[bboy hectek]

OK i have a sort of question that spans a few forums. Im currently about to go overseas...i have a 3rd gen ipod i use with the line out. I am considering (read am almost sure i am buying) an ultra meta 42 from headsave pretty decked out. I do most of my listening with lame encoded mp3s off the ipod @ 224kbps (jazz @ 320) and cant get a cd source for my year abroad due to space limitations and the fact that i brought the ipod expressly so i wouldnt have to. I like a lively and forward sound and was wondering what is the best set(s) of headphones i can get to use that will not be "superior" my source and amp combo (right now those are NOT changing). I already have a set of ER4s headphones i like but i need a normal (like grados in terms of shape) set of headphones that i can whip on and off at my desk. I was thinking of going for some 225s but im open to suggestions (and warnings to things that are too good for my system) Example: (in my opinion the dt880s are too revealing for your source and will make it all too clear that you are listening to mp3s for you to enjoy them). For all that help and reply..thanks in advance!

 

[pbirkett]

Sounds like the Grado's would be right up your street - exciting and musical cans, detailed but not analytical and i'd imagine not as punishing as some cans of using MP3's as source.

With the DT880's unless its a very well recorded MP3, I think I can tell, MPC on the other hand seems as good as the original to me. Doesnt the ipod support the Apple format, which is said to be better than MP3? Might be worth considering.

 

[bboy hectek]

hey thanks for the first rec! i know the ipod supports AAC but i didnt know if it was really worth using...As far as the grados go..i had some MS1s and sold them once..i liked them but needed the cash fast! Ill look into the 225s for the moment being as ive heard they are very good for upfront music that is still detailed and exact. How do you like your rotels headphone jack? I have an old 950 that looked likeit might have a good'un?

more suggestions are welcome! Im actually trying to get someone to talk me out of the grados as i really want a pair of cans that are super comfy ..if i can find them.

 

[blessingx]

I've used the 225's off a HeadSave Mint + iPod. They're a good combo. Have moved to an Ultra. Currently testing a pair of 580's (same price point ), but not ready to make any comments (only had them two hours) except they should also be considered (as long as you'll always have an amp- the Grados will perform even without).

EDIT: Just looked at your profile and indeed the Grados may be the best choice.

One question- why are you encoding with LAME 224 and not --APE (or --APFE) for the higher quality and approximately same average bitrate?

And at these levels stay with LAME MP3's, not AAC.

 

[newguy]

I'm too new at this offer suggestions about headphones. But I too have a 3rd generation iPod and when I rip CDs using AAD at 256 the sound is exceptional -- better than mp3. I suggest you try it. I just bought a Grado SR125 headphones to use with my iPod and they sound great to me.

 

[newguy]

I should have said I rip using AAC at 225kbps.

 

[Tyson]

I just got them today, but even w/very little burn in I'm comfortable recommending the AKG K271 Studio. Has more of a Sonus Faber type of sound - detailed by very musical. I like them a lot already, I imagine they'll just get better with a few day's burn in.

 

[Lando]

Quote:

Originally posted by pbirkett Doesnt the ipod support the Apple format, which is said to be better than MP3? Might be worth considering.

It's not Apple's format, they're just pimping it A) because it's slightly better than mp3 at low bitrates (i.e. 128kbps) and B) because they're too hostile to open standards to use Vorbis, which sounds as good or better than both at low bitrates. At higher bitrates the differences between aac and mp3 are inadible, except maybe to someone with golden ears.

Quote:

Originally posted by newguy I'm too new at this offer suggestions about headphones. But I too have a 3rd generation iPod and when I rip CDs using AAD at 256 the sound is exceptional -- better than mp3. I suggest you try it. I just bought a Grado SR125 headphones to use with my iPod and they sound great to me.

Compared to what? Crappy mp3s from a filesharing network? 128kbps cbr mp3s? Have you done A/B comparisions? (I have.) I seriously doubt that you will hear a difference between 256kbps aac and alt preset standard mp3, unless you have golden ears. Otherwise, the higher bitrate is a waste of space and the lesser compatability isn't worth the trouble, IMO.

 

[blessingx]

NewGuy what MP3 encoder are you using? You may still prefer 224 or 256 AAC over LAME --aps/--ape, but if you're using iTunes FhG CBR/VBR 224/256 I don't doubt the same AAC will sound better. Try LAME (if that's not what you're refering to). I found anything over 160 kbps goes back to (LAME) MP3. If you're using a Mac and iTunes with your iPod, try the iTunes-LAME plugin.

EDIT: I have golden ears!

Actually there's a warmth missing in AAC all the way up to 320 kbps that I prefer in higher bitrates MP3's. I think it's pretty noticeable. And I don't think AAC improves much beyond 192. It's sweet spot is 128-160 (160 I use sometimes for rock or quick encoding). And the OGG superiority over AAC is certainly debatable from recent tests over at Hydrogen. There's always MPC, FLAC, etc.

 

[Uncledan]

Grado 225 or 325 is all you need.

 

[muzikk]

If you are listening mostly to jazz (as you seem to) I wouldn't recommend the grados. Blues and rock will go very well with grados but in my opinion jazz doesn't. I own the sr 325 and they are just too shrill and high for jazz, it seems that the sr 225 is more neutral than the sr 325 and maybe well be better for jazz. In any case if you buy grados don't forget to buy the sennheiser pads. Alessandro one can be a nice option and certainly won't be overkill for your system.

 

[Tyson]

More on the AKG K271 Studio - they are VERY comforatable. Most comfortable closed headphone's I've used. And, they will auto-mute when you take them off, so you don't have them blasting away when you're trying to talk to someone. Very slick!

 

[bboy hectek]

Thus far it seems like alot of grado recs. I did like my previous grados and they fit my music well but i mean im trying to find out what kind of headphones wouldnt be appropriate for my rig. it seems alot of people find the 225s forgiving enough to run off an mp3 source like my own. What about headphones like HD600 and the DT880 or the CD3000? If i run these is it actually not going to be worth my money? I probably will upgrade in the not so distant (a year or so) future and i have a nice early 90s rotel cd player and receiver(950AX i think) that i havent tried yet. I also wonder if my meta 42 will really be a powerful enough amp to drive things like the hd600 in a pleasurable manner (as i hear they get better and better with stronger amps like sugden headmaster and the blockhead). Anyhow it appears as if asking one question has only opened several others to me but thanks everyone : ).