Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Before purchasing these headphones, I tried and returned the hd-215 "dj" headphones, which had insipid, lifeless bass and midrange --though crisp and sparkling highs. Definitely useless for dj's despite their 32ohm rating. their subjective volume and projection were somehow incredibly weak --perhaps the set was a lemon.Now for the 485's:
At first I was divided about these cans. For headphones with 32 ohm impedance & 1/8" outputs --i.e. portable player ready--, they are the first phones I had heard with any appreciable soundstage. That is amazing considering the price of the phones; I paid U$ 70.00.
Since I was not expecting anything resembling soundstaging --or spatial placement of the different voices/instruments--, I initially mistook the sound as uneven and biased toward certain frequencies, especially the bass. (note: the 485's sound phenomenal for electronic music right from the beginning.)
I even tried --unsuccessfully-- to return the headphones.
Resigned to using them with as many different kinds of music as possible, even those with "trouble spots" for the phones, I thought they might sound different upon passing the 30-60 hour "break-in" stage.
This proved correct, both subjectively and in my concept of how headphones should sound. The bass, which had been a bit up front, but always tight and defined --the dynamic range well beyond human hearing in both directions--, smoothed out considerably.
The previously hidden frequencies became distinctly audible and, thanks to the soundstaging, revealed more about the music than I had previously heard. The players I used were an iRiver slimX 350 --main unit--, a top of the line riovolt player, and the humble, but mighty Sony Psyc 320.
These phones ultimately blew away all expectations for something in this pricerange; I quickly forgot about my Sony mdrv-600's.
Don't be put off by the initial apparent distance of certain elements of the sound; they make it to the forefront in about 35 hours of listening time. Use an appreciable volume for the entire process.
These phones fit over the average ear are very comfortable unless, perhaps, you have large earlobes --but even then, I can only imagine that the gentle earpads exert less pressure than most against-the-ear units.
The cord (which is thicker than on any sets I've seen for under several hundred dollars) is detachable and replacable, as are the earpads. The 485's are very aesthetically pleasing and unpretentious looking. The attached adjustable undertable hanger is not likely to be useful to anyone.
Nonetheless, these are phenomenal headphones for --well-- under $250.00. I can't imagine anything in this price range even approaching the combination of sensitive and aggressive sound qualities of the Sennheiser HD 485's. Anything resembling a sound stage at this price is simply unheard-of, and these headphones are, somehow, top notch in that respect. They excel --perhaps even sound better-- at lower volumes as well.
I have heard many different phones in different price ranges, both with and without preamps, and I really think these stand up to some high-end units. They are comfortable with all different genres of music --I have over 1800 cd's. Just give them a little time.
BTW, I don't recommend the "express" method of breaking-in headphones --wherein one plugs them into a stereo, puts a cd on repeat and leaves them for hours on end (they are not catcher's mitts) If you want to truly acclimate a set of headphones, you must take the time to listen to them with whatever different kinds of music you like (or even different artists, if you listen only to one genre). Also take into account that I have yet to hear these on my home system through a 1/4" connection --that will undoubtedly push them beyond what I have heard with the little, but formidable, iRiver.
Lucky me for encountering a strict return policy :)
Lucky you if you have a similar experience with these headphones.
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Sennheiser HD 485 Open Air Over-Ear HeadphonesThe Sennheiser HD 485 Headphones are open, circumaural stereo headphones with exceptional sound characteristics and outstanding comfort. The HD 485 uses the latest diaphragm geometry for detailed stereo sound, lightweight aluminum voice coils for excellent dynamics and high efficiency, and a gold-plated adapter for superior connections. The HD 485 comes with a headphone holder that you can attach to a table or shelf, as well as a three-meter single-sided cable.
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