Beyerdynamic T51i - any views?

[Paulq]

I have a couple of sets of portables in Marshall Monitors and B&W P5s2, both of which have their merits but neither of which absolutely hit the spot with the music I listen to (mainly rock).

I really fancy the T51i - anyone any experience with them?

 

[JoelSim]

They're very good headphones for rock. Good, deep but tight bass, excellent on instruments and voices, not harsh in the slightest so will help on some of the more grungy tracks.

 

[Paulq]

Thanks. How do they compare to the P5 s2's?

 

[dalethorn]

This is my EQ curve on the T51 (same as measurement upside down). There's a fairly large 5 khz peak that's masked by the overall recess above and below. It's a very controversial headphone because of the weird sound (see headfonia's review and user comments). The P5s2 (same as P5) is also irregular, but not as bad. Both have extremely thin cables but the P5s2 at least is single-entry and comes with a spare.

http://dalethorn.com/Photos/Audioforge/Beyer_T51p.jpg

 

[KT66]

the DT1350 sounds better, more natural, no bass boost like the T51, which is comfier.

 

[dalethorn]

the DT1350 sounds better, more natural, no bass boost like the T51, which is comfier.

The DT1350 gets even better when you put T51 earpads on it.

 

[KT66]

I think the stock pads are fine, I certainly don't need more bass,.why add colouration?, what I love about the DT1350 is that it is one of the very few on ear portable that doesn't have boomy bass. Vmoda M80, XS, Amperior, Momentum and ATH-ES10 all add artificial bass to my ears.

 

[dalethorn]

I think the stock pads are fine, I certainly don't need more bass,.why add colouration?, what I love about the DT1350 is that it is one of the very few on ear portable that doesn't have boomy bass. Vmoda M80, XS, Amperior, Momentum and ATH-ES10 all add artificial bass to my ears.

There would be no point in me arguing against anyone as to their sound and comfort preferences, but for prospective new customers, I think they will appreciate knowing what the possibilities are.

I bought my first DT1350 in Feb 2011 and sent it to Innerfidelity for testing. He liked it. I eventually gave it away. I bought the second 1350 in 2013, hearing that it was improved - it had a lighter clamp, and less bass. Gave that away too. Then I heard about the Facelift earpads and bought 2 more 1350's - one with and without, and found that there was no essential difference.

But this last time I knew about the T51 series, and so upgraded the pads on one of the DT1350s and made a youtube video showing the details and closeups of the earpads, and the different way they grip the outer ears. Many people have responded saying how helpful that was.

Given how colored most Beyer headphones are with their stock earpads, many users around the world have filled forums with their experiences in substituting those pads - some good and some not so good. Whatever the case, less colored for me or more colored for someone else, at least a potential customer can know that the T51 earpads are much softer and more comfortable, besides improving the default sound.