Headphones - What should I buy - Need Help

[vodka]

Hi.
I need an headphones to play video games, some casual DJing and to ear some
jazz/classical music and some bass music too. So I'm looking to:
- Sennheiser HD 280
- Sennheiser HD 595
- Sony MDR-V700
- Technics RP-DH 1200
- The new creative Aurvana DJ
In your opinion what headphones fits my needs?
Thanks

 

[mazersteven]

Headphone questions over here.

www.headfi.com

Shop for headphones over here.

www.headphone.com

 

[Tod]

The HD 280s are probably not for you. Since they're pretty soundproof and decent-sounding, I do have a pair for things like airplane flights, but I never use them other than those times. Not too comfortable, the cord transfers any rubbing/contact noise to your ears all too well, and weaker than flat bass response. OK, but for a purpose.

The 595s are supposed to be good although I haven't heard them, but I have a pair of HD 600s which I can highly recommend. Don't know about the others.

 

[zhimbo]

I agree entirely with Tod re: the HD 280s. I'm very glad I have mine, but as he says, "for a purpose". Excellent when you need to block sound but still have decent (not great) sound. My considerably cheaper pair of Grado SR60s sound much better than the HD280s - but block no sound at all.

Spend some time at the websites that Mazersteven mentioned. Both are excellent sources of info. Head Gear (headphone.com) is trying to sell you stuff, of course, but I'm impressed at the detail and honesty of their headphone descriptions.

 

[Haoleb]

The HD 280s are probably not for you. Since they're pretty soundproof and decent-sounding, I do have a pair for things like airplane flights, but I never use them other than those times. Not too comfortable, the cord transfers any rubbing/contact noise to your ears all too well, and weaker than flat bass response. OK, but for a purpose.

The 595s are supposed to be good although I haven't heard them, but I have a pair of HD 600s which I can highly recommend. Don't know about the others.

I also have the HD280's and the only point i can really agree with is the cord. I find them very comfortable. Much moreso than my grado SR125's. And while they do not sound as natural as the grado's do, They are my overall pick because of their sound isolation and comfort.

 

[Tod]

I also have the HD280's and the only point i can really agree with is the cord. I find them very comfortable. Much moreso than my grado SR125's. And while they do not sound as natural as the grado's do, They are my overall pick because of their sound isolation and comfort.

Yeah, now that I think of it there was one detail involved with what I said - I wear galsses. The 280s are not good with glasses. OK without them, but sinec they're trying to seal tightly they clamp down and press the earpieces in too much. The 600s on the other hand are worlds better for comfort. Also, the sealed ones can get sweaty a lot faster (I live in Tucson AZ, so ear sweat does just happen).

Looking at the specs, the impedance on the 280s is about 30 ohms, 595s is about 50, and 600s is I think 300 ohms. They need a lot more power, like pretty much need an amp, while the other two pairs could survive on a regular headphone jack. Although an amp probably helps just about anything worth helping.

Anyway good luck and have fun.

 

[jaxvon]

Sony MDR-V6. They're closed ear (good for DJing), rugged, and have super accurate sound. They're basically the industry standard for accuracy. Available for cheap here:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V6-Monitor-Headphones-Voice/dp/B00001WRSJ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-9229247-8501219?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1180101059&sr=8-1

 

[BabelFish]

how do the MDR-v6 compare to the MDR-v600 and the MDR-v900??

 

[Taifun]

MDR-V6 vs. MDR-V600

I can't comment on the V900s but the V600s are crap. The V6s are leaps and bounds better in sound and construction. No comparison. I own both and the V600s are what I let the kids use. (I know cruel mean Daddy )

If you are looking for sealed, Also look at the AKG K 271 S I have a pair and love them for electronica/blues/jazz and games. For classical I really like my AKG K701s but they are a open design so not so suited to keeping quiet.

Sennheiser HD 555s are also good especially for the price and of course the HD 595s are a step-up. I liked the 555s better for games than my HD 600s

Then again... headphones are like speakers... to each their own. My advice:

Try and listen to as many as you can, bring your own music if you are trying at stores. Borrow from friends if you can. Extended listening with what you intend is best.

HTH

 

[Nick250]

If you can sill find a pair of Senns 580's I give them the highest rating. But as another poster said it's like speakers, you have to hear for your self. I also own Grado 80's. It's an in your face sound, completely the opposite of the 580's.

The is an enormous amount of snake oil like on Headfi like "I am so excited about my new power cord, I can't wait hear what it's like once it's broken in." But as Steven suggested, check it out, there can be good info, just be careful.

Nick

 

[heyitsmedusty]

Since it's going to be DJ'ing and gaming, I would suggest the Sony MDR-V700DJ. They offer a very good amount of bass and sound really "fun." I wouldn't classify them as a serious headphone, and the construction isn't top-notch, but they do a really good job of making your source sound exciting (as opposed to neutral.)