need help regarding new headphones in the $80 - 120 AUD

[miktek]

hey,

im on the market for some new headphones to use with my ipod 20gb, which may become a nano. Quite recently, my Sony mdr ex71's lost their sound, predominanlty the bass. Before this incident i was quite surprised and unaware of how troublesome these particular phones were, considering my ex71's had been going strong for about a year and a half up until the breakage (i also got them $25 cheaper). I've been thinking of getting these phones again, or the ex51's as they are cheaper and relativiely the same. I am a paranoid carer for my equipment, but after reading up, i am put off by buying these again, even though i thoroughly enjoyed the sound they delivered. Can you guys help me out as to other alternatives in that price range (maybe even a bit pricier) that are well worth the money and deliver a great sound? Also am in Australia so i think that around 80 - 120 AUD would be about 60 - 100 US.

thanks heaps

[hi-phile]

Get (or at least, audition) the Sennheiser PX100 from JB HiFi ($97). Some stores also stock them in white if that's what you want, but I wouldn't recomment it since the pads are white it will become dirty very quickly.

I've also got the Sony EX-71 and my opinion on these two are: Sony is more heavily 'EQ-ed'. PX100 is more flat although bass is definitely given a little boost which is good for iPod and casual listening (while commuting, etc). This boost is apparent if you compare it with 'flatter' headphones such as the Grados. PX100 also has great build quality, nice carrying case, and very very comfortable earpads.

Overall I am can't be more satisfied with PX100 (and I believe many others). Oh and by the way, don't be tempted to go to the PX200 cause they are just a failed products in my opinion.

I've owned both in the past 2 months; PX200 is overly bright and doesn't have a decent bass. Mid-range is too forward and treble is splashy. PX100 is nice and warm by comparison.

Put it this way, I put a lot of effort and faith in my PX200 and keep believing that the phones will get better in time. After all, it sits higher in the line...it should be THE best right? The specs reads like better bass than the PX100, it even mention 'powerful bass' somewhere on the packaging. After bitterly dissapointed by its performance, I run it continuously for a few days in hope for better bass / balanced sound. Then one day I borrowed PX100 from a friend, only then I admit to myself that I've made the wrong decision on getting the PX200. I went to JB to swap it with PX100. As soon as I open the PX100 form its packaging, I swear that PX100 sounds 100x better than PX200. I am exagerrating but it really is that good! It doesn't even need breaking in to produce full bass and very balanced, detailed, yet warm sound that is non fatiguing for extended listening.

Trust me on this..I've owned both and don't make the same mistake as I did. I've done my research and read all the reviews about PX100, yet I still bought the PX200 in the shop cause it costs only about $15 more. This is a great lesson that more is not necessarily better.

Come to think of it, why did the PX100 got so many awards / rave reviews when the PX200 get hardly any?

Hope this helps.