[slindeman]

I'm looking for help determining two things, Comfort and Isolation Level of the following circumaural closed isolating headphones:

AKG K271S
Beyerdynamic DT770
Philips HP170
Sennheiser HD250II
Sennheiser HD280Pro
Ultrasone HFI-650

As a standard for acceptable comfort, I would cite the following: Sennheiser HD570/590, AKG K401/K501, Beyerdynamic DT831/931, Stax Omega II.

Those that don't make the cut for comfort include: Koss Pro-4AAT, Sennheiser HD580/600, Stax SR404, Beyerdynamic DT250, and every supraural headphone.

Any comparisons you can make with the fit of the above headphones to others that I've tried would be very helpful. FYI I've worn the following circumaural headphones: Senn HD500/545/570/580/590/600/HE90, AKG K401/501, Beyerdynamic DT250/831/931, Koss UR20/Pro4AAT, Stax SR404/OmegaII, Sony MDR-CD1000/CD3000.

I have stick-out ears that are somewhat large and very sensitive to pressure. If the headphone pad holes are too small, or too shallow, they will present problems. I'm looking for isolating headphones for 2+ hours use. If I've left any candidates off the list, please recommend them. I'm looking at cheap as well as mid-priced headphones -- I may buy one of each. Info about sound quality is welcome, but not essential since these will not be my main music headphones, but will be for television, computer, and background music. Presently I use HD570 for this purpose, but would like to try isolating headphones for a change.

Any help you can give me will be very much appreciated!

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Comfort and isolation as well as good sound? AKG 271 Studio without a doubt. The Ultrasones are pretty good too but they arent quite as comfortable. Both isolate quite well.

 

[slindeman]

Thanks SteeleBlayde!

Hey how does the fit of the K271S compare to that of CD3000? i.e. depth and interior circumference of the pads. I ask since it looks like the the CD3000 is the only circumaural headphone you have that I've worn before.

The Ultrasone has great reviews, but I've seen it compared to the Beyer DT-250 as far as fit goes, and if it is similar that would not work since I find the DT-250 uncomfortable.

 

[strohmie]

I have to second the notion about the HFI-650s, because from what I've seen the earpads are somewhat shallow compared to others and might press against your ears (which you said was specifically a deciding factor).

 

[SteeleBlayde]

I dont have the CD3000 with me at the moment but from what I recall, it was slightly more comfortable to wear. Keep in mind though that the two have quite a price difference. The CD3000s are refined in sound. The AKG's however are probably the best bet in its price range (great sound for this kind of value) with comfort that is very similar to that of the CD3000 and with better isolation to boot!

 

[plainsong]

I have average-sized ears and I can tell you that the Ultrasones don't come near touching them. The cups are a tad more rounded than the rendered pictures that Ultrasone has on their website, as well at Meier Audio....enough room for ears. I live in a very mild climate, but my longest listening session was 3 hours and my ears did not get hot. That's my experience anyway.

 

[MERTON]

which sound better? the 650's or the 271 s. ? for detail and bass that is.