What are the Best Vintage Headphones? Pre-1980

Nov 21, 2008 at 10:31 PM Post #16 of 98
Quote:

Originally Posted by va3ttn /img/forum/go_quote.gif
AKG K-100 is similar
beerchug.gif


I bought mine in 1974 and they still work fine.
They needed a cable change long time ago,
and the plastic headband was replaced recently
with a hand made leather one.

Bass is lacking somewhat on these, too,
presumably due to insufficient sealing.

And there is no diffuse-field equalization either.
That makes them sound quite different to today's
headphones, but the difference diminishes after
applying the diffuse field equalization at the source.

I have no technical data for AKG K-100 (apart from
impedance being 2 x 600 Ohm) and would be very
grateful if someone could quote basic parameters.



Does this help K 100 (01-41-51) (Discontinued) ?
 
Nov 21, 2008 at 11:34 PM Post #19 of 98
Telephonics TEL-111. Still use mine as I love the full range sound they put out. Think they were made around 1976/75 but not sure. I have had these since new and see no need for a newer set that will probably not sound as good.
 
Nov 22, 2008 at 12:30 AM Post #21 of 98
Quote:

Originally Posted by davidhunternyc /img/forum/go_quote.gif
So basically it seems that the only vintage headphone that can compete with contemporary cans is the Stax SR-Lambda? Is that right?


No. A 1978 Fostex T50 can crush almost all dynamics still.

Also the SR-Sigma, which predates the Lambda.

Frankly even an SR-5 can give a lot of $100+ dynamics a run for their money, and if you don't need low bass the SR-X III is hard to beat for speed and accuracy.
 
Nov 22, 2008 at 12:48 AM Post #22 of 98
Quote:

Originally Posted by ericj /img/forum/go_quote.gif
No. A 1978 Fostex T50 can crush almost all dynamics still.


Crush?!?! Fantastic! Can you explain in greater detail the strengths and weaknesses of this headphone and how it is able to crush the competition. Is it a JVC DX1000 or Denon D7000 killer? The R-10? ; )
 
Nov 22, 2008 at 1:03 AM Post #24 of 98
Been listening to my DT 480's (not 48's) and think they sound truly excellent, considering they're roughly circa 1972.
In fact I'm putting together a little mini review/comparison for the hell of it, seeing as I couldn't find any info on the them online.



 
Nov 22, 2008 at 2:06 AM Post #29 of 98
Quote:

Originally Posted by Acix /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Pioneer was a great deal in the 70's
I love my monitor 10, the best FR balance...



Yes, I have never heard these headphones but the Pioneer's are what inspired me to start this thread. I mean they are stunning looking. When I was asking for people to tell me what they thought were the most beautiful headphones ever made, someone posted a SE-L40 on the thread and I was just blown away. Then I did a google search myself and found all kinds of stunning looking Pioneer's. Do any of these models have sound quality equal to the best dynamics of today?

By the way, is it the same person who posted on my thread his SE-L40 and also put them up for sale on ebay?
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/wha...37/index3.html
 
Nov 22, 2008 at 2:54 AM Post #30 of 98
Quote:

Originally Posted by Acix /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Pioneer was a great deal in the 70's
I love my monitor 10, the best FR balance...




I remember using a friend's Pioneer headphones in the late 70's that were quite amazing (to me) at the time. From your pics, they would have been either the 205 or 305.
 

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