Headphones - Whats your Pick?

[conchyjoe7]

Hi:
I used to have Senn 600s and AKG 701s, but I bought (about 6 weeks ago) a pair of Denon AH-D2000 cans, and I have to say IMHO they are the best all around I've owned. Color me extremely happy with them. One caveat: They are "closed ear" and as such can get a little warm to the ear after prolonged use. Having said that, it's not enough to bother me, and while these are VERY well balanced all around phones, their bass is phenomenal.
Cheers,
Konky.

[SQCherokee]

I've had a pair of grados (old 60 series from the late 90's) I like them alot...but they are open backs so people next to me on an air plane don't nessicarily want to hear my heavy metal.

They sound awsome.

[bdbuss]

DRB wrote:

Brad, I also own a pair of Etymotic 4P's. (Yes, I realize I have a problem...). I use them with a large classic Creative MP3 player and a HeadRoom portable amp for airline travel. Good isolation, good sound! I find the amp is a must.

BTW, I use them at home when my wife insists that the leakage from the regular cans is too much. Excellent. The original in-ear monitors.

Ray - I listen to mine with an iPod. I can get fairly high volume levels, so I never thought I needed an amp. I've seen them for sale though. What does it do for the sound? Because if you can convince me that I could get even "better" sound through them, I would be stunned.

[drf]

In my opinion headphone amps, accessories and headphones over $50 are a waste of time and money if you are playing compressed music.

[conchyjoe7]

I don't play any compressed music anywhere at anytime on anything. Oh, that is of course unless it's compressed in the studio. I forgot like 90% of all the music's compressed today. Couldn't believe Santana's "Supernatural" has a whopping 9db of dynamic range...PATHETIC!
Cheers,
Konky.

[DRB]

Ray - I listen to mine with an iPod. I can get fairly high volume levels, so I never thought I needed an amp. I've seen them for sale though. What does it do for the sound? Because if you can convince me that I could get even "better" sound through them, I would be stunned.

I don't download any music files. My compressed files are home-made with a high bitrate LAME VBR approach. (No iTunes 192's here, please). That said, like everything else in audio, you have to try it for yourself. I get a cleaner, fuller sound with the HeadRoom amp and it is helpful with both WAV files and MP3's. IMHO.

I should also mention that the old Creative player I have features a real honest-to-God line out. I believe this is much better than the impedance mismatch that you get when driving your amp with the headphone out jack. (That doesn't stop me from using the amp with my iPod, however, on those rare occasions when I remove it from my car). Take a look around HeadFi or other headphone sites with regards to portable CD players, amps and headphones. There is a group of fans who look far and wide for older players with line out jacks. Many of them swear by a rig consisting of their classic Sony CD player, a headphone amp (often with tubes), and a pair of Sennheiser, AKG, or other quality headphones.

[jliedeka]

My best headphones are Grado SR-60s. They are inexpensive (< $70) and sound light years better than any other inexpensive phones I've heard. I'm not a big can user so I wouldn't spend any more than that. I have compared them to the more expensive SR-225s. I did notice the difference but thought it was fairly subtle. Perhaps if I were using a good headphone amp, I would be more demanding. I got mine to use at the office and they are just plugged in to the headphone jack of my sound card.

Jim

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Thanks for the tip, Jim. I've been on the look out for some good-sounding, but economical 'phones. I've been a Sennheiser fan for years, but I've grown weary of their cheesy replacable cables. They don't last long at all, and after 2-3 replacements you've spent the price of the headphones once again.

Regards,
Wayne

[avaserfi]

Wayne A. Pflughaupt wrote:

Thanks for the tip, Jim. I've been on the look out for some good-sounding, but economical 'phones. I've been a Sennheiser fan for years, but I've grown weary of their cheesy replacable cables. They don't last long at all, and after 2-3 replacements you've spent the price of the headphones once again.

Regards,
Wayne

If you are interested in high quality low cost headphones I strongly suggest you look into the Sony MDR-7506/Sony MDR-V6. They can be had new for about $90 and refurbished for around $60. These headphones are extremely accurate with a good build quality to boot.

[Matt34]

avaserfi wrote:

If you are interested in high quality low cost headphones I strongly suggest you look into the Sony MDR-7506/Sony MDR-V6. They can be had new for about $90 and refurbished for around $60. These headphones are extremely accurate with a good build quality to boot.

I 2nd this advice. I've had about a dozen pairs of headphones under $175 and the Sony MDR-V6 are far and away my favorite.

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Thanks for the tip, Andrew (and to Matt for confirming). I saw you had previoiusly recommended the Sonys when I scanned the thread yesterday, but I wasn't aware they were so economical. One appears to be an over-ear studio type, the other a physically smaller on-ear model. Is there any difference between the two, sound-wise?

Regards,
Wayne

[avaserfi]

Wayne A. Pflughaupt wrote:

Thanks for the tip, Andrew (and to Matt for confirming). I saw you had previoiusly recommended the Sonys when I scanned the thread yesterday, but I wasn't aware they were so economical. One appears to be an over-ear studio type, the other a physically smaller on-ear model. Is there any difference between the two, sound-wise?

Regards,
Wayne

Both the MDR-7506 and the Sony MDR-V6 are closed over ear monitors that are almost exactly the same except for some minor cosmetic differences. I think you might have looked at a different Sony headphone that was smaller...

If you happen to be near or in College Station in August or after feel free to let me know and you can check out my pair. I will be moving down shortly.

[Malice]

Pre-amble

So why did I want to review these headphones (see below)? Well, unlike the aficionados in here, I have no history of ever using headphones to listen to my music, even on an irregular basis. Perhaps I have been fortunate in that all the houses I have lived in (parents) or owned, have been detached so “loud” music per se has not been an issue to be overcome with the use of headphones. However, I accept that there is a school of thought which supports the view that irrespective of any “loud” issues, a good set of ‘phones can enhance the listening pleasure over and above that which one may experience with a good set of speakers. So with that in mind I wanted to go back to school to see if there was anything to this headphone malarkey! In some respects I hope that by not having any preconceptions about any brand, model or perceived performance that I could offer an honest opinion based on my experiences with them.

Equipment

A read of my sig may raise a few eyebrows in terms of stereo-phile ability, but like many people in here, it’s the ability of their AV systems to accommodate both multi-channel film sources and either multi channel or stereo music sources, that determines how content one may feel about one’s set up. After all, most AV amps have the so called “Pure” or “Pure Direct” mode turning off any video decoding and bypass most of the digital processing for the “audiophile” in every one of us.

That said I did break out my old trusty Nytech amplifier which I bought as part of a “stereo” system in the early 80’s. Back then £1,100 for an Nytech amp and tuner, Rega turntable, speakers, tuner, tape deck, stands and Naim cable was a lot of money and which I thought sounded great for the money. So having auditioned my Denon kit I powered up my Nytech amp for a comparison, but more about that later.

Sources

I fed signals from my DVD (SACD stereo and multi channel) and streamed digital signals off my PC through my Pinnacle Showcenter. My Rega deck needs a new cartridge so did not press that into action. As far as my music tastes are concerned, and being of a certain age (don’t ask), I gravitate to the progressive 70’s such as Pink Floyd, Genesis, Camel. Not that I should admit to this, but I also like the early Dire Straits stuff. I love my bass and like to feel it as well as hear it. I think I have my speakers/sub set up pretty well for dealing with music as well as films. “Comfortably Numb” at 0db cuts the mustard for me, as does the “Carpet Crawlers” off Genesis’ Seconds Out. That said I’ve been a recent convert to the Blue Man Group with some terrific bass lines, like Club Nowhere.

Order of play

Having no idea of any perceived pecking order, I auditioned in this order: MS1, RS1, AKG and HD650. After reviewing all of them I decided which I liked best and then tried to analyse why and then compare the others to them. So for those of you who haven’t fallen asleep by now, here’s my $0.02. For both comfort and listening pleasure the amp was set at about -6db.

Grado RS1.

Like with the MS1, I could not get on with the “cups” but preferred the “flatter” ones. That aside I thought the RS1’s were superb. The bass went low, was controlled and had excellent dynamics. I could not believe what I was hearing on some of the material; it was as if I was feeling the notes as well as hearing them, just like with my speakers. The mid-range and treble was excellent and supplied a soundstage which was totally enthralling. Instruments stood out where they needed to be without becoming detached from the overall soundstage. They were easy to listen to with no fatigue or feeling of harshness to them.

Allesandro MS1

In terms of mid-range and treble these units were very similar in performance to the RS1, but I did notice a very slight harshness to the upper frequencies which wasn’t present in the RS1’s. But it was only slight. They made a very good job of the bass but didn’t go as low as the RS1’s and didn’t have the dynamics of the RS1’s. The bass felt a little lacking in its presentation, as a result the overall soundstage was a little more “forward” than the Grado’s. Nonetheless I was impressed as well. Like the Grado’s they were easy to listen to but I felt over a prolonged period the slightly more forward treble may have proved a little tiresome.

On a second audition of these I am now of the opinion that on the material I auditioned they probably do go as low as the Grado RS1, but suffer slightly from focus at the lower end. A bit woolley or perhaps coloured. Not a lot, but not as clean as the RS1.

AKG 701

I liked the fit of the larger pads compared to the either of the options on the RS/MS/1’s. As per usual my initial interest is the bass reproduction. I’d say that these went a little lower than the MS1’s but not as low as the RS1’s, but they were so laid back in their presentation that the bass had little dynamics. Couple that with their equally laid back mid-range and treble the 701’s did not engage me as the other two. “Bland” is perhaps a little too unkind a description, but there is no doubt that overall the control of the entire frequency range was excellent. Perhaps they would be more suited to other material, classical perhaps, but for good gut wrenching bass pumping rock, they left me a little flat and cold. There was no doubting its pedigree, but as with cars people like different things for different reasons. No one would doubt the engineering excellence and comfort of say a Bentley, but when that fails to impress in a way that say a Ferrari would, then you know that each targets a different audience. Perhaps the same with headphones.

Senn HD650

When I put these on and cued up the first track which had a very strong thumping snare drum on the opening beat, I nearly had an accident which would have required a change in underwear. Man these were loud! To get them to the same perceived loudness as the others, I had to notch back my amp from -6db to about -13db. Once my heart had stopped racing I was only then able to asses their real performance on the now well auditioned tracks. Of course bass was the first on my list. There was no doubt that these were approaching the RS1’s in terms of absolute frequency reproduction, and the dynamics were pretty good too. However, to make an analogy with a 5.1 set up, the “sub” was uncontrolled and would have benefited from a bit of in-room EQ’ing. The bass, although loud and low and dynamic, appeared to be suffering from a lack of focus and control. With the RS1’s some of the bass lines were well placed and coherent, not so with the Senn’s. Disappointed. The mid-range was good from what I could tell, but the trebles were a tad too bright and harsh for my fifty year old ears. As a result I felt the soundstage was fragmented and the trebles were too much in my face, if that’s possible! The soundstage appeared nearly as three distinct performances each vying for your attention. I was tired of listening to these in no time at all. No matter how many times I put these on I could not like them for one minute.

Other amp.

I thought that perhaps my Denon amp, even in Pure Direct mode may not have been a good pairing for the audition, so I broke out my trusty Brit designed and built Nytech amp. Although it was a modest 25wpc, it nonetheless had produced very satisfying performances with my other kit. Well, it was immediately clear that with over 20 years of technological improvement under the Denon’s covers since the Nytech was introduced, that the Denon’s performance far exceed my aging beauty. Oh, well, back in the cupboard you go! At least I now know I gave the headphones the best shot I could muster.

Other’s input.

I have two sons who were equally keen to have a listen and express an opinion as well. One son prefers Dance/Techno Music, and the other heavy metal/rock. The former preferred the MS1’s with their slightly more forward presentation than the RS1’s (#2), with the AKG (#3) and HD650 (#4) following behind. The latter (who by the way had invested in a £200 pair of in-ear plugs for his Ipod) took the approach of “first impressions” count and asked for a quick run through of the bassy Blue Man Group. In his view he’d have liked the RS1 for mid and treble and the bass of the HD650’s!

Conclusion

This exercise has underlined what most good advice advocates: audition any equipment for yourself and use materials which you both like and are familiar with. Don’t be swayed by other’s opinion’s as your ears are unique to you. You can’t please all of the people all of the time! For me the Grado RS1's had the edge in all departments.

On researching the pricing on these units and I have to say that bangs per buck has to go to the Allesandro MS-1. OK, $99 doesn't get you the "wood" effect, but hey, at that price it's a steal.

However, on revisiting all the above cans, and as much as the MS-1 absolute "value" could not beat IMO, having heard the Grado RS-1 I don't think I'd be happy with anything less. They did perform better in all departments than any of the others. "Better" in subtle ways which breathed an added dimension into the appreciation of the music.

Listening to Floyd's WYWH, the RS-1 really made an excellent job of the bass lines. It was if I could hear the bass guitar being plucked and producing a note, rather than just a bass note, which the MS-1 did. The RS1 just seemed to pull out every minute detail and presented with precision, control and dynamics. Awesome!

[WmAx]

Malice wrote:

Pre-amble

However, I accept that there is a school of thought which supports the view that irrespective of any “loud” issues, a good set of ‘phones can enhance the listening pleasure over and above that which one may experience with a good set of speakers.

I have no idea of how this can be true. I propose that those that say this, the overwhelming majority have not really heard a true high quality set of speakers set up in a proper acoustic space(BTW, most so-called high-end speaker set ups probably do not qualify and are usually in poor acoustic spaces with non-ideal set up and mediocre speakers despite the high price tag). No headphone can ever match the total experience of this situation, at least, for what I would guess is 99.9% of people. Some might prefer the un-realistic(relative in comparison to a very high grade speaker set in proper acoustic space) experience that headphones give, no matter what, but I think these will be in the very small minority.

-Chris

[deacongreg]

WmAx wrote:

I have no idea of how this can be true. I propose that those that say this, the overwhelming majority have not really heard a true high quality set of speakers set up in a proper acoustic space(BTW, most so-called high-end speaker set ups probably do not qualify and are usually in poor acoustic spaces with non-ideal set up and mediocre speakers despite the high price tag). No headphone can ever match the total experience of this situation, at least, for what I would guess is 99.9% of people. Some might prefer the un-realistic(relative in comparison to a very high grade speaker set in proper acoustic space) experience that headphones give, no matter what, but I think these will be in the very small minority.

-Chris

That is saying a lot, for both the Sennheisers and AKG`s are great cans. The Denon`s are also a l;ot more, if I remember correctly. Are you using a Headphone amp as well? If so, what kind?

[WmAx]

deacongreg wrote:

That is saying a lot, for both the Sennheisers and AKG`s are great cans. The Denon`s are also a l;ot more, if I remember correctly. Are you using a Headphone amp as well? If so, what kind?

I have evaluated a great number (majority) of the highest end headphones in existence, and not one can come close to a very high grade speaker system set up in a good room acoustic. I would not even consider the Sennhesier and AKG units listed above to anywhere near the best headphones I have heard. The Stax Omega II and Sennheiser Orpheus, and even the 2003 Beyer DT880 with dampening modification and used with DSP EQ(DT880 has no similarity to stock version in this case) are rather much superior. But still, they are not comparable to a very high grade speaker system. By very high grade speaker system, I will define this as commercially, a minimum of B&W 802D which is controlled by a high quality DSP EQ and properly acoustically treated room and proper placement for ideal sound. No revelation here, as headphones can not meet the requirements of human perception for highest sound quality, physically, unless the aid of special DSP user customized/set HRTF compensation is employed(which is not available for consumer use yet) and then, there is still the problem of tactile energy detection of midbass to bass frequencies by the body that is not existent with a headphone. The models of headphone amps I used are not of any relevance.

-Chris

[deacongreg]

WmAx wrote:

I have evaluated a great number (majority) of the highest end headphones in existence, and not one can come close to a very high grade speaker system set up in a good room acoustic. I would not even consider the Sennhesier and AKG units listed above to anywhere near the best headphones I have heard. The Stax Omega II and Sennheiser Orpheus, and even the 2003 Beyer DT880 with dampening modification and used with DSP EQ(DT880 has no similarity to stock version in this case) are rather much superior. But still, they are not comparable to a very high grade speaker system. By very high grade speaker system, I will define this as commercially, a minimum of B&W 802D which is controlled by a high quality DSP EQ and properly acoustically treated room and proper placement for ideal sound. No revelation here, as headphones can not meet the requirements of human perception for highest sound quality, physically, unless the aid of special DSP user customized/set HRTF compensation is employed(which is not available for consumer use yet) and then, there is still the problem of tactile energy detection of midbass to bass frequencies by the body that is not existent with a headphone. The models of headphone amps I used are not of any relevance.

-Chris

Okay, that is fine, but I was not talking about comparison to a speaker system. I was looking at headphone listening for those of us that love and enjoy it, and want the best they can get. I have heard the Beyers, and I think they are very good. The Stax I heard in not the best conditions, HE2007, and was not impressed.
Especially, considering the amount of money Stax asks for their headphone systems. I have read good things about a few of the Denon`s, but have yet to hear or demo them as of yet. I was trying to get your opinion, headphone to headphone, not against high end speaker systems. I don`t think those of us who listen, listen for private enjoyment, want the best quality of sound we can get, but are not comparing that sound to our own speaker systems.

I could be wrong, but..........................

[WmAx]

deacongreg wrote:

Okay, that is fine, but I was not talking about comparison to a speaker system. I was looking at headphone listening for those of us that love and enjoy it, and want the best they can get. I have heard the Beyers, and I think they are very good. The Stax I heard in not the best conditions, HE2007, and was not impressed.
Especially, considering the amount of money Stax asks for their headphone systems. I have read good things about a few of the Denon`s, but have yet to hear or demo them as of yet. I was trying to get your opinion, headphone to headphone, not against high end speaker systems. I don`t think those of us who listen, listen for private enjoyment, want the best quality of sound we can get, but are not comparing that sound to our own speaker systems.

I could be wrong, but..........................

I am sorry, I thought it was about comparing to speakers...

In that case, the best you can do, would be likely the Beyer DT880 2003 Edition with the modification - a 1/8" thick slice of Auralex foam in a donut shape placed over the driver baffle to remove most of the reflections/resonances that will otherwise occur. Measured and audible difference is significant. Once you do this, then use a precision DSP EQ to adjust the response to any sound signature that you so desire. Because of the extraordinary neutral behavior of the DT880 with modification, it is about as close to a perfect blank slate as exists at ANY price in the headphone world of which I know about. I can't recommend the new model DT880 as I have not analyzed/measured this unit.

-Chris

[deacongreg]

WmAx wrote:

I am sorry, I thought it was about comparing to speakers...

In that case, the best you can do, would be likely the Beyer DT880 2003 Edition with the modification - a 1/8" thick slice of Auralex foam in a donut shape placed over the driver baffle to remove most of the reflections/resonances that will otherwise occur. Measured and audible difference is significant. Once you do this, then use a precision DSP EQ to adjust the response to any sound signature that you so desire. Because of the extraordinary neutral behavior of the DT880 with modification, it is about as close to a perfect blank slate as exists at ANY price in the headphone world of which I know about. I can't recommend the new model DT880 as I have not analyzed/measured this unit.

-Chris

Very interesting. Have you listened to a pair of balanced phones. When thet are totally re-wired with a balanced amp. What a difference!! However, your way seems to be less expensive, but would require some skill. Also, what and where would suggest to get a DSP EQ?

[denydog]

Hi, interesting thread.

I'm new to quality headphones, only having been using a pair of Etymotic Er6i's with the GPS MP3 player on my motorcycle.

Just today though, I purchased a pair of AKG 701's. From everything I've read, these need to be driven from a good low impedance headphone amp, and be run in for 200 hours or so, to sound any good. In spite of that, I plugged them into my NAD Amplifier (200 ohm) headphone socket, and had a listen.

They actually sound pretty good to me, but what do I know? I'm expecting a Grace m902 headphone amp delivered in a few days. Meanwhile I'll leave the phones running to get some time on them while I'm waiting for the Grace. Can hardly wait to hear what they sound like then!

[WmAx]

deacongreg wrote:

Very interesting. Have you listened to a pair of balanced phones. When thet are totally re-wired with a balanced amp. What a difference!! However, your way seems to be less expensive, but would require some skill. Also, what and where would suggest to get a DSP EQ?

There is nothing that using a balanced amp can do to change the sound audibly, comparing to properly working systems, of balanced and unbalanced, both designed to be neutral/flat and with equivalent output impedance range. Either people are not taking care to level match(a simple 1db SPL difference will make something sound different and better), or comparing colored/eq that is hardwired, or are simply experiencing the age old pure placebo effect as is so common with wire/cable comparisons.

A suitable DSP EQ is a Behringer DCX2496 and DEQ2496. I recommend the DCX as first choice - it can do a lot more than simple EQ - and it has a computer interface GUI making it super-easy and convenient to set up and use. You can literally draw the modification response you want on screen on a graph using your mouse. You can use it to do multiple headphone comparisons(it has 6 discrete output channels that can be configured in any way you like , with different processing on each channel, if you desire).

Source-->DCX2496-->headphone amplifier. Please note that you may have to use a 10db or 12db attenuator on the output of the DCX to the headphone amplifier. It has higher voltage output as compared to standard consumer devices, and as a result, it will even amplify the noise/hiss buried deep in the signal when feeding a very sensitive consumer RCA input. Harrison labs makes a passive inline attenuator in various values available from www.partsexpress.com or other such places.

On the higher dollar side, the Stax Omega II is pretty nice IMO. One of the best 'overall' phones as-is with no EQ or modification for general use, and strongly suited to classical, opera, jazz and other acoustic based music. But 80's pop sounded good on them too. Of course, using such an EQ as I recommended would be beneficial on that as well, expanding your ability to customize it's signature to your preference(s). The Omega II has superb build quality, unlike most headphones. It is finely finished leathers and metals with plastic only where it's suited for wear points or insulation. Fit and finish really makes it feel almost worth the price. Unlike the famous Sennheiser Orpheus, which has lots of plastic cheap feeling parts and even used FAKE PLEATHER on the top head band. Orpheus feels and looks like it should cost no more than $400-$500. Sony MDR-7506($100) looks/feels like it is made better...

-Chris

-Chris

[deacongreg]

WmAx wrote:

There is nothing that using a balanced amp can do to change the sound audibly, comparing to properly working systems, of balanced and unbalanced, both designed to be neutral/flat and with equivalent output impedance range. Either people are not taking care to level match(a simple 1db SPL difference will make something sound different and better), or comparing colored/eq that is hardwired, or are simply experiencing the age old pure placebo effect as is so common with wire/cable comparisons.

A suitable DSP EQ is a Behringer DCX2496 and DEQ2496. I recommend the DCX as first choice - it can do a lot more than simple EQ - and it has a computer interface GUI making it super-easy and convenient to set up and use. You can literally draw the modification response you want on screen on a graph using your mouse. You can use it to do multiple headphone comparisons(it has 6 discrete output channels that can be configured in any way you like , with different processing on each channel, if you desire).

Source-->DCX2496-->headphone amplifier. Please note that you may have to use a 10db or 12db attenuator on the output of the DCX to the headphone amplifier. It has higher voltage output as compared to standard consumer devices, and as a result, it will even amplify the noise/hiss buried deep in the signal when feeding a very sensitive consumer RCA input. Harrison labs makes a passive inline attenuator in various values available from www.partsexpress.com or other such places.

On the higher dollar side, the Stax Omega II is pretty nice IMO. One of the best 'overall' phones as-is with no EQ or modification for general use, and strongly suited to classical, opera, jazz and other acoustic based music. But 80's pop sounded good on them too. Of course, using such an EQ as I recommended would be beneficial on that as well, expanding your ability to customize it's signature to your preference(s). The Omega II has superb build quality, unlike most headphones. It is finely finished leathers and metals with plastic only where it's suited for wear points or insulation. Fit and finish really makes it feel almost worth the price. Unlike the famous Sennheiser Orpheus, which has lots of plastic cheap feeling parts and even used FAKE PLEATHER on the top head band. Orpheus feels and looks like it should cost no more than $400-$500. Sony MDR-7506($100) looks/feels like it is made better...

-Chris

-Chris

Hmmm............. I doubt its a placebo effect for me. I`m not losing my mind yet. And, I know what I heard. And, many others reviewers have as well. However, this Behringer eq intrigues me. How much are we talking here, dollars and cents?
Now, another matter. At the HE2007 show here in New York at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Grand Central, I got to hear some Stax headphones. Always wanted to for years, but it seemed very hard to find dealers who carried them.
Anyway, they had a pair, roughly $1995.00, I do not remember the model no. Plugged directly into a universal cd player. What a disappointment. Now I know, there was no headphone amp, which does matter to a degree. But, for everything that I read, heard about Stax phones, I was highly disappointed.
Also, on hand was a pair of Beyer Dynamics DT880`s. Roughly $400.00. They sounded better. Sure, not the best conditions, but............... and you mention build quality between the Stax and Sennheiser. But what about comfort?. Can not speak to the Orpheus because I have not heard them, but read the sound was excellent, and read nothing about its construction that was negative. But the Beyer DT880 was a lot more comfortable when they first got on my head.
Stax demands a premium for their phones. Comfort for extended listening sessions, should be a priority as well.
One of my first pair of headphones in high school was a pair of Koss quadraphonic headphones with a 2ch-4ch switch on the earcup. I loved them. But after a while, my ears started to hurt a little, I would have to take them off. So, though not the best conditions, I was not impressed (though was ready to be) with Stax. But the Behringer sounds real interesting to me.

[ikant]

avaserfi wrote:

Sony MDR-7506

...Is all I have to say... Actually, I've been adoring these as since 2001 while needing a backup for a mixdown. slapped 'em on my head and everything didn't sound the way we expected or WANTED. After the re-work the mix sounded waaaaay better and since we've been sold. I'm "spotlighting" the accuracy of these cans and they remain my favorite for closed-ear type headphones.

The only replacement I see for them will be the '7509 [but at more than twice the cost it's doubtful for an immediate replacement].

[deacongreg]

ikant wrote:

...Is all I have to say... Actually, I've been adoring these as since 2001 while needing a backup for a mixdown. slapped 'em on my head and everything didn't sound the way we expected or WANTED. After the re-work the mix sounded waaaaay better and since we've been sold. I'm "spotlighting" the accuracy of these cans and they remain my favorite for closed-ear type headphones.

The only replacement I see for them will be the '7509 [but at more than twice the cost it's doubtful for an immediate replacement].

Are these designed specifically for deejaying and mixing?

[avaserfi]

deacongreg wrote:

Are these designed specifically for deejaying and mixing?

The 7506 headphones are designed for use as professional monitors.