Headphones for Industrial and Nu Metal

[Rayman30]

Hey guys, I have been chomping at the bit for a new set of cans lately. I have 2 great sets (HD650 and Sundara) which I love, but I find myself listening to mostly non-rock and metal on them, despite the fact metal is one of my favorite genres.

I am sensitive to treble on the Sundara and have EQ them down to Harmon target, I have tried Beyer in the past and hated the treble. I have been considering Ananda or LCD2, but was wondering if there is a better option for heavier music, one that does not involve treble murder. I guess I am looking for good punch and slam with a bassier sound signiture.

Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[Moderate Dionysianism]

If you're considering closed-back too, I would suggest trying the Creative Aurvana Live. Besides them, I've owned ATH-MSR7b, HPH-MT8, and SoundMagic HP151 - none of these deliver the 'thump' as strong as CAL. It can get a bit fatiguing, but IMHO works really well with the styles you mentioned. The ATH-MSR7b with Dekoni pads would be a close second as it can go super low, but it does have the piercing treble response you want to avoid. The Yamahas are the most 'neutral' sounding to me.

 

[Vict0r]

Grado are considered by many to be great for rock/metal. I own the SR60 and SR225i, but I actually prefer my HD600 for metal. I listen mostly to black metal and Swedish death metal, so those productions aren't the best and can get really sibilant. I sold my DT880 for this reason, because it absolutely murdered my ears.

The Hifiman HE-500 could be interesting for you.

 

[paolomo]

If you are looking for a moderately affordable option, the ATH M50x get the “metal” job done, are EQ friendly, and come with three different cables. I find them uncomfortable, but that’s just me, most people don’t have that problem. They also got a pretty good review here at ASR. They are super easy to drive too.

 

[Vict0r]

On the Metal-Fi forums (dedicated to audiophile metal heads) there's a huge thread on recommendations for metal genres. Might be worth reading through. https://www.metal-fi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=58

 

[Tokyo_John]

I would definitely recommend solid open cans like ATH-M50X, which are very enjoyable and musical for this kind of sound...unless you have deeper pockets to get into tight bass slam territory of closed cans like the Fostex TH-900

 

[VintageFlanker]

I am sensitive to treble on the Sundara and have EQ them down to Harmon target, I have tried Beyer in the past and hated the treble. I have been considering Ananda or LCD2, but was wondering if there is a better option for heavier music, one that does not involve treble murder. I guess I am looking for good punch and slam with a bassier sound signiture.

You have to go for closed cans, IMHO

Meze 99 Classics, Sure SRH1540 or Ultrasound Signature DXP.

 

[Rayman30]

Definitely looking at the Meze 99 Classics! what about Philips SHP9500 ? for the money they seem solid.

 

[thewas]

I would definitely recommend solid open cans like ATH-M50X, which are very enjoyable and musical for this kind of sound...unless you have deeper pockets to get into tight bass slam territory of closed cans like the Fostex TH-900

The ATH-M50X are also closed cans, maybe you confused them with another model?

 

[ManuCV]

Hey Rayman,
Another metal/industrial aficionado here. As per your description, the Avantone Planar can be what you're looking for. I just got them some days ago and they while they are quite neutral, their bass is amazing and they're on the darker side of the treble. I don't have the DT1990 but I have listened to many Beyerdynamic and I know what their treble is. The Avantone's treble is not harsh at all, as commented even "dark" without being muddy or dull.
In fact I played some Ministry right out of the box and it was very enjoyable. Thieves sounded like a punch to the head and brought a big smile.

 

[Rayman30]

Thanks everyone for the advice, I almost purchased a pair of Meze99 Classics, but even know it was not what I was initially looking for, I chomped on a pair of Hifiman Ananda for $550 shipped in excellent condition (If these replace my Sundara, then il just sell off the Sundara then il be back looking for metal cans)

 

[Tokyo_John]

The ATH-M50X are also closed cans, maybe you confused them with another model?

Yes, the ATH-M50X are closed. That's what I get for posting before coffee.

 

[markanini]

AKG K612 or Beyer DT880 are both warm open backs. Don't bother with AKG K702. I found ATH-M50X harsh in the treble personally.

 

[Rayman30]

Meze 99 Classic ordered for metal.

Question: Would Aeon RT Closed be better?

 

[Muca]

Just a hint. Of all the headphones I like Nu Metal / Metal with the stock tuning of Sennheiser 660s the most. It has a treble roll off. Look at graphs from rtings for example and EQ your sundaras similar. I did it with Clear for example.
For basically everything else I prefer harman target