Headphones

[res6jya6]

I already have posted fairly recently, but there was another different topic of discussion that I needed some input on.

I am currently using the iPod headphones that come with the device. The least to say is, I am very unhappy with them. For one, the sub driver (?) already blew, so any bass is choppy and more often than not the music is tinny.

I am looking online for some good headphones, and one website pointed out the Grado SR80i... are these one of the best I am going to find? I found a pair on eBay for 99.99 w/ shipping included, and was seriously debating purchasing them. Is this a good idea, or should I shop around for something else?

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[dkane360]

Although people here can probably help you, there are forums dedicated to headphones. http://www.head-fi.org/forums/

i have a friend that has the Sr-80s and he likes them. However, headphones are pretty subjective and you should try and do as much research as possible before you buy. One thing to keep in mind is what kind of headphones you want. Different variations include over the ear, on the ear, IEM (in ear monitors), or earbuds. All have different sound potentials.

 

[res6jya6]

I did read up on the different variations... I didn't see the need for active noise cancelling, and I don't like on the ear because (well, honestly, I have a big head and they tend to slip and slide around a lot)... I was really hoping for a nice, high quality pair of over-the-ear phones... something that has a lot of bass, but at the same time promotes good mid-tones... I never listen to rap, I am more of a rock/classic rock kind of person - and I know that that may impact the use of the headphones also.

Your input is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Haoleb]

I think the sennheiser HD280 pro might be right up your alley. The grado's are quite nice, I have the SR125's and they can become uncomfortable after an amount of time although they do sound fantastic. One more thing to consider is that they are open type headphones, Which i believe gives them a more natural sound but they will let alot of outside noise in. The sennheiser are a closed type and have better sound isolation than most active noise cancelling types. They are quite comfortable and do also sound quite good. Far better than the stock ipod headphones. I have both of them and you wouldnt go wrong with either but for most situations the sennheiser win out due to their comfort and isolation.

There are also quite a few other ones out there, you could shop for weeks trying to decide. But no matter what you choose, going from the stock phones to a nice set will be a welcome change.

 

[dkane360]

the sr-80s have a nice punch to them and are pretty clear. i agree with haoleb about the sr-80s letting ambient noise in. personally, it would get a little irritating, but depending on your listening environment you should check out closed over the ear headphones.

 

[adammr]

just throwing it out there. i have sure earbuds that sound great. I am not sure which model but they were about 200. I have a friend that has the 100 model and there is not a huge difference. shures are compact, sound great, and fit like a glove. Just dont know if you are set on over ears.

 

[jamie2112]

Sony MDR 7506 IMO are the best and flattest response phones unless you are going to spend $800 or so......

 

[res6jya6]

Thanks everyone, for your replies!!!

I think I am going to go with the "Sennheiser HD280"... they are available on eBay (new) for 85 dollars w/ shipping... or new from Best Buy for 100 dollars.

I really am against the in-ear headphones... just my personal preference. I have issues with letting other people use them then... ear goo -

Thanks again!

 

[Djizasse]

I got the Sony MDR 7506. I like them so much that I'm carrying them to work everyday.
In my head they're confortable, have excellent noise reduction, good bass and have a flat response.
No wonder these are used a lot in studios.

 

[ChunkyDark]

I ordered the Grado sr60 then thespeakercompany.com put their HDPro7 half off so ordered them also. The HDPro7 blew the Grado away, not even close. Plus they were 20$ less. Even at full price I would have no hesitation recommending them. Plus they do free shipping both ways, so you aren't out anything throwing them into the mix.
Despite being so large they are really comfortable. I also have, let's say larger than average ears , and yet they still work great for me.

 

[lsiberian]

I use Etyomics Research. They are excellent. They have a 70 dollar version. I would buy from them again.The phones can double as earplugs too.

 

[Haoleb]

Thanks everyone, for your replies!!!

I think I am going to go with the "Sennheiser HD280"... they are available on eBay (new) for 85 dollars w/ shipping... or new from Best Buy for 100 dollars.

I really am against the in-ear headphones... just my personal preference. I have issues with letting other people use them then... ear goo -

Thanks again!

If you decide to get those you can get them for 77 bucks plus shipping from amazon

 

[res6jya6]

Wow!!! I really appreciate all the input from everyone! Haha.

I do think I am going to stick with the Sennheisers, and for 77 dollars! Thankfully payday is tomorrow!

And maybe sometime in the future when I have made a little bit more money, I will come back for suggestions on a little more expensive pair.

 

[res6jya6]

So I ordered the Sennheisers, and in the meantime I ran out and bought a pair of Koss UR-40's for $40. I figured I would get something a _little_ nicer yet still kinda crappy as a kickaround pair... walking, going out... and using the Sennheisers around the home. (I also noticed how quickly playing near max volume on a larger set of headphones can deplete an iPod battery!)

My next step before recieving the Sennheisers is updating a bunch of my favorite songs from 128kbps AAC/MP3 to 320kbps MP3!

I think I may have a .vob file of "Dark Side of the Moon" in 5.1 (not that it will make a difference), that I will try the new dids out on.

 

[lsiberian]

So I ordered the Sennheisers, and in the meantime I ran out and bought a pair of Koss UR-40's for $40. I figured I would get something a _little_ nicer yet still kinda crappy as a kickaround pair... walking, going out... and using the Sennheisers around the home. (I also noticed how quickly playing near max volume on a larger set of headphones can deplete an iPod battery!)

My next step before recieving the Sennheisers is updating a bunch of my favorite songs from 128kbps AAC/MP3 to 320kbps MP3!

I think I may have a .vob file of "Dark Side of the Moon" in 5.1 (not that it will make a difference), that I will try the new dids out on.

I just carry around CDs. I can't stand compressed music. But if you gotta go on flights and crap I understand the need for it.