on your music. I can recommend the headphones to the lighter music crowd. They performed the best with chamber classical music, but also did very well with classic rock recordings. It became troublesome in the acid jazz, blues, and heavy metal areas. Overall, the AKG K271S headphones depend on your music and your amp. EDIT: I noticed you said studio work. I have never heard a better headphone for recording studios than the K271S. It's what kept me from selling them. I am a bass player and drummer, and my friend a guitar player - it was a blast mixing with these headphones, and they are definitely one of the best headphones (dare I say in the WORLD?) for mixing due to the incredibly unique sound qualities. For mixing, I don't think you could get much better than the AKG K271S, let alone ANY AKG headphone.

Thanks Aman, I mostly mix heavy metal, rock and pop bands. I also am a guitar player, drummer and bassman.

Have you (or someone else) ever tried Beyers DT-250 so that you can compare them to the 271 ?

 

[Philco]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbmechanic Making your computer quiet is not that tough... and would open up your possibilities quite a bit. I have a Prescott Pentium that overclocks to 3.7G and it is nearly silent. A good power supply and a few Nexus fans is all you really need to do it.

Yes, I know that, but the other problem is that my folks sleep in the room next to mine, so OPEN is okay, but not much bleeding please.

 

[BlackJackSkanz]

If that is the case the DT880 & DT990 are out the door. Both are open. Maybe the CD3000 for the DT880 and obviously the DT770 for the DT990. DT440s for the 240Ms?

Do yo have any good stereo shops to audition these at in your town?