Open Headphones for a open sound

[ib1dance]

Hi all Music lovers,
 
I currently own the igrado's which I use mainly though not exclusively for portable use.I find there open sound can be a refreshing change from closed headphones and can let the ears relax a little after a long period of listening with closed systems .So I was logically thinking a Guaranteed sound upgrade would be the Grado SR325is or Grado SR225i.
 
But! I like Electronic music, though don't be miss lead by this term because house music can infuse all elements of all genres of music under the House beat . But the beat,bass and percussion's need good representation and clear separation so as to enhance the feeling of movement .
 
I read that Grado's are better known for rock music .
 
I like my sound to be as deep and punctuated as the headphones can handle without any additional added distortions or boom affect,to have  energetic and responsive mids that hold the lower and upper regions together, highs that don't run away from the lows .
 
Neutral and unbiased that represent all frequencies relatively equally  .
 
Are there any other open headphones within the Grado's SR325is - SR225i price range that I should be considering .
 
Oh yes and they must not be too heavy and have quite a secure fit?.
 
Would the Grado's SR325is's wobble if you tried to dance with them on your head?. ( Do they wobble if your a rock head banger )
 
Oh and whichever I choose they must be OK to be driven with at most a mini portable amp but preferably direct from a portable source .
 
Thanks !
 
 
 
 
 

 

[LugBug1]

Hi, it all depends on what you will be using as a source. If it is a dap then you are probably best sticking with Grado's because they are easy to drive and can sound good out of most music players. They will always give an exciting (though colored) sound, though they aren't the last word in "big bass", it is punchy but not prominant. The easy tape mod can sort that out if need be.
 
One possible option although not open (but are are very open sounded) are the Denon d2000, they have very deep prominant bass and sharp highs. Again colored but are popular with dance music. These are low impedance as well as Grados.
 
Sennheiser will probably give you the most neutral sound but amping is important, hd595, 598, 650 are all options for you to look at.
 
As for which ones will stay on you head when you are dancing... The Denons will probably fall off... The Grado's are light enough to stay on as long as you are'nt headbanging... The Senns have vice like grip so you should be safe to do backflips!
 
I would also add that more expensive open headphones are mostly aimed at home hifi users and so are more comfortable and bigger because they are designed for sitting at home. I would have a look at a few closed hp's such as Ultrasone and Shure as these seem to be very popular with your taste in music and are more practical in design for what you appear to be after. 

 

[ib1dance]

Thanks for the info .
 
 
What I'm wanting is to "upgrade" the quality of the iGrado's . They will be driven from a sansa clip though I would consider a portable amp .
 
I have the closed HD 25 & m50's and I enjoy there sound  .
 
I want some truly open headphones for the difference,having a more relaxed sound pressure.And being able to hear external sound in a peaceful environment can add up to a very natural listening experience .  I realize that will stretch out the bass frequencies so they will not have the punch of some closed headphone.  I'm happy with the HD 25 1 II's as probably the best designed closed portable headphone that has a very lightweight and minimal feel on the head .
 
Like you said allot of high end open headphones are aimed at the home Hi-fi listener .I'm not too keen on the hd595, 598, 650 as they look like they maybe a little too bulky for my needs .The Grado's do look a little more slimline .
 
For example a open HD25 would be sweet . Same design other then opening up the headphones and rearranging whatever was needed to get a nice sound .
 
I guess my want for some very high quality portable style open headphones isn't a popular choice .
 
Are there placers you can get headphones made to a specific order ?
 

 

[dan1son]

Simple way to upgrade the Grado sound... find your price point, see which grado fits that, buy it.    Buy used to get even more for your money.