Can you recommend me some headphones?

imma wrote: Hi, I dont know anything about audio, I've always listened to music in low quality speakers/headphones, but now I think its time to finally get something great.I think I can spend 130 U$D but not more than that.I listen to Rock/Prog & Metal mostly, then Jazz & Classical.Thank You! And sorry for my bad english.

imma wrote: Hi, I dont know anything about audio, I've always listened to music in low quality speakers/headphones, but now I think its time to finally get something great.I think I can spend 130 U$D but not more than that.I listen to Rock/Prog & Metal mostly, then Jazz & Classical.Thank You! And sorry for my bad english.

Hi there. I'd be happy to help you and I understand that the world of audio, especially headphones can be quite daunting because there are so many brands/manufactures to choose from.
Lets see how we can simplify this. I will need to know just a few things from you.

1) what kind of headphone do you prefer (closed back, on-ear, over ear, noise isolation or noise cancelation?) these options pertain to comfort (style) and sound leakage meaning If your listening to your music do you want others to hear it as well or not, and would you like to completely block out outside noises?

2) How do you mostly listen to music (at home or travel(street) ?

3) sound preferences? Now this is where the fun comes in. Many headphones have unique and interesting sound characteristics. Some offer more bottom end (bass) some offer a more weighty treble and some offer a more upfront vocal experience. Most of all its all about sound dynamics. You obviously love Prog, so I would probably recommend a headphone that carries a very neutral sound meaning the lows, mids and highs are all with in a reasonable balance between one another, meaning treble or bass or vocals really won't overpower one another.

4) please give me your sources you have or may be interested in the future.

5) PRICE!!! Is $130 USD the highest you can or are willing to go?

Anyhow. I'm glad to hear that you are finally gonna kill those sh*tty speakers through crappy sources.
You'll be amazed how unbelievably incredible a headphone listening experience can be and sound. Technology today is so superior. Buying quality headphones is one of the first steps you can take towards really bringing the life out of your music.

Darious wrote: progbethyname wrote: I'd be happy to help you I would be interested in your suggestions, despite not being the creator of this topic. What would you recommend for listening to some mighty symphonic progressive rock pieces through headphones? Powerful bass tones would be appreciated in the bid to enhance some scary moments of the given works, but not at the expense of the clarity of high tones. I currently use Marantz CD6005 with either the awsome AKG K-550 connected directly or through the Marantz PM6005. Quite modest set up, I agree, but I'm being absolutely happy with it in terms of its abilities and qualities. Despite this, I would still be interested in your opinion and suggestions.

Darious wrote: progbethyname wrote: I'd be happy to help you I would be interested in your suggestions, despite not being the creator of this topic. What would you recommend for listening to some mighty symphonic progressive rock pieces through headphones? Powerful bass tones would be appreciated in the bid to enhance some scary moments of the given works, but not at the expense of the clarity of high tones. I currently use Marantz CD6005 with either the awsome AKG K-550 connected directly or through the Marantz PM6005. Quite modest set up, I agree, but I'm being absolutely happy with it in terms of its abilities and qualities. Despite this, I would still be interested in your opinion and suggestions.

Darious wrote: progbethyname wrote: I'd be happy to help you I would be interested in your suggestions, despite not being the creator of this topic. What would you recommend for listening to some mighty symphonic progressive rock pieces through headphones? Powerful bass tones would be appreciated in the bid to enhance some scary moments of the given works, but not at the expense of the clarity of high tones. I currently use Marantz CD6005 with either the awsome AKG K-550 connected directly or through the Marantz PM6005. Quite modest set up, I agree, but I'm being absolutely happy with it in terms of its abilities and qualities. Despite this, I would still be interested in your opinion and suggestions.

That Marantz PM6005 is a very good for the $$. If I am not mistaken it does have a built in DAC?
Anyway, the Marantz is the closest part of your system to being in HIFI territory. The CD player portion of the unit is excellent and you really don't have to spend much more to get a better one at because the laser on that player is fairly large and can pick up all the data that is stored on CDs with ease and accuracy.
However, with all of your sources you are setting comfortably in MID-FI territory.
Those AKG's are again, great for the money and quite large I might add. Very beefy can, which I think is cool. ;)
I know the 551's have been reconstructed a bit (cable wise) for street use.
Anyway, the K550's have a 350-400$ price tag but paired with the right sources (amp, interconnects and DACS) they can sound like they are worth a lot more than that. They are neutral sounding, which is why I understand you feel like you want more bass.
Ok. Here are some suggestions based on upgrading the AKG K550 and given your sources.

Sennheiser HD650 ( bass is tight, but the dynamics are huge on this headphone. Very nice can. ;)

B&W P7 ( these are in the same class as your K550's, but carry a more accurate sound with a stronger bass notation. Great for travel as well. Around the same price point. ;)

Grado 325i's --for the cash. Wow. Very open realistic open backed headphones. These are not for the street!

Bang & Olfsen H6--very very bassy and carry a rich, heavy sound. Upper tier headphone.

V-Mota X'S-- these are V-Mota's flagship right now and use 50mm drivers in them. Biggest in its class and great for travel too. Also, if you want bass you'll get it. These cans have a fair price point.

Sony MDR Z-7--- these are brand new on the market! Sony uses 70mm drivers!! Most of any headphone in the world. Your bass will be bad ass on these cans. Also its a headphone that Has a built in DAC!
Downside. May be out of your price range. Around 699$ pls tax.

Those cans I listed above will give you some difference to what you have already.
May I say that I would keep the AKG's for travel and invest in a HIFI can for the home.
Lastly some of those headphones require quality amplification, so you may have to upgrade your sources for power. ;)

All in all. You are getting some of the picture with what you have, and upgrading will cost you a bit more to do it really right!!

Happy listening.

Tom Ozric wrote: Sagichim wrote: <span style="line-height: 14.3999996185303px;">I don't think it's still relevant recommending speakers to this guy in such an old thread, especially if he hasn't logged in in 2 years.</span> Great observation, Sagi.   How dumb are we who replied

Believe I'm the dumbest. Ah well.

Darious wrote: progbethyname wrote: That Marantz PM6005 is a very good for the $$. If I am not mistaken it does have a built in DAC? Thanks, I really appreciate your great advise. Yep, PM6005 has already got a built-in, wonderful <span style="line-height: normal;">Cirrus Logic 24 bit/192 kHz DAC. What a joy.</span> <span style="line-height: normal;"></span> <span style="line-height: normal;">I wouldn't need headphones with built-in DAC, as I won't listen to my music on streets. So all them street-wise headphones would also be out of my radar. Sony forked out then.</span> <span style="line-height: normal;">Bowers & Wilkins P7 are great, but my preference goes towards totally-over-an-ear solutions rather than just on-ear.</span> <span style="line-height: normal;"></span> <span style="line-height: normal;">But those Grados look absolutely fantastic! I was considering Grados before AKG. Grado SR325e has just won What Hi*Fi Sound and Vision contest "The biggest, best headphones". On par with AKG Q 701, they bettered Audio Technica, Beyerdynamic, B&W, Focal Spirit and Pioneer offerings. Only disappointment is rather short (at 1.5m) cable. And I, again, look towards those AKGs. What would be your opinion on the said AKG Q701?</span>

Hey man. I think if you want to stay in the AKG family and since you already have the K550's, I'd really skip the 701's and go for the K812's. for a couple of hundred dollars you will get massive sonic improvements. The 812's are riding as AKG's flagship right now. They are wonderful and paired with your sources pm 6005 you'll notice a huge difference. ;)
However, if you want to go a less expensive route I'd look at those grado models From their 600 series down.
The cabling on those grado headphones is exceptional. They are even hard wired in cause they are such a professional product. Let me know what you decide on. Oh and I love Whathifi as well. Great source.

Lastly as for cable upgrades. Look no further than MOONAUDIO.
The best price for high end headphone cable upgrade.
:)

Those seem nice, tell us what do you think of those if you get them. I have a pair of 449's for almost 3 years and they sound very good

Padraic wrote: Probably won't be until my birthday in 4 months, because I just spent the GDP of a small island on the fam for Christmas.

I really recommend you pass on the 550' series. Go with the 650's. if your prepared to invest in quality I'd start with this. Also, once you get those headphones in the future you'll have to buy a proper dedicated headphone amplifier to maximize those CANS potential. 650 is much better territory audio wise to start with if you are willing to spend a little extra. Anyway, nice to hear that you are making a solid step for a better, more realistic listening experience.

Because I am a cheap SOB and do not usually treat my headphones with kid gloves.  Always have gotten headphones less than 40$ (told you I was a cheap @#$^@), and they break within a year or two.

Sennheiser HD518

I will join with those recommending Sennheiser - they have models to suit most budgets and make great-sounding and durable headphones. I have the huge, dorky-looking HD600s and HD650s and I love 'em. Strictly for home listening in a fairly quiet environment though as they're open-backed. But tremendously comfy and monitor-quality sound.

Mind you with Sennheiser you will generally get an unbiased sound - they don't emphasise the bass or any other part of the spectrum. As it should be IMO!

Edited by Mascodagama - February 15 2015 at 05:20

Thanks guys!  Did realize how many different upper end headphones there were available out there, have not really looked into this until now.  The only brand I recognized were the Sennheisers.