Searching for the perfect open headphone.

[kirkftl]

Just gonna copy the template from my Reddit post, as It's much easier this way.

Budget - ~$700

Source - Magni2u/Modi2u

Requirements for Isolation - None

Will you be using these Headphones in Public? - No

Preferred Type of Headphone - Full sized open

Preferred tonal balance - Neutral/Slightly V Shaped.

Past headphones - Custom One Pro/V-Moda M100/Fidelio X2

Preferred Music - Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Progressive Metal/Deathcore/Occasionally EDM

What would you like to improve on from your set-up - Looking for an open back headphone for mostly music but some gaming. A very comfortable all rounder would be preferred, as I think I have ears on the larger side (my ears touch the driver on the Custom One Pro and it hurts after a few minutes, had to switch to HM5 pads)

 

[Monsterzero]

The M-100s and X2s are quite bass happy headphones,so your definition of neutral might be a bit skewed.

You can try asking for advice in the metal thread

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hea...timate-solution.715478/page-529#post-13647604

I listen mostly to metal myself but I prefer a bassy+mid-centric and gentle highs,ala LCD-2/Atticus sound signature.

You might look into some of the Beyer headphones,however I find the mids on them to lack weight and texture.

 

[squee116]

Fostex and those using their drivers are known for formidable v-shape curve as well, though I think they're all closed-back. (If I recall, the E-MU Teaks use their drivers, but reign in that v-curve ostensibly well, I'll know in a month in change)

I think of HD600 on the neutral side, though I don't think they'd have the bass extension you're looking for. Perhaps the HE400i might fit the bill, as it's got some solid bass, without being fully warm. You'll get better details and a larger soundstage out of the HE560s, but I prefer the presentation on the HE400i's, and the price gap is not small.

My friend has very similar tastes as you, and settled on the Fidelio X1s. I would have imagined the X2s would have played well with your preferences, but they can be uncomfortable after long sessions of use.

 

[serman005]

You might also consider looking at an HD650, which has more of a bass presence than the HD600 (and slightly more rolled off treble). The 650 scales incredibly well and can go from being a $315 headphone to being a, well, a much more expensive sounding headphone with the right amp. It does particularly well with OTL's, but will also do well with your M2U/M2U. FWIW. YMMV, of course. Some thoughts.

 

[Luminance]

I would go for Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro / Amiron or Sennheiser HD 600/650 with these money.

I do actually have DT 1990 Pro and with analytical pads it's said to be very close to HD800S level and sound, while the balanced pads are giving it slightly V shaped sound.
Amiron sounds a lot like HD650 from what people reported, but I don't know which one out of these two would be better.

 

[kirkftl]

Fostex and those using their drivers are known for formidable v-shape curve as well, though I think they're all closed-back. (If I recall, the E-MU Teaks use their drivers, but reign in that v-curve ostensibly well, I'll know in a month in change)

I think of HD600 on the neutral side, though I don't think they'd have the bass extension you're looking for. Perhaps the HE400i might fit the bill, as it's got some solid bass, without being fully warm. You'll get better details and a larger soundstage out of the HE560s, but I prefer the presentation on the HE400i's, and the price gap is not small.

My friend has very similar tastes as you, and settled on the Fidelio X1s. I would have imagined the X2s would have played well with your preferences, but they can be uncomfortable after long sessions of use.

I've been leaning towards the 400i for a bit now, reports of sibilance make me a bit hesitant though.

 

[buke9]

I've been leaning towards the 400i for a bit now, reports of sibilance make me a bit hesitant though.

If Sibilance is a issue for you . You might have a look at the HE-400S warmer than the i's but a bit more bass.

 

[squee116]

If Sibilance is a issue for you . You might have a look at the HE-400S warmer than the i's but a bit more bass.

Certainly true, though I don't have much issues with 400i, and I'm a bit treble shy.