I need some headphone advice part II.)
- Thread starter lvmedas
- Start date
Thank you MR BEST, I’ve seen reviews that note the comfort levels being higher on the DT770 in comparison to the DT250, however, the reviewer did compose an extensive analysis on ~20 models, so the space for errors could be much bigger, that’s why I will take your word for it.
One thing was evident in his review, that the DT250 are capable of half the isolation that HD25s, again, I’m not certain because it’s just his personal opinion, albeit the majority of the posts that I’ve read seems to concur with the view that the HD25s are pretty good at isolating noise.
I was that close to buying the DT250 though.... haven't bought anything yet.
Thank you Mimioke, I really could have gone for the HD280 but after reading some more on this model I found out about some negatives which aren’t natural to HD25-1 ii. On the positives though, they seem to be the most able in isolating outside noise, however, they are somewhat average in sound quality. I could be wrong here again, because you can’t believe every review out there by default but I think there’s some element of truth in some of them. Still a possibility.
Thank you hux, I appreciate your contribution. If I was looking to get an open type headphones, (since I think the goldrings are of an open type) I’d most definitely consider the option. However, I don’t know about the other type you mention. ...they could be a winner
On the other hand, there have been discussions going on before and I’m pretty certain that the alessandro ms-1 are regarded highly in the open headphone world.
my hd's are the mk1 so I can only assume the mk2 are even better
one of your spec's is that you will be using them in various locations, I don't think any of the alternatives are as durable as the hd 25's, probably why the bbc use them so much
Thank you jaxon, I am very much leaning toward the hds25 1-ii – I haven’t heard much about their sound quality, compared to the ever present qualities of isolation and durability. How good do they actually sound? I’m not going to become a DJ just because I buy this stuff, I just want to enjoy some FLAC albums that I have.
ive just bought some of the HD25-1 mk2's and already i love them to bits..
granted theyre not the prettiest but hey who cares when they sound good
Thank you neil_g – I’ve seen your thread and I was flabbergasted at the speed in which you made your decision to buy these cans. I have been weighing my options because I have really no clue about what to get – maybe you know your headphone stuff pretty well.
I don’t mind about the look of the headphones so much – if you see my other posts – I was prepared to buy Koss 4AAT PRO – they weighed 19 oz! And I am almost 50/50 for the Beyerdynamics DT250.
I wish to ask you from which place you bought the headphones and how much did they cost you, and were they authentic (they must have been, if you were happy with them). If you find the questions frustrating please forgive me, or if it’s against forum rules to write links, please ignore the request, but if it’s ok you would help me a lot.
Sound isolation is excellent, I can sing along whilst listening to music at a moderate level and I can't hear my voice, just vibrations, trust me that is a good thing lol.
Durability wise, mine are around 3 years old and still look like new. The leather (fake?) fabric which covers the foam has come away on one ear, this happened about a year ago (I think it is a common fault). I keep meaning to replace them with the fabric covers which are supposed to have more comfort but I never get round to it, not an issue really. The cable broke once when some muppet walked between the dj mixer and me, £20 quid for a new cable + 5 mins to fit and they were back to new.
The plastic used for the frame is very flexible unlike the brittle stuff used on most headphones. I'd happily drop them on the floor and kick them about and I know they would still be fully intact, that's why I will take them anywhere and not have to worry about breaking them and use my hd650's for home use only.
Sound quality wise as you mentioned they are very good for dj'ing because of the isolation and the punchy bass / defined high's which transfer's to general audio listening. In addition the low sub bass is very good, even for fast music. Vocal's come through the mix very clear. The soundstage is not that of something like the hd650's but everything is well separated and the overall sound is very pleasurable.
The hd25's have a neutral sound reproduction although I would say the sub bass has probably been enhanced slightly, I like this though, some headphones lack in this area and I feel it detracts from a song when the bass can't be heard at a similar level to the rest of the music.
It is a good job you have good quality audio as headphones at this level make poor tracks sound awful
If you have anymore Q's just shout up and good luck with the decision, lets hope you don't get the headphone bug and end up spending far more money than you want to
Soldato
- Joined
- 2 Nov 2007
- Posts
- 4,185
Get the HD-25's, they're fantastic. I always have mine with me these days.
The LE/SE comes with a better case but doesn't have the velour pads (only cost £10~).
The LE/SE comes with a better case but doesn't have the velour pads (only cost £10~).
Thank you Jaxon, and Absence Jam.
Every explanation of yours, in connection with HD25-1 II’s isolation, sound quality, durability, and materials used to produce the headphones, is more than enough to give me the impression that they really are the best headphones. But also, it seems to me that they’re the perfect headphones used in short periods of use – 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, with intervals in between, since the comfort is something which is absent in the HD25s for long periods of use.
This is the only reason that I haven’t rushed into buying these headphones, even though they really are something special. Also I haven’t rushed into buying the Beyer DT250 because it seems that they’re lacking isolation according to the many reviews that I’ve read.
As you may have noticed, I want to get a pair of headphones that are light and comfortable over long periods of use, and also have some of the good qualities of the HD 25-1 II, relative to sound quality. I will go on searching for a while longer before I take a decision.
...any ideas are very much appreciated
Every explanation of yours, in connection with HD25-1 II’s isolation, sound quality, durability, and materials used to produce the headphones, is more than enough to give me the impression that they really are the best headphones. But also, it seems to me that they’re the perfect headphones used in short periods of use – 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, with intervals in between, since the comfort is something which is absent in the HD25s for long periods of use.
This is the only reason that I haven’t rushed into buying these headphones, even though they really are something special. Also I haven’t rushed into buying the Beyer DT250 because it seems that they’re lacking isolation according to the many reviews that I’ve read.
As you may have noticed, I want to get a pair of headphones that are light and comfortable over long periods of use, and also have some of the good qualities of the HD 25-1 II, relative to sound quality. I will go on searching for a while longer before I take a decision.
...any ideas are very much appreciated
Associate
- Joined
- 27 Apr 2004
- Posts
- 2,377
The ES7s are very light and comfortable over long periods of use once you've done the headband mod - which takes about 20 seconds to do - you just grip either side of the existing bend in the wire part above each can and bend outwards so they don't clamp so hard. You can reverse it just as easily.
I can't say anything about sound quality in comparison to the others mentioned here because I've never used any of them, but they're very enjoyable to listen to.
I can't say anything about sound quality in comparison to the others mentioned here because I've never used any of them, but they're very enjoyable to listen to.
A friend of a friend is a DJ, he has the HD25 and swears by them. Which flavour I am not sure, but I do know they are not the SP though. My friend tried his HD25, and just loved them so much, he saved up and bought a pair. Now, to the comfort issue. My friend can have his HD25 on all day, and all night in his case , and forget they are there. Very often he listens to music late night, and sometimes just falls asleep while listening. But what you read, lvmedas, about long term comfort, is a factor to consider. Somewhere I have also read a comment by someone that he cannot wear the HD25 for long periods. So it's down to the individual as much as the phones, and isn't just a comfort factor of the phones, alone.
I have a pair of Goldring DR150's, as much as I love the sound, I cannot wear them for long periods. Although, that might depend on what one deems 'a long period'. After 1-2 hours I mess about with them and have to take them off. Others can wear them for long periods. Going back to the HD25, you may find you can wear them all day, you may find you can't wear them for long periods, it's impossible to tell without a trial of them really.
, and forget they are there. Very often he listens to music late night, and sometimes just falls asleep while listening. But what you read, lvmedas, about long term comfort, is a factor to consider. Somewhere I have also read a comment by someone that he cannot wear the HD25 for long periods. So it's down to the individual as much as the phones, and isn't just a comfort factor of the phones, alone. I have a pair of Goldring DR150's, as much as I love the sound, I cannot wear them for long periods. Although, that might depend on what one deems 'a long period'. After 1-2 hours I mess about with them and have to take them off. Others can wear them for long periods. Going back to the HD25, you may find you can wear them all day, you may find you can't wear them for long periods, it's impossible to tell without a trial of them really.
Soldato
- Joined
- 2 Nov 2007
- Posts
- 4,185
The HD-25's are comfortable, if they clamp too hard you can just bend the headband like any other headphone. Why don't you just go to a shop instead of reading through all these opinions?
That's not a 'mod.'
That's not a 'mod.'
Thanks to everyone
Jaxon, I didn't express myself clearly, relative to the comfort levels for 5 minutes. More than anything, I was basing that assumption thanks to the many external reviews that I have read, hence, not yours specifically.
I really wanted to buy the Beyers 250 since the beginning because they have better sound quality, but even though they apply more pressure to the ear (4.5N) compared to the HD 25-1 II (2.5N) they are not as good at isolating external noise according to some reviews, and are less portable.
I can't see how this can be really the case in practice since they apply more pressure to the ear.
I didn't think I was going to spend 150, (that's how much the HD 25-1 II) are.
Jaxon, I didn't express myself clearly, relative to the comfort levels for 5 minutes. More than anything, I was basing that assumption thanks to the many external reviews that I have read, hence, not yours specifically.
I really wanted to buy the Beyers 250 since the beginning because they have better sound quality, but even though they apply more pressure to the ear (4.5N) compared to the HD 25-1 II (2.5N) they are not as good at isolating external noise according to some reviews, and are less portable.
I can't see how this can be really the case in practice since they apply more pressure to the ear.
I didn't think I was going to spend 150, (that's how much the HD 25-1 II) are.
A friend of a friend is a DJ, he has the HD25 and swears by them. Which flavour I am not sure, but I do know they are not the SP though. My friend tried his HD25, and just loved them so much, he saved up and bought a pair. Now, to the comfort issue. My friend can have his HD25 on all day, and all night in his case
I have a pair of Goldring DR150's, as much as I love the sound, I cannot wear them for long periods. Although, that might depend on what one deems 'a long period'. After 1-2 hours I mess about with them and have to take them off. Others can wear them for long periods. Going back to the HD25, you may find you can wear them all day, you may find you can't wear them for long periods, it's impossible to tell without a trial of them really.
Thank you Marsman
I understand very well what’s you are saying – that how much comfortable the headphones are, is relative, and among the influential factors, is the user himself. But either way I am not accepting that my ears are more resistant to pressure than those of a reasonable person, but I could be wrong.
Thank you AbsenceJam
Yet again, your reasoning is direct, and I can’t argue with that. I was prepared to set aside this worry of clamping force up to a certain point, by being prepared to buy these headphones for up to ~135. But since they’re 150*(the standard version with velour pads) I don’t think that I would make a calculated purchase, as Jaxon said, if I’m not mistaken “let’s hope you don't get the headphone bug and end up spending far more money than you want to”.
Last edited:
God this is a hard one, I have a set of HD 280 pro 64 ohm and a set of HD 25-1 II in front of me right now. They are very different sounding headphones so it'll be much more down to personal taste which you prefer. I'll try and explain the difference I hear between them.
HD 280 Pro is much more of a flat tone reference style of headphones ie they don't really colour the sound. They are big and fairly ugly headphones, about twice the weight as well and these ones have a curled cable with is annoying for portable listening. I've had them for a year now and never bothered to use them on the go.
HD25's don't worry about flat tone curve, they are usually used by DJ's. The sound is much more coloured, the mid high and up is much more rolled off and the bass doesn't go as deep. They are more ramped up between mid low through to mid high. They still sound very fun though and I enjoy listening to them. I've owned these for about a month now and they have taken over portable duty from a set of ultimate ear dual driver canal phones.
Trying some more tracks out and it reveals more:
The prodigy, Invaders from Mars, Omen, the 280's walk with this, they are so punchy with deep bass and reveal loads in the mid to treble. The 25's sound a bit lacking.
Faith no more, The real thing, Epic, this album is mixed a bit flat and I find flat tone headphones to make it sound really weak and as such the 25's are better, they make the sound more full, the treble is less harsh. 280's are a bit flat and don't really make the singers voice get going.
Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Orion, this is a really well recorded duo playing Spanish acoustic guitar. 25's are more fun here but they are more kinda muddy sounding. The 280's let you heard everything, all the little string squeaks, they are more powerful when they slap the guitar top, bass kicking in deeper.
Hmm, so I'd say it's more down to what you want to get out of them. The HD25's are just fun, light, portable & comfy. The 280's are more revealing, flatter tone but with good bass when it's there. They are twice the weight, less comfy and bulky.
I'd probably recommend getting the 25's and then at a later date picking up some nice reference style open back headphones for use at home when you really want to hear everything the sound engineer has put in a track. I'm using some akg k702's which sound amazing and very natural but I wouldn't dream of using them on the go.
HD 280 Pro is much more of a flat tone reference style of headphones ie they don't really colour the sound. They are big and fairly ugly headphones, about twice the weight as well and these ones have a curled cable with is annoying for portable listening. I've had them for a year now and never bothered to use them on the go.
HD25's don't worry about flat tone curve, they are usually used by DJ's. The sound is much more coloured, the mid high and up is much more rolled off and the bass doesn't go as deep. They are more ramped up between mid low through to mid high. They still sound very fun though and I enjoy listening to them. I've owned these for about a month now and they have taken over portable duty from a set of ultimate ear dual driver canal phones.
Trying some more tracks out and it reveals more:
The prodigy, Invaders from Mars, Omen, the 280's walk with this, they are so punchy with deep bass and reveal loads in the mid to treble. The 25's sound a bit lacking.
Faith no more, The real thing, Epic, this album is mixed a bit flat and I find flat tone headphones to make it sound really weak and as such the 25's are better, they make the sound more full, the treble is less harsh. 280's are a bit flat and don't really make the singers voice get going.
Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Orion, this is a really well recorded duo playing Spanish acoustic guitar. 25's are more fun here but they are more kinda muddy sounding. The 280's let you heard everything, all the little string squeaks, they are more powerful when they slap the guitar top, bass kicking in deeper.
Hmm, so I'd say it's more down to what you want to get out of them. The HD25's are just fun, light, portable & comfy. The 280's are more revealing, flatter tone but with good bass when it's there. They are twice the weight, less comfy and bulky.
I'd probably recommend getting the 25's and then at a later date picking up some nice reference style open back headphones for use at home when you really want to hear everything the sound engineer has put in a track. I'm using some akg k702's which sound amazing and very natural but I wouldn't dream of using them on the go.
Thanks to everyone. I did what I thought was the best choice for me. I thought that the Beyers have enough isolation for home use, and uni use, and that the HDs have enough for club use. I didnt need the latter. I found the HD to be a bit more than what I was prepared to pay and a bit too uncomfortable, so I decided to buy the Beyerdynamics DT 250 80ohms, and it's just what I was looking for. I have only listened to an Ybrid song, Ennio Morricone's good bad ugly, and summer movements from Vivaldi. The quality overall and isolation for my needs are sound.
Thanks again to everyone for your support for helping me make the choice.
Thanks again to everyone for your support for helping me make the choice.
Associate
- Joined
- 22 Jan 2006
- Posts
- 698
Good info thanks! Is there much difference when gaming?
I've not tried the 280's for gaming, I'm using the k702's which are flat response reference style so the 280's should work really well as well. I like game sound to be really revealing if you know what I mean, it makes games more immersive when you can hear everything. The 25's are fine as well but slightly less crisp.