Topic: Which headphones would you buy?

[Arglebargle]

I've been reading and planning on getting some headphones to replace my 25 dollar Best Buy Aiwas. I've been to Good Cans and google and here looking at reviews and I cannot decide between the Etymotic ER-6 Isolator Earphones at $130 or the Grado SR80s at 95 dollars. I'd get the etymotics but I've never stuck anything in my ears before so for all I know it might make me freak out, but I assume they sound better than the Grados. Or maybe not. Just looking for a good pair of 100 dollar or so headphones and can't decide between the two! I should also add I have an excessive amount of ear wax (you probably didn't want to know about that) a problem I've had all my life so this concerns me a bit on the etymotics. Yes I do clean my ears regularly dammit! But isolation for me is a good thing. You can probably tell which ones I really want.

Thanks for any advice you can give, and peace!

[Wes]

really depends on your application.  if you plan to be using them in the field you need isolation.  the etymotics can't be beat, however if you can spend a little more dough, i would recommend the 4p's over the er-6's.  if you plan to use your headphones for playback only, isolation is not so important.  i would recommend you use actual headphones and not earphones for this purpose, b/c you will get better lows.  I say sennheiser for home and etymotic for field.

[Chuck]

Sennheiser HD580=The Bomb

[Chris K]

SONY MDR-7605...studio standards...good isolation (not total but adequate for even the loudest hall)...very good frequency response...they fold up to conserve space...parts are replaceable if they go bad (got my 1st of 4 pairs in 97 and never had a problem, and they have been literally thrown around in my home studio)

new $99 at any music instrument retailer,...$60 used on ebay

[Electric Cowgirl]

Those Sony MDR-7650 cans are really loud!  They work pretty good for monitoring in the show.  If you plan on using them outside of the show for listening get the etymotics...and drift into space.

[zhianosatch]

new $99 at any music instrument retailer,...$60 used on ebay

7506es for that much, eh? All I hear is good things - might need to pick up a pair to replace the $25 Aiwas that I wore the hell out of!

[Chuck]

SONY MDR-7605...studio standards...good isolation (not total but adequate for even the loudest hall)...very good frequency response...they fold up to conserve space...parts are replaceable if they go bad (got my 1st of 4 pairs in 97 and never had a problem, and they have been literally thrown around in my home studio)

new $99 at any music instrument retailer,...$60 used on ebay

I've never cared for Sony headphones. They have a sound character I don't care for.

[Brian Skalinder]

I've never cared for Sony headphones. They have a sound character I don't care for.

What characterestic(s) don't you care for?


I agree with Wes - Etymotics for field use.  For home, I'd also check out AKG.

[Chuck]

I've never cared for Sony headphones. They have a sound character I don't care for.

What characterestic(s) don't you care for?


I agree with Wes - Etymotics for field use.  For home, I'd also check out AKG.

All Sony's I've heard, and I've owned a few, have a thin sound with emphasis on the midrange character. "Not warm" would be another way to describe it. I prefer to Sennheiser HD580's. They can be had for around $150 new on eBay.

[Chuck]

Check out this discussion:

http://www.oade.com/cgi-bin/miva?Forum/technology/showmsg.mv+message=15397

[Arglebargle]

Thanks for the heads up on the Sennheisers!

[sideshowbob]

I use the Senn HD250 Linear II's for use when recording. They are a great sounding, closed ear headphone. You do not want an open headphone for field monitoring. The HD580's are a great pair of headphones, but are better suited for home theatre use due to it's open ear design. I run a pair of HD600's, also open headphones, for my theatre and music and couldn't be happier. I really like the comfort and sound from the HD250's. Give them a look too. Thanks.......Jason

[Chuck]

I use the Senn HD250 Linear II's for use when recording. They are a great sounding, closed ear headphone. You do not want an open headphone for field monitoring. The HD580's are a great pair of headphones, but are better suited for home theatre use due to it's open ear design. I run a pair of HD600's, also open headphones, for my theatre and music and couldn't be happier. I really like the comfort and sound from the HD250's. Give them a look too. Thanks.......Jason

Very good point about the HD580's open design. They are not a good choice for field work. They are Eggs-cellent for home listening though. IMHO

[heath]

I've struggled with the ear wax problem myself--I feel your pain.  I actually usually go to a ENT guy once a month to get them flushed out...one of the greatest feelings in the world....

Heath

[heath]

By the way, I use 7506's and I love them!!

Heath

[goose]

Could someone in the know clarify the model of Sony phones discussed above?  They are referred to as 7605, 7650, and 7506 in this thread.  Are these different models, or different interpretations of the same number?

Thanks...

[heath]

I believe they are misinterpretationsof the same classic 7506 model (that number is correct--I'm looking at mine right now).  They sell for about $95 abd are standard issue in most studios.  I used to sell these things like hotcakes!!  If you're looking into son'ys the 7509's are very nice as well for a little more $.  I still prefer the 7506 for the price, though.

Enjoy!

Heath

[zhianosatch]

Yeah, it's 7506...

[Brian Skalinder]

I mentioned AKGs for home listening before but forgot the model #.  I use the K501s.  They require a headphone amp, but sound great.  They're a little light on bass, but I'm not a bass hound, anyway.  Open headphone, nice natural sound.

I didn't go for the Grados or some of the others mentioned because they're supra-aural (pads sit on the ear) and I wanted circumaural (pads sit around the ear, not on it).  I go absolutely bonkers with supra-aural headphones, regardless of sound quality.  Sensitive ears, I guess.

Anyway...I also have the Sony 7506 for work, and they're okay, not great.  And I love my Etymotic ER6s for field use and on my motorcycle.

[Chuck]

What was the model # on those classic AKG's that you used to see in every studio. AKG 240's?

[Brian Skalinder]

What was the model # on those classic AKG's that you used to see in every studio. AKG 240's?

Yeah, I think that's them.  Check out headphone.com for some good info about headphones.  While the site is a little fluffy, there's still some good info there.

[tim in jersey]

I go absolutely bonkers with supra-aural headphones, regardless of sound quality.  Sensitive ears, I guess.

I'm in the same boat. I have a pair of 7506s and can only use them for short periods of time. Might have to check out the AKGs.

[John R]

check sennheiser's refurb page for smoking deals on phones.

jr

[rabhan]

I mentioned AKGs for home listening before but forgot the model #.  I use the K501s.  They require a headphone amp, but sound great.  They're a little light on bass, but I'm not a bass hound, anyway.  Open headphone, nice natural sound.

I didn't go for the Grados or some of the others mentioned because they're supra-aural (pads sit on the ear) and I wanted circumaural (pads sit around the ear, not on it).  I go absolutely bonkers with supra-aural headphones, regardless of sound quality.  Sensitive ears, I guess.

Anyway...I also have the Sony 7506 for work, and they're okay, not great.  And I love my Etymotic ER6s for field use and on my motorcycle.

are these the Etymotic's you guys are using in the field?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3046796736&category=40138

[John R]

I mentioned AKGs for home listening before but forgot the model #.  I use the K501s.  They require a headphone amp, but sound great.  They're a little light on bass, but I'm not a bass hound, anyway.  Open headphone, nice natural sound.

I didn't go for the Grados or some of the others mentioned because they're supra-aural (pads sit on the ear) and I wanted circumaural (pads sit around the ear, not on it).  I go absolutely bonkers with supra-aural headphones, regardless of sound quality.  Sensitive ears, I guess.

Anyway...I also have the Sony 7506 for work, and they're okay, not great.  And I love my Etymotic ER6s for field use and on my motorcycle.

are these the Etymotic's you guys are using in the field?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3046796736&category=40138

yes

[cpclark]

love the senn hd280's

[zhianosatch]

i tried the 280s at guitar center and wasn't impressed... plus, they kinda hurt! i bought the sony mdr-7506s and am very, very pleased!

[wbrisette]

are these the Etymotic's you guys are using in the field?:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3046796736&category=40138

I use the 4-S (some folks prefer the 4-P versions), not the 6s with the DA-P1 and don't have any problems with them.

Wayne

[Tim]

And I love my Etymotic ER6s for field use and on my motorcycle.

that sounds safe!

[Brian Skalinder]

And I love my Etymotic ER6s for field use and on my motorcycle.

that sounds safe!

Actually...

The ER6s provide sufficient attenuation of outside noises so I can keep the music at a level low enough that I can [1] hear the music and [2] still hear external sounds around me - cars honking, engines revving, the rumble of tread on pavement, etc.

In fact, it's probably safer than no earplugs of any kind - both to my hearing and also my ability to discern external hazards due to auditory input.  No earplugs at all results in rapid fatigue which in turn causes my brain to tune out the sounds around me in an effort to reduce the roaring din of the wind.

[Tim]

And I love my Etymotic ER6s for field use and on my motorcycle.

that sounds safe!

Actually...

The ER6s provide sufficient attenuation of outside noises so I can keep the music at a level low enough that I can [1] hear the music and [2] still hear external sounds around me - cars honking, engines revving, the rumble of tread on pavement, etc.

In fact, it's probably safer than no earplugs of any kind - both to my hearing and also my ability to discern external hazards due to auditory input.  No earplugs at all results in rapid fatigue which in turn causes my brain to tune out the sounds around me in an effort to reduce the roaring din of the wind.

I trust you!

[Wes]

Its gotta be safer than Jon who surfs the net while driving.

[rabhan]

heh, what if i got them in my ear while i surf?

[Lee]

heh, what if i got them in my ear while i surf?

Only if you're on a motorcycle...

[twoodruff]

i always loved my grados and ben loves his I'm sure

[wbrisette]

i always loved my grados and ben loves his I'm sure

I own 3 pair of Grados, but for isolation work, they fail the test. They are awesome when it comes to playback outside a venue, but when you have to tweak knobs at a show, Grados are not the answer. Either purchase sealed headphones (as opposed to the open design of the Grados) or earphones (my personal preference).

Wayne

[twoodruff]

i agree completely with wayne, yet I have yet to use anything at show

[Chuck]

i always loved my grados and ben loves his I'm sure

I own 3 pair of Grados, but for isolation work, they fail the test. They are awesome when it comes to playback outside a venue, but when you have to tweak knobs at a show, Grados are not the answer. Either purchase sealed headphones (as opposed to the open design of the Grados) or earphones (my personal preference).

Wayne

The new AKGs K171's are getting good press. They are a closed design. Unlike the very popular K240's.

[Tim]

i agree completely with wayne, yet I have yet to use anything at show

Seriously, what are you guys futzing with? I know Wayne does 4 mic mixes but outside of that what are you monitoring?

HHb's are the only four head portables in use so you can't actually hear what is going down to tape with any of the other decks.

You pick your mic pattern, your configuration, you set em up and you shoot.

I've never thought of anything that I could "fix" during the show so I just never bothered to bring out the headphones.

[rabhan]

for UA5 users, it is nice for the matrix.

[twoodruff]

i agree completely with wayne, yet I have yet to use anything at show

Seriously, what are you guys futzing with? I know Wayne does 4 mic mixes but outside of that what are you monitoring?

I like to monitor whether I turned the m148 on or not, its so tricky, and also how much gain to apply at the m148.

like i says, i ve never used em, for me it is make levels look about the same as the time I made a great tape. Its all a crap shoot.

[Tim]

for UA5 users, it is nice for the matrix.

oh yeah, any sort of mixing they're a must!

[bhadella]

check sennheiser's refurb page for smoking deals on phones.

jr

I send that.  I justed picked up a pair of Senn HD 497 for $50 shipped.....What a deal!

http://sennheis.4ecommerce.com/mivastore/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Refurbished&Product_Code=HD497&Category_Code=H



Thanks for the heads up.

Brian

 

[zowie]

I had the Etymotic ER4s.  They were great, but I much prefer the Shure E2 because its about 85% as good sonically (with better bass), more comfortable, easier to drive, and 25% of the price.

[carlbeck]

I got the Grado SR80's for a wedding present this year & they are great. I've never owned a godd set of cans but these sound so good I spend alot more time at my work station listeng through headphones & I have started to listen with the phones through my home stereo now.

[leegeddy]

what kind of headphone amps are you guys using?  solid state? tube?

marc

[Brian Skalinder]

what kind of headphone amps are you guys using?  solid state? tube?

marc

I'm just using an Airhead with my AKG K501s.  I'm thinking of switching to a tube headphone amp.  Anyone have tube headphone amp suggestions?

[carlbeck]

At the moment I'm using my Benchmark DAC for headphone listening. It's a little redundant to purchase an additional headphone amp in my system but I would think Grado's headphone amps sound good. I have also heard the Creek is a good amp as well. Listen first if possible.
carl

[George]

what kind of headphone amps are you guys using?  solid state? tube?

marc

I'm just using an Airhead with my AKG K501s.  I'm thinking of switching to a tube headphone amp.  Anyone have tube headphone amp suggestions?

I dont think the akg's+tube amp mix well (based on what i've read and after trying my pair with my MG head), check head-fi for some comments regarding matching the 501's with an amp.  

[George]

I go absolutely bonkers with supra-aural headphones, regardless of sound quality.  Sensitive ears, I guess.

I'm in the same boat. I have a pair of 7506s and can only use them for short periods of time. Might have to check out the AKGs.

Is the comfort of the headphones lacking?  For all the 7506 owners out there, there is a Beyer pad mod available.  You can contact beyerdynamic and order a pair of Velour pads for the Beyer DT250 headphone, these are exactly the same size as the crappy pleather pads on the 7506's.  I tell ya, it really does add a lot of comfort factor to the 7506's with the velour pads.

[Brian Skalinder]

I dont think the akg's+tube amp mix well (based on what i've read and after trying my pair with my MG head), check head-fi for some comments regarding matching the 501's with an amp.  

Hmmmm...just starting to consider this, I'll definitely check out headfi.  Thanks, Gloco.

[George]

I dont think the akg's+tube amp mix well (based on what i've read and after trying my pair with my MG head), check head-fi for some comments regarding matching the 501's with an amp.  

Hmmmm...just starting to consider this, I'll definitely check out headfi.  Thanks, Gloco.

Cool.  Prepare to kiss your money good bye, after finding head-fi back in 2001, i now own 11 headphones, it's insanity i tell you.  

[Nick Culbreth]

i just got my hd580s and they're amazing, i'm listening to some of tapes and hearing details that i've never heard before.  they sound great run through my mp2's internal headphone amp so i can't wait to try them out w/ my x-cans v2.  the only downside is that i have a feeling this is going to a start to a very expensive process of building a nice sounding hifi system.    

[George]

the only downside is that i have a feeling this is going to a start to a very expensive process of building a nice sounding hifi system.    

Congrats on the 580's, they are a great headphone for the money, very non-fatiguing headphones.  They mate very well with tube amps, so enjoy and prepare to have the urge to listen to your entire cd collection over again  

[hoyt]

i just got my hd580s and they're amazing, i'm listening to some of tapes and hearing details that i've never heard before.  they sound great run through my mp2's internal headphone amp so i can't wait to try them out w/ my x-cans v2.  the only downside is that i have a feeling this is going to a start to a very expensive process of building a nice sounding hifi system.    

I have a pair of the 580s and they are amazing, very comfortable too.  However, I don't think I'd ever take them in the field.  They don't isolate any noise and where the wire enters the ear piece is quite fragile.  The one on my right ear occasionally comes loose.  Of course they are like 4 years old...  My dad picked up a pair of the 600s last year I guess, but I didn't think they were as comfortable.

--hoyt

[Nick Culbreth]

I have a pair of the 580s and they are amazing, very comfortable too.  However, I don't think I'd ever take them in the field.  They don't isolate any noise and where the wire enters the ear piece is quite fragile.  The one on my right ear occasionally comes loose.  Of course they are like 4 years old...  My dad picked up a pair of the 600s last year I guess, but I didn't think they were as comfortable.

--hoyt

yeah, they'd be useless in the field but they sure are nice to use at home.  they sound great all by themselves but putting a nice amp in front of them has taken them to a whole new level.  once i try out some different tubes i think i'll be content for a long time.  

[George]

I have a pair of the 580s and they are amazing, very comfortable too.  However, I don't think I'd ever take them in the field.  They don't isolate any noise and where the wire enters the ear piece is quite fragile.  The one on my right ear occasionally comes loose.  Of course they are like 4 years old...  My dad picked up a pair of the 600s last year I guess, but I didn't think they were as comfortable.

--hoyt

yeah, they'd be useless in the field but they sure are nice to use at home.  they sound great all by themselves but putting a nice amp in front of them has taken them to a whole new level.  once i try out some different tubes i think i'll be content for a long time.  

What kind of tube amp do you own?  

[nickgregory]

OK, thanks to Alex I bought a set of the Grado SR80s and these things are amazing....they put my MDR-V600s to shame (not that I didnt think they would, I just didnt think it would be this dramatic)...amazing.  Next up is a good headphone amp!

If you dont have a good set of headphones, get a pair!

[George]

OK, thanks to Alex I bought a set of the Grado SR80s and these things are amazing....they put my MDR-V600s to shame (not that I didnt think they would, I just didnt think it would be this dramatic)...amazing.  Next up is a good headphone amp!

If you dont have a good set of headphones, get a pair!

Welcome to Team Grado  

Next up...a warm amp to smooth out the brightness on the Grado's.

Check out www.head-fi.org for amp suggestions for the Grado's.

[stvgray]

My two cents...

I've owned Grado Reference headphones, and I now own a pair of Sennheiser HD580s, a pair of Sennheiser HD600s, and a pair of Etymotic ER-4s's with custom-fitted earplugs. And a long, long time ago, I owned a pair of Stax Mark III electrostatic phones (stolen in the '70s ... sigh).

I sold the Grados after I got the 580s, because the Senns kicked their hiny. I gave the 580s to my son after I bought the 600s (new on eBay for $215) because they were noticeably better in every way -- deeper, smoother bass, sweeter, airier highs, and more transparent mids.

I don't use the Etymotics much, because they're a pain to put in and because I don't monitor while recording in the field. They're great on airplanes, though. They're definitely thin on thin the bottom compared to other great phones, but excellent overall.

[MattD]

How's the build quality of the 580s vs. the 600s?

The earpiece on my Panasonic HT-1000s (best phones for $50, IMO) has been popping out lately and I'm starting to eye a replacement. I already know I like the sound of the 580s (never heard the 600s).

-Matt

[George]

How's the build quality of the 580s vs. the 600s?

The earpiece on my Panasonic HT-1000s (best phones for $50, IMO) has been popping out lately and I'm starting to eye a replacement. I already know I like the sound of the 580s (never heard the 600s).

-Matt

Basically same build quality: lotsa plastic.  As long as they don't get sat on or stepped on they'll be fine.  Not really a headphone i'd toss around...i reserve that for my Beyer's or Sony's.  I think i can hammer nails with the earcups from my beyer's.  

However, these audiophile headphones are built to last as long as you take care of them.  I expect my Sony's to last another 10-20 years...the only thing i'll need to do is change the earpads every so often.

[stvgray]

I agree on the build quality of the Sennheisers. Both my 580s and my 600s have some denting of the screens that cover the outsides of the earpieces. The dents aren't deep enough to get to the transducer elements, so this isn't a problem, though. Handle them with only moderate care and you'll have no problems.

Sound of the 600s is very much like the 580s -- just better in every way. It's not subtle -- you know instantly, the minute you put them on. More extended, tighter bottom. More extended, smoother top. More transparent mids. Once you've heard the 600s, you don't want to go back to the 580s.

If you can afford the 600s, don't get the 580s!

[George]

and don't forget, Sennheiser recently released the HD650's.  

[stvgray]

Oh, no! Have you heard the 650s?

[Nick Culbreth]

OK, thanks to Alex I bought a set of the Grado SR80s and these things are amazing....they put my MDR-V600s to shame (not that I didnt think they would, I just didnt think it would be this dramatic)...amazing.  Next up is a good headphone amp!

If you dont have a good set of headphones, get a pair!

in my very limited experience a nice sounding headphone amp makes a huge difference in sound quality.  my hd580s sounded nice out of the headphone jack on my emagic emi but adding a musical fidelity x-can v2 made a remarkable difference especially after i changed the tubes.

[George]

Oh, no! Have you heard the 650s?

I personally haven't, but i read quite a few remarks about them over at head-fi.org.  You might want to check it out if your curious.  

nmculbreth,

           Yep, tube rolling definitely makes a world of difference.  I gotta check out all the tubes i have again for my Mg head OTL.  I have two boxes of nearly 30 tubes combined  

[Kelso]

I would go beyer dynamic DT 150. That's a classical, but it sounds really good, it has a lot of detail, it's not coloured (sorry if it's what you're looking for), provide 20 Db of attenuation (for noisy environment it's great), and you don't get easily tired using them (very important). Actually I'm using the dt 100 for every mixing, recording, or simply listening application. Itsounds  great but lacks basses (that's why the dt150 over the original dt 100). That's fun because you can see them in the live at Pompeii (Pink Floyd), 1971.
I've tried the most expensive sony but found it coloured compared to these.

[George]

I've tried the most expensive sony but found it coloured compared to these.

Which model#?  The v6/7506 should be up your alley for monitoring situations...at least based on many studio's use them for such a purpose.

[Joe w.]

These look very nice and comfortable.


http://sennheis.4ecommerce.com/mivastore/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Refurbished&Product_Code=HD590

[cregan]

I recently picked up a pair of the Sennheiser SD-270s.  I use them for home recording and general listening.  They completley cover the ear and offer excellent isolation, for 90 bucks I'd say they're one of the best deals around.

[RastaFish]

About a week ago I picked up a pair of the AKG 240s phones, and I am very happy with them so far.  I am just plugging them into my home stereo receiver, no dedicated headphone amp (yet) and they sound fantastic.  One of the nice things about living where I do is the ability to drive to Chuck Levin Music on short notice - they had these phones in stock for $95!

Biggest difference between these headphones and all of the cheaper phones I have had over the years is clarity/detail.  Instead of the colored low end that the cheapies seem to all emphasize, the AKG's are open, transparent, and goddamn are they detailed - which is good and bad, some of my favorite tapes are almost unlistenable in these phones, as every flaw becomes very apparent very quickly.  

[Wes]

If your mainly going to be listening to aud. tapes its best to stay away from transparent, detailed playback equipment..  b/c like it or not 99% of aud. tapes are going to be filled with flaws.

[DPA]

saying the V6 series of Sony’s are a studio standard is like saying AuraTone speakers are studio standards or NS10 Yamaha’s...don't make me laugh…just cause studios use ‘em doesn’t make them standards, it just makes them tools... I have owned Sony V6 and variants for more years than I can count and they are fine, but are somewhat non linear and do not track dynamics as well as I’d like. If sealed cans are required, check out the UltraSone 650's. A bit cuppie sounding around 150 to 225 as are all sealed cans, but other than that, the Ultrasone phones are very detailed, open, linear, have excellent portrayal of dynamics. To my ear they sound very much like B&W 801 matrix series 3 loudspeakers.
Many studios have finally laid down their V6’s and picked up the UltraSone cans.

[mhibbs]

HD580s or the 600s are the way to go.  www.jandr.com has great prices on the 580s.  I love mine, but agree they are a home only application due to the open design.  They are also very comfortable.


mitch

[cfbarlow]

Just picked up the Shure E3's, And finally my commute to work is not marred by the din of the Chicago Subway.  What was once loud train sounds compleatly disturbing some of my best live shizz, is now filled with musical bliss.  I should have bought these along time ago.  They sound great, litterally hearing new stuff today on very familiar recordings, while elliminating the rabble that floods the "L"

[George]

saying the V6 series of Sony’s are a studio standard is like saying AuraTone speakers are studio standards or NS10 Yamaha’s...don't make me laugh…just cause studios use ‘em doesn’t make them standards, it just makes them tools...

No, it makes them a standard device because many studio's use them, it doesn't mean they are perfect.  I haven't seen any live broadcasts (like Howard Stern on E!) or anything else where i saw the Ultrasone which i'm sure are a fine can, but the V6/7506 has been used in studio's for years, hence...they are a standard headphone in a studio.

[twoodruff]

Just picked up the Shure E3's, And finally my commute to work is not marred by the din of the Chicago Subway.  What was once loud train sounds compleatly disturbing some of my best live shizz, is now filled with musical bliss.  I should have bought these along time ago.  They sound great, litterally hearing new stuff today on very familiar recordings, while elliminating the rabble that floods the "L"

have you heard the etymotics 4p? Also, has anyone used the shure e5s?