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$100 Dollar Budget

post #1 of 49
Thread Starter 
I'm looking for a full size set of headphones to plug straight into my computer. I might upgrade various things in the future, but for right now I'm just looking for phones that don't need an amp.

My number one use is music, namely old school rap. That means that bass is very important, but I'm in no way just looking for power. Strong bass kicks are fun, but I'd prefer clarity and such. Sorry, I don't really know the lingo. Some good example of songs I'd like to sound especially good are:
YouTube - Blackalicious - Blazing Arrow
YouTube - Eric B. & Rakim - I Ain't No Joke
and
YouTube - Biggie Smalls - Party And ******** - ORIGINAL
But don't get me wrong, I listen to a lot of rock and just about everything else, too.

Next come movies. Obviously intelligibility is a top priority. Once again, bass is important here too because I'd like powerful explosions, gun shots etc.

My final use is gaming. Is it safe to assume that headphones which are good for movies will perform equally well with games? My desires for games are the same as for movies.

I suppose I'll be going with open backed phones. As I said I'll only be listening at my computer, anywhere else and I'll be using some cheap ear buds, for now. What is the sound leakage like? Will someone walking by my door (around six feet away) hear the sound? This isn't really a huge concern but I tend to be up late into the night. Someone in the Sennheiser Headphone thread said that the noise outside of open headphones can sometimes be louder than the sound inside. Seriously? My main purpose for getting headphones is so I can listen to things very loudly and not disturb anyone.

Like I said I'm currently focusing on the Sennheiser HD555s, but the more I read about them on these forum the less inclined I am to get them.

Thanks for putting up with the long read and I look forward to hearing your suggestions!
post #2 of 49
Actually, man. The HD555 are generally 'round $100. And they are an awesome phone. But, I'm not sure if you're going to get good enough bass for rap. I mean, they will still be awesome, but for rap, I think a closed phone like the ATH-M50 would suit rap much better. They have a lot of bass. But for gaming and movies, the HD555 are pretty freakin' sweet.
post #3 of 49
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by wiisus View Post
Actually, man. The HD555 are generally 'round $100. And they are an awesome phone. But, I'm not sure if you're going to get good enough bass for rap. I mean, they will still be awesome, but for rap, I think a closed phone like the ATH-M50 would suit rap much better. They have a lot of bass. But for gaming and movies, the HD555 are pretty freakin' sweet.
Do closed phones generally have better bass? And those ATH-M50s are above my budget.

And thanks for the correction about pricing, I did some editing.
post #4 of 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackmanec View Post
Do closed phones generally have better bass? And those ATH-M50s are above my budget.

And thanks for the correction about pricing, I did some editing.
Closed headphones generally have more bass (not necessarily better quality bass).

The AD700, MS-1, and HD555 are the big 3 open headphones around $100 but I don't think any of them are going to give you the amount of bass impact your looking for. The HD238 might be a safer choice but it is a portable phone and the soundstage won't measure up to the other 3.

If you decide to go closed the Shure SRH440 are probably the best closed phones for $100.
post #5 of 49
The M50's generally go for about $100 off ebay, if you use that at all. But I've heard decent things about the mentioned Shure's.
post #6 of 49
you can get the m-50's off ebay for under $100 coiled or straight cable.
post #7 of 49
AD700 have a weak but punchy bass.
post #8 of 49
Sony XB500 for $50, excellent bass and soundstage.
post #9 of 49
I don't like rap at all, but I just listened to the mentioned tracks through the ATH-M50, and I have to say, the bass was bangin', man. I think would be quite pleased. I haven't tried using it for movies or music, yet, though. I can watch an action flick (Star Wars, LotR or something) and report back, if you want.
post #10 of 49
I'll give you some links to eBay authorized dealers:

Coiled cable:
NEW Audio Technica ATH-M50 Headphones AT Coiled Cord - eBay (item 150391946153 end time Dec-24-09 17:44:13 PST)

Straight Cable:
NEW Audio Technica ATH-M50 Headphones AT Straight Cord - eBay (item 270496451834 end time Jan-04-10 09:55:22 PST)

Just got mine from Nationwide Pro Audio's ebay store for $71 after a 20% Bing Cashback. Woo!
post #11 of 49
Thread Starter 
So the consensus is that I should go with the ATH-M50s? What about the lower sound quality of closed headphones? Also, how do they compare to the Shure 440s?

Wiisus, if you could give a report on how movies sound through them I would be very grateful. Even just watching a particularly action filled trailer would be very helpful.

"Studio monitor headphones." Can someone explain what that means and what the impact on music and movies is? I know it has to do with neutrality but I'm not entirely sure what that means. I think I'll stop by the terms glossary.

And Blackzarg, thanks for the in-budget links.

Oh, and Headroom has nothing but good things to say about Sennheiser's HD448s so I'm also considering them. Damn, there are way too many choices.
post #12 of 49
hey man !! jvc 900rx is so much better than hd 555
post #13 of 49
I would go with the ATH-M50s. FWIR, they have tons of bass.

Also, disregard the studio monitor headphones moniker; they're not exactly neutral.

If you want something more portable, I'd go with the ATH-ES7.

One of my favorite headphones.
post #14 of 49
Thread Starter 
Alright, so unless anyone has any objections, I'm going with the ATH-M50.

Speak now or forever hold your peace!
post #15 of 49
+1 ATH m50's
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