Choice of 3

[Macspur]

I'm in search of some new headphones. I currently have some Grado SR60's which I've only had for a relatively short time and the connection at the jack end is faulty, I only have to touch it and one channel gets knocked out.

I'm recuperating from surgery so it will be a wee while before I can go and demo some cans, but in the meantime I've narrowed it down to a choice of 3:

B&W P7

Grado SR325E

NAD HP50

Any opinions?

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[Al ears]

I'm in search of some new headphones. I currently have some Grado SR60's which I've only had for a relatively short time and the connection at the jack end is faulty, I only have to touch it and one channel gets knocked out.

I'm recuperating from surgery so it will be a wee while before I can go and demo some cans, but in the meantime I've narrowed it down to a choice of 3:

B&W P7

Grado SR325E

NAD HP50

Any opinions?

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

With Grays comments taken into account my advice would be the P7s, although admittedly I haven't heard any of the others on your list.

 

[CnoEvil]

My choice isn't on your list (sorry) - which I haven't heard - and would be Bose QC 25 (which I have heard).

 

[Macspur]

Nowhere near Essex are you Mac?

If so, let me at your headphones I'll repair them.

Just needs a small reduction of the lead then a new jack plug to replace the moulded one.

(Unless you really want new ones of course)

Hey that's a really kind offer G... I'm in Bromley Kent, but must admit I do fancy a new pair too,

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[Macspur]

I'm in search of some new headphones. I currently have some Grado SR60's which I've only had for a relatively short time and the connection at the jack end is faulty, I only have to touch it and one channel gets knocked out.

I'm recuperating from surgery so it will be a wee while before I can go and demo some cans, but in the meantime I've narrowed it down to a choice of 3:

B&W P7

Grado SR325E

NAD HP50

Any opinions?

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

With Grays comments taken into account my advice would be the P7s, although admittedly I haven't heard any of the others on your list.

There's some really good guys on this forum. Yes, from what I've read alone, the P7's appeal the most

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[Macspur]

My choice isn't on your list (sorry) - which I haven't heard - and would be Bose QC 25 (which I have heard).

Thanks Cno, I'll check them out.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10154658502539468]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

 

[Gray]

Nowhere near Essex are you Mac?

If so, let me at your headphones I'll repair them.

Just needs a small reduction of the lead then a new jack plug to replace the molded one.

(Unless you really want new ones of course)

 

[Macspur]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

Budget about £250. Yes, for home use. I'm not a massive headphone user, but the last few I've bought were £80 and below, and they've all developed some fault or other and those 3, from the ones I've read up on, seemed the most likely... I did read about the Grado's not being that comfortable for extensive listening.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[Al ears]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

Perhaps you haven't been on this forum long enough to realise the point is to answer the OPs question not pushing something you think he might be interested in. If he'd wanted IEMs you may have had a point.

 

[Al ears]

My choice isn't on your list (sorry) - which I haven't heard - and would be Bose QC 25 (which I have heard).

Thanks Cno, I'll check them out.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

In my opinion the Bose are good if you need that type of headphone. If you don't there are a lot better for that budget.

 

[CnoEvil]

In my opinion the Bose are good if you need that type of headphone. If you don't there are a lot better for that budget.

I suggested them, simply because I am familiar with the type of sound Mac likes....and imo the Bose give a taste of that. Comfortable to wear, as well as to listen to, for long periods.

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Sweet spot in the Grado SR range is supposed to be the 225's, not as bright as the 325's, I have a pair of 225's so they must be good *biggrin* But my go-to headphone is the Sennheiser HD650, superb headphone and supremely comfortable.... just my 2p's worth.

Gray is a very nice guy indeed *good*

 

[Macspur]

Sweet spot in the Grado SR range is supposed to be the 225's, not as bright as the 325's, I have a pair of 225's so they must be good *biggrin* But my go-to headphone is the Sennheiser HD650, superb headphone and supremely comfortable.... just my 2p's worth.

Gray is a very nice guy indeed *good*

Thanks for your thoughts Doug.

Just had a look at the HD650, a little more than I want to pay, would the Hd600 be good enough?

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[Macspur]

Another couple of headphones have come up on my radar:

Sennheiser HD600

AKG K712

The AKG looks appealing, particularly for the price.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10154658502539468]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

Perhaps you haven't been on this forum long enough to realise the point is to answer the OPs question not pushing something you think he might be interested in. If he'd wanted IEMs you may have had a point.

Lol AI. I didn't mean to rustle your feathers

I wasn't suggesting IEMs to the OP mearly stating my current focus is on them not on cans but think the op would benefit with looking into his choices more and that this forum is not the best for headphones review/advice.

I say that because the headphones he's selected are different types and also have very different sound signatures. It might be best to check out the different types in richer sounds and then narrow down from what types he likes.

And AI I've been reading this forum on and off for nearly ten years, I'm a secret behind the scenes lurker

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10154658502539468]

Alot of people prefer the sound of the hd 600 to the 650. I've only ever listened to the 600 was my first open back I heard and was impressive no fatigue and great soundstage. One of those headphones you could listen with for hours.

Also the akg can be mixed with reviews but meant to be extremely comfortable.

There's like a headphone guru on this forum whose owned everything think he's called dalethorn he's good at down to earth reviews and also not getting caught up in marketing spill and hype if you can search the forum worth checking out his posts.

Also worth noting about the sennishers one of the most loved headphones. So it is easy to get them used plus nearly every part is replaceable so could last you for ages. Just depends if you like their sound

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Thanks for your thoughts Doug.

Just had a look at the HD650, a little more than I want to pay, would the Hd600 be good enough?

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

A guy I work with managed to pick up a new pair of 650's for around £260, it was a waiting game but he was successful in the end. I guess the proof of a good headphone is that the manufacturer doesn't need to cut prices in order to move stock; they've been around the £300+ point for many years but still sell very well.

The HD600's are considered more neutral than the 650's; the 650 has more bass. Being the same design both are supremely comfortable, 4 hour listening sessions are a breeze. Be aware that both models come with a much longer lead than the Grado's.

I am aware that you are blind Mac so Cno's suggestion of the Bose QC's is worthy, no trailing leads, plus they have received rave reviews.

 

[Macspur]

Thanks for your thoughts Doug.

Just had a look at the HD650, a little more than I want to pay, would the Hd600 be good enough?

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

A guy I work with managed to pick up a new pair of 650's for around £260, it was a waiting game but he was successful in the end. I guess the proof of a good headphone is that the manufacturer doesn't need to cut prices in order to move stock; they've been around the £300+ point for many years but still sell very well.

The HD600's are considered more neutral than the 650's; the 650 has more bass. Being the same design both are supremely comfortable, 4 hour listening sessions are a breeze. Be aware that both models come with a much longer lead than the Grado's.

I am aware that you are blind Mac so Cno's suggestion of the Bose QC's is worthy, no trailing leads, plus they have received rave reviews.

Thanks again.

I have had cheaper Sennheisers in the past and it's a sound I do like... long leads are a bit annoying, I thought my Grado's cable was long enough!

As soon as I'm able to venture out to shops, I will go and listen to some.

Thank you all for your thoughts, all advice welcome.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

 

[Al ears]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

Perhaps you haven't been on this forum long enough to realise the point is to answer the OPs question not pushing something you think he might be interested in. If he'd wanted IEMs you may have had a point.

Lol AI. I didn't mean to rustle your feathers

I wasn't suggesting IEMs to the OP mearly stating my current focus is on them not on cans but think the op would benefit with looking into his choices more and that this forum is not the best for headphones review/advice.

I say that because the headphones he's selected are different types and also have very different sound signatures. It might be best to check out the different types in richer sounds and then narrow down from what types he likes.

And AI I've been reading this forum on and off for nearly ten years, I'm a secret behind the scenes lurker

A lurker? Surely not, we don't have those do we? ;-)

I take your point those as I have found my headphones for the house and have recently been going through a heap of IEMs for my travels / work

Just bought a very disappointing pair unfortunately....

 

[insider9]

Another couple of headphones have come up on my radar:

Sennheiser HD600

AKG K712

The AKG looks appealing, particularly for the price.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com

Coincidentally one of the forum member might be selling his K712 rarely used pair to fund other hifi equipment Mint with over a year of warranty left and decent saving on a new pair. Bought from Amazon so definitely genuine.

 

[dalethorn]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

Perhaps you haven't been on this forum long enough to realise the point is to answer the OPs question not pushing something you think he might be interested in. If he'd wanted IEMs you may have had a point.

Lol AI. I didn't mean to rustle your feathers

I wasn't suggesting IEMs to the OP mearly stating my current focus is on them not on cans but think the op would benefit with looking into his choices more and that this forum is not the best for headphones review/advice.

I say that because the headphones he's selected are different types and also have very different sound signatures. It might be best to check out the different types in richer sounds and then narrow down from what types he likes.

And AI I've been reading this forum on and off for nearly ten years, I'm a secret behind the scenes lurker

"....and that this forum is not the best for headphones review/advice"

It could be one of the best forums for advice, if the OP's needs are stated clearly and completely. OTOH, this forum would not be good for a lengthy consultation, as that level of involvement is worth money.

 

[dalethorn]

Alot of people prefer the sound of the hd 600 to the 650. I've only ever listened to the 600 was my first open back I heard and was impressive no fatigue and great soundstage. One of those headphones you could listen with for hours.

Also the akg can be mixed with reviews but meant to be extremely comfortable.

There's like a headphone guru on this forum whose owned everything think he's called dalethorn he's good at down to earth reviews and also not getting caught up in marketing spill and hype if you can search the forum worth checking out his posts.

Also worth noting about the sennishers one of the most loved headphones. So it is easy to get them used plus nearly every part is replaceable so could last you for ages. Just depends if you like their sound

If a person likes the more-or-less neutral sound similar to the HD600, I think they'd be a good candidate for the AKG K712 and the Grado SR325. The trick with Grados that I found is the earpads get better as the price goes up. For example, the PS500 earpads were significantly better than the SR325 earpads. Why don't they use the exact same foam earpads on all of them? My guess is it's practicality, to add value at the higher prices. There are lots of replacement earpads, some by Grado and some not, but some of those can change the sound a lot, so beware of that. My ear pinnae are pretty sensitive to pressure from headphones like the SR325, so I found that I needed time to break them in, but also (important!) be sure to adjust the earpads very slightly a few times after you put them on, as your ear parts settle into the pads. For me, with a headphone like the SR325, I have to adjust the pads until I get to the point where I'm pretty much not aware of them -at least for awhile, because that awareness is an awareness of discomfort.

The treble of the SR325 could be more harsh than the HD600, but conversely, many users have complained about the slight 'haze' in the HD600's sound. The SR325 and some other Grados usually have excess output around 2 khz, which might bother a few people, but the Sennheisers typically have a large impedance spike in the bass, which requires more power than some headphone amps provide, to get clean bass.

 

[Al ears]

What's your reason for narrowing your choices down to those three? Are these just for home use and what's your budget?

Personally I think the P7's are overated and overpriced headphones I only ever see excitement over them in this forum.

NADs are fun grado's are cool and great but yer uncomfortable.

Have you thought about used sennisher's hd 600, 650 and 6xx and the new beyerdynamic DT 1990?

I've been manly looking into iems recently so there's probably loads more headphones worth checking out that I don't know about but I would recommend to keep reading up on them. This forum is not a great resource for headphones it's more hifi based. the headphone community is probably one of the biggest "audiophile" communitys around would recommend looking into other forums for advice

Perhaps you haven't been on this forum long enough to realise the point is to answer the OPs question not pushing something you think he might be interested in. If he'd wanted IEMs you may have had a point.

Lol AI. I didn't mean to rustle your feathers

I wasn't suggesting IEMs to the OP mearly stating my current focus is on them not on cans but think the op would benefit with looking into his choices more and that this forum is not the best for headphones review/advice.

I say that because the headphones he's selected are different types and also have very different sound signatures. It might be best to check out the different types in richer sounds and then narrow down from what types he likes.

And AI I've been reading this forum on and off for nearly ten years, I'm a secret behind the scenes lurker

"....and that this forum is not the best for headphones review/advice"

It could be one of the best forums for advice, if the OP's needs are stated clearly and completely. OTOH, this forum would not be good for a lengthy consultation, as that level of involvement is worth money.

+1

 

[Macspur]

Looks like its going to be the Sennheiser HD650... found a decent deal online.

I'm not allowed to have them yet though as they're for Christmas.

Mac

www.realmusicnet.wordpress.com