Headphones

[Cabages]

My pair of Icemat Siberia phones just went out on me (voices are really low, but sound effect levels are the same). I got these things for ~$20AR on a whim. I found I really liked them, really comfortable, and I guess they sounded good.

What I now have a choice in is either:

A) Buying something similar (same?) here

B) Getting Sennheiser HD555 here

C) Getting Audio Technica AD700 here

From what I know, the 555 and 700 sets are both quality phones, with a little more favor going to the AD700's, especially when gaming.

They both have a broader frequency range than what ive been using, but I have no idea if that greatly effects the sound quality or not. Looking at Head-fi the 700's have a great soundstage, so they would be better for gaming.

So ATOT, will I notice that great of a difference for these ~$100 phones or should I stick with the tried and true?

I am definitely leaning toward the 700's if I get something different...

Thanks

 

[potato28]

Well... what are the Icemat's? Open or closed (can you hear outside noises) because both the 555 and the AD700 are open, so you'll hear everything around you. It also allows for a larger natural soundstage, but they'll lack the bass depth and complete bass in comparison to a closed headphone. If you really get confused, Head-Fi can help you more. And I would also consider the DT770's from Beyerdynamic, but you have a set budget and I don't think you want to be buying used.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Either one should handily improve upon what you have now, and both seem to be pretty good all around. I haven't heard the AD700s, but the HD555s were good for what you want, and also very comfortable. I did upgrade to A900s, and tend to prefer the comfort of Audio-Technica headphones myself, but I have a rather large head.

You really can't go wrong either way though. I would definitely recommend making the upgrade though, I think you'll be very happy that you did.

 

[krotchy]

So I just replaced my Icemat Siberia's with HD-555's and I got to say, the difference is pretty impressive. I am only a moderate audiophile (my surround system in my living room was about 1600 total) and I would say the HD-555's have similar clarity to that setup if not better. Also with the 30 dollar trade in rebate, you can get 555's from BH Photo for 70 bucks. Win Win