Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Headphone Comparison, part 1 (very, very long.)

Oh yeah, i have no idea how much the 570s were-they were a gift. Couldn't have been more than $150-200, though.

Ken, I can tell that you really like the sound of the 280s. Rather than letting the smirks and outright laughter of your fellow Bart riders dissuade you, put the question instead to your fellow Axiomites. Have Jen take pics(some of the folks here like pics)of you wearing the 280s. Then we can have a poll here to determine whether the quality of the sound should overcome the derision that you'll face on the BART.

Thanks for the comparison, Ken. That was fun. I can't remember what closed phones sound like. Been too many years since I tried a pair.

When I was searching for cans I rated comfort pretty high. Couldn't stand that headphone headache.

"The clamping force" on your skull, eh? Fun hobby. Enjoyable commute. Do they have bamboo for under your fingernails at the local esperesso cart?

So, we're trying to decide here if the auditory bliss outweighs your appearance of geekdom, then?

Seems like the choice is clear - you either have to embrace earbuds or let your freak flag fly. There is no in-between.

What a perfect idea, John. I've been telling Ken that I need a picture of him so I can add it to our department's staff listing website. Now I can just use one of the headphone pics.

nicely done man. I FINALLY found a post here that I know a bit about. (unlike hi end speakers)
I know it was not part of your observation list. But I have the Sennheiser HD-650's and I can say without any reservation that if you are looking for the best open can there is, bar none(under 500USD that is ). shop a good price (when I got mine I found a sale price I paid 365.00 USD shipped.) break out your plastic and NEVER look back. There is a wealth of info to be found about them and I dare say ANY review you read will be quite favorable.
here is a AWESOME place to start for ALL things headphone, a wealth of knowledge to be gobbled up, and they themselves make some VERY good amps for your cans. http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-manufacturer/sennheiser/sennheiser-hd-650.php

Thanks for sharing all this info, and best of luck to all in your 'quest for cans'.

And Yes! Well done Ken! Decisions decisions! A fun read though.

Cans are fun. I have the upgaditus bug nibbling at the moment myself.

And good for you as well Stone_Man! Great cans at a great price! The 650s certainly are well respected and much loved 'phones!

I decided not to decide-I'm keeping both. I wear contacts every other day, glasses on the opposite day. When I'm wearing my regular glasses or perscription sunglasses, the AKGs are not particularly comfortable, due to that clamping thing. With my contacts and regular sunglasses, they're just fine, but the Senns hurt like hell. So.... I like the sound of the AKGs better for commuting (much better bass) and old, poorly recorded music, but if I can't deal with the ear pain on a 30 minute commute, I don't even want to think about wearing the wrong pair on an airplane.

Great decision not deciding!!

My favorite decision as well!! Keeping both is twice the fun!!

.....can't tell ya how many times I wish I could have gone that route.

If I had to leave something at home; it would surly be the pain!! Great to have the option. Jolly good choice(s)!!
Rich.

so what do you all have for headphone amps?

all I have it the Total AirHead from headroom, I've used it for the ipod and it did its job.

What I'd like to find is a (reasonable) HOME headphone amp. headroom makes some home amps but are out of the $$$ range I'm willing to shell out.

any ideas? 500$ absolute top I will pay.

I see JVC has put out an intrigeing um .. gaget that give's you 5.1 through your cans. that sounds like it could be cool, for gaming and those times you wanna watch a concert DVD and not distrub others with volume. here's a bit about it http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=1445

Peace