Headphone for Laptop $500 budget

[Trev]

Way I figure i need to work this budget is approx. $275 for headphones, $225 for Dac / Amp

I've been doing some hunting and was looking at AKG K702 now on Amazon for $269.

I listen to mostly harsh music; Metal, Thrash, and Stoner rock, but ultimately everything.
Range: Kyuss, Savage Grace, Beehoover, Lich King, Jetone, Radiohead, ...power metal, classical, dark jazz, 90's Alternative, everything everything...

I've been using DenonDJ HP-1000 plugged directly into my laptop (Lenovo T510)

I would really be happy with something that can tide me over for the next 10 years. After this purchase, I'll be future saving for a Home Theater speaker replacement / AVR.

If the AMP could also be used interchangeably with a vinyl setup, I'd be killing two birds with one stone, as I don't have sufficient speakers for use with Vinyl, and it'd be nice to at least be able to rig up headphones and chill with one on rainy days - you know? (I can worry about the rest of vinyl gear outside of this budget)

I've been hearing a lot of bad trouble with the K702's such as comfort issues, the headphones shifting slightly on one's head causing major changes in sound to where it's unbearable and a constant pain, and speaking of pain, the band causing pain on the top of the head. On the other hand, it seems to be getting a lot of praised as damn great sounding headphones.

I look forward to any advice you guys might have to offer. I'm really in a position where I can't afford to make a bad purchase. Lucky enough that this budget floated my way.

Best Regards,

(oh and the amp would be used at work with my laptop. I share a work space, I don't have my own office... so the lower the profile, the better though I'm not opposed to something flash if it's excellent and the price is right. Would hate for anyone at work to think I'm getting carried away and get on my case however unjust or ignorant) they may be.)

 

[jcl]

Way I figure i need to work this budget is approx. $275 for headphones, $225 for Dac / Amp

I've been doing some hunting and was looking at AKG K702 now on Amazon for $269.

I would really be happy with something that can tide me over for the next 10 years. After this purchase, I'll be future saving for a Home Theater speaker replacement / AVR.

I've been hearing a lot of bad trouble with the K702's such as comfort issues, the headphones shifting slightly on one's head causing major changes in sound to where it's unbearable and a constant pain, and speaking of pain, the band causing pain on the top of the head. On the other hand, it seems to be getting a lot of praised as damn great sounding headphones.

I have the AKG K701's which are very similar to the K702 and I've been very pleased with them. They don't have quite the bass of the Sennheisser 600s or maybe even the Beyer dt880s. I find them to be very accurate and articulate with very good soundstage. I have read some people find the imaging to be too much and unnatural but I don't.

I haven't had a problem with them shifting on my head causing major changes in sound. When listening for long periods they sometimes can cause discomfort on the top of the head (but after 3-4 hours I think just about any headphone would.) My solution is to simply shift the strap slightly every so often and problem solved.

I think they are great for the price. When I was shopping for headphones i think I liked the Sennheiser hd600's better, but not enough to compensate for the cost difference. The Beyer DT880's are other great headphones that I liked, probably closer to the 701s, but once again I couldn't justify the price difference ( but now i think they are about the same so I would look at them.)

The AKG's have an impedance of 62 ohms, which makes them easier to drive than the Senns or the standard Beyers which I believe are both 250 ohms. The Beyers come in a 600 ohm and a 32 ohm for portables.

 

[chashint]

I would spend the money on Sennheiser 600's and forget about the amp.
last march I started the search for "good" headphones and was really put off by the fact that every review I read reflected that an amp was not to be considered optional.
A very positive review was posted at Home Theater Shack where the sources used were a mid grade laptop, iPod, phone, and if I recall correctly an AVR all sans amplifier.
I decided to risk it and ordered the 600's. I use them almost every day with my AVR or iPad and they sound great.
i guess if you are attempting hearing damage the iPad may be limited, but the AVR is not.
An amp may be cool, but it is not a requirement to enjoy these headphones.

 

[Boerd]

cannot agree more - but I'd say get the Sennheiser 650 and forget about the amp. ipod will do.
But for Sennheiser 600 and Beyer 880 (600 ohm) you might need an amp if you want really loud music (hearing damage anyone ???).