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Need help in deciding what headphones to get for use with ipod/computer...

post #1 of 15
7/24/03 at 5:11pm
Thread Starter 
I have been looking at numerous brands, and found, within my price range (max around $100) a few headphones:

-Koss PortaPros ($35)
-sony v700DJ ($100)
-sennheiser HD-500 ($65)
-sennheiser HD-580 ($160)

I haven't had the option to test any of these under legitimate circumstances, so I really am relying on reviews and stuff...And I've seen here that the v700s are universally lambasted, and the portapros universally praised....But i'm still in limbo, to say the least.

Preferably, I'd like a closed-ear headphone, one that delivers crisp sound over bass (equalizers on PC/Ipod can help, but preferably i'd like them to be high on treble normally). For walking/portable use, I use KSC-35 lightweights, which I really like aside from comfort....I know the portapros could be used instead of the ksc-35s, which is a plus.

Also, these will be used in a dorm room, so i'd like some audial versatility (occasioanl TV/Gaming use), and external sound issues (i.e creating noise when I am writing a paper in the middle of a night is a minus, for the roomate at least)

Oh, i'd preferably like to be able to buy the pair of headphones through amazon.com, which also has limited my research.

I'm not sure that there is any headphone that fits my criteria, but if anybody knows if there are any, I know its you guys here (i've been lurking for a fair while).

Thanks for the help!

/chef

[EDIT] I'm also willing to go with lightweight headphones that are real comfortable.... i.e. portapros.
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post #2 of 15
7/24/03 at 5:23pm

Re: Need help in deciding what headphones to get for use with ipod/computer...

First off, drop the V-700s right now. They are part of the V-Crap series and you would probably find that you like your KSC 35s better anyway. This is the only closed headphone that you mentioned so I'll recommend a few. The Sony V6 and Sennheiser 280pro are both good cans for around $80-100. Both are better than the V-700s.

Quote:
Originally posted by ironchef9000
but preferably i'd like them to be high on treble normally
If you like an agressive, upfront sound, try out some Grados. They are very open though, so if you need the isolation, these cans won't cut it. I recommend the SR80s which you can find for around $99.

I don't think any of these cans be be had from amazon.com. Why do you need to get them there? Try HeadRoom.
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post #3 of 15
7/24/03 at 5:35pm
Thread Starter 
well, I prefer amazon just 'cause of the my fantastic experiences with them in the past, and their coupons/gift certificates I have.

I thought about the grado's, but i've heard they are uncomfortable....However, I will look at them for sure.

Hard part is there are not a lot of places near me that allow for detailed headphone demo'ing, especially with the mid-low range Iam looking at.
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post #4 of 15
7/24/03 at 6:30pm
I have no experience with these phones but I believe amazon also carries the Sennheiser PXC250s, the HD280s, and the HD25SP.. I'm sure you can find plenty of information on the board about them. From what I've read they would all fall in to the category of mentionable closed headphones.
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post #5 of 15
7/24/03 at 6:42pm
Do a search on the Ultrasone hifi 650 and scratch the HD500 off your list. I wouldn't wish the hd500 on my worst enemy...
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post #6 of 15
7/24/03 at 7:40pm
www.meier-audio.com sells ultrasones, prices include shipping.
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post #7 of 15
7/25/03 at 2:10am
Thread Starter 
amazon has the HD-280s for $100, is that a good deal?

However, I have no idea what burn in is, and aparently these need burning in....any idea what I should do about that?
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post #8 of 15
7/25/03 at 3:17am
Shees, am I the last person left on Earth not using an ipod?

I've seen the 280's for as low as $80 at a few places online. Please note that they are bulky and quite heavy. Great treble detail, but if you're any kind of a bass fan please do yourself a favor and keep far away.

Burning in just means using the headphones for awhile, on or off your head. Some people have recommended as much as 100 hours or more before they even begin to reach full potential (!). I didn't have the patience, and returned mine.
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post #9 of 15
7/25/03 at 8:22am
Kj, why doesn't anyone believe us about the Ultrasones?

Seriously, do a search..it's nothing to sneeze at that Dr. Jan Meier calls them the best closed phones he's heard.

Take a look at my profile, you'll see I have similar gear and I use the Ultrasones in similar ways. Trust me on this one...they are calling to you.
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post #10 of 15
7/25/03 at 10:42am
plainsong: Its the fact ultrasone is small name in the brand busines. Seriously I think we both say the same lines with slight modifications more than 10 times per week. Damn i will be glad when i have 1 week whit-out comp in berlin.... To bad I wont have my phones also, ah well I can always sit in stores just drooling over the phones, I wish I had money....
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post #11 of 15
7/25/03 at 10:47am
I'd either go for the ultrasones or the sony v6s as personally I really don't like the sennheiser 280s. If you can stretch your budget a bit, beyer 250-80s are also quite amazing. Is buying from amazon a requirement? Check www.headphone.com out! They come highly recommended by me and tons of other members here.
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post #12 of 15
7/25/03 at 11:14am
I know, I hate sounding like a broken record... it's just that everyone keeps asking for good closed headphones for a good price... and yet no one believe us.

As for the list of possible headphones, I noticed the HD580, it's an excellent headphone but is open and will leak sound if that's a problem, and will require a headphone amp.

Quote:
Originally posted by KJ869
plainsong: Its the fact ultrasone is small name in the brand busines. Seriously I think we both say the same lines with slight modifications more than 10 times per week. Damn i will be glad when i have 1 week whit-out comp in berlin.... To bad I wont have my phones also, ah well I can always sit in stores just drooling over the phones, I wish I had money....
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post #13 of 15
7/26/03 at 4:34am
Thread Starter 
It is not that I don't believe people when they recommend phones, it is just that it is such a subjective thing.


Some hat ethe v700DJ's, some love 'em, etc.

While the help you guys gave is great, i'm an 18 year old and its not exactly my "dream" to take a $100 chance on a product that I can't hear myself.

But, thanks for your helpful "guidance" . I've decided to just buy the portapro's, as they seem to be perfect for home/portable use, and are not as much of a chance (i love the KSC-50s, so i'm sure these'll blow me away).

If I ever get a chance to try out some of these in person, i'd definitely consider it.

Thanks for the help, though I guess it seems it was all for naught
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post #14 of 15
7/26/03 at 2:28pm
No not at all, the portapro is a very respectable choice and one of those that's a great all-rounder. Now KJ and I disagree on this, but if you wanted portable use as well, you're better off with something like the portapros. I mean, the cable on the Ultrasone is thick and annoying long (for portable use).

The long cable is great for home use though.

Congrats on your purchase and enjoy.
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post #15 of 15
7/27/03 at 2:21am
Thread Starter 
Thanks, I'm looking forward to it as well.

Now I just gotta find a pair of computer speakers.....
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