Thinking about upgrading for better sound, but where to start? (~$200)
Jul 28, 2005 at 1:54 PM Post #61 of 67
What would be a good closed alternative to the DT880s (Currently have the A500s)? The SA5K's look good, but I'd only be able to get a ~$140 amp with them.
 
Jul 30, 2005 at 4:21 PM Post #63 of 67
Quote:

Originally Posted by Averse
ATH-W1000?


When I say alternative to the DT880s, I imply in the DT880's price range. Any other suggestions?
 
Jul 30, 2005 at 8:33 PM Post #64 of 67
Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure
When I say alternative to the DT880s, I imply in the DT880's price range. Any other suggestions?


I prefer IEMs to the closed headphones in that price range.

I'd look into Shure E5c or Westone UM2.

-Matt
 
Jul 31, 2005 at 2:30 AM Post #65 of 67
IEMs? You sure? I remember reading somewhere that you get less bang for you buck with IEMs, in that $300 IEMs will have worse sound quality than $300 headphones. I also have a fear that bass would be nonexistent, that something would break or be lost, and that I'd never have the proper seal (It'd drive me nuts to always think whether I sealed them correctly or not; or if I could seal them just a little bit better). So, any alternatives that aren't IEMs? TOTAL budget is ~$500-$550.
 
Jul 31, 2005 at 3:33 AM Post #66 of 67
Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure
IEMs? You sure? I remember reading somewhere that you get less bang for you buck with IEMs, in that $300 IEMs will have worse sound quality than $300 headphones. I also have a fear that bass would be nonexistent, that something would break or be lost, and that I'd never have the proper seal (It'd drive me nuts to always think whether I sealed them correctly or not; or if I could seal them just a little bit better). So, any alternatives that aren't IEMs? TOTAL budget is ~$500-$550.


Azure, keep in mind that the issue under consideration is the matter of closed headphones, hence the IEM suggestion. If you buy a pair of Shure E4's (personal experience) or super.fi's or Westone's (I've heard from many others on the forum), You'd find varying extents of very acceptable and nice bass. I find that the e4's lose against headphones when it comes to deep bass frequencies (e.g. feeling a bass drum pounded by a pedal), soundstage and treble (shure's treble seems to be a bit recessed), but overall I am happy with their isolation (dual flange), detail and SQ. The e4's have been touted as the 'most balanced' IEM's out there, with UE/Westone's offering better bass response coupled with poorer treble responses than the E4. If you want great SQ from closed headphones, you'll have to pay a somewhat hefty price(SQ-wise compared to open cans) and lose the soundstage at the same time - at least that's what I got from listening to the higher end Sony's, AKG's and Audio-Technicas.
 
Jul 31, 2005 at 3:54 AM Post #67 of 67
Well, when I can perfectly accept the isolation of headphones, so I'm not really interested in IEMs. Just looking for an alternative to the DT880s that is closed.
 
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