Headphones

[Pieoftheday]

Recommended me some headphones please, I don't use them often,but I have some akg550, good but they have an odd synthetic sheen to the sound that I can't get used to. I have to say they are very comfortable thought. 200sovs is my limit, cheers Jim, btw I don't want pre owned,
:)

[Sherwood]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/DJ-Headphones/HiFiMAN-HE-400I-black-purple/B00MULH672/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541975422&sr=8-2&keywords=hifiman+he-400i

I have these. Great headphones. need a decent headphone amp or headphone driver to bring out their strengths.

Geoff

[Pieoftheday]

Ta Geoff

[Ian7633]

I've got both the Sennhieser HD600 and HD650. The 600 sound slightly fuller in the midrange but the 650 are fantastic for classical listening. I highly recommend both.

[mikmas]

I've got both the Sennhieser HD600 and HD650. The 600 sound slightly fuller in the midrange but the 650 are fantastic for classical listening. I highly recommend both.

Was about to recommend the HD600 - although way over the £200 limit they give great listening pleasure ... and very comfortable

[Lawrence001]

Try some Fostex T50RPs..

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[goraman]

With the right headphone amp AKG Q701 are some of the best I have heard, they are very revealing and not vialed like the Sennhisers.
They do not have an over exaggerated boomy bass , what they have is a very fast attack and female vocals are to die for.
These headphones scream tube amp and love upgraded headphone cables ( easy just plug and play no soldering required).
64 ohm but they like amps built to handle demanding loads.
And they are afford-ably priced compared to anything else in their class.

[jandl100]

Try some Fostex T50RPs..


+1
the best modern 'phones for around £100 used imo, and probably a fair bit more.

And I agree about the strangely synthetic sheeny sound of the AKG550.
Another similar but well reviewed are the AKG 701 - yuk, there's something about them I really dislike!!

If you have serious headphone driving ability (high gain as well as lots of power - a vintage Rotel RX-603 receiver works wonderfully well!) then look out for vintage Wharfedale Isodynamics. Marvellous things that I would be happy to live with indefinitely.

Philips Fidelio X2 are also excellent - open, fast and very dynamic - but open backed so they allow sound to get out into the room.

All of these are a lot better sounding than the AKG imo but just as cumfy.

[goraman]

+1
the best modern 'phones for around £100 used imo, and probably a fair bit more.

And I agree about the strangely synthetic sheeny sound of the AKG550.
Another similar but well reviewed are the AKG 701 - yuk, there's something about them I really dislike!!

If you have serious headphone driving ability (high gain as well as lots of power - a vintage Rotel RX-603 receiver works wonderfully well!) then look out for vintage Wharfedale Isodynamics. Marvellous things that I would be happy to live with indefinitely.

Philips Fidelio X2 are also excellent - open, fast and very dynamic - but open backed so they allow sound to get out into the room.

All of these are a lot better sounding than the AKG imo but just as cumfy.

Not for everyone. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BWJ976T/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07BWJ976T&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=21517efd-b385-405b-a405-9a37af61b5b4&pd_rd_wg=7gCFA&pf_rd_r=RA7KEBD1RRFBNKYR8Y6Z&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=yRu0N&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=43268f57-e651-11e8-b06e-57ba8186d927

or
https://ultrasone.com/ultrasone-pro-serie-2/?lang=en/#Pro780i

[jandl100]

Not for everyone.

Sure, but I think I laced my post with enough "imo"s to satisfy most people. ;)

And why are they describing the Fostex as planar magnetic? They ain't no such thing. Are they even talking about the same headphones? :scratch:

[goraman]

Sure, but I think I laced my post with enough "imo"s to satisfy most people. ;)

And why are they describing the Fostex as planar magnetic? They ain't no such thing. Are they even talking about the same headphones? :scratch:

There is such a thing read on. https://www.howtogeek.com/327846/what-are-planar-magnetic-headphones/

[struth]

Think he was saying the fostex are not planar

[goraman]

Think he was saying the fostex are not planar
They are called orthodynamic , but are the same thing.
These may float his boat ?
https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400S-Hifiman-HE400S-Full-Size-Headphone/dp/B00Y2EOI94/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506648781&sr=8-2&keywords=he-400s&tag=823814-20

[struth]

They are called orthodynamic , but are the same thing.
These may float his boat ?
https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400S-Hifiman-HE400S-Full-Size-Headphone/dp/B00Y2EOI94/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506648781&sr=8-2&keywords=he-400s&tag=823814-20

i wasnt saying they werent.. ive no idea as ive not tried em lol ive got oppos which are. quite fancy a set of hifimans too but not sure if it would be best with 400s or 400i good price at moment..180 or so.

[goraman]

Jerry , the Ultrasone are not for everyone .
You can drive them with any thing, but they are to much tizz and boom for me.
Very fun for some music though. Not my favorite for vocals.
For a second pair they are great for bands like the Talking heads or the Ramones.

Look at these. https://www.oppodigital.com/headphones-pm-3/
These are closed back so great bass and you can use them any where , very low impermanence 26 ohm. so even your phone can drive them.
A little more money but very well loved by everyone who has owned a pair.

[jandl100]

No, I'm sure that orthodynamic and planar magnetic are not the same thing at all!

I do have a pair of planars - Audeze EL-8. Very nice. But they are beyond the price the OP is wanting to pay, even used.

There are so many 'phones out there these days, impossible to be familiar with them all!

[struth]

appear to be different terms for them... isodynamic, planar-magnetic, or magnetostatic incorporating characteristics of both dynamic and electrostatic driver design. so similar but not true planar

[willbewill]

Jerry , the Ultrasone are not for everyone .
You can drive them with any thing, but they are to much tizz and boom for me.
Very fun for some music though. Not my favorite for vocals.
For a second pair they are great for bands like the Talking heads or the Ramones.



Love my Ultrasones, have a few different models, but as you say not to everyone's taste.

[Mand]

I've owned the aforementioned Fostex. They sound good but I hated the stiff cable and the fit of them. They literally wouldn't stay put if I looked about, just slid off, they got sold on.
Before them, I had hd600 which were too noisy to use with family in the same room. Nice sound but sometimes too polite and boring, needed decent amp. Very comfy though.
Currently using Meze 99 wth brain wave pads. Sound great and very comfy closed back. Sometimes feel I need something a bit better in terms of resolution and clarity but they do sound great for the amount of time I use them.
So Meze is my recommendation.

[willbewill]

I use Brainwavz pads as well with the Ultrasones, well worth buying.

[Pieoftheday]

Has anyone used any beyerdynamic headphones,, Dt770 or dt990? Cheers Jim

[jandl100]

Has anyone used any beyerdynamic headphones,, Dt770 or dt990? Cheers Jim

I've had the DT990 - an open and spacious sound. Not the last word in focus, dynamics and clarity, though. Still very good to listen to.
I much prefer the Beyerdynamic DT150 - they would probably be my choice after the aforementioned Fostex and Philips Fidelio.

[Sherwood]

I've had the DT990 - an open and spacious sound. Not the last word in focus, dynamics and clarity, though. Still very good to listen to.
I much prefer the Beyerdynamic DT150 - they would probably be my choice after the aforementioned Fostex and Philips Fidelio.

I think the Cybermen are issued with DT150's! http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/why-the-cybermen-should-be-doctor-whos-best-monster-61561.htm :laugh:

[jandl100]

:lol:
Quite right, Cybermen have such good taste ....

http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/nightmare-in-silver-pics-promo-33-300x450.jpghttps://cdn.idealo.com/folder/Product/47/0/47044/s3_produktbild_gross/beyerdynamic-dt-150.jpg

[goraman]

This leads me back to my original thought, I got to audition a lot of headphones, keep in mind the Q701 is not voiced like the 701.
They where used to mix Michael Jacksons Thriller album. They make vocals pop and bass is fast ,really fast like sound labs bigger 845's.
I am not saying they are perfect, my favorite headphones have yet to be invented but they don't do a single thing wrong, they are made well in Austria not China.
They fit and feel good on your head, I can wear them all night long. and they are very articulate, big open sound stage, vocals to die for, the upper octaves are not harsh and bass is ample tight and very fast with enough resolve to hear different layers when an electric organ and bass guitar are being played at the same time. In there price range they don't have any misgivings and had better resolve than a lot more expensive cans and did not use up all the headphone amp to be there best.
And by simply clicking in a better cable they are well suited to long runs, up to 20ft.

[Sherwood]

:lol:
Quite right, Cybermen have such good taste ....

http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/nightmare-in-silver-pics-promo-33-300x450.jpghttps://cdn.idealo.com/folder/Product/47/0/47044/s3_produktbild_gross/beyerdynamic-dt-150.jpg


Of course, the Cybermen get the special chrome version with brain stem interface.

[paulf-2007]

Question, I have a little dot 1+ Which headphones would be a good match, I currently have grado sr325 with walnut cans. Never had anything else so don't know what I'm missing.

[jandl100]

Question, I have a little dot 1+ Which headphones would be a good match, I currently have grado sr325 with walnut cans. Never had anything else so don't know what I'm missing.

The Grado 325 are good, I've had a pair.
Plus points are they have a decently open and spacious sound, and are fast, detailed and transparent with excellent dynamics.
Minus points (for me) are lack of comfort, high levels of sound leakage and a rather forward and bright sound.

If you enjoy the sound I'd recommend staying with them and trying new earpads which are vastly more comfortable and also bridge the gap in terms of sound quality with the more upmarket Grados like the 1000 series.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Replacement-GS1000i-GS1000e-PS1000e-PS1000i/dp/B009QJ0B64

EDIT:
Here's an excerpt from an Amazon user of the earpads on 325 'phones. I agree with it.
"These pads are seriously worth the crazy price, trust me! ...... I read somewhere that John Grado does not recommend these pads for anything but the SR1000 or PS1000, stating only those models are tuned for them. After trying them for myself however I can honestly say I believe it's because of how incredible these pads make the smaller models sound.

Admittedly I have yet to try these pads on my SR60is, but on the SR325i the improvement is staggering. The added distance from the ear means the headphones need to be driven at a slightly higher volume, but the increase in soundstage is monumental. Comfort as well is finally a word I can associate with my Grados! "

[Pieoftheday]

I've had the DT990 - an open and spacious sound. Not the last word in focus, dynamics and clarity, though. Still very good to listen to.
I much prefer the Beyerdynamic DT150 - they would probably be my choice after the aforementioned Fostex and Philips Fidelio.

Ta jerry

[paulf-2007]

I bought some over ear pads from Amazon USA and got someone on lenco to send them to me because they wouldn't post to uk. Very comfy but made the bass boomy. Ended up with them half on my ears to sound good. The original foam pads were like wearing a hair shirt, couldn't keep them on for very long. Those ones on Amazon uk are a bit pricey, I bought some on a recommendation from eBay, cheap foam ones that are ok.

[Pieoftheday]

I've ordered some beyerdynamic dt100 16ohm version,I read good things,but there's only one way to find out:) thanks for all input

[goraman]

Paul,
I have had the Grado SR80, SR225, and Anniversary 325 with gold anodized aluminum alloy cans.
Out of all 3 my favorite was the SR225, the SR325 was just bright and with some tracks shrill, they where heavy and did not sound stage at all.
If you have been able to endure the 325 you would fall in love with the Q701 it has far better vocals,lush as apposed sharp , and non of the upper ear bleeding highs, A sharp on a violin is like a swarm of bees singing the inside of my head. All this subject to my opinion.
The RS sounded the best of all but at that price point there are just better headphones in my opinion like the Denons.
I do believe the 325 drivers would sound better in mahogany cups, so maybe yours are better.

[paulf-2007]

Paul,
I have had the Grado SR80, SR225, and Anniversary 325 with gold anodized aluminum alloy cans.
Out of all 3 my favorite was the SR225, the SR325 was just bright and with some tracks shrill, they where heavy and did not sound stage at all.
If you have been able to endure the 325 you would fall in love with the Q701 it has far better vocals,lush as apposed sharp , and non of the upper ear bleeding highs, A sharp on a violin is like a swarm of bees singing the inside of my head. All this subject to my opinion.
The RS sounded the best of all but at that price point there are just better headphones in my opinion like the Denons.
I do believe the 325 drivers would sound better in mahogany cups, so maybe yours are better.
Thanks, I think the walnut cans make a difference, I've not experienced ear bleeding highs on mine. I checked out some reviews and only one mentioned headphone amps and bingo the Q701 is a perfect match with little dot 1+. I may give them a try, but they look like unobtanium

[goraman]

The Denon D7100 closed back headphones are a must have if , they are made of cheap plastic like a disposable cigarette lighter but they fit wonderfully and the sound is amazing, they are Denon not Fostex re-badged for Donon.

[Dr Winston O Boogie]

Been using the OPPO PM3's for over a year now, superb headphones IMO. :)

[ReggieB]

I have AKG 550 which I used for work (being closed back) and AKG 701 which I think are great. Better than the 550s, but I get on OK with the 550s.

When I was looking for some decent headphones I went to Audio Affair in Brum and had a listen to a few different headphones. The were really good and let me sit and listen for a good hour or so (it was mid-week). This was a few years ago, so before the affordable Plannar headphones hit the market. I was disappointed with the Grado GS1000. They just didn't do it for me. The Sennheiser HD800 had just come out (tells you how long ago it was) and I loved those - but couldn't stretch my budget to them. The HD700 were due out soon, so I wondered about going for those. I also very much liked the HD650 and I was seriously considering getting them. Then I found for sale a pair of AKG 701 for what I thought was a ridiculously cheap price - about £100 less than the HD650s - and went for them. A decision I haven't regretted. AKG 701 are on sale now for around £110 on Amazon, which is even less that I paid for them. That's about the same price I paid for the 550s and they are a much better.

[Pieoftheday]

Beyerdynamic dt100 arrived yesterday, they sound like I've cotton wool in me lugs,what's going on?:scratch:

[jandl100]

Are they new?
If so let them run in for a couple of days with a loud signal - 48 hours continuous - that can totally transform some new headphones.
I've come across this several times.

[Pieoftheday]

Are they new?
If so let them run in for a couple of days with a loud signal - 48 hours continuous - that can totally transform some new headphones.
I've come across this several times.

Yep new,I was surprised how muffled they sound

[jandl100]

I've had several bargains on ebay with people selling off new headphones before they'd run in.
Sound godawful to start with, but after a couple of days of loud playing under some blankets they've been damn good!

[goraman]

I did that my self with a pair of Grado 325 I bought new.
Ran them in the spare bedroom for weeks, problem is they never got much better.
I could live with the fact they had less bass than other Grado's but the top end just seemed to bright and at times down right shrill.
If I wanted shrill I could just turn on CNN and listen to Hillery Clinton.

[jandl100]

Yes, some cans running in can transform, others not so much!
Hopefully the DT100 will respond.
- I've never heard those, only the DT150 model which is excellent imo. And I bought those used, so I don't know if running in is an issue.

I guess they can be returned if they remain unsatisfactory?

[Lawrence001]

This leads me back to my original thought, I got to audition a lot of headphones, keep in mind the Q701 is not voiced like the 701.
They where used to mix Michael Jacksons Thriller album. They make vocals pop and bass is fast ,really fast like sound labs bigger 845's.
I am not saying they are perfect, my favorite headphones have yet to be invented but they don't do a single thing wrong, they are made well in Austria not China.
They fit and feel good on your head, I can wear them all night long. and they are very articulate, big open sound stage, vocals to die for, the upper octaves are not harsh and bass is ample tight and very fast with enough resolve to hear different layers when an electric organ and bass guitar are being played at the same time. In there price range they don't have any misgivings and had better resolve than a lot more expensive cans and did not use up all the headphone amp to be there best.
And by simply clicking in a better cable they are well suited to long runs, up to 20ft.The Q701s (or any 701s) didn't exist when Thriller was made, AKG paid Quincy Jones to promote their headphones that's all. He might have had some input in the tuning but the differences are minor IMO.

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[goraman]

The Q701s (or any 701s) didn't exist when Thriller was made, AKG paid Quincy Jones to promote their headphones that's all. He might have had some input in the tuning but the differences are minor IMO.

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

Silly me , I took the shop owner at his word.

[hornucopia]

I'm guessing some rather BIG speakers were involved in recording, by Quincy Jones?
Yams for near-field, but....what for full scale in US?
VOTT?

[Pieoftheday]

Yes, some cans running in can transform, others not so much!
Hopefully the DT100 will respond.
- I've never heard those, only the DT150 model which is excellent imo. And I bought those used, so I don't know if running in is an issue.

I guess they can be returned if they remain unsatisfactory?

Yes Jerry they can be, in fact I have already boxed them up to return tomorrow, I didn't want to keep them a week only to find little improvement and risk doing something to render them unreturnable :)

[goraman]

I'm guessing some rather BIG speakers were involved in recording, by Quincy Jones?
Yams for near-field, but....what for full scale in US?
VOTT?

JBL! 4311? They are JBL and look like an early version of the 4311B with a elevated face for the tweeter and mid driver to break up reflection off the face of the speaker. Some used wool felt rings around the driver for this.

https://www.soundonsound.com/people/bruce-swedien-recording-michael-jackson They are in fact JBL 4310's! http://www.troelsgravesen.dk/JBL-4310.htm

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/master/mbrs/recording_preservation/manuals/JBL%20Prof.%20Series%20Model%204310%20Control%20Ro om%20Monitor.pdf

[Lawrence001]

Silly me , I took the shop owner at his word.It's possible he used them in a remaster though...

Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk

[Pieoftheday]

The dt100s have been returned and in place are some beyerdynamic dt990 pro's, straight out of the box they're wonderfully clear, I'm thinking the dt100s were somehow faulty? Anyhow these seem great on first impressions :)