Entry level open cans?

[IDvsEGO]

So I am about to be a renter again. This means I am going to be using my headphones a good bit more since I have odd hours and don't want to disturb the neighbors in the middle of the night. I am thinking of getting some open cans so that I can get a bit better soundstage but still keep volume levels lower. I have never had a pair, always IEMs and closed cans. I know they can be heard but I wouldn't think it would be as loud for the neighbors as a full out home system. I want decent bass presence for the movies but still have good musicality. I just sold a set of hd428s and I am thinking something along those lines but open and with a longer cable meant for home use. I will be driving them off my Onkyo receiver for the most part. Budget I am unsure about but I will start the hunting int he $100-150 range. Cheaper is always better, but I want something that fits my needs first and foremost. So any suggestions?

maybe the audio technica ath-ad700 or the sennheiser hd555, or 595?

[CrowdAds]

[steinburger1109]

I hear good things about the HD555, that's what I would get if I wanted a closed open (thanks Marv...) set of headphones. If you choose to go that route, don't forget about this mod:

You Tube

You Tube

It's very easy and makes the HD555 the same as a 595 (supposedly) without costing 30 bucks more.

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by steinburger1109

I hear good things about the HD555, that's what I would get if I wanted a closed set of headphones. If you choose to go that route, don't forget about this mod:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvQ8PzBrHXE

It's very easy and makes the HD555 the same as a 595 (supposedly) without costing 30 bucks more.

The HD555 are open headphones , which is what he is asking for. And I think he wants his 'phones to be a bit bass-heavy,so they work well with movies, and I don't know if the HD555 qualify as such.

[sideways]

The HD 555's are solid. They've been my at home cans for going on a year.

The Bass is enough for my tastes. YMMV so give them a go at your local B&M store, which you would of course do anyway to test the fit.

[steinburger1109]

Originally Posted by Marvin the Martian

The HD555 are open headphones , which is what he is asking for. And I think he wants his 'phones to be a bit bass-heavy,so they work well with movies, and I don't know if the HD555 qualify as such.

D'oh, typo... I know they're open, and that's what I meant. I prefer closed phones and already have a pair. Woops.

As for bass, the HD595 are supposed to be slightly bassier than the 555, but still not all that bassy.

[IDvsEGO]

the best buy and frys nearest me dont have open set in stock. I could try the guitar center down the road.

[jupitreas]

Consider Goldring DR150 as an interesting alternative for an entry-level open can. Their sound is much bigger than their price and IMO it is a more balanced alternative to the Sennheiser HD5xx line. I will be posting a review of these soon.

EDIT: Their bass is on the lean side, somewhat similar to Grado bass but with more quantity. I'd call it a balanced bass response, but it might not be enough if you're looking for bass heavy cans.

[Mikerman]

Going up $50 or so (absent a sale), the AIAIAI phones seem very inviting, for a multitude of reasons . . . .

http://anythingbutipod.com/2010/12/a...iew/#more-2432

[rodentdog]

My 2 cents. Beyer DT250-80. Neutral, easy to drive.

[TimYoung]

Open cans tend to have less bass by its nature. If you like the Sennheiser then I would second the 555 mod to 595 as the entry level cans to purchase. Some great deals I have seen on the 555 if you look around.