What headphones for a 272?

Posted by: intothevoid on 26 November 2015

I've never had the need, or want, for headphones before, but occasionally a bit of solo late night listening is in order without disturbing the whole house

I recently demoed a pair of AKG K702 cans and they sounded great, but I was wondering what you would suggest is a suitable match for the built-in NAC-N272 headphone amp?

Budget up to £300. Musical tastes extremely varied, but I support voice/acoustic/jazz is my mainstay.

Thanks.

Posted on: 27 November 2015 by Andrewh

I have a pair of AKG Q701 headphones which I believe are very similar to the K702s. These sound really good on the N272 and I would definitely recommend them if I didn't find them a bit uncomfortable on long listening sessions; the band over the top presses quite hard on my head which gets uncomfortable - but this may be a size issue (my head not the headphones)!

Posted on: 27 November 2015 by intothevoid

Thanks Andrew. I didn't find this, most probably because of limited time with the K702.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by blownaway

I highly recommend the Grado GS1000e. It is 1k in the us, not sure how much in your part of the world. Grado has an amazing soundstage and natural tamber. With acoustic music the real life naturalness of tonality shines through. Get the e version.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by NickSeattle

I traded in my old Sennheiser HD 650's for new AKG 701's. I compared both with an assortment of very nice Grados at the dealer, including ps1000. All of the Grados were a bit too shrill and relentless for my taste and aging ears. The 701's accomplish involving detail without getting fatiguing. Tests were on NDX > 552 > Headline Hicap, similar to home, except using FC2X instead of HC.

I admit that the older I get the more sensitive I am to high frequencies, which is ironic considering that I know I am losing my hearing in that range with age.

Nick

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by blownaway

I know the newest e version is tamer in the highs and there are midrange differences compared to the ps1000. Sounds right to me even with my aging ears. Headphones are like ice cream, choose the flavor you like most. in my case I have two flavors I love.

Posted on: 28 November 2015 by DUPREE

The headphone amp in the 272 is outstanding in my experience. I like the BeyerDynamic DT-990's. They are a great set of cans and are well within your budget. DT880's or T70's from Beyer are nice if you need closed. I have had a lot of headphones and always seem to go back to Beyer as they sound great. The other can's that are totally different in sound but very engaging and exciting are the Grado PS-500e. A bit bright for me but the soundstage is just unmatched at that price - they are the most live like headphones you may encounter..

Originally Posted by intothevoid:

I've never had the need, or want, for headphones before, but occasionally a bit of solo late night listening is in order without disturbing the whole house

I recently demoed a pair of AKG K702 cans and they sounded great, but I was wondering what you would suggest is a suitable match for the built-in NAC-N272 headphone amp?

Budget up to £300. Musical tastes extremely varied, but I support voice/acoustic/jazz is my mainstay.

Thanks.

Posted on: 29 November 2015 by intothevoid

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll put them on my list to look at.

Posted on: 29 November 2015 by DUPREE

I have a fairly high bias towards BeyerDynamic, certainly listen to the Grado's - they are great fun and very lively..

Posted on: 30 November 2015 by intothevoid

Originally Posted by DUPREE:

I have a fairly high bias towards BeyerDynamic, certainly listen to the Grado's - they are great fun and very lively..

Any particular model?

Posted on: 30 November 2015 by b_lund

I prefer Beyer studio-cans or AKG, amo DT250 closed, K701 open, only tried on dedicated amp though, both high ohm and might not show potential into 272 scenario

Easier driven might be Sony MDR7506 or AKG K240/271/550 maybe some Beyer 770/990

well within budget and very well reviewed headphones indeed

I recall the original headline were developed on Beyer's

Sennheiser has currently some very good offers on Momentum in colours, never heard them myself

EDIT: Beyer DT250 also available in 80ohm, this might just tick the box

Posted on: 30 November 2015 by DUPREE

Beyer - DT990/880 + T70/T90 Grado PS500e, RS2e (Possible RS1e) or the bargain of the bunch the RS325e

On Nov 30, 2015, at 2:53 PM, Naim Audio Forums <alerts@hoop.la> wrote: