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[Bonehelm]

M, how does HD555 compare with the higher end models? Since it's considerably cheaper.

[M forever]

I haven't tried the HD555 yet.

[Bonehelm]

Ok then, I'll try and get the 595.

[Mark]

Ok then, I'll try and get the 595.

Two things:

1) Audition headphones first if you can (you might not like 'em)

2) Check for fit/comfort. I recently discovered (much to my annoyance) that Sennheiser's better-quality cans don't fit me comfortably - which rules them out of any future purchase, as I do 95% of my listening through headphones.

[Tancata]

2) Check for fit/comfort. I recently discovered (much to my annoyance) that Sennheiser's better-quality cans don't fit me comfortably - which rules them out of any future purchase, as I do 95% of my listening through headphones.

Mark, you mean the clamp-like feeling right? This is normal for most people (guys anyway) with a new pair of Sennheiser headphones. It eases off fairly quickly, until it reaches a point where the cans are pressed against your head just strong enough to hold them solidly in place - no discomfort.

At least, that's what I hear (at Head-fi). My head isn't especially large, but the clamp feeling went away rather quickly. Maybe try a pair from someone with a head around your size.

[Mark]

Mark, you mean the clamp-like feeling right? This is normal for most people (guys anyway) with a new pair of Sennheiser headphones. It eases off fairly quickly, until it reaches a point where the cans are pressed against your head just strong enough to hold them solidly in place - no discomfort.

At least, that's what I hear (at Head-fi). My head isn't especially large, but the clamp feeling went away rather quickly. Maybe try a pair from someone with a head around your size.

Not just that. The arms that attach the couplings to the headband don't extend out far enough. Seriously, though you can't tell from my avatar, I've got a bizarrely large head. (Cue rude jokes and/or remarks about my being conceited.)

AKG, OTOH, fit with room to spare.

[Bonehelm]

Thanks for your reminder, Mark. I'm looking into AKG cans now, too. I'll be sure to audition them. However, my budget is a tiny $100USD... I need to get a job at mcdonalds or something (but they don't hire no 16 year olds here no more..).

[Mark]

Thanks for your reminder, Mark. I'm looking into AKG cans now, too. I'll be sure to audition them. However, my budget is a tiny $100USD... I need to get a job at mcdonalds or something (but they don't hire no 16 year olds here no more..).

Got these K501s (perfect for classical) for £60, almost new, on eBay:

[Bonehelm]

Hmm, not too bad. However, M keeps on insisting that the Senns make the best cans. I guess I'll head to head-fi for more advice. I'll keep the K501 in mind. Thanks

[George]

I actually prefer the HD580s for most of my listening. The 600s are for finding mistakes and the 650s may replace the 580s with time. It takes a long time to run in headphones.

When you say "run in," do you mean break-in?

[orbital]

Two things:

1) Audition headphones first if you can (you might not like 'em)

2) Check for fit/comfort. I recently discovered (much to my annoyance) that Sennheiser's better-quality cans don't fit me comfortably - which rules them out of any future purchase, as I do 95% of my listening through headphones.

In the case with hd280's, since they fearure passive attenuation, they HAVE to be a little tight. Still, as posted above, the tightness levels down to a comfortable zone not much after you start using them.

Amazon seems to have a sale on Senn's. I saw the 595's for less than $200 and HD280's for around $80  

[Mark]

When you say "run in," do you mean break-in?

I believe the terms are interchangeable, George.

[Mark]

Hmm, not too bad. However, M keeps on insisting that the Senns make the best cans. I guess I'll head to head-fi for more advice. I'll keep the K501 in mind. Thanks

Has M tried the AKG range? Or BeyerDynamic? I wouldn't know. You really need to hear several pairs for yourself. I'm not suggesting mine are the best (they're not), but they do what I need them to do.

In the case with hd280's, since they fearure passive attenuation, they HAVE to be a little tight. Still, as posted above, the tightness levels down to a comfortable zone not much after you start using them.

Amazon seems to have a sale on Senn's. I saw the 595's for less than $200 and HD280's for around $80  

Yeah, I appreciate that with closed-backs. It's really the arm lengths that cause the problem.

[bhodges]

Has M tried the AKG range? Or BeyerDynamic? I wouldn't know. You really need to hear several pairs for yourself. I'm not suggesting mine are the best (they're not), but they do what I need them to do.

AKG gets very high marks, as does BeyerDynamic.  (And those AKGs above actually look very comfortable, too.)  And Grado, for that matter.  (I don't recall many mentions of that brand.) 

And that is absolutely right, Mark: trying out different models is the best way to audition candidates (and further, using a recording with which you are very familiar) so you can hear how they sound to your own ears. 

--Bruce

[Mark]

Bruce, many people I know who have Grados complain of the very hard couplings. Put me off, right there.

Yes, my AKGs are feather light. And because the couplings are so massive, it's possible to make loads of minute positioning adjustments (according to how you're sitting or lying) to get the transducers pointing nicely into your lug holes.

[Soundproof]

When you say "run in," do you mean break-in?

Mark's right here, the terms are interchangeable -- but you will find that the elements in a headphone settle in with time, maybe 200 hours worth of playing, when you are dealing with high-quality headphones. This is not a general rule, but headphones such as the Grados, AKG, top-end Sennheiser, etc., will sound more balanced after a run-in period. (And some will argue it's only a question of your hearing getting used to them. But when people compare a run-in pair to a one fresh out of the box, there is usually a difference).

Same goes for quite a few loudspeakers. The Dynaudio Focus 140s, for instance, are famous for the need to "burn" them in.

[bhodges]

Bruce, many people I know who have Grados complain of the very hard couplings. Put me off, right there.

Yes, my AKGs are feather light. And because the couplings are so massive, it's possible to make loads of minute positioning adjustments (according to how you're sitting or lying) to get the transducers pointing nicely into your lug holes.

Yeah, IIRC Grado's earpieces used to be made of wood!  I mean, wha--?  I just checked their site and they appear to be slightly better, but they still look a bit robotic, compared to other more ergonomically designed models.

--Bruce

[Mark]

Mark's right here, the terms are interchangeable -- but you will find that the elements in a headphone settle in with time, maybe 200 hours worth of playing, when you are dealing with high-quality headphones. This is not a general rule, but headphones such as the Grados, AKG, top-end Sennheiser, etc., will sound more balanced after a run-in period. (And some will argue it's only a question of your hearing getting used to them. But when people compare a run-in pair to a one fresh out of the box, there is usually a difference).

Same goes for quite a few loudspeakers. The Dynaudio Focus 140s, for instance, are famous for the need to "burn" them in.

I never believed in burn/run-in. Then I experienced it on more than one set of headphones (and at least one set of speakers). Can happen even with sub-£100 cans. I had a £50 pair of AKG K81 DJs, and after five months of daily use, they became appreciably 'warmer' in tone. Not something I wanted for classical (I bought them for their incredible passive ambient noise attenuation when on the go - these babies really keep stuff out ... and in), so I sold them.

[Bonehelm]

I never believed in burn/run-in. Then I experienced it on more than one set of headphones (and at least one set of speakers). Can happen even with sub-£100 cans. I had a £50 pair of AKG K81 DJs, and after five months of daily use, they became appreciably 'warmer' in tone. Not something I wanted for classical (I bought them for their incredible passive ambient noise attenuation when on the go - these babies really keep stuff out ... and in), so I sold them.

Mark, are you saying that the K81DJ's aren't good for classical? Because I was thinking of getting those...K501's are a bit hard to get from where I live and the former is only $50USD here.

[Mark]

Mark, are you saying that the K81DJ's aren't good for classical? Because I was thinking of getting those...K501's are a bit hard to get from where I live and the former is only $50USD here.

Okay, here's the deal on these from someone who's used 'em (extensively).

1) The cord is an annoying length. Too short for home use (for me, anyway), too long for portable ... you don't want 2.5m swinging about your hips (people, keep it clean!)

2) Very well built. You won't be breaking these babies anytime soon.

3) Incredible pressure on the head when first worn. You'll definitely have to bend the steel headband ... but not too far, or you'll lose ...

4) ... the amazing passive ambient noise attenuation I spoke of earlier. They cut out A LOT of sound from around you, and keep in a lot, too.

5) The bass is deep. Nightclub deep. But, the mids are fairly clear, and the highs go almost to the top, then roll off a little. So you won't get listening fatigue. You will, however, experience classical with a sub-woofer in your head.

6) Bass response seems to deepen (get cloudier?) with extensive use. If you like timpani to sound like rolling thunder, get these. If not, don't.