Headphones

[mudrummer99]

Alright, I know the answer to this will probably be "check out HeadFi, that's what they do there" but I already know you guys and trust/respect your opinions so I'll ask here. I am looking for a new pair of headphones. I stepped on my *cough* Bose *cough* headphones and they are toast. I'm looking at a few different models and wanted to see what people thought of each.

The first one is the Sennheiser HD280 Pro's. Good thing about these is that BB carries them and I get a great discount on these. I like the sound of them and they are comfortable.

The second set are Grados. I'm considering these because I received a gift card to Amazon.com for the holidays and they are carried online. These are more an unknown quantity. I'm considering a few different models here, the Prestige SR80, Pres. SR125, and Pres. SR225. All of these with the gift card are well within the price range I'm looking at, but I would be willing to save a little longer to look at the SR325i if I could hear a convincing argument. Negative about these is that I am having a lot of trouble finding a retailer that carries these are regular stock in my area to test them out. I found one that has the SR60's and then their reference line, but nothing in between.

Any feedback, especially on comfort, would be greatly appreciated. I will be using these 99% for computer use, being plugged into a stereo amp (see sig.) so if a dedicated headphone amp is a necessity for any of these, that would count them out. Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[avaserfi]

How much are you looking to spend? At about $100 the Sony MDR 7506 are the best value I know of (sound quality and build quality terms). Also, they can be purchased on amazon.com

Check this out it has my and others thoughts on headphones: http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/hifi-audio-components/8567-headphones-whats-your-pick.html

 

[PSWii60]

I just got these about a month ago, there only the SR60 but I love em! There not the coolest looking but all the reviews were 100% correct about them. IMO you will be hard pressed to find any other headphones in this price range to compete. But If money is no object go for the Grado GS1000.

 

[john72953]

Both Sennheiser and Grado make excellent headphones. I really like the Grado SR60's, because they are reasonably priced and have a great all-around sound. I also think that for comfort the SR60's are a good choice.

John

 

[jamie2112]

I have owned Sony 7506's for 10 years now(not the same pair) Live and in the studio and they are my favorite .

 

[GZA]

lol throw in the extra money and get some Beats by Monster hahahaha. Im sorry audioholics i bought a pair, i hate to buy anything Monster and i also hate to admit i bought these headphones for looks. I have a pair of Sony MDR7506 that i picked up for $100 and they sound amazing.

 

[zhimbo]

As I sit here, I have a pair of Grado SR60s on my head. I also have a pair of of the Sennheiser HD280s. I wouldn't want to give up either of them.

Other than a bit of extra bass extension on the 280s, I generally prefer the Grados audiowise. However, the sealed 280s block a lot of sound, so they're great for noisy environments (to keep sound out) or very quiet environments (to keep your sound in). If that's a concern, get the 280s.

I don't think Grados are generally recognized as tops for comfort, but personally I prefer them to the rather clamp-like fit of the 280s.

 

[mudrummer99]

Thanks everybody. Are either the grados or the sonys around there ear or on the ear? I can't stand on the ear headphones at all (ie. dj style). I did have a cheaper pair of sonys for a few year (about $50 if I remember) They were quite comfortably and sounded alright. Maybe I'll give those a looking into as well.

Mike

P.S. I have a $50 gift certificate, and I'm willing to spend up to $100-150 more, but only if it is really worth the price upgrade for that big of a difference in quality.

 

[zhimbo]

Thanks everybody. Are either the grados or the sonys around there ear or on the ear? I can't stand on the ear headphones at all (ie. dj style). I did have a cheaper pair of sonys for a few year (about $50 if I remember) They were quite comfortably and sounded alright. Maybe I'll give those a looking into as well.

Mike

Grados fit on the ear, not around. Can't stand that? Well, your choices are narrowed!

 

[mudrummer99]

What is the difference between

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-7506-Pro-MDR-7506-Headphones/dp/B0002H02ZY/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232606671&sr=8-44

and

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=pd_cp_e_0?pf_rd_p=413863501&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0002H02ZY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SAENM25N9TW5X27S6GD
?

It seems the sticker on the side is different, anything else?

Mike

 

[WmAx]

OP: The best value overall is the Sony MDR-7506. It leans towards neutral - and is generally the best tracking/monitor phone for professional use available(but this does not mean it may be best for general listening use to everyone). Build quality here is exceptional. Ear pads need replacing every 2-4 years, depending on frequency of use.

The Grado 325i you mentioned is on another level over the Grado 60, 80 and 125. The 325i is superior in sound quality and build quality, by a substantial degree. Based on SQ, I would pick the 325i over the Sony 7506, probably. But you should be warned that Grados are considered uncomfortable by an unusually large number of people - so that could always end up being an issue even if you like them otherwise.

If you prefer jazz, classical and other acoustic type music, you may be better of to consider Sennheiser HD580 or HD600(same headphone frame and transducer - different color and exterior grill), which should be found for very good prices. However, especially with classical music(which is recorded at a low level to allow large dynamics), the HD580/600 may not be suitable to most portable audio devices without the aid of an additional amplifier to boost the voltage level.

Another option is the AKG K271 Studio. It also needs an amp in the same conditions as the Sennheiser HD580. However, the K271 is closed, providing much sound isolation. It is rather large in size, if this is an issue.

-Chris

 

[mudrummer99]

Size, looks and portability are not an issue. When I travel I have a pair of Shure 530's that I use. I have no problems dropping some coin on headphones if I feel they will be worth it. The only concern I have is that I have never actually put on a pair of earphones that had the open-air design. I have no idea whether or not I will like them, probably would, or if they would be too loud that my wife would be able to hear them while in the room, a problem.

I am definitely not using these for studio monitoring/mixing, at least not yet (you'll probably see a post about this in the next couple months from me) so neutrality isn't a big concern. I mostly listen to rock, classical, jazz, and the very occasional rap/r&b song but more than anything I use these for video games. I have discounted all "video game" headphones I have come across so far due to very poor build quality and sound quality. Something a lot of these do well, though, is comfort. I do tend to like speakers that are a touch on the bass heavy end of things. Thanks again for all the feedback.

Mike

 

[emorphien]

The Sony MDR-7506 or V6 (supposed to be the same thing) would be my pick. Better sound and IMO better comfort than the Sennheiser HD280.

As far as Grados are concerned, I had my experience with the 325 for a while and ultimately decided I'm not a fan. I haven't heard the supposedly improved 325i but the 325 was a bright and often unbalanced headphone with poor comfort and overall chan & poor build quality for something in the $300 range. Build quality of the 325i looks to be similar to the original 325 but the sound has supposedly changed as mentioned and the aluminum housing is now gold colored as well. Overall I guess I'd say I'm not a big fan of Grados.

I think the MDR-V6 (which can be had for about $30 less than the 7506) is a killer deal. Bass can be a bit strong but not unpleasant, and overall they're fairly neutral. If you want you can swap the earpads out for the Beyerdynamic velour pads for the DT250... they'll probably hold up better and IMO they're more comfortable. B&H sells them for around $20 before shipping (about $7).

 

[alexwakelin]

I own a pair of the Sennheiser HD 485's, and they have an open back design. IMO, unless you are wearing them in bed and someone is trying to sleep next to you the noise escaping from them isn't likely to bother anyone unless you are listening to them quite loud and they are sitting right next to you and maybe trying to read a book. My computer fan is much louder then whatever noise escapes from my headphones at moderate volumes. I wear mine for gaming and watching movies, and unless I wear them for 3+ hours straight I don't experience any discomfort or fatigue. Mine also came with a handy hook to hang them from which clamps to the side of your desk.

 

[Djizasse]

After reading as asking for advice on the last "cans thread" I bought the 7506s.

I'm loving them. I take them everyday to work (excellent isolation), use them at night and even in bed. Even my unborn daughter is listening to them (got to teach them while they're young). The only downside is that my mp3 player "lost" some quality

I'll take this opportunity to thank you all for the good advices