Recommend a set of headphones

[Soccerman06]

Need a good set of headphones for both music and movies on laptop and tv. I got about a $200 max here, so I can get the high end, but would rather not if I can get something almost as good for cheaper. Im lookin for enclosure, possibly surround sound if its a good idea (no idea). These arent for working out, just sitting at my desk when studying or watchin a movie.

I was thinking of SENNHEISER HD580 , any other recommendations?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Better price on the 580s (and a couple other suggestions in there)
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1980830&enterthread=y

Surround headphones would not be a good idea unless you have multichannel analog output from all your sources, and even then you'd probably be better off with a standard stereo pair.

 

[Maluno]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Better price on the 580s (and a couple other suggestions in there)
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1980830&enterthread=y

Surround headphones would not be a good idea unless you have multichannel analog output from all your sources, and even then you'd probably be better off with a standard stereo pair.

QFT

If you really want to get the best opinions and advice from others on this issue, visit:

http://www.headfi.org/

Just be SURE that you mention your absolute maximum budget upfront, and let there be no confusion about it. That place is known for bankrupting people.

 

[darkswordsman17]

My personal recommendation would be for the AudioTechnica ATH-A900s and then do the blu-tak mod to them (really pretty easy and inexpensive to do). They'll run you right under $200 including the cost of the materials for the mod.

Text

That's from a Japanese store but they're pretty quick on shipping (which isn't very expensive either) and have better prices than pretty much everyone here (not sure if you can even buy the A900s normally over here).

The nice thing about the A900s is that they don't really need an amp to sound great, which quite a few headphones do (don't get me wrong they'll sound pretty good).

There is also the A500s from that same site for about $80 less as well and they'll sound pretty good.

Both of those are closed headphones (not sure if you're wanting closed or not since its just for home use). Also, for me they're more comfortable than Sennheiser headphones even.

The HD-580s is a good deal too.

 

[Malladine]

I own a pair of Grado SR80s - they're open but nice quality sound none the less and run slightly under $100

 

[olmer]

Well, my friend has Sennheiser RS 140 for his tv/pc movies-in-the-bed-while-wife-is-sleeping activities and I cannot hear any difference between his set and my cheap wireless Panasonic RP-WF810EB for 1/10th of the price ? so i guess it depends whether you have a ?good? ear or not, - figure it.

 

[Slugbait]

This question comes up a lot, couple of times a month (at least)...and again I will endorse the MDR-V6.

 

[Maluno]

Originally posted by: Malladine
I own a pair of Grado SR80s - they're open but nice quality sound none the less and run slightly under $100

The grados are nice cans, but for watching movies and gaming, like the OP will be doing, he would most likely be better off with a set of closed cans. In the closed-headphone realm, I believe that the A900's, as has been mentioned have been generally chosen as a prime candidate in the $200 price range, which brings them just within the OP's budget.

I must warn you, however, this recommendation is not based on experience with the phones in person, but simply from the many positive comments and recommendations I have heard in my time browsing Head-fi.

 

[noagname]

take a look at SURE headphones

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: noagname
take a look at SURE headphones

*Shure

 

[InFeXiOn]

I own a pair of HD 555's and could not be happier. I used to use them for LAN gaming when I played Halo 2 excessively at tournaments and the like and they were perfect. Allowing me to not only hear the game easier but my teammates along side me was a must, and they did the job amazingly. If you are looking for a closed pair though, I don't have any first hand recommendations but so far my experience with Senheisser has been nothing but awesome and I would recommend choosing a pair of their headphones for sure.

I want a sweet pair of headphones for my iPod now though when I'm on the go. Anyone want to trade for my HD 555's? Hehe.

 

[dakels]

Originally posted by: Maluno

Originally posted by: Malladine
I own a pair of Grado SR80s - they're open but nice quality sound none the less and run slightly under $100

The grados are nice cans, but for watching movies and gaming, like the OP will be doing, he would most likely be better off with a set of closed cans. In the closed-headphone realm, I believe that the A900's, as has been mentioned have been generally chosen as a prime candidate in the $200 price range, which brings them just within the OP's budget.

I must warn you, however, this recommendation is not based on experience with the phones in person, but simply from the many positive comments and recommendations I have heard in my time browsing Head-fi.

I'd have to agree. I personally LOVE my grado's but for movies and gaming, I'd want something a bit more bassy and possibly closed. Still, I would never turn someone away from Grado's. Another factor too is if you plan on having them on for long periods, grado's arent very comfortable.

 

[PorscheMaD911]

AKG K-501 FTW!

 

[Soccerman06]

Originally posted by: dakels

Originally posted by: Maluno

Originally posted by: Malladine
I own a pair of Grado SR80s - they're open but nice quality sound none the less and run slightly under $100

The grados are nice cans, but for watching movies and gaming, like the OP will be doing, he would most likely be better off with a set of closed cans. In the closed-headphone realm, I believe that the A900's, as has been mentioned have been generally chosen as a prime candidate in the $200 price range, which brings them just within the OP's budget.

I must warn you, however, this recommendation is not based on experience with the phones in person, but simply from the many positive comments and recommendations I have heard in my time browsing Head-fi.

I'd have to agree. I personally LOVE my grado's but for movies and gaming, I'd want something a bit more bassy and possibly closed. Still, I would never turn someone away from Grado's. Another factor too is if you plan on having them on for long periods, grado's arent very comfortable.

Ya that brings up a point I would like to make, I do plan on gaming/movie/music w/e like I normally do about 2-10 hours a day and need something comfortable and is relatively ergonomic. When I play BF2 or CSS or what have it, I need something that can keep the sound close to real as it can get and having a closed set might be better, but then agian, I only sit in my small appartment with a few roomies who hardly make any noise so the open/closed debate really isnt a problem.

 

[Maluno]

Originally posted by: Soccerman06

Originally posted by: dakels

Originally posted by: Maluno

Originally posted by: Malladine
I own a pair of Grado SR80s - they're open but nice quality sound none the less and run slightly under $100

The grados are nice cans, but for watching movies and gaming, like the OP will be doing, he would most likely be better off with a set of closed cans. In the closed-headphone realm, I believe that the A900's, as has been mentioned have been generally chosen as a prime candidate in the $200 price range, which brings them just within the OP's budget.

I must warn you, however, this recommendation is not based on experience with the phones in person, but simply from the many positive comments and recommendations I have heard in my time browsing Head-fi.

I'd have to agree. I personally LOVE my grado's but for movies and gaming, I'd want something a bit more bassy and possibly closed. Still, I would never turn someone away from Grado's. Another factor too is if you plan on having them on for long periods, grado's arent very comfortable.

Ya that brings up a point I would like to make, I do plan on gaming/movie/music w/e like I normally do about 2-10 hours a day and need something comfortable and is relatively ergonomic. When I play BF2 or CSS or what have it, I need something that can keep the sound close to real as it can get and having a closed set might be better, but then agian, I only sit in my small appartment with a few roomies who hardly make any noise so the open/closed debate really isnt a problem.

Wow. That is a lot of BF2.

 

[chris huff]

My wife and I have the HD-590 and HD-280.

590's are open, so when she is listening to her music very loud, I can hear it well enough to sing along with her.

the 280's are closed, and i can't hear her music at all.

So, she uses the 280's in the living room with her laptop, while I use the 590's in the office while playing computer games.

Both sound great and are highly recommended.

fyi, follow the recommended break in period to get the best sound.

 

[QuantumPion]

Originally posted by: Slugbait
This question comes up a lot, couple of times a month (at least)...and again I will endorse the MDR-V6.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: Slugbait
This question comes up a lot, couple of times a month (at least)...and again I will endorse the MDR-V6.

And again, as I have done an untold number of times, also recommend these. I have owned a set for over 20 years and they still sound fantastic. I have another newer set and they sound just as good. If you can find the original MDR-V6 then get them. Best bang for the buck. Even tho I mostly hate sony products, these were the best headphones they ever made. Dont fall for the 7506 as they are basically the same as the MDR-V6 but cost much more and PLEASE dont confuse them with the MDR-V600, horrible cans. The V6 are closed, comfy, sound great, can take a enormous amount of power and will last forever. My over 20 year olds still have not broken at all anywhere. I replaced the pads a few times as those do wear out but everything else is original parts. Plus they fold down to a nice size.

 

[Ika]

I propose Beyer-Dynamic DT770. Closed headphones, great bass (through audiophile ears), and great sound quality. They should run you under $200 easily.