Sennheiser, AKG, Beyerdynamic, Audio-technica, Grado???

[ricthaman]

Well,

It hit me again. Upgraditis

I'd like a new headphone. My Ultrasone HFI-2200 serves me well but I'd like to try another sound and look if it would suit me better.

Though I'm not shure which one. I'm looking into the following headphones:
- AKG K701/K601
- Sennheiser HD600
- Audio-Technica AD2000, AD1000, ESW9 (maybe others)
- Grado SR125, SR325
- Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990
- UE Triple.fi 10
- Shure SE530
- Ultrasone HFI-780

now I know these are very different phones but I'm looking for something for about three months now and I feel like my head is exploding right now. So I'm asking you for some help.

I must mind you that my source will be either Macbook or iPhone (LOD) connected to a Meier Audio Corda 2Move.

So it is very important the 2Move WILL DRIVE IT PROPERLY!!!

I mostly listen to alternative/rock/hard-rock/metal/gothic/pop/dance/ska/reggea

I almost pulled the trigger on some Senns, Grado's and Shures but I just don't know it now.

I like soundstage but at the same time a very in your face bass. I liked the K701 soundstage for example. Just magically big. IF anybody could confirm the 2Move would drive it properly the K701 would be a very decentt candidate. Also would like to know the difference btween 701 and 601.

I like a good decent and string low-end but it must be clear and clean. mids must be decent and silky or maybe a bit in your face, though not screamy!!
Highs not rolled-off though not sibbilant!!!

I hope you guys could help me!

Thx alot for any input!!

greetzm

 

[ephrank]

Grado's are great for rock music. Guitar sounds great and you get punchy, "in your face" bass. Plus they are very easy to drive.

AKG K 701 really need a desktop / home amp to shine.

 

[Almoxil]

I listen lots of alternative rock, goth- and prog- rock and metal, and my ESW9s sound great to my ears. I use them amped through a Corda Move (source: Cowon D2), and I guess the 2Move should be more than enough to drive them.

The sound from them is very lush and engaging. Bass is great (neiither under- nor over-powered). I have the Alessandro MS1s too, and they're great as well, but I prefer the bass on the ESW9s.

 

[Aimless1]

I would agree that a home amp is needed for the K601 or K701.

A whisper will drive a Grado and they are great for the music you enjoy. Ahhh, but the Soundstage will be narrower than some other choices.

But the SE530s may be your best option if you can be isolated from environmental sounds/noise. I've found they do well with all music genres and excel when bass is called for. Obviously the 2Move will drive them easily and they are a great portable option with your iphone. Very comfortable to wear for long periods too. I have not noticed the rolled off highs others have reported, but that may be due to old ears

Sweet mids add to their charm. I really like them.

Good luck

 

[Steve_72]

I have the K701, HD600, DT880 in my posession currently along with the original Corda Move plugged through my laptop via USB. I feel the move is able to drive them all fine. However, I haven't heard these headphones with a stronger amp, so I don't know how much is potentially missing. I am pleasantly satisfied with how my move drives all 3 at the moment though

. Of the 3, I prefer the HD600 most, followed by the K701 and the DT880. I think it would be better suited for the types of music you listen to over the other 2 as well. I might look into the Grados if rock/alternative/metal is what you mainly listen to though. The SR325 is reportedly pretty sibilant however. I have the SE530 too, but would recommend getting a full-size unless portability and isolation are pretty important for you. Can't speak for any of the other cans though.

 

[ricthaman]

Thx for all the input guys!

Well, I also was thinking about Sennheiser HD600 but was afraid it couldn't be powered by the 2Move.

Shure SE530 is pretty nice and comfy but I don't care about portability, just SQ.

Now I've found Denon phones too, but they are hard to get here.

I finally found a place to get my GRado's here, so which Grado would suite me best? I also heard that SR325 are very sibbilant.

thx in advance!

(ohh damn, I think my wallet just jumped out of the window )

greetz

 

[Fungi]

If getting Grado, go SR-225 or Alessandro MS-2. 125 is in a weird price point, and 325 is known for its treble. If you do go Grado, be sure to try reversed or crushed bowls before dismissing them as too bright.
Otherwise the ESW-9 might be what you're looking for.
The HD600 won't be the best option for your music choices. It can do it, but it's great with classical/jazz and other headphones are better suited to exclusively rock.

 

[redrich2000]

I think the ESW9 fits your description more closely than the SR125s. The ESW9s are quite warm but retain clarity and detail across the spectrum. The SR125 to me sound OK but a little hrash and without the detail or smoothness of the ATs. I haven't heard higher end Grados.

 

[Chrispy]

I have a 325i, and I like it alot. Go to can most of the time

 

[iQEM]

- AKG K701/K601
still faraway to drive K701 with just an Corda2MOVE...

- Sennheiser HD600
x2, same as AKG's (base on HD650's)...it's hard to drive only with an desktop amp to shine...

- Audio-Technica AD2000, AD1000, ESW9 (maybe others)
dont know, had only test AD1000 and it seem not worth upgrading to it...dont know about the other ATH type...

- Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990
maybe, their too boomy for your next cans as replacement from HFI2200 ule, cmiiw...just test em' for yourself if you had a change...if you want something good on Beyer you better take a look on DT150 or DT250...

- UE Triple.fi 10
i pass on this one

- Shure SE530
same as UE, pass on this...

- Ultrasone HFI-780
i've heard lot of comparasion between HFI780 v.s. PROline750, maybe out of topic but PROline750 are very good driven by Corda2MOVE...i guess HFI780 are the same...

 

[ricthaman]

how about the Grado SR225? It's a nice pricerange....

How do they sound? what would you compare them to? Much bass, less bass? How are the highs?

thx alot!

greetz

 

[philodox]

AKG... but neither of the ones you've picked.

 

[ricthaman]

okay, so which one would you advise?

 

[philodox]

Well, since you want to stick with your current amp, that likely rules out the K340 and the K1000, but I would still take the K501 [possibly K500, K401, K400 as well], the K240 [studio would be easiest to drive] and the K271 Studio over the K701. I really don't like that headphone. Then again, everyone has different tastes and you might love it. The best thing to do is get to a meet so that you can audition them all in person.

 

[ephrank]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, since you want to stick with your current amp, that likely rules out the K340 and the K1000, but I would still take the K501 [possibly K500, K401, K400 as well], the K240 [studio would be easiest to drive] and the K271 Studio over the K701. I really don't like that headphone. Then again, everyone has different tastes and you might love it. The best thing to do is get to a meet so that you can audition them all in person.

K 501 isn't easy to find nowadays. I'm looking for a pair as well.

To OP: Buy Grado or ATH if u need sound isolation.