• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Headphones. Calling audiophiles.

A

aCynic2

Senior member
the hd280s are great headphones. they sound increadible crisp and clear, and they have the best isolation you can find on the market. -32db of ambient attenuation.

for example i cant hear my parents if they call me when im playing music or playing games. and im not blasting it, its at a comfortable volume level. i can barely hear the phone ringing. some people might not like this, but i love it. ambient attenuation is key to a good listening experience.
 
Ech... problem with these threads is that everyone throws in their own recommendations. When taking the headphone market into consideration, there's gonna be no end.

Now for my own advice... the HD555s and the HD280s are significantly different. The 555s are open headphones, so sound "warmer" and much better than the Hd280s - but only when taking sound quality into consideration.

The Hd280s are "closed" headphones, so instead of allowing air to move between the inner "ear chamber" and the outside of the headphone, the 280s keep all the air sealed within its own chamber. As a result, the 280s have a sort of "cavernous" sound, rather like a tin can (although not to that extremity). However, the 280s do have excellent passive noise cancellation abilities - they will drown out most outside noises, letting you listen to music or game in peace.

In conclusion, if you're going to be using the headphones in a quiet place, pick the 555s (you can try used for a significantly lower cost). If where you're going to use them is going to be noisy, or you don't really care that much about sound quality, then go with the 280s.
 
I've got both the HD555 and the HD280 pro. I have to agree with Aflac - in a quite area the HD555's are much more to my liking. They're also quite a bit more comfortable. I find I almost never use the HD280's anymore. However, if you're in a loud environment, they can't be beat!
 
I used to have HD-580s and while they were good, they didnt blow me away like I was expecting them to. The grado SR-80s I'm using now did though - they sound AMAZING....I almost wet myself the first I heard them. Grado all the way.
 
Originally posted by: JAG87
the hd280s are great headphones. they sound increadible crisp and clear, and they have the best isolation you can find on the market. -32db of ambient attenuation.

for example i cant hear my parents if they call me when im playing music or playing games. and im not blasting it, its at a comfortable volume level. i can barely hear the phone ringing. some people might not like this, but i love it. ambient attenuation is key to a good listening experience.
Click to expand...

but its poor for soundstage...
 
If you don't mind IEMs, I would recommend the Etymotic ER4S with a headphone amp. There's nothing as accurate as that setup without going to several thousand dollar electrostatics.
I've tried on several high end headphones before, and the etymotic was the first one that really stood out. The etys added this third dimension to music. The soundstage and instrument seperation feels so real that you'll think you're there. As etymotic says, it's the closest thing to live.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er4.aspx
You could get them for roughly $150 on amazon.com
 
Originally posted by: BD2003
I used to have HD-580s and while they were good, they didnt blow me away like I was expecting them to. The grado SR-80s I'm using now did though - they sound AMAZING....I almost wet myself the first I heard them. Grado all the way.
Click to expand...

good choice.
ultrasone's aren't comfortable IMO.
 
The nitty gritty audiophile stuff isn't my specialty, but looking at the specs for the HD555, they have an impedance of 120ohm. Are you sure they aren't going to cause a problem for whatever you're going to do, compared to the 64ohm HD280?
 
Originally posted by: KermitM42
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: BD2003
I used to have HD-580s and while they were good, they didnt blow me away like I was expecting them to. The grado SR-80s I'm using now did though - they sound AMAZING....I almost wet myself the first I heard them. Grado all the way.</end quote></div>

good choice.
ultrasone's aren't comfortable IMO.
Click to expand...

Eh, neither are the grados. Theyre not that uncomfortable, but they are hideously ugly. But I seriously cannot imagine a set of headphones that sound any better...it'd really be splitting hairs IMO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top