Our top picks (help me buy headphones!)

[Benno1988]

I haven't heard the MS1's sorry. The AD900's are detail monsters. Very wide soundstage and airy feel to them. Not a lot of bass, its there and its well detailed, just isn't very prominant. The D1 is quite cheap, but certainly holds its own against a lot of others. Great little DAC for the price IMO.

Keep in mind the AD900's are HUGE. Very big headphone.

[theeyealtering]

The AD900 and MS1 are really very different so it's difficult to compare....

As people have said the AD900 are quite light, almost thin, sounding. They tend to emphasise the sparkly tops of the highs (sibilance, cymbals, etc). Bass is punchy and clear but not prominent. Wide soundstage - good with movies, games, etc. Ridiculously comfy.

The MS1 has more prominent, but less punchy/clear bass (compared to AD900, its still pretty good). Treble is somewhat forward, but not the same treble as the AD900 (difficult to describe). Think more screaming guitars than crashing cymbals. Overall fuller and rougher sound than the AD900. Narrow, almost 2D soundstage - not ideal for movies, games, etc. Comfort is OK.

They'll both work well from basically anything, though shitty sources and low quality recordings will be more obvious with the AD900.

I haven't used the D1, but I've tried the Fiio E7 with both the MS1 and AD900 with good results, so the D1 is probably fine.

[Manni]

Hmm...could someone give me their opinion on differences between the AKG Q701 vs. the Beyerdynamic DT880? To me, they do sound similar to me. That being said, I've haven't tested them for long and will be doing so in the future. Certainly, I find the Beyers a tiny bit more comfortable.

[Drubbing]

The Beyer has mids. And bass. Not fully sik or subwoofa, but compared to the 701, it might as well be.

[Manni]

...I really should have swallowed before reading that. Now, my desk is wet.

[Marcus]

Yeah less artificial/stretched soundstage from the 880 vs the 701, more solid bass response in the 880 too.

[globeman]

Does it matter what Source i pair with whatever headphones i buy ?

Do I need to buy and amp ?

[Benno1988]

1. No. But the better the source the better the sound (to a point).
2. Maybe. What headphones are you thinking of plugging into what?

[Drubbing]

Does it matter what Source i pair with whatever headphones i buy ?

Do I need to buy and amp ?

Depends. If you buy phone suitable for portable players, they'll play fine on those and PCs too.

If you buy good phones, they need a better sources to get your moneys worth. Some phones need amping, but not any designed for potable use.

[globeman]

While not an especially bassy headphone, the TMA-1 suits dance/trance/electronica/hiphop very well and their smooth treble means you can listen for long periods without listening fatigue

Just using these AiAis as an example. What headphones other than the above fit this description..

[Drubbing]

While not an especially bassy headphone, the TMA-1 suits dance/trance/electronica/hiphop very well and their smooth treble means you can listen for long periods without listening fatigue

Just using these AiAis as an example. What headphones other than the above fit this description..

Beyer DT250.

[spud]

Time to make good on the new headphones plan. Original post on the 1st or 2nd page, will briefly recap here.

I have AD900s and totally love them. I have DJ1s - they are a tad too small to be worn comfortably for long periods (crunch my cartilage). I have DT770s and like them well enough, just a bit bass heavy is all.

Looking for a set of open circumaural phones exclusively for music listening - metal and post-rock for the most part. Must have some weight in the bottom end without sounding muffled - tight bass with impact but not overpowering, and do not wish to be fatigued by harsh highs. If you know them, consider bands like Isis to be what I'll be measuring my impressedness of the hardware by

I was considering the K540 earlier, and they are still an option for sure.
Also looking very closely at the K242HDs as the product description sounds very close to what I'm after. This is currently my favoured choice.
MS-Pro is also an obvious consideration. If someone wants to guarantee they'll fit comfortably over my ears they will become strong contenders, but they look small in all the photos I've seen.
I will consider Beyer models but since I have the 770s I figure I should go with something different.

Also planning on grabbing an amp as well. I guess it's a toss up between the M-Stage and the Corda Classic? Sources will be a Cambridge 640C and a Rega Turntable. I'm hoping the 770s will get a little boost from the amp as well.

Hopefully that's enough info for some ripping recommendations, I am open to all suggestions with those from left field being most welcome.

[Benno1988]

Someone will recommend the DT250.....just wait...

[Drubbing]

Most of the phones you listed would be make an amp an expensive waste of time. Given your sources you may need one to connect, but the DT250 and portable amp would be a perhaps be a better spend of money - better phones with low power needs. They're closed but that's not really a biggie imo.

[spud]

OK, so an amp is not necessary. In this case the amp will be a Cambridge 540R - will that be enough to drive both the DT250 and 242HDto their full potential? If the answer is yes I will probably get both sets since I don't have to buy an amp.