Headphones - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

theman0707 · 01-21-2005, 12:57 PM

Does anyone have experience with hi-fi headphones. I'm looking to get a nice pair of headphones for my ipod and pc (for movies and gaming). I have been looking at the Sennheiser phones and not sure which to get the hd 580, 595, 600, or 650. I know ill also need an amp to get the best sound out of them but most of the amps that are recomended for these phones seem big and bulky. Any advice on this for me?

brandon11983 · 01-21-2005, 09:34 PM

Based on what my customers think and what I think, I can tell you that most ears will find the Sennheiser's "boring" sounding. I took home a pair of 595's a few nights ago and A-B'd them against my Grado SR-225's for a few hours. The Senn's have a completely neutral and balanced sound to them. I think they almost sound muddy. They do need some break in time, but I preferred the sound of my Grado's to them. In terms of detail and dynamics I think they are equal. Although the Sennheiser's are an open air design, they don't really sound like it. You can listen to a Grado, and if you put your hands over the headphones, the sound goes completely to shit. The bass falls flat on its face and the mid and highs fizzle out. You don't get nearly that effect with the Senn's. The 595's truly sound like a sealed headphone. They have a hollow, lifeless sound about them. Maybe they'll get better with use, but I wasn't overly impressed. For the money you're looking at, I would wager to say you'd be much happier with the Grado SR-325. They have been completely redesigned with a new air chamber and new drivers. They are unlike any other 'phone that Grado has ever made and they are so different that some of the early reviewers (nerds) even accused them of not being a real Grado headphone. John Grado issued a statement confirming they are indeed a Grado phone.

hy_ · 01-22-2005, 09:50 AM

I really don't recommend the HD595, they are terrible compared to the other cans in your list. For open headphones, I would recommend the HD600, beyerdynamic DT880, Grado SR225/SR325, AKG 502. Good luck!

mazagmot · 01-25-2005, 07:02 PM

try looking at headphone.com. they have a big selection and some basic reviews.

hilbert25 · 01-25-2005, 08:50 PM

if you decide on the hd580 or 600, check out j&r computer world. They have an unpublished sale price on them. (I got a new pair of hd 600 for $200 shipped). Personally, I have heard most grado's and sennheisers. The grado's are indeed more forward and exciting, but they can be uncomfortable on certain people. I own a pair of sr-80's and the aforementioned hd600's and while the hd600's are probably far more neutral, comfortable, and just "refined," sometimes the grados just beg to be listened to.

theman0707 · 01-26-2005, 04:38 PM

i'm not sure what style i would like better, the grados or senn. and i can't find a store in my area that has any higher end headphones. thnks for the advice though

powerclown · 01-26-2005, 05:07 PM

I have a set of the Sennheiser HD580's (closed) that I use for music and gaming and they are awesome. Very comfortable. Glad I got them. Gotta use a small amp (Creek OBH-11) to drive them, but that's all part of the fun.

Charged-GHB · 01-26-2005, 10:18 PM

Senn 595 have to be amped or they'll sound bad compared to say a senn 650.

For ipod, check out etymotic E-4P

For home theater, check out senn h650, alessandro ms-Pro's.

www.headfi.com is the site for audiophiles

Rawb · 01-26-2005, 11:28 PM

theman0707,
I have a pair of the beyerdynamic DT 770's and I absolutely love how thy sound, crisp highs, and a bit bass heavy (espically when compared to the lower end AKG's)

Headphones are definitely a personal thing, go and find your local pro-audio shop, bring some CD's and your ipod, and actually have a listen. Different headphones have different qualities, certian music works well with these qualities, and not so much with others. A pro audio shop understands this, so they will give you quite a bit of time to just mull it over, take that time to your advantage.

wolf · 01-27-2005, 08:24 AM

Sony MDR-V6.... love those !

LewisCouch · 01-27-2005, 08:41 AM

You don't mention how much money you would like to spend, as the ones I use are a bit pricey. Although they're expensive, the performance and custom fit IMHO far outweigh the cost. These things essentially are miniature, full range speakers.

http://www.ultimateears.com/

hilbert25 · 01-28-2005, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theman0707

i'm not sure what style i would like better, the grados or senn. and i can't find a store in my area that has any higher end headphones. thnks for the advice though

Where do you live? Maybe we can suggest something.

Otherwise, headphone.com has a 30 day return policy.

jujueye · 02-05-2005, 01:04 PM

Definitely hit the two sites mentioned. I spent far too much time at them before purchasing mine. I ended up getting the HD-600. I think your musical tastes will dictate whether you will prefer Grado or Sennheiser. An amplifier will only increase resolution, but I highly, highly recommend one. If you check out either of the two forums, you will find that there is one called a Mint, which is a small amp built into an Altoids tin. Very small, design based on an IC chip, but damn portable.

As always, try them with your own music first and foremost. And listen for a long time: Whichever pair fatigues your ears first should be dropped from the list.

jstory · 02-05-2005, 07:00 PM

I second the Sony MDR-V6 i love them also.

jstory · 02-05-2005, 07:00 PM

But the beyerdynamic DT 770's are excellent too. I have owned both pairs.

ianthegoat · 02-06-2005, 10:43 PM

If you're still looking, one word:

Etymotic ER4-P.

www.etymotic.com

(also mentioned in earbud thread)

The best, Jerry!!! The best!

brandon11983 · 02-08-2005, 08:51 PM

I just added a pair of Sennheiser HD-280 PRO's to my headphone roster. So far I must say that I am not happy with them at all. These things DEFINITELY NEED an amp. They sound like ass off an iPod, and not too much better off an amp. Their frequency response is mesa flat, so most ears will find these really boring sounding. I let mine play all night hoping they would break in some. They did a bit, but they still have very little bass and terrible midrange. I'm really hoping these things open up and become less like a flaming pile of shit and more like a damn professional grade headphone.

*and don't anyone chip in and say that they are a pro monitoring headphone and they are supposed to be flat like that.... I know they are, but they just don't sound right at this point.

brandon11983 · 02-09-2005, 09:32 PM

**Update** Sennheiser HD-280 PRO... the next day.

I ran them overnight again with my Denon receiver at a medium high volume again. The night before I ran them at the same volume with a drum 'n bass CD, and last night I ran them on System of a Down's Steal This Album!. The first night didn't really accomplish much, as they still sounded shrill with poor bass and very poor midrange. Today though, I was very happily surprised to awaken to what sounded like a completely different headphone. The bass is more potent and the midrange is muuuuuch better. The bass isn't as prominent as my Grado SR-225's but I expected them not to be. However, the bass goes noticeably lower than my 225's, and we're talking bass you can feel here. They still have a flat, unforgiving frequency response that is definitely beginning to grow on me. I'm gonna run them all night again tonight, and I'll update you all tomorrow if there is anything significant to report.

jujueye · 02-12-2005, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon11983

**Update** Sennheiser HD-280 PRO... the next day.

Headphones really do need break in. I think my 600s didn't sound great until maybe 200 hours. 200 freaking hours! That's a lot of music and gaming! I like Grados, but I just found that my broken in Sennheiser 600s to be smooth, relaxed, with an extended high end and adams-apple wobbling bass (if it's on the recording, that is). Plus they were on sale last winter when the 650s were introduced.

supafly · 02-28-2005, 10:15 AM

I also like most Sennheiser headphones.
They sound natural and transparent, some poeple like that others don't.
Maybe you should try out some models to find out what you like.

FloydianOne · 03-01-2005, 09:01 PM

I have the Sennheiser hd497's and enjoy them very much. Havent had any problems except recently the cord that goes into the actual headset is starting to wear... mostly because the cord on these things are incredibly long. However you can buy a replacement cord easly because the cord has a plug connector on both sides.

brandon11983 · 03-10-2005, 10:48 PM

Ok, I take back everything bad (or even not good) I've ever said about the Senn 595's. Now that I am accustomed to the Senn "sound" I absolutely love it/them. They are just so balanced and uncolored. Don't get me wrong, I do still like the "exaggerated" sound of Grado 'phones, but I think I prefer the neutral sound of a Sennheiser.

FloydianOne · 03-11-2005, 03:18 PM

For the sake of anyone who's sennheiser hd497's cord snapped like mine did and wanted to buy a replacement.. I emailed sennheiser and you can purchase them here for $7(ripoff). Here is what sennheiser sent me...

Please follow this link:
http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail...ct_catlg=Parts

Website Instructions:
1. Scroll down in the first column to find and select your product.
2. The second column asks which part category you are interested in, please select the appropriate option.
3. The third column, item(s) will be displayed. You can click on the part number to see a picture of the item with additional information.
4. Purchase the item(s).

01-21-2005, 12:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
theman0707 Upright	Headphones Does anyone have experience with hi-fi headphones. I'm looking to get a nice pair of headphones for my ipod and pc (for movies and gaming). I have been looking at the Sennheiser phones and not sure which to get the hd 580, 595, 600, or 650. I know ill also need an amp to get the best sound out of them but most of the amps that are recomended for these phones seem big and bulky. Any advice on this for me?

01-21-2005, 09:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
brandon11983 Stereophonic Location: Chitown!!	Based on what my customers think and what I think, I can tell you that most ears will find the Sennheiser's "boring" sounding. I took home a pair of 595's a few nights ago and A-B'd them against my Grado SR-225's for a few hours. The Senn's have a completely neutral and balanced sound to them. I think they almost sound muddy. They do need some break in time, but I preferred the sound of my Grado's to them. In terms of detail and dynamics I think they are equal. Although the Sennheiser's are an open air design, they don't really sound like it. You can listen to a Grado, and if you put your hands over the headphones, the sound goes completely to shit. The bass falls flat on its face and the mid and highs fizzle out. You don't get nearly that effect with the Senn's. The 595's truly sound like a sealed headphone. They have a hollow, lifeless sound about them. Maybe they'll get better with use, but I wasn't overly impressed. For the money you're looking at, I would wager to say you'd be much happier with the Grado SR-325. They have been completely redesigned with a new air chamber and new drivers. They are unlike any other 'phone that Grado has ever made and they are so different that some of the early reviewers (nerds) even accused them of not being a real Grado headphone. John Grado issued a statement confirming they are indeed a Grado phone. __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history.

01-27-2005, 08:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
wolf Ravenous Location: Right Behind You	Sony MDR-V6.... love those ! __________________ Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as Gods. Cats have never forgotten this.

01-27-2005, 08:41 AM	#11 (permalink)
LewisCouch Insane Location: Pacific NW	You don't mention how much money you would like to spend, as the ones I use are a bit pricey. Although they're expensive, the performance and custom fit IMHO far outweigh the cost. These things essentially are miniature, full range speakers. http://www.ultimateears.com/ __________________ "The gift of liberty is like that of a horse, handsome, strong, and high-spirited. In some it arouses a wish to ride; in many others, on the contrary, it increases the desire to walk." -- Massimo d'Azeglio

02-08-2005, 08:51 PM	#17 (permalink)
brandon11983 Stereophonic Location: Chitown!!	I just added a pair of Sennheiser HD-280 PRO's to my headphone roster. So far I must say that I am not happy with them at all. These things DEFINITELY NEED an amp. They sound like ass off an iPod, and not too much better off an amp. Their frequency response is mesa flat, so most ears will find these really boring sounding. I let mine play all night hoping they would break in some. They did a bit, but they still have very little bass and terrible midrange. I'm really hoping these things open up and become less like a flaming pile of shit and more like a damn professional grade headphone. *and don't anyone chip in and say that they are a pro monitoring headphone and they are supposed to be flat like that.... I know they are, but they just don't sound right at this point. __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history.

01-22-2005, 09:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
hy_ Crazy	I really don't recommend the HD595, they are terrible compared to the other cans in your list. For open headphones, I would recommend the HD600, beyerdynamic DT880, Grado SR225/SR325, AKG 502. Good luck!

01-25-2005, 07:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
mazagmot Crazy Location: S. Korea	try looking at headphone.com. they have a big selection and some basic reviews.

01-25-2005, 08:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
hilbert25 Psycho Location: nOvA	if you decide on the hd580 or 600, check out j&r computer world. They have an unpublished sale price on them. (I got a new pair of hd 600 for $200 shipped). Personally, I have heard most grado's and sennheisers. The grado's are indeed more forward and exciting, but they can be uncomfortable on certain people. I own a pair of sr-80's and the aforementioned hd600's and while the hd600's are probably far more neutral, comfortable, and just "refined," sometimes the grados just beg to be listened to.

01-26-2005, 04:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
theman0707 Upright	i'm not sure what style i would like better, the grados or senn. and i can't find a store in my area that has any higher end headphones. thnks for the advice though

01-26-2005, 05:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	I have a set of the Sennheiser HD580's (closed) that I use for music and gaming and they are awesome. Very comfortable. Glad I got them. Gotta use a small amp (Creek OBH-11) to drive them, but that's all part of the fun.

01-26-2005, 10:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
Charged-GHB Upright	Senn 595 have to be amped or they'll sound bad compared to say a senn 650. For ipod, check out etymotic E-4P For home theater, check out senn h650, alessandro ms-Pro's. www.headfi.com is the site for audiophiles

01-26-2005, 11:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Rawb Crazy Location: Salt Town, UT	theman0707, I have a pair of the beyerdynamic DT 770's and I absolutely love how thy sound, crisp highs, and a bit bass heavy (espically when compared to the lower end AKG's) Headphones are definitely a personal thing, go and find your local pro-audio shop, bring some CD's and your ipod, and actually have a listen. Different headphones have different qualities, certian music works well with these qualities, and not so much with others. A pro audio shop understands this, so they will give you quite a bit of time to just mull it over, take that time to your advantage.

02-05-2005, 01:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
jujueye alpaca lunch for the trip Location: in my computer	Definitely hit the two sites mentioned. I spent far too much time at them before purchasing mine. I ended up getting the HD-600. I think your musical tastes will dictate whether you will prefer Grado or Sennheiser. An amplifier will only increase resolution, but I highly, highly recommend one. If you check out either of the two forums, you will find that there is one called a Mint, which is a small amp built into an Altoids tin. Very small, design based on an IC chip, but damn portable. As always, try them with your own music first and foremost. And listen for a long time: Whichever pair fatigues your ears first should be dropped from the list.

02-05-2005, 07:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
jstory Crazy	I second the Sony MDR-V6 i love them also.

02-05-2005, 07:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
jstory Crazy	But the beyerdynamic DT 770's are excellent too. I have owned both pairs.

02-06-2005, 10:43 PM	#16 (permalink)
ianthegoat Upright Location: Cornvalley, Oregon	If you're still looking, one word: Etymotic ER4-P. www.etymotic.com (also mentioned in earbud thread) The best, Jerry!!! The best!

02-09-2005, 09:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
brandon11983 Stereophonic Location: Chitown!!	Update Sennheiser HD-280 PRO... the next day. I ran them overnight again with my Denon receiver at a medium high volume again. The night before I ran them at the same volume with a drum 'n bass CD, and last night I ran them on System of a Down's Steal This Album!. The first night didn't really accomplish much, as they still sounded shrill with poor bass and very poor midrange. Today though, I was very happily surprised to awaken to what sounded like a completely different headphone. The bass is more potent and the midrange is muuuuuch better. The bass isn't as prominent as my Grado SR-225's but I expected them not to be. However, the bass goes noticeably lower than my 225's, and we're talking bass you can feel here. They still have a flat, unforgiving frequency response that is definitely beginning to grow on me. I'm gonna run them all night again tonight, and I'll update you all tomorrow if there is anything significant to report. __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history.

02-28-2005, 10:15 AM	#20 (permalink)
supafly Psycho Location: Rotterdam	I also like most Sennheiser headphones. They sound natural and transparent, some poeple like that others don't. Maybe you should try out some models to find out what you like. __________________ Thumbs up

03-01-2005, 09:01 PM	#21 (permalink)
FloydianOne Crazy	I have the Sennheiser hd497's and enjoy them very much. Havent had any problems except recently the cord that goes into the actual headset is starting to wear... mostly because the cord on these things are incredibly long. However you can buy a replacement cord easly because the cord has a plug connector on both sides.

03-10-2005, 10:48 PM	#22 (permalink)
brandon11983 Stereophonic Location: Chitown!!	Ok, I take back everything bad (or even not good) I've ever said about the Senn 595's. Now that I am accustomed to the Senn "sound" I absolutely love it/them. They are just so balanced and uncolored. Don't get me wrong, I do still like the "exaggerated" sound of Grado 'phones, but I think I prefer the neutral sound of a Sennheiser. __________________ Well behaved women rarely make history.

03-11-2005, 03:18 PM	#23 (permalink)
FloydianOne Crazy	For the sake of anyone who's sennheiser hd497's cord snapped like mine did and wanted to buy a replacement.. I emailed sennheiser and you can purchase them here for $7(ripoff). Here is what sennheiser sent me... Please follow this link: http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail...ct_catlg=Parts Website Instructions: 1. Scroll down in the first column to find and select your product. 2. The second column asks which part category you are interested in, please select the appropriate option. 3. The third column, item(s) will be displayed. You can click on the part number to see a picture of the item with additional information. 4. Purchase the item(s).