The next step: Headphones after SR-60

[Trastan]

All right, this one I actually blame on the fabled KSC-75s. I'm a very portable-oriented listener, using (most recently) my Cowon D2 with these babies everywhere I go. The result is that I'm fairly spoiled on their (for the price, I assume) great clarity and sensitivity in the high-end. Coming home I find that the Grados, while being the better set all-around, nevertheless have a somewhat muddier sound.

Here are some parameters:

- I love trance music, but also have a bit of rock, classical, and a few assorted others.

- I highly value a solid high and low end, probably too much. Bass that I can feel (nice and punchy) with the clearest treble possible. Again, the KSC75s did a great starting job, but I know there has to be a better answer out there.

- I'm open to IEMs, but they'd better be worth it. I'm not much of a fan of having to clean buds before and after each use. With regards to normal 'phones, closed or open are both fine, though I've come to value open more since my PX100 days, as the closed echo effect tends to bother me.

- I'm thrifty as all heck, but I'm willing to pay when it's worth the cost. Bang for the buck needs to be kept in mind.

Therefore, I beseech you all: tell a man who's all but lost in this headphone world what the next step would be. Unlike computer parts and gadgets, headphones require a try-out period before buying. Since I have no such option, I need to ask here for a collective opinion from those with experience.

Thank you all, and I look forward to your suggestions!

 

[sweetwilly]

Perhaps the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro. Good bass, and nice clear treble make for very fun listening.

 

[BigSurSpoon]

x2, and the price has really gone down on them too.

 

[AudioCats]

990...............

 

[AudioCats]

or "very poorman's 990" + a powerful amp.

 

[Trastan]

I'm afraid I don't know what the 990 or "very poorman's 990" is. Brand/exact model number, please?

EDIT: Perhaps you're talking about the beyerdynamic DT 990? $400 is quite the step-up from $80 SR-60s... but heck, maybe I should just splurge once and be done with it.

What are these poorman's 990s?

 

[1967cutlass]

The older beyer DT 990 pro is my favorite headphone. No lack of bass or clarity there, I assure you.

 

[no1likesme]

You may want to move up in the grado line 225 maybe?

 

[F107plus5]

Ok; this may be a little far out, but since I always felt my KSC75 were quite close to my MS-1, they could be a consideration, but in this case, you already have SR-60 and MS-1 could remotely be considered more of a side-step, so...

How about a thought toward the MS2i!!

More and better than MS-1 which is more and better than KSC75!

...just a thought.

 

[1967cutlass]

Do yourself a favor and move outside of the grado lineup, you'll thank me later.

 

[F107plus5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1967cutlass /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do yourself a favor and move outside of the grado lineup, you'll thank me later.

I wish I'd have listened to you before I bought my MS-1.

Cause if I hadn't bought the MS-1, I wouldn't have bought the MS2i, and I wouldn't be so darned infatuated with the thought of those beautiful MS-Pro!

 

[Torula Yeast]

Might I suggest the SR-125s? I owned the SR60s for years, never thought of upgrading because I couldn't imagine how music could sound any better. Then I tried the 125s, and between the built-in increase in SQ and the bowl pads, it was a whole new Grado experience for me. Suddenly I wasn't so much listening to songs as I was now aware I was listening to professional recordings, if that makes sense. Better detail (less "mud"), honest bass presentation for most rockers (and of course you can tape mod 'em or go w/flats if you want crazy amounts of bass), and they'll go w/your musical preferences quite well. 'Course, if you have the extra $50, word on the street is the 225s are the way to go (I haven't heard 'em), but the 125s' price is fairly modest for the return, which it sounds like you want, provided you've been happy with the Grado sound.

 

[1967cutlass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by F107plus5 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wish I'd have listened to you before I bought my MS-1. Cause if I hadn't bought the MS-1, I wouldn't have bought the MS2i, and I wouldn't be so darned infatuated with the thought of those beautiful MS-Pro!

The problem with grados is that as you move up in the chain, you expect things to get better, but once you go back to an SR60 it still sounds 90% as good as your sr325.

I just think it's a good idea to try new things.

 

[uraflit]

next step up from sr60? only thing to get is the RS-1! gahaha

or just try different brands

 

[Trastan]

First of all, thanks a ton for all of the responses, and if anyone has any more suggestions, please continue! After looking at each set suggested so far, however, I got to wondering: I'm currently using the "softies" that came with the SR-60s, with a quarter-sized hole cut out of the center as per suggested routine. Would I see a marked sound quality increase in purchasing the Bowl pads, or should I continue looking at a new set altogether?

On the topic of getting a new set, my current favorites from the above suggestions are the SR-225s, Super.fi 5 Pro, and I'm also interested in the Sennheiser HD 555.

Any thoughts?