Portable cans under $200 - Anything Compete with Sennheiser HD25-1?

[music065]

Okay, I'm ready to spend $200 on a good pair of portable headphones.

After a lot of research, it looks like I'm set on Senn HD25-1.

Are there any other cans you recommend I look at prior to making this purchase?

Thank you!

 

[3X0]

Audio-Technica ES7.

Probably around the same level as the HD25-1 for some $50 less. They do different things well.

 

[nickchen]

Don't think the HD25-1 can be beaten so easely as single fon.

I spent much less than 200$ and got the K81 & the MS1 for the different portable situations. Feel perfectly equipped so far. Only sometimes wish there were more MS1 situations...

 

[music065]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3X0 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Audio-Technica ES7. Probably around the same level as the HD25-1 for some $50 less. They do different things well.

3XO,

What would you say the ES7 & HD25-1 do better than one another?

thanks

 

[F107plus5]

Yeah; I keep looking for reasons for wearing my MS-1s out too! There just aren't enough good opportunities!

 

[music065]

Quote:

Originally Posted by F107plus5 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah; I keep looking for reasons for wearing my MS-1s out too! There just aren't enough good opportunities!

Are you guys saying you actually prefer the SQ of the MS-1 to the HD25-1?

I guess MS-1 are are not closed phones?

 

[F107plus5]

Yup; the MS-1s are not closed, and that helps eliminate some of the good MS-1 treks! They do leak some noise in as well as out.

 

[3X0]

ES7 is more euphonic ("fun" sound) with better vocals, smooth well-controlled highs and strong bass. Soundstage is wider. Sounds pretty edgy. Good with electronic, rock, hip-hop, and pop.

HD25-1 is more accurate ("real" sound) with greater (sometimes shouty) treble energy and strong bass. Better instrumental separation. Greater isolation and durability. Good attack. It's pretty good with electronic, for sure, but not sure of other genres.

 

[nickchen]

Quote:

Are you guys saying you actually prefer the SQ of the MS-1 to the HD25-1?

Never could compare my MS1 to the HD25 - but folks who could seem to prefer the MS1. Logical, it's an open fon.

 

[Daroid]

Well generally, it's considered by many to fair about SR80-SR125 level, give or take. I think the HD25-1 in many ways is much better than the HF-1, except the bass, where i think the HF-1 is about reference material in a dynamic headphone.
The treble on the HD25-1 is much cleaner with the OFC cable and midrange is completely uncolored. Believe it or not, they're actually also more comfortable, but it depends a lot on ear shape.

These are my long-term impressions... so go to the HeadFest, forget what i just said, and make your own judgements.

 

[dropnbass]

Nice pic of dog with cans.

I just had this flash you've probably already had: dogs would be some dam* tough headphone customers.

Dog 1 to Dog 2: "Hmmm...high end of all these human phones appears lacking to me. What do you think, Rover?"

 

[spinali]

As a recent ES7 owner, I'm less than impressed by this item. True, it's an great-looking device, and they fit the head more simply and elegantly than anything out there. I felt I needed more detail; moreover, the fit for the buds were (at least for my ears) less than perfect.

On the other hand, if anybody wants mine....

 

[NtD Gr3nade]

Save another 100 and get some E500s while they are still cheap. Alot better sounding and more portable.

 

[3X0]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinali /img/forum/go_quote.gif As a recent ES7 owner, I'm less than impressed by this item. True, it's an great-looking device, and they fit the head more simply and elegantly than anything out there. I felt I needed more detail; moreover, the fit for the buds were (at least for my ears) less than perfect. On the other hand, if anybody wants mine....

Curious.. how long have you had them? I kept mine burning in with pink noise when I'm not using them.. I have about 300-320 hours of burn-in on them and the bass really cleared up and it sounds much better than at 0-150 hours.

Also, what are the "buds"?

 

[GlorytheWiz825]

Go with the HD25-1. They offer great isolation and very accurate sound reproduction. I auditioned one for about 30 minutes at Bay Blood Audio in Toronto. Loved them! I really can't think of a better portable headphone for ~200 dollars.