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Looking for headphones...

Mrvile

Mrvile

Lifer
I just got an iAudio X5 for Christmas and I hear it's one of the best sounding music players around. Only problem is, I don't have the right phones...I'm currently using the included earbuds and these things just suck. The sound is tinny as hell and there's absolutely no bass.

I tried out a friend's pair of Senn HD 280 Pros and they sound really nice...but are a tad uncomfortable. I tried out another friend's Grado SR-60s and they were nice but the sound wasn't as sharp as a pair of closed phones would be since I was listening to them in public with a lot of distracting outside noise.

I'm looking for a pair of ~100 dollar phones that deliver good, crisp highs and mids and tight but not excessive bass. Closed headphones preferable but I'll take open...whatever sounds the best for my needs. I listen mostly to trance and techno music but also some rock.

And no, no earbuds or canalphones...they're convenient but uncomfortable.

Thanks.
 
Originally posted by: Specop 007
Senn HD497's.
Click to expand...

HeadRoom gives them a 5 out of 5 but says that they are a bit "dry" sounding. What does this mean? I'm not quite up to date with all this audiophile lingo 😛

Also, are they closed or open? It doesn't specify...
 
Hmm...it looks like the 497's were replaced by the 212 Pro's...which only got a 3 out of 5 but the review didn't state anything bad about it. Anyone?
 
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: Specop 007
Senn HD497's.
Click to expand...

HeadRoom gives them a 5 out of 5 but says that they are a bit "dry" sounding. What does this mean? I'm not quite up to date with all this audiophile lingo 😛

Also, are they closed or open? It doesn't specify...
Click to expand...

I dont know. I've found absolutely nothing wrong with them. I've worn them for over 10 hours straight before, I've fallen asleep with them on. Great 'phones, I really enjoy them. Lightweight, comfortable, excellent sound, good price.
Comp USA may still carry the 497's.
 
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: Excelsior
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control...ils&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=245335
Click to expand...

Hmm, those looked pretty good when I saw them but "those looking for some bottom-end punch will like these headphones a lot. The lower range is pushed forward with the midrange a little behind that and the highs slightly recessed." Sounds like they place more emphasis on the bass which isn't really what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

In that case you might really like the headphones I have.

under $115 shipped.

The mids and highs are quite excellent with them, but the bass is, well, "recessed". It exists, but is not punchy or boomy. Also, they are closed (I could play them very loud and my roommate would have no idea I was even listening to music) and verrrry comfortable. Ive had mine for close to two years now and they have held up even with multiple drops.
 
the HD497 is good, but it isn't the best under $100. Buy a pair of Sony V6.

Love my 497 for $40 with a free pair of MX400 buds though!
 
Other than the vice-grip fit, how did you like the 280s? If you store them around a couple of books (to simulate a head's width) for a few weeks they'll loosen right up like a woman around a HS dropout, ex-convict biker. I really love my pair, and they fit your requirements (closed, accurate but not excessive bass, detailed & crisp mids & highs).
 
If you're really serious about cans, go to Headwize.com

When I was looking for a cheap set of portable headphones, they were recommending a couple of Koss models. I would've never bought Koss headphones, but these two sounded great for the money, especially when I swapped out the pads.

Sounds like you want closed headphones, so that's what I'd look at. The open headphones sound a lot more "open", but they have their limitations in noisy environments.
 
Originally posted by: RBachman
Other than the vice-grip fit, how did you like the 280s? If you store them around a couple of books (to simulate a head's width) for a few weeks they'll loosen right up like a woman around a HS dropout, ex-convict biker. I really love my pair, and they fit your requirements (closed, accurate but not excessive bass, detailed & crisp mids & highs).
Click to expand...

The one thing I didn't like about them was how damn tight they were...I couldn't stand them for more than like 10 minutes and that definately gets rid of those as a choice.

Otherwise, the sound was excellent. Very crisp, and the sound detail was amazing. My friend also listens to a lot of trance/techno so we have the same audio needs.

I'm hoping the phones than Excelsior linked sound like the Senns but are more comfy.
 
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Hmm...it looks like the 497's were replaced by the 212 Pro's...which only got a 3 out of 5 but the review didn't state anything bad about it. Anyone?
Click to expand...

negatory, 212pro's are closed sets
 
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: RBachman
Other than the vice-grip fit, how did you like the 280s? If you store them around a couple of books (to simulate a head's width) for a few weeks they'll loosen right up like a woman around a HS dropout, ex-convict biker. I really love my pair, and they fit your requirements (closed, accurate but not excessive bass, detailed & crisp mids & highs).
Click to expand...

The one thing I didn't like about them was how damn tight they were...I couldn't stand them for more than like 10 minutes and that definately gets rid of those as a choice.

Otherwise, the sound was excellent. Very crisp, and the sound detail was amazing. My friend also listens to a lot of trance/techno so we have the same audio needs.

I'm hoping the phones than Excelsior linked sound like the Senns but are more comfy.
Click to expand...

Could you maybe give me an example of a song you listen to often? Or even email/send me one? It wouldnt do you much good, but I could comment on how it sounded with these 'phones. Just an idea.
 
Originally posted by: Baked
KOSS KSC75 is excellent for portable usage.
Click to expand...

Agreed. When I am on the go, I cant take my a500s with me but I love my ksc 75s. They can take a beating, are cheap, and sound great for the money.
 
All the forum-type sites you guys listed are cool but are unorganized and I can't really find the right headphone reviews and stuff...

The Koss PortaPros get rave reviews but they're so...soo...I dunno. Strange?
 
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: Mrvile
Originally posted by: RBachman
Other than the vice-grip fit, how did you like the 280s? If you store them around a couple of books (to simulate a head's width) for a few weeks they'll loosen right up like a woman around a HS dropout, ex-convict biker. I really love my pair, and they fit your requirements (closed, accurate but not excessive bass, detailed & crisp mids & highs).
Click to expand...

The one thing I didn't like about them was how damn tight they were...I couldn't stand them for more than like 10 minutes and that definately gets rid of those as a choice.

Otherwise, the sound was excellent. Very crisp, and the sound detail was amazing. My friend also listens to a lot of trance/techno so we have the same audio needs.

I'm hoping the phones than Excelsior linked sound like the Senns but are more comfy.
Click to expand...

Could you maybe give me an example of a song you listen to often? Or even email/send me one? It wouldnt do you much good, but I could comment on how it sounded with these 'phones. Just an idea.
Click to expand...

Depth-Core stuff.

My rock choices includes Rhapsody, Nightwish, very busy sounding and instrumental rock opera kind of stuff, but I like treble when I listen to this kind of stuff to better hear the solos and whatnot.
 
Originally posted by: Excelsior
Originally posted by: Mrvile
All the forum-type sites you guys listed are cool but are unorganized and I can't really find the right headphone reviews and stuff...

The Koss PortaPros get rave reviews but they're so...soo...I dunno. Strange?
Click to expand...

The PortaPros are not the same as the KSC75s, just in case you have the two confused.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006B.../102-7455709-1714565?v=glance&n=172282
Click to expand...

Oh oops. I typed it in a search and the words "porta pro" were right after the KSC75 so I figured they were the same thing 😛
 
I'm really liking the AudioTechnica A500's right now...but I can't really find an official review of them. Any links?
 
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