Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleF
How loud do the Accentum get? I don't recall reading it as a complaint of either headphone, but I find the HD450BT a little quiet. The volume is just right at around 90-95% and 100% is just slightly louder than I prefer. Maybe ANC makes it so that it'd always be adequate volume? But I just find it weird that I need to be at 85-95% volume to be where I want. Weirds me out in a way like I'm accidentally underpowering the headphones or something.
I don't know the gap between the HD450BT and Accentum, but most of what I read seemed that other than user experience (ie: touch controls) and build quality (hinge), everything else was relatively incremental. This should mean that both will suffer from build quality/comfort vs other headphones, but not suffer for sound. But IMO this is a characteristic of a lot of Sennheiser headphones. I wouldn't consider their less premium build quality to comparable priced competitors to be a fatal flaw. Just a characteristic to be aware of.
That's been my experience with the HD450BT which is consistent. Like the HD599 for <$300 headphones, it performs well sound wise. But it has a plastic build that I feel like I could probably break by grabbing and twisting with my bare hands with moderate effort.
Beyerdynamic, Audio Technica, AKG, Sony, B&O, B&W etc. in the 200-300 range, I'd have to put in nearly full effort with my bare hands to break them due to integration of more metal hinges, bars or solid/thicker plastic.
I'm glad you like the Accentum. If you haven't done it yet, I assume replacing the ear pads will be one of your next moves to really love them more. I know when I have time this Christmas, I'll spend some time researching to replace the HD450BT ear pads to a cushion, foam or soft leather (if possible).
The HD450BT ear pads reminded me of the Sennheiser HD280 ear pads. After using Beyerdynamic DT 770/880/990 (suede like), AKG (soft foam) and Audio Technica (soft leather) headphones, these feel plastic and stiff in comparison. Foam on cheaper headsets feel more comfortable to me.
|
I am also listening around 85% volume, although the EQ I am using has a -4.2dB global cut so that might factor in. I think it's sufficient, but yes, they are not the loudest optipn. The pads are actually excellent. My main gripe might be that the clamping could be tighter.
As far as durability, my gold standard is my old German Maestro 8.35d. those things are indestructable. I only had to retire them because the cable was not replaceable and that wore down, although I do have a replacement cable, but i will need to open them up to install it