[LFG530]

Ok so I searched a bit and there has been some discussions about this, but I didn't see an entire thread on it. 

As I've noticed since I bought my hd650 and compared to some grados and other headphones, even if a pair of cans does a decent job for all the genres of music they always perform better in specific ones or they are just not suitable for all of the "moods" you are in... So since so many people here seem to own a large collection of headphones, what do you think would be 3 (we have to stop somewhere) great headphones to complete each other?  And a really short explanation why. Let's keep amps and source out of the equation (let's say you already have a great neutral amp and dac).

1. The 3 pairs combined costing under 1000$ 
2. idem 3000$
3. idem 5000$
4. Your dream team! 

(I'm a "noob" so I can't really take part in this seriously, but I'll do an example)

1. HD650 (warm and relaxing, great for jazz and folk), RS2 (engaging and good treble, great for rock), pro 900 (punchier bass/isolation/portable use, great for hip hop/electronica/radiohead)

2. Never tried anything really high end...

3. Even worse.

4. I'd be satisfied with the Orpheus and a good pair of closed cans.



If that thread already exists I'm sorry and please link me to it.

 

[BotByte]

Quote:

 
1. The 3 pairs combined costing about 1000$ 
2. idem 3000$
3. idem 5000$
4. Your dream team! 

1. HD598, Shure 940, Sony MDR-7509HD. Hmm.... I just hit $600
2. -
3. -
4. T50RP silver re-cable with lambskin pads and headband. To Schiit LYR to Bitfrost - to PC via USB
 
that's all.

 

[wind016]

Quote:

1. The 3 pairs combined costing about 1000$ 
2. idem 3000$
3. idem 5000$
4. Your dream team! 
 
 

Sweet thread!!!
 
1. Sennheiser HD598, Ultrasone HFI-580, Audio Technica ESW10JPN (I had owned all these 3 three before)
2. Stax O2 mk1 (I guess already have it)
3. Stax 009 (Just have to hear what all the fuss is about. Even Jude is fussing over it. =P)
4. Stax 009, Audio Technica L3000 (man, I want to hear this legendary basshead headphone), Audio Technica W11R and Stax O2 mk1 (already have these)
 
I'll be back later. =P

 

[Draygonn]

I've found the DT880's and modded T40RPs to be a great team.

DT880s: Detailed, nice open soundstage, texture, divine treble, great movie and gaming cans.
modded T40RPs: smooth, effortless, hypnotic, isolation, to-die-for mids and thumping bass.

Toss in some nice earbuds/IEMs for portability and all the bases are covered.

 

[LFG530]

No one else? 
 
I had never heard of fostex headphones before, that got me really curious (especially at that price) if I find a place to buy in canada I'll get a pair! 

 

[Ishcabible]

Three each:
1: Grado SR325 Black, Sony Z1000, and Stax Lambda Sig
2: Stax Sigma/404 mod, Yamaha YHD-1, Audio Technica W11JPN
3: Stax O2, Ultrasone ED8, Audio Technica W2002
4: Sony R10, Stax SR-009, Grado PS1

Basically, an electrostat, a portable (except for number 4), and a dynamic.

 

[LFG530]

Quote:

I know this may be a bit late, but if you're willing to use the open backed headphones then you'd surely be able to consider the AKG 701s at that price range? My friend has a pair and they do seem to have an improve soundstage on my 598s, I can't say much more than that having not had much time with them. But if you're willing to amp and want to use them mainly at home then having an ask on the forums for a 701 could be a good idea. I don't know what other people think? I'm considering upgrading from 598s to 701s - worth it or not?

Wrong thread I think...
 

 

[WhiteCrow]

1) Grado RS2*button* Warm but in your face and my baby's!, Sony XB700 *daark but when amped are just en entirely different headphone, AKG K500, neutral....very neutral...
2)Stax Sr-009, I just want to listen
3)Take T headphone, I REALLY want to hear these.
4) Dream team: Grado HP1000, LCD-2,  Senn SR90, and the AT vintage orthos...forgot the name but a friend of mine ALMOST had them, he has such regrets about not trading for them now.

 

[Qui audit]

My bad, lots of tabs open!

 

[catscratch]

I think the Stax O2 and the SR-X Mk3 Pro compliment each other nicely. If the O2 has a fault it's that it's too polite. The SRX throws all politeness out of the window, it's crazy forward but it retains the O2's tonality, resolution (mostly), and authoritative bass. It's a really vivid, engaging listen. And when your ears cry out in agony from having worn the torture device known as the Stax SR-X Mk3 Pro for any extended length of time (seriously, some of the least comfortable headphones ever) you can switch back to the O2. And also re-learn what "soundstage" is.

 

[Chris_Himself]

HD650, DT880, SR325
D5000 w/ installed Markl mods, RS-1, HE-500
 
I have no experience with stuff more expensive than that

 

[Gwarmi]

HD650, 325i & JVC DX700
 
325i -
 
Most of the material work except where soundstage and bass presence is really needed although the 325i kicks
with my new DAC.
 
HD650 -
 
I know we said no source references but on a top setup these should fill the holes left behind by the 325i as a point of difference.
 
JVC DX700 -
 
My ultimate basshead closed headphone for electronica that does not necessarily need the big soundstage even though
it's not bad for a closed model.
 
 

 

[b0wl1ng]

Grado 325i : Kickass for guitar (rock)
 
Senn 650s : uber relaxing cans
 
T50RPs (modded) : hypnotic, addictive and mids to die for.
 
    

 

[wind016]

 
Quote:

 AT vintage orthos...forgot the name but a friend of mine ALMOST had them, he has such regrets about not trading for them now.

Huh??? I just had to run a search. VERY vintage-looking things.
 
 

 

[Ishcabible]

Quote:

4) Dream team: Grado HP1000, LCD-2,  Senn SR90, and the AT vintage orthos...forgot the name but a friend of mine ALMOST had them, he has such regrets about not trading for them now.

 
The ATH-2...? Why? They really aren't anything special to be honest. They're decent, but they're not something to regret missing. If your friend wants, there's a pair on ebay that probably won't go for more than $15. I'll PM the link if you want.