[mail4u]

I'm very sensitive to high frequencies and I'm interested in a headphone that has smooth and delicate highs. I presently have a Sennheiser HD 580 and while it is smooth in the lower registers it has a bit of hardness in the upper highs to my ears. Would the HD 650 be any better? What about Denon phones? Thanks for your opinions.

 

[K3cT]

The HD600 should suit you well. The D2000 sounds like a more forward and fun HD600 IMO: It's not as laid-back and dark as the latter but can sound fun with head-crunching bass. Sibilance can be a problem with D2000 though.

 

[s4nder]

HD650 is liquid smooth compared to HD600, especially in the highs, at least when I last compared them. Not as much treble energy but much smoother and no harshness at all.

 

[olblueyez]

Another vote for the HD650.

 

[ph0rk]

Not sure what pricerange you are looking for or if closed headphones are an option, but I've found that Beyer DT-250's are never harsh - just warm and smooth.

The HD650, while smooth, still has more treble detail than the DT250 - it won't smooth over a rough source or recording like the DT250 can sometimes do.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mail4u /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm very sensitive to high frequencies and I'm interested in a headphone that has smooth and delicate highs. I presently have a Sennheiser HD 580 and while it is smooth in the lower registers it has a bit of hardness in the upper highs to my ears. Would the HD 650 be any better? What about Denon phones? Thanks for your opinions.

have the HD 580 as well, personally find K701's smoother/better up top, and D2000's smoother/better down below, with the 580 sitting squarely between the two

from everything I've read, the HD 650 is basically the 580 on steroids, things like a better cord and housing, better driver matching, etc, so I wouldn't think that HD 650 would entirely give you what you want, although only your ears can really tell you that

I would go and audition the K701, HD 600, HD 650, and D2000 (any and all), see what you think, I'm "voting" for the K701 though

 

[xenithon]

Depends a lot on a) your budget, and b) your patience

. The smoothest headphones I have heard (and owned) were the Audio Technica ATH-W11JPN, bar none.

 

[obobskivich]

aren't those a) out of production, and b) really expensive woodies in the same lineage as the W1000 or W5000?

just curious, since I don't know all that much about AT's

 

[xenithon]

a) yes
b) less costly when new, but far more expensive nowadays given their OOP status and rarity ($1k+)

 

[ph0rk]

If treble sensitivity is a factor I'd think twice about a k701. Definitely audition first.

 

[solid_snake33]

Okay, nobody shoot me for saying this. But bose headphones are extremely laid back, especially there on ear versions. Just a suggetion.

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by solid_snake33 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Okay, nobody shoot me for saying this. But bose headphones are extremely laid back, especially there on ear versions. Just a suggetion.

This is true.

 

[2deadeyes]

If on a budget, the HD650. Otherwise, an L3000.

 

[Tiemen]

If you think the HD580 is too harsh for you, then avoid the D2000. Their treble is brighter, harsher and more sibilant.
The smoothest headphone I ever heard are the Kenwood KH-K1000.
Not a single harsh note, smooth, clean and delicate treble, no sibilance at all.
Very friendly and laid back headphones

 

[Henmyr]

Agree on HD650.