Headphones: experience and recommendation

[Schorsch]

Hi,

I'm currently using Beyerdynamic DT 770M headphone with my Nord Stage 2 Ex 88 to practice at home. The sound quality of these headphones is quite good "in my ears", but since this is a closed headphone model I am looking for an alternative either semi-open or open.

Most important is a really good, neutral and "full" sound, at least equal to the one I'm using now - price is second priority. I am therefore curious about your experience with such kind of headphones you are using and some recommendations about some models in different price ranges, could you provide some to me?

Thanks a lot and best regards, Georg

[patmol59]

If you're happy with Beyerdynamic, maybe just a DT 990 ?

[maurus]

I had and have very good experiences with the AKG K 240, half open, original version, not Mk II. With very slight EQ (a very slight boost around 1.5 kHz but this might be mostly my hearing ) this offers a very neutral sound (especially for the acoustic pianos), and is very convenient to carry for long sessions. Add to that a surprisingly low price...

PS. The MkII is fine as well but with quite a bit more bass.

[Schorsch]

If you're happy with Beyerdynamic, maybe just a DT 990 ?

Well, maybe an option if the sound quality is similar to the DT770. Not sure if this can be expected “just” because it is the same brand? Are the acoustic drivers the same and just the ear cushions are different? I’m not able to test without having to buy and, in case I’m not happy with it, send back within the period the dealer is offering, which I would like to avoid as much as possible

[anotherscott]

Sennheiser HD 600 are excellent neutral sounding open phones.

[kirsty]

I have the DT770 Pro (80ohm) headphones too which I bought on recommendation from a famous DJ friend of mine who certainly knows about headphones.

Although they feel comfy to wear I have never been overly impressed with them sound wise, mostly finding that they aren't very 'bassy' at all. (Interested to know if you would say the same?)

I recently played a friends Stage 3 via his AKG headphones and found the sound to be much more bodied which has since left me wondering if my DT770's are either faulty, Not suited for keyboard playing, or if they should actually be used with some sort of amp to sound like they should (although when i bought them I read that the 80 ohm ones didnt need an amp like the 250 ohm ones)

[AllanH]

Glad to hear that others are using DT 770 Pro headphones. They impress me. so light/comfy

My local DJ supply store recommended the 80 ohm model for my use.( I think he said 32ohm model suits mobile applications and the 250 ohm version is for serious studio/mixing applications)

I've just taken delivery of NE 6 and wading my way through all of the sounds/programs. Good fun ! This forum is great to browse for tips.

I also love the Centre Point V.3 Stereo Spacestation.. great for my purposes/big band.

Cheers from Australia,
Allan

[Quai34]

The best open back headphone that I have tried is the Audiotechnica ATH-70, the "open" model, they also have the 70 in closed back....But it's 500$ CAN...

[Schorsch]

I have the DT770 Pro (80ohm) headphones too which I bought on recommendation from a famous DJ friend of mine who certainly knows about headphones.

Although they feel comfy to wear I have never been overly impressed with them sound wise, mostly finding that they aren't very 'bassy' at all. (Interested to know if you would say the same?)

I recently played a friends Stage 3 via his AKG headphones and found the sound to be much more bodied which has since left me wondering if my DT770's are either faulty, Not suited for keyboard playing, or if they should actually be used with some sort of amp to sound like they should (although when i bought them I read that the 80 ohm ones didnt need an amp like the 250 ohm ones)

Hi Kirsty, I have to admit that I didn’t compare my DT770M to other headphones yet but I‘m absolutely fine with the sound of it (80 Ohm also), it is ‘bassy’ enough for me to play all sorts of sounds from the NS. The only thing which I don’t like is that they are closed, and I mean REALLY closed at an attenuation of 35dBA and you don’t get anything which is going on around of you, that’s why I want a semi-open or an open one at the same sound quality at least.

[Schorsch]

The best open back headphone that I have tried is the Audiotechnica ATH-70, the "open" model, they also have the 70 in closed back....But it's 500$ CAN...

ATH-R70X is available at around 300€ ($450 CAN) here in Germany, a lot for headphone just being used to practice without disturbing others... but maybe worth it if the sound is exceptionally good.

Looks like I have to go Musicstore in Germany and try all of these which have been mentioned ...