Looking for closed cans - one more -

[dariusf]

I know, I know, search option

Looking for a pair of inexpensive closed cans that I could use at work and on the train. I have a collection of open cans but can't use them at work do to sound leakage. Mostly will be used with Rock and Metal and I really prefer the sound of my Grado 325s for this type of music so anything that comes close to the Grado presentation would be preferable.

My contenders are:

Audio Technica A1000 $319 at audiocubes.com
- Heard some favorable comments as good Rock cans

Ultrasone HFI-650 $155 at meier-audio.com
- the only review I read is the one by kelly

Audio Technica A900 $189 at audiocubes.com
- I would think the A1000 is going to sound better at almost twice the price.

Any comments or comparison between the three? Anyone compared the two AT's?

Hows the A1000 sound comparing to my W100?

Thanks head-fiers

 

[dariusf]

Ok, I did use the search and got allot of info I will read over on the train.

Still any comments are greatly welcome

 

[AIM9x]

the phone I really want to purchase right now is the A900. After the so-cal meet, i will decide whether it's gonna be the A900 or the HD580s.

 

[bangraman]

The A1000 sounds markedly different to the W100, I might even say there's more than a hint of Grado about the presentation (although without the Grato

). While I no longer have enough in memory to draw details conclusions, those A-T boys have certainly been doing their homework. Flattish, extended response but entertainingly and not offensively so seems to be the new byword of the DADS-equipped high end A-T (with the exception of the W2002) cans.
But if you're going to move with the phones, I can advise against the A1000. The A900 shouldn't have the same problem but it does share a similar design so... Well with the A-T's you have to be careful. While the cups look on casual inspection to be a bit more low profile than the W100/A100, you would still probably collect some strange looks on the train.
The Ultrasones are very good. Although I would say they aren't quite on a par sonically and definitely not anywhere near in comfort compared with either A-T, the HFI-650 certainly look to be a bit more robust than the A-T's for portable use (and it folds too).


The A900's should tempt you, because they are VERY good for what they are and how much they are. But I'm not convinced they are up for a life of portability. The A1000 is definitely not one for taking on a daily commute... I will virtually guarantee you will break it unless you carry it around in a dedicated case. The Ultrasones will probably be more backpack friendly and have a decent sound (nevertheless a sound that will leave you wishing for the A-T's

). I think the HFI-650's win it on practicality. Why not save for both... Or all 3?

 

[Rizumu]

Okay, I haven't heard any Audio Technica phones before or Grados, but I can say that the Ultrasones are working perfectly as a closed headphone.

I don't find the Ultrasones nearly as uncomfortable as they've been made out here on Head-Fi. My ears fit within the cups fine, the pads aren't that bad, and the headband doesn't really bug me anymore. Less than a week of wearing them and I'm used to it. The A900s were my next option in line if the Ultrasones turned out to be unbearable to wear, but thankfully that was not so.

I prefer the sound of the HFI-650 to my HD-580's when listening to Rock. The isolation is great, that's about all I can say about that. LOL. What else is there? It does very well blocking outside sounds, and no one can hear what you're listening to. They fold up and seem quite sturdy, I'd think if you're going to use them on the go and lug them around they'd work quite well.

I can't recommend them over the ATH's since I haven't heard any, but you can keep all that in mind when deciding.

 

[dariusf]

Bangraman

Thanks for the info. I was reading threw your post and started thinking that I guess I should just get both of them. Then I get to the end and that’s what you are actually recommending

Having the W100 I'm very intrigued about the A1000 or A900. I really like the W100 for 'some' music. Its currently my favorite Pink Floyd can and this plus the fact that I think they are absolutely beautiful cans is definitely one of the major reason I'm keeping them at least for now. I really don't like the blue color of the A900's but paying $130 more mostly for the gray color is a bit much. I'm sure there are sound differences but in a portable setup I don't think it will really be audible especially with the iPod.

I guess I need to step back, take a deep breath and relax a bit. What I need is a good sounding rock can that is closed and durable construction as well as easy to drive although I do have the Total AirHead amp which I don't use all the time now. It will be used mostly with rock/metal and some industrial, goa, trance, electronic music. It should be a good improvement over the Senn MX400 ear buds to justify the big size. I do have the Etymotic ER6 but at least now in the winter the cable microphonics are a major down side unless I just use them on the train where I don't move. One last thing I should mention is that I live in Chicago and you know what kind of winter weather we can have here. We just had 20-25 degree temps and two inches of snow tonight.

Also it should be kept in mind this is strictly a work/train headphone and I do have better ones at home so its not going to be do it all headphone.

 

[dariusf]

Quote:

Originally posted by AIM9x the phone I really want to purchase right now is the A900. After the so-cal meet, i will decide whether it's gonna be the A900 or the HD580s.

Do definitely go to the meet and check out as many cans as you can. This might be actually dangerous as you will get infected like most of us

I really like my Senn 600 with the exception of rock and metal where for me the Grado rules.

Maybe I will just hold off and wait for the next Chicago meet at Tuberoller's, if I can hold off that long that is

 

[dariusf]

Quote:

Originally posted by Rizumu I prefer the sound of the HFI-650 to my HD-580's when listening to Rock.

Why I'm not surprised?

I personally think there are better cans for rock... did someone say Grado

Thanks for all the info on the HFI-650's I'm talking with another member over the PM and might be purchasing a pair from him soon. Still need to work on the 'wife factor'

Quote:

The isolation is great, that's about all I can say about that. LOL. What else is there? It does very well blocking outside sounds, and no one can hear what you're listening to.

Thats important for me since I'm one of these people that doesn't like to impose myself on others like on the train. Same thing for the office since everyone keeps their office doors open so I don't really want to be the only one closing my. The isolation might be a problem since I will not hear the phone... but shouldn't just everyone use email?

 

[purk]

Guys,
It does seem like the A900 gains lots and lots of poppularity around here for price/performance ratio. Given that the A900 is less than 200 dollars, it seems like a good bargain. I'm wonder if the A900 is better than my beloved A100ti??


Purk

 

[dariusf]

Yes but that blue color

 

[purk]

dariusf ,

I can't understand why the A900/A1000 didn't have a sparkling pait job of the A100ti. The A100ti appears as a great sounding cans w/ a beautiful craftmanshift fit and finish. I still think the A100ti kicks ass, but many seem to agree than the A1000 is better...but then I'm not sure if I should upgrade.

Purk

 

[AIM9x]

unfortunately, nobody's taking an A900 to the meet. There'll be a W2002 and a W1000, but no A900 (which is the one i'm mostly looking forward to).

Anybody wanna send me their A900 to bring to the meet?

 

[nierika]

Quote:

Originally posted by dariusf Yes but that blue color

Whaaa??? The metallic insectizoid blue is GORGEOUS.

 

[wallijonn]

take off the covers. paint with auto paint. add two coats of clear. viola.

 

[bangraman]

I thought the A100Ti blue was a bit... Flamboyant. And not in that complimentary a way. It's a bit early nineties

I prefer the restrained dark blue of the A900.