$40 closed headphones for noisy office

[derek8555]

My friend is looking for some $40 headphones to be used in noisy office. He's not into headphones and hi-fi, so doesn't want to spend much money on it. He wants comfort (he has low tolerance on it... IEMs definitely don't work for him), but also cares about his look (i.e. not ridiculously out of style). Sound quality is not his primary concern.

I suggested him A500s and he thinks they are too expensive, so I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance!

[2ndbest]

Sennheiser HD201, I thought the isolation wasn't that great, but I used them on public transportation. I think they'd be okay when used in the office, they sound decent, are pretty comfortable and look very stylish.

[FallenAngel]

Tell the rest of the office to screw off, get a pair of iGrados and rock out!

[jilgiljongiljing]

In that price range the 201's. They are very comfortable and sound pretty good.

A500's are closer to 100 bucks

[derek8555]

Originally Posted by jilgiljongiljing

In that price range the 201's. They are very comfortable and sound pretty good.

A500's are closer to 100 bucks

Yea, thats exactly why he limited it to $40 only when I told him to get some A500s...


Ya I think HD201 are definitely worth a try.
Anyone know where I can get these in Canada (especially GTA) locally?

[Ichinichi]

equation RP 15 MC. see this thread here.

Originally Posted by dandi

RP-15MC
Portable model

This is a great little headphone, a giant killer perhaps? The RP-15 MC folds into a nice compact size and shape. They have the same rock solid build quality of the 21’s and 22X’s and also sport the detachable cable. The straight cable on the RP-15’s is smaller in diameter (still robust) than the full-sized versions and is terminated on each end with a straight mini plug. The RP-15 MC is billed as the “baby pro” and does a great job, performing much like the RP-21. As with the other Equation headphones the transducer in this portable headphone is big at 38mm. The sound signature is much like the RP-21 offering balanced accurate sound presentation and startling dynamics. I have been revisiting my music collection, both on my computer and CD, with the RP 15’s. It does well with many genres and provides a nice big sound. The bass is amazingly full, deep and rich for a relatively small portable headphone.

on ebay buy it now for $59.

[facelvega]

How about those Panasonic retro headphones that were all the rage a couple of months ago, the RP-HTX7, if memory serves. The price is right and those who had them claimed they were on a level with the K81dj, but with less bass, which I can only think is a good thing. They also look quite nice IMO.

[qazwsx]

Why not the Sennheiser eH150? Passable sound, comfortable, lightweight, small, and while isolation isn't great, it's good enough to close a conversation a few feet away. And they sound way better than the HD201.

And there's a lot of good remarks on the aforementioned Equation cans.

[Sweet Spot]

Originally Posted by facelvega

How about those Panasonic retro headphones that were all the rage a couple of months ago, the RP-HTX7, if memory serves. The price is right and those who had them claimed they were on a level with the K81dj, but with less bass, which I can only think is a good thing. They also look quite nice IMO.

Guess they've been out for quite a bit then hu ? I happened to be at J&R today, walking around with another member of Misticriver.net who is visiting from the UK, and saw said cans and thought they looked pretty neat. I thought that at $40, what the hell ya know ? Besides, you have a 14 day grace period w/JnR.

My first impressions are that they could be a bit more efficient, but that they're kind of smooth, if not perhaps a tad veiled somewhere. The highs are pretty decent in that I can not detect any harshness, and the bass is there, but a bit laid back. If the ear cups were able to be pressed closer to my head without having to do it manually, the bass would improve a lot....

I'll have to let these burn in a bit I guess, though I'm not really the biggest believer in physical burn in. They seem comfortable, but I'll have to reserve that judgment until after I've worn them for an extensive period of time. I do get the impression that they'd sound a lot better, open up a lot more with an amp. For the money though, I'm satisfied so far.

Here are some pics of them

[nabwong]

Sony V6, might cost a little more.

[kondor-11]

Yes get the equation audio RP-15s! You can actually get them for $40 if you find the right place. I've heard nothing but things about EA stuff, and I'm waiting for my RP-21s to get here now.

[derek8555]

Hey thanks alot guys! I see many options.

Those RP-15MC do look pretty toxic but out of our budget.

After talking to my friend, we are leaning towards HD201 for the comfort factor and the price and also because Sennheisers are easier to acquire in Canada. My friend just wants to buy them locally because he wants to have them by Monday, which is a bit rush though IMO. Anyone know where to get them for a decent price here in Toronto?

[jpstereo]

I have a pair of HD201s on sale here for $18 shipped CONUS.

Thanks -

John

[derek8555]

Originally Posted by nabwong

Sony V6, might cost a little more.

Hmmm... that IS a pretty good option to consider. Hard to get in Canada for a decent price though. Maybe the only option is 2nd hand.

[derek8555]

Originally Posted by jpstereo

I have a pair of HD201s on sale here for $18 shipped CONUS.

Thanks -

John

Hey John, PM sent.