[Mr.PD]

Hey, I am getting bored with my DT250-80 closed phones. I've had them for a couple years now.
I have been thinking about stepping up a notch or two in the closed phones arena. I have been looking at the AKG 501. Do you think that would be a good choice? I thought about the AKG 271S, but after reading some threads on those, I think I better not go that way.
My preference is the sound from my Grado RS-1, but I know I can't get that in a closed phone. What will get me close?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

CD3000 woody?

 

[commando]

IMHO the AKG 271 is a downgrade. To be honest there's not anywhere you can really go in woodies that'll give you much better sound. CD3Ks don't offer any isolation, maybe with woodies they'd be better but would you want to bet $600 on it? If you just want new toys hop over to thinkgeek.com and get something there

 

[Patrickhat2001]

Yes, I don't think the CD3000 (or even R10) would really give you the isolation you desire--they're more like open phones with big cups over them for the sound to bounce off of and create a large soundstage than a real sealed design. Also, the are K501 are of an open design.

 

[Mr.PD]

I need a closed pair. I would like something better than the Beyer DT250-80.
I wanted to try out the AKG line, but I am not set on that. Maybe a better Beyerdynamic would fit the bill.

 

[ReDVsion]

Closed, isolating headphones:
AKG K271 Studio
Beyerdynamic DT250
Beyerdynamic DT660
Beyerdynamic DT770
Sennheiser HD25-1
Sennheiser HD280
Sony MDR-V6
Ultrasone HFI-650/700

Of those, ones that would have a forward, exciting, grado-like presentation:
Sennheiser HD25-1
Sony MDR-V6
Ultrasone HFI650/700

If you need something portable, there's no contest: the HD25 is the way to go.

 

[wallijonn]

Maybe better pads will satiate your restlessness.

 

[nakor]

Quick, slightly off-topic questions: Mr.PD, are the Beyer DT250s not very good, is that why your bored with them? Also do they isolate well? I was thinking of getting a pair of Beyer DT250-250s, I don't want them if they're boring.

 

[ReDVsion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nakor Quick, slightly off-topic questions: Mr.PD, are the Beyer DT250s not very good, is that why your bored with them? Also do they isolate well? I was thinking of getting a pair of Beyer DT250-250s, I don't want them if they're boring.

I know the question wasn't directed at me, but from what I've read here, the DT250_250s have a different (better) sound compared to the 80ohm version.

 

[Tyson]

The 250-250's sound a lot like my HD600's, so if you like that sound, you will like the 250-250's. The main difference is that the 600's sound a bit distant, and the 250-250's present the music a lot closer to you. But tonal balance and dynamics seem to be about the same (ie, very nice when amped well).

I haven't heard the 250-80's, but lini has reported here several times that the 250-80's are noticable darker and rolled off in comparison to the 250-250's.

 

[blessingx]

IMO the HD280 and V6 would be a step down. The 250/80 rounds off the highs much better than either of them.

No one has mentioned the AT A900s?

 

[ReDVsion]

Well, the A900s AFAIK don't provide the isolation of the other headphones mentioned.

 

[Taurui]

From the descriptions of the 250-80 sound (haven't heard them) I can only guess:

A Beyer DT250-250 with a nice amp will be an upgrade, and
Ultrasone HFI-650/700 or
Beyer DT660, the new kid in town

But as long as you don't really say what's wrong for you with the 250-80, everyone can just guess with what you could be satisfied.

 

[Mr.PD]

The post about the 250-80 sounding like the Senns hits home. I had Senn 580s at one time. They bored me. But, with my 250-80s I think it is that they are so much darker than my Grados, combined with the fact that they were my first pair of headphones after joining here, have made them simply become old hat.
Right now I think it's the darkness and lack of excitement that are bugging me. They are smooth, and warm. Not exciting and punchy.

 

[bangraman]

You can't really buy a proper closed phone with much less isolation than the DT250-80, so anything (K271S, HD25-1, A900, HFI-650, etc) will be an improvement on that front.


The K271 can't be said to be exciting. It is clean and precise without being overly sharp.


The HD25-1 will probably fit the bill in this case while improving on practicalities over the DT250-80. It's a shorter straight cord but it's more isolated, more efficient, lighter, punchier. The only thing you have to give up for this is the circumaural comfort of the DT250. In fact, the A900 excluded practically any other closed phone is slightly to considerably less comfortable than the DT250 on my head. I've got used to the HD25-1 and it usually causes me no problems. The times that I abandon them is when I'm better off with the canalphones.