Spiricore
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2006
- Posts
- 58
- Likes
- 10
I've been pulling my hair out for the last few days being completely overwhelmed with all the different options out there so I, once again, am coming to the Head-Fi community for some help.
My dilemma is that I have a wide range of needs and I'd like to either have one set of cans that can reasonably do it all, or two (at most). My primary need is for digital audio editing (sound effects, dialogue, music). Second would be music (rock, industrial, synthpop, indie, experimental, instrumental soundtrack-like stuff) and third would be movies (drama, suspence, war, anime) and games (WoW, Gears of War, GTA).
Obviously the mediums for these different things varies but mostly confined to a reasonable quality sound card and my Archos 604 PMP. Basically some cans/IEMs for my Archos on the go (aesthetics dont bother me too much) for listening to music and movies and cans for at home/in the studio listening to music, movies, games and editing. I spend a good 12-16 hours a day at the computer, so this set MUST be comfortable.
Now you know why this is daunting to me.
My feelings on the Sennheiser HD280 Pros are that I like them, but I am unimpressed by their build quality (I've already had the sizing notch break in one side and a large piece of the plastic shell has broken off near the head rest). I was impressed by the sound quality but it seemed somewhat muddy; I'm happy with the bass though. It provided great sound isolation but has been annoying at times when I've been working with other people where I'm almost yelling and they are trying to talk over it. That's another issue- sometimes I use them in quiet environments (editing bay) and other times I'm on the set of a film and they've got 10 fans blowing full-blast. I'm looking for something with maybe a little less sound isolation and more clarity, while still keeping the nice bass.
[size=small]First, what I am looking for:[/size]
- Under $500 (for both sets if that turns out to be the case)
- Comfortable over long durations. This is a must!
- Sturdy. Something I can take toss in my bag and not worry about it shattering.
- Balanced sound, but I also like to feel the bass.
- Accurate sound. This is a must for dealing with sound effects and dialogue.
- (optional) Something I can upgrade when my fledgeling audiophile ears start to grow.
- Quality. Quality build and sound. But I don't want to pay a premium price for it, of course.
[size=small]Second, what I'm not looking for:[/size]
- Earpads (ala Grados) - my ears REALLY start to hurt when any pressure is applied to them over long durations.
- Three sets of cans.
[size=small]What I'm not sure if I should be looking for:[/size]
A headphone amp. This is a huge balancing act for me because I know that I'm not going to be able to power some good 'phones out of a laptop (when I get it) or my Archos. If I can find a set of cans that doesn't require an amp, all the better. If its just blatantly obvious that I should get a specific set and I'll need an amp to power them with these devices then I'll do it.
[size=small]What I have considered:[/size]
beyerdynamic DT770 Pro-80: All this bass talk is nice, but I hear the mids suffer. Not very balanced but I haven't done much research into modding them.
Audio-Technica ATH-A900: On the near verge of purchasing some of these, but something keeps holding me back making me feel like I'm missing something better for my needs.
[size=small]What has been recommended:[/size]
Koss KSC 75 - They look so cheap; they seem a step backwards...and then some.
Grado SR80 - I like the prospect, I don't like the earpad design.
Grado SR125 - See SR80.
A note on IEMs: I've never had a chance to use IEMs so I decided to go ahead and shell out $100 for some V-moda Vibes to try them out. I know from experience that my ears hated earbuds and made them very sore so I'm a little skittish on that. I should be seeing them by the end of next week and that will determine if I send them back for good or send them back and decide to buy a more expensive pair. As far as I'm concerned, that $100 is applied to the $500 limit I've set...making what I'm looking for to fill in the rest of my needs to be no more than $400.
My dilemma is that I have a wide range of needs and I'd like to either have one set of cans that can reasonably do it all, or two (at most). My primary need is for digital audio editing (sound effects, dialogue, music). Second would be music (rock, industrial, synthpop, indie, experimental, instrumental soundtrack-like stuff) and third would be movies (drama, suspence, war, anime) and games (WoW, Gears of War, GTA).
Obviously the mediums for these different things varies but mostly confined to a reasonable quality sound card and my Archos 604 PMP. Basically some cans/IEMs for my Archos on the go (aesthetics dont bother me too much) for listening to music and movies and cans for at home/in the studio listening to music, movies, games and editing. I spend a good 12-16 hours a day at the computer, so this set MUST be comfortable.
Now you know why this is daunting to me.
My feelings on the Sennheiser HD280 Pros are that I like them, but I am unimpressed by their build quality (I've already had the sizing notch break in one side and a large piece of the plastic shell has broken off near the head rest). I was impressed by the sound quality but it seemed somewhat muddy; I'm happy with the bass though. It provided great sound isolation but has been annoying at times when I've been working with other people where I'm almost yelling and they are trying to talk over it. That's another issue- sometimes I use them in quiet environments (editing bay) and other times I'm on the set of a film and they've got 10 fans blowing full-blast. I'm looking for something with maybe a little less sound isolation and more clarity, while still keeping the nice bass.
[size=small]First, what I am looking for:[/size]
- Under $500 (for both sets if that turns out to be the case)
- Comfortable over long durations. This is a must!
- Sturdy. Something I can take toss in my bag and not worry about it shattering.
- Balanced sound, but I also like to feel the bass.
- Accurate sound. This is a must for dealing with sound effects and dialogue.
- (optional) Something I can upgrade when my fledgeling audiophile ears start to grow.
- Quality. Quality build and sound. But I don't want to pay a premium price for it, of course.
[size=small]Second, what I'm not looking for:[/size]
- Earpads (ala Grados) - my ears REALLY start to hurt when any pressure is applied to them over long durations.
- Three sets of cans.
[size=small]What I'm not sure if I should be looking for:[/size]
A headphone amp. This is a huge balancing act for me because I know that I'm not going to be able to power some good 'phones out of a laptop (when I get it) or my Archos. If I can find a set of cans that doesn't require an amp, all the better. If its just blatantly obvious that I should get a specific set and I'll need an amp to power them with these devices then I'll do it.
[size=small]What I have considered:[/size]
beyerdynamic DT770 Pro-80: All this bass talk is nice, but I hear the mids suffer. Not very balanced but I haven't done much research into modding them.
Audio-Technica ATH-A900: On the near verge of purchasing some of these, but something keeps holding me back making me feel like I'm missing something better for my needs.
[size=small]What has been recommended:[/size]
Koss KSC 75 - They look so cheap; they seem a step backwards...and then some.
Grado SR80 - I like the prospect, I don't like the earpad design.
Grado SR125 - See SR80.
A note on IEMs: I've never had a chance to use IEMs so I decided to go ahead and shell out $100 for some V-moda Vibes to try them out. I know from experience that my ears hated earbuds and made them very sore so I'm a little skittish on that. I should be seeing them by the end of next week and that will determine if I send them back for good or send them back and decide to buy a more expensive pair. As far as I'm concerned, that $100 is applied to the $500 limit I've set...making what I'm looking for to fill in the rest of my needs to be no more than $400.