Help me pick out some good headphones...e

[aphex]

Already have a pair of excellent IEM's (Westone UM2's), but when im at home just relaxing, I wouldn't mind something bigger that I can't hear myself breathing when its quiet

I want something good at the following; (no particular order)
Rock / Pop
Classical
Jazz
R&B

One thing though, i need em to be COMFORTABLE! Open or closed dosen't matter to me, they will only be used at home.

Looking at the following; (under $100)

Grado SR60 - questionable comfort
Sony MDR-V7506 (new V6)
Senn 280Pro
Senn HD555

 

[Juno]

paging jello...

 

[Tiamat]

Probably should call them up. Depending on how much space they have, and what kind of business they get, they may or may not have a full selection. They'd probably have the typical Sony, AKG, Sennheiser studio cans.

 

[tailes151]

I could definitely be wrong, and correct me if I am, but I keep thinking that grado isn't sold at any B&M retailers.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: tailes151
I could definitely be wrong, and correct me if I am, but I keep thinking that grado isn't sold at any B&M retailers.

JR sells em on their website, dunno if they carry em in stores though...

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: tailes151
I could definitely be wrong, and correct me if I am, but I keep thinking that grado isn't sold at any B&M retailers.

Not sure about any chains, but there are some B&M stores in Orange County that definitely stock Grados. They very well could be unauthorized dealers. But I picked up some 80's years back. Wasn't easy to find a B&M that carried Grado that's for damn sure. Sucks because they are so nice, Grado should at least get one national B&M chain to stock them.

 

[Enfer Singe]

Last time I was in a sam ash, which granted was a while ago, they didn't carry too much in terms of high end headphones. It was mostly just DJ stuff. I would just call and ask but I think it will be difficult to find. I would also try an audio/home theater store if nothing else. Kind of sucks because it would be nice to hear some really high end headphones but the only real way is to know someone who has them.

 

[aphex]

well to anyone who owns decent headphones.... How are grados for comfort?

I'm looking at the Grado SR60, Sony V6, Senn HD555, Senn HD280Pro

 

[Juno]

i do have sennheiser hd280pro, it is fantastic! it is very soft and comfortable however, if you use it for hours, it begins to tighten your head.

i'm thinking about giving turtle beach a try.

edit: i got my hd280pro from newegg.

 

[uhohs]

alessandro ms-1 for $99

 

[darkswordsman17]

Grados are not known for being comfortable. I think the SR60s (might be the SR80s or both) have special pads which make them more comfortable than the others stock, and it is possible I believe to get special pads that do improve comfort, however I don't know much more than that (cost, how much they change the sound, etc). I do know that plenty of people love the sound but just can't get over how uncomfortable they can be. Also, Grado's are known for excelling at rock but not being very exceptional for other music. You can usually find better all around headphones if you listen to a variety of music (or movies and games).

Out of the ones you're looking at, I'd say the HD-555s are probably the most comfortable. I haven't tried the Sony's and I don't recall the popular consensus on their quality and comfort.

I would recommend checking out Audio-Technica as well, they have a couple of headphones that are popular in this price range. The A500/700 (closed) and AD500/700 should be comparable. I personally prefer their sound over Sennheiser's, as well as felt they were more comfortable (although the HD-555s are far from bad in both respects).

 

[tailes151]

HD-555's are definitely the most comfortable of those cans. Unless you're planning on listening to mainly metal I'd recommend them over the SR60's. The 555's will also do much better with movies and games, if that makes any difference to you.

--edit--

although the 280's are definitely a good pick up if youre looking for closed cans, although id recommend the AT ES7's and SJ5's before them. Head over to head-fi to check out the impressions on those.

 

[aphex]

So i got to play with the Sony MDR-V7506 (new V6) as well as the Senn 280pro's at a local Sam Ash.

Liked them both. Sound quality seemed a little more pleasing on the 280's, but the sony felt more comfortable with a better build quality.

Now to find somewhere that has the Senn 555's to try...

 

[Ika]

If you thought the HD280 Pro was "pleasing", you'll definitely be happy with the HD555 or HD595. Since you already have a very nice UM2, I would recommend the HD595 (if you don't mind buying used, you could get them for slightly over $100 ($120 should be the top of the range for used) which are highly recommended as "all-arounders"). If you can't stretch your budget a little or can't find a suitable used HD595 on Head-Fi FS/T, then go with the HD555. It should be nearly as good for less.

 

[Excelsior]

I would recommend checking out Audio-Technica as well, they have a couple of headphones that are popular in this price range. The A500/700 (closed) and AD500/700 should be comparable. I personally prefer their sound over Sennheiser's, as well as felt they were more comfortable (although the HD-555s are far from bad in both respects).

My A500s (got them for ~$105 shipped from audiocubes in Japan) have been worth every penny. They are very comfortable and durable. I've dropped mine so many times, and they've held together well.

They also sound pretty good.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Juno
paging jello...

I was away for a while, and I'm not a huge headphone guy really

I agree with the comments about the 280s not being for everyone as far as comfort is concerned.

I'm a lot happier with how my 580s feel for extended periods of time.

 

[Kid Vicious]

Checkout out Headroom they have a wide selection with reviews and some factory deals.

Personally, I've been eyeing a pair of SR-60's myself, but I've used a pair of Sony MDR-V300's for ages.