Hi all, just wondering if anyone has any good recomendations for HPs that have good bass and can be used for long listening sessions? They can be open or closed. At present I have some LCD2 Closed which sound great but I find them fatiguing after a few hours of solid listening. Any help would be grately appricated. Thx.
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Budget?
I can personally recommend the iBasso SR2 (which I often recommend), had no issues listening to it for several hours. It’s also compatible with Dekoni Audio pads (only a single model if I am not mistaken).
Just about any Sennheiser audiophile headphones. I feel like I could wear my HD598’s for months without taking them off. Do note that the HD6XX is different, it has a tighter clamp and firmer pads.
I’ve often worn my Sennheiser HD600, HD650, and now my current HD660s for hours.
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I believe they have the same pads as the HD598, correct?
Budget is pretty high as Ive just sold some gear. Haven’t listen to any of those headphones may have to check them out. Which has the best bass?
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If you ask me, SR2 has better and deeper bass than both the HD598 and the HD6XX. This headphone is capable of the physical sensation of rumble.
They all have good bass, but the 650 and 660s have more bass than the 600.
The 650 wins the best value award because you can get a new Drop HD6xx, which is the same thing, for $200. The HD600 and 660s both cost more used. More towards the $300 mark.
I found the 650 to be more fun than the 600, but since I tend toward classical music I prefer the 600. I presently own a 660s bc my 600 died, I had sold the 650, and I got an open-box 660s for the same that a used 600 would cost.
The MSRP on the 660s is $500, which all agree is not worth it.
The next step up is the Focal Elex, which I’ve heard is comfortable, but the Senns are much lighter, and I think that matters for long-term comfort.
Also, Beyerdynamics are quite comfortable. I own a DT770 and recently sold my DT880. Can be worn for many hours, no problem. I bet the DT1990, which is up there with the Elex, is plenty comfortable. But I find the Sennheisers more comfortable.
Have you considered the Hifiman Arya? I haven’t heard them myself, but people have said they’re some of most comfortable headphones they’ve tried. Unlike the Sennheisers, they have planar bass that doesn’t roll off. They’re also really lightweight for planar headphones.
Havent heard the aryas but i hear they have boosted treble which might be a bit harsh. Pretty much looking for something smooth.
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Ah, gotcha, yeah they have a reputation for being a little harsh in the treble for sure. The latest stealth magnet revision of the Arya just came out, and the initial impressions on forums suggest that they have smoother treble than the previous revision (and are less sibilant). Not sure if it’s enough of an improvement, but it might be worth listening to a pair if you get the chance.
Aryas with a smooth treble could be good. I watched Zs review of the ananda and he said they are relaxed like old school speakers. Which could be the go.
My first recommendation is the Focal Elex. Very full sound, good amount of bass and very comfortable. I wear them 6+ hours a day and sometimes for several days in a row. They can run on any decent amp.
I am currently running my T60 Argons. The Oval suede pads are super comfortable. The bass is not super strong, but I use bass boost with them and they are wonderful. They like some power.
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Do you find you get any fatigue with the elex?
I’ll second the elex. You can get them really cheap used these days and they’re pretty great when they work lol. Also the aeon 2 open was pretty decent and if you can get an open r/t if they tune it a little warmer than the aeon 2 I would bet it’s pretty decent. Dan Clark makes some really comfy headphones.
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I’m happy with my 660s but freely admit to wishing I could swing the extra cost of the Elex.
Not heard them myself but Sendy’s Peacock have been liked for both their all day comfort and tuning…
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None at all.
I like my HD660’s, but there is not a lot of bass there. That is why I didn’t mention them.
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My biggest issue with the 660s is that I keep turning the volume up, and it’s fatiguing if not potentially harmful to my ears. I don’t know why Im doing that with these more than my other cans. To some extent it’s so that I can savor the sound. But I need to stop.
They are no bass monsters.