i've owned closed-back sennheiser hd 280 pros for a while and always thought they were a great balance of price and performance.
Have you used these with a microphone? I like the look of them and I like Sennheisers and the price is pretty solid, but with it being closed I'm a little worried that if it's 'too closed' that I'll hear the vibrations in my brain when I talk.
i've owned closed-back sennheiser hd 280 pros for a while and always thought they were a great balance of price and performance.I actually don't consider sound of these models enjoyable, I find them rather suited for monitoring. Aren't they too tight as well?
i've owned closed-back sennheiser hd 280 pros for a while and always thought they were a great balance of price and performance.I actually don't consider sound of these models enjoyable, I find them rather suited for monitoring. Aren't they too tight as well?
The problem with headphones is you don't get to "feel" the bass.... they make those vibrating chair attachments, but they're no substitute for REAL earth-moving bass.IDK about you, but that's why I go to concerts.
The problem with headphones is you don't get to "feel" the bass.... they make those vibrating chair attachments, but they're no substitute for REAL earth-moving bass.
Show Image(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q603/magicmeatballs/funny-headphones-rock-electronic_zps3468c48a.jpg)
For Techno, I think these two would be far better than a Sennheiser...Show Image(http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/product_images/b8d5189d2453aeb7/ath_m50_1.jpg)Show Image(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0046/5842/products/MDR-XB700_sm_1024x1024.jpg?88)
Grado SR-80i
I bought these after listening to 2 songs. They're amazing. They're nice and light. And despite what I've read online about the cups being too hard, I think they're the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. The sound? They're open back so it's almost like you're on stage with the artists when they play. The bass is just right and the music sounds very natural and breathes. So in other words, you can hear what's going on around you as well as the music. I was blown away by the sound to be honest. However, the HD 280s were a very close 2nd. These headphones were right in my budget zone.
I actually strongly prefer L-cushion.QuoteGrado SR-80i
I bought these after listening to 2 songs. They're amazing. They're nice and light. And despite what I've read online about the cups being too hard, I think they're the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. The sound? They're open back so it's almost like you're on stage with the artists when they play. The bass is just right and the music sounds very natural and breathes. So in other words, you can hear what's going on around you as well as the music. I was blown away by the sound to be honest. However, the HD 280s were a very close 2nd. These headphones were right in my budget zone.
There are 2 types of ear cups on Grado. The lower-end ones like the SR60 and SR80 use the soft ones. The higher end ones use hard bowl-shaped cups which hurt like hell.
I definitely want to spend some more time on this thread, but it's quite late here. I did want to mention what I'm about to pull the trigger on, though:Show Image(http://asset1.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/07/27/07-18-58742-52d66e040dbce2defe5e145c3cc387bc_620x620.jpg)
I'm very excited to have my first pair of open headphones, and for them to be as nice as these are. After countless hours of research, I find my preferences should be met by the HiFiMan HE-400. ;D
I definitely want to spend some more time on this thread, but it's quite late here. I did want to mention what I'm about to pull the trigger on, though:Show Image(http://asset1.cbsistatic.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/07/27/07-18-58742-52d66e040dbce2defe5e145c3cc387bc_620x620.jpg)
I'm very excited to have my first pair of open headphones, and for them to be as nice as these are. After countless hours of research, I find my preferences should be met by the HiFiMan HE-400. ;D
Those are really nice planars for the price. The mids, especially with female vocals, and the separation are what I remember the most about them. I'm pretty sure the bass extension is good too but it's been a while since I've listened to them. Sold them to a friend a few months back. Nice choice though. Are you going to be driving them with an amp/dac?
Indeed, I'm deciding between the Objective2 and the Schiit Magni as the amp...something small, neutral and that has alot of power. My DAC is the X-Fi Titanium HD, so I should be able to do an RCA connection with either, which would be ideal. Other headphones on my wishlist were the DT880/DT990 (among others, but was deciding between those two before learning of the HE-400), which I may still check out down the road. I currently have a pair of DT13550 and I like the Beyer house sound from those (not sure how the others compare, as most say they are a baby T1). Unfortunately, I had originally gotten them for travel, and while they sound amazing, they become uncomfortable quite quickly as I wear glasses. I've since moved into IEM territory for my portable setup, so I'll be selling the DT1350 to help fund my new desktop setup.
Indeed, I'm deciding between the Objective2 and the Schiit Magni as the amp...something small, neutral and that has alot of power. My DAC is the X-Fi Titanium HD, so I should be able to do an RCA connection with either, which would be ideal. Other headphones on my wishlist were the DT880/DT990 (among others, but was deciding between those two before learning of the HE-400), which I may still check out down the road. I currently have a pair of DT13550 and I like the Beyer house sound from those (not sure how the others compare, as most say they are a baby T1). Unfortunately, I had originally gotten them for travel, and while they sound amazing, they become uncomfortable quite quickly as I wear glasses. I've since moved into IEM territory for my portable setup, so I'll be selling the DT1350 to help fund my new desktop setup.
Oh boy an o2 vs. magni...now that's a tough decision right there. I don't own either so I can't really comment on them but it's my understanding that they are both pretty amazing for the price. I drove my HE-400s with a violectric v200 when I had them but they have been replaced with LCD-2s as my go to planar headphone.
I have a DT990-600 that shares the "used most often" headphone stand with the LCD-2s. I power them with a Woo Audio tube amp and they really are my normal go to heaphone for mostly everything. Very comfy also.
Indeed...I think either will be satisfactory (and likely to exceed expectations) for my first desk amp. Both look very nice, though the Magni will look a bit neater with the connectors in the back. As someone who's tried both the HE-400 and the DT990-600, can you comment on them in comparison? The reason I'm leaning more towards the HE-400 is they seem to be more mid-centric than the DT990, while remaining a little more colored and with more bass emphasis than the DT880. I've never heard a Planar can before, so that is also intriguing.
If you are looking for a dirt cheap bang for buck headphone, check out the Koss KSC75. They go for $16 new shipped on ebay and are awesome. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD558's and TF10's and I still use my KSC75 from time to time. I love mine so much that when I wrecked the cable, I spent $10 recabling it :D
Here are mine after the recable (No, the original cable is not like this).Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/SxjQy.jpg)
Indeed...I think either will be satisfactory (and likely to exceed expectations) for my first desk amp. Both look very nice, though the Magni will look a bit neater with the connectors in the back. As someone who's tried both the HE-400 and the DT990-600, can you comment on them in comparison? The reason I'm leaning more towards the HE-400 is they seem to be more mid-centric than the DT990, while remaining a little more colored and with more bass emphasis than the DT880. I've never heard a Planar can before, so that is also intriguing.
I'll try to put the sounds into words the best I can
The bass on the DT990 has a lot of energy and has really good impact for an open headphone. I would say it's a bit stronger. On the HE-400 its a bit more structured, it has great texture yet feels tighter and more controlled than on the 990s but still has decent impact and great depth.
The mids go to the HE-400 hands down. Vocals sound more realistic and more upfront than the 990. The Beyers have a U shaped response curve so the mids sound a bit more recessed. Some people say that vocals sound like the singer is sitting in a chair singing in front of you. I wouldn't go quite that far but it seems to be the best way to describe it.
Both cans have a bit of sibilance in the top end and it seems more pronounced in the Beyers. I managed to tame mine with a good tube combo in my amp, but it does bother some people. Some people call it "sparkle" or "sizzle" but whatever it is I noticed it a bit on both phones.
Overall the HE-400 is more neutral sounding, and the 990s are a bit warm sounding fun headphone that doesn't get fatiguing. I would say the DT990 has better separation and sound-stage. I think if I were deciding between the two I would personally go with the HE-400. I love planar headphones and I don't think there would be a time that I won't have one in my collection. My LCDs well keep me happy for a long time...at least until I can drop the money on some Stax SR-009 and a proper amp for them, but even then I'll still keep the planars close by.
A similar impression to what I've heard others say - thanks for taking the time to do the comparison! I think to me the mids are crucial, and it seems like the HE-400 wins every time. I have a feeling I will eventually get another pair of Beyers down the road (and maybe explore tube amps at that time), but for now I'm still sticking to the HiFiMans, and I've decided on the Magni for my amp :)
Looks like the cables would be too stiff.If you are looking for a dirt cheap bang for buck headphone, check out the Koss KSC75. They go for $16 new shipped on ebay and are awesome. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD558's and TF10's and I still use my KSC75 from time to time. I love mine so much that when I wrecked the cable, I spent $10 recabling it :D
Here are mine after the recable (No, the original cable is not like this).Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/SxjQy.jpg)
These look very nice after the recable! I've had various pairs of PortaPros since I was a kid, and currently have the 25th Anniversary edition at my home office workdesk. Koss makes some of the best bang for your buck headphones there are.Indeed...I think either will be satisfactory (and likely to exceed expectations) for my first desk amp. Both look very nice, though the Magni will look a bit neater with the connectors in the back. As someone who's tried both the HE-400 and the DT990-600, can you comment on them in comparison? The reason I'm leaning more towards the HE-400 is they seem to be more mid-centric than the DT990, while remaining a little more colored and with more bass emphasis than the DT880. I've never heard a Planar can before, so that is also intriguing.
I'll try to put the sounds into words the best I can
The bass on the DT990 has a lot of energy and has really good impact for an open headphone. I would say it's a bit stronger. On the HE-400 its a bit more structured, it has great texture yet feels tighter and more controlled than on the 990s but still has decent impact and great depth.
The mids go to the HE-400 hands down. Vocals sound more realistic and more upfront than the 990. The Beyers have a U shaped response curve so the mids sound a bit more recessed. Some people say that vocals sound like the singer is sitting in a chair singing in front of you. I wouldn't go quite that far but it seems to be the best way to describe it.
Both cans have a bit of sibilance in the top end and it seems more pronounced in the Beyers. I managed to tame mine with a good tube combo in my amp, but it does bother some people. Some people call it "sparkle" or "sizzle" but whatever it is I noticed it a bit on both phones.
Overall the HE-400 is more neutral sounding, and the 990s are a bit warm sounding fun headphone that doesn't get fatiguing. I would say the DT990 has better separation and sound-stage. I think if I were deciding between the two I would personally go with the HE-400. I love planar headphones and I don't think there would be a time that I won't have one in my collection. My LCDs well keep me happy for a long time...at least until I can drop the money on some Stax SR-009 and a proper amp for them, but even then I'll still keep the planars close by.
A similar impression to what I've heard others say - thanks for taking the time to do the comparison! I think to me the mids are crucial, and it seems like the HE-400 wins every time. I have a feeling I will eventually get another pair of Beyers down the road (and maybe explore tube amps at that time), but for now I'm still sticking to the HiFiMans, and I've decided on the Magni for my amp :)
IEMs FTW
Its been a while... has the OP actually bought anything?
Its been a while... has the OP actually bought anything?
No idea, but I did haha. Ended up with the HE-400 and a pair of GR07...been pretty pleased so far. Definitely an entry into another hobbyist addiction... I'm already making my own cables, accessories and researching future cans/IEMs/equipment! It's been a lot of fun so far.