Headphones

[Solid Lifters]

In 1989, I purchased the best pair of headphones I've ever placed on my head. My father was a music fan, and he always had a decent pair of headphones. Koss, AudiaT, Sennheiser, etc. So, I was more than surprised how great these headphones, Sony MDR-V6, were compared to what I was familiar with.

After owning these headphones for more than 14 years, I needed a new pair. I decided on Sony MDR-700dj headphones. Unfortunately, they're crap. They don't hold up to the V6 which were awesome and a great deal. I bought them in mid August in '04, and are now unwearable. I can't put them on my head, because the plastic frames are completely broken and cannot be fixed. Epoxy, super glue and even using my high-power soldering gun with a plastic melting tip cannot repair them. The speakers work, but that's besides the point. If I cannot wear them, they're useless.

So, I've looking for a new pair. I would like some input to what you have, the reason why you like them, how they sound, how well constructed they are (no more easily broken crap for me), etc. I know Sony are now remaking the MDR-V6 headphones, but after the crap 700dj, I don't want to ever own another Sony headphone again. Proof again, Sony seem to be slipping from the consumer electronic market.

I've narrowed my search to these two...

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 580

And so, I ask you guys if you have something else I should consider. I'm looking for a straight cord type, NO MORE COILS! They get tangled in everything. I want around the ear, large cans, sealed for isolation type headphones.

 

[Iceman]

I've got a pair of Sennheisers and I like them very much. The only problem I have with them is they hurt my ears after wearing them for over an hour or so. But, I think the ones you've chosen have much larger cans and wouldn't hurt the ear as much. A great feature about the ones I've got is the huge cord. I can plug it in and walk anywhere in my room. It can get tangled with other cords because of the length but you just have to watch out a bit and it'll be fine. I've also heard good things about the Grado line of headphones, but I haven't had any experience with them.

 

[CDailey]

Grado SR60's are the best sub $100 headphones on the market. 👍 They are open air though, so keep that in mind.

Senn's are really, really nice too.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Grado SR60's are the best sub $100 headphones on the market. 👍 They are open air though, so keep that in mind.

Senn's are really, really nice too.

I've heard about the Grado SR60s. They sound like the modern day MDR-V6 which was just as popular and available. But, these are a smaller version of the over the ear type I'm looking for. The frequency response is also on the narrow side. But, for a compact pair used with Ipods, I don't know of anything better.

However, I want a large set for home computer and stereo use. My son's MP3 player will also be used, but not while traveling. I don't like listening to music while I travel.

I'm leaning more to the Sennheiser HD 580 pair seen here... SennheiserUSA and available at a damn-good price here... J&R.

 

[CDailey]

$265 for a pair of headphones? That's more than I payed for my 500W 5.1 surround for my pc (Logitech Z5500...zipzoomfly.com price, though. They retail for $400)

Very nice specs on those headphones, though.

 

[Omnis]

Solid, Get 595's or AKG K701s. If you're willing to pay 265 bucks, then definitely get the K701's. They're great. 595s have a classical hall-ish sound, but the 701's are my favorite 200-dollar un-equalized cans. headphone.com link in my sig. The only Sony's that are good are the "Coconut" R10's. They're 4 thousand dollars, though. The rest are crap, minus the 5000's if you like SUPER bright sound.

 

[the Interceptor]

I highly recommend the HD 580. I bought it several years ago, and I still use it until today. They sound is just great, and they work like a charm. However, it depends on which kind of sound you'd like. The HD 580 is very neutral, but it won't blow you away. If you want dynamic "in your face"-sound, you should look for another phone, only go for the HD 580 if you want it to just play everything as it is.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great can, but I've met a lot of people who prefer a bit more punch.

Regards
the Interceptor

 

[Solid Lifters]

Solid, Get 595's or AKG K701s. If you're willing to pay 265 bucks, then definitely get the K701's. They're great. 595s have a classical hall-ish sound, but the 701's are my favorite 200-dollar un-equalized cans. headphone.com link in my sig. The only Sony's that are good are the "Coconut" R10's. They're 4 thousand dollars, though. The rest are crap, minus the 5000's if you like SUPER bright sound.

The AKG K701 are not going to happen. They are way over the price limit I set. The only reliable place that had them were wanting $450 for them. That's a bit out of my price range.

I looked at the 595 before I posted my thread, and read some reviews. People liked the 580 just as well. Though, they do go out my price range, but only by $30, I'll give these pair another consider. I'll try to find some more reviews for them and see why people like them better than the others.

Thanks for the info, Omnis! 👍

I highly recommend the HD 580. I bought it several years ago, and I still use it until today. They sound is just great, and they work like a charm. However, it depends on which kind of sound you'd like. The HD 580 is very neutral, but it won't blow you away. If you want dynamic "in your face"-sound, you should look for another phone, only go for the HD 580 if you want it to just play everything as it is.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great can, but I've met a lot of people who prefer a bit more punch.

Regards
the Interceptor

Wow, you're right! The 580s have a very high impedance level. The dynamics are only 97, while I'm use to 103+.

Thanks for the heads up, dude! For the extra $30, I can get a more dynamic pair of headphones. No wonder they didn't advertise the ohm ratings on these things. They're so different.

Thanks, Interceptor! 👍

 

[Omnis]

Beyerdynamic's DT880 is also supposed to be a great can. They're about 300 bucks.

This guy, Mike G, apparently got his K701's for the high 200's/low 300's though. I don't know what Headroom has them priced for because you need to call to find out. I got my HD650's brand new for like 260 or 280 bucks, though. Keep shopping around and you might hit a jackpot.

Make sure you get something where the earcups are velvet. I've seen cans like the HE60 that have their earcups with all these cracks and chips and other crap all over the material. Definitely don't get 590s if you're getting the 9series; go for the 595s. My only concern with the 580's is that you'll think it's too muddy at the top. All of the Sennheisers with the 580's design (580, 600, 650) have a cavernous sound (unequalized, especially). That's why I think Interceptor is saying that you won't get in-your-face sound. The 595's might be a bit more versatile, and they're more comfortable too.

EDIT: Dude, look:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001FTVE0/?tag=gtplanet-20

595's for 180 bucks sold directly from Amazon. How cool is that?

 

[Solid Lifters]

Beyerdynamic's DT880 is also supposed to be a great can. They're about 300 bucks.

This guy, Mike G, apparently got his K701's for the high 200's/low 300's though. I don't know what Headroom has them priced for because you need to call to find out. I got my HD650's brand new for like 260 or 280 bucks, though. Keep shopping around and you might hit a jackpot.

Make sure you get something where the earcups are velvet. I've seen cans like the HE60 that have their earcups with all these cracks and chips and other crap all over the material. Definitely don't get 590s if you're getting the 9series; go for the 595s. My only concern with the 580's is that you'll think it's too muddy at the top. All of the Sennheisers with the 580's design (580, 600, 650) have a cavernous sound (unequalized, especially). That's why I think Interceptor is saying that you won't get in-your-face sound. The 595's might be a bit more versatile, and they're more comfortable too.

EDIT: Dude, look:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001FTVE0/?tag=gtplanet-20

595's for 180 bucks sold directly from Amazon. How cool is that?

Almost as cool as getting them from this place for the same price plus free shipping (been buying stuff there for years)... http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3962028

 

[the Interceptor]

My only concern with the 580's is that you'll think it's too muddy at the top. All of the Sennheisers with the 580's design (580, 600, 650) have a cavernous sound (unequalized, especially). That's why I think Interceptor is saying that you won't get in-your-face sound.

kind of. The 580 is not dull or boring, but it isn't very spectacular either. It is relaxed in a kind of way, but it still gives you every detail of the music, which makes me like it as much. Others like it with a tad more fun though. I prefer it the neutral way, meaning that the 580 just plays what you feed it, it doesn't miss anything, but it doesn't add anything either. Just music.

Damn, I'm sounding like a Sennheiser advert!!!

Regards
the Interceptor

 

[STLbarcelona5]

If you don't mind the fact that they don't go over your head. I highly recommend Shure E#c's. I have had the E2C's since January and absolutely love them. I can listen to them on the subway or in a jet and not have to drastically change the volume at all. The sound quality is fantastic. And if you care, the warranty is basically such that if anything goes wrong, they'll either replace itor fix them for free.

 

[Omnis]

Sorry, E2C's don't compare to the above mentioned headphones. Plus, they're IEM's. Solid, you need full-size cans, right?

 

[Solid Lifters]

kind of. The 580 is not dull or boring, but it isn't very spectacular either. It is relaxed in a kind of way, but it still gives you every detail of the music, which makes me like it as much. Others like it with a tad more fun though. I prefer it the neutral way, meaning that the 580 just plays what you feed it, it doesn't miss anything, but it doesn't add anything either. Just music.

Damn, I'm sounding like a Sennheiser advert!!!

Regards
the Interceptor

That really doesn't sound like what I want. I understand why you or anybody else would, though. Smooth, flat output is not for me. Though, they would make for a great pair of music monitors for music production purposes, but I don't do that much, if at all, anymore.

At my age, and exposer to loud music, I need something with a little extra dynamic punch.

Sorry, E2C's don't compare to the above mentioned headphones. Plus, they're IEM's. Solid, you need full-size cans, right?

Yeah, around the ear. I prefer sealed, but open is OK. I notice the 595' are open. Not a problem.

I can't stand on the ear. It feels like a bug crawling on me, or something. LOL. I don't like the feeling.

In the ear is also out of the question.

I think I'll go with the Sennheiser 595'. With the higher dynamic range, which I prefer, and the large can size, wide frequency response, medium-low impedance level, straight cord (NO MORE COILS!) and velvet ear cushions that are replaceable, along with other parts, I think I'm set.

Thanks for the help and suggestions, everybody! 👍

 

[Omnis]

Word, man. Be sure to give us a write-up of what you think.

 

[the Interceptor]

At my age, and exposer to loud music, I need something with a little extra dynamic punch.

Yeah, around the ear. I prefer sealed, but open is OK.

You should also take a look at Beyerdynamics cans then.

Regards
the Interceptor

 

[Solid Lifters]

You should also take a look at Beyerdynamics cans then.

Regards
the Interceptor

Nope, too late. A pair of Sennheiser HD595 are on their way to my house. There were only $179.99, and that icludes the shipping. I got them at J&R.

 

[Omnis]

Welcome to the Sennheiser Full-Size club.

 

[the Interceptor]

Good choice, I'm curious about your opinion on them.

Regards
the Interceptor

 

[speedy_2]

I've yet to try Sennheisers'. But I have a pair of Bose Triports and I love them.

 

[Solid Lifters]

The Sennheiser 595 headphones just arrived an hour ago. It took about 15 minutes to uncoil the damn MDRV700s from the PC, those pieces of crap. I threw'm on the floor, and I don't care what happens to them. Chew toy for the dog... I don't care... the maid throws them away... I don't care... the kids use them to play "Space Patrol"... I don't care... my brother steals them... I don't care... ...those pieces of crap!

Finally, I got to audition them and wow, what a difference in clarity. Much more accurate than my last pair. It has about the same treble, with a little less very top end, and less low end. But, the low end is more accurate and not as "booming" which is not a bad thing. I notice more subtle bass notes than before.

I could only listen to two songs, so they haven't been put to the test of different music, but I'm sure they'll pass with flying colors. I got to listen to Stevie Ray Vaughn - "Riviera Paradise" and Steve Vai - "For the Love of God" and I heard new details to the music. Both songs are my favorites of all time. "Riviera Paradise" is an excellent song to test speakers and stereos since it has soft and loud dynamics and high and low frequencies. Plus, it's one of the best songs written, too. Seek this song out, if you don't have it, folks. Trust me.

I couldn't play any more songs, because the velvet pads started to sweat on account it's 102 and very high humidity with inside temps around 80 even with the AC on.

Fit is excellent. Comfort is excellent. Clarity is excellent. Volume is great, so no problems with dynamics. Construction, which is important to me since what happened with my last pair, is good, but I suppose could be better. But then, that would add considerable weight to the headphones, and would hinder long listening sessions. So, it's a fair trade-off.

Was it worth the $180? You betcha'. 👍

Thanks again, everyone, especially Omnis for the 595 suggestion and the Interceptor for the description of the 580s, for your help. You guys all rock! 👍

 

[Omnis]

I just noticed that I have two dents on the top of my head from my god damn HD650s and their stupid headband.

I hope they go away... I think it's just the fat around the skull that has dented in, but I really don't know.

 

[standard235]

I have a pair of Sennheiser CX300 buds. I love them. Major upgrade over my previous Sony MDR EX71's.

 

[Shannon]

Nice buy Solid! 👍 I own the HD555's myself - mostly because the 595's were out of my price range (the 555's were on special as it was ). They seem like similar cans when you compare them though. The 595's seem to have more upper frequency response whereas the 555's are bit more mid-rangey.

And basically identical impedance.

Alas, the 595's look a lot cooler than the 555's. All you need now is a headphone amp.

 

[Omnis]

Since when did Headroom put up large graphs? Cool.

I'm going to be looking into AKG K701's as soon as I get a job in the summer. I love my 650's, but the headband dents on the top of my head are annoying me and the paint/lacquer is chipping a little bit. The AKGs are fresher and more comfortable.

If my cans were a car, they'd would've been around the world twice. Headphone abuse culprit number 1.

 

[ceiling_fan]

I got to listen to Stevie Ray Vaughn - "Riviera Paradise" and Steve Vai - "For the Love of God" and I heard new details to the music. Both songs are my favorites of all time. "Riviera Paradise" is an excellent song to test speakers and stereos since it has soft and loud dynamics and high and low frequencies. Plus, it's one of the best songs written, too. Seek this song out, if you don't have it, folks. Trust me.

Whoa, Riviera Paradise is my most played SRV song, and For The Love of God is my most played Steve Vai song! I guess the mellower ones are better then.

 

[Omnis]

I just bought some K701's. I'll post my thoughts and pictures when they get here.

 

[Omnis]

Here they are. AKG has a really cool box configuration.



Anyway, I need to burn them in with some pink noise (especially before I start with any comparisons). My 650s blow them out of the water as it stands (using my reciever), and they BARELY fit my head. I hope the sound improves after I break them in and I wish they went down another cm or two; My earlobes aren't clearing the pad as well as they could be.

 

[Omnis]

Okay, so I ran the pink noise on these things for about 4 hours, and MAN, they sure did open up! They are so crisp across the entire sound range, but they still don't have (not yet, at least) the heavy bass that my 650s give me. I'm not expecting that, anyway.

But, man, if the HD650s could bludgeon you to death, these K701s would slice you up instead.

 

[StReEtWaLkeR]

Ok....Imma a recording enigineer. This is what I experienced.

Sound Quality = Sony MDR's < Bose < AKG
Reiablitiy = AKG < Sony < Bose
Price = Sony < Bose < AKG

I personally like Sony MDR7's DJ Headphones.....cuz their great on computer and great in digital music......BUT......take care of it cuz all headphones are fragile in certain lvl.

Trust me.....I had first to use $20 MDR's.......after a year....right side is broken cuz I had in my shoulder bag attach to my ipod. Plastic is cheap......but needs to be practical and reiable too.....so it depends how you to take care of it.