Office alternative for HD25

[Kardius]

Hi everybody!
This is my first post here at Head-Fi. I have been reading these forums for quite a while now and these forums was the main reason that I decided to listen to the Sennheiser HD25 (which I now am a happy owner of). I really like the Senn´s sound with the tight bass but I am now now looking for a headphone to make me even more satisfied at work. In my work I am often stuck in front of the computer and I would like to get a new headphone of the same quality or better than HD25 for listening to long sessions (>5 hours). I have some problem with the HD25 for long listening sessions due to their quite high clamping force and the fact that they are not circumaural. I really would like my new headphones to be able to sound good unamped with my portable Iaudio X5 (which is my main music player)and also they need to be comfortable for long listening sessions.
After days of reading posts over posts here at the forum I come to the conclusion that maybe Audio Technica ATH-900 would be a good choice but I really need some more opinions before buying a 200 USD headphone.
I listen to most types of music but mainly pop, rock and techno. I rarley listen to classical musical.
WHat headphone would you advice me to look at?

 

[Cris]

Hi Kardius

I was in exactly the same situation like you are now.
Finally, I had to decide between the Ultrasone HFI-650 and the Ultrasone Proline 750.

As I wanted to take a major step forward I decided to take the PL750.
I have not heard the ATH-900 but in our/your situation this is also a common recommended can.

 

[Kardius]

Bump..
There must be lots of people like Chris here that can give me opinions/advices...

 

[jonnywolfet]

do you want it to be open or closed design?

 

[Cris]

Kardius mentioned to use it in the office. So I think 'closed' is a must. And this makes the search difficult.

I only can provide you with this review about the Ultrasone Headphones.
If closed is not a need I would like to give the DT880 a try.

If you are interested in the HFI-650 you can drop Jan (www.meier-audio.de) a line. A few month ago he had some for a very special price.

 

[Kardius]

Sealed is a need, yes.
Cris, how are your experience from the Ultrasone PROline 750?
Can you drive them unamped? What about comfortability?

 

[Cris]

Please notice that I am NOT an experienced listener. Well, I hope I am on the right way. So for me, it is still hard to notice and decribe differences in sound if they are very subtle.

1 - The PL750 may be out of your price range (official price 299 EUR - don't know if Jan could make you a better price - it's worth a try).
2 - Yes, they work unamped - I have no problem with their efficiency - so they play loud enough. Well, the sound for the experienced listerer may be different - but I have not really tested that for myself.
3 - I only use an amp because the 'built in' amps of my receiver and notebook are really bad.

But also be aware of this thread (some concerns regarding female voices with the Proline750).

The Prolines are more comfortable than the HFI and I have no problems wearing them for longer listening sessions.

Hopefully I can say a few words about the difference amped vs. unamped after receiving my NX-02.

 

[nickchen]

IMHO, the "Jack of all trades" ATH-900 is a damned good idea. I have no opinion about the Ultrasone 750, but I read that the "smaller" 650 tends towards sibilance. In some huge test I read, the 650 got almost defeated by the ATH-900.

 

[kylerk]

Kardius, I have the exact same office situation as you, right down to the unamped iAudio X5.
At first I tried a pair of Sony V6s. Though they sounded great, even with the Beyer velour pad modification I found that I coud only tolerate the supra-aural fit for an hour or so before the cartilage in my ear started to hurt. Similar to your experience with the HD25.
I have some inner ear headphones (ER-6s, E3s, & MD-33s), but having to take them out everytime someone came into my office to talk with me or the phone rang was a pain in the neck.
My officemate has a pair of Senn HD280's. The isolation is the best for an office environment, but it comes at the expense of high clamping force. Also, I didn't think they matched up well with the type of music I listen to (see my profile).
So after a lot of research through head-fi I ended up getting a pair of A900s, and I couldn't be happier. They're so comfortable that I end up wearing them all day, and I have no complaints about the SQ - superb. The isolation is not as good as the HD280, but good enough.
The only problem that I foresee with the A900s is the thin paper-like faux leather material that covers the cushions. I can't see it lasting long and I have never seen replacement pads available, so it may take a creative modification some day. But I'll worry about that bridge when I have to cross it, right now I'm too busy enjoying them.

 

[bobeau]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylerk The only problem that I foresee with the A900s is the thin paper-like faux leather material that covers the cushions. I can't see it lasting long and I have never seen replacement pads available.

Replacement A900 pads:
http://www.audiocubes.com/category/H..._ATH-A900.html


I'm another former 280 and A900 user. I like the A900s quite a bit. Definitely much better in comfort and sound compared to the 280s. I've never tried the 25s and I understand they're also quite a bit better all around than the 280s... the only issue I might see someone have is with their size/weight.