Topic: Need new headphones...

[ts]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's. They seem to be in the same price range, give or take 50$. I don't have a headphone amp, but have this for playback: Sony CDR W33>Adcom GDA 600>Adcom GSP565>headphones???. Iv'e been using a 20 year old pair of AKG 141's and I think the drivers crapped out. Then I bought a pair of Sony's at a local Circuit City, loud but zero detail. Thanks.

[Brian Skalinder]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's.

The HD580 and SR325s are both open seal designs, while the K271s are closed seal.  If you can get away with open seal - and I'm guessing you can since 2 of the 3 you listed are open seal - I'd consider the AKG K-501s instead of the K271s.  Do you have a local shop(s) that carries all three so you may listen comparatively?

[joekar]

I have Sennheiser 650's with an AKG Hearo 999 Audiosphere headphone amp using an optical line in from my G5 and the sound is amazing........If you can ,check them out..you won't be dissapointed..

Peace

[ts]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's.

The HD580 and SR325s are both open seal designs, while the K271s are closed seal.  If you can get away with open seal - and I'm guessing you can since 2 of the 3 you listed are open seal - I'd consider the AKG K-501s instead of the K271s.  Do you have a local shop(s) that carries all three so you may listen comparatively?

I read a review of the 501's and it said the bass response was better on the 580's. I only have Best Buy and Circuit, so I can't try out anything good.

[ts]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's.

The HD580 and SR325s are both open seal designs, while the K271s are closed seal.  If you can get away with open seal - and I'm guessing you can since 2 of the 3 you listed are open seal - I'd consider the AKG K-501s instead of the K271s.  Do you have a local shop(s) that carries all three so you may listen comparatively?

Here's the reviews. Too bad I can't test drive anything. http://www.goodcans.com/HeadphoneReviews/recommendations.htm. And I really don't think I would go with the 271's, to damned ugly

[Brian Skalinder]

I read a review of the 501's and it said the bass response was better on the 580's. I only have Best Buy and Circuit, so I can't try out anything good.

I've not done a direct, side-by-side comparison, but have listened to both.  I'd say the bass response comment is basically true.  But I think it makes for smoother, more transparent reproduction overall.  While slightly less detailed, I find the AKGs more transparent, with better soundstaging/imaging - very smooth, open, and airy, if you like that kinda sound.  Keep in mind, though, that I'm not a bass hound.  IME trying to squeeze monster bass out of the tiny little drivers in headphones = something else is going to sound screwy as a result.

I think the 501s really need a good amp to drive them.  I'm in limbo right now, with no DAC/amp for my 501s, and though I have grand plans to pick up a tube amp for my K501s to warm them up just a touch and add a bit of low end oomph, unfortunately it's not a priority at the moment.  I suspect you'll be happy with any of the three listed - they're all quality headphones.  Maybe poke around over for reviews and feedback at headfi.org if you haven't already.

[pjdavep]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's. They seem to be in the same price range, give or take 50$. I don't have a headphone amp, but have this for playback: Sony DVD>Adcom GDA 600>Adcom GSP565>headphones???. Iv'e been using a 20 year old pair of AKG 141's and I think the drivers crapped out. Then I bought a pair of Sony's at a local Circuit City, loud but zero detail. Thanks.

I have used the 580's for over a year and was very, very happy with them.  My wife bought me the Senn 650's for Christmas and now I'm very, very, very happy with those 

Initially I had a $100 Airhead mini-amp powering the 580s and that sounded good....but when I moved to a Grace 901 - whoa!

Anyway, I may be putting the 580's up for sale soon if you are interested.  They would need new earpads, which I can't seem to find anywhere...

Later,
  pjdavep

[Nick Culbreth]

What is your exact budget?

I would highly recommend trying to audition each headphone, especially the Grado 325.  I personally find Grado headphones supra-aural design to be much less comfortable than circumaural designs like AKG and Sennheiser.  Also a word of warning on the 325, it's very bright and I'm sure in some systems it could be downright unlistenable.  My first high end headphone was a Sennheiser HD-580 and in my opinion it has the highest price performance ratio of any heaphone I've ever owned.  The only word of caution I'd give about the HD-580 is that it does need some form of amplication to sound it's best, though with the price difference between the 325 and 580 you should be able to add a simple headphone amp and probably stay under the cost of the 325 alone.

[I have used the 580's for over a year and was very, very happy with them.  My wife bought me the Senn 650's for Christmas and now I'm very, very, very happy with those 

Initially I had a $100 Airhead mini-amp powering the 580s and that sounded good....but when I moved to a Grace 901 - whoa!

Anyway, I may be putting the 580's up for sale soon if you are interested.  They would need new earpads, which I can't seem to find anywhere...

Later,
  pjdavep

Congrats on the HD-650, it's definately a different beast than the HD-580 isn't it?

Check out Sennheiser USA for replacement cushions.

http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/SECPartsFinder.aspx?direct_catlg=Parts

[ts]

Ok I get it, the headphone amp on my GSP565 pre probably won't make these high end cans sing like they should? What would be adequate/good cans for use with a home system pre? I wasn't planing on buying a separate headphone amp.

[pjdavep]

ts,

The 580s sound decent out of the stock headphone jacks, but as with most every headphone, they benefit from a headphone amp.  The headphone jacks of most equipment suck.

Congrats on the HD-650, it's definately a different beast than the HD-580 isn't it?

Check out Sennheiser USA for replacement cushions.

http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/SECPartsFinder.aspx?direct_catlg=Parts

They do sound nice, but aren't fully broken in yet (only 40 hours on them).  Once I get to 100 hours, I'm going to compare to the 580s just to see exactly how much difference they make.

Damn, $40 for earpads...I see bhphoto.com has them for $38.  I can't believe that no other e-tailer doesn't have them cheaper!  Maybe I should just hand wash the ones I have

Later,
   pjdavep

[Nick Culbreth]

Ok I get it, the headphone amp on my GSP565 pre probably won't make these high end cans sing like they should? What would be adequate/good cans for use with a home system pre? I wasn't planing on buying a separate headphone amp.

If you intend on using your preamps headphone out I'd focus more on low impedence because they'll be much easier to drive and sound much more dynamic.

Grado, Alessandro, Audio Technica and Sony headphones are all low impedence headphones, I'd start looking there.

[ts]

Ok I get it, the headphone amp on my GSP565 pre probably won't make these high end cans sing like they should? What would be adequate/good cans for use with a home system pre? I wasn't planing on buying a separate headphone amp.

If you intend on using your preamps headphone out I'd focus more on low impedence because they'll be much easier to drive and sound much more dynamic.

Grado, Alessandro, Audio Technica and Sony headphones are all low impedence headphones, I'd start looking there.

Good advice. Maybe the Sony's I grabbed were the wrong ones. DJ700V's or something like that. Actually the headphone jack/amp on the Adcom GFP565 is pretty nice, so it may be worth grabbing some midrange Grados, or at least a better pair of Sony's. My old AKG 141's sounded good, but the volume on the pre had to be cranked past 7.

[Nick Culbreth]

Good advice. Maybe the Sony's I grabbed were the wrong ones. DJ700V's or something like that. Actually the headphone jack/amp on the Adcom GFP565 is pretty nice, so it may be worth grabbing some midrange Grados, or at least a better pair of Sony's. My old AKG 141's sounded good, but the volume on the pre had to be cranked past 7.

I think you'll find a lower impedence can much more to your liking, the dynamics should definately be better than an underpowered high impedence headphone.

Like I said before I'd strongly recommend auditioning the Grados before buying them, they have a very unique sound and some find them to be extremely uncomfortable.  If auditioning is out of the question make sure you purchase through a headphone retailer with a good return policy, I know Headroom and Todd the Vinyl Junkie both offer 30 return policies which would give you some time to figure out if the headphone works in your system.  I've owned a couple pair of Grados, including the RS-1,  and I've ended up selling them because of their lack of versatility and comfort related issues.  If the you don't find the Grados uncomfortable but you're looking for a less edgy sound the Alessandro headphones mignt be a good option for you, they're made by Grado but they have a more natural sound.

My personal favorite option is the Audio Technicas.  After buying a ATH-W5000 I ended up selling my Grado RS-1 and Sennheiser HD-650 but as always YMMV.

[ts]

Good advice. Maybe the Sony's I grabbed were the wrong ones. DJ700V's or something like that. Actually the headphone jack/amp on the Adcom GFP565 is pretty nice, so it may be worth grabbing some midrange Grados, or at least a better pair of Sony's. My old AKG 141's sounded good, but the volume on the pre had to be cranked past 7.

I think you'll find a lower impedence can much more to your liking, the dynamics should definately be better than an underpowered high impedence headphone.

Like I said before I'd strongly recommend auditioning the Grados before buying them, they have a very unique sound and some find them to be extremely uncomfortable.  If auditioning is out of the question make sure you purchase through a headphone retailer with a good return policy, I know Headroom and Todd the Vinyl Junkie both offer 30 return policies which would give you some time to figure out if the headphone works in your system.  I've owned a couple pair of Grados, including the RS-1,  and I've ended up selling them because of their lack of versatility and comfort related issues.  If the you don't find the Grados uncomfortable but you're looking for a less edgy sound the Alessandro headphones mignt be a good option for you, they're made by Grado but they have a more natural sound.

My personal favorite option is the Audio Technicas.  After buying a ATH-W5000 I ended up selling my Grado RS-1 and Sennheiser HD-650 but as always YMMV.

Don't think I'll be spending a G  on headphones, but thanks anyway.

[Nick Culbreth]

Don't think I'll be spending a G  on headphones, but thanks anyway.

I wasn't suggesting the W5000, just the Audio Technica line.

[twoodruff]

I have a pair of sr225s that I hardly use anymore, let me know if you want to try them out or what not. They have a problem in that sounds drops out left ear side sporadically, I'm sure it just a loose connection that grado said they would fix free but that requires effort on my part

[Chuck]

I got a pair of HD600's just before the holidays. I couldn't be happier with them. I also got a dc-vibe, www.go-vibe.com to drive them. Don't forget about an amp if you buy high impedence cans like the HD580's. I'm planning on building a PIMETA when I get the time.

[RebelRebel]

Are you married to the idea of Closed Cans??

If you arent, my reccomendation is for the Etymotics (ER-6 or ER-4). I use them (I have ER-4s)both for monitoring at concerts and for general listening to my ipod. I bought my wife a pair and she loves hers as well. The level of detail is really great.

[Nick's Picks]

the ety 4 series are a world class headphone, Imo.

personaly, I couldnt' be happier w/my $19 Senn 201s

[MattD]

Not that I've heard the 4 series, but my ety 6 are a bit bass-shy (just in the nature of something that small) when compared to my Senn cans. I think they're wonderful for what they are and what they allow me to do. I also think their mid/highs are world class, but I'd have to argue with you about the low end reproduction.

[RebelRebel]

4 have plenty of low end and everything else. ..the 4s sound better than anything i have ever heard.. I have a pair of HD600s that havent seen the light of day since I bought them.

[MattD]

Have you compared the 4 and 6? With the 6 not outshining the Senns (except with my ipod for travel ... wonderful), I would find it hard to believe that the 4 does, unless the 4 is really that much better than the 6.

[scb]

the 4 *is* a lot better than the 6 (in my opinion)

[RebelRebel]

I had a pair of 6is for about a month, before I bought the 4s. (my wife has 4Ps with extended low freq. response) and the 6 pales in comparison, IMHO..From comparing the senns and etys, I hear a lot more detail in the etys...you have to really crank them..but to my ears the Etys definitely have the edge .and the noise attenuation makes them that much better.i can use them at a concert for mixing or at home for casual listening and be completely satisfied..

Have you compared the 4 and 6? With the 6 not outshining the Senns (except with my ipod for travel ... wonderful), I would find it hard to believe that the 4 does, unless the 4 is really that much better than the 6.

[Nick's Picks]

Not that I've heard the 4 series, but my ety 6 are a bit bass-shy (just in the nature of something that small) when compared to my Senn cans. I think they're wonderful for what they are and what they allow me to do. I also think their mid/highs are world class, but I'd have to argue with you about the low end reproduction.

push them deeper into your head.  you'll get plenty of bass.

[Nick Culbreth]

I have the ER-6 and I agree with Matt it is bass shy.  I've also heard the ER-4 and it is much better then the ER-6 but I'd rather have something more comfortable for at home use.

[Nick's Picks]

i'd rather have big fuckin-A speakers to sit between.

headphones dont pressurize a room.

[George]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's. They seem to be in the same price range, give or take 50$. I don't have a headphone amp, but have this for playback: Sony CDR W33>Adcom GDA 600>Adcom GSP565>headphones???. Iv'e been using a 20 year old pair of AKG 141's and I think the drivers crapped out. Then I bought a pair of Sony's at a local Circuit City, loud but zero detail. Thanks.

You're going to definitely need a headphone amp for the senn's, the cans themselves are relatively cheap, you can find them new on ebay for $150 iirc.  The senn 580/600/650's are scalable in the sense that they will continuously sound better with different types of amps (in terms of synergy, solid state vs tubes and so on) and aftermarket cables.  I've never those Grado's nor the akg's but you should check out head-fi.org for reviews on them, I'm sure there's plenty info available on them.  As for the bass response on the akg 501's...its often considered on the thin side by many head-fiers and I personally find them to sound a bit metallic sounding.  The senn's have a more organic, big speaker-like sound to them that makes them very pleasing to the ear...especially with tube gear.  You don't have to break the bank on an amp, just check out head-fi for an amp that may meet your budget guidelines.

The senn's are also very comfy for long-term listening compared to Grado's which typically put my ears on fire after 30 mins of listening with even the comfy pads.  Plus, the bloody cord can be a bitch to deal with (its thick and a bit cumbersome). 

[ts]

looking at Grado SR325's, Senn HD580's or AKG 271's. They seem to be in the same price range, give or take 50$. I don't have a headphone amp, but have this for playback: Sony CDR W33>Adcom GDA 600>Adcom GSP565>headphones???. Iv'e been using a 20 year old pair of AKG 141's and I think the drivers crapped out. Then I bought a pair of Sony's at a local Circuit City, loud but zero detail. Thanks.

You're going to definitely need a headphone amp for the senn's, the cans themselves are relatively cheap, you can find them new on ebay for $150 iirc.  The senn 580/600/650's are scalable in the sense that they will continuously sound better with different types of amps (in terms of synergy, solid state vs tubes and so on) and aftermarket cables.  I've never those Grado's nor the akg's but you should check out head-fi.org for reviews on them, I'm sure there's plenty info available on them.  As for the bass response on the akg 501's...its often considered on the thin side by many head-fiers and I personally find them to sound a bit metallic sounding.  The senn's have a more organic, big speaker-like sound to them that makes them very pleasing to the ear...especially with tube gear.  You don't have to break the bank on an amp, just check out head-fi for an amp that may meet your budget guidelines.

The senn's are also very comfy for long-term listening compared to Grado's which typically put my ears on fire after 30 mins of listening with even the comfy pads.  Plus, the bloody cord can be a bitch to deal with (its thick and a bit cumbersome). 

I think I'm going with the Senn's. What about the HD595's? Also, whats a good amp for them, thats not too expensive. Say around 200-300. That Blueberry emotion wooden box looks pretty good <300. Thanks.

[BobW]

My vote for Senns.
I've been using them since I was 14 when my brother gave me a pair of HD-414s for my birthday.   (+T bro !)
They've been upgraded since, but always to Senns.

[ts]

My vote for Senns.
I've been using them since I was 14 when my brother gave me a pair of HD-414s for my birthday.   (+T bro !)
They've been upgraded since, but always to Senns.

Thats great. But can anyone give me some advice on a headphone amp for Senns?

[MattD]

Headphonea amp: http://www.ciaudio.com/vhp1.html

[Nick Culbreth]

My vote for Senns.
I've been using them since I was 14 when my brother gave me a pair of HD-414s for my birthday.   (+T bro !)
They've been upgraded since, but always to Senns.

Thats great. But can anyone give me some advice on a headphone amp for Senns?

What is your budget?  The Gilmore Lite is highly regarded with the Sennheisers.  If you're considering a tube amp the Mobile Fidelity X-Can and Woo Audio 3 might also be good options.

[pjdavep]

I think I'm going with the Senn's. What about the HD595's? Also, whats a good amp for them, thats not too expensive. Say around 200-300. That Blueberry emotion wooden box looks pretty good <300. Thanks.

I think the 590s (and maybe 595s??) are more geared towards classical type music.  I think you'd be fairly happy with the 580s and a dedicated headphone amp.  Are you going to be listening in a quiet enviroment?  If not, the 580s (and 595s, 600s, 650s) are open and let in quite a bit of noise.  I replaced the fans in my office computers because I could always hear them over quiet parts of the music

As far as amp, if you wanted to get something less expensive, I was happy with my airhead portable - for some reason I got ALL my money back from it when I sold it on eBay a year later.  I never used it portably, just in my office.  Then take the money you saved and stick it in a fund to eventuall get a used Grace headphone amp 
http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/

I was browsing Audiogon to see if I could find any deals to point you to and damn...this was a great deal -
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1140444078
..I don't really see much else at the time, but can echo Nick's suggestions as good ones

Later,
  pjdavep

[BobW]

My vote for Senns.
I've been using them since I was 14 when my brother gave me a pair of HD-414s for my birthday.   (+T bro !)
They've been upgraded since, but always to Senns.

Thats great. But can anyone give me some advice on a headphone amp for Senns?

Grace m902 or
Benchmark DAC-1  or if you have a means to run it solo, the Benchmark HPA-2 (which is in the DAC-1)

It needs a case, a power supply, and some wiring to work stand-alone.
 

[ts]

I think I'm going with the Senn's. What about the HD595's? Also, whats a good amp for them, thats not too expensive. Say around 200-300. That Blueberry emotion wooden box looks pretty good <300. Thanks.

I think the 590s (and maybe 595s??) are more geared towards classical type music.  I think you'd be fairly happy with the 580s and a dedicated headphone amp.  Are you going to be listening in a quiet enviroment?  If not, the 580s (and 595s, 600s, 650s) are open and let in quite a bit of noise.  I replaced the fans in my office computers because I could always hear them over quiet parts of the music

As far as amp, if you wanted to get something less expensive, I was happy with my airhead portable - for some reason I got ALL my money back from it when I sold it on eBay a year later.  I never used it portably, just in my office.  Then take the money you saved and stick it in a fund to eventuall get a used Grace headphone amp 
http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/

I was browsing Audiogon to see if I could find any deals to point you to and damn...this was a great deal -
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1140444078
..I don't really see much else at the time, but can echo Nick's suggestions as good ones

Later,
  pjdavep

Thanks. I went with a Creek and the 595's to start. We'll see how this setup works. Thanks for all the advice.

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

Thanks. I went with a Creek and the 595's to start. We'll see how this setup works. Thanks for all the advice.

How are you liking the 595's?