Sennheiser 280, HD25-1 or something else entirely?

Johnmcl7 · 26-04-2008, 6:15 PM

Hey folks, I have a cheap set of Panasonic RPHT225 headphones I've been using for a couple of years now:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...headphones.htm

Basically happy with the headphones overall just looking for something 'better', my main use is with a Sandisk E280 mp3 player listening to a variety of music mainly relatively current (listening to Muse at the moment). Also used the headphones hooked up to a PC when travelling to listen to DVDs.

The Sennheiser 280's are an obvious choice but don't seem well liked here or other similar forums so I've not considered them much further.

I've considered open back headphones but the closed back seems to suit my needs better as I prefer not to have people beside me being disturbed by what I listen to as I tend to be watching DVDs or similar when on the train/bus/plane.

The HD25-1's seem to be consistently held in high regard and seem well suited for portable use although I don't mind the larger size of the current headphones. I'm a little confused by the HD25, HD25-1, HD25-1 II and HD25SP but as far as I'm aware it's the last ones I need to avoid. If these are the ones to go for, where is a good place to get them?

Are there any other headphones I should be considering or are the HD25's a good bet?

Thanks,
John

TameRacingDriver · 26-04-2008, 6:43 PM

Personally, for the kind of price your looking at I would forget about the HD280 unless you actually prefer headphones with very little bass.

Personally, if it were me, and I was looking for a sub £100 closed headphone, my money would be going on either the Beyerdynamic DT150 or DT250 (250 ohm version sounds better but is harder to drive, 80 ohm version easier to use with a portable / low powered device).

ETA: Looking again at your requirements, it seems like the DT250-80 would be the best version out of those I suggested.

Have you considered a canal phone as well? I'm sure you could find a good canal phone for less than £100.

Johnmcl7 · 26-04-2008, 6:52 PM

I can't stand in-ear headphones, my budget is fairly flexible as the HD-25's seem to be around 140-150 pounds which is fine as long as it's worth spending the money.

John

TameRacingDriver · 26-04-2008, 6:54 PM

Well in that case, the Ultrasone Proline 750 are a no-brainer then. Easily the best closed headphones for that kind of price. I use the Proline 2500 (open version) here and now that they have some burn in time they are stunning. Although whether you get the same result from a portable is another question!

r@mside · 26-04-2008, 9:54 PM

Have a look at reviews for the Ultrasone HFI 780, they are relatively easy to drive from MP3 player and should fall within your budget.

Where to buy?: Ultrasone HFI-780

They are next up on my shopping list for home use out of my laptop and MP3 player - I'm happy using canal phones on the move and at bedtime.

NicolasB · 27-04-2008, 1:18 PM

Personally I don't think there's anything wrong with the Sennheiser HD280 for the price. Beyerdynamic DT770 is worth checking out, too.

Johnmcl7 · 28-04-2008, 12:20 AM

I've been doing a lot of reading on the Ultrasone and I have to say I like the sound of them, if I can get them for 125 pounds delivered (going to try the distributor tomorrow) then I'm probably going to go for it.

John

r@mside · 28-04-2008, 7:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnmcl7

I've been doing a lot of reading on the Ultrasone and I have to say I like the sound of them, if I can get them for 125 pounds delivered (going to try the distributor tomorrow) then I'm probably going to go for it.

John

Let us know how it goes. I might jump a bit earlier than I had planned.

Johnmcl7 · 28-04-2008, 9:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r@mside

Let us know how it goes. I might jump a bit earlier than I had planned.

I ordered them today, apparently the normal cost is 136 pounds including delivery although they let me have them for 130 pounds...wasn't arguing over 5 pounds either way, they're supposed to be here tomorrow.

I doubt I'll be able to give much useful feedback though, I have to admit I'm not much of an audio person!

John

tianuk · 30-04-2008, 5:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicolasB

Personally I don't think there's anything wrong with the Sennheiser HD280 for the price. Beyerdynamic DT770 is worth checking out, too.

stay away from the HD280 if u like bass as i got some (loving hip hop and rock) and was very dissapointed...although they really are great for treble music, like classical.etc... anyway they have gone back to shop now :-(

Johnmcl7 · 01-05-2008, 12:22 AM

My 780's arrived today and while I don't really have anything to compare them to I am extremely impressed with them, they sound incredible even at low volume with superb bass and clarity. I've tried a few different sources (mp3 player, TV, PC) and very happy with the volume and output for all of them, had to keep the volume very low actually. While it wouldn't have affected my decision the headphones do look rather good as well.

Downsides I knew were going to be bulid quality and comfort, I think that's fairly accurate - they are a bit plasticky and I'm finding them a bit uncomfortable after an hour or so with them on although I find adjusting them slightly helps. I should also mention that I found the Zalman headphones to uncomfortable in a similar way however many people didn't so it may well be the shape of my head.

Thanks again for the Ultrasone recommendation.

John

r@mside · 01-05-2008, 7:27 PM

I'm pleased you like them John.

They should sound even better over time and hopefully they will also become more comfortable with use.

TameRacingDriver · 01-05-2008, 7:58 PM

Welcome to the Ultrasone fold

faheem55 · 05-06-2008, 5:03 PM

is the sony mdrv150 headphones better or the panasonic rpht225

*Reano* · 07-06-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tianuk

stay away from the HD280 if u like bass as i got some (loving hip hop and rock) and was very dissapointed...although they really are great for treble music, like classical.etc... anyway they have gone back to shop now :-(

Got to agree. HD280 are not good at all really. They do not even produce the treble that well. Sold mine a while back

Holden4th · 08-06-2008, 10:26 AM

The HD 280s are superb cans and the bass is not an issue, it's how you drive them and your own perception of bass. The 280s are exceptionally articulate and this includes their bass response. Attached to a basic portable HP amp these cans shine in so many ways and the bass goes deep yet remains very clear, tight and precise. If you want a booming bass effect then these are not for you but if you want to clearly hear every note that Robbie Shakespeare plays then you can't go past these.

I've got the 280s hooked up through the Creative sound card in my PC via a cheap Behringer HP amp and the sound is just magnificent - especially the bass.