[*UPDATED*] M50s, are they the best for me? (most likely not anymore)
Dec 8, 2010 at 5:51 PM Post #31 of 39


Quote:
tldman said:
Haha. :p
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Dec 9, 2010 at 6:40 AM Post #32 of 39


Quote:
soundeffect said:
For portable set up, I say wait until you get the headphone in your hands first and see if they are okay with your zune.  I don't know, when I think of portable, I think of minimizing.
 
The M50 are very easy to drive I believe.  I tried mine on various laptop and my iphone, seems to work very good, no volume issue. If you try them out and think it need improvement, invest on an amp.  I'm sure an amp probable will make some improvement, but the question you want to ask yourself is do you want to fumble around with the amp while on the about.
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Ah, see well I don't mind something small like the FIio E5 which is only 20 bucks, so in terms of money and size I am really fine with it.  But yes it does make sense to see if its fine on the Zune first.  Thank you.
 
Feb 7, 2011 at 5:38 PM Post #34 of 39
Where do you plan on using your headphones? That's pretty important when deciding on open vs. closed. As for the M50s, They work really well unamped out of my iPod Touch, and even my iPod nano 2G, so that shouldn't be a problem at all. They're just really good all-around headphones, especially if you can get a good price on them. 
 
Feb 7, 2011 at 7:45 PM Post #36 of 39
If you want a good open can option I personally would recommend the HD558s (or the HD598s)
I have owned the M50s, the HD555s, and the HD558s.  I listen to christian rock, a lot of acoustic music and solo vocal ballads, K Pop, J Pop. Not trance though. (Although I heard the HD558s are trance BEASTS)
 
I personally generally enjoy these cans more for some of the genres listed above.  ESPECIALLY acoustic guitar.  After I traded my HD555s to get M50s, I realized I made a mistake because I couldn't enjoy acoustic music as much; it sounded cold in comparison.  the HD55X series have a very smooth and warm midrange that is not recessed like the M50.  The midrange does matter, and I think if you listened to both for a while you might agree.  Acoustic guitar is so important for me and the HD558s do it 5 times better for me, no exaggeration.
 
K-Pop and J-Pop sound much better on the HD558 in my opinion.  These genres are generally pretty well produced and mastered, and the HD558 really lets you know it.  The HD558's soundstage is phenomenal, and the good stereo separation of kpop tracks makes them sound completely immersive on the HD558s.  The midrange makes synth lines sound very nice, and the same with pianos and guitars in kpop ballads, and vocals.  If you tell me what artists you like I can elaborate more on this.
 
One thing I like better on the M50s is Christian rock.  The shimmering, etched treble of the M50s generally resolves very heavy rock mixes a little better.  If you like Christian metal (i have no experience here) I would get the M50s.  If you like lighter mixes... Starfield, Switchfoot, David Crowder, Tomlin (shooting in the dark here) I think it's a matter of preference.  Softer songs in Christian rock sound better on the HD558s.  Aggressive rock sounds better on M50s.  The HD558s have no problem whatsoever resolving thick sound, but the frequency balance of the M50s lets certain instruments cut through better.
 
Other notes: The HD558s are open cans.  If you use them at home this is not a problem.  Their soundstage knocks the socks off M50s in my opinion.  but if you want to travel a lot with them get the M50s.  Also, the HD558s have great bass with good sub-bass extension, enough that I don't miss the M50s' bass.  The M50s have more, nevertheless, and with more impact.  The treble of the HD558s is nice and smooth, while the M50s have a little extra sparkle.
 
Hope this helps. If you have questions please ask.
 
Feb 7, 2011 at 7:57 PM Post #37 of 39
Also if you want another suggestion you might want to check out the Fischer Audio FA-003s, which are said to be "neutral champs" and are stirring quite a hubbub.  I am drooling for them right now and they sound like they may be a good alternative to the M50s.
 
Also I checked out some trance for you on the HD558s and I am positive they would be better for trance than M50s.  If part of trance music is being immersed, HD558s take the cake with their soundstage.
 
Feb 8, 2011 at 9:47 AM Post #38 of 39
I'm planning to use them on the bus, home, school, library.... eh strike that I plan on using them just about anywhere. LOL
 
In that case, if I'm not mistaken, I should be leaning towards closed cans I believe??
 
Feb 8, 2011 at 9:55 AM Post #39 of 39


Quote:
hayang said:
Also if you want another suggestion you might want to check out the Fischer Audio FA-003s, which are said to be "neutral champs" and are stirring quite a hubbub.  I am drooling for them right now and they sound like they may be a good alternative to the M50s.
 
Also I checked out some trance for you on the HD558s and I am positive they would be better for trance than M50s.  If part of trance music is being immersed, HD558s take the cake with their soundstage.
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I checked out the HD558s and did a reevaluation on my thoughts on closed vs open cans.  I think I'll try to stick to closed cans as the insulation is a big bonus and might become a necessity.  Also, what would you describe the sound signature of the M50s as similar to?  My perception of them is that they're "fun" and with a very strong but accurate bass with somewhat harsh but not so much highs and recessed mids.
 
Also, I was wondering if increasing my budget by about $100 to $200 should change my decision on getting the M50s? (as they are around the 100 - 120 USD range, was hoping there would be something better around the 200 USD range)
 
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