Listening test verdict
Ed S. puts this month’s group testing
into context. How do the contenders fare in the great scheme of things?
This was an interesting test as it showed
that even at this relatively sane price point, high performance is available.
As one of the more expensive models in the test it is something of a shame that
the Klipsch Image One could not produce the sonic performance to match the
clever design and useful features. As a portable headphone it is a nice design,
but the sonic imbalances affect use at home.
The German Maestro GMP 240 is less
seriously affected by similar issues. This is a well-built if somewhat prosaic
headphone with a pleasantly spacious performance, but the dominant and slightly
sluggish bass prevent it from being placed higher as this rather overwhelms the
good work the GMP 240 does in the upper registers.
The
German Maestro GMP 240
The Beyernamic DT-440 is a more impressive
performer offering a well-balanced sound and impressive isolation combined with
excellent build quality and even a reasonable stab at a degree of portability.
The limited soundstage and highest list price in the test deny it a placing
further up the list, but it this is a good performing headphone nonetheless.
The
Beyernamic DT- 440
The Audio Technica AD500 on the other hand
puts in a fine performance for the least expensive headphone here. In many
respects it has the best top end performance and most convincing sound staging,
and fine build and impressive comfort levels mean that this is a headphone well
worth auditioning – even if the looks are a little sudden.
The
Audio Technica AD500
This test asked the question if any of the
more compact headphones being developed for use on the move could also cut it
as a high performance home headphone? The Sennheiser PX 360 answers this
question with an emphatic yes. This is a headphone that rewards listeners with
an extremely lively, cohesive and enjoyable performance. Throw in the solid
build, impressive levels of user comfort and you have a headphone that very
nearly claims the top spot in this test…
Winner
The Grado SR6oi takes the gong and, unlike
the Sennheiser, this is very definitely a home headphone. No other product here
combines the same exceptional tonality, detail retrieval and sense of timing,
and when you consider the excellent build. As well as the fact that this is the
second cheapest design in the test, you have an unqualified winner.
The
Grado SR6oi takes the gong
Results at a glance
Make/model: Audio Technica ATH-AD500
·
Price: $150
·
Sound: 4/5
·
Value: 4.5/5
·
Build: 4.5/5
·
Sensitivity: 5/5
·
Conclusion: 4.5/5
Comfortable to wear, finely put together
and a sound that’s expansive and tonally true
Key features
·
Closed back: No
·
Open back: Yes
·
Detachable cable: No
·
Folding design: No
·
Mini jack adaptor: Yes
·
Make/model: Beyerdynamic DT-440
·
Price: $210
·
Sound: 4/5
·
Value: 4/5
·
Build: 5/5
·
Sensitivity: 4/5
·
Conclusion: 4/5
Derailed, precise sound with fine timing –
factor in the super construction quality and it’s a bargain
Key features
·
Closed back: No
·
Open back: Yes
·
Detachable cable: No
·
Folding design: No
·
Mini jack adaptor: Yes
Make/model: German Maestro
·
Price: $173
·
Sound: 3.5/5
·
Value: 4/5
·
Build: 4.5/5
·
Sensitivity: 4/5
·
Conclusion: 4/5
Spacious sound staging and solid build
quality, but may prove too bass-heavy for some…
Key features
·
Closed back: No
·
Open back: Yes
·
Detachable cable: No
·
Folding design: No
·
Mini jack adaptor: Yes
·
Make/model: Grado SR6oi
·
Price: $157.5
·
Sound: 5/5
·
Value: 5/5
·
Build: 4.5/5
·
Sensitivity: 5/5
·
Conclusion: 5/5
Fizzing with enthusiasm and energy, this is
the greatest music maker here; well made too
Key features
·
Closed back: No
·
Open back: Yes
·
Detachable cable: No
·
Folding design: No
·
Mini jack adaptor: Yes
·
Make/model: Klipsch Image One
·
Price: $195
·
Sound: 5/5
·
Value: 4/5
·
Build: 4/5
·
Sensitivity: 4/5
·
Conclusion: 3/5
Great styling, portable design and
packaging, but this misses the spot sonically, sadly
Key features
·
Closed back: Yes
·
Open back: No
·
Detachable cable: No
·
Folding design: Yes
·
Mini jack adaptor: Yes
·
Make/model: Sennheiser PX 360
·
Price: $178.5
·
Sound: 5/5
·
Value: 4/5
·
Build: 4.5/5
·
Sensitivity: 4/5
·
Conclusion: 5/5
Taut, tight, clean sound that’s all in
perfect proportion; superb build also
Key features
·
Closed back: Yes
·
Open back: No
·
Detachable cable: Yes
·
Folding design: Yes
·
Mini jack adaptor: Yes
