funk1969
250+
Some things are so easily overlooked...
Posts: 481
|
Post by funk1969 on Nov 29, 2012 9:32:00 GMT
It's the 29th of november 2012 and I have a HD250 II Linear on my head while I'm listening to Norwegian Indie Rock. I actually have two of these headphones and it's one of the best closed headphones I tried.
I have two Linears and I think it's too bad Sennheiser discontinued this series.
Learning of this headphone via the Grotto has been a real reward...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2012 10:20:20 GMT
The HD250 II goes very deep into the bass. The funny thing is that it isn't there sometimes and then suddenly, this low kind of sub-bass hits. They are one of my favourite headphones and I've even worn a pair out. Everything fell apart on it.
It's a great pity that they're no longer made.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Nov 29, 2012 10:53:59 GMT
Gentlemen,
I have been after a pair of these for some time now, any ideas?
Andy
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2012 10:59:06 GMT
They can be variable in quality so people who have a good 'un tend to hang on to them. The nearest I have to it in sound is the AKG K550. They could be worth a listen for you.
I'll compare them when I'm home!!
|
|
|
Post by andy on Nov 29, 2012 11:23:40 GMT
AKG K550
intersting, may have to track down a pair to listen to,
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2012 13:42:05 GMT
AKG K550 intersting, may have to track down a pair to listen to, Similar to HD250 but better build. Some find it light on bass - depending on fit. Richer Sounds do them. They work really well if the fit is right, but I think the cups are a bit big for some heads and so people don't get such a good seal with them.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Nov 29, 2012 15:10:03 GMT
I have a large head, should be fine!
|
|
|
Post by andy on Nov 29, 2012 15:13:16 GMT
AKG K550? not finding a K555
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2012 17:30:52 GMT
This one, Andy... www.amazon.co.uk/AKG-Closed-Back-Reference-Class-Headphones--Black/dp/B005CNR7B0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354210194&sr=8-1I just did a quick comparison and they are kind of close in sound sig. I'd say that the HD250 II has less mids than the K550. Not massively less, but the K550 is a little more congested sounding by comparison. The HD250 II is a master at separating the strands. (Which is why I like it so much) The K550 isn't that far removed. More sensitive but very close. I like them both very much. If you couldn't get an HD250, the K550 is really quite close. Possibly superior in sound.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Nov 30, 2012 16:40:38 GMT
Rabbit,
thanks, have been looking for another closed back pair for a while, never noticed these. Will try to get a listen to a pair sometime. shame my local hifi shops appear to be closing!
Thanks Andy
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2012 16:54:57 GMT
Richer Sounds, Andy. They may let you try one in store perhaps?
The K550 does have 'fruitier' mids than the HD250. However, I'd say that the HD250 seems to go lower in the bass. However, for me, the K601 (open) and K550 (closed) are great buys.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Dec 4, 2012 10:38:06 GMT
Ian, K550 on there way, have to wait to upgrade the technics for a while now! Andy
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2012 12:36:32 GMT
Ian, K550 on there way, have to wait to upgrade the technics for a while now! Andy OMG - you didn't have a listen first? I hope you like it. Make sure you get a good seal on your ears.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2012 12:58:29 GMT
Just in case anyone wants to follow Andy's lead, Richer Sounds have an offer of 10% off all headphone prices for VIP Members (new and old, quick and easy to join ) which brings the AKG K550 price down to £135 - any takers? Reduction Voucher valid until 10th Dec 13.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2012 16:20:27 GMT
That's a really good price for the K550 Dave. Now at the same price as my beloved K601's.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Dec 5, 2012 7:18:10 GMT
Wine and eBay. Terrible combination!
If there not liked then I could sell then on and possibly make some cash, we will wait and see!
Andy
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2012 7:45:47 GMT
You never know, you might like their 'open' sound. They are one of the most open sounding closed headphones I've ever heard!! I think the secret is a) get a good sealed fit. (Feel at the back of your head for gaps) b) Adjust the volume by going gradually up until the bass starts to focus. Too loud and they can get glassy and too soft means no bass perceived!! I really like them though. Personally, I think they may just better the HD250 because the mids are more present. The build is way better.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Dec 14, 2012 22:58:42 GMT
Ian,
Loving the k550's!
Andy
|
|
funk1969
250+
Some things are so easily overlooked...
Posts: 481
|
Post by funk1969 on Dec 15, 2012 13:27:03 GMT
They are for sale...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2012 13:45:00 GMT
Ian, Loving the k550's! Andy Phew. Thank goodness for that!! I always worry about people buying things on a write up. They'll need a good run so the cones get flexed. They seem quite stiff from new. I gave mine quite a lot of playing for a very extended period and I left them on a dummy head (no, not mine) to get the pads down a little bit. IMO, they're just a fraction better than the 250. Better mids so if you go between them you kind of feel that there's a 'suck out' on the Senns so you naturally turn up and get stronger bass and top. Both are good. Just slightly different. I use the K550 quite a lot along with the K601. The biggest weakness of the K550 is that they can get 'shouty' on toppy amps, but they are the most open 'closed' headphone I've heard. You don't feel shut in with them. Since yours are new, they may be a little more 'shouty' than mine. I think they calm down with time. (or your head adjusts) You must make sure there's no gap at the back of your ears with them on or you'll lose bass quantities. If you grab the cups and move swivel them forwards/backwards, on the hinge and you'll get a better/worse seal and then the bass will change. I always put them on and then swivel the cups until the pressure is the same on front and back of the ears. That way, you get a good seal. They also seal better once the pads have warmed up.
|
|
|
Post by andy on Dec 15, 2012 22:48:08 GMT
Ian,
Don't worry, I got them used for a good price! Though I did have a good look at various forums before buying! And I have a rather large head so the fit is good, though I have found the height placement of the cups over my ears makes more of a difference that it does with other cans.
I am noticing that they appear to be lacking in bass until I put on a track with bass. Hard to explain what you hear isn't it! When I listen to Tori Amos, Little Earthquakes they appear to be lacking in bass, everything sounds as it should but less bass than I would expect. When I listen to the inception soundtrack there is loads of bass, sounds great. I think I need to try an amp with a little more power possibly. Love the cable that they have, very nice. And love the look of them, very nice!
Once I have the time I will put some white noise and tone sweeps through them for a few days, that should help a little I think!
Andy
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2012 7:41:44 GMT
You' 're right about the bass. There' s not much of a mid bass hump in its frequency response and when you've become accustomed to hearing a raised bass, they can seem thin. That is until low bass hits and then you do hear it. The up/down positioning is a little strange. I only need one click down on either side and even then, they are quite low. They do need a lot of current since they are very low impedance. A good amp does help them, just like the k601. I like the k550 a lot. It' s amazingly open sounding for a closed headphone and is a good alternative to the hd 250. I'm just relieved you like it!!
|
|
oldson
Been here a while!
Older than a well used glove
Posts: 414
|
Post by oldson on Dec 28, 2012 19:59:54 GMT
how well do the 550's isolate?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 28, 2012 20:20:45 GMT
I'd say they're not brilliant, but ok.
|
|
oldson
Been here a while!
Older than a well used glove
Posts: 414
|
Post by oldson on Dec 28, 2012 21:03:33 GMT
I'd say they're not brilliant, but ok. damn i am after something that isolates better than my d7000, for early evening listening
|
|