[appar111]

Does anyone know of any alternatives to the Sony 7506/V6? I'm looking for something with the same build quality, in the same price range as the 7506 (i.e. around $80-100), closed, but without that darned upper mid/lower treble thing going on--- I want something warmer and crisper, if that makes any sense. More of a rock phone, but something that I can still hear details on, I don't want things to sound too smeared.. I like the analytical nature of the V6/7506, but alas my "bud-size" solution, the ER6, is out of the picture (tried it, hated it, even with a good seal).

I've heard the AudioTechnica stuff is a good option (ATH-A500). Anyone have any other suggestions? Something folding would be great as well...

thanks
appar111

 

[Davie]

I found myself in the same situation, and have tried a few other closed cans. I'm still burning them in, but I think the Sennheiser 280pros fit the bill quite well.

The Beyer 250-80s also match your description, but cost $50 more and are not as easily driven by low power sources.

Edit: Senns fold, Beyers don't.

 

[wallijonn]

You knew this was coming:

DT531. open. $122

 

[bangraman]

I hate to become a two-horse race but D66 Eggos? They aren't anywhere near as closed as the 7506, but then neither are the DT250's... The HD280's are even more trebly/analytical. Avoid if you don't want that.

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally posted by bangraman HD280's are even more trebly/analytical. Avoid if you don't want that.

Haven't burned them in yet completely, but the 280s sound *differently* trebly/analytical, and I think present a real alternative to the 7506s in terms of sonic character. At least they do to me.

 

[bangraman]

Oh definitely. I just don't think there's anything remotely warm about them.

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally posted by bangraman Oh definitely. I just don't think there's anything remotely warm about them.

Point taken. There've been a bunch of threads about "what's wrong with the 7506s?" Even many of us who like them find that there's something unbalanced about them. Whatever that particular something is does not seem to be a problem with the Senn 280s. Recordings that sound wrong with the 7506s sound OK with the 280s. But you're right, they're similar kinds of cans. If appar111 is looking for headphones that have many of the virtues of the 7506 but without that particular "something wrong" (which was my situation) then the 280s are worth a shot.

 

[nierika]

ATH-M40fs or D40fs (both $74.95 @ bhphotovideo.com)

 

[appar111]

I was going to go for those, except they terminate with a 1/4 inch, not 1/8, and I didn't want to have to get an extension cable to terminate in 1/8, and the cord is already 11 ft! Maybe the ATH-M30?

 

[Eagle_Driver]

Sorry, but all of AT's 'studio monitor' headphones come with only the 1/4" plug.

 

[appar111]

Nope, I checked the ATH-M30's out, they are studio monitor series as well, and they come with the 1/8" and 1/4" adaptor, and not just the 1/4" like the 40..

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally posted by appar111 Nope, I checked the ATH-M30's out, they are studio monitor series as well, and they come with the 1/8" and 1/4" adaptor, and not just the 1/4" like the 40..

I've been trying a number of different closed cans recently. I've written up my impressions in this thread. I should emphasize that these are initial impressions, made under a rather artificial time constraint. In order to do direct comparisons, I bought several different headphones from a store with a 7-day return policy, with the idea that I would keep the ones that I like (this was a x-mas present) and return the others.

On the subject of the ATH-M30's, I'll copy what I wrote previously:

-Audio Technica ATH-M30 - similar in physical design to the Sonys, but do not fold up. Cheapest that I tried ($50 at J&R). Sound is kind of unrefined, but in what I find to be a fun way. I basically agree with the review at hifichoice: "...these A-Ts have a heavy balance with less high frequency energy but a solidity and smoothness that makes for relaxed long-term listening. There is a shortfall in detail but this is made up for with a weightiness and body to the sound that is quite involving. There's a slight plumminess or sense of the luxury button being pressed but timing is good enough to overcome this." I also find them quite comfortable. I can have these on, listening to background music for extended periods quite happily. But not a can for critical listening. I may keep these just for fun.

In short, these are quite different from the Sonys. They're definitely warmer, but not nearly as crisp, to go by your initial criteria. If the 7506s are a German Shepherd kind of phone, these would be a lovable mutt you got from the pound.

Regarding the Senn 280s, I'm less happy with these than initially mainly because of the physical build. I can't seem to get a good fit and they really are needlessly massive and stupid looking. (Sennheiser: what were you guys thinking??!!) The headband extends way out from the head. It's sort of like my dental "headgear" from junior highschool.

Unfortunately, it seems to be turning out that the 7506s are the best option out there, at least for my needs.

btw. The ATH-M30s definitely have a 1/8" plug.

 

[Eagle_Driver]

I stand corrected on the ATH-M30's.