ARStewart
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2010
- Posts
- 17
- Likes
- 10
Hello everyone! I've been a long-time Head-Fi lurker but I finally decided to register tonight.
I know that these threads are common, but I could really use some guidance. I currently own a set of Grado SR225i headphones, which I have used constantly for 3 years. As much as I love them, they are falling apart and I am ready to buy my second pair of high-end phones. However, I have no way of demoing any of the ones that I am interested in. Given the subjectivity of sound preference, I'm hoping that you experienced folks can help me out since I'm not really sure what to seriously consider.
My current setup is: Macbook > iBasso Cobra D10 (via Optical) > Grado SR225i
I would say that half of my music is FLAC and half is 320 kbps. I listen to a wide range of music but a large portion of it is experimental indie (Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo, etc.), folk (Marissa Nadler, Bon Iver, Beirut), shoegaze/post-rock/math-rock, and some electronic music (Four Tet, Flying Lotus, M83).
I am looking for some headphones that fit the following criteria:
* Very detailed but not sterile or harsh
* Relaxed bass that is present but not overpowering (an issue I have found with many headphones that I have tried)
* Not necessarily neutral; I don't mind a bit of tonal coloring at all
* Comfortable (my Grados are very uncomfortable in my opinion)
* Warm without sounding muddy or undefined
* Budget of $500 or less
Originally I was set on purchasing the AKG K701 or K702s. However, I have been doubting my choice lately since reading several "love it or hate it" reviews. I'm worried that they might be too reserved or sterile for my taste. Right now I am most interested in the Sennheiser HD650 or Denon D5000 headphones (possibly buying used if necessary). Based on what I have read, it seems like the 650s will be great for what I am looking for, but the Denons seem to have a likable, "fun" coloration that many enjoy (although I have read that they can be muddy as well). I know almost nothing about the Beyer DT series, although I am not opposed to them.
So, given all this information, can anyone recommend which pair I should most seriously consider and for what reasons? Also, would the iBasso amp be able to power the Senns or Denons?
Thanks so much everyone! I look forward to becoming more involved in the HF community
I know that these threads are common, but I could really use some guidance. I currently own a set of Grado SR225i headphones, which I have used constantly for 3 years. As much as I love them, they are falling apart and I am ready to buy my second pair of high-end phones. However, I have no way of demoing any of the ones that I am interested in. Given the subjectivity of sound preference, I'm hoping that you experienced folks can help me out since I'm not really sure what to seriously consider.
My current setup is: Macbook > iBasso Cobra D10 (via Optical) > Grado SR225i
I would say that half of my music is FLAC and half is 320 kbps. I listen to a wide range of music but a large portion of it is experimental indie (Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo, etc.), folk (Marissa Nadler, Bon Iver, Beirut), shoegaze/post-rock/math-rock, and some electronic music (Four Tet, Flying Lotus, M83).
I am looking for some headphones that fit the following criteria:
* Very detailed but not sterile or harsh
* Relaxed bass that is present but not overpowering (an issue I have found with many headphones that I have tried)
* Not necessarily neutral; I don't mind a bit of tonal coloring at all
* Comfortable (my Grados are very uncomfortable in my opinion)
* Warm without sounding muddy or undefined
* Budget of $500 or less
Originally I was set on purchasing the AKG K701 or K702s. However, I have been doubting my choice lately since reading several "love it or hate it" reviews. I'm worried that they might be too reserved or sterile for my taste. Right now I am most interested in the Sennheiser HD650 or Denon D5000 headphones (possibly buying used if necessary). Based on what I have read, it seems like the 650s will be great for what I am looking for, but the Denons seem to have a likable, "fun" coloration that many enjoy (although I have read that they can be muddy as well). I know almost nothing about the Beyer DT series, although I am not opposed to them.
So, given all this information, can anyone recommend which pair I should most seriously consider and for what reasons? Also, would the iBasso amp be able to power the Senns or Denons?
Thanks so much everyone! I look forward to becoming more involved in the HF community