[CoiL]

Hi!
 
At the moment I`m using Superlux HD-681 (mkII filter mod + custom pads+ recabling) with Aune T1 as DAC (upgraded ELNA SilmicII capacitors and Siemens E88CC goldpin tube). 
And I`m feeling that my cans have hit the wall in soundstage depth compared with my external speakers after changing to Siemens E88CC tube. 
So, I have started to look for new cans which would have similiar sound & soundstage as HD-681 but with better depth. 
 
Any recommendations? Max price tag would be around 200 USD / 150€ ...but little extra allowed if it is really worth it.
 
Hope someone can help me out
 
 
Cheers!

 

[davidsh]

Not sure about this one.. But maybe look at the sony ma900?

 

[Garraty]

The Sennheiser HD 558/598. They are supremely comfortable and on Amazon now in America they are currently on a great sale.
 
EDIT: Checked the UK Amazon, the 598's are for about 150 pounds. (Sorry if I got that wrong, hah.)

 

[CoiL]

Only thing I care about is sound. Comfort is not an issue because I`m good at making my own custom pads
Most important that I don`t lose mids section and wide soundstage like HD-681 has (filter modded). Little less bass I can live with.
Little more soundstage depth is all I want. 
 
About sony ma900... not sure either, so far cheaper sony`s haven`t impressed me at all.
 
Soundmagic HP-200 maybe? Reading great things about this, should be similiar to HD-650 but cheaper and brighter highs.
Not sure about soundstage depth though, it`s fully open hp.
 
HD-598 could also be an option but yeah, price is maybe little high for both those options.

 

[CoiL]

Any other recommendations? Depth guys.... I need more depth! ;D

 

[Claritas]

Many used Q701, K701, K702 on the FS board.
 
Use the "Search this forum" feature located toward the top center.

 

[CoiL]

Thought about K702 too but can`t find any good used one for sale with ok price for me ;(

 

[davidsh]

K701 is infamous for its width making instruments too spread out and lacking depth. Am just repeating what I read.

 

[Claritas]

K701 is infamous for its width making instruments too spread out and lacking depth. Am just repeating what I read.

 
The instruments are a little spread out; it doesn't affect depth. Just what I hear when I'm wearing it.

 

[Trunks159]

The MDR MA900 has a huge soundstage, even compared to the HD598.  Amazing really.  The X1 has a pretty good soundstage also.  Make sure you have good recordings, they mean the world.

 

[CoiL]

Almost everything I listen is in FLAC format and with good mastering. I`m willing to lose littlebit in width & bass department but certainly not in mids.
Actually I`m considering one used Q701 on sight. Philips X1 is most beautiful cans ever made imo but I`m not sure about sound & price.

 

[Byrnie]

  Almost everything I listen is in FLAC format and with good mastering. I`m willing to lose littlebit in width & bass department but certainly not in mids.
Actually I`m considering one used Q701 on sight. Philips X1 is most beautiful cans ever made imo but I`m not sure about sound & price.

Yea the X1 is a beauty!  I recommended them to a friend of mine and he loves them.  I hear great things about the Q701 but I haven't tried them ever.

 

[CoiL]

Okay, Sony MA-900 will be left out of my candidate-list since it has this "projected design" towards the back of the head and I already have enough headspace & soundstage in that part.
I want more depth in front of me not back of the head.
 
So far, options are:
 
Sennheiser HD-598
Used Soundmagic HP-200
Used AKG Q701
Used AKG K702
 
Haven`t done research about Beyerdynamic DT-770 vs. DT-880 vs. DT-990 with different impedances but which has most depth out of them? Can anyone tell? The good side is that there are many many used out there.

 

[Trunks159]

What, did you hear that from one person?
You basically said you don't want a large soundstage.

Look into Grados. They sound less around your head.

 

[CoiL]

No,You don`t understand me. I want large soundstage (like HD-681 has) but I need more depth towards front. HD-681 just hit the wall @ front depth with Aune T1 & Siemens E88CC. I don`t want grados.