Best Behind-the-Neck headphones/set?

[oleander66]

My Steelseries Siberia Neckband headset (http://www.steelseries.com/int/products/audio/siberia-neckband/specifications) broke the other day. I went to go order a new pair of them, but now they're $80+ when I paid $60 for them two years ago.

So, I'm wondering what the best neckband (behind-the-neck/head) headphones/headset would be for $30-$70ish. I will be using this exclusively for competitive gaming and music. I was thinking maybe the iGrado (http://www.gradolabs.com/product_pages/igrado.htm), but I don't know if it can be used on a PC? Also, it seems to be a step down from my Steelseries one; would it be noticeable?

Thank you!

 

[zhimbo]

There's nothing preventing you from using the iGrados with a PC ( but they aren't headsets, only headphones). Grado uses open designs, which means they won't block out noise, which may or may not be an issue for you. You may want to check the cord length, too.

 

[krzywica]

I really like these.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Here is a list I created of headphones between $20 - $200.

$0-$70
Portable/Open:
Koss KSC75
Koss PortaPro

Closed:
Fostex T40RP MKII
Beyerdynamic DT235
Shure SRH240
Sennheiser HD 428

$70-$100
Open: Full Size
Grado SR60i
Gradio SR80i
Sennheiser HD555

Closed:
Shure SRH440
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Sony MDR V6

$100-$150

Open: Full Size
Alessandro MS1
Audio Technica ATH-AD700

Closed:
Audio Technica ATH- M50
AKG 240MK II
Ultrasone PRO550


$150-$200

Closed:
Shure SRH 840
Audio Technica ATH-A700
AKG K 271 MKII

Is there any reason why you need behind the neck headphones? For gaming headphones, there is none better than the Audio Technica ATH-AD700. Amazon has them for $93.39. The comfort and soundstage is unmatched even when looking at headphones double or triple the price. These are one of the standard headphones used in competitive gaming. The sound signature I would say is bass light with an amazing midrange and non-fatiguing highs though very clear sounding and neutral, , great for long listening sessions. Add to that amazing comfort and soundstage that is unmatched in its price range and it is best value headphone in the under $200 price range.

Some things you might not like about this headphone. First the color scheme - it is purple and gold (take a look at the pics amazon offers). Second, the headphones are huge so you can't use them for portable use - you can but not very practical.

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Audiophile-Headphones-Neodymium/dp/B000CMS0XU

 

[oleander66]

Thank you, MinusTheBear, for that very useful post.

The reason I'm looking for behind-the-neck headphones is because I have a tendency to touch/scratch the top of my head, causing some hair loss. I used to use normal headphones, and often when taking them off, my hair would get caught in them and get pulled out. Also, I wear headphones for long periods of time every day, and the weight from larger headphones would weigh down my hair, which I'm not too sure is a problem or not. I'm just trying to avoid more hairloss.

You do have me tempted though. The Audio Technica ATH-AD700 I read on the reviews don't fit smaller heads, though? I have a smaller-medium sized head, so it probably wouldn't fit me very well, huh? Also, since it's so big, I'd imagine it is very heavy and weigh down my hair more than headphones I've had in the past?

 

[oleander66]

Also, would the ATH-AD700's be overkill for my soundcard, Asus Xonar DX (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16829132006)?

 

[highfigh]

Here is a list I created of headphones between $20 - $200.

$0-$70
Portable/Open:
Koss KSC75
Koss PortaPro

Closed:
Fostex T40RP MKII
Beyerdynamic DT235
Shure SRH240
Sennheiser HD 428

$70-$100
Open: Full Size
Grado SR60i
Gradio SR80i
Sennheiser HD555

Closed:
Shure SRH440
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Sony MDR V6

$100-$150

Open: Full Size
Alessandro MS1
Audio Technica ATH-AD700

Closed:
Audio Technica ATH- M50
AKG 240MK II
Ultrasone PRO550


$150-$200

Closed:
Shure SRH 840
Audio Technica ATH-A700
AKG K 271 MKII

I would add the Koss MV-1 but they're not "behind the neck" phones. They list at $179 and have a lifetime, "No questions asked" warranty.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Also, would the ATH-AD700's be overkill for my soundcard, Asus Xonar DX (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16829132006)?

Not at all. Another great thing about the ATH-AD700 is that they are very effecient and can be by powered effectively by any source (without introducing hiss) - Any MP3 player, computer, receiver etc and sound great.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Thank you, MinusTheBear, for that very useful post.

The reason I'm looking for behind-the-neck headphones is because I have a tendency to touch/scratch the top of my head, causing some hair loss. I used to use normal headphones, and often when taking them off, my hair would get caught in them and get pulled out. Also, I wear headphones for long periods of time every day, and the weight from larger headphones would weigh down my hair, which I'm not too sure is a problem or not. I'm just trying to avoid more hairloss.

You do have me tempted though. The Audio Technica ATH-AD700 I read on the reviews don't fit smaller heads, though? I have a smaller-medium sized head, so it probably wouldn't fit me very well, huh? Also, since it's so big, I'd imagine it is very heavy and weigh down my hair more than headphones I've had in the past?

Excellent question.

The ATH-AD700 are self-adjusting. The great thing about the AD700 is that you can barely feel them on your head. The AD700 do not fit super tight though, the great thing here is that you do not get that "clamping" feel like your head is in a vice. I get this sensation with many closed model headphones.

The headphones will fit your head fine but if you are moving your head down while standing up or even more agressively like "headbanging" sitting or standing there would be a tendancy that they might fall off your head. So if you are stationary while using them you will have no problems with fit. If very active while using headphones (moving around) then they are not the best option headphones.

If you have any further questions I will be more than happy to help you.

 

[MinusTheBear]

Here is a pic to the top portion of the headphone that rests on your head. They are the two pieces that are separated from the middle. These two pieces self adjust and is what comes in contact with your hair/head (not tightly). There is comfortable padding on each piece.

http://www.straferight.com/forums/attachments/home-audio-video/15372d1214901934-review-audio-technica-ath-ad700-headphone-ad700top.jpeg

 

[oleander66]

I do have a couple more questions if you don't mind.

The way my current headset broke, is the sound in my right ear all of a sudden went out. I could move it around and it would work, but that only was the case for a few minutes; now the right side is gone. A little googling said it was the fragile wires inside the cable (I'm not very technical) or something. This has happened to all of my headphones over time, so I assume it will happen to the ATH-AD700. If this is the case, what can I do about it? I believe it only has a 1-year warranty. Is there a cable I could buy to replace it, or would I have to buy new headphones every couple years?

So, I read the material of the padding lets your head/hair breathe, to avoid hot spots; is this noticeable? Does it feel damaging to your head/hair? You say that you can hardly tell you're wearing headphones, that's really good. So, there isn't much pressure on the top of the head in particular?

Thanks, again.

 

[MinusTheBear]

I do have a couple more questions if you don't mind.

The way my current headset broke, is the sound in my right ear all of a sudden went out. I could move it around and it would work, but that only was the case for a few minutes; now the right side is gone. A little googling said it was the fragile wires inside the cable (I'm not very technical) or something. This has happened to all of my headphones over time, so I assume it will happen to the ATH-AD700. If this is the case, what can I do about it? I believe it only has a 1-year warranty. Is there a cable I could buy to replace it, or would I have to buy new headphones every couple years?

So, I read the material of the padding lets your head/hair breathe, to avoid hot spots; is this noticeable? Does it feel damaging to your head/hair? You say that you can hardly tell you're wearing headphones, that's really good. So, there isn't much pressure on the top of the head in particular?

Thanks, again.

In my experience if headphones get abused and handled improperly there is no doubt things will go wrong with them. Any headphone does not like the connection areas stressed by a taught cable. Over time you are more than likely going to run into problems. Investing in an extension cable for your headphones is always a good idea but you still have to be careful not to trip over them (another way to ruin a good pair of headphones). If you take good care of them they (like any headphone) should last a long time. If they do break you will have to send them in for repair. The cable is internal and built into the headphone unlike some other headphones that you can detach the cable.

I keep my hair really short so I can't comment on the hair but I do not get any hot spots on my head nor my ears and I find them extremely comfortable. I can almost barely feel them. I do not feel any pressure on my head either. The AD700's do fit "looser" than any other headphone I have ever worn which I do really like since there is none of that "clamping" sensations which you get from a lot of headphones but it comes at the cost of not being very portable. The AD700 is definitely a stationary headphone.