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Thread: best headphones

  1. #26
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    for modest use like with Ipod or computer I'd seriously look at the Sony for over the ear and maybe something from Shure for earbud style. I have portable Sennheiser but for $50.00 to $60.00 I think better can be found. I actually have some AKG earbuds I use with my mp3 player. They are pretty good. They have a big bass sound which probably appeal to most. I typically prefer a flatter response. I believe Shure is generally the pick for high quality earbud though.

    I'm surprised no Grado fan boys have arrived yet. I'm not a fan of the Grado sound but they are popular and I'd be remiss in not mentioning the SR-60's, I think a new model SR-60i is out now, which are over the ear and run about $70.00. Many feel these are a very good value for the money.

    I obviously am a Sennheiser fan but I wouldn't spend $400.00 to listen to an Ipod or computer. Although some of those Shure get up there.
    Well Peabody, why does it appear that winstons replies to me are in your post?

    Either way, winston, when I said overkill I wasn't referring to your suggestion. I was referring to the whole "headache and frustration" bit. Just seemed a little much for the purpose of making your point.

  2. #27
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by patrick201009
    Thanks for the insight everyone...
    I guess I eliminated AKG from my choices, but how about within the Sennheiser HD series lineup. I do not have a headphone amp and will mostly be playing music from an iPod or a computer. Does it still make sense to go for the 600s even without a headphone amp?
    I would say no. The Senn 600 or 650's 300 ohms is just too much for an ipod or computer. You might be able to use it with a receiver, but unless you get a headphone amp I would forget about using it with anything else. This was one of the reasons I chose the 595. It is a 50ohm set and works well with any MP3 player and especially well with my laptop.
    Audio;
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    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
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  3. #28
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    Well, Chubbs, if you look back through the post I was the first to suggest HD-600's and I didn't realize even though you addressed Winston directly you intended to make it a personal issue between the two of you. For some one who said no sour grapes you sure do have your panties in a bunch. To be quite honest I wonder if you've actually heard HD-600's as the difference between them and K-240's are vast.

  4. #29
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
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    Hey guys, keep it on topic OK?
    Audio;
    Ming Da MC34-AB 75wpc
    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
    Magnepan 3.6r speakers Oak/black,

  5. #30
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    Well, Chubbs, if you look back through the post I was the first to suggest HD-600's and I didn't realize even though you addressed Winston directly you intended to make it a personal issue between the two of you. For some one who said no sour grapes you sure do have your panties in a bunch. To be quite honest I wonder if you've actually heard HD-600's as the difference between them and K-240's are vast.
    Personal? No.

    No sour grapes, as in, I think Senns are great.

    I just think using terms like "headache" and "frustration" when addressing a guy with no idea is a little excessive. AKG is not exactly on a Wal-Mart shelf. That's all. Not looking for a fight or argument. Actually, I thought your last post was a great example of "objectiveness" if you must know. Lot's of different options.

    Unbunching panties, topic dropped Geoff.

  6. #31
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    I want to stay away from earbuds in general (I have the $99 Bose model), and as for Grado's I own a pair of SR-60's now. The design is cheap, and I am not that impressed with sound quality.

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    Patrick, sounds like we may be on the same page. I'm not familiar with the 595's but if they are easier to drive they might be the way to go. You can look here and some of the retail sites for user reviews.

  8. #33
    Forum Regular winston's Avatar
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    Poppachubby@quote" C'mon winston, I know you want to bring Patrick around to your suggestions, but do you think this might be a bit of overkill.

    No Pop!! not really...Patrick indicates he has <> $400 to spend and if he shops HARD he maybe able to walk off with HD-600 for about $320 or less no tax no shipping

    I'll admit that I've become a Fan Boy of the 600 & 650...but there's a lot of misconceptions about the 600 series Sennheiser's, it all depends on who you talk with and who's reviews you like best. 90% of the Reviewers gives you that Frantic LINE...you need LOTS OF POWWAAAAA and that's so not true!! that been said... The 600 series has the ability & Capacity to react to any good Amplifier that you used to drive Drive them will result in some of these Audiophile Words

    Airy,Ambiance,analytical,articulate,attack
    Last edited by winston; 11-04-2009 at 09:19 PM.
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    produced by...Orrin Keepnews...

  9. #34
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by winston
    Poppahubby@quote" C'mon winston, I know you want to bring Patrick around to your suggestions, but do you think this might be a bit of overkill.

    No Pop!! not really...Patrick indicates he has <> $400 to spend and if he shops HARD he maybe able to walk off with HD-600 for about $320 or less no tax no shipping

    I'll admit that I've become a Fan Boy of the 600 & 650...but there's a lot of misconceptions about the 600 series Sennheiser's, it all depends on who you talk with and who's reviews you like best. 90% of the Reviewers gives you that Frantic LINE...you need LOTS OF POWWAAAAA and that's so not true!! that been said... The 600 series has the ability & Capacity to react to any good Amplifier that you used to drive Drive them will result in some of these Audiophile Words

    Airy,Ambiance,analytical,articulate,attack
    Perhaps I'm not understanding what your saying. Are you saying the 600/650 doesn't need a headphone amp? Because if you've read the OP remarks he said he wants to use the cans specifically with his MP3 player and laptop. I don't think there's any misconception if you think that doing that is NOT going to give you what the headphones are capable of. The UN-DENIABLE truth is that 300 ohm or greater headphones need a real amp to sound correct. At minimum a receiver or integrated amp, but best with a dedicated headphone amp.
    Audio;
    Ming Da MC34-AB 75wpc
    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
    Magnepan 3.6r speakers Oak/black,

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  11. #36
    Forum Regular winston's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by patrick201009
    Hi everyone,
    I consider myself to be an audio enthusiast. I do some sound engineering from time to time and love to listen to music. What is the best pair of headphones for under $400. I have heard good things about Sennheiser, AKG, and Grado...

    Thanks,
    PC
    Geoffcin" above is Patrick201009" first Post....that's is the part of the Thread I replied to in my first post" laptop & MP3 were mentioned later.

    In my second post i reply to (Poppachubby)
    Chet Baker-Trumpet
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    Bill Evans-Piano
    Paul Chambers-Bass & Connie Kay-Drums
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    produced by...Orrin Keepnews...

  12. #37
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    winston, it's cool man. Obviously the 600 is a fine set, and yes, I certainly have heard it. I'm not for one second denying you anything regarding the 600, even though power IS an issue in my opinion. It's all good.

    I just thought you were over reaching to make your point about the AKG. The 240 and HD 600 are not in the same class, no. I just think that it would be reasonable to think that both could provide our man Patrick with listening pleasure. I have owned many sets and can't imagine where I would be if at the beginning, I didn't try a variety.

    You're right though, his needs did an about face half way through the thread. I hope you weren't sensing hostility from my posts, was never intended that way winston.

  13. #38
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    Nice link Peabody, great review. Stereophile never miss...

  14. #39
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    I think I am finally understanding this. Basically, in order to get the full sound out the HD-595 or 600, I need to have a headphone amp. Staying within the $350-$400 budget, could I get a good pair of headphones and a headphone amp?
    I appreciate all of your help guys...

  15. #40
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by patrick201009
    I think I am finally understanding this. Basically, in order to get the full sound out the HD-595 or 600, I need to have a headphone amp. Staying within the $350-$400 budget, could I get a good pair of headphones and a headphone amp?
    I appreciate all of your help guys...
    Patrick, sorry about the drama. Back to biz, yes. Firstly, if you're willing to go used you can hit your price point no problem with the 600/650 and an amp. Keep in mind, alot of manufacturers won't honour waranties if you haven't bought from a dealer.

  16. #41
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by patrick201009
    I think I am finally understanding this. Basically, in order to get the full sound out the HD-595 or 600, I need to have a headphone amp. Staying within the $350-$400 budget, could I get a good pair of headphones and a headphone amp?
    I appreciate all of your help guys...
    Close Patrick, if you get the 600/650 you will need an amp. The 595 does not need one.
    Audio;
    Ming Da MC34-AB 75wpc
    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
    Magnepan 3.6r speakers Oak/black,

  17. #42
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Patrick, I just want to add something. About the K240S, no they are not as sonically great as the HD 600 series. However, what they are is fun. What's this you ask? Fun, what the hell is he talking about.

    I have tried a ton of headphones. It's the only area of audio I'm super confident in. I had to do alot of listening to learn what "fun" in a headphone meant. Basically Patrick, it has everything to do with how the 'phones present the music to your ears.

    Rather than blab a bunch of tech talk I will leave you with this. The HD 600 series is equivelant to attending an orchestra performance. You will be getting top notch musicianship from the best "musicians". The K240S is more like attending a rock show, they aren't the best musicians necessarily, but will entertain you to no end.

    Properly powered, the K240S will rock you!! Just my take on it bro...

  18. #43
    Forum Regular winston's Avatar
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    Poppachubby@quote
    (I hope you weren't sensing hostility from my posts, was never intended that way winston.).....HOSTILITY!!! no way man" POP". It's all good.....................................

    For the record AKG's ARE ALSO EXCELLENT HEADPHONES.

    MORE POWER TO Y'ALL!!! Mr P', POP', Geoffcin', and i hope Patrick201009 get some help from this thread.
    Chet Baker-Trumpet
    Pepper Adams-Baritone Sax
    Herbie Mann-Flute
    Bill Evans-Piano
    Paul Chambers-Bass & Connie Kay-Drums
    (....ALONE TOGETHER....) DEC. 30 1958
    produced by...Orrin Keepnews...

  19. #44
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by winston
    Poppachubby@quote
    (I hope you weren't sensing hostility from my posts, was never intended that way winston.).....HOSTILITY!!! no way man" POP". It's all good.....................................

    For the record AKG's ARE ALSO EXCELLENT HEADPHONES.

    MORE POWER TO Y'ALL!!! Mr P', POP', Geoffcin', and i hope Patrick201009 get some help from this thread.
    Hahaha, right on!

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    Thanks guys,
    I will either go with the Sennheiser 595's or the AKG 240's.
    But will a headphone amp make both of these cans sound a lot better?

  21. #46
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
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    If you have a receiver, integrated amp, or preamp with a 1/4" phones output then you HAVE a headphone amp already!
    Audio;
    Ming Da MC34-AB 75wpc
    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
    Magnepan 3.6r speakers Oak/black,

  22. #47
    Silence of the spam Site Moderator Geoffcin's Avatar
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    I would say it depends on the amp. I'm in the market now for a DAC/Headphone amp combo. I would guarantee you that the output of even a modest unit would smoke the phone output of my table top HD Radio. I'm not so sure it would do the same against my computer rig with it's dedicated sound card. However I'm sure it could output more current, which is what you would need to drive a >300ohm phone.
    Audio;
    Ming Da MC34-AB 75wpc
    PS Audio Classic 250. 500wpc into 4 ohms.
    PS Audio 4.5 preamp,
    Marantz 6170 TT Shure M97e cart.
    Arcam Alpha 9 CD.- 24 bit dCS Ring DAC.
    Magnepan 3.6r speakers Oak/black,

  23. #48
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    poppachubby- will i need a headphone amp if I got the AKG K240 And what's the difference between the monitor version, and studio version?

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    The amp most recommended for the HD-600 is the Musical Fidelity X-can. I have an older version that ran just under $400.00 new. Personally for that money I think it's over rated but if you can find one used it does sound pretty good. I haven't used much else in a dediccated head amp. My second choice would have been the Creek in a reasonably priced area. I also would have liked to hear an Antique Sound Lab (ASL) to see if more of a tube presence could be had. This is an area that's grown. You might even be able to find a used preamp from the likes of Adcom for under $200.00 that could run your headphones and offer some additional options or even a good vintage receiver. Down side those options would be for those with plenty of space to spare.

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    I hate to say it, but I think I may go with the HD595's simply because I don't really have the money for a headphone amp. Also, I hear that this a good pair of cans for a new audiophile. I have heard some people say that you have to let the headphones be broken in, is this true?

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