Monster Inspiration Vs Focal Spirit One

BBMcQ

Hello,

I've been looking online for a pair of good commuter/home headphones that strike a good balance between style and quality. I definately want to stay away from the Beats range as when I tried them with some guitar pop (U2, Snow Patrol etc) the bass totally drowned out the other guitars. I listen to some RnB/Pop also so I want good bass just not ridiculous bass.

I've tried the Monster Inspirations (€299) in store and they are extremely comfortable due to the size of the pads. I wear glasses so this is important. Obviously made from the same stable as beats so the bass is there but not as bad as Beats.

I've read great reviews about the Focal Spirit One (€199) online but can't find a store to rest them in Dublin. Crazy that most stores, HMV mainly, that sell alot of headphones have none to test. Seem be hoping most people go for more of a fashion buy.

Anyway, any advice would be most appreciated on the choice. The Monster's are €40 cheaper in the US, even when you include 9% sales tax, but maybe similar in the airport Dixons shop.

Thanks!

yimrsg

You're not going to be able to demo many headphones in Ireland especially the more expensive or less well known brands. You'll have to travel to a store abroad or else get reading up on reviews from various owners and respected reviewers. Beats are generally bass heavy headphones so chances are they'll drown out the mids and treble. If you're looking for a headphone that emphasises guitars you might need to look elsewhere.

Have you looked at many other headphones? With a budget of €300 you've got a huge range of possibilities and since your budget is so large you could look at getting 2 separate headphones; large open headphones for home and smaller portable closed headphones for the commute. There are closed models such as the V-moda v80 or m80, aiaiai tma-1, creative audio live!, bowers and wilkins p3 or p5, sennheiser hd 25-ii, shure 840, akg k181 or k550, audio technica ath-m50, beyerdynamic dt1350 or dt770, sony mdr zx700 or mdrv6 and denon d2000. Open headphones to look at phililps fidelio, sennheiser hd650, hd598 or hd558, beyerdynamic dt880, grados and allessandro, fostex t50rp, and superlux 668b.

Some of the models above won't tick all the boxes as some will need an amp to sound their best (dt770, hd650) or they're too bulky to bring on the go or have a long cable or leak sound in or out. Closed headphones such as the ath m50, hd25-ii, CAL!, p5, k181, v80, tma-1, and sonys would probably be the first ones to look at as they have nice bass, look decent and are well within your budget. They also have the benefit of being around a while so there are plenty of reviews and their prices have come down too.

Some links to get you started.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-102-portable-headphones-reviewed-panasonic-rp-htf600-added-04-29-12
http://www.head-fi.org/products/category/headphones
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame
http://www.headfonia.com/closed-cans-shootout-m-50-esw-9-t50p-hd25-1-beats-studio-srh-840-srh-750dj-k181dj-and-dj1pro/

BBMcQ

Thanks a mill yimrsg.

I was looking at the B&W p3/p5 alright. Really want to get my hands/ears on them. With a large-ish head and short hair, some sets can look dreadful! From the pics on the net, the B&W's earpieces look quite small which would turn me off a little.

I like your suggestion about the 2 pairs, but I think i'd rather the one.

What's your opinion on active noise cancellation? I only travel abroad 2-3 times a year so wouldn't value ANC over the quality given on the relatively quiet Dart/train.

yimrsg

I've never really thought much of noise cancelation as a feature as I've had no need for it. I prefer to use IEMs which are essentially earplugs and block out plenty of background noise, even on a busy street, bus or plane I've had no need to go above 50% volume on my ipod, most of the time it's 25% volume and that's when listening to someone speaking on a podcast. For me the convenience of the IEM's smaller size, greater portability, isolation and no battery required trumps an ANC headphone. Maybe others have had more use for them but I can't see myself needing them.

The p5 is meant to offer surprisingly good isolation considering it's simplistic supra-aural design, right up there with the sennheiser hd 25-ii which relies more on clamping force. Ctrl+f "A10" here. Compu b might be worth a call to see if they do stock/demo it or the p3 as they have other apple products. The downside is they're priced very high.

Realistically you're not going to be able to try all the pairs you want so you're going to have to take a leap of faith when it comes to your purchase, the best thing is to be thorough reading up reviews and keep in mind all the positives and negatives mentioned. If you're still unsure of splashing out all your budget, then maybe opt for a cheaper headphone that mightn't be your ideal choice but you could sell on for a small loss if you weren't satisfied.

BBMcQ

cheers, that 102 headphones tested post on head-fi really is a bible. Pity most of the best headphones have wires going everywhere or look like they are from the 80's!