Worse Than Choosing A Major/Headphone Choice

[Nick63]

I have no experience with nice headphones...been using old cheap Sony's{MDR CD30"s}. I listen from a pc through a Soundblaster Live 5.1 out to a stereo receiver. I don't want to spend over $400 on the headphones. I listen mainly to pop/rock{not hard} and some classical. I like nice vocals and a nice bass{who doesn't?}. I guess a fifth row seat suits me better than on the stage as far as where I want to "feel" the music. At first after reading all the posts I thought I would just make it easy and get what many say is a can't miss choice and get the Senn HD650's. After some the comments made about these being veiled, hard to drive, not being exciting, or needing an amp I am really hesitant. The AKG 701's that are just arriving sounded like a good alternative, but who knows yet. I don't want to take a chance on an unknown. The recent comments on the W1000's are quite positive and many like the Beyer DT880's. I can see myself getting an amp if convinced it is worth the cost. I don't have a place nearby to test any of the phones mentioned as far as I know. The comments on Grado's don't appeal to me. I Don't like a really bright sound, but I also don't like the reports about the veil on the Senn's. Could someone make a slam dunk case for a great phone?

 

[Yikes]

My choice (with no amp) is the K701's. Just be sure to get them from a dealer that allows returns. Burn them in 24/7 then listen and decide if they meet your needs.

 

[ken36]

You could make a convincing case for every headphone you mentioned. It boils down to listening to each one. Absent that, go with your instincts. One thing you might do is look at some profiles. Check what head-fiers listen to. Check the cans they own and what they have owned.

 

[Alex M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yikes My choice (with no amp) is the K701's. Just be sure to get them from a dealer that allows returns.

These are not yet widely available in US, but Headroom might already have them. They have a 30 day return policy.

 

[Nick63]

My instincts tell me the Senn's, but if the Senn's do sound veiled why are they so highly reguarded? Is the impression of a veil only a matter of taste?

 

[razer]

Though they sound veiled, but there's something magical about them. Its like sweet music engulfing you. You don't get that level of comfort in listening to other headphones as compared to the senns. Its the secret magic and force of the DarkSide. Many have been victims of this scary sound.

 

[Nick63]

Razer,
You list the 701 and the Hd650 in your post. I assume you own these. Is this correct? Which do you like better overall?

 

[Nick63]

By the way Yikes, your comment on the 701's is appreciated and I am weighting my thinking by your positve feelings about them.

 

[Nick63]

Hey Razer,
I will check back later, but I suppose you have your favorites listed in order. I am still intersested in you thoughts on the 701's. I plan to decide and order before the weekend is over.

 

[augustwest]

I would consider the Beyer dt990's, as well, they are a good "all around" headphone, that are attractively priced.

Here's some of their strong points:
- deep authoritative bass
- detailed, but controlled highs
- sparkling mids
- not too layed back, not to forward in sound signature
- great "toe tapping" fun to listen to
- comfort, these phones come stock with the same headband & pads that the owners of other brands often use to up-mod their phones of lessor comfort
- quality construction & materials
- dual 1/4" / mini plug
- all of this priced at only $157.00

- augustwest

 

[BushGuy]

First of all - if you are listening to music thru your computer as source - run, do not walk to the nearest garbage dump and toss the SB card into it. A much better sound can be gotten from a $20+ Chaintech 710, or quite markedly better sound with EMU 0404, ESI Juli@ or others further up in cost. The EMU card is a very good middle choice for you, providing a solid punchy bass and much better quality overall than you are used to with $&#%#&*&*^ SB...... next, think of amp in conjunction with most of the higher end headphones you will be urged to consider - yes, the mating of these two components you will learn to be of importance........unless, you choose one of the cans that will not require amp eg. one of the AudioTechnicas.

 

[razer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick63 Hey Razer, I will check back later, but I suppose you have your favorites listed in order. I am still intersested in you thoughts on the 701's. I plan to decide and order before the weekend is over.

They weren't really listed in order of my favourite cans. Of course, the L3000 is currently my favourite can but the AD2000, HD650, SA5000 all have thier own strengths and weaknesses and being at the same price point, 300~450, non of them really shines over the other. Its more of which cans are better for which genres of music. As for the K701, sorry, I should put in there (coming soon)

It hasnt arrived yet so I need to wait for them to come and give them a good try. The SA5000 however is the only cans that I listen to the least. The details are great but other than that, the overall sound is cold and flat. Not to my liking i suppose.