headphones...what's good?

[eLiu]

What's the good stuff in el headphone market nowadays?

My dad had a cheapo pair, but he left it in Taiwan. So now, he wants a new set. He's willing to spend up to ~150 or so. So, I ask you, the people of Anandtech: what can I get for $150? $100? $50? And, how much better are those super-expensive models than the cheaper ones? (I think it's obvious that I know nothing about headphones...so, a general buyer's guide would be useful if anyone could link me 🙂)

 

[Cpntrips]

What will use the headphones with: stereo. computer, walkman? The usage of the headphones makes a big difference in what brand to choose. Does he want open/closed headphones?

Grado headphones are a pretty safe bet and known for high quality sound without needing an external amp:

Grado SR60 -- $70
Grado SR80 -- $95
Grado SR125 -- $150
Grado SR225 -- $199

Go here for a roundup of headphones and prices

 

[Dreadogg]

Sony MDR-580's what I have they rock, very good sound quality and very comfortable.

 

[GT1999]

Grado SR60's if you're into music and want something cheap, but good, without an amp. They do sound excellent with a good amp too, though. PLEASE NOTE that they are open headphones, so they're meant mainly for music. If you're into 3D positioning, get closed headphones!

BTW: I love my SR60's, but I use closed headphones for 3D gaming like Q3, UT, CS, etc..

 

[flood]

sennheiser hd495/grado sr6/sony v6

sennheiser will have the best comfort and accuracy.
grado will have the best sound for rock music.
sony will be best for portability, sound isolation (theyre closed cans), and the best bass response

I use the v6's (got em for ~70) and theyre the most comfortable of the bunch using the velour pads.

 

[Quad]

i've got the sony 605LP open air headphones...
i love em

nice and comfy, great round sound, excellent bass.

 

[iluvdeal]

For $150. I'd get a pair of Sennheiser 580's off of E-bay. I'd skip the Grados as while they sound great, they are not comfortable for extended periods of time since they sit right on your ear. Sennheisers are circumaureal (the pads rest around your ears).

 

[squirrelman]

For $150 you have a few different choices for good headphones. I suggest heading to www.head-fi.org and check that place out. They have alot of very good headphone people there.

 

[Lalakai]

folks have already covered many of the important points, but some additional issues to consider: any preference for phones that completely cover your ears and block out peripherial noises, or desire for light weight units that just have foam padding and rest against your ears. Musical preference will also weigh in as some phones do better jobs with highs versus lows, ect., meaning that it would be best to pick out sample cd's of your favorite music, then visit some stores that have the headphones you are interested in, and listen to your music on their phones.

I've tried several Denon's, Grado's, and Sennheiser's but for the price, went with the Beyerdynamic DT 250's. For me, musical tone is critical and my preference is mid-range and highs, though I also do alot of gaming and these units are superb for that. I also like to block out as much outside sound/noise as possible, so my preference is towards phones that completely cover the ear; in the summer they're warmer but still worth it.

try this link for some good comparisons
The HeadRoom

good luck

 

[heartsurgeon]

sennheiser's are audiophile level headphones, got my first pair nearly 30 years ago - they've been tops for a long time.