Topic: Need new headphones...

[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.