[rustle]

Hi everyone. I've lurked here for a nice while now but haven't posted much of anything so I'll consider this a reintroduction.

Back in 2003 when I was first starting to get into audio I bought a pair of Sennheiser HD 495s. Unfortunately they now seem to be on their last leg and I'm looking to get some new, and probably better, headphones. I use an Arcam Alpha-7 CD player as my main music source and a NAD 320BEE integrated amp. I listen to all sorts of music (minus country) so there is no one type of sound I am looking for. Emphasis is probably on more rock style music. Also I'm a bit of a gamer with an XBOX360 and a Wii which these will also be used for. This is the less important application of the two, however.

I was looking for some suggestions on headphones in the ~$150 price range (however I understand this is Head-Fi, so while my wallet may be reluctant, it understands that I may spend more). Particularly I'm looking for something that will sound good in a multi-purpose environment. No worries about outside noise so open phones are fine.

Thanks everyone.

 

[rustle]

just one bump in case anyone who has some tips missed this one...

 

[tbonner1]

You have a nice sounding simple system. What speakers do you like?

For open phones try the Senn HD 555.

For closed look at the Equation Audio RP-21.

 

[rustle]

Thanks for the reply, I'll give them a look.
Unfortunately I haven't gotten to sample a whole lot of speakers as there is only one store in my area that offers higher end equipment. Plus I'm a student so the opportunity to go shopping around doesn't come up often.

I'm currently using my first and only set of speakers which are B&W DM601S3s which sound great in my small room.

As well, I should mention I'm using Shure e2c headphones for my portable/gym listening. I don't find them comfortable enough for home use though soI'll need something else. Thanks again.

 

[034936]

Beyerdynamic DT770/80 maybe? just suggesting considering it's the next on my list, and im in a similar position.

 

[nickchen]

The HD5*5 series sound very anemic and trivial IMO, whereas the DT770 drowns everything in deep bass and lacks mids (and its needs an amp).

I'd suggest an MS1 or a small Grado in this case (very musical & detailed) or the AT A900 (less detailed, but more soundscape).

 

[StealthR6]

HD595 or AT A900, both do really well w/ diff music. I'd avoid the Grado/Alessandro due to the various type of music you listen to. The Grado/Alessandro cans tend to be best when paired to rock/hard rock/metal only. DT770Pro80s if you like tons of bass. I still feel 595 or A900 are your best choices around the $180 mark.

 

[captian73]

Equation Audio RP21's or the Denon AH-D1000's which are a little bit more bass shy than the RP21's but are more comfortable and lightweight, and sound sweeter.

 

[rustle]

Thanks everyone. I think right now I'm leaning towards the Equation Audio RP-21s, Sennheiser HD555s (unless I can find a deal on the 595s) and the Denon AH-D1000s (after reading Skylabs sub-$150 sealed headphone comparison.) Also the AT A900s looks great but I'm having trouble finding a decent price on them (Taking into consideration I'm in Canada).

Based on his review I think sound quality and comfort are my most important aspects with portability and isolation being the least. As well, after owning a pair of supraaural phones, I find them to be a less comfortable then circumaural so I think I will stick to looking for ones with that design.

 

[tbonner1]

Quote:

I find them to be a less comfortable then circumaural

Me too and it can drive one to distraction.

 

[rustle]

After doing some hunting it looks like there is a fairly big discrepancy in the prices of each of the phones I was considering.

I can get the Equation Audio RP-21s for around ~115 including shipping to Canada. I can get the Sennheiser 555s for pretty much the same price.

For whatever reason shipping seems to be higher from all the people selling the D1000s so it looks like they'd cost me around $140-150

Finally I can't seem to find the AT A900s for anything less then around $180 before shipping which is more then I was hoping to spend .

I have found the A700s for around $150. Are they at least comparable to the 900s? Or for that matter, still a worthy competitor in the pricerange?

I'm kind of leaning towards to the Equation RP-21s right now as they seem to be the best value.

 

[StealthR6]

There aren't large differenced from A700 to A900. Most peeps on here say the A700 is 90% of a A900.

 

[walt93]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustle /img/forum/go_quote.gif After doing some hunting it looks like there is a fairly big discrepancy in the prices of each of the phones I was considering. I can get the Equation Audio RP-21s for around ~115 including shipping to Canada. I can get the Sennheiser 555s for pretty much the same price.

Just curious what the RP-21 Canadian vendor is (because I had trouble finding one when I looked into it that shipped, however I was considering making a trek to Hamilton to buy a pair but decided against it).

 

[rustle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by walt93 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just curious what the RP-21 Canadian vendor is (because I had trouble finding one when I looked into it that shipped, however I was considering making a trek to Hamilton to buy a pair but decided against it).

Ebay

There is a dealer listed on the Equation site that is about a 40 minute drive from here. I may give them a call to see if they carry these headphones or not but I have a hunch it may just be the microphones.

 

[ricmat]

well, as you know, it depends a lot on what is the soundsignature you really like... HD555 or HD595 are good Senns for the things you say, but also A700 (or maybe A900), or ES7, and also Beyer DT770 or even DT880 (used to get in the price tag..)


Cheers!