[markot86]

As one final attempt before I drive somewhere far to test headphones out for myself, I'd like to get at least get an idea of what I should be looking for when I go.

A few words about my current headphone tastes and jazz:

I find the MS-1's overly bright for jazz. they may be considered "neutral" on these forums, but man, most of the instruments sound totally fake.

In hearing the super.fi's I have also found that they are too dark for my tastes and seem to affect the tibre of every instrument in the exact opposite way of the ms-1's.

What are some possible suggestions in the up to 400 dollar range for good jazz headphones based on my ideas on these two?

Also, are there any Head-fiers who live in Charlottesville, VA, that possibly have a headphone collection that they'd let a head-fier sample?

 

[mulveling]

Sounds like you've only tried bows on the MS-1's. Bowls are very bright pads. You might want to pick up some VWAP pads before you write them off - they can be used for other Grados too. Todd's flats are also great (especially for the high end Grados - rs1 and hp2), but can be a bit dark and muddy at the lower end of the line.

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulveling Sounds like you've only tried bows on the MS-1's.

I am pretty sure that the MS1s come with comfie pads.

 

[markot86]

Yeah, I've tried pretty much every single pad combination save flats on my ms-1's. I was perfectly content with the sound until I visited a local jazz performance and realized just how colored these cans are. While they are great for rock, IMO they are far from the real thing.

 

[BodiesOfLight]

I would think any Audio Technica headphone A900 and up would be great for Jazz.

 

[surfboardz26]

you should consider stax headphones. i have the sr-404 and they are GREAT for jazz.

 

[Spad]

I've been a jazz fan for many years and own a variety of headphones. The best I've heard is the SA5K.

 

[blue4n3]

if you can go IEM, the Shure E4c is the best jazz 'phone I have heard. My AKG 240m are good too, but lack a little bass. Maybe the newer AKG line?

 

[acidboy84]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue4n3 if you can go IEM, the Shure E4c is the best jazz 'phone I have heard. My AKG 240m are good too, but lack a little bass. Maybe the newer AKG line?

Shure E4c good for Jazz? Thought it was more suitable for pop/rock?

 

[RedLeader]

I find both my Fostex T40 and er6i are awesome for jazz

 

[dj_mocok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfboardz26 you should consider stax headphones. i have the sr-404 and they are GREAT for jazz.

Oh hell yeah.

 

[Covenant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_mocok Oh hell yeah.

Long time no hear, dude

But i agree, the faster/more detailed 'phones tend to excel with jazz. SA5K and the various Stax phones have been the best.

 

[dj_mocok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Covenant Long time no hear, dude But i agree, the faster/more detailed 'phones tend to excel with jazz. SA5K and the various Stax phones have been the best.

I'm still around, posting bits and pieces of useless posts here and there.

 

[Covenant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_mocok I'm still around, posting bits and pieces of useless posts here and there.

And just when are we going to manage to drag you to one of the Sydney meets, eh?

 

[markot86]

I'm fairly surprised that no one has mentioned the dt880's; I figured that this would be the first on the list by a fair margin =P. Is the sa5000 that much better than the DT880 neutrality wise?