Are MDR-1Rs really worth $300, they have some crazy stiff competition at that range.
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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
- Thread starter HiResDes
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Are MDR-1Rs really worth $300, they have some crazy stiff competition at that range.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
From a fidelity point of view, not even close. They don't sound an awful lot better than $75 CAL!s tbh.
That said, they are super comfy, isolate nicely and perhaps most significant of all, are sexy headphones for the inner extrovert with too much self-esteem to wear Beats in public. I'd probably buy them at $200.
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On another note, this is one of the best shootout/comparisons I've seen in a long time. Well worth a read.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
Yeah I noticed that too, otherwise I don't think the T1s or John Grado would get a look-in. Still it's a pretty epic read that helped me get through an incredibly arduous day listening to incoherent customers complain over the phone at work.
I also find the lack of Fischer headphones disturbing. Clearly not quite as much an enthusiast as he thinks
EDIT: $50K DAC don't mean shit when you aint hooked up to an FA-011, like a boss.
GalacticSushiman
Member
You clearly misunderstood me, but I see why, I was refering to the fact that I can find a piece extremely vulgar and out of place, which is an elitist behaviour, not the examples I chose.
GalacticSushiman
Member
That answers my question actually, I am not that musically pretentious it seems, since I list AC/DC as a classic, but you clearly are
Splash Wave
Member
Not yet, im using an old pair of AKG k240 studio.
Damn. I honestly wouldn't want to be that obsessed about anything, but I certainly wouldn't mind a pair of really nice headphones.
I don't know the mechanics, but after many hours of use headphones drivers can loosen up or something, leading to better audio quality. Whether it's partially due to people's imagination seems to be up for debate.
You have to give your ears and mind an opportunity to adjust to the new sound signature, because new phones can give a big contrast to what you've grown accustomed to for so long.
But that doesn't mean your ears won't decide WTF THESE ARE SHIT TAKE THEM OUT. I mean, the M9 is Meel's $15 entry IEM. Don't expect everything to sound better to you than Bose just because Bose is hated.
Splash Wave
Member
Of course, I wasn't necessarily expecting them to be better (they're 80 dollars cheaper), but they will take some getting used to. They definitely don't sound bad, to be clear.
Hopefully recommendations are cool here, I know a little bit about headphones from poking around head-fi and similar sites/threads but I figured a focused recommendation will be better.
I'm looking for a set of on-ear/over-ear headphones for listening to mostly metal with occasional jaunts into EDM. I'm going to be primarily plugged into my tablet/phone. Sound quality is the biggest deal, after which is portability - I want to be able to throw these into a bag, so if they fold up or are easily stored in some kind of case this is a plus. It's also nice if they look kind of cool because I'm going to be using these more often in public, but that's definitely third behind sound quality and portability. I'd consider IEMs but I like listening to music for extended periods of time with over-ear headphones significantly more.
Budget is ~200 dollars. I don't own a headphone amp, so if I'd be better off buying an amp+headphones in that budget recommend accordingly. I was looking at Grado as people have recommended them as excellent low-mid range rock/metal headphones in the past, but apparently they aren't comfortable for extended listening, which is a turnoff.
I'm looking for a set of on-ear/over-ear headphones for listening to mostly metal with occasional jaunts into EDM. I'm going to be primarily plugged into my tablet/phone. Sound quality is the biggest deal, after which is portability - I want to be able to throw these into a bag, so if they fold up or are easily stored in some kind of case this is a plus. It's also nice if they look kind of cool because I'm going to be using these more often in public, but that's definitely third behind sound quality and portability. I'd consider IEMs but I like listening to music for extended periods of time with over-ear headphones significantly more.
Budget is ~200 dollars. I don't own a headphone amp, so if I'd be better off buying an amp+headphones in that budget recommend accordingly. I was looking at Grado as people have recommended them as excellent low-mid range rock/metal headphones in the past, but apparently they aren't comfortable for extended listening, which is a turnoff.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
You're gonna want an AMP/DAC combo in case your soundcard isn't up to snub like the E17, Hifiman EF2A, or NFB 12.1. You could also combine the regular E9 with the E7 for around $150.
...Also I'd recommend going with the 250 OHM DT990s, given that anything less than the NFB might have trouble headphones with such high impedance.
I apologize because I'm sure this information is readily available in the thread somewhere, but I may want to buy some new headphones. I prefer a less harsh sound, preferably warmer sounding. That may mean more bassy? Not entirely sure. Anyways, $100-$150 probably. What's my best bet?
If they are anything like my M21s, they will simply lack bass. Burn-in wont help any. I am going to assume that Bose puts an emphasis on the lows, similar to Beats, so you are probably thrown off by that.
Even though I never wear headphones when I'm out and about in public, I don't think I could bear the shame knowing I kinda own Beats. Haha. Those are actually decent sounding though?
But anyways, I should've mentioned, I think I prefer headphones that go all the way around the ear, not just sit on top of the ear. Not entirely sure about that preference though since I've never owned a pair that sit on top of the ear.
Edit: Just read the cnet review of those. These look very tempting, especially for that price.
You're gonna have to spend a bit more unless you have an amp, The Phiaton MS400s are right outside your range.
Thanks for the input!
I have planned to purchase the E17 if that's the case. I don't want to spend an extra 140 dollars right away if I don't have to. The regular E9 is only rated up to a 300 ohm output, which is why I've opted for the E9K (600 ohm output).
Also, if I wanted to use my iPhone/iPod as the source, I would have to use the E17 (with the E9K). Correct?
So even if the iPod is just used as a storage device (E17 being the DAC and E9K amping), it wouldn't be good?
Sure, but isn't the whole point of the iPod to be portable. That setup is monstrous. You're still gonna need a LOD cable too.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
Zoro's are pretty amazing for the money, actually. They best Beats in every way possible and I'd probably use them myself if not for the wonderful Phiaton MS400s.
If you want something over-ear, try Creative Aurvana Live!s.
ShinobiFist
Banned
Those headphones produce a totality different sound for my taste(But not bad, but I rather get another MDR V6 for that price)And no swivel, no buy. I'm looking for all purpose here, not a straight up studio build. The MDR1 has it all. Swivel, solid build(They could take a beating while traveling doing DJ sets) and that monitor sound with a extra push on the lows. Those Creative joints is not worth 70$ TBH. They look like they'll break on me in one week form the usage I'll put into them.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
As I said, I was talking from a fidelity point of view, that is to say the MDR1s don't sound noticeably better which one would come to expect given the price difference.
At $300 the MDR1s compete with the likes of Beyerdynamic DT1350s, which are even more durable, swivel and have a sonic advantage in just about every category, especially detail/microdetail. That's only the tip of the iceberg.
Androidsleeps
Member
Well, I can tell that I'm fan of electronic music..Trance and Dubstep <3
Noise cancellation would be great, but it's comfort and good sound quality I'm looking for.
They look great. Are the comfortable ? as in, can you wear them for +5 hours without the pain?
polyh3dron
Banned
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
For a brief listen straight from a Sansa Clip+, not a lengthy listen test by any means. They sounded good but not $300 good IMO.
polyh3dron
Banned
polyh3dron
Banned
The MDR-1Rs are getting some praise from Head-Fi posters like this:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625015/sony-has-new-headphones-mdr-1r/615#post_8831918
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625015/sony-has-new-headphones-mdr-1r/525#post_8808525
I must say smh @ the "not as good as some pair of creative labs cans" comment. Build quality on those looks abysmal.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625015/sony-has-new-headphones-mdr-1r/615#post_8831918
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625015/sony-has-new-headphones-mdr-1r/525#post_8808525
I must say smh @ the "not as good as some pair of creative labs cans" comment. Build quality on those looks abysmal.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
Actually I haven't heard those yet, always overlooked them in favor of ol reliable MDR-V6. How do they compare?
Going to be using an amp?
That's spreading my opinion. A "fair go" can mean anything, it doesn't take long to establish a headphone doesn't sound as good as many of it's peers.
Though I'll give them a better listen soon and report back.
polyh3dron
Banned
The MDR-7509 is discontinued now but has a larger driver and goes around the ear whereas the V6 and 7506 fit on the ear.. It's a closed headphone that has better bass response than the latter two models and definitely benefits from being amped. That's what I used to have as my main set of cans for about 12 years until I bought the Ultrasone Pro 900s recently which I am loving. Amazing tight bass in them and great highs. Mids are a tad low but apparently this gets better once they're more broken in and the build quality is top notch.
I am probably going to be buying the MDR-1RBT model as a Christmas gift for my brother though. I think he'll love them especially since he's never had a good set of headphones.
Well IMO to have a really good idea of what a headphone sounds like you need a few days listening at minimum to establish a proper opinion on them. I've gone through a stack of headphones ranging from $100 - $1000 and my opinion on them always changes a bit during the first week. Especially for cans that are "all rounders" and lacking one frequency that really stands out.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
Fidelity =/= build quality.
Also CAL!s are pretty solid, you shouldn't judge a Zoro by it's Beats.
Are you a basshead by any chance?
I'll get a loaner and do a bit of testing when I get the time. They DID sound quite neutral, but a little lacking on bass extension/impact. Perhaps an amp will help.
polyh3dron
Banned
I happen to like high end headphones but can't stand the ones that have a drastic bass roll off like AKGs and most Sennheisers, I tend to listen to a lot of bass heavy music but I also like a certain level of neutrality in my cans as well. So I don't like bassy headphones where you have to sacrifice clarity in the other frequencies.Fidelity =/= build quality.
Also CAL!s are pretty solid, you shouldn't judge a Zoro by it's Beats.
Are you a basshead by any chance?
I also work in sound, used to mix hip hop songs for some producer friends as well as produce myself and now I'm getting into mixing TV and film.
Also, build quality and comfort mean a lot to me.
ShinobiFist
Banned
Dreams-Visions
Member
these came yesterday.
very nice so far. extended impressions when I have more time to A - B them with my other cans.
So I've been using a pair of Sennhesier Momentums for work or about a week (and a little at home) and they're pretty awesome. Very easy to drive and with a very clean sound. good imaging and clarity. a little bass heavy but I'd guess it's just about 2-3 dB boost from around 100 Hz down. it's not an obnoxious boost and the bass itself sounds clean. I don't think there's a lot of distortion there. I guess we'll find out when they take measurements of these. There's no glare or sibilance either which I'm happy about.
So the sound is a bit dark and warm but it doesn't sound muddy at all. And they are so comfortable! they sit on the ear but you can adjust the clamping force easily and the leather is very soft and comfy.
Compared to other 200 to 350 dollar portables that I've tried, these are probably my favorites.
Some might prefer the more neutral sound of the DT1350, but I found that getting proper fit with those was impossible so they sounded hollow most of the time. And even when they did fit right, I felt basically zero bass impact.
The Amperior has a more lively treble/ upper mids that can be more engaging with rock but I found they added a bit of glare with female vocals which I didn't like (based only on in-store demo).
The regular HD25 had too much of a V-shaped FR plus grain and sibilance. And the fit was very tight.
The B&W P5 just sound mushy and slow compared to these.
It's been a long time since I heard the ESW9 but I think these have a bit more neutral response. a little more treble, a little less mid-bass hump.
The imaging with the momentum is really good - the placement of singers and instruments is done really well. Compared to full size cans like the Mad Dogs or Q701, the soundstage isn't large but it seems about as precise with placement of sounds within the space. The sound is clean, clean, clean. I can't hear any grain in the sound. Very nice.
the mad dogs will stay at home as my desk cans as I don't want to bother with a portable amp anymore. Momentum are my work cans for the forseeable future. the difference in sound between the Momentum straight from an iphone 5 and from the ODAC/ Amphora setup was minimal - a bit stronger bass and cleaner highs from the desk setup.
I'll be selling my other headphones (Q701, Symphones Magnum) to keep the collection small and manageable.
So the sound is a bit dark and warm but it doesn't sound muddy at all. And they are so comfortable! they sit on the ear but you can adjust the clamping force easily and the leather is very soft and comfy.
Compared to other 200 to 350 dollar portables that I've tried, these are probably my favorites.
Some might prefer the more neutral sound of the DT1350, but I found that getting proper fit with those was impossible so they sounded hollow most of the time. And even when they did fit right, I felt basically zero bass impact.
The Amperior has a more lively treble/ upper mids that can be more engaging with rock but I found they added a bit of glare with female vocals which I didn't like (based only on in-store demo).
The regular HD25 had too much of a V-shaped FR plus grain and sibilance. And the fit was very tight.
The B&W P5 just sound mushy and slow compared to these.
It's been a long time since I heard the ESW9 but I think these have a bit more neutral response. a little more treble, a little less mid-bass hump.
The imaging with the momentum is really good - the placement of singers and instruments is done really well. Compared to full size cans like the Mad Dogs or Q701, the soundstage isn't large but it seems about as precise with placement of sounds within the space. The sound is clean, clean, clean. I can't hear any grain in the sound. Very nice.
the mad dogs will stay at home as my desk cans as I don't want to bother with a portable amp anymore. Momentum are my work cans for the forseeable future. the difference in sound between the Momentum straight from an iphone 5 and from the ODAC/ Amphora setup was minimal - a bit stronger bass and cleaner highs from the desk setup.
I'll be selling my other headphones (Q701, Symphones Magnum) to keep the collection small and manageable.
Solideliquid
Member
Bose Quiet Comfort 15 vs Beats Solo HD (or Executive)?
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