[seag33k]

I have a great pair of closed headphones that I really enjoy (COP) for all around listening at work or home.  I am considering a pair of open headphones for home listening.  I generally listen to rock (old/new), country, and jazz.  I have a pair of Sennheiser HD495 that are on ear style, but I don't really care for them.  They sound muffled and constricted compared to my COPs.  I run them through a FiiO E17.  What are the reference headphones in this category, price range and type of music?
 
Thanks!
Seag33k

 

[RMac]

Hifiman HE-400.  Priced at a cool $399.  Grab them and don't look back

 

[seag33k]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll take a look and read up on these.

 

[davidsh]

They are quite good for rock and jazz. What kind of sound do you want? Natural, neutral, bassy, whatever?

 

[seag33k]

I would prefer a pair that aren't overly bright but still offer some nice detail.  I enjoy good extended bass.  Some of the older rock tunes (70's-80's) can sound thin in the bass region while newer recordings can have a much better tonal balance.

 

[davidsh]

Well, the HE-400 sound like a possible suggestion. The only drawback is the treble. It is energetic, can be sibilant if the track calls for it, and to me it does not show that much real detail due to a treble spike around 10 kHz or so. I think it tend to overshadow some details in the treble. But if you do a slight corrective eq to get rid of a couple of spikes, im sure you'd be good.

 

[seag33k]

Thanks for the additional input!  BTW, would the FiiO AMP/DAC be enough to drive the HE-400s?

 

[davidsh]

Quote:

Thanks for the additional input!  BTW, would the FiiO AMP/DAC be enough to drive the HE-400s?

It would suffice, but you can always do better 

They scale well going from a fiio to a proper amp

 

[calipilot227]

You might also consider the Sennheiser HD650. Similar sound signature to the HE400, good bass, non-fatiguing (but still with good detail), and an incredibly smooth midrange.
 
Edit: However, the Fiio E17 won't do them justice (they'll sound okay, but they really need more power to shine). I ordered a Fiio E09k a couple days ago, it should be here on Monday. I'll report back when it arrives.

 

[seag33k]

Yes please do report back.  I'd be interested in know what improvements that amp might make.  I like my E17 since it is totally portable but a good desktop amp would be great as well.

 

[RMac]

The E17 is an amazing value.  I use it as my portable solution to listen to music at work (because transporting a tube amp to and from work is just a no-no in my opinion).  I have no gripes.  The HE-400 isn't particular picky with amping.  Give it some juice and it'll reward you.