I’ve honestly been really impressed with the Sony MDR-7506 and Shure SRH1840 with metal. They’re closer to neutral and are definitely “mid-fi,” but I can’t think of any other headphones besides the Clear and SR1a that get metal guitars right. At least for the *core I listen to.
I find that guitars have excellent bite and even when gain is blown out (intentionally) on the recording, they still sound sharp and detailed. Bass is detailed and present in both headphones, but not overpowering and certainly not at concert-levels, however, I am continually surprised at just how much slam/impact both of these sets reproduce. Drums are so satisfying. Kicks are visceral and snare cracks can get right up to the point of discomfort without ever crossing it. The RNHP helps a lot with that, I’m sure.
The ZMF Verite C are pretty decent (definitely better than the Atticus, if for no reason other than the stage is far less confined), but the tuning is weird and can make some recordings sound odd. And distorted guitars just aren’t totally right (to me). Knocked Loose’s latest EP comes to mind; it is easily the darkest and heaviest thing they’ve released and it just doesn’t sound right through the VC. Almost like it’s a middle school show and the chaperones are preventing everyone from moshing while trying to keep the band from riling the crowd up too much. But through the 7506/1840, it is crushingly heavy and doesn’t feel constrained/restricted due to the tuning.
Both of those sets are far from the final word on anything, but man, they have allowed me to enjoy metal through headphones in a way I haven’t in a long time.
I think it’s the 6k peak that throws the otherwise smooth tuning off. Typically you find this in frequency responses that want to be boost “detail”. It a shame because they’re otherwise a pleasant headphone.
Yep, LCD-5 is my go-to when it comes to metal, one of the genres that shines w/ stock tonality (where I usually have eq on.) D8KP is good too (good heft), but I prefer how percussion sounds on the LCD-5.
It’s almost there. With EQ, I can get them right. I don’t need any with the Sony or Shure. I know they’re not the objective Best, but I subjectively find them to be the best for metal.
The empyrean was a fun rock headphone. Especially for the bass guitars. Wanted a little more slam/smack at times with drums but still enjoyable.
I really like the Nutopia for rock. Never heard the OG but from what I gather the Nutopia leaning a little warmer probably would be more enjoyable to me, especially with some electric guitars. Just a fun headphone on my chain. Very addictive.
I recently picked up the Drop Ultrasone Signature X out of curiosity… yeah.
Build quality is on par with a McDonalds happy meal toy… sound is ok. It’s overall build/sound quality reminds me of an Audio Technica M40 or M50X. Bass is plentiful and punches hard. Highs are ok and not sibilant, midrange is there, overall a V or U-shaped response. Pads are not very comfortable and driver touches your ears due to clamp.
You could do worse, I wouldn’t recommend it, but for the price it’s acceptable.
I did ultrasones for many years. I know they had their limited editions but i do agree it is a plastic first construction but they fancy it up with metal here and there. To me they were leaps ahead of the AT M##s and the Vmoda people loved at the time. To be honest they were best for my commute at the time, they shrugged off bad weather walks like a pro, and are doing great as “hearing protection” and entertainments as they are now when working with tools or outdoors.
The ear pads did hurt after a few hours, which i dont miss. Mine now have brain waves which kind of arent as good a match but feel better.
Hahah I’m actually listening to them now and overall I do like the sound for the price.
It’s in desperate need of a pad-swap with my ears being mashed against the hard metal/plastic driver housing… and I don’t have big ears that stick out. Are those the Brainwavz pads on yours?
Sounds-wise for metal music it’s really good, a bit dark leaning but for the price it’s great!
Yes, definitely better sound on these than the ATH-MXXs, but build/design is very very similar.
