[kidface]

So, about a little over a month ago, I was looking for a new pair of headphones. I was looking for some good sounding headphones that would suit my needs. I wasn't looking for anything too expensive, and I saw good recommendations for the Sennheiser HD497s. The price tag on these, along with the possibility of using these headphones on my computer as well as being portable seemed like a definite plus. So I grabbed myself a pair.

When I got my headphones, I was a little discouraged to see how small they were. Sure, I was especting portability, but these just seemed a little small -- especially the earpads. I plugged in my new heaphones, and noticed an obvious difference over my previous headphones. This was no surpirse, as I just had some $20 pair of Sony headphones. Though, I must say, those $20 headphones sure were a heck of a lot more comfortable.

After a few weeks, though, I started to wear my new headphones in, and they got considerably more comfortable. Though, there is still some comfort that I wish was still there.

The sound of the HD497s was definitely better than what I had been listening to, but I'm not quite sure it's what I'm looking for. I'm definitely looking for sound quality, but I would hardly consider myself an audiophile. I can't really describe what the sound is lacking, and I'm not all too familiar with some of the terms I see thrown around here(soundstage, brightness? -- perhaps I could be educated). I guess the way I can put it is that I seem to want a more laid-back sound.

I mainly listen to indie-rock, with some other various genres thrown in, such as some hip-hop and electronic music. What I'm looking for, I'd say, is something with emphasis on the lyrics, with high detail. I don't need a lot of bass.

Essentially, I'm thinking about buying a new pair of headphones, and am looking for some good suggestions as to what I've described so far. I'll throw out a couple of options I was looking at. Right now, I'm just looking for a set of headphones. In the future, I will probably acquire an amp, so upgradability(is that a word?) can be taking into consideration.

Sennheiser HD600:
I've heard nothing but excellent reviews about this set of headphones, but I think I've seen that they have a lot of bass. They look like a very comfortable set, and that is a definite plus. The potential with an amp and new cables also appears to be very appealing.

Beyerdynamic DT880:
Compared to the HD600s, but I heard they had less bass? The HeadRoom review says that they are less laid-back then the HD600s, which slightly detracts, but they look extremely comfortable, so that counteracts.

Those are both rather expensive headphones, but I think I might just be willing to shell out the cost for good quality. What are some good mid-range priced headphones? the HD580s spring to mind -- are there anything else?

Also, I've had some Audio-Technia's recommended to me on the basis that they are quite comfortable. Which model would of these would fit my tastes, do you think?

Whether or not the headphones are open or closed isn't all that important, as these will be used on my computer and stereo in my room. Although, I do have a slight inclination towards open headphones.

Any suggestions are welcomed, and I appreciate any input that I can get. Thanks in advance.

 

[usc goose]

Welcome to head-fi, what a wonderfully coherent, thought out and informed first post.

(non standard greeting around here) I'm definitely a big fan of the HD600s. I hear there really isn't much of a difference between them and the 580s but I got them just because I knew if I got 580s there would always be a part of me that would wonder just how small the difference was. Definitely super comfy and detailed and mad upgradable. I don't know if I would recommend them without an amp though. What's your current source? Might work. I've never heard the 880s but they seem to be the current flavor of the month here. There's a lot of hyping that you can get caught up in sometimes but I'm sure they are some excellent headphones as well. Either way. Good luck in your search. Glad to have you aboard.

 

[usc goose]

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?50

sterophile archives seem to be a pretty good time sink/resource if you're interested. that's the ricoculous big glossary they have of our language.

 

[xlifez]

welcome! i wasn't a audiophile b4 i just bought things that looked cool until i crossed apoon this site which addicted me into buyin good quality cans.. one question btw... the Sennheiser HD497s, can you fold it?

 

[usc goose]

i don't think you'd want to fold these

 

[xlifez]

lol my bad, i went to da site where i was getting my portapros, mx500 and ksc-50 cans and it showed a different pic, it appeared to be darker such as a dark gray...

 

[Craas]

yes, I owe the Sennheiser HD497, and the first thing to get used to is the discomfort that comes along once you wear them for extended time. well, you actually get used to it. After a few days use they didn't bother me anymore and I personally think the sound is OK for ordinary playback.
One thing they suck at, is having them on while eating (for instance when watching TV) it's just too uncomfortable, no joy in eating if you can't chew properly because of these narrow cans!

well, ok, I do like my HD497 (I even got a big head!) and, summary:
you'll get used to the comfort that comes along, other phones make your ear sore if having them on for a long time, the HD497 is better on that subject!
If you don't like the sound, well, get another phone. But for the comfort, you should give it some time.

 

[Spyro]

I love my HD497's, particularly after about 15-20 hours burn in.

For $60...these things ROCK!!

No amp required, either.

 

[MusicLover]

laid back, not too bassy - HD600's.

I think that would be a better choice for your preferences. What Goose said about getting an amp is right. Although even without an amp, they would still be very impressive to you, but with one they are amazing.

About comfort, they are, by far, the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. They fit perfectly and never move around.

 

[kidface]

Quote:

Originally posted by usc goose http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?50 sterophile archives seem to be a pretty good time sink/resource if you're interested. that's the ricoculous big glossary they have of our language.

Wow, thanks. That's an amazing list of terms. I guess I'll have to dedicate some time to go through all of them.

Quote:

Originally posted by Craas well, ok, I do like my HD497 (I even got a big head!) and, summary: you'll get used to the comfort that comes along, other phones make your ear sore if having them on for a long time, the HD497 is better on that subject! If you don't like the sound, well, get another phone. But for the comfort, you should give it some time.

Really? I feel differently. Maybe I have big ears or something, because after listening tomusic for a while, and then taking the headphones off, my ears are a little sore. I guess it might be just an isolated incident, or I still need some time to work them in.

So, Goose and MusicLover, you both reccomend the HD600s? I've heard many good things about these headphones, so I trust your judgements. SInce you both seem to suggest that I need an amp, what specific one would you say I should try? Right now, I'll probably just get the headphones, and then upgrade them with an amp in the near future, but it can't hurt to get some information beforehand.

Xlifez: Yeah, as Goose pointed out, you can't fold the 497s.

Spyro: I agree. They are definitely nice headphones for the price, and that was one of the main driving points as to me buying them in the first place. Unfortunately, they just don't have the sound and comfrot I'm looking for strenuous use. I'll kepp them, more than likely, and just use them with my portables, since they are quite small.

Thanks for the help, everyone.