Sony SA1000 vs. Sony MDR-D66

[xluben]

I was wondering how these two headphones compare?

I have the D66's right now, and I really like them. I have been using them at my computer and sometimes on the go, but I have decided I will primarily use earbuds for portable use from now on.

Right now I live in a dorm and low leakage/high isolation is a plus, so closed headphones are prefered. But next year I will have an apartment (with more rooms), so I will probably not need the isolation.

I was wondering if any comparibly priced headphones would outperform the Eggos? Right now I am very interested in the the SA1000's because of their positive reviews, and the popularity of the SA5000's right now. I really prefer their look over the Grado/Sennheiser style. I also want something that is circumaural, because I find that much more comfortable.

The sonic qualities of the Eggo's that I like the most are the upfront mids, and not too much treble. Bass could be a little more, but it is very controlled and balanced with the rest of the frequency spectrum.

How would the SA1000's compare sound-wise?

I want something with at least as much mids, more detailed highs (but NOT harsh) , and maybe a little more bass. It would also be good if I COULD be able to drive them with my iPod. I think the main concern I have is that the highs would be too harsh for my tastes. I like upper range detail, but not headphones that make me wince when I turn them up a bit. I also definitely do not want less bass, but similar bass would be adequate. And recessed mids are not desireable either.

If anyone can take/has pics of their SA1000's I'd like to see how these actually look (not the computery Audiocubes pic).

And if anyone is interested in trading a pair of SA1000's for a pair D66's (in very good condition, less than a month old) send me a PM.

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xluben I want something with at least as much mids, more detailed highs (but NOT harsh) , and maybe a little more bass.

1. You will probably get less mids as the SA1000 has a recesed midrange.
2. Detailed non-harsh highs is my favorite thing about the SA1000.
3. You probably won't get more bass (you may get the same amount or less), but the bass will be MUCH more detailed. No one-note bloated bass here. You will get more bass and impact with a good amp though.

 

[xluben]

Do you actually have both for a side by side comparison? If you have at least heard both then your comparisons are valuable. Also, if any SA1000's owners have any comments please post them.

It's good to hear that the top and bottom ends sound much better with the SA1000's, but I don't really want something with recessed mids. How much of a problem do you think this would be? I listen to Rock and Rap and I like the vocals to stand out.

How is the build quality and fit/comfort of the SA1000's vs the Eggo's? I find the Eggo's well made and very comfortable, even for long periods of time. Just from looking at the pics of the SA1000's they look to be well designed, but I want to make sure they don't clamp overly-tight. Do the earpads go together when you are not wearing the headphones, or do they stay apart as in the online photos? The Eggo's squeeze together, and thus make it uncomfortable to wear around your neck.

Also, does the open-ness increase the soundstage?

Thanks for any comments!

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xluben Do you actually have both for a side by side comparison? If you have at least heard both then your comparisons are valuable. Also, if any SA1000's owners have any comments please post them. It's good to hear that the top and bottom ends sound much better with the SA1000's, but I don't really want something with recessed mids. How much of a problem do you think this would be? I listen to Rock and Rap and I like the vocals to stand out. How is the build quality and fit/comfort of the SA1000's vs the Eggo's? I find the Eggo's well made and very comfortable, even for long periods of time. Just from looking at the pics of the SA1000's they look to be well designed, but I want to make sure they don't clamp overly-tight. Do the earpads go together when you are not wearing the headphones, or do they stay apart as in the online photos? The Eggo's squeeze together, and thus make it uncomfortable to wear around your neck. Also, does the open-ness increase the soundstage? Thanks for any comments!

I don't have both for a side by side comparison. I have listened to eggos extensivly on more than one occasion. I also own the SA1000s. The midrange isn't terribly recessed (it won't make your vocals sound like they are from a far away place), but it is recessed and might not be upfront enough for you. The SA1000s are definately more comfortable. They don't clamp that much at all. The earpads stay apart so you could have them around your neck. No contest in the soundstage. The SA1000 has quite a bit larger soundstage with more depth.

 

[PsychoZX]

In all honesty though if you want something with more bass and a more upfront midrange I suggest the Sennhieser HD-555.

 

[xluben]

Still interested in this topic and possibly looking to trade a pair of D66's for SA1000's.

 

[seeberg]

I too am very intereted in getting myself some SA1000's. I'm probably going to sell them on eBay to get them, but I need some schooling on the whole "seller's account" thing before I do. Since the SR125's go for up to $150 in new condition (mine are), I can sell them and get the SA1000's with enough left over to donate to HeadFi's well being and future, which was the plan(sorry xluben, the D66's are cheaper so you'd probably have to sell yours and add on some cash to get your SA's). Best part is, I won't be at much of a loss, since I got them for $60(I think?) on accident- I had won some SR60's but got sent the SR125's (I'm a lucky person) instead.

Soon this might be my smiley of choice!

,
Abe

 

[spike33]

seeberg, I'd audition a sa1k b4 replacing your sr125's... while sa1k is good for the price... it is not on same level as slightly higher priced cans. I prefer sr225, hd580, 595, 501 to it just to name a few.

 

[spike33]

ive not heard sr125, but i did like sa1k alot more than sr60/80

 

[seeberg]

Well, I've a/b'ed the SR125's and the SR60's against each other. Even with the same pads, 414's or bowls for example, the SR125's are brighter, and have a cleaner high end with either pads, but it still sounds unbalanced to my ears, even after all the warmth gained by the 414 vwap pads. The SR60 is smoother all around with either pads.

The cans you've suggested all go for 150-200, and that's way beyond my budget for another set of cans. The ~$100 I can get the SA1000's for seems far more reasonable(I'm not about to buy them from audiocubes, that's for sure).
Also, I've read that the SA1000's are comparable to the HD580's. Is that true and how so?

Bizzounce

,
Abe

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeberg Also, I've read that the SA1000's are comparable to the HD580's. Is that true and how so?

No way. The SA1000 is brighter and thinner sounding, but is also more detailed. The HD-580 is a much warmer laidback phone.

 

[spike33]

The 'thinness' is indeed the critical flaw of sa1000. It is very fast and detailed but notes are feather light and there is a dip in the mids while vocals and piano are emphasized.

 

[seeberg]

Hmm... could've sworn I heard it through the grapevine... Oh yeah, it was gsferrari, here on #53.

,
Abe

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeberg Hmm... could've sworn I heard it through the grapevine... Oh yeah, it was gsferrari, here on #53. , Abe

GS is a confused person. lol

(J/k in case hes reading this. lol)

 

[seeberg]

"Just because I wear two telephones and a special strap on each ear for hifi sound and cut down streetlights 'cause I need firewood in the concrete jungle doesn't mean I'm confused" ~Confused