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Is there a headphone that fits my needs better then the Beats?

post #1 of 21
6/23/09 at 7:23pm
Thread Starter 
I know that Monster is kind of a bully company, and I know most people say the Beats are hugely overpriced, so I know I shouldn't buy them. But time and again, I feel like they have exactly what I need, and I haven't found an ideal alternative. Hopefully someone can help!

What I need:
-Well represented bass(I'm a hip-hop DJ), but also solid mids and highs
-Portability, must fold, not too long cord
-Isolation, will be used daily on Chicago public transit, ideally circumaural (I already have some cheap IEM's)
-Looks good


What I've considered:
-Beats, holding off because I'm hoping for something better
-AT ESW9's, holding off because of poor isolation(but SO pretty!)
-Shure SRH840's, holding off only because of the 10ft coiled cable and the lack of alternative cable (FYI: I called Shure today and they said these will be shipping mid-July, but no other type of cable will be made for them)

Why I keep coming back to the Beats:
-They fold and have a normal removable, normal length cord
-They fit nicely and isolate well
-They are made for hip-hop
-They look f***ing awesome.

I'm willing to spend about $250, plus about $20 for rapid shipping to Alaska where I'm spending the summer. Can anyone suggest an alternative?!
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post #2 of 21
6/23/09 at 7:29pm
the isolation on the ESW9 isn't so terrible, not sure if it is enough. The beats aren't terrible phones, the have a lot of detail actually from my experience, but they have a lot of distortion. What kind of files do you have? There is no point getting good phones with low bit rate music.
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post #3 of 21
6/23/09 at 7:35pm
Thread Starter 
My music is all just downloaded free mixtapes and some imported CDs. SO basically it's all just the iTunes standard stuff, usually 192kbps. And regarding ESW9 isolation, I've used the Bose $140 circumaurals on CTA before but you have to turn them up quite a bit on the subway-not sure if that's a decent comparison. My E2C's do the job pretty well, but then again I'm not looking for new IEMs.
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post #4 of 21
6/23/09 at 7:52pm
HF780
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post #5 of 21
6/23/09 at 8:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cnote678 View Post
My music is all just downloaded free mixtapes and some imported CDs. SO basically it's all just the iTunes standard stuff, usually 192kbps. And regarding ESW9 isolation, I've used the Bose $140 circumaurals on CTA before but you have to turn them up quite a bit on the subway-not sure if that's a decent comparison. My E2C's do the job pretty well, but then again I'm not looking for new IEMs.
The ESW9's Isolate better than the bose, but 192kb would not be worth spending more than 50 bucks on earphones imo.
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post #6 of 21
6/23/09 at 8:07pm
Thread Starter 
Does the quality really make that big a difference? The Boses sounded WAY better than my E2Cs, even at the current quality I have. And .coco do you mean the Ultrasone HFI 780?
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post #7 of 21
6/23/09 at 8:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cnote678 View Post
Does the quality really make that big a difference? The Boses sounded WAY better than my E2Cs, even at the current quality I have. And .coco do you mean the Ultrasone HFI 780?
Yes, file bitrate differences are audible even with fairly low-end setups (at least between 128 and 320 kbps mp3 through JVC HA-RX700 and nuforce Ne-8s in my experience.)

And yes, .coco means the Ultrasones. They are quite popular around here.
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post #8 of 21
6/23/09 at 8:31pm
Yep, go Ultrasones. I know a number of good DJ's who know their stuff who sport Ultrasones and rightfully so.
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post #9 of 21
6/23/09 at 8:50pm
Tried hfi 780, I am selling one
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post #10 of 21
6/23/09 at 9:08pm
Thread Starter 
Hmmm. How is the noise cancelling/sound isolation on them compared to the EWS9s, does anyone know? All reviews indicate favor, which is great. Call me a snob but...in my book those certainly don't fill the 'Look Good' category very well If they're simply the best in all other categories at the price range then I'd go for them, but a more aesthetically appealing option would be more tempting.
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post #11 of 21
6/23/09 at 9:15pm
mmmm..priorities:

What would your audience appreciate more and care about more?

A) Your mixes sounding better because you mix with better sounding headphones
B) What your headphones look like and your mixes sounding average
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post #12 of 21
6/23/09 at 9:17pm
I have Ultrasone DJ1 Pro (as in my sig). They are phenomenal. The only problem with Ultrasone (that feature quick-change pads) is that in order to really enjoy isolation, you will need to slightly mod the earpads.

However, I concur that they look great, sound great and are comfortable. Another vote for the Ultrasone DJ phones.
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post #13 of 21
6/23/09 at 9:28pm
I like the Beats. They're not my headphone of choice, but I'm not into a lot of hip-hop with the need for that head-rattling bass. For what they're supposed to do, they seem to do it well.
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post #14 of 21
6/23/09 at 9:44pm
Thread Starter 
Wow-those DJ1 Pros look like a great option. I feel like the cord would have the potential for irritation during commuting since it's so long though-any suggestions? I would probably just go with the Shure SRH840s once they come out, if I'm going to tolerate the long cord. I usually run the cord from my iPod in my pocket through my shirt and to my head. I should clarify that while I am DJing about 5-6hrs a week, I'm using the headphones for commuting/personal enjoyment 15-20hrs a week so cord functionality while commuting takes precedence.

FYI I changed import settings to save all new music at 320kbps from now on, and highest quality so things should be sounding better all around. Now I just need to pick the new headphones!
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post #15 of 21
6/23/09 at 9:46pm
2 different headphones imo
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