[bonfirehay]

Hi,
 
My experience with headphones so far:
After having stretched out the clamp and covered the pads with some socks, I now can stand my ATH-M50s for about 4h, instead of the usual 30min.
They are however still too uncomfortable to use everyday for many hours, so I need to replace them.
 
I also own a pair of Yuin Pk3 earbuds which I love which I love for their confort and balanced, natural sound which makes them simply disappear.
The problem with them, is I still can ear external noise, which inhibits the sense of immersion.
Despite not as detailed as the ATH-M50, nor so deep in bass extension/quantity, I find them less distracting/fatiguing to ear for long periods.
 
I hate the V shaped sound signature of the Sennheiser CX-300, and they make my inner ears hurt after a while.
I find IEM very inconvenient and uncomfortable for everyday so they are out of question.
 
 
New Cans Constraints:
- Should fit for long hours in big ears which go back like this one: http://i.imgur.com/epUPG.jpg
- For indoor use, but enough isolation to block slightly noisy street sound.
- They should play fine directly from a MacBook Air, maybe getting an amp in the future.
- Maximum around 300€
- Hate V shape signature, like neutral/natural.
- Mostly to Jazz, Electronic, Minimal, Classic, Downtempo
 
Is there anything which fits these conditions?
 
The ones I've scoped so far are:
 
- Beyerdynamic DT880
- Senheiser HD 595 
- Denon AHD2000
- AKG K701
- ...
 
What would you get?
 
Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[valerianaoff]

+1 for DT880 & D2000
 
Others u can consider:
 
Brainwavz HM5
 
Cheerz!

 

[DougofTheAbaci]

Agreed on Denon AH-D2000's. I have a set that I ran directly out of my MacBook Pro (and later my iMac) for ages before getting an amp. They sound great direct, they sound amazing when properly amped.
 
I also happen to have a pretty big head (as my girlfriend is fond of remarking) and they fit comfortably on me so you shouldn't have to worry on that account.

 

[iLLicit1]

I have owned my DT880/600 for a little over a month and absolutely love them. Very comfortable on my ears, solid fit so they won't fly off your head, and a great overall headphone I can use for anything. I have been considering trying out the DT990/600 for improved bass response to see if they fit my needs, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend the DT880 one bit.
 
I also opted for the Q701 instead of the K701/702 because I felt the sound was smoothed out a bit more. After several months of use, I don't like the bumps on the headband as I have a big head and they get uncomfortable after awhile. Beyond that, I love the sound and the fit over my ears. They don't touch my ears at all and go completely around. Fantastic soundstage as well.

The AH-D2000 have always had my vote for a closed set of headphones in that price range. You can't go wrong with this set, although they may cost you a tad bit more than the other two above. This is definitely my next pair I plan on purchasing (followed by the DT990).
 
Another closed set to look at if you would like to save a few bucks is the K550. Slightly cheaper than the AH-D2000, but still a solid pick. I love mine, very comfortable and don't require too much ampage.

 

[DougofTheAbaci]

I got my Denon's for $220. Given the AH-D2000 is not the latest model you should be able to get a similar price on them. At full retail they are good value for money but at that price they can crush anything.
 
The only other headphone in that range I know enough about to say is great is the Sennheiser HD-25-1 II. However, while I've heard amazing things about the build and sound, I've heard mixed things about comfort. They have a tendency to "clamp" your head a bit.

 

[bonfirehay]

How would the sound from K550 compare with the M50s? Better, worst?
 
I really like the aesthetics of the Q701, although they don't seem to be so popular and not so praised in terms of confort.. Are they fully open?
 
Since I want some noise isolation I should aim at semi-open/closed headphones right?
How does isolation from a fully open pair of cans compare with foam earbuds?

 

[bob2299]

+1 d2000

 

[HeroicPenguin]

I don't get all the D2000 recommendations. That's definitely a V-shaped headphone, which is not what the OP wanted. The D2000 is hardly neutral.
 
If you're willing to go with an open and full-sized headphone, I feel the HD600 is quite neutral. Not great unamped though; might need to add in a E10.

 

[bonfirehay]

Where do you find good deals on the D2000?
I live in Europe btw.

 

[bonfirehay]

 
 

I don't get all the D2000 recommendations. That's definitely a V-shaped headphone, which is not what the OP wanted. The D2000 is hardly neutral.

 
Thank you

 

[bonfirehay]

 

If you're willing to go with an open and full-sized headphone, I feel the HD600 is quite neutral. Not great unamped though; might need to add in a E10.


 

 
 



 
I'm willing with to go with open as long as they provide more isolation than the Yuin Pk3 earbuds. That's the point.. Do they?

 

[valerianaoff]

Quote:

I don't get all the D2000 recommendations. That's definitely a V-shaped headphone, which is not what the OP wanted. The D2000 is hardly neutral.
 
If you're willing to go with an open and full-sized headphone, I feel the HD600 is quite neutral. Not great unamped though; might need to add in a E10.

 
IMHO,
The D2000 is not considered a V-Shape phone. 
 
 

 

[nicholars]

I would say that the D2000 is definately v shaped. What do you expect? An FR graph that is literally a massive V?

 

[DougofTheAbaci]

Eh, they're a bit on the warm side but hardly v-shaped.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by aristidesfl /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
I'm willing with to go with open as long as they provide more isolation than the Yuin Pk3 earbuds. That's the point.. Do they?

 
No. Open-backed headphones provide almost no isolation. The Denon AH-D2000 is also considered a semi-sealed headphone in that it is closed-backed but isn't designed for real isolation. It's good enough for a dorm room (unless you're trying to drown out a party, in which case get some UE or Shure IEMs).

 

[valerianaoff]

Quote:

I would say that the D2000 is definately v shaped. What do you expect? An FR graph that is literally a massive V?

 
Bro, i have heard the D2000 many times too...not V shaped to my ears. The FR graph was posted so that the OP can see how the D2000 responds to Frequencies. Not looking for a V there.
 
They are warm, but not V. Thats my opinion.