New Headphones

gimpod · January 2012

I'm in need of a new set of cans and could use some advice as the last time I bought a set it was awhile ago. They need to be over the head (a big one) and cover the whole ear. They will be used for both PC & Stereo use. I'll like to keep the price low under $200.

Thanks for any advice.

cnh · January 2012

I hate to say this, but "I'm all ears" on this one! I gave my mid-fi Sonys to my daughter and I'll probably never see them again so I'm kinda in the market as well. The Sony MDR-V6s are a decent set of cans if you can get them for around a 100 or so. Those are the ones my daughter took possession of...and I can't blame her. Make those "silly" ear-buds most people use sound like tin cans.

I am looking to move up a bit from the Sonys which are "not" bad!

cnh

nguyendot · January 2012

I use some AKG 271MKII's... super cheap on amazon right now, and very accurate. 55 ohms.

EndersShadow · January 2012

I would say go with the Audiotechnica ATH-M50 or Beyerdynamic DT-770's. Those are both sets I want to try. The Beyer's are supposed to be more comfortable for long listening sessions as the ear cups are not leatherish so they dont make your ears get hot and sweat as much as the ATH-M50's do. The Beyer's are more "bass-headish" from what I have read.

Head over to Head-Fi for reviews of both sets as well. Lots of good info there as well as Headfonia.com.

Guitar Center sells both sets so if you wanted to try one and didnt like it you could return it and pick up the second pair.

Beyerdynamic DT 770

Audio-Technica ATH-M50

nguyendot · January 2012

I heard those are both good sets as well... Right now up in the air with 770/880/990's.

AsSiMiLaTeD · January 2012

The 880s are the best of that bunch IMO by a large margin.

The 770s are a different animal as they're closed and they have a more 'in your head' kind of sound. They're very good for a closed design, but IMO are outperformed by the 880.

The discussion really comes down to the 880 vs the 990. The 990 have a better bass response, but are also brighter for me to the point where I don't like them as much. The 880 are still a forward sound, but they are more neutral and balanced than the 990. Both cans have a good soundstage. Both are over $200 though so of no help to the OP but may help you.

eeagle · January 2012

ATH-M50s Audio Technica - Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (s gives you the straight cable)
Grado SR60 or better can be had for less than $200
Sennheiser is always a favorite, many in the under $200 range, but best are over. Their Kleer tech wireless is phenomenal too.

nguyendot · January 2012

You can get them all for about $200 actually. Brother had them priced out. Amazon.

990 250ohm - $178
880s are higher.. about 225

coolsax · January 2012

J&R will also have the Denon D2000 for 199 on occasion.. but usually you have to call them to get that price.

DaveHo · January 2012

I use the Audio Technica ATH-M50. Very neutral sounding cans. Great bass. They're a closed design, which is what I needed for my work environment. Had the Grado SR-80 before the AT cans. Really great sounding as well, but they are very bass shy, and you will disturb others with them unless you listen at a whisper.

-Dave

sucks2beme · January 2012

http://www.headphones.com/Headphones.html?ps=54&attribs=40520&sort=PriceDesc&pi=2

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/full-size.php

Here's a starting point. You can go to head-fi to check for user comments from the real world.
With a bit of shopping, you should be able to get a pretty good set new, or a great set used.
A pair of Grado sr-225's would fill this gap pretty well. AT, Senn, also make some good sets in this range.

zingo · January 2012

I've purchased cans off headphone.com's B-stock, and the prices and condition are great. My last purchase was a $350 pair of $150 in perfect condition.; I highly recommend it.

nguyendot · January 2012

Where is their bstock? I can't find it on the site....

chumlie · January 2012

Get a pair of Grado SR80i's. $100 . Nothing costing 3 times thats gonna come close.

txcoastal1 · January 2012

nguyendot wrote: »

Where is their bstock? I can't find it on the site....

http://www.headphone.com/support/b-stock-outlet.php

newrival · January 2012

chumlie wrote: »

Get a pair of Grado SR80i's. $100 . Nothing costing 3 times thats gonna come close.

While they are pretty good, it's quite an exaggeration. Depending on your musical/listening preferences, there are plenty of cans that are better at the same price. Also, there are three Grado models alone within your "3 times" as much qualifier that best the 80i' pretty easily.

Grados are great, but they are like klipsch, forward and in your face, which not everyone likes. Also, theyre pretty not-good for movies or games.

Alessandro's are a more palatable sound for most. they are built by grado but specilly tuned for alessandro. the ms-2 is an awesome set of cans for ~$200

the AT's mentioned are good suggestions.
Beyerdynamics make a few great pairs for ~$200
AKG k701's are reference quality for around $250 but you should have a headphone amp. Really, you should have one if youre going to be buying any cans in the $200 range with few exeptions.

Bobsama · January 2012

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

The 880s are the best of that bunch IMO by a large margin.

The 770s are a different animal as they're closed and they have a more 'in your head' kind of sound. They're very good for a closed design, but IMO are outperformed by the 880.

The discussion really comes down to the 880 vs the 990. The 990 have a better bass response, but are also brighter for me to the point where I don't like them as much. The 880 are still a forward sound, but they are more neutral and balanced than the 990. Both cans have a good soundstage. Both are over $200 though so of no help to the OP but may help you.

I love my DT-880's--they sound great and balanced. Like AKG K702's, but with better bass response. The real problem with Beyers is they really love having tube headphone amps. I just ordered a Little Dot MK IV for my 600 ohm Beyers.

I also liked the AKG K702's but I hated the mini-XLR plug against my shoulder and the headband was uncomfortable--I wanted to wear a hat. The DT-880's, on the other hand, are almost perfect. If I could change one thing, it'd be to increase the height of the earpads.

chumlie · January 2012

I will stick to the Grado SR80's. I am well aware of there next 3 up the chain 125i $150. 225i $200. 325is $300. I don't believe the value per dollar will get any better than the 80's. I misphrased my statement. While i agree there is a suttle differance between the 80' and the 225 & 325. Not enough to justify the price differance IMO.

newrival · January 2012

chumlie wrote: »

I will stick to the Grado SR80's. I am well aware of there next 3 up the chain 125i $150. 225i $200. 325is $300. I don't believe the value per dollar will get any better than the 80's. I misphrased my statement. While i agree there is a suttle differance between the 80' and the 225 & 325. Not enough to justify the price differance IMO.

The 80s have the distinct advantage of not "needing" a headphone amp. the 125s dont necessarily, either, but from this point up, performance centainly lacks without one. The 80's are probably the best choice if someone is just listening off their ipod, etc.

gimpod · January 2012

I think I'm going to go with the Grado SR80 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50S, I don't want to have to use a headphone amp as they are going to pull double duty the PC (Music & Gaming) & the stereo rig. Now my big problem is trying to find a set that will fit over my big fat head, This is no joke I've returned more headphones because they didn't fit than I care to remember.

nguyendot · January 2012

txcoastal1 wrote: »

http://www.headphone.com/support/b-stock-outlet.php

Nice...prices are a tad high. AKG 271 MKII for $250+? $129 on amazon!

chumlie · January 2012

I'm pretty sure the 80's will fit your fat head. They do mine. Enjoying the mushrooms ?

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