wordfool
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2009
- Posts
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- 63
There were a couple threads years ago on this subject but none recently, so I thought I'd ask what folks would recommend from some of the recent crop of new 'phones as a closed-back option with similar sound profile and comfort to the Beyerdynamic DT990 in the $150-$250 price range.
The DT990 is not perfect of course -- the highs are tolerable for me but can get a bit grating and the mids can sometimes be a little too recessed, but overall I enjoy listening to them and generally like V-shaped response for the rock and electronic music I tend to listen to most (usually via a Meridian Explorer DAC). Bass is plentiful and tight enough for me, the highs usually sparkle nicely, the mids are present enough, and the whole sound has a nice airiness (obviously YMMV!).
But now I need a closed headphone, so what would give me a similar sound (accepting, of course, the unavoidable limitations of closed 'phones) and a similar level of comfort (no synthetic leather... only velour or real leather for my sweaty ears)? I would be happy with a slightly darker sound, but still would want some impactful bass (though I would not consider myself a basshead) and slightly recessed mids.
My first thought was a DT770 (250 ohm) for more of that velour padded goodness, but the more I read about the sound profiles of the various 770 models the more I wonder if they're at all similar to the 990. Other options I'm considering include the Sennheiser M2 and Beoplay H6 v2. Anything else I should be looking at? The B&W P7 sound intriguing, but are a little spendy unless I can find them on sale.
Edit: Also now considering the Sony MDR-1A
The DT990 is not perfect of course -- the highs are tolerable for me but can get a bit grating and the mids can sometimes be a little too recessed, but overall I enjoy listening to them and generally like V-shaped response for the rock and electronic music I tend to listen to most (usually via a Meridian Explorer DAC). Bass is plentiful and tight enough for me, the highs usually sparkle nicely, the mids are present enough, and the whole sound has a nice airiness (obviously YMMV!).
But now I need a closed headphone, so what would give me a similar sound (accepting, of course, the unavoidable limitations of closed 'phones) and a similar level of comfort (no synthetic leather... only velour or real leather for my sweaty ears)? I would be happy with a slightly darker sound, but still would want some impactful bass (though I would not consider myself a basshead) and slightly recessed mids.
My first thought was a DT770 (250 ohm) for more of that velour padded goodness, but the more I read about the sound profiles of the various 770 models the more I wonder if they're at all similar to the 990. Other options I'm considering include the Sennheiser M2 and Beoplay H6 v2. Anything else I should be looking at? The B&W P7 sound intriguing, but are a little spendy unless I can find them on sale.
Edit: Also now considering the Sony MDR-1A