I need advice!!
Nov 15, 2009 at 4:25 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 18
Daft_Luvr_94

Daft_Luvr_94

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Hey, guys. I'm looking for a pair of headphones that I can drive with my iPod (that don't require an amp) and that I can wear around town. My budget is around the $100 range, and I listen to rock and electronica. I had posted a similar thread in the full-size forum, but that didn't really get me anywhere (I'm not sure if what I have in mind is considered full-size).
Headphones I am currently considering:

-Panasonic RP-HTX7
-Pioneer SE-M390
-Sony MDR-V6
-Sony MDR-V600

BTW, I would prefer closed 'phones if possible. So, if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Thanks!
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 4:29 AM Post #3 of 18
For wearing around, what sort of style are you looking for?

Some people have said they like the look of the M-Audio Q40 and I find them to be quite good sounding (after a lot of burn-in)...they're around $100 right now and are closed.

2009_02_11_14_51_00_9900-52308-00s.jpg
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 4:36 AM Post #4 of 18
I'm pretty open when it comes to style. I like the new-age look, but I think the retro look is good as well. It all depends, I guess.

@mythless--I know what you mean! The selection is so huge, I just don't know where to start!
confused_face.gif
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 5:01 AM Post #5 of 18
The Q40 should be good from what I recall, the M50 has very boomy low end, the ES7 has comfort issues for some, SRH440 has good clarity and detail but lacks low end impact. I think the sony V6 are pretty good from what I read also. I can't say too much since I never really heard these phones before. However, the only phones that I am really interested at that price range is the Shures, and maybe the Roland.
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 7:55 AM Post #6 of 18
Oh god the Q40s are great but they are sooooooo uncomfortable. I had to stretch the headband and put on different pads just to make them remotely tolerable. Plus they're a bit hard to find for under $100. The only phones that are less comfortable out-of-the-box are the ATH-ES7. Paaain.

Also you really don't want the ES7's or Denon D1001k for isolation - they don't do nearly as well as a few of the others - the JVC HA-M750, HA-S700, and AKG K81dj all isolate much better.

Also, I'd cross the V600 off your list. V6 is a much sturdier model.
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 4:59 PM Post #8 of 18
Thanks for the advice, guys. I don't think the Q40's are going to work for me. I need something comfortable that I can wear around my neck when not in use (that's how I transport my headphones
biggrin.gif
).

Anyway, what do you guys think about the JVC HA-DX1's? I really like the look that gimbal suspension creates. I'm not sure if I could drive these 'phones, though. Your opinions?
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 5:39 PM Post #9 of 18
another option you might want to check is the shure SRH840. they got pretty good reviews and said to isolate well..might be a bit bulky but they do fold (i think)..
anyway, you can get them for $155 on amazon. also saw one available at earphones solutions for $119. not used but the box was open for taking photos. so thats a pretty good deal. here's the site, they only have one. otherwise they sell for $199
Blow Out Sale

EDIT****
some say they are good straight out of their DAP's while others say they improve with an amp. especially the bass.
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 7:18 PM Post #10 of 18
All of these seem like great choices. Again, I'm just worried what they will sound like un-amped, straight from my iPod.
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 7:48 PM Post #11 of 18
The DX1 are amazing phones but they are not portable. They are humongous and the cord is 9' long. They do isolate but I would not venture outside in them. Also they are a a little bit power-hungry, so I wouldn't run them out of a DAP. They are also definitely biased toward the high end of the freq response, although the drivers are very robust and can handle a good amount of equalization.

Here's a pic of the DX3 (same housing as DX1) compared to my AKGs and Grados:

phonesz.jpg
 
Nov 15, 2009 at 8:36 PM Post #12 of 18
I picked up a pair of the JVC HA-M750 in Canada, but at $99 they were not good enough so they are going back to the store today. But if your in the US you can get these for about $50 which makes them a very good deal. They are portable, look nice and are wayyyy more comfortable than my ES7's. If you want bass they had alot from my time listening to them (to much for my taste). I think if you can, have a listen on a pair of these and the Shure 440's and decide from there which suits your music the best.
 
Nov 16, 2009 at 1:32 AM Post #13 of 18
Thanks again for all the help, guys. I don't mind if the 'phones are a little big, but if I can't drive them, they're a definite no-go. ljokerl, I envy you. Those AKG's are beautiful! I was considering some Grado SR80i's, but I've heard they need to be amped to sound their best. I'm also concerned about how durable they are, as I'll be taking my 'phones with me everywhere. Anyway, keep the great suggestions coming! You guys have no idea how much help you are!
 
Nov 16, 2009 at 4:52 AM Post #14 of 18
the SR80 don't need an amp, but the MS1 are way better if you go the grado route. They aren't really portable because they don't collapse, but with care they can be transported. And, they're open and will leak sound.
 
Nov 16, 2009 at 11:36 PM Post #15 of 18
Isolation is a big concern for me--I don't want everyone else to hear my music.

@mythless--what are you opinions on the Koss Porta Pros? I've heard different things about them. I'm not sure what to think.
 
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