Gregor
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Posts
- 69
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- 0
Greetings. Long time reader, first time poster. I’m in the midst of assembling my first real headphone setup and was hoping for some input. The problem I have discovered is that not only is it hard find a place to audition a headphones, the available cans are not burned in and the source and amp are in question. Reading the comments in these forums has been a helpful substitute for purchasing and personally reviewing a dozen different cans. Here is the sum of my research, my current plan, and my hopes for the final product. I love to get some comments before shelling out the dough.
To describe the sound signature I’m looking, it’d be similar to my loudspeakers (B&W DM 640 + sub). Accurate mids, subdued but detailed highs that are easy to listen to all day long, with solid bass that extends quite low. I wouldn’t say I’m a bass head, but I’d definitely miss it if the bass was anemic. As for headphones, I don’t have much experience. However, I recently purchased the Koss Portapros just to get my feet wet. I really like the bass. But like others have noted, the mids are a bit lacking and the highs can be a bit abrasive. I’ve tried a friend’s Senn PX 200s. To my ears the bass is, well too anemic. The mids and highs are great. But after some listening, my ears start to hurt. I don’t have that problem with the Portapro’s even with their “shattering glass” highs.
Originally I was considering the Ety 4p. But after much reading (here), it sounds as if these canal phones would lack the bass and warmth I’m looking for. Next, I looked at the Shure E3C which may still be a good option. I’m not totally sold on the canal phone idea. I’ve never tried them and wonder if I could get past the learning curve. I originally thought they’d be a good all around solution for all my listening needs (walking/jogging, yard work, biking, and sitting on a couch). But now I have the Portapros which fit must of those needs (albeit at a lower quality) so I could move over to traditional large headphone for my couch listening.
For large headphones, not surprisingly the Senn HD 580s have been on my Christmas list for years. I just got done reading the thread “why did you sell your 595”. Very interesting stuff, lots of good commentary and opinions. From the sounds of it, my ears would to better with the 580s. Also, I’ve also been following the raves about the bass with the Beyer DT 770. While the bass sounds intoxicating, the issues with the mids and the extended highs make them less attractive to me.
At this point I'm leaning toward the 580s atm, primarily because the “description” of their sound is close to what I’m looking for. Although, I’m not sure how they stack up in the bass department. But from some comments, there could be cause for concern. I know there are other companies making good cans in this class, AKG, Beyer, etc. But it makes me a tad nervous to step out in faith and try one of these lesser known brands. I still haven’t given up the idea of canal phones. I’m just not sure how to raise my confidence level, short of just buying a set.
I plan on getting an amp as well. Originally I was thinking of a Headroom Total Airhead. But after reading (here,) I’m leaning toward the Supermono (reviews of production units still pending). I’m not really meaning to start an amp discussion, that’s a conversation for another forum. But as it relates to compatibility with a particular headphone, comments are welcome.
As for sources, on the go I’ll be using a Carbon Rio. On the couch, I’ll be using a dedicated Rotel CD player.
Thanks in advance!
To describe the sound signature I’m looking, it’d be similar to my loudspeakers (B&W DM 640 + sub). Accurate mids, subdued but detailed highs that are easy to listen to all day long, with solid bass that extends quite low. I wouldn’t say I’m a bass head, but I’d definitely miss it if the bass was anemic. As for headphones, I don’t have much experience. However, I recently purchased the Koss Portapros just to get my feet wet. I really like the bass. But like others have noted, the mids are a bit lacking and the highs can be a bit abrasive. I’ve tried a friend’s Senn PX 200s. To my ears the bass is, well too anemic. The mids and highs are great. But after some listening, my ears start to hurt. I don’t have that problem with the Portapro’s even with their “shattering glass” highs.
Originally I was considering the Ety 4p. But after much reading (here), it sounds as if these canal phones would lack the bass and warmth I’m looking for. Next, I looked at the Shure E3C which may still be a good option. I’m not totally sold on the canal phone idea. I’ve never tried them and wonder if I could get past the learning curve. I originally thought they’d be a good all around solution for all my listening needs (walking/jogging, yard work, biking, and sitting on a couch). But now I have the Portapros which fit must of those needs (albeit at a lower quality) so I could move over to traditional large headphone for my couch listening.
For large headphones, not surprisingly the Senn HD 580s have been on my Christmas list for years. I just got done reading the thread “why did you sell your 595”. Very interesting stuff, lots of good commentary and opinions. From the sounds of it, my ears would to better with the 580s. Also, I’ve also been following the raves about the bass with the Beyer DT 770. While the bass sounds intoxicating, the issues with the mids and the extended highs make them less attractive to me.
At this point I'm leaning toward the 580s atm, primarily because the “description” of their sound is close to what I’m looking for. Although, I’m not sure how they stack up in the bass department. But from some comments, there could be cause for concern. I know there are other companies making good cans in this class, AKG, Beyer, etc. But it makes me a tad nervous to step out in faith and try one of these lesser known brands. I still haven’t given up the idea of canal phones. I’m just not sure how to raise my confidence level, short of just buying a set.
I plan on getting an amp as well. Originally I was thinking of a Headroom Total Airhead. But after reading (here,) I’m leaning toward the Supermono (reviews of production units still pending). I’m not really meaning to start an amp discussion, that’s a conversation for another forum. But as it relates to compatibility with a particular headphone, comments are welcome.
As for sources, on the go I’ll be using a Carbon Rio. On the couch, I’ll be using a dedicated Rotel CD player.
Thanks in advance!
