Headphone Recommendations

[matty d]

Hello I am new to this site.

I am an Occupational Therapist working on a psych unit at the Veterans Administration, with old and young former soldiers.

I have personal CD players that our patients like to use. It helps them calm down and relax. We have earbuds, but I want to use headphones especially for our veterans that have hearing aids.

Could you guys do our veterans a favor and recommend some SOLID quality, yet NOT TOO expensive headphones for us to buy? Preferably on amazon.com, because we have authorization to purchase from them.

Ones for general use and will last a few years?

Thanks
Matthew
Occupational Therapist.

 

[MinusTheBear]

What is the maximum price point in the budget/per? How many pairs of headphones do you need?

 

[GranteedEV]

Checking Amazon I'm going to recommend:


http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0002D03ZW/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1292033356&sr=8-1-catcorr&condition=new

I own the step-up model (ATH-M50) and I have to say it's awesomw bang for your buck. Comfortable enough that I don't notice them, a flat deep bass without being a focal point, distinct instruments, clean highs, and good enough isolation that I don't have to turn the volume all the way up ....and they keep my ears warm walking outside during harsh calgary winters.

Don't ask me why the picture on amazon shows the M40FS' as yellow and blue though. Must have been lighting, because they're grey/black headphones.

 

[jp_over]

Grado Prestige Series SR-60i

Moreso than sound quality I'd look for comfort first and foremost. In my opinion it doesn't get more comfortable than Circumaural closed cans. My Audio-Technica ATH-M50s are definitely amazing but at a bit over $100US/pr they may be a bit more expensive than OP is considering.

Checking Amazon for circumaural cans the two more affordable headphones that pique my interest are:


http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATHM40FS-Precision-Headphones/dp/B0002D03ZW/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1292032289&sr=8-28

http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Full-Sized-Semi-Open-Circumaural-Headphones/dp/B002CX99PA/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1292032234&sr=8-17


Read the amazon reviews carefully for people's comfort with them.

+ 1; both excellent from what I have read. To add one more, this OIFII & OEF vet has these on his list:

http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-SR-60i-Padded-Headphones/dp/B0006DPMU4/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1JJ17JNXT95RJ&colid=3482FGESLMCA3

For this model, I've heard the band "wears in" to an easier fit after a while. I've currently got some Senn HD 280s that sound good but fit too tight.

I know we're coming up on some budget crunches in these years ahead. If the models suggested are too expensive, let us know and we can adjust the recommendations/price point.

Thanks for what you do for our wounded!

 

[GranteedEV]

my only real concerns with the M40FS' are

1) at 60 ohm impedance, they may have difficulty getting LOUD with lesser source electronics
2) they only come with 1/4 connectors... you'd need an 1/8th inch adaptor

In terms of sound quality and comfort level I have no reservations unless they're VASTLY different from the M50s.

 

[cheaprecorder]

you can try ebay as well

 

[yettitheman]

Sony MDR-7506. Under $100, reliable, and parts are rather easy to obtain.
Not to mention, they sound great.
The MDR-V6 is also essentially the same model. Just get whichever is cheaper.