[ithehappy]

ATH W77, does this unit cover your ear completely? They say it's over ear, but the unit is pretty small for a over ear design!

 

[SonofSven]

I know I've asked a question like this about a month ago, but I'm still being tossed around like a scarecrow in a hurricane. I just can't make up my mind. I am currently torn between three sets of cans: M-Audio Q40, HD 25-1-ii, or Vmoda M-100. Which one of these has the best sound? Is there much of an upgrade in sound as you climb the price ladder with these three sets? And which one has the best bass in terms of quality and quantity? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[blueangel2323]

I had a chance to A-B the Q40 and M-100. Compared to Q40, M-100 has tighter bass, which results in it sounding a bit less bassy, clearer more separated mids, and a bit more treble. M-100 is also less sensitive, more comfortable, and way more portable. The M-100 does have better sound than Q40 but it also costs 3x as much. If you just want the most bass, go with Q40.

 

[Craigster75]

Quote:

I know I've asked a question like this about a month ago, but I'm still being tossed around like a scarecrow in a hurricane. I just can't make up my mind. I am currently torn between three sets of cans: M-Audio Q40, HD 25-1-ii, or Vmoda M-100. Which one of these has the best sound? Is there much of an upgrade in sound as you climb the price ladder with these three sets? And which one has the best bass in terms of quality and quantity? Thanks in advance for your help.

Cost aside rated by overall sound:
 
#1 M-100
#2 Q40
#3 HD25
 
While M-100 benefits from an amp, Q40 and HD25 need an amp if that is a consideration.  HD25 has a nice mid-bass, but lacks sub-bass.  Q40 has more bass quantity than the other two. M-100 has the best overall soundstage and resolution with tight, powerful bass.  Q40 and M-100 both go deep.

 

[Oregonian]

Quote:

I know I've asked a question like this about a month ago, but I'm still being tossed around like a scarecrow in a hurricane. I just can't make up my mind. I am currently torn between three sets of cans: M-Audio Q40, HD 25-1-ii, or Vmoda M-100. Which one of these has the best sound? Is there much of an upgrade in sound as you climb the price ladder with these three sets? And which one has the best bass in terms of quality and quantity? Thanks in advance for your help.

Purely my input and have not had the HD25, so that said Q40 for sure.  Add Alpha pads to it, a V-moda audio only cable and it sounds like a $300 headphone TO ME for about $165 or so.  Very comfy, amazing bass and sound.

 

[Prakhar]

Alpha pads+Q40+V-moda Cable comes to around 200 dollars, not really 165...

Anyway from a pure sq perspective, I like the M100 the best. Q40s also need an amp, but are the most bass heavy of the bunch. Also in my experience the M-100 has the best build.

 

[Ashade]

But Q40 is opened back, isn't it?

 

[Oregonian]

Quote:

But Q40 is opened back, isn't it?

No, closed. 
 
I got my pair for $98, pads $59, cable $12.  Adds up to $169.  Amazon has some for sub-$100 pretty regularly. 

 

[Prakhar]

Nope. It is closed back. The grill is just a design.

 

[Ashade]

Ummm, I'll have a look to them... sounds interesting.

 

[Oregonian]

Ummm, I'll have a look to them... sounds interesting.

Start stock for $$100ish (Audiotopia via Amazon has them right now for $109) and if you like the sound upgrade the pads first. You can go as cheap as Shure 840 pads for $14 if I remember correctly. All the way up to $59 for Alphas.

The comfort improvement over the M-100 to me was the biggie. They sound as good with the pad swap so sold the M-100's.

Search for the post on the Q-40 - lots of good info there.

 

[Ashade]

You made my day. Are they as detailed as the M-100? I had to sell the M-100 due to the comfort issues but they are really good cans. These are not bad looking either.

 

[Oregonian]

You made my day. Are they as detailed as the M-100? I had to sell the M-100 due to the comfort issues but they are really good cans. These are not bad looking either.

I think they are. So you know about the comfort issues with the M-100. These have a high clamp for some people but can be stretched out and with good pads is actually a very comfy phone.

 

[Ashade]

Sweeet. I'm gonna seriously consider them.

 

[SonofSven]

Thanks again for all the input guys. So from what has been said, I think I would enjoy the M-100s and the Q40s equally. Now it's just a question of how badly I want to massacre my wallet.