Headphones Recommendation
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Headphones are like speakers and phono cartridges in that they vary so much in sound that making sensible recommendations is difficult. I can tell you what I like and why but you might dislike what I like.
Anyway, I'm keen on the AKG Q-701s. They're very comfortable for me, though of course comfort varies hugely from person to person. The sound is open and big with excellent clarity and low distortion. The tone is nice with neither the bass or highs elevated and no nasty shrillness. Voices sound good. The bass sounds natural to me though some think it light in the bass.
That's what I think but Hell, you might hate the things. For instance maybe the highs do sound shrill and my old ears simply don't respond high enough to hear it. Or I might have terrible taste and think bad sound is good
Anyway, I'm keen on the AKG Q-701s. They're very comfortable for me, though of course comfort varies hugely from person to person. The sound is open and big with excellent clarity and low distortion. The tone is nice with neither the bass or highs elevated and no nasty shrillness. Voices sound good. The bass sounds natural to me though some think it light in the bass.
That's what I think but Hell, you might hate the things. For instance maybe the highs do sound shrill and my old ears simply don't respond high enough to hear it. Or I might have terrible taste and think bad sound is good
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JoeESP9
ESL's & tubes since 83
After having numerous pairs of on the ear and in the ear phones over the years I recently bought a pair of over the ear type. I like these better than any previous phones. The sound doesn't seem to come from directly in my ear. There is no real soundstage (I've never heard one with any headphones) but the sound is more spacious and open. Any better (usually more expensive) phones that I acquire in the future will definitely be over the ear type.
Grado SR-60i's (on ear) and Sennheiser CX-215 (in ear) have been what I was using until acquiring HiFi Man HE-350's (over the ear). My next and probably final headphones will most likely be either ESL's (from Stax or Koss) or planar magnetics (probably from HiFi Man). However, I must admit I'm very curious about the planar magnetic phones coming from Monoprice.
Grado SR-60i's (on ear) and Sennheiser CX-215 (in ear) have been what I was using until acquiring HiFi Man HE-350's (over the ear). My next and probably final headphones will most likely be either ESL's (from Stax or Koss) or planar magnetics (probably from HiFi Man). However, I must admit I'm very curious about the planar magnetic phones coming from Monoprice.
archie2
Addicted Member
Best value for the money and excellent phones are the Sennheiser HD598, Samson SR850 and the Superlux HD668B. The Superlux has the advantage of a short (about 2 inches) cord with a 3.5mm plug so you can attach whatever you want from a Bluetooth receiver to a 24+ foot cord.
BMWCCA
Addicted Member
The Sennheiser HD598SE comes with two cords, one terminated in 3.5, the other in 1/4-inch. And most Sennheisers have modular replaceable cords so you can fit nearly anything you want from Sennheiser to after-market.
archie2
Addicted Member
Those two detachable cords on the HD598SE are 3m and 1.2m long terminating in 3.5mm and 1/4 inch jacks. Yes you can fit anything you want IF you remove the locking mechanism and fit a slim 2.5mm to 3.5mm connector in there. Those connectors are very hard to find even if you did want to remove the locking mechanism.
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BMWCCA
Addicted Member
FWIW: I've seen many different vendors offering off-brand solutions in varied forms. Google or check Ebay if you're in need.
archie2
Addicted Member
True, you can find after market replacement cables for the HD598SE from Sennheiser and some makes that fit the locking mechanism but what's the point? Sennheiser supplies you with 2 cables. All other cables require you to remove Sennheiser's proprietary locking mechanism. I have the HD598SE's and enjoy them thoroughly. But there are times when I prefer the convenience of wireless listening and for that I use my Superlux HD668B open back with it's 2 inch cable to which I connect a tiny Maceton wireless DAC/amp. I don't have to deal with a 1.2m cable. The Superlux is very close to the Sennheiser HD598SE in soundstage and sound quality.
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Zooski
New Member
I love my Beyer Dynamic DT 990 Pro's. Picked them up on eBay for under $200.00. I also have a pair of the Phillips SHP9500 which someone else suggested and they are great for the price!
