Senn 600 / 650 - AKG K701 or Beyer DT990?

chippyteaforme · 23-09-2007, 9:21 AM

Hi everyone!

I'm looking at getting some new cans to use with my cheap Chinese tube amp (Little Dot 2), and reckon I can get all of the above for under £200 without too much trouble. I've seen the 650s on Amazon around £165, the AKG and the DT990s for about £175 elsewhere.

Bearing in mind that I'll be listening to anything - but predominantly rock/metal - which of the trio would you recommend - or are there some other open cans that would be more suited? I've heard good things about Grado but I disagree with their pricing strategy, which basically leaves UK buyers paying twice as much as US customers.

Also if anyone knew of some places where these are available more cheaply that would be awesome - I'm a tight git at heart

Thanks all

Oh, just thought of a couple of bits to add.

1) I have quite a big head and wear glasses.
2) I love my old Beyerdynamic DT431.

I find the Senn 595 a bit 'claustrophobic' - I'd want something a bit more 'airy' ideally. It's hard to describe, but the DT431 is VERY light and VERY 'open'. Sure you can hear everything around you, but at the same time I prefer that. Would I be better going for higher end Beyers or would the 600/650 be more 'airy'?

eviljohn2 · 23-09-2007, 11:44 AM

I wear glasses and love my Beyerdynamic DT990s for all kinds of music including rock and metal. Very detailed and easy to listen to. Of course I havn't had anything like the same amount of time listening to the other models but I can't imagine you'd be disappointed. They are quite hard to drive although virtually all models in this league are.

StevieDvd · 23-09-2007, 12:05 PM

Well you certainly have picked a good short-list. I know the peeve about Grado and I do agree the pricing is distinctly off putting. However, there is a company called Alessandro who do a 'tuned' version of the Grado headphones who ship internationally so you get the same price as anyone else (worldwide shipping is included in the price).

I've not tried the DT990s but own/owned the others. From your musical tastes I'd think the Grado line would be more to your liking but please check out other reviews about their comfort. Unfortunately both the Senns and the AKGs are a bit tight at first for larger headed folk, though not a problem for the Grado as you can easily bend them to shape.

I'd suggest you check reviews of the amp to see how bright it sounds, it may be a better match for one make of headphones over another. Though most amp makers would at least test with the Senns, if they tune it for a warmer, darker headphone then a bright one like the Grado could sound overly bright.

chippyteaforme · 23-09-2007, 7:26 PM

Hmmm... this is getting a bit frustrating now

I keep thinking about the K701s, apparently they are very comforable, and I keep reading good reviews. Mind you they are going to be a bit more expensive than the others. I'm a bit concerned that the HD650s will be a bit too tight on my head - not to the point of making me pass out, but to the point when 'I know I am wearing them'.

Thats one of the things I loved with my Beyer DT431. I was constantly turning around when things were making noises on the PC - I honestly believed that most of the noise were behind me, and could 'forget' I were wearing headphones.

I don't suppose the HD650 will be anywhere near as comfortable. The DT880 / DT990 might be. Probably a bit more review hunting is required

I'm also not sure about what will work best with my amp. The K701 are quite low impedence (apparently 62ohm), so may not even need much amping. I'm just not sure how the tube based Little Dot 2 will affect anything other than the Sennheisers - apparently they come 'set up' for Sennheiser HD600s. I don't want to spend £180 on the headphones and have them end up being incompatible with the amp.

Still, I can always sell the amp. It was cheap enough anyway. I could always get another amp - something solid state.

Here we go - at this rate I'll end up getting 2 pairs of headphones and another amp - rather than just the 1 pair I was intending to buy :D

chippyteaforme · 27-09-2007, 7:32 AM

Just ordered the K701s from a German retailler. Will see how I get on with them, and how they get on with the amp.

If I change my mind about them, don't be surprised if they turn up for sale on here, and I'll get some Senn HD650s shortly after.

Of course if I love the phones but don't like the way they work with the amp, theres always a chance I'll stick my LD2 on here and get something better as well. Getting a refund for a laptop that arrived knackered today and got paid yesterday - every little helps

StevieDvd · 27-09-2007, 9:23 AM

Soundwise you'll be fine. Though they do stand out a bit (think of the Dr Who cybermen).

I've been waiting 15 weeks for a new Stefan Arts cable for my K701 (cost as much as the cans themselves), though the new cable will be for use on my balanced headphone amp - am I getting impatient (yes!!).

Steve