[dale55]

Looking to expand my collection of headphones. Currently have some slightly modified Grado 80e and Sennheiser 650HD. Love both of them for different reasons but looking for a different sound signature. I listen to headphones at least 2-3 hours a day. My headphone system is part of my computer system. I have a Schiitt Lyr tube amp with some Sovtek tubes, Musical fidelity V90 dac. Looking to spend between $500-$1000. Opinions please?

Dale

 

[gc335]

Hi! What do you listen to usually for music? Do you like a warmer signature? Do you want to stick to open?

 

[dale55]

Love all types of music but jazz and rock the most. I do like an open sound with a large deep soundstage.

 

[gc335]

If sound stage is important maybe look at a used HD800S. That would probably pair well with the Lyr. It's a bit bass light for some genres but based on what you have now, it might be worth looking into. Used, they are in the $1000 range.

 

[bagwell359]

Look into planars for something different. Since ~2010 a lot more very good planars than dynamics released in that price range. My pick would be the HE-6 SE v2, great for all genres. Staging not to the 800 or 800S level, but, better than the 650. More potent and impactful than your current two cans, On Adoramat $599, and $489 open box, both are deals.

 

[bagwell359]

If sound stage is important maybe look at a used HD800S. That would probably pair well with the Lyr. It's a bit bass light for some genres but based on what you have now, it might be worth looking into. Used, they are in the $1000 range.

I think the 800's with the standard treblemod are better than the 800S (bass has better damped bass (cleaner)) - and can be had for $650-700ish - but yes, they tend to be older. Also both sound much better on OTL tube amps. Your Lyr is a hybrid.

 

[gc335]

I think the 800's with the standard mod are better than the 800S - and can be had for $700ish - but yes, they tend to be older.

Good point! Worth looking into. I personally prefer planars. If he doesn't have experience with them it may be worth looking into.

 

[dale55]

I have thought about the Hifiman XS. How do they compare to the HE-6 SV2?

 

[bagwell359]

I have thought about the Hifiman XS. How do they compare to the HE-6 SV2?

The HE-6 SE v2 needs power (4 wpc@50 ohms)which I think you have. Mine are modded and EQ'd. In that form they have much better bass impact, and are more forceful, and technically superior. The XS are nice, and I think the timbre w/o EQ is pretty good. They just don't have bass impact, but have bass, EQ doesn't really give them the sense of snappy bass under 80 Hz. THe XS does throw a bigger image, but its not pinpoint like the 800S. That's the one place the HE-6 SE v1 and v2 cannot match the XS.

 

[dale55]

Thanks for the detailed info. That helps alot.!

 

[Mhog55]

Need more informative information as to what you seek sonically. My 1st recommendation is always the Ibasso SR2. A whole lot of headphone for a great price.

 

[tudedude]

Yes, I also recommend planars. Can't go wrong with a hifiman in the 500 or over range. Something like the XS would be great for your music. In another direction, something with bass and warmth like the Focal Radiance. Headphones.com have a good bundle deal at the top of your price range going on right now. https://headphones.com/products/foc...-portable-bundle?_pos=12&_fid=deeea7b61&_ss=c.