My current headphones...my future headphones

[Virtuoso80]

Okay, so I suppose like many people before me I've come here looking for reccomendations on my next headphone purchase. I'm willing to spend up to $150-$200 but over that is pushing it especially if I want to also invest in a headphone amp.

I'm looking for something with a big sound, but NOT harsh; I find a lot of 'enhanced' sound features to make my ears hurt and not give a pleasant experience. Lots of bass is good as long as it's tight and not slow and fat so as to ruin the rhythm. In fact, I've found over time a lot of CD players, stereos, etc, have begun tweaking bass in a way that's not at all to my liking: Instead of a nice tight bass drum taking up the low end (in rock music), I now tend to hear more of the bass guitar, and I don't find that helps the groove at all. In fact I'd say that's the most important thing for me - I want the rhythm to really come out.

Highs are good too, but once again I've heard plenty of 'enhancement' in that area that just shounds harsh and doesn't help the music. What I'm really looking for here is a kind of 'it' factor that makes the music move you; that somehow hits that sweet spot that makes things sound beautiful. I know it's doable 'cause I've heard it done.

Here's some headphones I've used in the past and what I've thought about them:

Sony MDR 7506 - I used 'AKA permanently borrowed form my brother

' these for a couple a years. I think they had some of that 'it' factor that I talked about. They were bright, but not in a bad way. However, when I go back to them now they sound rather bland and far in the background. Possibly because I've gotten used to the next set...

Denon AH-D350 - These have been my basic headphones for a while now. I've always though they were alright without loving them. There's quality and detail there, but from day 1, I've always thought the bass was too harsh on these, and although I've gotten used to it I still find it unpleasant for extended listening. Also, that 'it' factor I found with Sony's is definitely not here, and everything sounds too pumped up and unnatural for my tastes. But like I said, I have gotten used to that 'big' sound. (and also the way the headphones fit really tight against your ears, so I might miss that if my next pair is really loose fitting)

So, there you have it. My research so far has led me to two spots, one being the Grado line (SR60, 80, 125, 225, etc...which one is the best value?) and the other the Sennheiser line (some places make me think the HD580 is the way to go, and others make me think there might be better options). What do you think?

Also, inexpensive headphone amp reccomendations would also be appreciated.

Thanks,
Erik D.

 

[stevesurf]

I used the HD590s un-amped with the iPod for about a year until they were stolen. I also bought the HD580s and found the 590's lows and mids to be more accurate, together with adequate higher frequencies (not nearly as accurate as my HD595s)

Well, there it is, from a Sennheiser / Shure fan

 

[mfueger]

Climb up the Grado line; spend as much as you are comfortable spending. The higher you go the better it gets. The best price/performance is probably at the 225, but I don't own them and can't truly comment.

 

[Blitzula]

I think anyone who wants to get a feel for Grados should start with the SR60.

 

[mfueger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blitzula I think anyone who wants to get a feel for Grados should start with the SR60.

That's how I got hooked. For that price, I don't think you can do better.

 

[micaela]

I'm not too experienced yet & am just beginning to experiment with a few different phones to see what I like - but here goes my opinion - fwiw!
Right now I have MS2's (just got them a couple days ago) 580's & some woody 600's with a cable upgrade.(by Larry at headphile) I like each of these phones & am having a terrible time deciding which ones to give up! My hubby won't let me keep them all I'm sure!!!

The 580's are very clear & everything seems to be in its place- meaning that they sound very balanced to me w/nothing overdone or standing out. The highs have the clarity that I like - the cymbols sound clean & distinct. They sound the best of the 3 with classical music to me. Everything is very very good with them - but nothing is exceptional or stands out - just good & solid.

The MS2's seem very accurate. The bass is strong but tight & not muddy. The soundstage is not as wide to me as the 580 or the modded 600's. The voices sound up front & in your face. They don't sound as good as the other two to me with classical or jazz - but with rock they are just faster sounding & they kick!

The 600's are killer to me. The sound is tight but so big & round! The bass impact is there as I like it & the clarity in the top is good too. They sound darker than the MS2's -but with as much impact - in fact maybe a little more - but just not as bright - so not quite as "fun" with rock music. These are my pick for jazz. They are just so full sounding - they make me smile!

Hope this helps a little - I haven't had any of these very long - so I may be missing something or may change my mind as I get more time with them.

 

[pbalcer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by micaela I like each of these phones & am having a terrible time deciding which ones to give up! My hubby won't let me keep them all I'm sure!!! [...]

How about changing your hubby and keeping all the headphones?

But seriously now: I totaly agree with you. I also find HD600 very nice for jazz (and clasical) while Grados are better for rock. Sennheiser HD600s are simply too smooth/polite for rock.

I actually find Grados also good for some "slow" and "relaxed" jazz recordings that do not involve too many instruments. For example Diana Krall sounds incredible on my RS1 - this is pure synergy.

BTW, Grados sound their best for jazz when you use them with smooth class A amplifier (tube or solid state).

 

[micaela]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbalcer How about changing your hubby and keeping all the headphones? )

Hmmmm......let me think about this for a minute!!!!

I like 'em both a LOT!

 

[RMgX]

If you find the 7506 to be "in the background" do not get the senns, they will be much more laid back than the 7506. I find 7506 to be very upfront, sometimes too much so, if you want to look at the grado line you might want to consider the alessandro cans ms1 at $99 as well, might be more bang for the buck esp if you are not a US resident.

For the inexpensive headphone amps I don't have much experince, I have a pimeta that I am satisfied with though, you can probably find one for around $100 in the sales forum with some patience, you don't need one right away though so if you want to save up some more money get the headphones first.

 

[Jahn]

also, the things you liked about the HD600 versus the MS-2 reflects a common theme of circumaural padded open cans like the HD600 versus the supraaural padded open nature of the MS-2. Therefore you might get the best of both worlds by getting Headphile's CPads for the MS-2. But your mileage may vary!