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Beginner Advice? Solid recommendations after research

post #1 of 12
3/30/10 at 4:37pm
Thread Starter 
Hi All, I am new here and, while this is my first post here, I certainly know forum etiquette - I have spent 2 weeks reading stickies, browsing searches and reading threads.


I am looking for a pair of circumaural headphones and would appreciate your advice with some explanations as I'm quite overwhelmed. Don't need pristine quality, just something to nod my head to and enjoy.
I bought the Sennheiser 202s and they just didn't cut it, every time there was a breeze outside all I could hear was "rushing." They are being returned soon.
  • Willing to spend up to ca. $120 if absolutely necessary.
  • Good bass
  • Almost exclusively used w. iPod (eventually new iPhone) Rarely Macbook Pro.
  • Mostly for walking to and from campus
  • Size/travel capability a plus, but by no means necessary. I fly with Sennheiser earbuds.

Concerns:
  • I hate leakage, knowing people in the vicinity can hear my music makes me uncomfortable for bothering them. Sooo...I'm guessing CLOSED?
  • I enjoy mainly bass-heavy music. House, DrumNBass, some hip hop, but also some alternative and classical. Mainly House/Trance, though
  • Cable length. The Sennheiser 202s mentioned above...I just didn't know what to do with 10ft of cable.
  • Return policy. I'd like to order from somewhere that makes it easy to return if I'm not satisfied...such as Amazon.

I'd be so thankful for a simple breakdown of options, I feel so overwhelmed and it's all too tempting to just get Beats by Dr. Dre (don't worry, from what I've read here they're not worth it)
Thanks a ton!
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post #2 of 12
3/30/10 at 4:54pm
I would suggest you get a pair of in-ears or earbuds as opposed to headphones. Definitely stay away from open back phones since they will all give you that issue of having to hear external noise along with your music. If you have to go with headphones for whatever reason, make sure they are closed back and have a relatively decent clamp (not painful, but I guess snug would be the word?) as that will provide a decent seal to block out a large portion of external noise, or at the minimum, it will prevent you from hearing the breeze.

As for the Beats, I like them, didn't buy a pair though since I had a few I was using at the time that were doing fine for me. For what they are and especially if you use an iPhone, they are pretty decent cans. I think you can get them for less then what they charge at the Apple store.
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post #3 of 12
3/30/10 at 4:56pm
I would recommend a used pair of triple-fi 10's or Hippo VB's
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post #4 of 12
3/30/10 at 5:06pm
Or spend a little more and get a pair of those HD 25-1 II that kunalraiker has listed in his signature Those are one of my favourites. Even though, they should be amped :P
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post #5 of 12
3/30/10 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advice!

I was looking at circumaural because I was under the impression it's the best way to go for solid sound/bass without waking the neighborhood through sound leaking.
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post #6 of 12
3/30/10 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by omeguz@hotmail.com View Post
Thanks for the advice!

I was looking at circumaural because I was under the impression it's the best way to go for solid sound/bass without waking the neighborhood through sound leaking.
I know you don't want to have sound leak out, but also consider how much sound you want coming in. If you hadn't said you want to use them when walking outside, I'd recommend the ATH-M50, but they isolate too well for that, IMO. You wouldn't hear cars coming, or other hazards like that.

Maybe get a pair of M50s for the library, and keep your earbuds for walking around campus?
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post #7 of 12
3/30/10 at 7:18pm
Actually, if you are willing to spend that much man, start small and get the JVC HAS700s for 30 bucks

seriously, they are crazy good and meet all your needs.
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post #8 of 12
3/30/10 at 7:34pm
Headphones don't necessarily have to be circumaural to prevent leakage. You seem to be after a portable soooo have you looked into the Audio-Technica ES7? It's supra-aural, but finds a nice balanced isolation so you aren't totally shutting out outside sounds, but no sound leakage should occur. Plus it has 'good bass' and looks pretty sweet as an added bonus
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post #9 of 12
3/30/10 at 8:52pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks everyone, I'll check those out.

So in terms of sound quality, headphones are better than the Sennheiser Earbuds I have, right? Just regarding the comment that I might want to stick with the earbuds.
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post #10 of 12
3/30/10 at 10:11pm
Depends what headphones you get :P Generally, yes.
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post #11 of 12
3/30/10 at 11:01pm
For the money headphones generally offer better sound quality. The Denon 1001 might be an option.
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post #12 of 12
4/1/10 at 4:44pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all your advice, everyone!
I just put in an order for a pair of ATH-M50s with a coiled cord. I found them on amazon through a 3rd party seller for $109, but it was straight cord only. The cheapest coiled cord I found was $129, but I just decided to go for it because they have been so highly recommended.

Thanks again, I'm looking forward to learning more about these phenomenal products!
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