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Post by topshelfmg on Nov 21, 2016 16:30:41 GMT -6
A group of friends / family pitched in together to buy me a pair of nice open back headphones as an early Christmas present. Why open back headphones of all gear? Not sure, but I think that's pretty cool and I'll take it, as I only have a few pairs of closed backs right now for referencing. They couldn't decide between the HD650s and the newer SRH 1840s, so they got me the tried and true HD650s this morning, though they said it would be just as easy to swap them out. Anyone feel strongly towards either or? It's my understanding the HD650s have a wider frequency response, with lower bass, while the SRH 1840s have a bit more clarity and a tighter low end? I was personally leaning towards the SRH 1840s, but now I am very much on the fence, as the Sennheisers have been an industry go to for many years, for good reason. Is there enough of a, if any, improvement with the 1840s over the HD650s to justify swapping them out? They obviously won't replace my mains or reference monitors, it will just be a nice additional monitoring option. Would also be nice to be able to take them, and maybe an Apogee Groove on the road, if I need to get some on the go cans mixing done before I get back to my studio.
I'm going out of town for a while so I personally wouldn't be able to try them out right away, so I figured I'd gather some experience and opinions on here while I'm gone.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2016 17:53:37 GMT -6
Nice problem to have- 1840's are supposed to be nearer the 600's but not tried them ( use AKG 702 & BD 880T )
Open back are supposed to give less resonant cavity effect. Most higher end ones are really comfy too.
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Post by topshelfmg on Nov 21, 2016 19:11:01 GMT -6
Nice problem to have- 1840's are supposed to be nearer the 600's but not tried them ( use AKG 702 & BD 880T ) Open back are supposed to give less resonant cavity effect. Most higher end ones are really comfy too. I know, right! Luckily a lot of my friends are audio geeks like me. So, are you saying the 1840s are supposed to be "one tier" below the HD650s? |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Nov 21, 2016 19:22:16 GMT -6
I haven't heard the Shure phones, but have a pair of 650's and AKG Q701's.
I find headphones to be a totally personal experience. That said, here's my take.
The 650's are meatier sounding than the AKG's. AKG's seem to have a wider soundstage and sound a little extended/scooped. The 650's are richer in the low and mids, but are almost congested for me. The 650's sound more rock and roll and the AKG's more open, acoustic, pop to my ears, if that means anything.
I tend to cut a lot of fat in my lower end and end up going too far when using the 650's. Generally, I use the 701's as my main reference and the 650's for spot checking.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2016 19:38:03 GMT -6
Nice problem to have- 1840's are supposed to be nearer the 600's but not tried them ( use AKG 702 & BD 880T ) Open back are supposed to give less resonant cavity effect. Most higher end ones are really comfy too. I know, right! Luckily a lot of my friends are audio geeks like me. So, are you saying the 1840s are supposed to be "one tier" below the HD650s? not one tier below - the 600's were at one time considered the best reference phones, 1840's are supposedly similar (if you believe what you read). Maybe take a mix you know well to the shop and a/b? |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Nov 21, 2016 19:53:12 GMT -6
Headphones are really personal so it's really try em till you find what you like,BUT this is a house of Stax and Grado !
I do like Sennhieser, Beyer & old Fostex!
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Post by topshelfmg on Nov 23, 2016 15:36:54 GMT -6
In an unexpected turn of events I believe we have decided to give the Sennheiser's to a family member as a Christmas present, as they seem more "all purpose" and more pleasant for casual listening, and I am going to get myself a pair of Shure 1840s for mixing and mastering reference.
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Post by topshelfmg on Nov 23, 2016 15:46:51 GMT -6
The Sennheiser's are also a bit more plastic-y than expected. I guess that extra raw material budget went to shipping from Europe, haha. I wouldn't be surprised if they were slightly more comfortable than the Shure's, but I'm sure the Shure's (there was no easy way to avoid that) are plenty comfortable, plus they are made of "aircraft" aluminum and stainless steel.
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Nov 23, 2016 21:50:47 GMT -6
give 'em 2 weeks to break in. I've had a pair of 650s since 2008 or so, and they are still amazing to listen on. I need to replace the foam tho. it's all squished flat now.
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Post by reddirt on Nov 24, 2016 22:34:43 GMT -6
Headphones are such a personal thing and I've had my share...... I've heard but never actually used both; the 650s are a warm inviting can but I would say the 1840s are more accurate; both are very comfortable.
At the moment after trying many of the top contenders including owning AT R70s and AKG 712s, I've now got the Grado PS 500 II which are to my ears the best overall for accuracy within my price range however they are not particularly comfortable.
You've really got to sit down with tracks you know and take the time with them if you want the best for you; people have opinions but there's no actual stand out winner IME.
Cheers, Ross
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