[FairyTales]

Hey there, i'm looking for some help to pick a new set of headphones, but it will be complicated

So far my current setup is an ATH-A900 (closed) feed by a M-Audio 2496 (will add a DAC in the not so distant future) and powered by a Soha II (diy tube amp for those that don't frequent the diy part of the forum) this is for the music/movies part.

I also play on xbox and use the optical out that goes into a JVC Su-Dh1 and to the Soha II.

I'm looking for a set of open cans with a really wide soundstage and great positioning, that will really benefit from my amp, and isn't fatiguing.

What i don't like about the A900
-Fatiguing after a while when listening to music,
-Tad too bassy at times, especially when i have headaches and that happens relatively often
-Sound also feels like it's coming from the forehead/front and really close
-Way to hot and make sweaty ears lol.

What i like
-Instrument and voices separation
-Bass are tight/ doesn't bleed and overall the sound isn't muddy
-Very comfortable

I listen mainly to rock music (Dire Straits, ACDC, Satriani, RHCP) love guitars and voices a lot (both gender with a huge preference for the girls), but want to keep it able to play any kind of music, except electronica which i absolutely can't stand.

As i said it will also be used for gaming (a lot, mainly fps) and movies, probably 70% of the time, and 30% for the music.

My budget is relatively open, around 500$, can add a little if it's really worth it.

Thanks.

Arnaud

 

[FairyTales]

Bump?

Maybe i should add the different headphones i had in mind?
-ATH AD700/AD900 but i'm afraid that it would be way too similar to my A900.
-AKG K601/701/702, but most people say they aren't good for gaming and rock.
-Senn HD650 but those are said to be really bassy and not that great with DH.

As you can see, i'm completely lost on this one, i guess i may be asking for too much and there isn't any headphones that will be good for music and games and movies?

Would it be easier to just pick up a set of gaming cans?

 

[Helmore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairyTales /img/forum/go_quote.gif Bump? Maybe i should add the different headphones i had in mind? -ATH AD700/AD900 but i'm afraid that it would be way too similar to my A900. -AKG K601/701/702, but most people say they aren't good for gaming and rock. -Senn HD650 but those are said to be really bassy and not that great with DH. As you can see, i'm completely lost on this one, i guess i may be asking for too much and there isn't any headphones that will be good for music and games and movies? Would it be easier to just pick up a set of gaming cans?

The AD700/AD900 can't possibly be too similar to the A900. The AD900 for example, which I have, does have bass but you have to 'look' for it to really hear it. The bass on my AD900 is too easily overshadowed by the rest of the frequency spectrum on most of my music. I listen mainly to rock, like Bruce Springsteen, RHCP, 30 seconds to mars, Rise Against, Sum 41, Breaking Benjamin, but also Avril Lavigne for example. On most of those songs, even though the songs can be quite bassy, the bass will always seem a bit too polite out of my AD900. That's just personal opinion though. Keep in mind, I haven't heard the AD700, but most people have said that the AD900 has more bass than the AD700. The AD900 is amazing for gaming though.

As for the Sennheiser HD650, I think most people here would not recommend it for gaming and movies. I haven't heard either the AKGs or the Sennheiser, but from what other people have said on this forum, the AKG K701/K702 have around the same or even less bass than my AD900. I could be wrong and I haven't heard them though.

Have you also looked into the Beyerdynamic DT880 600 Ohms? They might also be of interest to you. Do some research beforehand and remember, let only your ears be the judge on how something sounds. Everyone perceives sound differently.

 

[FairyTales]

Hey thanks for the help, the DT880 might be a really good option, i don't know why but always thought they were closed cans

I've started looking into various thread and they might be the cans i'm looking for.

The problem is that most of the time you have to decide what to pick based on opinions from fellow head-fiers, as it's almost impossible to hear them at a local store (except for the entry level cans from Senn and Akg).

 

[Palpatine]

Are you going to keep your AD 900 for gaming and movies? I would if I were you. That would allow you to concentrate on getting cans just for music. have you considered a closed headphone like the Denons? Perhaps a Grado to satisfy your rock music needs.

 

[FairyTales]

Actually i have the A900 not the AD900

, hence the fact that i'm looking for something more open with a wider soundstage, the A900 really sound too close in general.

Will i keep them if i end up buying another set, probably not if the other set ends up being better according to my needs.

I can't pronounce myself on the grados for the moment, i have offered a set to my GF for xmas, but only listened to them for a few minutes so i can't really say if i like them or not.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd also recommend the Beyerdynamic DT880. I don't game, but it would do well with your requirements otherwise.

I think the Sennheiser HD-600 might work well for you, too. They're excellent headphones and more neutral than the HD-650.

A dark horse might be the Sony MDR-SA5000. These are polarizing headphones - people either love or hate them. I'm lucky enough to love them. If the SA5000 fits your tastes, you'll be thrilled with them.

Though try to get to a meet before you buy anything. It's the best way to test drive headphones.

 

[HeyItsBattleKid]

For the headaches, I think the Denon D2000 worked quite well. I tend to get frequent headaches as well

Now, granted the worst thing you can do when you have a headache is grab some Ultrasones

, the D2000 really has a distant, spacious sound that I really prefer for more mesmerizing, tranquil music (meditating really). They are quite comfy.

If you are looking for doing some gaming, I've always heard that the DT880 are great for that, and I've used both DT770 and DT990 for doing that (haven't had the chance to try the DT880 yet) But I also used the D2000 with great success in gaming as well. I'll throw in a recommendation for the D2000, its worth a bit of research and consideration. Hope the headaches get better

Its tough to listen to music with one, I'm more of a light sensitive headache guy so lights out and maybe background music is ok too.

 

[FairyTales]

Thanks for the help guys (and sorry for the late reply). I've searched some more and will end up ordering a DT880 600 Ohms, probably a Manufaktur with some custom options, i just have to make my mind and the cosmetics details i want!

Thanks again.

Arnaud