Headphone recommendations please...

[pjdowns]

Hi all,

I am currently using Grado SR-125 mark 1 headphones with a Squeezebox Classic / Rega Ear or Squeezebox Touch / Caimen combo and feel an upgrade is in order.

I've always loved the way in which the Grado's are very detailed with generous bass but they can become a little fatiguing over a longer period of listening.

Recently I heard the B&W P3 and was totally disappointed with them but really liked what the P5 were doing although they are a good £100 ish pounds more.

I've harked after a pair of Grado RS1 or RS2's for a while but I think they are still outside of my budget so was considering the SR-325 mark 2... but would like to see what others on this forum think and if there are any others I might consider before buying?

The biggest problem is that I find it hard to find many shops that stock a good selection of headphones, so it may be a buy without hearing which is not ideal!

Paul.

[wee tee cee]

You could have a look at the superlux range from thomann great value for money 668b in particular, order the velvet pads for a tenner as the pleather pads get a bit sweaty.......

[RochaCullen]

The Rega ear an a set of sennheisers hd 600 sound fab together.

[Maximum]

You could have a look on ebay to see if the Sony MDR-1R are still going cheap. I use these more than the 325is at the moment. The Grado's still have a certain appeal but the Sony's are a little more cohesive and natural. The 668b are nowhere near as clean as the Sony's either.

[John R Leddy]

Hi all,

I am currently using Grado SR-125 mark 1 headphones with a Squeezebox Classic / Rega Ear or Squeezebox Touch / Caimen combo and feel an upgrade is in order.

I've always loved the way in which the Grado's are very detailed with generous bass but they can become a little fatiguing over a longer period of listening.

Recently I heard the B&W P3 and was totally disappointed with them but really liked what the P5 were doing although they are a good £100 ish pounds more.

I've harked after a pair of Grado RS1 or RS2's for a while but I think they are still outside of my budget so was considering the SR-325 mark 2... but would like to see what others on this forum think and if there are any others I might consider before buying?

The biggest problem is that I find it hard to find many shops that stock a good selection of headphones, so it may be a buy without hearing which is not ideal!

Paul.

Paul,

I do not know if you have tried Beyer headphones. Years ago, when open-backed DT-911s represented excellent value for money, I bought a pair of closed-back DT-901s for more practical domestic use. I enjoyed using these headphones for years and never tired of wearing them no matter how long I had them on.

I would also describe Beyer's prices as being more down to earth compared to those of Grado. In fact, I find Grado's prices more than a little suspect and doubt very much if I would support that particular company; but that is just me, for other items I am just as likely to ignore any concept of budget similar to any Grado fan.

I still have my DT-901s and do not see myself ever changing them, except possibly for another Beyer model.

Hope this helps, even though your post has stimulated my interest towards Beyer's new A 20 Headphone Amplifier. Bummer.

John.


beyerdynamic GmbH

Headphones: http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/at-home/music-pleasure.html

Headphone Amplifiers: http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/at-home/headphones-amps.html


POLARaudio Ltd

Consumer Headphones: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/distributedproducts/beyerpages/beyerdynamic_consumer.html

Professional Headphones: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/distributedproducts/beyerpages/studioheads.html

Price List: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/pricelists/POLARaudio_beyerdynamic_pricelist_2012.pdf

Page 41: Professional and Studio Headphone Prices

Page 44: TESLA and Premiun Series Headphone Prices

UK Retailers: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/distributedproducts/beyerpages/hifidealers.html

[pjdowns]

You could have a look at the superlux range from thomann great value for money 668b in particular, order the velvet pads for a tenner as the pleather pads get a bit sweaty.......

Really? I have had a look and the Superlux headphones you mention appear to cost in the region of £30 which seems a little low when comparing to the Grado's or B&W's...

[pjdowns]

The Rega ear an a set of sennheisers hd 600 sound fab together.

Nathan,

What do they sound like? I bought the Grado's after comparing them against a number of Sennheiser headphones and finding them a little overblown for my tastes, but then again that was 10+ years ago so I am sure Sennheiser headphones have moved on a lot since then... In fact the PX-100's that I use with my iPod are pretty impressive for £40...

[pjdowns]

Paul,

I do not know if you have tried Beyer headphones. Years ago, when open-backed DT-911s represented excellent value for money, I bought a pair of closed-back DT-901s for more practical domestic use. I enjoyed using these headphones for years and never tired of wearing them no matter how long I had them on.

I would also describe Beyer's prices as being more down to earth compared to those of Grado. In fact, I find Grado's prices more than a little suspect and doubt very much if I would support that particular company; but that is just me, for other items I am just as likely to ignore any concept of budget similar to any Grado fan.

I still have my DT-901s and do not see myself ever changing them, except possibly for another Beyer model.

Hope this helps, even though your post has stimulated my interest towards Beyer's new A 20 Headphone Amplifier. Bummer.

John.


beyerdynamic GmbH

Headphones: http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/at-home/music-pleasure.html

Headphone Amplifiers: http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/at-home/headphones-amps.html


POLARaudio Ltd

Consumer Headphones: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/distributedproducts/beyerpages/beyerdynamic_consumer.html

Professional Headphones: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/distributedproducts/beyerpages/studioheads.html

Price List: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/pricelists/POLARaudio_beyerdynamic_pricelist_2012.pdf

Page 41: Professional and Studio Headphone Prices

Page 44: TESLA and Premiun Series Headphone Prices

UK Retailers: http://www.polaraudio.co.uk/distributedproducts/beyerpages/hifidealers.html

Hi John, I have never tried Beyer headphones and agree that Grado's pricing seems to have increase unrealistically recently. I bought my pair when the first came into the UK at a Hifi show from a certain Mr Grado and at the time there was nothing (I had tried out a number of alternatives at the show) that came anywhere near to the Grado's.

[Tim]

Go to Wittlebury Paul, large selection there this year - not everything, but you can discount a lot in one hit - headphones I feel shouldn't really be bought blind, but YMMV. I had Grado 325i's but couldn't get on with them, uncomfortable and far too deeeeetailed which were fatiguing after not very long at all, but I don't really like the Grado sound so don't let me put you off. I rate my HD650's but many find them too laid back, I love them and can wear them for hours on end and find the sound very neutral.

[RochaCullen]

The sennheisers in terms of power are a great match with the Rega Ear. The sound is hard to define, for me that is. I now use, in the office, a project headbox ds plus a set of Sony mdr-1r, which sounds fantastic. At home, I use the Rega and sennheisers, as the open design wouldn't suit the office. While the sonys offer a very accurate and enjoyable sound, the sennheisers reveal that more human side of a recording: the breathy vocals, or the sound of fingers on strings. Perhaps it's their open nature but they bring life to the listening experience, and accoustic stuff sounds amazing. Listening to ray lamontagne the other day was an experience.

[pjdowns]

I've had Sony headphones in the past and was very happy with them. In fact, they were what I upgraded from when I bought the Grado's.

I wonder if I could find somewhere where I could test headphones like the Sennheiser's, Grado's etc... Like I said, I was impressed with the B&W's but to be honest I had nothing but Dr Dre crapy things to compare them with.... rarr, my brother bought those overblown willy magnets just because they have Dr Dre in the name and are fashionable, irrespective or the fact they can be bettered for half the price........div! :lol:

[pjdowns]

Sorry for being naive Tim, but what is Wittlebury?

[Roy S]

Can vouch for the Sony MDR-1Rs, they've usurped my Grados in the late night listening stakes

[Tim]

Sorry for being naive Tim, but what is Wittlebury?
http://www.chestergroup.org/nationalaudioshow

[pjdowns]

Can vouch for the Sony MDR-1Rs, they've usurped my Grados in the late night listening stakes

Which model of Grado's did you have Roy?

[pjdowns]

http://www.chestergroup.org/nationalaudioshow

Oh there... Doh!

[Roy S]

Which model of Grado's did you have Roy?

SR80s

[pjdowns]

Ok and you find the Sony's a lot better?

[Roy S]

Ok and you find the Sony's a lot better?

Wouldn't say 'a lot', just prefer the sound & find them a little less tiring to listen to & they are more comfortable. (Mainly listening to Grooveshark via a Beresford 7520 DAC)

[pjdowns]

I agree that my Grado's do have an issue with fatigue so it is interesting that you have chosen Sony's... Looks like I am going to have to look far and wide for the right pair :)

[loo]

Hi Paul, I to used to use a Grado headphone set up and enjoyed them very much until I tried a stax set up. they are never fatiguing and do everything else that the Grados do so well better. If you use headphones on a regular basis then a Stax set up would be a must try recommendation from me:)
Paul

[pjdowns]

Hi Paul,

My Dad has a pair of Stax headphones, as has a friend of his and no matter how many times I listen to them I just can't get on with them :(

I find the sound thin and brighter than the Grado's which is saying something... yes in terms of detail they blow away anything else I've heard but overall I just don't get on with their sound or presentation.

Also, I find they get very warm over long periods whereas the Grado's seem not to do this in the same way!

My previous Sony's had a similar issue with them also getting very warm over long periods so am at a loss as to what to do...

[Alex_UK]

I love the Sony MDR-1R too - the most comfortable pair of 'phones ever - never noticed my ears getting hot, either. I had a lowly pair of Grado SR-60s and was going to go for the 325s but decided to take a punt on the Sony's and wasn't disappointed.

[howardc1951]

I've been using a pair of Ultrasones for the last few years. Really comfortable and because of the way they work very unfatiguing even for long use.

[Puffin]

IMO it takes a long time to evaluate a pair of HP's. In addition they will sound different depending on which piece of equipment/HP amp they are connected to. I have bought phones and used them a few times and discarded them as being "not for me" and then tried them a long time later (possibly in a different configuration) and thought wow, these aren't half bad after all.

I recently bought a used pair of SR60's because they were going for a bargain (already had a pair of iGrados) I had tried a pair of my mates years ago and thought they were crap - no bass. These are brilliant (no - not bright) but just enough detail to get to the heart of the music, good deep bass and I can wear them for hours without fatigue. Previous owner was obviously a smoker (pong) but who says tobacco is bad for everything, maybe it has enhanced these little wonders?

Other phones I have : Superlux 661 (modded), Sennheiser 595's, Goldring DR100 & Dr150's, iGrados and another pair of modded £12,99 jobbies (name has been alzheimered from my brain at the mo) laughingly good for so little money.

[Trumpton_Rioter]

I use Senn HD650's all the time now - I find them very comfortable and dont get listening fateague at all.

I also have a pair of Senn HD25-1 which I have had for years which are still going strong for use with the iPod and mini amp/dac when I travel.

[pjdowns]

I think I'm going to need to get myself a trial of the Sennheiser's and Sony's. I'll compare them against the B&W P5's and Grado SR-125's and see how we get on :)

[pjdowns]

One question, has anyone tried out Hifi-Man headphones? - they seem to be getting a good following recently and are said to be as close to Stax as possible without being an electrostatic (Stax are made this way?) design!

Paul.

[Pete The Cat]

I find that personal choice on cans differs more than with any other piece of kit and only trial and experience along the way has helped.

I began with Sennheisers, think it was HD410s, years ago at a radio studio and that journey ended up with HD600s. The house sound is generally detailed, uncoloured, very comfortable, presentation a little like being midway to back of the auditorium. Just a bit disappointing on rock due to lack of thump and feeling a little laid back.

This led me to Beyer DT990s. More thump - possibly a little fat even - and very "front row" in presentation and only about £130 at the time yet in the same league as the HD600s.

The search for the ideal combination led me to Denon AHD2000s. Perfect (for me). Detailed and with full yet controlled bass, involving but not overwhelming, and all the more a revelation being closed back.

If I was starting again and on a budget I'd go route one for the Beyers.

Alongside this I became alive to the advantages of kit headphone amps but that's another story. Head-Fi is a good site to browse.

Enjoy the trip.

Pete

[pjdowns]

Thanks Pete and I probably agree with you in terms of personal choice. Like I said in earlier posts, my Dad has Stax headphones and loves them but I just can't get on with them.

[doodoos]

I've just broken my golden rule of not buying anything without listening first. I was looking at Grados but given the price in dollars to be less than the UK sterling equivalent - no way!
Have settled on AKG Q 701's which were delivered yesterday. Very good too - open and spacious which is what I want.

[pjdowns]

Robin,

As long as you're happy with the AKG's, that's all that matters :)

[johncaul]

looking at your issue from the source, it might be worth keeping your HPs and buying a headphone amp. I bought a little dot mk 3 valve amp recently and it's awesome. It totally transformed my listening experience. I've got a pair of audio technica's, not bad but nothing special, I suddenly found loads of detail in tracks i thought i knew plus i could listen for hours on end without the fatigue you mention in your original post. You can get one for the cost of a half decent set of cans. Cheers

[pjdowns]

I currently use a Rega Ear (which is ok) with my SB Classic but plan on getting a Beresford DAC and using that as and upgrade to the Classic and a Headphone amp :)

[Oldpinkman]

Sorry I haven't read the whole thread, but I am getting the evil eye from the missus that we are supposed to be on holiday!

Have Beyer DT990's 250ohm. Best headphone comfort and sound I've experienced, including trialling all the available Grado's - except for Stax ....
Maybe if I can take a JCB to an ATM I might get me some Stax again. My mate having 6 pairs may account for why I haven't got him to design me a headphone amp yet.

Headphone amps. I haven't tried the specific little dot mentioned earlier, but I have a similar chinese ebay job bought for me by Mrs S, because she knew I planned to build one, and thought this would reduce the risk of death or serious injury. It has I believe great potential, although in seeking a bit of input from Mr Stax, he gave me a long answer which could be paraphrased as "if I wanted to get to Dublin - I wouldn't start from here". I have carried out some modifications to dramatically improve it (nothing original - all from a DIY thread), and plan a couple more when I get back (all the parts are now sitting on my desk, so providing I can remember how to identify an inductor...). Out of the box it was what I get the biggest heeby geebies about this site for. A valve does not all sins forgive or an amp make. There was harsh distortion caused by the biasing being grotesquely out between channels and set in the wrong range for the FET on one of them, and the FET's in question had a capacitance which rolled off the treble above 12Khz like a ski resort black run

Prudence! as they say down here ;)

[IanL1962]

I have HD600's - the issue I have is that as I get older and my ears keep on growing I find it harder to stuff them into the cans! I find it distracting so am looking for a comparable on-ear headphone, preferably open back - any suggestions anyone? Grado seem to be well thought of but I've read about possible quality issues?

[StanleyB]

I have HD600's - the issue I have is that as I get older and my ears keep on growing I find it harder to stuff them into the cans!
Try the K701 if you got big ears.

[IanL1962]

Try the K701 if you got big ears.

Cheers Stan!

[Mr Kipling]

I have HD600's - the issue I have is that as I get older and my ears keep on growing I find it harder to stuff them into the cans! I find it distracting so am looking for a comparable on-ear headphone, preferably open back - any suggestions anyone? Grado seem to be well thought of but I've read about possible quality issues?

Tell me about it mate! Tell me about it!

[Stubies]

Sorry I haven't read the whole thread, but I am getting the evil eye from the missus that we are supposed to be on holiday!

Have Beyer DT990's 250ohm. Best headphone comfort and sound I've experienced, including trialling all the available Grado's - except for Stax ....
Maybe if I can take a JCB to an ATM I might get me some Stax again. My mate having 6 pairs may account for why I haven't got him to design me a headphone amp yet.

Headphone amps. I haven't tried the specific little dot mentioned earlier, but I have a similar chinese ebay job bought for me by Mrs S, because she knew I planned to build one, and thought this would reduce the risk of death or serious injury. It has I believe great potential, although in seeking a bit of input from Mr Stax, he gave me a long answer which could be paraphrased as "if I wanted to get to Dublin - I wouldn't start from here". I have carried out some modifications to dramatically improve it (nothing original - all from a DIY thread), and plan a couple more when I get back (all the parts are now sitting on my desk, so providing I can remember how to identify an inductor...). Out of the box it was what I get the biggest heeby geebies about this site for. A valve does not all sins forgive or an amp make. There was harsh distortion caused by the biasing being grotesquely out between channels and set in the wrong range for the FET on one of them, and the FET's in question had a capacitance which rolled off the treble above 12Khz like a ski resort black run

Prudence! as they say down here ;)

Why is the Beyer DT990's 250ohm (130 GBP) half the price of either the Beyer DT990's 32 Ohm (230 GBP) or the Dt990 600 Ohm (299GBP)??
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Beyer%20DT990

[Maximum]

Tell me about it mate! Tell me about it!

Get back to work dobby!

[Ned664]

Robin,

As long as you're happy with the AKG's, that's all that matters :)

I am also using AKG 701 s I have to say I think they are fantastic. Very comfortable and sound superb!

[Werner Berghofer]

Nick,


AKG 701 […] Very comfortable and sound superb!

I beg to differ. There are a lot folks who can’t stand that dreaded headband and consider it pure torture. Regarding their “superb” sound it needs to be emphasized that this of course is a matter of very personal and individual taste and preference.

Werner.

[Werner Berghofer]

Stuart,


Why is the Beyer DT990's 250ohm (130 GBP) half the price of either the Beyer DT990's 32 Ohm (230 GBP) or the Dt990 600 Ohm (299GBP)??

this may sound a little weird, but Beyerdynamic’s “Pro” models are cheaper than their HiFi models. They use identical drivers, but for the other parts of the “Pro” series cheaper materials as well as spiral connection cables are used, and their clamping force is a little stronger. You’re comparing the DT 990/250 Ω Pro to 32 and 600 Ω consumer models.

Werner.

[wee tee cee]

nice to see you posting again Werner......you're council on hi fi is always welcome.

[Werner Berghofer]

Tony,


nice to see you posting again Werner

thanks a lot! It makes me happy and glad to read this.

Kind regards,

Werner.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Hi Werner, nice to see you. It sounds like you've been giving Stan a little help?

[Werner Berghofer]

Chris,


It sounds like you've been giving Stan a little help?

hm, don’t know if it actually sounds like this, but yes, when looking at the faceplate of his recent Bushmaster DAC it’s obvious that he used a lot of my design suggestions :-)

Glad to see you again, Chris! Thanks for the very warm welcome,

Werner.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Funny, I thought the inscriptions on the front panel had a definite Austrian accent!

[Marco]

Nice to see you popping in again Werner. Hope life is treating you well :)

Marco.

[Werner Berghofer]

Marco,


Hope life is treating you well :)

thank you, I can’t complain. Had some serious health issues a year ago, decided to die not yet and quit cold turkey after 40 years of smoking French “Gitanes”. Things became a lot better during the last twelve months.

Thank you again for the very warm welcome!

Werner.

[loo]

decided to die not yet and quit cold turkey after 40 years of smoking French “Gitanes”.

Good for you matey well done, that cant have been easy
Paul

[Werner Berghofer]

Paul,


that cant have been easy

quite the reverse! Honestly, if I would have known how easily and effortlessly this worked, I would have done it many years earlier. And I didn’t gain any weight.

Now I have much more money left to fritter away for CDs and obscenely expensive headphones :-)

Werner.

[bobbasrah]

Now I have much more money left to fritter away for CDs and obscenely expensive headphones :-)

Werner.

Ah, replacement therapy....:D

[loo]

Paul,



quite the reverse! Honestly, if I would have known how easily and effortlessly this worked, I would have done it many years earlier. And I didn’t gain any weight.

Now I have much more money left to fritter away for CDs and obscenely expensive headphones :-)

Werner.

Even better gain with no pain, now don't go and make yourself deaf:D
Paul

[Maximum]

Stuart,



this may sound a little weird, but Beyerdynamic’s “Pro” models are cheaper than their HiFi models. They use identical drivers, but for the other parts of the “Pro” series cheaper materials as well as spiral connection cables are used, and their clamping force is a little stronger. You’re comparing the DT 990/250 Ω Pro to 32 and 600 Ω consumer models.

Werner.

It sounds like the Pro models might be a bit of a bargain. Have you compared the different models at all Werner?

[wee tee cee]

Ah, replacement therapy....:DAye, puffing away on a leccy fag as I type 7 or 8 months off them......best solution I have tried yet.

[wee tee cee]

re-read the thread......might have to get pro 990s next month. Love the HD650s but they're is room on the head phone mug tree for another pair.....just to balance it up like!

[Werner Berghofer]

Robert,


Have you compared the different models at all Werner?

no, unfortunately not. Everything I know about the differences between the “Pro” and the standard consumer models I’ve read on forums like head-fi.org (http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more) and similar places. From my own, hands-on experience the only models I’m familiar with are the DT 990 and the T1. Both of them have an impedance of 600 Ω, and for the T1 no “Pro” version is available.

But you’re right, the DT 990/250 Ω Pro really seem to be quite attractive and interesting.

Werner.

[bobbasrah]

It sounds like the Pro models might be a bit of a bargain....

Yup.
The differences are very subtle from my brief visit with them, the better the signal you feed the more the differences begin to become apparent... We are not talking night and day differences, so the 250 ohm 990 Pros are a pretty good deal and incredibly comfortable.
Have had mine at the project office for just under a year now, and updated the dac/amp, so may revisit that comparison when back in the land of pork and beer at christmas, and order up a replacement set of velour cups...

[wee tee cee]

Aye they look like a good deal....next month beckons....

[Puffin]

Marco,
thank you, I can’t complain. Had some serious health issues a year ago, decided to die not yet and quit cold turkey after 40 years of smoking French “Gitanes”. Things became a lot better during the last twelve months.
Thank you again for the very warm welcome!
Werner.

I used to smoke Gitane and Gauloises (maybe they are the same cigarettes?) in my youth. Can't seem to buy then here the UK anymore - perhaps that is a good thing. Gauloises were affectionately known here in some circles as Galoshes a type of rubber boot you slipped over your shoes when it was raining to keep your feet dry!

[bobbasrah]

I used to smoke Gitane and Gauloises (maybe they are the same cigarettes?) in my youth....

Close Rob, very similar from memory, think it had something to do with type of leaf used and/or air drying technique... Very strong aroma almost cigar like...

[Werner Berghofer]

Rob,


I used to smoke Gitane and Gauloises (maybe they are the same cigarettes?) in my youth.

“Gitanes” (gypsy) and “Gauloises” (gaul) are very, very similar cigarettes with identical length, diameter, smell and flavour of their dark brown (nearly black) tobacco. Being shorter, but thicker, they were quite different from any other cigarette brand. Because I’m personally deeply rooted in the visual arts (photography, graphic design, typesetting) I preferred “Gitanes” because of their unique package design and their slightly more spicy taste. They have been my favourite brand between 1971 and 2012.

http://www.berghofer.com/photos/wp/2013/gitanes.jpg

“Gitanes” and beautiful, fascinating women were the basic nutriment of Serge Gainsbourg. For a lot of young men from my generation this seemed a enticing lifestyle.

http://www.berghofer.com/photos/wp/2013/gainsbourg.jpg

The classic package design also was an inspiration for a lot of artists, writers, photographers, designers and masters in the art of living.

http://www.berghofer.com/photos/wp/2013/shades.jpg

These cigarettes look and taste fantastic, but unfortunately they also might damage the lungs in an irreversible and lasting way.

Werner.