The next step?

[KenW]

I like the warmth and soundstage of the Senns and especially enjoy the comfort! Yet, the ety's do tend to excite me more for certain types of music. They're definitely more forward and have a bit more punch. Maybe it's the "canalphone" phenomenon. I'm not sure. I'd love to find something that would give me the best of both worlds and am considering HD650's, the MS-Pros and perhaps the beyerdynamic DT880. Can I get some feedback?

 

[go_vtec]

HD650 sounds more refined HD600, where as Grado RS-1/MS-Pro are more exciting, hair-raisingly good open phones. If you want a relaxing, comfy pair of phone, consider HD650. However if you want something that will sound enjoyable, exciting and warm, consider Grado RS-1/MS-Pro.

 

[null]

or, A900s or CD3000s...

 

[KenW]

go vtec, I'm thinking along those lines but there are so many who feel the 650's are darker than the 600's and don't do the highs as well. I'm thinking the beyer's may be more of a sidestep than anything else although it's felt they do the highs better than my 600's and do everything else just as well. As for the MS-Pros, I'm sure they're lively and much more forward than the 600's but I've struggled a bit with the supra-aural design and comfort. Guess I could adapt as I've done with the ety's but it's looking like my order can only be filled by the R10 or perhaps Sony's latest offering but both of those are more than I want to drop on headphones at the moment. If someone could take the best of the 600's and the 4P's and blend 'em together into a single set of cans, I'd be in heaven.

 

[iamdone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenW If someone could take the best of the 600's and the 4P's and blend 'em together into a single set of cans, I'd be in heaven.

I think the hd650 with the Zu cable does everything better than the ety ER4-P/S. It has just as much detail with the highs not becoming harsh like the etys. It gives everything a nice texture and makes you become more involved in the music. Plus it has bass and mids that you can feel

If you are considering canalphones, than the Sensaphonics tops the hd650/zu in that it does rock music better and is a little more agressive. It also has bass and mids that you can feel but the bass also has a little more impact. It's soundstage is a little smaller and doesn't do the texture as well but is still just as involving.

 

[go_vtec]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenW go vtec, I'm thinking along those lines but there are so many who feel the 650's are darker than the 600's and don't do the highs as well. I'm thinking the beyer's may be more of a sidestep than anything else although it's felt they do the highs better than my 600's and do everything else just as well. As for the MS-Pros, I'm sure they're lively and much more forward than the 600's but I've struggled a bit with the supra-aural design and comfort. Guess I could adapt as I've done with the ety's but it's looking like my order can only be filled by the R10 or perhaps Sony's latest offering but both of those are more than I want to drop on headphones at the moment. If someone could take the best of the 600's and the 4P's and blend 'em together into a single set of cans, I'd be in heaven.

Well I own both HD600/HD650, but I never thought HD650 sounded dark. It takes few minutes of acclaimation period (call it a mind adjustment), but nothing does midrange/bass better than HD650 in its price class.

Beyer DT880 is a nice phone. Frankly DT880 is sort of half way between HD600 and Sony CD3K, or I feel that DT880 sounds more like aggressive version of HD600 (better treble, but not as refined as HD650). DT880 sounds nice, but I like HD650 much better. I dumped DT880 since my CD3K sounds much better to my ears. This is subjective since some people may consider DT880 is better than CD3K. To me, CD3K is a refined upgrade over ER-4S. Details are there with definitely better bass than Ety. Initial attacks are less emphasized on CD3K, but all details are still there. May be you should try out CD3K? Since you like Ety ER-4P, may be you are Sony CD3K types of person?

On the other hand, RS-2 and RS-1 are wonderfully dynamic and may be just what you are looking for. Wood bodies add warmth to its presentation. RS-1 is regarded as overall, better phone here at Headfi by majority, but I'm one of those rare individuals who prefer RS-2 over RS-1. RS-1 is wonderful and spacious sounding phone between two, but I like more direct sounding presentation of RS-2. Hmm, too many phones and only a pair of ears... what to do???