Best headphones for use with my computer?

[octopus41092]

So... I want something with good sound reproduction as well as good sound positioning. What's the best choice for say... under $200?

 

[Tiamat]

I have found that one of the most important aspects of headphones is their comfort. If they are not comfortable to you, even though they have the best sound quality, they will not be worn/used.

Unfortunately, you really need to go out and audition the headphones. We can offer recommendations on which companies to look for, but it is up to you to narrow it further.

Headfi has forums which will enable you to empty your wallet out many times over if you wish to check them out.

Sennheiser, Beyer Dynamic, Grado, Denon, AKG all make headphones within that price range that I have personally enjoyed using.


Can you explain the type of music you listen to and if you have subjective favoring of coloration? Bright (rock/metal), Warm (Jazz/classical), Neutral (all music/mastering/critical listening)...

 

[teatime0315]

I'm currently using the Sennheiser HD595's which were about 180. So far, no regrets! This thing is amazing. Right now I just need to find something better than my Audigy 2 to power these things.

EDIT: And I agree with Tiamat, all those brands listed are really good. Head-fi is also a great place to start. Type of music is also an important deciding factor.

 

[moonboy403]

Audio Technica's AD700 is a great open headphone for around $80.

Excellent clarity and great soundstage.

 

[octopus41092]

I generally listen to rock, and alternative. I don't like too much bass and I definitely don't like it when it's really shrill. Currently I don't have such great stuff though. I'm using a Razer Barracuda AC-1 with a Steelseries 5Hv2 headset.

 

[Christobevii3]

Originally posted by: moonboy403
Audio Technica's AD700 is a great open headphone for around $80.

Excellent clarity and great soundstage.

I have these and really like them. I use them on a zero dac too

 

[pcslookout]

Denon AHD2000

If you don't believe me read these threads!


Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3







aphex knows what he is talking about and I own the same headphones so I can attest to it!

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: pcslookout
Denon AHD2000

If you don't believe me read these threads!


Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3







aphex knows what he is talking about and I own the same headphones so I can attest to it!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: pcslookout
Denon AHD2000

If you don't believe me read these threads!


Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3

Those are out of the price range of the OP and 2/3 of the threads

 

[pcslookout]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh

Originally posted by: pcslookout
Denon AHD2000

If you don't believe me read these threads!


Thread 1

Thread 2

Thread 3

Those are out of the price range of the OP and 2/3 of the threads

You can find the Denon AHD2000 for $199.

 

[moonboy403]

Where can you find the D2000 for $199 shipped?

I don't think the D2000's worth it without a decent amp as the D2000 has recessed mids in which an amp helps a lot.

 

[octopus41092]

Originally posted by: moonboy403
Where can you find the D2000 for $199 shipped?

I don't think the D2000's worth it without a decent amp as the D2000 has recessed mids in which an amp helps a lot.

Any good amps for cheap that you recommend? Also, how comfortable is the D2000, the Steelseries 5Hv2 are very, very comfortable for me which is one reason I like them.

Are Sennheiser PC350's any good? How do they compare to HD555's. My brother has a pair of those and I can use that as a baseline comparison.

I also heard Beyer Dynamics was really good. Any recommendations for those?

 

[Baked]

Why do people always suggest the denons when people are asking for headphones on a budget? The best way to gauge when you want to buy is join head-fi forums. Go to one of their meets and sample all they have to offer, then decide for yourself.

Personally, I always suggest audio-technica closed cans 'cause they block out noise and are super comfy, plus they're affordable. Oh, and they don't require amps to drive 'cause they have low ohm.

 

[moonboy403]

AT headphones still benefit a lot from amping even with their low impedance.

@ octopus, the Denon D2000 is very comfortable. It's easily one of the most comfortable headphone.
What's your budget for an amp?

 

[PCJake]

Originally posted by: octopus41092

Originally posted by: moonboy403
Where can you find the D2000 for $199 shipped?

I don't think the D2000's worth it without a decent amp as the D2000 has recessed mids in which an amp helps a lot.

Any good amps for cheap that you recommend? Also, how comfortable is the D2000, the Steelseries 5Hv2 are very, very comfortable for me which is one reason I like them.

Are Sennheiser PC350's any good? How do they compare to HD555's. My brother has a pair of those and I can use that as a baseline comparison.

I also heard Beyer Dynamics was really good. Any recommendations for those?

I just got my Sennheiser PC350's in the mail today. Its strong points seem to be comfort and very clear highs. I'm happy with them so far. I can tell that they could really use an amp, though, as the bass isn't very powerful. I know next to nothing about amplifiers, so hopefully someone will come along with a good recommendation!

 

[octopus41092]

Originally posted by: moonboy403
AT headphones still benefit a lot from amping even with their low impedance.

@ octopus, the Denon D2000 is very comfortable. It's easily one of the most comfortable headphone.
What's your budget for an amp?

Pretty much none... lol. I was looking to spend $200 for the headphones and wasn't planning on getting an amp in the first place. I saw that the Denon AH-D2000's are about $200 which is in my price range. However, that doesn't leave much else in my budget but I'm guessing around $50 at most for an amp? No idea on how much they really cost. Is it really necessary though? I have a sound card and all, granted not a great one but does the amp really help that much?

Can anyone give me an idea of how the Beyerdynamic DT880's are compared to the Denon's?

Oh, also I forgot to mention, are there any good clip-on mics out there that I can get since none of these are headsets. The mic on the Steelseries 5Hv2 is actually really good and I want something comparable to that.

 

[43st]

Any of the Audio Technica lower price line will suit your needs (AD/D 500,700,900) for the price, and no amp is required. They have very airy or wide audio for positioning and decent audio quality. They're inferior to the DT880, but you'll need an amp to get the best sound from those.

You can use the Zalman Mic-1 clip on, or a webcam mic if you have one.

 

[pcslookout]

Originally posted by: moonboy403
AT headphones still benefit a lot from amping even with their low impedance.

@ octopus, the Denon D2000 is very comfortable. It's easily one of the most comfortable headphone.
What's your budget for an amp?

:thumbsup: