I'm getting some phones for my computer (music... no gaming). I could use some help. My headphone knowledge dates back a few years. Going back to the 70's and 80's, Koss, Pioneer and Sennheiser were the only quality phones available. So, I'm basically starting from scratch. At first, I was looking for 2 different sets... one for the computer and one for my sound system. I got two sets for the sound system. After some side-by-side comparison, I ended up returning the HIFIMan, in favor of the Sennheiser 650s. After a couple months of light research, I have it narrowed down to 6 different sets. Grado SR80X, Grado 125X, Fidelio X2HR, AKG K 701, Sivga SV021 and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro. I realize that's quite a few to choose from, but it's a much smaller number than I started with. If anyone has other suggestions, please feel free to let me know. Thanks
Headphone suggestions
- Thread starter VTXRick
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This is always a tough question because it comes down to not only perceived sound quality, but also how hard are the 'phones to drive and what amp will you use, and perhaps most often overlooked/importantly, how comfortable are they to wear on your particular head?
That last bit really is important if the listing sessions are going to be anything but short. I've always liked the combination of sound quality and fit/comfort afforded by the Beyerdynamic headphones, and they do offer the DT770 in various impedances that can best match to a particular amp's drive capability. Second best fit and comfort (for my head) was Sennheiser, with AKG, and Grado bringing up the rear there though not uncomfortable per se, just not as super comfy as the Beyers and Senns were.
Unfortunately the days of trying this kind of thing on in-person have largely passed, and many dealers didn't ever allow it in the first place due to hygiene concerns, and I can't say I blame them.
I recommend to stick with low impedance and sensitive headphones. I suggest buying used as yesterdays models sound better than the new ones and are cheaper, and this is consistent for pretty much every major headphone manufacturer.
If you want to try Grado I suggest buying the original SR80 or SR125 (no e, i or x variant) off ebay for <$100. Koss are very good but less comfortable for long wear as they put pressure on the ear: PortaPro, KSC75, KTXPRO1. If you can find an older sealed in the box pair that was sold at Radioshack it will sound better than the new ones.
Sennheiser I like the HD555 and HD595 for computer use, they are common on the 2nd hand market. The HD650 needs its own amplifier or it sounds muddy.
Some lesser known headphones that are also superb but harder to find: Sony MA900, JVC HA-D990, Philips Fidelio L2.
I have owned a lot of AKG and Beyer and recommend neither for listening pleasure.
If you want to try Grado I suggest buying the original SR80 or SR125 (no e, i or x variant) off ebay for <$100. Koss are very good but less comfortable for long wear as they put pressure on the ear: PortaPro, KSC75, KTXPRO1. If you can find an older sealed in the box pair that was sold at Radioshack it will sound better than the new ones.
Sennheiser I like the HD555 and HD595 for computer use, they are common on the 2nd hand market. The HD650 needs its own amplifier or it sounds muddy.
Some lesser known headphones that are also superb but harder to find: Sony MA900, JVC HA-D990, Philips Fidelio L2.
I have owned a lot of AKG and Beyer and recommend neither for listening pleasure.
I've been using the Grado 60x with a JDS Labs Atom/Topping D30 dac for desktop set up. It's more than adequate for what it is. I don't listen for hours but, I like the lite weight of the Grados.
I've had the HD650/BH Crack at one time. Should have kept them.
I've had the HD650/BH Crack at one time. Should have kept them.
I have owned, or own Grado SR60/80/125/225/RS2/RS1, the Fidelio X2HR, the AKG K 701/K702/Q701/K712, and am familiar with the Beyerdynamic DT770s. I don’t know much about the Sivga SV021.
The Grados are FUN. A really enjoyable listen, easy to drive. Some may find them uncomfortable, and the build is pretty retro. I’d say go right to the 125, or used 225, RS2 or RS1 if you can swing it.
The AKGs are not a difficult impedance but this is deceiving- they don’t really perform unless you’re using a healthy headphone amplifier. This is required to get them to show their capabilities. That said, if you drive them properly, you’ll be in for a treat- a pretty neutral sound and n exceptional soundstage. Very comfortable. Don’t rule out the K702 and K712, or used Q701s.
The Fidelio X2HR- excellent bass performance, especially considering they are an open design. Easy to drive, like the Grados. Good detail. All around solid performer. A bit heavy to wear for long periods in my experience, and sometimes the build quality/quality control can vary, and despite the solid feeling build, I do worry about their ability to take any wear/tear/abuse. Ear pads are lint magnets.
The Beyerdynamics- these are closed or semi-closed back, so if you’re trying to listen to music with folk around, these will isolate you from outside music, isolate your music from others, the best of your choices here. All the others are considered open backed and let sound leak in and out- but open backed cans are, well, more “open” sounding, offering on average a better soundstage and listening experience. Closed back will however be the choice for noisy environments.
What did I end up keeping myself? I do have some vintage Sextett AKG K240s (very demanding to drive), but for ones you listed, I kept the Grado RS1i or e (can’t recall), and the AKG Q701 and K712. Nothing within the price range of these has been able to replace them- I adore them.
The Grados are FUN. A really enjoyable listen, easy to drive. Some may find them uncomfortable, and the build is pretty retro. I’d say go right to the 125, or used 225, RS2 or RS1 if you can swing it.
The AKGs are not a difficult impedance but this is deceiving- they don’t really perform unless you’re using a healthy headphone amplifier. This is required to get them to show their capabilities. That said, if you drive them properly, you’ll be in for a treat- a pretty neutral sound and n exceptional soundstage. Very comfortable. Don’t rule out the K702 and K712, or used Q701s.
The Fidelio X2HR- excellent bass performance, especially considering they are an open design. Easy to drive, like the Grados. Good detail. All around solid performer. A bit heavy to wear for long periods in my experience, and sometimes the build quality/quality control can vary, and despite the solid feeling build, I do worry about their ability to take any wear/tear/abuse. Ear pads are lint magnets.
The Beyerdynamics- these are closed or semi-closed back, so if you’re trying to listen to music with folk around, these will isolate you from outside music, isolate your music from others, the best of your choices here. All the others are considered open backed and let sound leak in and out- but open backed cans are, well, more “open” sounding, offering on average a better soundstage and listening experience. Closed back will however be the choice for noisy environments.
What did I end up keeping myself? I do have some vintage Sextett AKG K240s (very demanding to drive), but for ones you listed, I kept the Grado RS1i or e (can’t recall), and the AKG Q701 and K712. Nothing within the price range of these has been able to replace them- I adore them.
Great breakdown, Deli. Currently, I'm leaning towards the Grado SR80x or the Fidelio. But, that may change by tomorrow.
I will lend my support to Grado's as well. I have had SR60, SR80, SR125, SR325, and GH1. The SR80s are really a sweet spot. Light, easy to wear, fun to listen to. I love my GH1s, but they are very revealing. I think the SRxx series are a little more forgiving! PM me and I will send you a link to a retired dealer for NOS of the originals.
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I have an HD-6XX as well, and with my low end phone I didn't think it matched well, but works really well with my integrated amp. I do enjoy those. I've read they like some power, and wish I had spare funds when @Opa1 was selling his Bottlehead Crack. That was a nice tidy build.
My traveller headphones (or whenever I want to use my laptop or cell phone as source) are now the current Grado SR-125x. They're easier to drive and work well. Using them as I type right now, listening to "Caracas" on Lou Donaldson's album "Good Gracious".
Those are very good sounding headphones but with a nominal impedance of 300 ohm they really need an amplifier to perform at their full potential.
The similar HD600 and HD650 (both also 300ohm) are also a demanding headphone and yes, amplification like the Bottlehead Crack are a match made in Heaven for all of them. Truly a classic design- the HD600 introduced in 1997 (!!!) and still a contender to this day. What a legacy!
I have the AKG K240 Sextetts (special model) which are a 600ohm load. Great headphone but only if fed well.
I mentioned before the AKG K701/Q701/K702/K712 series. An anomaly- while they are a relatively benign 64ohm load, they too, like some power- they can sound pretty dull and lifeless otherwise. I believe they are a bit low on efficiency.
The Grados, like many 32ohm loads, are pretty easy to get performance out of. They’ll sing off of an old Walkman, a cell phone, out of a laptop. Of course adding an amp doesn’t hurt- more power will pull out more performance- but they work well without one.
I want to thank everyone for their input. It's been a great learning experience for me. So far, I'm enjoying my Sennheiser 650 straight out of my receiver. They sound fine without an amp. Though, I may add one, later. My new Grado SR225x should be here, tomorrow. But, I have the feeling that I'm not done. I can see more headphones in my future.🎧🎧
I'm not really a headphone guy but of the many I've listed to, I settled on the following two:
AKG 600 ohm K240s - these sound pretty much like my speakers sound. I A/B them against my speakers all the time and the sound is very true, not colored. Use them exclusively with my Fisher KX100 (23 wpc)
Sony MDR-V6 (made in Japan versions) - these are my go to for everything else. A pretty safe headset and well regarded. Nice balanced sound whether I'm doing digital music or LPs. I know some folks use them for mixing.
Again, not a big head phones guy but these are all I have and use.
AKG 600 ohm K240s - these sound pretty much like my speakers sound. I A/B them against my speakers all the time and the sound is very true, not colored. Use them exclusively with my Fisher KX100 (23 wpc)
Sony MDR-V6 (made in Japan versions) - these are my go to for everything else. A pretty safe headset and well regarded. Nice balanced sound whether I'm doing digital music or LPs. I know some folks use them for mixing.
Again, not a big head phones guy but these are all I have and use.
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