[wae5]

I'm torn between Sony SA5000s and AT AD2000s. Since I won't be buying both at once which should be first? I'm intrigued by all the negatives swarming around the SA5000 and even ordered SA3000s (cheap refurbs) to get a foretaste of Sony's bitter gruel. The AD2000s seem like such saintly cans but may be too much like my Lambda Pros to warrant spending $500. Since I like hyper-detail, airy transparency and whatnot, I'm leaning ever so slightly towards the Sonys for my classical music. However, between the two, I'd love to know which one you'd choose first and, if you don't mind, even why you would.

 

[johnsonad]

I'm a Senn fan and own the 650/600's. If you like the sound you may want to try the Denon D2000. They have a similar sound (closer to the 650, or think 600 with the bass it has been lacking) in some ways and are a great can for the price. I've owned the SA5k and got rid of them very quickly. Of the Sony cans (other than the R10) I've only found happiness with the CD3000. Mine are Headphiled but I enjoyed the stock ones too. The Sony cans are going to be very revealing of your upstream faults. If you have the right system, the SA5k can sound good. They are pricey and hard to resell so if you have a chance, borrow a pair before buying them new. Good luck and enjoy the music!

 

[drews]

I'd forget the SA5000s for classical music, its soundstage is too narrow and, more importantly, it is not neutral and adds a unique sound signature to music that cannot be EQ'd away (i.e. reverb). I haven't heard the AD2000s but I've read similar criticisms of it.

Drew

P.S. I adore my SA5000s for rock and electronic music though...

 

[Mindless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnsonad /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm a Senn fan and own the 650/600's. If you like the sound you may want to try the Denon D2000. They have a similar sound (closer to the 650, or think 600 with the bass it has been lacking) in some ways and are a great can for the price. I've owned the SA5k and got rid of them very quickly. Of the Sony cans (other than the R10) I've only found happiness with the CD3000. Mine are Headphiled but I enjoyed the stock ones too. The Sony cans are going to be very revealing of your upstream faults. If you have the right system, the SA5k can sound good. They are pricey and hard to resell so if you have a chance, borrow a pair before buying them new. Good luck and enjoy the music!

In my opinion, HD600 and D2000 are not very similar. D2000 surely has the bass that HD600 has been lacking, however, D2000 lacks the spacious, airy and clear sound that HD600 has. Add to this that they are two completely different headphones, one open and one closed. It's not 100% guaranteed that you will like the change since the Denon's really sound "closed", I know I don't. However, the Denon's still sound quite open when compared to other closed cans.

 

[mofonyx]

Why not the AKG K701? :\

 

[LFF]

I say get something to compliment the HD600's like an RS-1 or HP-2.

 

[wae5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why not the AKG K701? :\

Because I have and like K701s but for me the HD600s seem better especially in the bass but this could be because I just got the Senns so for now they sound fresher than my old friends, the K701s. One major difference is the HD600s sound great right out of their ominous box while the K701s are still learning to sing after several 100 hrs of on my head burn-in.

 

[wae5]

I say get something to compliment the HD600's like an RS-1 or HP-2.

[/QUOTE

While I know the SR325is are not indicative of the RS sound I just returned these because they weren't nearly as good as my K701s for classical music. Knowing this I'm more inclined to try AT AD2000s which seem to have that airy, ethereal sound I've grown to love. However, if I could afford it, I'd jump at the chance to own SR1-2s eventually too.

Actually, the HD600s are the best classical music cans I've ever heard so I should just give it a rest, HOWEVER, I'm a chronic phonoholic and love the anticipation and virginal listening experience of a fresh set of cans-especially when I think they may blow me away like I hope the AT AD2000s just might do.

Where are the support groups?!.

 

[mofonyx]

I have both the AKG K701 and HD600 as well

your final solution is the K1000

 

[Cankin]

I'm using HD650 and my next can will probably be DT880, maybe you should consider it too

 

[wae5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofonyx /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have both the AKG K701 and HD600 as well your final solution is the K1000

But they can only found at Sotheby's Auctions and antique shops, no?

I think either AT AD2000s or DT880s as Herr Cankin is about to suggest could be my next waystation on the circuitious road to HeadFi financial oblivion.

 

[johnsonad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFF /img/forum/go_quote.gif I say get something to compliment the HD600's like an RS-1 or HP-2. [/QUOTE While I know the SR325is are not indicative of the RS sound I just returned these because they weren't nearly as good as my K701s for classical music. Knowing this I'm more inclined to try AT AD2000s which seem to have that airy, ethereal sound I've grown to love. However, if I could afford it, I'd jump at the chance to own SR1-2s eventually too. Actually, he HD600s are the best classical music cans I've ever heard so I should just give it a rest, HOWEVER, I'm a chronic phonoholic and love the anticipation and virginal listening experience of a fresh set of cans-especially when I think they may blow me away like I hope the AT AD2000s just might do. Where are the support groups?!.

Don't like the Grado cans.... Owned the AD2k also, great can. Not very comfortable (until you fix the pads) and much better bass response. You may want to look at the K340 (if you are willing to spend the money to drive them right).

 

[b0dhi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wae5 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Since I like hyper-detail, airy transparency and whatnot

So, you like classical, hyper-detail and air. You're merely prolonging your inevitable embrace with the K1000

 

[F107plus5]

I find that with my ears and in my system that the HD600 and the MS2i do a great job of complementing each other. The MS2i have that distinctive Grado sound but can play classical other than the really big stuff really quite well. I feel that the two cans match each other extremely well in both SQ and workmanship and materials so I never feel as though I'm stepping either up or down when swapping phones when the classical CD goes from the big stuff to more intimate chamber music.

One of my favorites is listening to pipe organ music. When listening to music recorded in major Cathedrals and the like, my HD600 are absolutely stunning!(no surprise there, but that's another story!) When listening to organs in smaller venues where the bass hasn't got time or distance to travel, and the higher sounding pipes are nice and close, then the MS2i brings out the sparkling highs of the pipes beautifully! One of each kind of phone. Perfect!

 

[Canman]

Finding something with a different presentation thats as well balanced as the HD600 is a hard thing to do. It's a shame, there really aren't many great headphones out there; especially headphones that are still in production.