My HD580 drivers (at least one) are dead and so instead of getting new drivers and fixing the old/used cans (which seem to be at least missing foamy pieces), I am thinking of picking up an HD600 from Justin for the office.  I like the clamp of the HD600/650 for one - the HD580 is a little loose for me especially since it is used and a little stretched out. 

 

Before I do, I was wondering if there is anything else out there that I should consider (I am guessing no).  I like that the HD600 are laid back and fairly neutral and comfortable.  This is key for the office. I'll be using them with Pico DAC/amp or Nate's DIY Torpedo + Pico DAC.

 

I briefly thought about getting an SRM-323s and SR-207 (or using my SR-404LE) but it will be much cheaper to stick with dynamics and the HD600 are much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.  

 

I guess I should also mention, that I don't want to spend too much or else I would just get an HD800 or ... for the office.  

For casual, non-critical extended listening sessions that tend to happen at work I would stick with something like the 600/650.  They're not that hard to drive, very comfortable, and most importantly don't really have any glaring/offensive sonic traits.  They're just good, solid performers. 

You know you want a HD800+L2 for the office...

I still like the ATH-W10VTGs for office use.  

You know you want a HD800+L2 for the office...

 

I do but then I would have to wear a bandana everyday to work.  

Given that you're coming from HD580's, and you were happy with them, I would recommend sticking with that line/sound signature -- the HD600's.  They're really some of the most comfortable headphones out there, and properly amped, they really shine.  That said, I have absolutely no use for such an open phone.  I like DT880.  I use VTG's for office use, because I need really closed.  I should probably consider going back to the DT770.

I will most likely stick with the HD600, just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was forgetting about or something new and great.  

 

I really need open so that I can hear the phone ring or hear if someone comes into the office.  Since I have my own office, leakage is not a problem. 

 

I tried the DT990 at some point - I think it was ok but don't remember much about it.  The problem was that if I leaned my head downward (which I have to do often when I am working with pencil/paper), they would fall off my head.  I assume that the DT880 would be the same. 

Agree if you like the 580 to go with the 600.  Dusty and I may be the only two here who like the DT880s.

No, IIRC, the DT990 had a particularly flimsy band.  The DT880 is better than that.

 

EDIT:  I thought Jacob liked them, too.

oh, you have doors, I recommend my favorite open headphones, the emotiva airmotiv 4s...

See innerfidelity.com

Very funny Ken!

 

Dan, that is a very tempting option and I may end up getting a pair for the home or office at some point.  However, I like to keep my door open and I don't think one of neighbors will really appreciate the Airmotivs.    I try to stick to speakers after 5pm. 

 

And I see that the Airmotiv 4's are on sale for $299...

Edited October 31, 201312 yr by shellylh

The headphones I heard as not being garbage (for my taste...) at this price range were the HD600, HD250, modded YH100 (not sure about the long term comfort on this one and needs amping) and SR-Lambda.

So HD600 it is, since it is the only one that is actually obtainable in good condition (and serviceable).

Edited October 31, 201312 yr by padam

Very funny Ken!

 

Thanks.

 

On a serious note, I found that good earbuds make a wonderful work setup.  I used PK-2s.  Earbuds are nice in that you can instantly respond to any interruption and in that they produce good sound with no amplifier, so very little equipment is needed.

oh, you have doors, I recommend my favorite open headphones, the emotiva airmotiv 4s...

Except they're bass-limited compared to headphones, too.

That's not my impression of them near field.

O RLY?  Desktop, stands, or what?

Edge of a shelf desktop

I am with Dan, I ended up turning the bass adjustment on mine all the way down, and have them sitting on 4" cork yoga blocks on my desk.  Really happy. 

Edited November 1, 201312 yr by cetoole

See innerfidelity.com

 

Shit, I'm saying HD600, too. Love 'em.

HD600 are ordered.

I forget if I already asked this. Are the Airmotiv 4 a big step u from the audio engine 5?

HD600 is one of my absolute favorites and is the real entry into hi-fi. As more and more mediocre headphones flood the market the HD600 only becomes a more obvious recommendation.

 

It's even better balanced and it scales well too.

I have 3 pairs. One goes to a nephew today. I use one connected to the computer. A Pioneer SE-A1000 isn't too bad for the price, but not quite as resolving as the HD600. The Pioneer has a 6 metre cord, and is quite comfortable, and a lot easier to drive.

I love my HD600, and everytime we have a HF meet in Winnipeg, it seems to really impress at least one person who, prior to hearing them, was more focused on whatever was being hyped over there at that moment.

 

I know you've already ordered, so it's a moot point, but I applaud your decision not to get the DT990 - I used to have one, and I found its sound signature quite fatiguing after half an hour of listening or less.

As long as you aren't basing "better" on "isolates from external noises", because it is definitely not better based on that criteria.

 

I do find the sound signatures similar, though, but the HD600 scales better.

I know you've already ordered, so it's a moot point, but I applaud your decision not to get the DT990 - I used to have one, and I found its sound signature quite fatiguing after half an hour of listening or less.

Just for the record, the DT990 was never recommended.  I was recommending the DT880, which is a completely different animal.