What full size can sounds like KSC-75?

[jparris1]

Let me begin by saying that I have searched and read many threads on this, including one currently running thread that has given me some ideas. I didn't want to hijack that thread with my slightly different question so here I am.

For background: I have purchased a bunch of full size headphones for computer use since I started reading Head-Fi, and am still not happy. Portably I am satisfied with KSC-75s and Porta-Pros. For home use I have used the HD-515 and HD-280, both of which are ok, but don't sound nearly as good as the Koss 60 ohm phones I have. The 515 is great as far as comfort, but sound wise leaves me uninterested. 280 sounds better to my ears by a bit, but is not comfortable for long listening. Sadly my Sony XD-300 has moved up ahead of these more expensive phones for fun listening at home. Even more often I use Koss UR-40s with an extension cable. Great sound and comfortable.

So my questiuon is: Is there a full sized comfortable can that sounds similar to the KSC-75 (or Porta-Pro or UR-40)? The UR-40 seems to me to really be a transportable can. It's just not subtantial enough to be my full size can. And I want single sided cable as well. Do any of the Koss Full sized cans sound OK (PRO3AA, TD85, UR29)? My choices seem to be one of those, an MS-1 (very concerned about the comfort issue) or the Sony V6/7506 (comfort here may also be an issue.)

Not an audiphile. I just want a fun engaging and comfortable full size can. Please save me from my UR-40s.

 

[Kirosia]

grados. Pick one you can afford, and vyou're good to go. Not sure how the ms1 fares though, I had it before the koss. My guess is OK.

 

[kramer5150]

K240s... God its disgusting how much Im recommending this can lately. But its such a good all around can.

Its like a tighter, more refined KSC75 with a much better defined soundstage. Sub bass extends deeper too. Treble has more definition too... doesn't sizzle as much.

Ive done the socket mod to both my KSC75 and AKG.

Garrett

 

[Spiritboxer]

I've read your initial post three times and I'm still not sure why you want a full size can. (I'm really tired, that's probably it

) If you really like the KSC 75/Porta Pro sound why not just stay with them and use the Kramer 5150 mod to make them sound even better. My PP's are plugged into my laptop right now and they sound fantastic! Just won a PA2V2 on ebay for $59 and I can't wait to see how these babies sound amped. For you, the mod + amp might be something to consider. I'm havin' a ball!

 

[jparris1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiritboxer I've read your initial post three times and I'm still not sure why you want a full size can. (I'm really tired, that's probably it ) If you really like the KSC 75/Porta Pro sound why not just stay with them and use the Kramer 5150 mod to make them sound even better. My PP's are plugged into my laptop right now and they sound fantastic! Just won a PA2V2 on ebay for $59 and I can't wait to see how these babies sound amped. For you, the mod + amp might be something to consider. I'm havin' a ball!

I actually already have the PA2V2. I think you'll be very pleased with the KSC-75/PA2V2 combo. Sounds great from the lineout (via Sik Din) of my iPod. As for why I want a full sized can, to me its just easier and more convenione tot have a full sized can with a single sided cable for putting on and off frequently while at my computer.

Anybody with any comments on comparing the sound of the V6, MS-1, and 240S to the KSCs?

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparris1 I actually already have the PA2V2. I think you'll be very pleased with the KSC-75/PA2V2 combo. Sounds great from the lineout (via Sik Din) of my iPod. As for why I want a full sized can, to me its just easier and more convenione tot have a full sized can with a single sided cable for putting on and off frequently while at my computer. Anybody with any comments on comparing the sound of the V6, MS-1, and 240S to the KSCs?

Yes there IS a SIGNIFICANT difference between the MS1 / K240s and KSC75. as much as I like the KSC75, its sloppy, and just doesn't have the tight refined/controlled sound of the full sized cans. For $15 I can forgive it for its shortcomings, but to say it can replace a full sized can is just wrong imho. (note IMHO there are some full sized cans that the KSC75 can in many ways keep up with). It also depends on how critical of a music listener you are... If youre just groovin to the tunes, the KSC75 may suffice. If however youre picking apart notes in your head, disecting note attack / decay, and rendering sound stage images in your head... the KSC75 may not live up to its hype.

Garrett

 

[young&wild]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 Yes there IS a SIGNIFICANT difference between the MS1 / K240s and KSC75. as much as I like the KSC75, its sloppy, and just doesn't have the tight refined/controlled sound of the full sized cans. For $15 I can forgive it for its shortcomings, but to say it can replace a full sized can is just wrong imho. (note IMHO there are some full sized cans that the KSC75 can in many ways keep up with). It also depends on how critical of a music listener you are... If youre just groovin to the tunes, the KSC75 may suffice. If however youre picking apart notes in your head, disecting note attack / decay, and rendering sound stage images in your head... the KSC75 may not live up to its hype. Garrett

I second that.

Why? Personally I own both the MS1 and KSC75. IMHO, theres a day and night out difference if you try to do some critical listening. The bass in MS1 is way tighter and more controlled, it extends deeper than KSC75. KSC75 seems to be boomier in comparison. Mids and Highs are more refined and detailed in the MS1 as well. Despite the difference, I personally find the KSC75 to be nice cans complementing the MS1 for portable usage. I m pretty sure you wont regret purchasing the MS1. As for the AKGs, I have not heard of them before, so I cant really give you any comments.

 

[Peter_D]

Im still a learner in all this headphone stuff...but i have to say this...

it seem that some of you are really ripping on the kcs75s...i got mine for a 20 bucks...$20!!!! how can one compair them to $60+ cans, its not fair.. there not going to be as good as the MS-1's, there cheap. there plastic...they come in a cheezy package. The whole reason why this could be happening is the fact that the 75's sound goodenough to compare to them

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_D Im still a learner in all this headphone stuff...but i have to say this... it seem that some of you are really ripping on the kcs75s...i got mine for a 20 bucks...$20!!!! how can one compair them to $60+ cans, its not fair.. there not going to be as good as the MS-1's, there cheap. there plastic...they come in a cheezy package. The whole reason why this could be happening is the fact that the 75's sound goodenough to compare to them

Does it come across that way?

Thats certainly not my intention. In fact if you search some of my prior posts you'll see I'm very much in glowing favor of the KSC75. Im just trying to point out that the KSC75 is a SUPERB value phone, however, forum readers need to know it does have its shortcomings when listening critically.

The fact that were even comparing it (a $20 portable clip on) to the $100 MS1 and the $85 K240s... speaks HUGE volumes for the Koss overall performance.

There have been a small number of head-fi ers who have bought the KSC75... only to be underwhelmed. To me, that is unfortunate.... I for one just want to point out the strenths and weaknesses. That is all.

Garrett

 

[chungsoi]

I agree. Koss do have their shortcomings (tad harsh, muddy and sloppy) but for the cash, they is nothing that even comes close!!

A full sized can that has a similar engaging sound signature to the Koss are Grados, only much better!

 

[Peter_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 Does it come across that way? Thats certainly not my intention. In fact if you search some of my prior posts you'll see I'm very much in glowing favor of the KSC75. Im just trying to point out that the KSC75 is a SUPERB value phone, however, forum readers need to know it does have its shortcomings when listening critically. The fact that were even comparing it (a $20 portable clip on) to the $100 MS1 and the $85 K240s... speaks HUGE volumes for the Koss overall performance. There have been a small number of head-fi ers who have bought the KSC75... only to be underwhelmed. To me, that is unfortunate.... I for one just want to point out the strenths and weaknesses. That is all. Garrett

that makes it more clear, thanks. i personaly cant see any of its shortcomings...but i only have a few budget cans...the hd497s and my 75's..both have impressed me, I guess im not as critical as others.. thats fine with me...

 

[chungsoi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter_D that makes it more clear, thanks. i personaly cant see any of its shortcomings...but i only have a few budget cans...the hd497s and my 75's..both have impressed me, I guess im not as critical as others.. thats fine with me...

Ignorance is Bliss. Run away from this place as far as you can with your 497's and 75's and never come back.

 

[Peter_D]

your probably right.

 

[swagga]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chungsoi Ignorance is Bliss. Run away from this place as far as you can with your 497's and 75's and never come back.

You got that right!

 

[alfie]

Am I crazy if I suggest a HD580? Am I deaf if I find them very similar in tonality and speed?