Help Choosing New Headphones

[Esperanza]

I currently own AKG K712 and Sennheiser HD 599. Used the K712 for around 6 years now for gaming, music, and movies. Bought the HD 599 for use while I didn’t have access to my headphone amp and found I like the sound of it a bit more than the AKG.

I’m interested in finding something that I could like more than the HD 599 and came across many of the reviews here, but I’m having a hard time sifting through all of the information. Right now I’m curious about the 560S, 620S, 600, 650, and 660S2. I don’t actually understand what the difference between all of these headphones would actually be because they seem to review well, but the price ranges are so different that it makes me wonder what that money is buying.

I’m open to closed back and options other than Sennheiser. I’m just looking for a solid upgrade over my current sound. I upgraded my amp to an A90 Discrete, so I think I should have the headroom for most options you could provide.

Thank you

 

[solderdude]

Give the JT7 a go.
The A90 will work well with this rather power hungry headphone.

for reference:

K712:

HD550 compared to HD599:

The HD599 lacks 'air' (sparkle) compared to the HD560S/HD550 and the HD599 is a bit 'bloated' and 'muddy' compared to the HD550/560S.

 

[xlinknz]

FWIW I went with the HD560s over the Fiios for 4 primary reasons

1. HD560s has 2 year warranty where I am whereas Fiio had 1 year
2. HD560s has higher impedance and I wanted to use a >4M unbalanced extension
3. Long time ago I had HD540R so had a leaning to Sennhesier...
4. HD560s is almost universally well regarded (at its price point) and was on sale where I was

I am very happy with my HD560s but I don't have anything else to compare with

Fiio JT7 may cost less and comes with a balanced cable if that is important to you, it was on my short list and I am an advocate of spending not more than is needed

@solderdude is a wealth of good advice and information

 

[Esperanza]

Give the JT7 a go.
The A90 will work well with this rather power hungry headphone.

for reference:

K712:

HD550 compared to HD599:
View attachment 516086
The HD599 lacks 'air' (sparkle) compared to the HD560S/HD550 and the HD599 is a bit 'bloated' and 'muddy' compared to the HD550/560S.

Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll definitely try that as I have really wanted to try a planar magnetic, but have no clue where to start.

What exactly is the reason something like a HiFiMan Arya or Focal Clear MG would cost so much more money, if we can get good sound with something like the JT7? Is it just branding, looks, marketing, materials, build quality? I’m trying to understand what exactly the market is for something like an HD 800S when something like the 560S exists and reviews quite well.

 

[quattro98]

I like the HD620S. It seems sturdy and is lightweight. It’s a closed back and standard driver, depending on what you prefer.

Sennheiser HD620S

Just saw the announcement. FR looks very promising. HD600 with a bass boost - what more can one ask for? How about: open baffle and 42mm angled transducers, that allegedly delivers speaker-like imaging and expansive soundstage 150-ohm middle of the road nominal impedance Lightweight chassis...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Sennheiser HD 620S Headphone Review

This is a review, detailed measurements, listening tests and Equalization of Sennheiser HD 620S closed back headphone. It was kindly drop shipped by a member and costs US $300. The headphone feels robust and "tight." It clamps rather heavily on my head causing mild discomfort. So be sure to...

www.audiosciencereview.com

HD620S

back to Sennheiser back to measurements home published: May-09-2024, updated Nov-10-2024 NO SMOOTHING is applied to the shown plots. Most measurement sites have some smoothing applied which ‘irons …

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

 

[solderdude]

What exactly is the reason something like a HiFiMan Arya or Focal Clear MG would cost so much more money, if we can get good sound with something like the JT7?

Usually that is determined by the brand reputation. Often the more expensive models have 'smoother elevated treble' giving a more pleasant and 'detailed' impression/sound.

It depends on:

1. the experience one has in listening.
2. the budget
3. the desired comfort
4. longevity (long term availability of pads, headband padding, cable) most are likely available as aftermarket item but quality may differ)
5. looks/feel
6. use case
7. Easy to drive up to 'requiring an amplifier'.

1. If one does not care about small differences in sound or does not care much about certain aspects a specific model excels in than it makes no sense to pay for it.
   But... if one is at the beginning of an audio journey one may appreciate certain aspects better over time.
2. In every budget range there are some headphones you may like and you may not like. A higher price does not mean it will sound better but it could be better in some aspects you may value.
3. This is something you have to find out for yourself. Clamping force, pad depth/room for the ears, adjust-ability in height all matter.
4. Usually the 'old brands' have proven track records for support in the form of pads, drivers, headbands but this is often price range dependent. Build quality differs between models. Some may even have a soft spot where they can break, others may be built like a tank.
5. Looks and feel are important to some, certainly when worn in public.
6. At home in the lazy chair or behind a desk, walking around in the house, outside usage (public transport), during exercising, sport. Open or closed ?
7. Some headphones play loud even directly from a phone, other headphones require a hefty amplifier when you want them to play LOUD.

buying guide

home Headphones are not just 2 speakers close to the ears. They are and behave substantially different from speakers. The only thing they have in common is that they are used to (re)produce recorde…

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

 

[quattro98]

FWIW, I think a big part of higher end headphones is the luxury/status component. There are expensive products that seem better (for headphones, I like DCA at the higher price ranges), but many of the expensive headphones don’t perform well.

Focal Clear Professional Review

This is a review, detailed measurements and listening tests of Focal Clear Pro headphone. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $1499. As our British friends say, the Clear Pro "looks the part." It a unique and luxurious design. Comfort was very good although the cups are on the smaller...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Dan Clark E3 Headphone Review

This is a review, listening tests, and detailed measurements of the Dan Clark E3 closed back headphone. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $1,999. As you see, the E3 has quite large cups which makes fitment on your ears quite easy. I used the headphone for about 2 weeks with good...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Esperanza]

Have had a couple of days trying out the JT7 now. I'm really enjoying it so far. I would like a recommendation on a closed back option if possible, though. I was looking at the Sennheiser HD 620 S as it seemed to review well here, but again, I'm open to options outside of Sennheiser too. I want to give closed back a try to keep ambient noise down and immersion up (mostly while gaming) because I'm sharing a living space now. Don't want to find myself turning volume up to drown out ambient sounds

 

[Pictus]

Have had a couple of days trying out the JT7 now. I'm really enjoying it so far. I would like a recommendation on a closed back option if possible, though. I was looking at the Sennheiser HD 620 S as it seemed to review well here, but again, I'm open to options outside of Sennheiser too. I want to give closed back a try to keep ambient noise down and immersion up (mostly while gaming) because I'm sharing a living space now. Don't want to find myself turning volume up to drown out ambient sounds

FiiO FT1 or AUNE SR7000

FT1

back to FiiOback to measurementshome Published: Sept-03-2024 NO SMOOTHING is applied to the shown plots. Most measurement sites have some smoothing applied which ‘irons flat’ sharp peaks and ‘wiggl…

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

Review of Aune SR7000: a closed-back that doesn’t sound like one

Cut from the same cloth? Intro: I previously reviewed Aune’s first over-ear headphone, the AR5000, which I found to be a strong entry into the market with its well-balanced tuning and solid o…

unheardlab.com

 

[Esperanza]

I tried the HD620S and the SR7000. While both sounded really good, I started to hear my own pulse after an hour with them on and I’m assuming it’s from clamping force + closed back. I don’t think I’m gonna go to closed back because of that. I think I’ll trial some IEMs for isolation needs.

That said, I picked up the HD550 play against the JT7 and I’m a bit torn. I like the sound of both quite a bit, but for different reasons. @solderdude If you had to pick one, what would you choose as standard option for mixed use gaming/coding/listening? I ask you cause it looks like you have reviewed both and have experience with both. I feel like I can’t really make a wrong decision here, but I keep going back and forth on my own so looking for some additional takes

 

[Budgie]

I have had JT7's for months now and I tend to grab them first when sitting down to listen. They always give me a good experience. The only change I made was the ear pads and that was only because of my overly sensitive ears. Lambskin and memory foam.

 

[thon]

I have had JT7's for months now and I tend to grab them first when sitting down to listen. They always give me a good experience. The only change I made was the ear pads and that was only because of my overly sensitive ears. Lambskin and memory foam.

Same here. DIY mod of the headband and I for one prefer them with the FiiO HS-FT1 1B velvet pads. More comfortable to wear and (apart from some slight bass boost to taste) no other EQ adjustments needed.

 

[Johnkeizer]

For something reasonably priced and sounding far better than most around their price, I suggest tha Aune ar5000. I believe was tested here and came up well. Mine are a permanent companion to my A&K SP1000.
As for doubts about the Sennheiser 800s, in my over 40 years in this hobby, only a handfull of things I have bought have lived up to their hype.
The Sennheiser 800S is one of that handful, despite their cost, which for a blue collar worker in the private sector really took some justification.