 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-06-02 23:02
Attachment: SR60onmyhead.jpg (57k)
Bought these headphones about a month ago and I wanted to give them a bit of a testing before saying 'yea' or 'nay' as a recommendation for classical music. Here's a little review from lil' ol' me with the final thoughts at the bottom if you're only interested in that.
Why I wanted new headphones
Honestly, it was for watching cartoons and getting good sound without blaring my speakers and annoying anyone else in the house.
I did some research and didn't want to spend TOO much, however wanted very good quality headphones (basically, I wanted as good a sound as possible without breaking my college-level bank). Instead of buying 20 dollar headphones, I realized that I had my previous headphones for YEARS, and it would be a better investment, with the amount of use I'd be using them (couple hours daily between TV, Cartoons, Music, etc.) to get a good quality pair.
How I chose these
Mainly on reviews. They are well below 100 dollars (which was my budget limit that I set), and have wonderful reviews. I also noticed that they were chosen as Stereophile magazine's much coveted "Budget Component of the year" (ahem . . . in 1994 . . . . ). But I don't remember people's ears changing much from then to now, so I figured if it was good enough to satisfy people then, I'm sure it'd be enough to satisfy me right now.
Personal Review
If you're not worried about style (see attached photo of them on my head), then I'd say go for it. I did a comparison running audio for my cartoons out of the headphones, then unplugging and listening to the speakers, over and over again while watching different shows (TV as well). With the headphones, I noticed that I had been missing LOTS of little intracacies in the music. I recognized sharper percussion work, slight cymbal work that I had missed before (mostly high-hat and other short, high-pitched things). Also, with dialogue, it was much clearer. Sometimes to the point where I could almost HEAR the "pop" from a person's lips on certain words/syllables (for instance, sing "doo-wop, doo-wop" and notice the small 'pop' after the letter P in those phrases)
I was slightly dissapointed in the music aspect as it sounded a little flat and uneven in songs, until I discovered that I had neglected to set the equalizer in my music program. After playing around with the equalizer, it sounded MUCH better.
IN CONCLUSION . . .
At the time of writing this, the price is about 70 dollars. Do some searching as some stores will offer little deals with these puppies if you're interested (I happened to find one that sold them for 69.99, with a free 6' extension cord, and free 3-day shipping). I agreed with most reviews I'd seen where it was stated that it was phenominal "bang for the buck". And with proper equalizer settings I was able to listen to ALL types of music, and be able to hear more than my mini-system speakers.
Just one review from one music-listener to another. Do with it what you will.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 2005-06-03 00:19
Speaking as one who has owned several quality headphones over the past 40 years, if I were buying dynamic headphones today, the SR60 would be my first choice.
As you may know, the company was founded by Joe Grado who was one of the really creative people in the early days of the high fidelity industry. He made many great audio products. I dealt with him in the late 1960s when he was making the best low priced phono cartridges on the market.
BTW, Mark Charette has mentioned that the technology for the tiny earbud phones has progressed to the point that he has chosen this configuration for his personal phones.
You might try one of them (Shure or Etymotics) and let us know how they compare to the excellent and traditionally designed Grado SR60s.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-03 03:00
The Grados are pretty darned good for the $. Another great hifi bargain in headphones is the Sennheiser HD580. They have been discontinued for several years, but some dealers still have them at clearance prices. They used to be Sennheiser's top dynamic 'phone in their non-$10,000 range. Sound phenomenal -- musical, accurate, and also very comfortable on the old noggin.
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Author: DavieCane01
Date: 2005-06-04 00:16
I'm with both Marks, on this one. I have a pair of HD595's that I use when I want to remain in contact with planet Earth. When I really want to be alone I use Etymotic ER-4S's. Next best thing to sitting on stage!
Alexi, if you want a real treat, save up and buy yourself a Headroom headphone amp. Trust me.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-04 02:40
Phil's nailed it. I've got a Headroom Cosmic, and a set of HD580s and HD600s (600s are for location recording). Heaven.
I've always felt strongly that musicians should not compromise on a pair of 'phones and a decent playback device. Listening is an important part of the discipline.
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Author: DavieCane01
Date: 2005-06-04 03:41
I agree 1000%. I've auditioned many different speaker set-ups, including my personal dream speakers, Martin Logan Sumits (don't even mention the Statement 2!) and I always feel more contact with the music when I listen through headphones.
Mark, I'm using a Bithead and saving for a cosmic. Do you think it's worth the extra $$?
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-06-04 14:18
Cosmic is totally worth it, and if I'm not mistaken, totally discontinued. I think they've moved on to newer models since. I will say that performance per $, the investment in headphones and headphone amps is a lot more obvious than with "big" equipment. There was a material difference going up the ladder to the better models.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-06-04 15:20
Cool....Alexi! In my experience earphones are the only way to go if you really want to listen to non-live music......by yourself. I think part of the "aura" is that you end up closing your eyes which removes visual distraction.
Bob Draznik
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2005-06-05 04:40
BobD wrote:
>I think part of the "aura" is that you end up
> closing your eyes which removes visual distraction.
I do this at all concerts/performances I go to (and I'm sure I get nasty looks as people probably think that I'm sleeping during it). It helps me concentrate on the music and appreciate the sound more.
As per those suggestions above, I agree that bang for the buck, it's probably a lot better to get a very good headphone setup than speaker setup. If I can ever set a budget that high, I just might look into those headphone amps. For now, my sr60s are suiting me well.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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