[JackeShan]

I've been looking around for a while now for new headphones. My friend needs new headphones and I've recommended HD595 and Ultrasone-HFI-780.

He likes a lot off bass and will use the headphones unamped to a Xonar D2X sound card. Which are most easily to drive? Do you recommend other headphones in about the same price range?

 

[Bluetick]

Well, 595's were my first "real" headphones and I was a different person back then. Back then, I didn't appreciate them- always trying to put my hands over them to make it sound like a closed can- boosting bass. I ditched them for something else.

Fast forward about 8 or so years, I now appreciate a pair of 650's because they have so few crimes of commission (rather omission). What I'm trying to say is, maybe your friend would dig a pair of used Beyers or something like that given his criteria and the fact he's new to the hobby (wanting to be impressed).


Here's an analogy: if someone I knew had never tried seafood, I might be better off starting them on battered shrimp than sashimi. For me, the Senns were an acquired taste, where the Beyers had instant appeal. No offense to Beyer fans, or Senn haters...just saying what it was for me.

 

[nonsupremous]

Your friend is on both sides of the spectrum with these choices. The 595's are an open back with wide soundstage. The 780's are a closed back with smaller soundstage.

I do not own the 780's but have experience with Ultrasone. I did own the 595's. If your friend likes bass, then stay far far away from the 595. They sound great and are very easy to drive but man, the bass is very laid back. It's tight but you sometimes don't even know it's there.

I think the 780 would be the go to choice here. They are on my list of headphones to buy this year.

 

[JackeShan]

I've also looked into AKG K242HD and Denon AH-D1001 which is in the better price range for him. I've heard that some say the Denon are boomy and others say very bass shy *confused*. Right now the AKG looks very promising.

 

[Bluetick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackeShan /img/forum/go_quote.gif Right now the AKG looks very promising.

There's a place that still has a few new old stock pairs of K501's for around $200USD all said and done...that's brand NEW with shipping. The K501, in all it's forms, is a respectable headphone for someone just getting into the hobby.