pinkfloyd4ever
500+ Head-Fier
Hi all. Looking for a new (to me) set of closed cans approximately in the $150-250 range (I could MAYBE stretch to $300 if there’s one that’s much better than the other options at $150-250). I’m very open to used cans, and really prefer the increased bang for the buck of buying gently used audio gear.
Right now I have the Beyer DT770 Pro 80, and they’re great but I’m just looking to try something new, and hopefully a little better. I tried the Meze 99 Noir, and unfortunately I don’t think they’re for me. They’re just a bit too bass heavy for my taste. I’m not a bass head at all, and when I listen to tracks with a healthy dose of bass, the overstated bass of the Noirs quickly make my ears hurt and I have to stop listening or switch back to the DT770. Yes, I unfortunately get listening fatigue from moderately strong levels of bass in addition to overly sharp treble.
What I like about my current cans:
I love how comfortable the DT770 is. I once had the ATH-M50X and I couldn’t stand to wear them for more than like 15 minutes due to the strong clamping force on my earlobes. So in other words, I’m looking for a very comfortable pair of over-ears.
Another thing I love about the DT770 is how I can listen for hours without fatigue. No matter the genre, I never find my ears hurting or wanting to turn it down because the DT770 is really without any offensive tonal characteristics. I also actually like that their isolation is fairly low for a closed can, as it allows me to hear when others are trying to talk to me.
Now to the bad of the Beyers (in my mind): The DT770/80 is kind of recessed in the midrange and I’d like something that has a more present midrange. I’d like a little more detail too. Something that’s good with vocals, especially female vocals. But really I’m looking for a great all-arounder. Something non-fatiguing that also really makes you want to just keep playing the next song. A little better soundstage would be nice if possible too, but I know that may hard to come by in a closed back at this price point. Oh, these will be used strictly for a wide variety of music. Lots of rock of all flavors from classic to metal to grunge to indie, electro-pop, ambient, electronic, female vocals. Some rap, hip hop, and EDM occasionally some classical or old-school country. No gaming, TV, or movies.
So after some research I’m considering these headphones:
Shure SRH1540 (if I can find a used pair for close to $250, might be difficult)
Oppo PM-3 (again, with the same caveat as above). Slightly concerned about comfort, as I’ve read they’re small for an over-ear, almost closer to a large on-ear depending on your ears. My ears aren’t all that big though.
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7B
One of the AKG K550 / K553 series (but which one? There are so many different iterations)
EDIT: The K371 is also on my radar now too.
Any others I should consider?
Who’s heard more than 1 of the above cans as well as the DT770 Pro/80 and can give me some comparisons and/or suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
Right now I have the Beyer DT770 Pro 80, and they’re great but I’m just looking to try something new, and hopefully a little better. I tried the Meze 99 Noir, and unfortunately I don’t think they’re for me. They’re just a bit too bass heavy for my taste. I’m not a bass head at all, and when I listen to tracks with a healthy dose of bass, the overstated bass of the Noirs quickly make my ears hurt and I have to stop listening or switch back to the DT770. Yes, I unfortunately get listening fatigue from moderately strong levels of bass in addition to overly sharp treble.
What I like about my current cans:
I love how comfortable the DT770 is. I once had the ATH-M50X and I couldn’t stand to wear them for more than like 15 minutes due to the strong clamping force on my earlobes. So in other words, I’m looking for a very comfortable pair of over-ears.
Another thing I love about the DT770 is how I can listen for hours without fatigue. No matter the genre, I never find my ears hurting or wanting to turn it down because the DT770 is really without any offensive tonal characteristics. I also actually like that their isolation is fairly low for a closed can, as it allows me to hear when others are trying to talk to me.
Now to the bad of the Beyers (in my mind): The DT770/80 is kind of recessed in the midrange and I’d like something that has a more present midrange. I’d like a little more detail too. Something that’s good with vocals, especially female vocals. But really I’m looking for a great all-arounder. Something non-fatiguing that also really makes you want to just keep playing the next song. A little better soundstage would be nice if possible too, but I know that may hard to come by in a closed back at this price point. Oh, these will be used strictly for a wide variety of music. Lots of rock of all flavors from classic to metal to grunge to indie, electro-pop, ambient, electronic, female vocals. Some rap, hip hop, and EDM occasionally some classical or old-school country. No gaming, TV, or movies.
So after some research I’m considering these headphones:
Shure SRH1540 (if I can find a used pair for close to $250, might be difficult)
Oppo PM-3 (again, with the same caveat as above). Slightly concerned about comfort, as I’ve read they’re small for an over-ear, almost closer to a large on-ear depending on your ears. My ears aren’t all that big though.
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7B
One of the AKG K550 / K553 series (but which one? There are so many different iterations)
EDIT: The K371 is also on my radar now too.
Any others I should consider?
Who’s heard more than 1 of the above cans as well as the DT770 Pro/80 and can give me some comparisons and/or suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
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