Replacing headphones. Opinions/suggestions please.

[evilgnome]

Hey, my first post in head-fi. Just need some help with my new purchase.

Basically I have been using a pair of Sennheiser HD570s (purchased for $300AUD) for the last few years which have suited me well, until I sat on them the other day and snap the band.

So now its time to get a new pair. Im not a huge audiophile like you insane guys here, but would like something that sounds great. Ive gone through the forums, buts its all too much to take in as all the technical jargon confuses me.

I dont have a huge budget and will be using these at home. Circumaural and open headphones are the preferred option as well as comfortable for hours of use. I primarily use it connected to the PC but also use it hooked up to my Yamaha reciever for movies etc.

Ive only had a look at the Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic range and have narrowed it to the DTX800 ($150AUD), HD555 ($200AUD)or the HD595 ($300AUD).

My main question is which one would these provide the most noticable sound quality improvement compared to my old 570s (are these any good in the first place?). Specifically does the extra cost = greater sound quality for me, considering Im not running it off expensive amps etc.

So there is my dilemma. All help and suggestions is much appreciated.

I will be purchasing it of www.headphones.com.au as this seems to be the only site that sells high quality headphones in Australia.

Cheers

 

[grawk]

At the top of this website, there's a link about the Grado Head-Fi 1. Click that link and read up. For $200US, plus shipping to australia, you get one of the best values in the headphone world.

 

[sgrossklass]

Fending off the FOTM waves

, I'll say this:

1. The headband on the 570s is replaceable. It costs 42,19€ plus shipping here. Not cheap (you can get the cans for not even 50% now), but perhaps worth it. Not that 570s would be particularly great sonically - they're about on HD515 level - but at least their comfort should be excellent.
2. Bang/buck will be best with the HD555. The DTX series isn't on the same level, particularly build seems to be cheap.
3. HD595s cost the same now that the old 570s used to cost years ago, and would be a considerable upgrade. On the other hand, 50% more than the 555s, hmm. Here they're more like 1/3 more.
4. If you don't mind overseas ordering, do read up on the HF-1. That one can only be ordered until the end of this month. Those WILL be quite different than the Senns though, both sonically and mechanically (should be supraaural).

 

[grawk]

larry's cpads will make em circumaural

 

[Nomad]

Being the HF-1 an excellent value, I wouldn't suggest a Grado cans to someone coming from the sound and ergonomics of Senns without a previous test.

The Grados are great but some confort/grato issues might appear, ruining the whole experience. I'll suggest to try to listen some grados (some audition on shop, for example, and the longer the better). If you like it, then go for the HF-1.

If you are not sure, then stick with the Senns and try to see if you can get a great deal with some 600, that sometimes can be found almost for the price of the 595 if you are lucky.

It would help to know your music preferences. I did read something about movies too. The 595 is my favourite one for movies/gaming and it's pretty decent for music too (a bit boring sometimes, but I think it's just me, so probably no big deal).

Cheers

 

[evilgnome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomad Being the HF-1 an excellent value, I wouldn't suggest a Grado cans to someone coming from the sound and ergonomics of Senns without a previous test. The Grados are great but some confort/grato issues might appear, ruining the whole experience. I'll suggest to try to listen some grados (some audition on shop, for example, and the longer the better). If you like it, then go for the HF-1. If you are not sure, then stick with the Senns and try to see if you can get a great deal with some 600, that sometimes can be found almost for the price of the 595 if you are lucky. It would help to know your music preferences. I did read something about movies too. The 595 is my favourite one for movies/gaming and it's pretty decent for music too (a bit boring sometimes, but I think it's just me, so probably no big deal). Cheers

I have a friend with a pair of Grados which sound great, but like you mentioned, they arent all that comfortable, especially since I wear glasses.

Music wise, Im into a lot of genres, rock, rnb, pop, and everything in between.

Also what do you mean by "boring" as Ive seen this term pop up occasionally in this forum.

 

[grawk]

I'd think grados would have an advantage over circumaural cans when it comes to wearing glasses...tweak the headband some, pads rest on the ear, so don't interfere...

 

[Nomad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgnome I have a friend with a pair of Grados which sound great, but like you mentioned, they arent all that comfortable, especially since I wear glasses. Music wise, Im into a lot of genres, rock, rnb, pop, and everything in between. Also what do you mean by "boring" as Ive seen this term pop up occasionally in this forum.

Then I'd ask to your friend for a LONG listening session 3-4 hours in order to make sure you are Ok with the comfort and that you don't find the cans too bright and fatiguing. If you are Ok, then go for the HF-1 as fast as you can.

Grados will be great for your music.

"Boring" means ... well... Boring! It's hard to describe. The 595 are not specially fun. The 6xx series at least have that "eufonic" touch. But the 595 lacks the impact of the grados or the euphonic/richness of the 6xx series, so they can be kind of boring sometimes.

On the other side they are very neutral, they are very easy to drive, very comfortable and they are a fantastic all-around cans so they are not that bad. That "Boring" calification might a bit extreme. Call them "too polite sometimes" if you want, instead.

Good luck finding your sound

 

[augustwest]

If you are looking for a "fun" alternative to the Grados, you might consider the Beyer dt990's. They are a great "all around" headphone for many styles of music. However, they will require some sort of decent amplification.

- augustwest

 

[evilgnome]

Well, Ive managed to burrow my friends Grados SR-60s for the night to try them out. Will be giving them a good testing tonight for a few hours, they still arent as comfortable as my old Sennheisers, but hopefully they grow on me. They sound excellent though. Much better than my 570s.

Also will be hopping into the headphone store in the city tomorrow to test some more out.

I was actually recommended the AT ATH-AD700 by the guys at headphones.com.au when I was enquiring about some other products. He recommends these over the Sennheiser 5XX. Anyone have a pair of these and care to comment?? Also was recommended the Alessandro MS-1 which Ive also been told are great phones as well. Both are very well priced compared to the Sennheisers.

Also I will be heading overseas next month to China and Japan so Im hoping to pick up a cheap headphone amp to compliment my new headphones.

 

[Lisa]

If you go to headphone.com.au try the MS1s with the pads from the MS2s. That will be what the HF-1 will feel like. Your friends Sr60 most probalby have the comfy pads and they are more comfortable than the bowl pads that come with the hf-1.
You can always swap pads if need be though.

Otherwise I'd say just go and listen and let your ears be the judge.

 

[Andrea]

Now you know how Grado sounds like, you only have to give the HD595 a try (but beware: it needs to be burned in to let you hear its best) and you'll know that whatever your final choice, it will be spot on!

 

[Bosch]

I have dealt with Headphonic in Perth in the past. They have excellent service and offer straight talking, no B.S. advice. Like always, personal preferences come into play. Just do your own research and try stuff out just as you're doing...you'll be fine.

Oh yeah, velcome to the site...you'd better go buy some cream for your on-going cash rash!

 

[evilgnome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosch I have dealt with Headphonic in Perth in the past. They have excellent service and offer straight talking, no B.S. advice. Like always, personal preferences come into play. Just do your own research and try stuff out just as you're doing...you'll be fine. Oh yeah, velcome to the site...you'd better go buy some cream for your on-going cash rash!

The more I research, the more I realise that this is going to cost more then I am willing to spend.

You know, $100 more here for way better phones, requires amp for best sound another $500, this is a better amp for only extra $50 but suit this phones which cost another $100 etc.

The cycle just keeps repeating itself. I had a feeling coming to this site would be more than I bargained for.

These Grados that im using atm are growing on me. They sound brilliant. If these HF-1s are a lot better than I may just get them. More research and some headphones stores tomorrow will be first priority.

Pity finding a store that demos high quality headphones in Sydney is impossible. I can definitely test the Sennies at JB though.

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgnome The more I research, the more I realise that this is going to cost more then I am willing to spend. You know, $100 more here for way better phones, requires amp for best sound another $500, this is a better amp for only extra $50 but suit this phones which cost another $100 etc. The cycle just keeps repeating itself. I had a feeling coming to this site would be more than I bargained for. These Grados that im using atm are growing on me. They sound brilliant. If these HF-1s are a lot better than I may just get them. More research and some headphones stores tomorrow will be first priority. Pity finding a store that demos high quality headphones in Sydney is impossible. I can definitely test the Sennies at JB though.

HF-1s or the A900s.. that is my vote.. don't need amp for the A900s. Compared to the HD595 need an amp alittle more.. Not sure if you can get you hands on the A900s though