[apropos]

some questions regarding "reference headphones."

what does the term "reference headphones" refer to exactly? what is the difference between "analytical" and "reference" headphones, if any?

how could one tell whether particular headphones are reference 'phones or not? is there an official disclaimer (or something like that) provided by the headphone manufacturer?

are there any reference 'phones that could be decently driven by a portable CD player without an amp and that could be used for monitoring/recording/sound engineering purpose?

are any of the following phones considered reference phones: sennheiser 280, beyer 250-80, ultrasone 650, sony 7509, akg 271 studio?

are there any retail stores around NYC or northern NJ that would have some reference headphones in stock?


thanks a lot.
A.

 

[dokebi]

I was under the impression that the best that you own and heard (usually neutral sound?) becomes your reference set whether it be a headphone or sound source. Then again perhaps not.

Try JandR, B&H Photo and Etronics. All 3 have walk-in stores in lower and mid Manhattan.

Posting your music source, amp if you have one and a budget would yield you better response. However, try using the search feature for questions on headphone models, amps and music source for opinions and more descriptive information.

 

[LTUCCI1924]

HI: The SONY CD3000 says it is a digital reference headphone plus it is only 32 ohms.

 

[apropos]

Thanks on the tip regarding the NYC retailers!

Well, some sites say that sony 7509 is a "reference phone." On B&H site they say that beyer 250-80 are "reference quality monitors." So, i thought there was some standard based on how the phones respond to various frequences. If their response fell within a certain range (very close to being neutral), then, i thought, they are considered reference phones. But I am wrong on that one, I guess.

My portable CD player is Panasonic SL-SV550 and my other source is an integrated Crystam WDM Audio soundcard on my computer. My budget for the heaphones is up to $200 unless there is a killer value 'phone above that mark.

 

[apropos]

LTUCCI1924,

Thanks for the recommendation but I believe Sony cd3000 is an open headphone. If so, it probably won't suit my monitoring/sound engineering/recording needs. Actually, I should have specified that in the original post. Sorry about that.

 

[LTUCCI1924]

UH its a closed headphone that sounds like an open headphone.

 

[apropos]

hmm... it turns out that 14-dollar Sony MDR-CD180 is also considered 'digital reference' headphone along with the CD3000. I have no doubts that 3000 is a digital reference phone but how could there be such a gap in price and quality?

 

[Mastergill]

For monitoring/sound engineering/recording, the Senn. HD25 is a reference...far better than any AKG studio.

 

[psxguy85]

Uh, the CD3000 sounds pretty closed to me. I had some sound escape when I was still on the used pads that came with mine, but the new pads seem to muffle the sound from escaping outside now.

All those other "digital reference" phones that Sony makes that I've seen and heard are total crap compared to the CD3000. You need to hear it and compare to believe it.

 

[dokebi]

apropos, The term digital reference and variations of it is grossly exaggerated to the point where its just another marketing technique to lure consumers.

Although I haven't heard the CD3000, most people consider them ideal with a music source and amp that gives the price justice. If you run a search on them you will find in-depth information and that most people are very happy with them.

With your budget of $200. You should consider the Sony V6 or Sennheiser HD280 ($60-90.) You can easily save and get away without buying an amp with those 2 mentioned due to the ease of driving them while others IMO need a better source and amp for their potential to shine.

I heard both and strongly prefer the V6 for music and your requirements.
Quote:

without an amp and that could be used for monitoring/recording/sound engineering purpose?

 

[kuma]

The term 'reference' has been thrown around for a marketing reason. Sort of like 'digital'. Most of the time, it has nothing to do with quality

Reference means what you use normaly that can be *referenced* against anything else. Your bench mark. Your standard. Reference is something you measure everything against.

Naturally, everyone's *reference/standard* varies by experience base.

If someone uses AKG K1000 or Stax, for instance, most everything would sound *colored* and not resolving enough. Conversely, if someone uses Grado RS1 for his/her reference, everything else would probably sound leaner to his/her ears. But someone who uses SR60 normaly, trying out RS1 for the first time, it would probably sound much more resolving than his/her standard.

This is why you want to know any reviewers system context/reference so that you can judge any piece of review in a context.

 

[Leo]

Ok, marketing buzzwords have always been a bain to my existence. The one that gets me most is digital or digital ready. How can headphones be considered digital when they are really analog listening devices? Just a thought.

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally posted by Leo Ok, marketing buzzwords have always been a bain to my existence. The one that gets me most is digital or digital ready. How can headphones be considered digital when they are really analog listening devices? Just a thought.

The term "digital ready" or "for digital" is a leftover from the 1980's and early 90's, when everyone was transitioning from cassettes and LP's to CD's. It was part of the whole digital marketing blitz that existed back in the 80's, so usually you'll find this sort of terminology on older headphone models, and older audio equipment.

Might as well ignore it completely at this point rather than letting it "get to you," since it no longer has any more meaning than "Living Stereo" does on old RCA records.

P.S. If you come across any quality cans that say "For Digital" on them and it bugs you, just send 'em on to me... I'm sure I'll get plenty of enjoyment listening to my turntable with 'em.

 

[kwkarth]

Oh I just can't resist.

The Sony CD-3000s are open back headphones meaning that pressurization/rarefaction of the air in the cavity behind the driver NEVER TAKES PLACE because there is a vent that extends around the entire circumference of the cans just behind where ear cushions meet the sides of the can.

They attenuate very little ambient noise from the room.

BTW, the term "reference" anything is relatively meaningless these days due to gross overuse by most manufacturers in their marketing hype. Not to denigrate Sony CD-3000s because they are very fine sounding cans...but Sony use the term waaay too loosly.

Headroom still means something when they use the term "Reference" and they're one of the exceptions these days.

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally posted by Leo Ok, marketing buzzwords have always been a bain to my existence. The one that gets me most is digital or digital ready. How can headphones be considered digital when they are really analog listening devices? Just a thought.

the last good one i have heard/read was 'virtually CD quality sound'.