Most well balanced headphones?

[unkle11]

Hi guys, long time troll here, been dabbling in hi fi since i was 12 or 13 though i am by no means an audiophile and only recently started appreciating headphones. Here's my question, surfing the forums, i come to conclude that most people favor certain brands/models of headphones in regards to how they perform to various genres of music, my question now is, with 300 bucks to spare, what would be the most well rounded headphones? that is.. jack of all trades master of none kind of, my musical tastes varies from yma sumac to manu chao to old school sepultura to hip-hop- to.. well... u see my conundrum? i own a pair of MS1 and they are great when there are electric guitars blazing away in a track, buy poor Ms Sumac sounds like she's playing from a television set, anyways glad to be part of this forum, learning alot so far

 

[kg21]

jack of all trades master of none, thats exactly how I describe the AKG K701s sound signature, although I would say you could call it a "master" in a few aspects, like soundstage.

 

[unkle11]

yes i have the 701's shortlisted, though i remember reading somewhere they aren't good for rock, i wish there was some place stocking all the major brands to go to have a demo listen here in LA lol

 

[feh1325]

hd580

 

[krmathis]

In my opinion an SR-Lambda (Pro).

 

[vcoheda]

of the headphones i have or have owned, i would suggest the K701.

 

[unkle11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif In my opinion an SR-Lambda (Pro).

what is this SR Lambda pro that you speak of? this reference to the revenge of the nerds compels me to further investigate lol seriously though what is it?



and 2 votes for 701s hmm


ah i see now, stax, well they are 100 bucks over my budget used on ebay lol

 

[ast]

HD650 gets my vote.

SA5000 is also very good ( I personally like it a tad better than 650) if you are for super detailed and ruthlessly revealing sound.

....

K701's biggest problem is its hollow/artificial sound especially in female vocals. I listen to lots of Asian female albums so this is one of the top requirements for me.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkle11 /img/forum/go_quote.gif what is this SR Lambda pro that you speak of? this reference to the revenge of the nerds compels me to further investigate lol seriously though what is it? ... ah i see now, stax, well they are 100 bucks over my budget used on ebay lol

Well, there are one in the FS forum selling for $260 shipped. Then can be had cheaper as well, if you are patient.

 

[joe_cool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkle11 /img/forum/go_quote.gif yes i have the 701's shortlisted, though i remember reading somewhere they aren't good for rock, i wish there was some place stocking all the major brands to go to have a demo listen here in LA lol

Oh yeah, try them out with The Doors, Pat Benatar, Talking Heads or even The Rolling Stones!

 

[lisnalee]

I have the HD650 and they really are a great all round performer, even slightly better in some situations than my 325i so the senn's would be my first choice.

I had the chance to try the akg 701 a few months ago and to me they seemed a bit flat compared to the senns. But that just my 2 cents worth. Its probably best if you can find a store or a local headfier who has them so you can hear them for yourself.

 

[robm321]

Senn HD600

 

[Duggeh]

HD600. Or Ergo 2.

 

[philodox]

The K340 can be very well balanced, but it can also sound boomy or bright depending on the particular pair, mods, amp, etc. Very picky.

 

[unkle11]

wow i see the camps are mostly divided between akg and senns, thank you all for your help i'll be looking out for 701s 600s and 650s