Originally Posted by
Vespesi3n
If I went for an open headphone, what are some good options? I've been looking at the Grado SR80is, and I'd probably get those if you don't have any other suggestions.
I like the SR80s for rock but I prefer the alessandro MS1i (which are ~$99 + shipping). The MS1 is essentially a more neutral SR125i.
They have less highs so they are less fatiguing and still kick arse at rock.
You may have to wait a month or so if you are ordering directly from grado or alessandro though as they use hand made stuff + alessandro has to wait for grado to send drivers
Btw the grados wont be particularly excellent for gaming (due to a small soundstage).
The AD700 will provide a better all-round sound for gaming and other genres but the grados will pwn with rock.
Otherwise you could look at the DT440 if you dont have a huge head (if you do, itll be uncomfortable).
DT440 is probably the best all-rounder, but the SR80/MS1 will be the best for rock.
Neither the AD700 or Grados have loud bass. Their bass is high impact but its not particularly loud on volume.
Best for gaming would be AD700
Best for rock music would be the MS1
Best allrounder would be DT440 (can be uncomfortable for some). Keep in mind this is coming from people who are used to AD700/DT880 levels of comfort; which are IMO some of the most comfortable headphones in existsence.
Best closed/isolating would be Shure SRH440
Most of my issues with these headphones are particularly audiophile. I'm pretty sure you'd be happy with any of them (except maybe the MS1 for gaming and the AD700 for bass volume).
An open headphone will almost always be better for gaming because of a larger soundstage/headstage (which means that it does footstep positioning etc better).
So its all up to your priorities ;)
Last edited by m0o; Nov 18, 2009 at 10:17 AM.