The Quest for lively sounding yet Hi-Fi Headphones

[Ikon]

Since I almost started snoring today while listening to a new pair of Sony SA-1000s, I realize that I might just not be the guy for that analytical, neutral, flat-line Hi-Fi sound. While being nicely detailed (a also bit too bright), the Sonys simply sound ... boooring.
Songs that make me head-bang or almost cry with my (not so Hi-Fi) Philips HP890 result in barely more than yawn with the SA-1000

Now I don't even dare to order something like the Senn HD580 or the Beyer DT880. I just need a more lively colored, more gripping, more involving sound -> some real "fun phones"

Grado is not really a choice, since I live in Europe. But I read many positve remarks about the Beyer DT990 (Pro) and the Senn HD595 in that respect. Any other suggestions? Any comments on these two?

[Price should be about 100 to 180 Euros. The Source would be a half-decent USB-DAC with a better-quality headphone-amp (soon to be built

).]

 

[squall2072]

Why not try some Alessandro MS-1's or MS-2's? Made by grado, but slightly more neutral and cost less that they european brothers. Website =
http://www.alessandro-products.com/headphones.html

Or you could try some Grado SR-225's have a look on the for sale section on the forum...or post a wanted ad there. Thats what I did and I'm extremely happy with mine.

Grado's are definately the way forward for a fun, lively listen.

 

[LTUCCI1924]

I agree with the above post. The Grado 225 is very lively and you wont go to sleep listening to them. LOL. A used pair in the for sale forum could be shipped to you. Also the ALESSANDRO for only 99.00 are a great buy.

 

[Ikon]

Hm ... I didn't think about that

How about comfort with Alessandro / the higher Grados? I would wear them at least 4 hrs. a day.

 

[Andrea]

That may be 'cause the SA1000 just is not so good sounding. You needn't mistake analytical & cold for neutral/natural.

I love my HD595.

 

[LTUCCI1924]

Ikon
The ALESSANDRO come with the comfy pads. I had no problem using them but there are 3-4 other pads members buy for the ALESSANDRO or GRADO but for the ultimate in pads the www.headphile.com C-Pads are very comfortable and improves the bass that can be controlled with hole pegs.

 

[billinkansas]

All good posts. Don't overlook the DT-880 - I think it's a livlier than real life sound - unless you want something really artificially bright.

 

[kramer5150]

Yeah I dont like flat (accurate) cans either *yawn* same reaction I get from my *yawn* HD280 *yawn*.

Alessandro (!!!)
Check the F/S forum for a used SR80 / 60
K240s-55 is my fave sub $100 can. I have a pair coming next week

 

[Dash]

I have been through Sr60's, HD 485's and now have AKG 240 Studio. I would have to say that for me the AKG's easily when that battle. The Grado's sound good but wear thin after awhile cause of their forward presentation. The Senn HD 485 where too bass heavy and the mids where retracted. The AKG 240 S impressed right out of the box with now burnin. As Linn said, dont expect too much from their burnin. The are extremely comfortable and can be listened to for hours. I scored mine for 89.99 plus tax. The are worth their asking price and respond well to amping for future expansion. They arent called the "Groovalizer" for nothing.

 

[sgrossklass]

I'll throw in the HD590, which can be found for <100€ if you look in the right places. Brighter than neutral but not to the point of being fatigueing - I can listen to these all day. Very comfy, too. They're as open as it gets though, vs. the semi-open K240S.

 

[audiofreak]

595 all the way! its what i got, and its has a nice sound...like words i've heard are organic and natural

there is a tangible quailty to it and makes it very earthy/smooth

 

[Ikon]

Thank you all for your recommendations, now I have a lot of great cans to test

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikon Thank you all for your recommendations, now I have a lot of great cans to test

Grados I think are the way to go.. Grado 60s.. Grado 225s.. 325i.. Rs-1s..
Ms1s or Ms2s..

These are the best ones in the line. See how much you can afford and fire away.

 

[Oski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by billinkansas All good posts. Don't overlook the DT-880 - I think it's a livlier than real life sound - unless you want something really artificially bright.

Agreed, my DT 880s are livlier than my MS-2is. Get the DT 880s recabled and they sound amazing.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oski Agreed, my DT 880s are livlier than my MS-2is. Get the DT 880s recabled and they sound amazing.

I heard both of Oski's cans, and both the DT880s and MS2i, recabled, have more fun factor than the HP2. Don't get me wrong, the HP2 under the right rig isn't boring for sure!