like my 125's but want more separation and detail... help!

[omendelovitz]

Hey all,

I'm finding that as much as I love my 125's, playing more complicated music compositions on these phones muddies the sound; additionally, many background musical portions are insufficiently defined. I also find that often my 125's are a little too bright and sibilant.

i.e. - I love the Grado sound, but want a more 'analytical' headphone (one that separates instruments better). I also want to tame the highs as well.

I just picked up a pair of HD 590's this morning and find that so far, they are definitely more analytical and tamed in the highs than my 125's(most of the time, anyway); however, I think I want more of an analytical sound than they can provide. Additionally, they don't exactly reproduce a grado type sound signature, as fun as they sound.

Any and all suggestions for a suitable upgrade is appreciated. Just one catch, I'm playing my music off a DAP w/o an amp, so I'd like to keep the resistance down to about <125 ohms.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Roblin]

I'm only passing on research knowledge, not first hand experience, but I've read that the MS-2i and 325i have a great deal of separation and lots of detail. Not sure if the 325i has tamed highs compared to the 125s..

My hf-1s have been a great improvement over my 125s. It's still too early for impressions, but they definately have tamed highs in comparison, with more controlled separation. From my limited experience (heard the senn 590 a while back too), I would go with the hf-1, but you may have to make your decision pretty quick...

I better leave it to someone with first hand experience with the 325i's and MS-2i to give you a better idea...

Hope my vague impressions and bump help.

 

[hardbop]

Try the Alessandro headphones.

 

[jonnyhambone]

I'm in the middle of a 125 to HF1 transition myself (about 40 hrs. logged on HF1 #246). It's a good next step...at this point, some jazz and acoustic folk stuff is still sounding really good on the 125's with Senn 414's but new HF1's are crazy lively with suprisingly rich bass and detail (I've been listening with the bowls and am now trying them reversed for fun...).

 

[erikzen]

I would say that the HF-1 provide good instrument separation. They are bright without being harsh. I don't have much Grado experience but I auditioned the SR-225 once and found it fatiguing. The HF-1 does not seem fatiguing at all. The only drawback is that I don't like the bowl pads. They aren't very comfortable to me.

The HF-1 go back on sale again right about now. Hurry there are only 150 left!

 

[omendelovitz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roblin Hope my vague impressions and bump help.

Thanks to all for the wonderful help and info... what does bump mean?

Cheers.

 

[ScubaSteve87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikzen I would say that the HF-1 provide good instrument separation. They are bright without being harsh. I don't have much Grado experience but I auditioned the SR-225 once and found it fatiguing. The HF-1 does not seem fatiguing at all. The only drawback is that I don't like the bowl pads. They aren't very comfortable to me. The HF-1 go back on sale again right about now. Hurry there are only 150 left!

I would say HF-1, but if you are really focused on instrument seperation get the 325i. I did not like the very very harsh highs of the 325i, they hurt my ears, but there was a LOT of sepereation compared to the HF-1. But the HF-1 doesn't hurt my ears

even with the bowls

 

[kramer5150]

Another HF1 vote.

Perhaps MS2 or MS1?

IMHO these are the 3 warmest sounding Grados under $300.

The HF1 mids are the sweetest of this bunch. Soundstage is broad (but not K501/HD580 huge). Solo vocals and instruments are more "in your head" sounding than the MS2/1, while rhythm and backup instruments occupy ambient space from behind.


Garrett

 

[Jazper]

hmm one vote for the SA5000s here .. if you can afford them

they will do exactly as you ask, and are 70 ohm headphones..

 

[omendelovitz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazper hmm one vote for the SA5000s here .. if you can afford them they will do exactly as you ask, and are 70 ohm headphones..

SA 5000? who makes them? approx how much do they cost?

 

[Lisa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 Another HF1 vote. Perhaps MS2 or MS1? IMHO these are the 3 warmest sounding Grados under $300. The HF1 mids are the sweetest of this bunch. Soundstage is broad (but not K501/HD580 huge). Solo vocals and instruments are more "in your head" sounding than the MS2/1, while rhythm and backup instruments occupy ambient space from behind. Garrett

No, not MS-1 for what he/she wants.

 

[discord]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omendelovitz SA 5000? who makes them? approx how much do they cost?

Sony; $400 or less.

 

[omendelovitz]

ok, so if I don't like the 325i's brightness, what are my options for a can of the 325i's caliber, but not as bright? how do the MS-2's compare with the 325i's?

Cheers!

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by discord Sony; $400 or less.

$325 is a more reasonable estimate of the cost

 

[omendelovitz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazper $325 is a more reasonable estimate of the cost

Does anybody have any experience w/ the Sony's? I don't necessarily trust Sony all that much and am hesitant b/c their warranty is really poor (90 days)...