need help w/1st pair of good 'phones

[filedog]

I have a crappy pair of Sony's and they are now far outclassed by my speakers. I'd like something for late night listening, that sounds really great! I have an amp (vintage, fairly "warm" sounding), and I would like an open design, 'cause I've read the imaging is better with those. I listen to everything from classical to jazz, bluegrass to rock. I don't need tons of bass, just a full natural sound. I do appreciate the subtle details, so I'm looking for a pair with decent soundstage and imaging, nice midrange, and a smooth top-end. I don't want "in your face", or fatiguing sound, not too laid-back either.
If it's not too m much, I'd like to spend about $100, used is ok. I've read a LOT here, still not too sure what to get. Some candidates are:

AKG 501
HD 555
and probably the top contender is the MS-1

Thanks for your help!

 

[F107plus5]

Other than the soundstage issue, I would think that the MS-1 could well be the one. I also have very similar diversified tastes in music. And while I don't find the soundstage to be a problem with MS-1, a number of folks do.

I find the imaging to be a strong point with MS-1. All the instruments are right there able to be easily concentrated on and studied. But they are close in. Kinda like being on stage or in the studio with the performers.

Some folks call it "in your face," I call it "in my very immediate surroundings"!

I haven't heard your other possibilities though, so I'm kinda speaking in a vacuum here. I do have HD600, so I have some idea of what a larger soundstage is all about, but I still find the soundstage on the MS-1 acceptable for my particular music styles, on my system.

....the MS-1 CAN be addictive though, so be forewarned. The MS-1 can lead to MS2i, and the MS2i has a more expansive and "bigger" soundstage, but for more intimate forms of music I still tend to put on the MS-1 since sometimes I prefer the tighter soundstage of the MS-1 if I wanna get back in the studio with the players.

Keep the elbows in though, don't want to bump Georges guitar!

 

[ataraxia]

Perhaps consider the Audio-Technica AD700.

Should be around $100 at HeadRoom, I believe.

 

[StealthR6]

AD700s are $110 @ audiocubes, I dont think headroom sells AT stuff. They are a good starter cans due to SQ, value and the fact they don't require an amp.

From the list you have, the K501 is a superior can though it desperately needs a good amp to get the most out of it. W/ a proper amp it truly is a wonderful headphone and it would be would I would recommend for classical and jazz.

 

[Pangaea]

SR 60 is the such a great way to enter this hobby. I have the the MS-2 which I love but would sell it before my SR60 just for sentimental reasons.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by filedog /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a crappy pair of Sony's and they are now far outclassed by my speakers. I'd like something for late night listening, that sounds really great! I have an amp (vintage, fairly "warm" sounding), and I would like an open design, 'cause I've read the imaging is better with those. I listen to everything from classical to jazz, bluegrass to rock. I don't need tons of bass, just a full natural sound. I do appreciate the subtle details, so I'm looking for a pair with decent soundstage and imaging, nice midrange, and a smooth top-end. I don't want "in your face", or fatiguing sound, not too laid-back either. If it's not too m much, I'd like to spend about $100, used is ok. I've read a LOT here, still not too sure what to get. Some candidates are: AKG 501 HD 555 and probably the top contender is the MS-1 Thanks for your help!

You've described the HD555 pretty well. I say go for it.

 

[tbonner1]

I like the HD555's. They are easier to drive. If you can find a Senn. refurbished pair they are almost new for less money.

 

[filedog]

Wow, thanks for the replies. I have a good amp, so that's not an issue. Unfortunately the 501s are hard to find or WAY over my limit price-wise. Aren't the Grados kinda bright and in-your-face? Lots of 555s available. Well, since I can listen to classical (even late-night) on my speakers at reasonable volumes, the cans will get more use for rock and jazz, I'm leaning towards the MS-1s

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by filedog /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow, thanks for the replies. I have a good amp, so that's not an issue. Unfortunately the 501s are hard to find or WAY over my limit price-wise. Aren't the Grados kinda bright and in-your-face? Lots of 555s available. Well, since I can listen to classical (even late-night) on my speakers at reasonable volumes, the cans will get more use for rock and jazz, I'm leaning towards the MS-1s

If you get the MS1s let us know how they sound. My friend has the SR225s and I'm wondering how he would like the MS-1 sound. Good luck on your search.

 

[qazwsx]

I don't think you'd go too wrong with the HD555--they've got a good warm and balanced sound with plenty of soundstage.

 

[tek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by filedog /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow, thanks for the replies. I have a good amp, so that's not an issue. Unfortunately the 501s are hard to find or WAY over my limit price-wise. Aren't the Grados kinda bright and in-your-face? Lots of 555s available. Well, since I can listen to classical (even late-night) on my speakers at reasonable volumes, the cans will get more use for rock and jazz, I'm leaning towards the MS-1s

The Grados are definitely bright and in-your-face. Many say that the Grados are very suitable for rock but it's just too bright for me. I'll rather go for the 555s.

 

[filedog]

got the 555s, they're GREAT. I'm sure there are much better 'phones, but these are SWEET. MUCHO bass, just got 'em (used), and I have to leave so I can't listen to much now but...just wanted to say THANK YOU!