Headphone choices (low impedance)

[Zillatech]

So, I?m returning my Beyer 880 Pros because of their high impedance and I?m wondering what others think about the (2) other headphones I?ve narrowed it down to. It?s down to these:

Denon AH-D2000 or Sennheiser HD 380 Pro

I really like the BD 880?s but they didn?t work well with my Line6 Guitar amp and I had to crank up the volume too much on my computer. I think they are the wrong application for my intended use. I know the Denon AH-D2000?s are highly rated but what about the new Sennheiser HD 380?s? They are getting good reviews on Guitar Center but I think they are fairly new. Has anyone used these? Price is not important but I think the more expensive ?audiophile? type Headphones are not what I need. I?m looking for an upgrade for my older Sony MDR-V900?s.

 

[Leafy]

Why don't you just get a portable headphone amplifier? I got one for my Senn PC350's: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18350

 

[pcslookout]

Denon AH-D2000!

Pure comfort and awesome sound quality. You can keep them on for 5 hours +

 

[Zillatech]

Did it make that much of a difference? I really didn't want to have an extra piece of hardware to move back and forth between my guitar amp and computer either.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Wait, are you using this for playing guitar or are you using your guitar amp just as an amp for them? If its the former then I don't know that you'll want the Denon's as they can move around a fair amount (they're comfortable but a big reason is they don't clamp strongly and so will tend to move about).

Don't waste your time with the Fiio, you're getting what you pay for (an amp that screws with the sound which is ok with cheap earbuds but a complete waste for any quality headphones).

 

[Zillatech]

I use them with my Line6 Spider III guitar amp but I don't move around a lot when I play. Guitar Center has the Senn 380's so I can try those without committing but they don't sell the Denon's.

 

[darkswordsman17]

I haven't heard the HD380s or read much about them on Head-Fi, so I can't help you there much.

Oh, check out the new Shures. SH-840 I think is the top one (~$200), I think Guitar Center might carry them now.

The Denon's definitely sound good, I just think they might be a bit of a nuisance while playing.

 

[Zillatech]

Well, I just exchanged the BD DT880's and gave the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's a try and it only took about 10 minutes for those to go back in the box for return. The DT880's were far superior to the Senn. 380's but surprisingly enough, My 5 year old Sony's sounded far better than the Senn. 380's too. I think I'm just going to keep what I have for a while, maybe try the Denon's if I get around to it. I can really appreciate the BeyerDynamic 880's now but since I have my working Sony's, it?s not worth spending another $325.00.

The DT880 Pros are the best sounding of the three but they really are not that much better than my Sony MDR's.

Now, on to the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's:

1. They feel cheap and use very cheap plastic for the mounting.

2. They clamp my head too tight (Both the Sony's and the DT880 Pro's were far better in this respect).

3. They sound VERY thin compared to either the Sony's or the BD 880's

Basically, the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's sound like CRAP and are not worth the money period! Not only do I not recommend them, I would highly advise people stay away from them. There is not a good thing I can say about them really.

Next stop, the Denon AH-D2000's

 

[hans030390]

I hear nothing about good things when it comes to the Denon AH-D2000s (the bass and comfort is, apparently, great). However, I've heard they're still a bit tough to drive, even with a low impedance (they sound "lifeless"). They may need a cheap amp or something. However, some say they sound great without an amp at all.

On top of that, people have done mods to them and claim they sound fantastic after. So, my vote is for the Denons.

 

[moonboy403]

Originally posted by: Zillatech
Well, I just exchanged the BD DT880's and gave the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's a try and it only took about 10 minutes for those to go back in the box for return. The DT880's were far superior to the Senn. 380's but surprisingly enough, My 5 year old Sony's sounded far better than the Senn. 380's too. I think I'm just going to keep what I have for a while, maybe try the Denon's if I get around to it. I can really appreciate the BeyerDynamic 880's now but since I have my working Sony's, it?s not worth spending another $325.00.

The DT880 Pros are the best sounding of the three but they really are not that much better than my Sony MDR's.

Now, on to the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's:

1. They feel cheap and use very cheap plastic for the mounting.

2. They clamp my head too tight (Both the Sony's and the DT880 Pro's were far better in this respect).

3. They sound VERY thin compared to either the Sony's or the BD 880's

Basically, the Sennheiser HD 380 Pro's sound like CRAP and are not worth the money period! Not only do I not recommend them, I would highly advise people stay away from them. There is not a good thing I can say about them really.

Next stop, the Denon AH-D2000's

I'm curious, but what amp are you using with them?

Originally posted by: hans030390
I hear nothing about good things when it comes to the Denon AH-D2000s (the bass and comfort is, apparently, great). However, I've heard they're still a bit tough to drive, even with a low impedance (they sound "lifeless"). They may need a cheap amp or something. However, some say they sound great without an amp at all.

On top of that, people have done mods to them and claim they sound fantastic after. So, my vote is for the Denons.

The D2000 isn't bad in its price range of around $200 and it's a great starter can. However, there are plenty of cans that IMO are technically superior while being similarly priced. I have a few problems with the D2000. First, its bass is on the boomy side while a bit overwhelming. It's great for electronica but not good for picking out basslines. The treble is pretty harsh and sibilant while being extended. These two traits results in recessed mids. The D7000 improved on these deficiencies considerably.

 

[43st]

Why not a DT880 32ohm?

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: moonboy403
The D2000 isn't bad in its price range of around $200 and it's a great starter can. However, there are plenty of cans that IMO are technically superior while being similarly priced. I have a few problems with the D2000. First, its bass is on the boomy side while a bit overwhelming. It's great for electronica but not good for picking out basslines. The treble is pretty harsh and sibilant while being extended. These two traits results in recessed mids. The D7000 improved on these deficiencies considerably.

Hence the reason I mentioned modding them. It's supposed to take care of these issues as well. Some people like the stock sound, though.