Newbie wanting a new sound. (Under 300?)

First off hey! Ive been lurking for a while. I currently own AKG240s and Sennheiser HD380 pros. I dont know too much about stuff atm, but from what Ive gathered just listening to these for the last 5 years ish, the AKGs are a little more fun than the 380s but have no bass, and the 380 pros are neutral.

I guess the different sound would be something bassy? Something warm? I honestly don’t know what the most “different” thing I could try is. I was looking at Fidelio X2HR because of the very nice price, or the Dekoni Blue because I think they look cool, and are on the cheaper end of Fostex T50RP mods.

Music-wise I’m pretty scattered and listen to a lot of things so no specific genre here, I switch between the 380 pro and K240 depending on what I listen to and would likely do the same with these. Also planning on getting a liquid spark with whatever I purchase so I would have amp capabilities + will be getting a topping d10 in the future. Just trying to space out purchases lol

1 Like

So what specific signature do you think you would be going for? Could you elaborate a bit on what you like and don’t like about your 240 and 380

1 Like

I sure can try at least!
380

  • I liked the soundstage
  • Liked the clarity
  • Felt they were kinda neutral, nothing was really like, standing out to me I guess? Everything just was good

K240

  • Mids were cool, sounded nice on some rock music and jazzy stuff
  • Still felt somewhat open but not as much as the 380s, I liked the 380 pros more in this regard
  • I felt they were shockingly low on bass

I guess with what id prefer, probably something bassy + still kind of open? I dont want to sacrifice too much quality but I think that would be enough difference to justify a purchase. Did that help at all? I feel like im terrible at explaining this haha.

3 Likes

So, perhaps consider a hd58x or 6xx? That would be more open sounding than the 380, be a warmer thicker sound but still detailed, really nice for midrange, and I think be a pretty solid performer imo. I think you might like the 6xx for it’s detail and midrange performance but it might be a tad lacking in bass extension, but that could be improved by a liquid spark. The 58x would be more energetic in that regard, but not as quite refined as the 6xx. Also it would kinda be a familiar signature since you are used to the senn sound, but it is also different than what you have

3 Likes

Alright, I’ll for sure look into that! I was looking into the Fidelio X2HR also based on Zeos’ review and the price point. I know Sennheiser’s are like the go to suggestion but I’m curious what you think of these in comparison? And thanks a ton for the help!

1 Like

So the x2hr is going to be a fair bit wider but isn’t as precise in the staging, more bassy for sure in the sub and regular bass, but it is sloppy imo and does get out of control and overwhelm some of the midrange. The midrange is going to be a fair bit more recessed on the x2hr vs the 6xx and 58x, and the 6xx is a decent bit more refined and detailed than the x2. For treble, the x2 is going to actually be better extended most likely and more prominent, but lacking detail and refinement once again imo. To sum up, the x2 is a v shaped wide bassy fun, but not that detailed and refined for critical listening, where the 6xx is more neutral slightly warmer with much better detail and refinement, but isn’t as punchy as the x2

3 Likes

Omg thanks for the lengthy response. I think with that I got enough to try to figure out what im gonna go for. Time to decide between the 6xx and 58x, leaning toward the 58x for the more energetic headphone. I appreciate it a ton

2 Likes

I vote 58x. its great with its bass and warmth. very good headphone in all respects. detail and imaging are great on it

2 Likes

Perfect, from both of you it sounds like what I wanted. A comfy sounding headphone, I’ll probably snag it before the day is up :blush: