Sennheiser HD-280 PRO Alternatives

[mikegg]

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD-280 PRO and have been using it for 2 years now.

Lately, it's really starting to feel heavy on my head and it's straining my neck.

Are there any sub $100 headphones out there that can produce the same quality sound but at a much lighter weight?

 

[aaksheytalwar]

Closed only?

 

[yhelothar]

In Ear Monitors at that price can produce as good if not better sound.

Check out the Etymotic HF5

 

[aaksheytalwar]

In ears are better at every price point. But they are nowhere near as comfortable and aren't a very enjoyable experience because of the physical characteristics and discomfort, etc.

 

[yhelothar]

In ears are better at every price point. But they are nowhere near as comfortable and aren't a very enjoyable experience because of the physical characteristics and discomfort, etc.

YMMV, I don't notice mine on, and find them more comfortable than to have huge ear cups on my head.

 

[Kaido]

I agree on the in-ear solution and also agree on Etymotic.

I have HD280's and love them, but I also like my Etymotic ER-6i (no longer available, I believe the HF5's astroidea mentioned would be the most direct replacement) in-ear earbuds. I like using the 280's primarily for convenience since you can slip them on & off easily. If you're going to buy the Etymotics, do a google search for "Etymotic HF5" - when I did a search, it showed a discount price on B&H Photo for like $100 (normally $149 on B&H or $127 on Amazon from a quick check).

 

[Oyeve]

MDR-V6? Not comparable in SQ, I think they sound much better than my HD280s. Very comfy.

 

[yhelothar]

BTW, I suggested Etymotic as it has a similar sound signature as the HD280 from what I remember when I demoed them. HD280 is more of a detailed headphone that's not bass heavy, thus if you like the HD280 sound, you'll like the Etymotic sound.

 

[cmdrdredd]

MDR-V6? Not comparable in SQ, I think they sound much better than my HD280s. Very comfy.

They are the same as the MDR-7506 I have and I like them well enough. However they produce a very different sound than the Senns. They are less bassy with very pronounced highs and mids. Not piercing, but they are overall more flat. Depending on the type of music or usage this might be a big deal. For example, when listening to metal or hard rock I hate them for lack of bass. For pop they sound fine to me. For gaming I wouldn't use them, I use my PC 360 Senns instead.

That said, for $40 they can't be beat at the price.

 

[yhelothar]

They are the same as the MDR-7506 I have and I like them well enough. However they produce a very different sound than the Senns. They are less bassy with very pronounced highs and mids. Not piercing, but they are overall more flat. Depending on the type of music or usage this might be a big deal. For example, when listening to metal or hard rock I hate them for lack of bass. For pop they sound fine to me. For gaming I wouldn't use them, I use my PC 360 Senns instead.

That said, for $40 they can't be beat at the price.

Have you tried the HD280? They're one of the least bassy Senns.

 

[Oyeve]

Have you tried the HD280? They're one of the least bassy Senns.

QFT. I stopped using my HD280 for 2 reasons. Lack of any tangible bass and the vice-like head gripping hurt.

 

[Kaido]

QFT. I stopped using my HD280 for 2 reasons. Lack of any tangible bass and the vice-like head gripping hurt.

Hah, if you think the 280's were bad, you should try the 650's. My foray into headphone audiophile-ville lasted about week because they clamped my head so hard I got a headache from them :biggrin:

 

[cmdrdredd]

Have you tried the HD280? They're one of the least bassy Senns.

Someone who says the HD280s have no bass as a negative will throw the Sony out the window. I have heard both and while neither had as much punch as the HD598, the Sony has noticably less but other characteristics might make them more attractive for some people though.

Also does the V6 suffer the same issue with the padding that the MDR-7506 does where the cover basically falls apart after some usage and you're left with just the foam padding underneath? My 7506s did that and it always left pieces all over the place. Now the foam is exposed and it's impossible to keep them clean looking.

 

[yhelothar]

I agree. I've had the MDR-V6 for a period. They were excellent at the details as studio phones often are to pick out the minor flaws in recordings. This also translates to awesome instrument separation and spatial imaging, two key traits of hi-fi.

 

[Oyeve]

Someone who says the HD280s have no bass as a negative will throw the Sony out the window. I have heard both and while neither had as much punch as the HD598, the Sony has noticably less but other characteristics might make them more attractive for some people though.

Also does the V6 suffer the same issue with the padding that the MDR-7506 does where the cover basically falls apart after some usage and you're left with just the foam padding underneath? My 7506s did that and it always left pieces all over the place. Now the foam is exposed and it's impossible to keep them clean looking.

I purchased these years ago on both my V6 cans. http://www.amazon.com/Auray-Deluxe-V...ref=pd_sim_e_9

BTW, one pair of V6 is going on its 27th year and the other is on its 15th year. These were built to last.

 

[prism]

Another vote here for the MDR-V6s. Amazingly clear sound for the price.