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-- Wanted: Guinea Pig DJ with $$ to try headphones...
Wanted: Guinea Pig DJ with $$ to try headphones...
[WARNING: RANT AHEAD. READ AT OWN RISK.]
Okay, guys... I need someone who has some experience and an average DJ mixer, and some money and time to use, to try a little experiment...
I believe that there are a lot of good DJ headphones out that JUST came out, but I am mostly going off of theory as for how they compare to each other!!
New DJ headphones that are audiophile as well seem to be coming out like mad these days!
First of all, you have your traditional, old, *coughcrappy* sony standard v700dj's. Now, we *ALL* (or at least, every one of us that's tried something better...) know they suck. So we KNOW that a good set of cans, like any that I recommend for DJ's, will probably sound better. However, we STILL don't *really* know what's best for what.
So, how about this -- could one of you, any of you, perhaps buy a few sets of headphones (maybe 4, 5?) from various places, try them out with your mixer, and compare them, and then *RETURN* the bad ones? Hmmm?? essentially, you'd be paying shipping costs to you and back...
Or just figure out SOME way to compare any of these models...
Sony MDR-V6 (or MDR-7506; they are the same thing)
Sennheiser HD280 Pro
Ultrasone HFI-650
Sennheiser HD25
Beyerdynamic DT250-80
Also, are ANY DJ's interested in some headphones that are bigger than, 'barely fit over your ears'? I am wondering if anyone has a style of wearing headphones that could maybe facilitate some of the bigger headphones out there... like the beyerdynamic dt770 pro's, if your mixer is strong enough for 'em...
Or how about this? Is anyone remotely near Bozeman, Montana??? Cause the people at headroom (www.headphone.com) need a SERIOUS instruction on the ways of DJ headphoneing... these people call themselves the worlds greatest headphone geeks... and they don't have a single section for dj's or anything about side swivel or anything at all... though they mention DJ use in passing for the HD25 and the DT250-80's...
Okay, now, let's see here...
It's cheapest to get the Ultrasone HFI-650's, which I think have a decent chance of being *the* ultimate DJ headphones Period (but I don't know for sure) from www.meier-audio.com. They SEEM like they woudl be nice looking, comfy, high isolation, easy to drive, loud, good bass, etc. etc. etc. DJ headphones -- like the 280's, but better looking and better isolating and easier to drive...
Here is this guy's review:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?&threadid=16007
Also, the HD280 Pro and the HFI-650 seem to use the exact same headband... that means that THIS COMFORT MOD:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15429
(scroll down to Magicthyse's post...) should work with both of them!
Anyway, this talk about these new Ultrasone's being all great is, um, based off of the review of the only guy I know that's selling them, Jan Meier of www.meier-audio.com. Granted, he's a hardcore audiophile and a nice guy... but, well, he hates the HD280 Pro's, so how great can he be?! 
Anyway, he *is* the cheapest place I know of to get the Senn HD25, the Ultrasone HFI-650, and the Beyerdynamic DT250-80. I also think he CAN get his hands on the HD280 Pro's, but lord knows if he has a bad batch or something... also, there is headphone.com. They, like Jan, are very reliable and EXTREMELY friendly to return policies.. they carry senns and beyerdynamic headphones, but cause Sony was really rude to 'em, they don't carry Sony.
However, a good inexpensive place that is MUCH less personal than either Headroom or Jan is etronics.com, which SEEMS to have good prices on the MDR-V6, MDR-7506, and even the HD280's. I also think they ship internationally too...
Anyway, so, could anyone help compare any of these, or ANYTHING? I really don't like talking by hearsay so much... i mean, it was okay in the past, but enough is enough! I don't like STRETCHING myself so darn much... i need someone reliable to compare, like, everything...
Between Etronics, Meier Audio, and Headroom, it SHOULD be possible to get any of these anywhere in the world...
ok, well i've checked out V6s, 280s pro, mdrv-700s so far... and to tell you the truth, the V6s are the best so far for DJing for me personally... the best studio headphones would definately be 280s, but they just don't cut it in the high SPL environment... I think i'll check those ultrasone's though and let you know what i think of those...
Thanks... i hear these ones are pretty heavy, tho. Are you gonna do the headband mod? Why not do that mod for the 280's, if you still have them? What about more traditional dj headphones like the HD25's? Do you know anyone that has those?
well i wouldn't do any mods for the 280s, since i don't use them much outside of the studio... haven't tested 25s though, and dont know anyone that has them... although i was very eager to purchase a pair of those at one point too... i think i'll go with these ultrasones instead... Jan Meier's review is very informative, and i think these ultrasone's are worth checking out... do you know how much they are though? and you said they're easier to drive than 280s? a lot easier or just a bit? and do you have specs on them?
thanks
Oh wait, back up a bit... I don't know if they are easier to drive, or harder, or what.. 
Lessee here..
The Ultrasone HFI-650...
Impedance 75 ohms
Sound pressure level 94 dB
It seems that Ultrasone's webpage talks about how the HFI-650's are made so you don't have to use these headphones at as high dB SPL as other headphones, cause of some wierd technology they use. I dunno... I especially dont know how they will act in a DJ setup... plus, they dont give any specifications on how they got that spl...
the HD280's, however...
Characteristic SPL 113 dB (at 1 kHz/1Vrms)
Nominal impendance 64 Ohms
But, even though they are lower impedence, some DJ mixers have trouble driving them *when you are EQing*...
Egad, this is complicated...
Bump? will no one reply or try this out?
Like, order...
MDR-7506 and HD280 from etronics
HFI-650, DT250-80 and HD25 from meier-audio
And send back all but one.
Hmm Im in the market for some new cans and the Ultrasone's sound great, but is there anywhere else besides Jan Meier's site to order them? They'd have to come all the way over from Germany...
I don't know of any other places to get them. Also, since Jan is in europe, that is why he is often the cheapest place for many European brands.. not all, but many... also, remember, I don't actually KNOW if they are harder or easier to drive than the 280's...
Hi. I have been djing since 1989. I have used a few different headphones so....
1st were Koss, from my Dad's collection straight out of the 70's
ya they sucked, but they were free and did the job.
2nd Sony MDR-V6.... Sweet phones! I love them. Used them until the padding wore out. The drivers are still perfect! (9 years) Will buy new pads for them one day ($60 CAN for pads tho)
3rd Stanton DJ PRO-2000S ... these suck.One side is blown and the cord is funky - cuts out one channel sometimes & only used them 6 months!
4th Sony V700's ... A gift. These I like as much or more than my old sony's. I looked at the specs and they seem to be the same drivers as the MDR-V6's I have. If not pretty damn close.
I have also used friends Sennheisers, Pioneers, smaller Sony's, as well as some studio cups by ??? (good but unpractical for DJing). Some others I can't remember as well. They were all ok, but not great .Except for the Sennheisers, which I hated.
As for the "Ultimate" DJ headphones.... you will never get every DJ to like the same cups. Different head sizes, different listening styles/preferences....so I recommend the Sony's... v700 or MDR-V6. Good luck!
Or just buy what impresses you.
Here is a tip:
Beyerdynamic makes headphones that are roughly the same size of the MDR-V6. They are called the "DT250". These headphones have earpads that can be put on the MDR-V6. Go to Beyerdynamic's webpage, and find the phone number for your area (north America, in your case). Call them, with your credit card, and ask for the velour replacement pads for the DT250 headphones. Be sure to specify the VELOUR version. It will cost maybe $22 USD ($17 + $5) to get them shipped to you. Take the pleather pads off of the V6's, and put these nice comfy velour pads on instead. Boom, instant comfort upgrade, and a kickass set of headphones is revitalized!!
Remember: Sony inflates their specs, considerably... the MDR-V6 and the MDR-V700DJ are EXTREMELY different headphones!! Look at them, side by side, actually looking at the headphones themselves. They are NOTHING alike. Also, after replacing the pads, compare them side by side, in comfort, sound, and everything, with various sources. You should be surprised..
Anyway, sennheiser used to have many, many, many crappy headphones (the EH series, the 250's, etc. etc. etc.). Thank god they have COMPLETELY redone their lineup, and there are fewer lemons in their lines. Oh, there are still lemons (HD500 anyone?), but there are just fewer now. Try the HD202's, HD212 Pro, or HD280 Pro, depending on your price range. They shouldn't be too bad...
well if anyone is interested in hd 280s, i'm selling my pair...
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...&threadid=65249
thanx for the Pads tip Gluegun!
beats $60. I'm looking into it
As for comparing the 2 Sony cups, they are the same size, the sound output seems to be the same (to me) they are both 3000 milliwatts, and bass response seems the same(again to me), the 700's I find comfy, but will agree the V6's were more comfortable.
As a side note, both sony's did not distort as early as most of the other phones on any of the mixers I've used (MTX, Numark, Rane, American DJ, Gemini, Biamp...etc.) Although the Pioneers were pretty close.
Koolaid, can you stop comparing their specs, and compare the SOUND of the two things? Just listen, and desribe how they sound different, how they sound the same, actually listening and FORGETTING about this stuff.. don't listen for distortion at the highest volumes, but listen WITH YOUR EARS to how they SOUND different...
It's not just about loudness when connected to your mixer; different headphones require different amounts of power, or watts, to get loud, but most all headphones get loud... try and judge by more than just those objective things, come up with a subjective opinion based on how you like the sound, how you like the comfort, durability, looks, build quality, etc. etc. etc.
i think the next pair of cans i'll try out will be the tech's rpdj-1200a... anyone know anything abuot them?
Those RP's should be good... i would also suggest the HD25 for you...
I have heard mixed things about the technic ones... just like the pioneer dj opes and the 700dj. According from what ive researched and seen, they are not that much far off each other.
Like Gluegun mentioned above, go with the Sennheiser HD25 if you want to upgrade or just want something better.
I recall you stated that the HD280PRos werent loud enough for you in club environments... well, to be honest with you, Im not surprised.
Besides seeing that in a couple of different reviews, it also compares similar to the sennheiser HD25SP, as they are relatively the same in price as well. The main difference that I heard from the HD25 and the HD25SP is that the HD25SP almost sounds as good as the regular HD25, but is not able to go nearly as loud as the regular HD25... so of course the HD25SP is lower-end than the regular HD25; and obviously, the HD25 cost much more as well.
Cheapest I've seen for the HD25 was 144.95 at etronics,,, remember, it's not the HD25SP.
To be honest with you, I've heard about the HD25 since like 98 or something... when I was looking into djing... i visited a couple of websites about djing, and most mentioned the HD25 as being best "DJ" headphone, just as they mentioned the Technics 1200 deck to be the best.
I never got the HD25 for a couple of reasons.. It was normally more than $150 before.. usually about 179 bucks, and it was really hard to find.. So either I wasnt able to get it cheap or I didnt have the money at the time... but of course, prices always fluctuate.
I wrote that comment above assuming (i know, "never assume", but too late, already wrote too much) that you are looking for a better DJ headphone, so disregard if you are not looking for DJ headphone. I actually went with the Sony mdr-7506, cause i wanted something for studio monitoring and music production purposes.
I've got the Ultrasones HFI 650s and like them a lot. Not as comfy as my HD200's but very nice. Sound is AMAZING. Better than the H25s (had a pair for a few months.) but they weigh a lot more than the HD25s or HD200s. I really like the HD200's though. Ultrasones, HD25 and then HD200s i think the list goes for me. The HD200s are so much nicer than the sony/pioneer/stanton/numark crap. Though the V6's are ok. I have headphones on for about 6 hours a day and the Ultrasones get uncomfy faster than the Senns due to weight but the sound is better.
This is from my opinion as a professional working dj.
I have used others and bought others, but not compiling a full list- just some of the ones mentions and asked for.
Sony MDR-V6/MDR-7506:
Very good sound- but the cups arent round, making it useless for me (i have the headband behind my neck rather than messing up my hair). I dont like the style of these (and no i dont give a crap that sasha does use them)
Sennheiser HD280 Pro:
Utter shite. Felt, looked and sounded cheap.Too bulky and not loud enough. Plus they snap. Budget type senns and overrated.
Ultrasone HFI-650:
no idea what these are
Sennheiser Hd 200s:
Too quiet for club use,too small, and mine broke after 5 days (mini jack connection)
Sennheiser HD25:
Have a pair, dont use much nowadays as they make your ears very tired in comparison to others (as nem also confirms after buying them). Very very good phones tho and highly recommended- especially for those with small ears.Nice bass response.The 25 SPs are wank and fall off your head. They will break at some point, but are modular. No coiled cord- which is retarded!!!!!!
Beyerdynamic DT250-80:
no idea
technics dj1210 jobs:
Not very comfortable, cups too deep and too small- useless for anyone with larger ears. They also dont spring in on your head enough, so may fall off. Sound is very clear, if a little flat and lacking in bass. Competent tho.
I currently use Pioneer HDj1000s, and sony mdrv 700s.
Pioneers much better than sonys, but both are good.
They suit Dj use, go loud enough and are robust enough.
I know you hate them gluegun- but you look at them from a sound perspective which isnt vital in a club environment in comparison to the anal world of hi fi and audiophile.
I look at them from a dj perspective and from that angle you cannot fault these two ,apart from the (now allegedly solved) sony cracking issues.
You have to remember you arent wearing the phones in a club for listening pleasure- they are there to do a job.
In the same way i wouldnt use a top fuel dragster to go to the supermarket and do my shopping, i wouldnt use the sonys/pioneers for listening to at home. Designed for a specific purpose and they do it very well.
For dj use ask a dj!!!!
For listening use: ask gluegun.
Enough headphone threads!!!
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Freak I know you hate them gluegun- but you look at them from a sound perspective which isnt vital in a club environment in comparison to the anal world of hi fi and audiophile. |
wow, i thought the hd200s where bullet proof, mine are indestructable. I have dropped them, travel across the world with them in my flight luggage, etc. And i've used them in a club, and seen a few people using them at large events, ie Two Tribes, and i've seen Tiesto using them, though i usually think he has no taste in headphones. As for the ultrasones. They are amazing if they fit your ears. Much less fatigue probs than the hd25s. The ultras are much better for your hearing than the other stuff i've used. You really can here a lot more at much lower volumes, and the insulate a ton. I mix with headphones on both ears so this might affect my choice.
imho, the sennheiser hd-280 sound perfect in studio enviroments b/c they do sound flat, and their imaging is still far superior to the sony v6 or v700. As for the rp-dj1200, i use them as my primary dj phone b/c they don't bother me when im using them w/ my glasses on. And they do produce a good amount of bass but not near as much as sonys. I personally dont like having too much bass when monitoring.
Basically, everyone here has different tastes in headphones therefore you should go out and try them for yourself and decide then.
Hey now, I've tried to make an effort to not be 100% studio-oriented... I think I've done a fair job in helping you guys figure out some good dj headphones -- and figure out which ones are some bad ones...
BTW, has everyone who has the HD280's tried the blu-tack mod that increases the bass?
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