Sony MDR-CD380

[ricola_pak]

I've actually had a pair of these from before (see link):

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_MDR_CD3...4.html?tag=dir

I put them on now, and compared to the pair of AKG K240Studio I got yesterday, I still like the Sony's sound a lot.

Are these Sony headphones supposed to sound bad to "audiophiles"? Am I probably not getting the best out of the AKG's cos I don't have an amp?

Haha, what I am trying to say is: are my ears still "untrained" and still deep down in the rabbit hole? I know what "sounds good" to one might not sound good to another, it's all based on opinion, but I just want to know if I'm still WAYYYYyy behind.

 

[Steve999]

Hey Ricola --

It's been interesting following your plight.

I've seen a frequency response curve of the Sony CD380s and it looks pretty awesome, but I've never heard them. I wouldn't be surprised if they were just as good as or better than the AKG 240S. I suspect you're just not able to believe your ears because you paid so much for those AKGs. Trust yourself, you like what you like.

I have the Sony MDR-CD580s and the Sony MDR-CD780s. the CD580s blew me away until I tried the CD780s, which continue to blow me away.

Anyway, PLEASE do tell us as much as you can about the CD380s. I've not heard them. They have more bass than the AKGs? Tell me more!!!!!! Comfort? Mids? Highs? Isolation? Good for portable use? Seriously, I want to know.

If you want the ultimate in the sony CDX80 sound, you could try the CD780s, but they are pretty neutral on bass, no extra bass emphasis in the CD780s. So you might like the CD380s better.

You don't sound WAYYYY behind to me. You lose your way when you don't trust your own judgment, because this is about what you enjoy.


P.S. -- Others disagree, but as far as I'm concerned, the amp thing is a red herring. I think you should be very cautious about spending your money in that direction.

P.S.S. -- Don't give up those AKGs quite yet. Give it another week or two and please report back.

Quote:

Originally posted by ricola_pak I've actually had a pair of these from before (see link): http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_MDR_CD3...4.html?tag=dir I put them on now, and compared to the pair of AKG K240Studio I got yesterday, I still like the Sony's sound a lot. Are these Sony headphones supposed to sound bad to "audiophiles"? Am I probably not getting the best out of the AKG's cos I don't have an amp? Haha, what I am trying to say is: are my ears still "untrained" and still deep down in the rabbit hole? I know what "sounds good" to one might not sound good to another, it's all based on opinion, but I just want to know if I'm still WAYYYYyy behind.

 

[ricola_pak]

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve999 ...I've seen a frequency response curve of the Sony CD380s and it looks pretty awesome, but I've never heard them. I wouldn't be surprised if they were just as good as or better than the AKG 240S. I suspect you're just not able to believe your ears because you paid so much for those AKGs. Trust yourself, you like what you like. P.S.S. -- Don't give up those AKGs quite yet. Give it another week or two and please report back.

I definitely will not give up on these lovely AKG's. Not yet anyway.
But I still think that these are pretty hard to drive: at the same volume out of my hometheater receiver, the AKG's sound fine but my Sony's almost blew my head off!

I was doubtful that my Sony should sound anywhere near the AKG's because I used to think Sonys only make consumer-products. But I guess I was wrong. These CD380s are not THAT bad.

My comment is that the Sony's sound like kids: always trying to get ur attention. On the other hand, the AKG's sound a lot laid-back and a lot cleaner. I think the midrange is a lot more transparent (im learning these terms everyday haha). And of course, the padding on the AKG's are incredible. I slept well last night with them

Anyway, to learn anything I must learn by comparison, so I DO think I will get the Grados soon. I like rock and they are made for rock right? SR-60 seems like a good place to start, considering that I don't have an amp (yet).

 

[Steve999]

Sounds like you're learning fast...

I have the SR60s, they are awesome, too, IMHO. Yep, Grados are great for rock, no two ways about it. Enjoy.

I might pick up a pair of those AKGs this weekend to try them out. I am persuaded that they are likey rather extraordinary headphones.

Sony makes some not-so-good mass-consumer-oriented headphones, but they make some better ones too, as well as some of the best headphones in the world. From the response curve of the CD380s that I've seen, I'm really not at all surprised that they are holding their own. I would expect them to be near, but not at, the level of the AKGs, just like you say.

I'd really enjoy hearing more about them.

Between the 240S, the SR60s, and the CD380s, you'll have three very different sounds and you'll certainly have gotten your money's worth and a lot more...

Quote:

Originally posted by ricola_pak I definitely will not give up on these lovely AKG's. Not yet anyway... I was doubtful that my Sony should sound anywhere near the AKG's because I used to think Sonys only make consumer-products. But I guess I was wrong. These CD380s are not THAT bad.... My comment is that the Sony's sound like kids: always trying to get ur attention. On the other hand, the AKG's sound a lot laid-back and a lot cleaner.... Anyway, to learn anything I must learn by comparison, so I DO think I will get the Grados soon.... I like rock and they are made for rock right? SR-60 seems like a good place to start...

 

[wallijonn]

did you get the K240S/55 or the high impedance one?

the CD380 is comfortable (I always suggest it for PC gaming) but it is a little too fragile. I also find the sound coloured, but what do you want for $40?

 

[Steve999]

Hey Walli, could you describe the sound of the CD380s more? I've been curious about them for a long time. I notice they seem to use the same drivers (but in a VERY different housing) as the CD580s.

Do you think they're one of the best bets at $40? (As it is, I got my CD580s for $40 refurbished, and my CD780s for $30 refurbished, but that doesn't happen every day. While I bought them cheap, the cost to replace them would be quite a bit higher.) Are they quite comfortable? Is the CD380 sound more balanced than, say, portapros or PX100s?

Quote:

Originally posted by wallijonn the CD380 is comfortable (I always suggest it for PC gaming) but it is a little too fragile. I also find the sound coloured, but what do you want for $40?

 

[D-EJ915]

I can tell you a little about the CD480s, which they don't sell in the US. My friend bought them and germany and they are uncomfortable and my A500s sound a lot better.

 

[Steve999]

Hey Ricola ---

I tried the AKG 240S today and to me they had just a ton of bass. Too much for me, in fact, plus I like my mids little brighter. I know you had said "where's the bass" about the 240S so I'm thinking you like a lot of bass.

I like the SR60s better. I'll be interested to see how you like them. They don't have as much bass as the 240S, though.

Quote:

Originally posted by ricola_pak Anyway, to learn anything I must learn by comparison, so I DO think I will get the Grados soon. I like rock and they are made for rock right? SR-60 seems like a good place to start, considering that I don't have an amp (yet).

 

[ROOMBAZOOM]

Hi Ricola_Pak.
 
I do agree with you.
Liking sound signature - not to say coloration - of SONY MDR-CD380 headphones is a bit - not to say a lot - subjective.
I have tried sony MDR-7506, V6, V7, CD480, CD770, D33, D777LP, S50, PFR-V1 and GRADO SR80i, and also Koss Pro4AAA, KSC75, and PortaPro too.
 
What I am sure of is that I have never felt the music with so much vibrant bass and so efficiant a powerfull sound than through the SONY MDR-CD380.
They really do make me feel the music as a physical sensation moving into my ears and all around my head.
 
I think they are my favorite regarding  SO  U ND ST A  GE  too.
 
So amazing how light they feel on your head and how accurate they do get to place the sounds from left to right and right to left, moreover with astonishing depth in the space in front of the listener's face.
 
SONY MDR-CD380 are kind of an exclusive "Saint Graal" IMO.
 
For home use only, though, because sound isolation is their only weakness, I think. 
 
Thanks for reading my opinion...