sennheiser HD-25 good for noob?

I think you'll like them. They are my favorite headphone for $200 and less. Perfect for the genres you listed. It's not overwhelmingly bass heavy like some other phones, but well balanced and PUNCHY. one of the most punchy headphones in that price point.

Only difference between Adiddas version is the looks.

Great headphones

They do need some power to push, so an amp might be in your future. Just wait and see.

great overall sound

Sorry to lead you off, but if you can't buy an amp. FiiO E9 $100 btw

You should check out ATH-M50's

they are classed together, the m50's are cheaper, over ear, bigger bass and don't need an amp. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamin747 

thanks :) how about compared to beats?

Beats: 3/10 - worth $100 IMO

HD25-1 ii: 6/10 - well worth the price if you want to switch off to portable

M50: 6/10 - well worth the price and doesn't need an amp. Good for portable too, but not as much as HD25

Quote:

Originally Posted by BotByte 

Great headphones

 

They do need some power to push, so an amp might be in your future. Just wait and see.

 

great overall sound

 

 

Sorry to lead you off, but if you can't buy an amp. FiiO E9 $100 btw

 

You should check out ATH-M50's

 

they are classed together, the m50's are cheaper, over ear, bigger bass and don't need an amp. 

The HD25's don't need an amp either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synergy Sound 

The HD25's don't need an amp either.

 

Yes, they do need an amp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daydreamin747 

Yeah, portability and durability are big issues.  ive heard the hd25's are built like tanks. is this true? 

Yes, but you can do better.

M50's are legendary for their build quality.

But, I'm trying to stress that you need an amp with them. Without a good amp, you can't get the sound you wanted with them, and they sound pretty bad. To my ears.

Here's a review with both the M50's and the HD25-1 ii:

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/433318/shootout-84-portable-headphones-reviewed-fischer-audio-fa-004-koss-ur55-added-06-06

Quote:

Originally Posted by BotByte 

 

Yes, they do need an amp

Impedance does not tell the full story of how difficult a headphone is to drive. I use the HD25's as a portable and can notice very little difference between my Cowon J3 and Audio-GD NFB-12 (which I use to drive 600ohm Beyers) as the source. The HD25 may very slightly benefit from amping, but not enough to justify the bulky form factor a portable amp brings. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synergy Sound 

Impedance does not tell the full story of how difficult a headphone is to drive. I use the HD25's as a portable and can notice very little difference between my Cowon J3 and Audio-GD NFB-12 (which I use to drive 600ohm Beyers) as the source. The HD25 may very slightly benefit from amping, but not enough to justify the bulky form factor a portable amp brings. 

You'll be amazed how a Cowon can drive headphones

My T50RP are like fish out of water without an amp.

To my desktop, they sound horrible, but my Cowon S9, which is the same as your J3, my S9 pushes it fine.

He's running from a Ipod, so pretty much any can needs more power. 

And it's true that Impendance isn't just the only factor, but it is the largest factor.

But, if OP wants to buy a headphone and have it sound grainy and bloated when turned up or no sound when turned down, let him. I'm just trying to help someone out here.

The M50 doesnt come anywhere near close to the HD25 in sound, build quality, durability or portability. in any case it only manage to trow some punches in comfort, and because any circulaural is relatively more comfortable than a supreaural. take this from someone that owns both and used them both a lot. even without amping the HD25 leads.

HD25: 110% rugged plastic, flexible, modable, interchangeable parts, superb sound quality, improves with an amp, specially the bass. easy to carry around, dont need to baby them, I just trow mine in a backpack with my book and clothes and thats it.

If i were you Id get me the HD25 use it like that for a while, months or so and get an amp later if you are not satisfied. just dont bit the M50 hipe, I regreat buying mine. they are good for 110 - 130$ but HD25 is in another league.

I use them with my Mini3 and it works perfect, but its 100$... sometimes I used it straight out of my zune and its good tho. the mini 3 improves the bass and specially the punch. 

where are you getting it? Razor dog at ebay has it at 215$, he's a sennheiser authorized dealer.

edit: actually 209$ http://cgi.ebay.com/Sennheiser-HD-25-1-II-Originals-ADIDAS-Headphones-NEW_W0QQitemZ200626794538QQihZ010QQcategoryZ40137QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem