An Upgrade

[goblino]

Hello, I am currently using the DT770 Pro 250 ohm with an audio interface (Behringer UMC1820). I also have a microphone, the Audio-Technica AT2035.
I am looking for an upgrade from my existing setup and want to try open-back headphones.
Thank you in advance.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @goblino! Welcome to ASR.

Since the Behringer likely has a rather weak headphone Amp with high output impedance, I would recommend you stick with Sennheiser models like the HD560S or HD490Pro.

Those have high load impedance and high sensitivity, meaning that they will likely work well with your Behringer interface.

 

[goblino]

Hi @goblino! Welcome to ASR.

Since the Behringer likely has a rather weak headphone Amp with high output impedance, I would recommend you stick with Sennheiser models like the HD560S or HD490Pro.

Those have high load impedance and high sensitivity, meaning that they will likely work well with your Behringer interface.

I like to listen to music like Drum & Bass and ambient, Will those recommendations fit these?
are there any other options?
I have no problem with ditching the umc1820 too.

 

[DVDdoug]

Do you have an idea of what you want to upgrade/change other than trying open headphones? More bass? Louder? Etc.?

The main difference with different headphones is frequency response, and to a large extent that can be adjusted with EQ. (Your interface will have flat frequency response... unless "loading" it with low-impedance headphones messes-up the frequency response.)

I like to listen to music like Drum & Bass and ambient, Will those recommendations fit these?

Of course you can monitor/listen with your setup, but audio interfaces (and microphones) are more for audio production than for reproduction.

And with reproduction (and monitoring), we generally just want accuracy to accurately reproduce drums. bass, ambient, classical, heavy metal, or whatever is playing.

If there's a difference with different styles of music, you may want more power/loudness with certain kinds of music. Some genres have very little bass, but usually we want "full range" capability, no matter what we are listening to.

 

[goblino]

Do you have an idea of what you want to upgrade/change other than trying open headphones? More bass? Louder? Etc.?

The main difference with different headphones is frequency response, and to a large extent that can be adjusted with EQ. (Your interface will have flat frequency response... unless "loading" it with low-impedance headphones messes-up the frequency response.)


Of course you can monitor/listen with your setup, but audio interfaces (and microphones) are more for audio production than for reproduction.

And with reproduction (and monitoring), we generally just want accuracy to accurately reproduce drums. bass, ambient, classical, heavy metal, or whatever is playing.

If there's a difference with different styles of music, you may want more power/loudness with certain kinds of music. Some genres have very little bass, but usually we want "full range" capability, no matter what we are listening to.

I like Bass, Maybe I can get an amp and headphones and ditch the umc1820 ?
But what will I do with my microphone ?

 

[Mr Swing King]

I know quite a few guys who have wanted to try openback headphones that also mostly listen to electronic music. It didn’t really work out for them as they all came from headphones that implement a bass boost like your DT770 does. Openbacks don’t really give you that same thump in bass unless you close something off in the cups…and well then you’re just getting a leaky closed headphone similar to cans like the Audioquest Nighthawk, Harmonicdyne Zeus Elite, DCA Expanse, Beyerdynamic T1 3rd Gen and Fostex TH909 - all headphones with big bass..that ultimately feel like closedback headphones.
I recommend you get a planar magnetic headphone if you want to try out a genuinely open headphone. You can equalise it to get some of the same thump as you have with your Beyerdynamic. You will most likely need to invest in an amp with a little more juice though, especially if you’re equalising.
If you’re unwilling to EQ, then I’d simply recommend either sticking with what you have or possibly trying out a different pair of closedbacks.

Recs: HE400se, Sundara, HE6se V2, LCD-2C
Best of luck going forth

 

[eddantes]

HE400se or Drop + DCA Aeon Open both are a high value option that you should at least test drive.

 

[goblino]

@amirm maybe you can contribute to the thread?
Thanks

 

[Chagall]

Are you opposed to EQ?

There are a lot of good choices others have brought up, maybe I'll just add Aune AR5000.

But recommending headphones is difficult, because other than the frequency response you will get in your ears and preferences to certain sound there are also other aspects people value differently i.e. comfort, materials, looks...

Bottom line: you have to try yourself.

 

[goblino]

Are you opposed to EQ?

There are a lot of good choices others have brought up, maybe I'll just add Aune AR5000.

But recommending headphones is difficult, because other than the frequency response you will get in your ears and preferences to certain sound there are also other aspects people value differently i.e. comfort, materials, looks...

Bottom line: you have to try yourself.

I have no problem with eq, if it will sound better sure why not

 

[goblino]

@solderdude

 

[markanini]

Nothing beats the bass of closed backs IMO (except speakers). If you get the opportunity, give closed-back AKG K371 a listen, along with any open back you may be considering.

 

[Chagall]

I have no problem with eq, if it will sound better sure why not

Some people do...don't ask me why

Open headphones are usually rolled off, so most of them will need EQ to bass it up.

 

[ehabheikal]

I like Bass, Maybe I can get an amp and headphones and ditch the umc1820 ?
But what will I do with my microphone ?

if you like bass open headphones are not the way to go.
The m50x has vanishingly low distortion and is easy to eq and has great bass.

 

[goblino]

if you like bass open headphones are not the way to go.
The m50x has vanishingly low distortion and is easy to eq and has great bass.

but are they any better than the dt770 250 ohm that I already use ?

 

[Mr Swing King]

but are they any better than the dt770 250 ohm that I already use ?

That’s the thing. ‘Best’ is entirely dependant on your tastebuds. You could ask 20 people about the best headphone and you’ll get just as many answers.
We can look at frequency responses and determine which one is closest to the Harman Target or IEF neutral, but that is in no way a surefire way to know whether or not you’ll love the sound.

 

[Brian Hall]

but are they any better than the dt770 250 ohm that I already use ?

Consider trying some iems before spending a lot on headphones. Some of them have pretty good bass.

I have all of these and the Chu 2 is my favorite. I switch between those and my HD800S headphones. The Tanchjim One bass might be a little better.

Moondrop Chu II IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the Moondrop Chu II In-Ear Monitor. It is on kind loan from a member and costs just $19. Compared to some other IEMs I have tested, these are lighter weight due to lack of extra metallic parts. They are also a bit smaller which...

www.audiosciencereview.com

TANCHJIM One IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the Tanchjim One In-ear Monitor. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $27. Unlike many of its competitors, the ONE doesn't attempt to look like fake jewelry and instead, conveys a modern and stylistic design. The...

www.audiosciencereview.com

7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM. It was kindly donated to me by a member and costs US $24.99. The cable is soft and longer than typical which I like. They take fair amount of effort to push it but then they make a reassuring...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[markanini]

but are they any better than the dt770 250 ohm that I already use ?

I think so, it has some qualities that are closer to the strengths of open back.