Recommendations

[Gaffney982]

I'm an uuber noob when it comes to headphones. But my friend just got a pair of Senn HD-600's and I listened to them........OMG. Nothing like I've ever heard. Basically I'm looking for some headphones that are (if not 600's) comparable to the hd600's. I am considering buying the 600's but what are some other equivalents?

 

[shawntp]

Choosing the best headphone for listening is like trying to find the best location to photograph a mountain from.

You just need to listen to lots ...it is likley that perhaps the Senn 600's are the best phone you have heard and that there are many others out there which are equally better than what you have heard.

There is a pretty broad spectrum of products and sounds. Senn is a standby and the 600 is a pretty solid/well liked model. Grado is another Sight favorite for rockers with a completly different sound.

Do you have a budget? That might help ...600's are pricy and probably could use an Amp.

 

[Inter]

If you really dig the Sennheiser sound, go with the Sennheiser sound.

But it all depends on what you listen to and what kind of sound you prefer. The possibilities are endless. If you like rock, chances are you will like the more forward Grados better. Many people on these forums tend to recommend Grado for rock and I'm one of those although I enjoy rock in any can I own.

What do you listen to and what kind of source do you have? The HD600 won't function very well straight out of an iPod because of its high ohm impedance, while a Grado would be much better. Pretty much all cans that are worth its salt (and HD600 definitely is!) really needs an amp to shine though.

Oh, and welcome to Head-fi, sorry about your wallet!

 

[cheechoz]

Well, if you liked the HD600 so much, you might like the HD650 even better. The 650 is a bit more laid back, with less sparkle in the highs, and a more fuller sound, with great bass.

P.S. Sorry about your wallet!!

 

[Gaffney982]

LoL guys. Ty for the tips. I really don't mind spending anywhere from $100-$275 for a great set of headphones, as long as they sound good in whatever I do. I'm really not looking to have to buy an amp for a set of headphones as I do a lot of listening to my iPod and a LOT of gaming on my computer (It's a decent sound card (Creative X-Fi Fatal1ty Edition)). What's a decent set of "cans" (Is that what you guys call headphones?) that don't require an amp, sound good either on an iPod or plugged into my computer?

 

[wakeride74]

What were the 600 you heard running from?? Source makes a difference too. If they were from an ipod and you were that happy with them just go for the same.

If you really want something that sounds good, does games well and does not need an amp you are probably looking at the Audio-Technica ATH A900

 

[Jonasy_swe]

Maybe you should take a look at the Sennheiser HD595. They're very comfortable (good if you use them a lot, like long gaming sessions ...), and the new 50 ohm model works well with mp3-players and they match your budget (like $150 here in Sweden, dunno about US prices). I can't say anything about the sound though, but a quick search in this forum shows me they're pretty popular.

 

[Gaffney982]

I like the HD580's. I can get a brand new set for $140 shipped, whatta you guys think?

 

[The Monkey]

I agree with the 595 suggestion above. It's an excellent phone, with a slightly more forward presentation than some of the other Senns. Plus, it's easily driven.

 

[Inter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaffney982 LoL guys. Ty for the tips. I really don't mind spending anywhere from $100-$275 for a great set of headphones, as long as they sound good in whatever I do. I'm really not looking to have to buy an amp for a set of headphones as I do a lot of listening to my iPod and a LOT of gaming on my computer (It's a decent sound card (Creative X-Fi Fatal1ty Edition)). What's a decent set of "cans" (Is that what you guys call headphones?) that don't require an amp, sound good either on an iPod or plugged into my computer?

If you liked the sound of the HD600 straight out of the ipod, then there's no problem. Go with it. The pro (and con for your wallet) is that there's heaps of room to upgrade later.

If you do alot of gaming, many people tend to recommend the Beyerdynamic DT770-80, which is a closed very bassy can. It's supposed to be excellent for games but may be a little on the bassy side when it comes to music. They can be driven quite easily by the Creative card, and they would also be better for the iPod than the HD600.

Creative soundcards are generally shunned around here, although they say the new X-fi series is a step up from their Audigy series. The Audigy sucks for music (I own the Audigy 2 ZS platinum edition) but is decent for games.

I've never heard the HD580 so I can't comment on it.

 

[no1likesme]

if you are playing games stay away from grado's
i LOVE my sr80's but i prefer my $20 inland cans for gaming by a large margin
they just don't have the bass that is needed for games

 

[Senn20]

I second the HD 595 recommendation.

Otherwise, go for the HD 600 and a cheap portable amp like the PA2V2:
http://www.electric-avenues.com/audio8.html

 

[Gaffney982]

So the recommendation for my uses would be the hd595's over the hd580's?

 

[AdamWill]

Well, if you're absolutely unwilling to buy an amp, yeah. But you can easily get a used pair of 580s and a reasonable amp under your original budget, and - especially given you liked the sound of the 600s - I think you might like that combination more. So why not?

 

[sum]

Another recommendation for the 595s. They aren't as details as the 600s you heard, but they still maintain the signature Sennheiser sound. They're also comfortable to the point that you can wear them for several hours and not care.