[Sandwich]

Hi I'm new! I've been lurking for a while through google.

So I just re-ripped a bunch of stuff in FLAC and I've been listening through my modded PortaPros. It's pretty good but its not great for long sessions (sweaty and uncomfy after a while). I'm also pretty sure its very colored plus the cord is too short. I just want to get the most out the FLAC files as I can afford. I'm also interested in returning my portapros to stock.
I'm thinking about getting into mixing with my friend and I tend to do a lot of critiquing for people.

I'm looking for something that is (in order):
-Comfortable for long sessons
-<$200. Preferably <$150 street, bang for buck
-Similar to PortaPro sound signature, but closer to flat freq response and wider if possible
-Good soundstage for movies and games
-Plan to use it for a long time and changeable earpads
-Open and circumaural
-No eBay if possible
-Funky looking, why i want to return my portapros to stock

What I have now:
-Old School diaphragm PortaPros (naked and shoved into a fullsize Koss TD-61 enclosure which has been reupholstered; gives a bit of a seal and comfort, tames the bass a bit and brings up the high freqs. no kramer mod)
-Senn HD205 for airflight mostly
-Koss KSC-75
-Senn PXC-250 modded with coil cable. I don't use it that much

Sources of intended use:
-Computer with Creative Audigy 2 ZS Platinum with latest Dan_K drivers, hoping to upgrade to a Auzentech Forte
-Hitachi HTA-4000 stereo amp from the 70s or 80s i have to ask my dad.
-foobar2000
-FLAC only collection of Trance, Electronica, Metal, Classic Rock, 80s Pop, with occassional hiphop and dubstep. I plan it expand to encompass most genres.

What I've researched so far:
-ATH-AD700
-Sennheiser HD555, HD595
-M-Audio Q40
-ATH-M50
and a couple more things but nothing too extensive

 

[nyjets28]

i use hd580's and have no problem with wearing them for long periods of time. they are very comfortable plus have excellent sq. you can find a pair of used 580's under $200 easy. being able to wear hp's for long periods of time was the same problem i had in the past until i discovered these hd580's. hope that helps.

 

[Maxvla]

Sounds to me like you don't like heavy bass. I would try the AD700 first. They are pretty comfy but if the fit is wrong you can try the HD555. They will sound similar and have a different fit.

AD700 isn't bass light, but it's not it's strong suit. Soundstage and imaging are great plus they don't need an amp. The HD580s nyjets28 suggest almost require an amp to sound their best further adding to your budget.

 

[Acix]

You can try to get some K-271MKll used for around $100.

 

[Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxvla /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds to me like you don't like heavy bass. I would try the AD700 first. They are pretty comfy but if the fit is wrong you can try the HD555. They will sound similar and have a different fit. AD700 isn't bass light, but it's not it's strong suit. Soundstage and imaging are great plus they don't need an amp. The HD580s nyjets28 suggest almost require an amp to sound their best further adding to your budget.

What is the difference between the AD700 and the AKG K271 mkII Acix reccommended? I havent seen much info about the K271, though I am intrigued by the removable connector.
Also, the frequency graph for the AD700 says it has little to no bass.
Also, what is a good place/webstore to buy cans (ie good return policy)?

 

[weibby]

M50s and Q40s are closed?

 

[Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by weibby /img/forum/go_quote.gif M50s and Q40s are closed?

Yeah they are :/
Is there an open version of the AKG K271?

EDIT: Found the 240 MkII, its about $120 street, how is it compared to the 271? I read a little bit on the forums that its muddier. Would a brand new K271 be worth about $150 (i really want everything in the package, pad ans coils)?

How would the K271 compare to the HD555 or AD700 which are a lot cheaper.

 

[Acix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandwich /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah they are :/ Is there an open version of the AKG K271? EDIT: Found the 240 MkII, its about $120 street, how is it compared to the 271? I read a little bit on the forums that its muddier. Would a brand new K271 be worth about $150 (i really want everything in the package, pad ans coils)? How would the K271 compare to the HD555 or AD700 which are a lot cheaper.

The K-240MKll are great deal for $120.

 

[Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acix /img/forum/go_quote.gif The K-240MKll are great deal for $120.

So I went to headroom and set up this graph

What does this mean?

Is it worth the $30-40 over an HD555 or AD700? Everything i've found about the K240 say the bass is muddy. Is it worth $40 more (over the 240) to get the 271?

 

[cwoo]

hd595 for comfort. hd580 if you can swing it... as mentioned above, they can be found fairly cheap (two are for sale right now for $125) but you will need to buy an amp for them. I am currently selling the hd595 if you are interested. Selling them for $160 shipped but I am negotiable.

 

[Acix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandwich /img/forum/go_quote.gif So I went to headroom and set up this graph What does this mean? Is it worth the $30-40 over an HD555 or AD700? Everything i've found about the K240 say the bass is muddy. Is it worth $40 more (over the 240) to get the 271?

There is a different between the vintage K-240 at 600ohm, and K-240MKll a 55ohm. The MKll have the newer driver, here more info: K 240 MK II - Specifications

 

[Sandwich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acix /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is a different between the vintage K-240 at 600ohm, and K-240MKll a 55ohm. The MKll have the newer driver, here more info: K 240 MK II - Specifications

Is it safe to say that the new 240s are not muddy?

 

[Acix]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandwich /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is it safe to say that the new 240s are not muddy?

The model K240M, M_ from monitor will be a better choice, and they will be a little muddy and if you not use a good amp to drive them.

 

[Sandwich]

apart from the AKG K240, are there any other reccomendations that fall into my criteria? And I'm not really looking for used, since that would broaden the criteria up too much. maybe try keeping it under $150 so i can compared it against the K420

 

[Maxvla]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandwich /img/forum/go_quote.gif So I went to headroom and set up this graph What does this mean? Is it worth the $30-40 over an HD555 or AD700? Everything i've found about the K240 say the bass is muddy. Is it worth $40 more (over the 240) to get the 271?

You had the A700 selected which is the closed headphone. The AD700 shows lower still, however the curve is far superior and when the volume is set where it is comfortable for you the bass will be fine.

According to your graph I would be very hesitant on the K240 with that monstrous bass hump. HD555 and K271 will have a bit more bass, but that's not necessarily better. The K271 graph is a bit wonky and has a pretty high bump at 8.5khz.