Headphone dilemma

[ruffilb]

Here's the deal:

It's after Christmas and a few of my friends gave me gift certificates to places such as amazon.com, etc. I've been looking for an audio upgrade, as I've mostly been watching video or listening to music on my computer nowadays. I ruled out speakers, as I stay up a tad late these days, and I don't want to disturb people too much.

So I need some advice in terms of headphone purchasing.

I'd like to spend no more than around 150$.

Right now I'm looking at Sennheiser headphones - I've got some (relatively) low end Sennheiser headphones with a mic on there, part of their line made for communications/gaming.

As for intended use:

Primarily music / video, some gaming. All on a PC with a Audigy 2 ZS. It's OK if they're open - they can make SOME sound, they just can't wake up the neighbourhood. Comfort is a big deal - I usually wear these for hours at a time.

Right now I'm mainly looking at the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
(http://reviews.cnet.com/Sennheiser_HD_2...o/4505-6468_7-30235462-2.html?tag=nav)
and the Sennheiser HD 555
(http://reviews.cnet.com/Sennheiser_HD555/4505-6450_7-30822851-2.html)

Which one of these should I get? What would you guys recommend?

Aside from that, I've got a few other questions - Can someone enlighten me about this "Burn in" concept? I've heard that you're supposed to leave them running for ~30 hours with the volume cranked for them to reach their full potential... is this true?
Also, if I'm using a PC with an audigy 2 sound card, will either the card or the music bottleneck the quality of the listening? Most of my music is in low (128kbps, ick) bitrate, but I do have some flacs, apes, wavs, etc. My orchestra director could probably lend me some CD's as well. Yet another question is: Do I need an amplifier for either pair of headphones (or the ones you'd suggest), or can my PC drive them OK?

Thanks and Merry X-Mas!
~Ruff_ilb

 

[everman]

I've been using Sony MDR7506 headphones for a few years and really like them. What's cool is that you can replace the pads with beyerdynamic DT250 velour pads which are really nice.

I've heard of burn-in, but can't vouch for its effectiveness.

 

[BW86]

Alessandro MS1's for $99
and replace the stock bowl pads with flat pads

Headphone 'Burn In' FAQ

 

[ruffilb]

Thanks for the FAQ.

Why do you recommend the Alessandro's?

 

[Excelsior]

I recommend these.

Ive had them for over a year and a half now, and have been quite pleased. They have been through the rigors of travel and college life but still hold up well. Now, if you like a lot of bass, they are no the headphones to get. However, they are still excellent. The sound is quite neutral, clean, and clear.

Also, I do think burn-in is true, to some extent.

Edit: Forgot to say that I think they are very comfortable. I tried on my friend's HD280s and found them to be too tight, but maybe I just have a big head.

 

[ruffilb]

What about amps - would I need a headphone amp for a PC?

Excelsior - Those look good (The price is definitely right), but the lack of good bass performance worries me. Durability is a DEFINITE plus though. I'll definitely have to look into those.

 

[CKent]

Definitely check out head-fi.org. Whether you need an amp depends on the headphone - the two Sennheiser models you're looking at will sound fine without one but better with one. If you're not trying to block out noise, I'd definitely go with an open headphone - makes hearing things (phone, doorbell, etc) possible, which is nice. Audigy 2 isn't the best card for music, but it doesn't sound as bad as many here say either. You don't need to upgrade it, but if you want you can add a second card to your system - envy24 chip based cards start at $25. The 555s aren't very well liked at head-fi, and the 280s have various problems; the headband cracks after a lot of use, they fit like a vise grip, they're closed (good or bad, depending on your situation) and they take forever to burn in. Both phones suggested in the thread are solid choices. The Alessandros are open, the Audio Technicas closed. Both will sound good without an amp. Grado/Alessandro aren't known for being the most comfortable phones or having the highest build quality, fwiw.

 

[bassoprofundo]

If $150 is your budget, might I recommend Sennheiser's HD580. IMHO, you can't find a better set for that price. The only caveat here is that you'll absolutely need a headphone amp to drive these. It's worth the $$$, though. They're incredibly comfortable, and give a warm, balanced sound.

 

[ruffilb]

Those 580's look like a good idea - they seem really comfortable, which is excellent.

As for a headphone amp - I've got absolutely no idea what to look for. I don't want to spend that much, but I don't even know how much "not that much" is...

Can someone help me find an amp that will match those well, work with an audigy 2, and/or give me any other recommendations?

Thanks a lot guys.

 

[Xyclone]

Sennheiser HD280's.

 

[ruffilb]

the 580's are looking good right now, but the part that worries me is that they'll need an amp - spending 150$ is reasonable to me, but I don't want to spend another 100$ on top of that for a headphone amp... That makes me consider the 280's or the 555's more.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: ruffilb
the 580's are looking good right now, but the part that worries me is that they'll need an amp - spending 150$ is reasonable to me, but I don't want to spend another 100$ on top of that for a headphone amp... That makes me consider the 280's or the 555's more.

You can get an amp for cheaper than $100. Check out headfi.org

 

[ruffilb]

Would the 280's need to be amped?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: ruffilb
Would the 280's need to be amped?

Mine sound a bit better coming from whatever amplification my receiver is giving them through the headphone jack, but they're still quite good on their own driven by my mp3 player or soundcard.

 

[ruffilb]

Ok - since 150$ is basically the maximum amount I'm willing to spend right now, what would you recommend? I'm thinking either the 280's or the 555's right now, but I'm pretty much clueless. Head-fi.org is helpful, but rather hardcore considering how new I am to all this. Given my current budget, I'd want a set that doesn't require an amp to sound good. Does lower impedence mean that there's less need for an amp?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Afaik that's a good indication. I haven't really looking into higher end headphones though as I don't really like using headphones much.