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Best set of headphones for $100-150

R

rohizz

Member
Hey guys,

I am currently rocking theSennheiser HD 202-II and they are uncomfortable as all hell. I have about $100-150 to spend (less is preferable). I have a Zune HD, a Droid Incredible, and just regular-ass computer onboard sound. No audiophile equipment. I just want a solid sound upgrade, and maybe something that will sound good if I ever invest in amp/DAC equipment in the future.

Which set of cans will give me the best audio quality for that price. I don't care about the physical size of the headphones itself, but I want them to be comfortable. Around-ear is preferable as i have protruding ears. Something pressing against them (like the HD202 IIs) kinda hurts.

I'd also preferably want a closed set and minimal sound leakage as I like loud music, but don't want to annoy anyone else around me.

I've been looking at the Head-fi holiday buyers guide (link: http://www.head-fi.org/t/581714/check-out-head-fis-fall-2011-holiday-gift-guide) and they seem to like the ATH-M50s. Any suggestions?

Also, I know Bose is bad. But if I spend the equivalent amount of money on another brand such as Senn or AudioTechnica, will I get much better quality? Or can I even step down in price and get Bose-esque quality from other companies. What is the general correlation of Bose to other brands? (ie. $150 Bose = $75 respectable not-Bose)

I'm saying this cause I'm sorta using Bose as a baseline since I have no idea what anything else sounds like. To me, the Bose Over-ear > HD202-II, and that's it. I also have a set of Around-the-neck Sony MDR-G45 headphones that I absolutely positively love.

TL;DR: I have $100-150, please pick my Full, closed, around-the-ear set of cans.

THANKS ALL! Appreciate the help!

- Rohizz
 
If you're worried about sound leakage over ear isn't really going to cover it IMHO. In ear noise isolating will. That said I'd check out the Klipsch S4s. They're very comfortable for in ears (subjective at best) and I think they sound great. You can easily crank it without becoming a pita.
 
The M50s are really solid for around $100 and not bad at all for $150. If you don't mind waiting a while, I'd pre-order the Brainwavz HM5 from mp4nation. They are currently $120, and they look to be identical to the Fischer Audio FA-003. The FA-003 is well known for being an amazing pair of headphones for the price. Very neutral, easily competes with more expensive headphones. There's a big thread of Head-Fi about it. It should be a much better option than the M50.
 
I actually am very interested in these HM5 headphones. The reviews look stellar. Do you have experience with mp4nation and Brainwavz though? I'm reading that they're based in HK. I'm just a little wary it. The headphones themselves seem like an absolute steal from what I'm reading though. "compares with $400-600." It'd be good news, but I don't know how much I buy into that. Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

EDIT: I just preordered them and I will be back with some sort of review! Thanks!
 
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