What brand/model ?... High quality sound (a LOT of bass/sub-bass), huge PASSIVE noise cancellation, luxurious materials

[nadstaky]

Hello,
 
I own for now a Sony MDR-1000X (jack/ANC usage). I'm quite happy with it, but I'm fed up with battery recharging.
I don't like the plastic used, and the leather-like ear cups that make me sweat
 
I'd like to know if there are some (luxurious for materials and sound ?) brands that have designed some OVER-EAR headphones with an excellent passive isolation.
 
I was very interested in the Bower & Wilkins P9 (design and luxurious materials) but I think it's not for nomad use :-/
So I'm looking for a P9 like for nomad use (I have a Sony NW-WM1A player).
 
The first problem is that I like bassy headphones (a lot of bass/sub-bass) and all pricey headphones tend to have a linear frequency response.
 
Also, do you think it's possible to find all above plus a very great passive noise isolation (so that I could listen to my music in a car or in bus/trains) ?
 
I can save up to 500/1000 Euros for it.
 
I hope that you audio gurus will help me in my quest
 
Regards,
 
Eric

 

[obobskivich]

What do you mean by "nomad use"

Anyways, my first thought would be either the JVC HP-DX1000 or Fostex TH-900 (the DX1000 isolate much better, but the TH-900 may have sonic advantages depending on your preference). Both offer a lot of bass, are very comfortable, and will certainly tick your "luxury materials" requirement. I wouldn't suggest them if your usage scheme errs towards mobile (ab)use though, as the wood cups won't stand up very well (and the rest of their build is much more towards "fragile delicate expensive thing" than "I can smash this into my backpack under a bunch of books and a water bottle and generally slam them around"). If you need something to withstand said mobile (ab)use, I'd skip full-size headphones entirely, and go for IEMs - some of them can get hilariously bassy as well. Unfortunately I haven't really followed modern IEM development (and there's probably hundreds of options these days) - I'd say lurk the IEM subforum for a little bit and figure out what's liked for bass. Isolation will be much better on IEMs compared to any full-size cans, and as you get into the "high end" segment you're generally getting into professional equipment (e.g. stuff that touring musicians use) and durability/survivability goes up (because it has to survive events like rock concerts), rather than getting into fragile hi-fi components that assume a gentle life of sedentary indoor use.

 

[Monsterzero]

What do you mean by "nomad use"

Anyways, my first thought would be either the JVC HP-DX1000 or Fostex TH-900 (the DX1000 isolate much better, but the TH-900 may have sonic advantages depending on your preference). Both offer a lot of bass, are very comfortable, and will certainly tick your "luxury materials" requirement. I wouldn't suggest them if your usage scheme errs towards mobile (ab)use though, as the wood cups won't stand up very well (and the rest of their build is much more towards "fragile delicate expensive thing" than "I can smash this into my backpack under a bunch of books and a water bottle and generally slam them around"). If you need something to withstand said mobile (ab)use, I'd skip full-size headphones entirely, and go for IEMs - some of them can get hilariously bassy as well. Unfortunately I haven't really followed modern IEM development (and there's probably hundreds of options these days) - I'd say lurk the IEM subforum for a little bit and figure out what's liked for bass. Isolation will be much better on IEMs compared to any full-size cans, and as you get into the "high end" segment you're generally getting into professional equipment (e.g. stuff that touring musicians use) and durability/survivability goes up (because it has to survive events like rock concerts), rather than getting into fragile hi-fi components that assume a gentle life of sedentary indoor use.

I think he is referring to use on the go,in public,travelling...etc...

 

[obobskivich]

I think he is referring to use on the go,in public,travelling...etc...

I was thinking "nomad" and thought of this:


Or maybe a more contemporary interpretation that involves backpacking or wilderness survival (there was actually a poster a few years ago who would take his headphones kayaking, and he had the pictures to prove it).

But I honestly don't know if either of those is exactly right, so I figured "better to ask..."

For any sort of "actual mobile use" I'd go with IEMs - its just so much less hassle.