Prescribe me some new phones

[Dhw]

Hey gang,

So as you can see from my signature, I'm listening to HD580s through a Pimeta and NAD C542. I'm finding that unfortunately these headphones are having the "yawn" effect on me, though they have very beautiful sounds available...I just end up feeling detached from the music...I need something that can make my foot move from time to time but still give me a sense of beauty too...something that won't let me fall asleep but won't let my ears bleed either...

For rock...I listen to a lot of indie/alt/brit rock like Wilco (my current favorite), Radiohead (my former favorite, but still up there), Elliot Smith, The Shins, Ryan Adams, The Verve etc. I also like a lot of classic rock, like the Beatles, Bowie, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Pink Floyd. My rock tastes don't get very heavy in terms of gut-punching riffs a la metal bands...

I also enjoy a lot of late 60's Miles Davis, modern fusion influenced acts like Medeski Martin and Wood, and classic (particularly Romantic era).

In other words I'm looking for the elusive jack of all trades that based on this site, does not exist!

I'm not a basshead at all and prefer neutrality in balance...I want it to sound like it would sound if you were listening to the band play live...nothing jacked up in the bass department, and preferably audible cymbals (I don't mind forward treble if it's not fatiguing).

I've looked at a ton of reviews and comparisons on this site, and I guess I'm just really fishing for some more...perhaps from someone with similar musical tastes to my own...

I've listened to the SR225 before, and I'm curious as to how it sounds with C-pads and ported betas or alphas...I need some soundstage, but I don't need the world. I'm going to try to hear some DT880s tomorrow as they appear from the reviews to fit into what I like. I may go check out the HD595s again that I've listened to also. Any ideas? Money is an object for me too, so the C-pad Grados might be a little too much (though many a friend would kick me in the junk for spending so much money already...). Thanks!

-Doug-

 

[mmmmcheese]

I would recommend either the Grado SR325is or the Alessandro MS2is. The 325is seem quite balanced to me. I have been told that the MS2is are more neutral and have better bass than the 325is. The 325is are slighlty bright which I really enjoy, but some find fatiquing. I am getting the beta C-pads non ported soon from another headfier. I could give you some impressions then with the combo.

 

[Dhw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmmcheese I would recommend either the Grado SR325is or the Alessandro MS2is. The 325is seem quite balanced to me. I have been told that the MS2is are more neutral and have better bass than the 325is. The 325is are slighlty bright which I really enjoy, but some find fatiquing. I am getting the beta C-pads non ported soon from another headfier. I could give you some impressions then with the combo.

That would be great...I'd love to hear your opinion of them. I don't think Grados would be right for me otherwise...I liked the SR225 but it could have used some soundstage and comfort. I heard the SR325, which simply hurt my ears but not the SR325i...maybe if the C-pad upgrade is as good as some think...

Keep sending more opinions!

 

[rcgrant]

The DT880s easily meet every single criterion you stated. Of course, if you can hear them tomorrow, let your ears decide.

 

[Dhw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcgrant The DT880s easily meet every single criterion you stated. Of course, if you can hear them tomorrow, let your ears decide.

Do you think my Pimeta could drive them and get my toes a-tappin'?

 

[rcgrant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dhw Do you think my Pimeta could drive them and get my toes a-tappin'?

I think a PIMETA would perform admirably with them.

 

[Dhw]

Garr!!!

So I was hoping that Guitar Center would have a DT880 I could try out, but the only one they stock is the DT770. I was impressed with the smoothness, but damn, that's a lot of bass...it was difficult to really note the other qualities...this kind of distracted me. It was a good time to reflect on why I hate Guitar Center, as I sat on the floor, listening through a CD player/recorder with the volume knob missing, using a sales associate's badge clip to adjust the sound...he was a nice enough guy at least, but was helping about 3 customers at once...

I ended up wandering down the street to Spearit Sound...great place in Boston...the people who work there are very friendly and helpful. I listened to some SR225s, SR325s and various AKG cans...and realized that someday I will definitely have to own a pair of SR225s...I just don't think they're what I need for a main pair (btw: why does the HeadRoom website say that the SR325 is "much like the SR225"??? I thought the difference was pretty significant switching between the two...and the SR325 didn't leave me in awe).

I came home tonight and listened to my HD580s for a good while, and realized how much they really have going for them...but after awhile I just wasn't feeling the music that much again. It's hard to explain...to me it's like the soundstage is wonderful, but I can almost visualize it as a flat painting I'm looking at, that is very beautiful and all, but I'm not a part of it...whereas something like the Grados are a sculpture that beats the crap out of you at times, making it difficult to focus on the overall work...still an enjoyable beatdown...

So it looks like I may have to order a pair of Beyer DT880s through the mail to try out for awhile if they're going to be more engaging than my Senns and will hopefully help bridge the Grado/Senn gap. I may end up going the HD595 route in the end too (the first quality phones I ever listened to)...those really impressed me with their detail and forwardness...not as moving as Grados but not as "in my head" and with what I remember as better instrument separation...

Aye....any thoughts? Any more convincing that the DT880 is a more engaging listen? Anyone?

-Doug-

 

[kramer5150]

Look no further than Grado or Beyerdynamic
SR60 or SR225
DT150, DT770-80, DT250-80, DT990, DT880

Or AKG K240s... I would even lump the Koss porta/KSC75 into the mix, if you dont mind giving up some detail to save some $$$.

All have a somewhat similar signature... resonant bass with forward/projecting mids.

 

[Dhw]

I wish I could go along with the graphs but when I look at the comparison between the HD580, SR225, DT880 and HD595, they all look like they should sound extremely similar (when obviously they do not). At least to me...I'm not yet someone who could make a claim like "I notice a difference of about 1dB at 30hz"...

I like the frequency balance of all of these phones...but it's the sense of engagement (forwardness and speed?) that I'm more concerned with...to not be beaten over the head with sound, but to still feel like part of the music...

 

[Dhw]

Reviving my old thread...G-d help me...

I'm still thinking about those DT880s...I've upgraded my amp since then to a Gilmore Lite and get a lot more life out of my Senns (those things move fast now!) but it's still not totally involving for me. I keep coming back on here and reading thread after thread on the DT880, the MS-2i and recently the DT990 Pro (since Amazon has such a sweet deal). My musical tastes are still the same as before...

Someone help me...anyone?

I'm even thinking of selling off some of my old guitar equipment I don't use much anymore to fund further hi-fi purchases...

"Sorry about your #&*$@ wallet" indeed

-Doug-

 

[fante7]

Go for the DT880. It's pretty neutral, good soundstage, forward treble but not as fatiguing as the Grados. It should give you the extra speed over the Senns that you're looking for. Extremely comfortable as well. The sound is kind of dry compared to the Senns, and it could potentially sound a bit thin with a Gilmore Lite. I believe the DT880 is as close to a "jack of all trades" as I've ever heard. I was also unable to try them out before I bought, but I was certainly not disappointed. I was using a HD555 previously, which is a nice phone in its own right, but the DT880 is in a completely different league. I have no reason to listen to the HD555 anymore, the only disadvantage that the DT880 has is being hard to drive, but you do have a capable amp and CDP. I doubt you will be disappointed. Feel free to PM me to discuss it further if you wish.

 

[kramer5150]

wow thats an old thread....

My recommendation...
MS2i + SR71 Might want to consider a millet hybrid. Tube roll to find a tube that sounds good to you.

Garrett

 

[Jazper]

*grins* SA5000 if you don't like being in the moshpit and prefer to be on stage.
not to mention the glite apparently pairs quite well with them.


MS2/SR325 if you do prefer the moshpit.

I'm biased, but that's me.

 

[Murdoch]

I recommend you take your pimeta with you back to Spearit Sound (or guitar ctr) and try the AKG k240s.

 

[Dhw]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone, but I still need more help.

I'm still considering the MS-2 (or MS-2i) but the SR325i is too bright for me (though it does sound great...I just don't think I could handle the long term). I am very tempted to enter Grado/Alessandro territory eventually...I'm just not sure if at the moment. The HD580s are pretty close to what I want in an all-purpose can, and that's what I'm still looking for. When I can get a second pair of 'phones, it will likely be time for some Grados for rock music, because while I like rock, I do like a lot of jazz and classical as well. Unless you can convince me an MS-2i is good for all purpose listening...

The SA-5000 is something I'd love to try someday but is out of my price league at the moment. So is an amp upgrade...I'd like to stick with the GL for now. I bought it having read that it's a pretty good all around amp, especially for the money (with the caveat being not to use it with K501s).

Has anyone of you actually heard the DT880 with the GL? I read a few posts saying they actually have good synergy...no comments on cold or thin sound outside of speculation. I may just have to order some from HeadRoom and take advantage of the 30 day trial. I'd still like some more opinions though first, of course

Thanks for the replies so far, you guys are great!