Just discovered this forum and have spent ~12 hours reading through various topics in the past couple of days...great stuff, really helpful! I've found a bunch of threads that touch on my question - all have been helpful, but most are pretty old at this point. I'm guessing I'm in a fairly common situation, so thought I'd start a new thread to get some updated opinions.
Here is my dilemma: I'm looking for versatile/portable headphones for home use + light air travel, also hoping to dip my toes into the word of audiophile equipment if I can find something that meets my needs. I do not travel often (2-3 flights per year), but when I do it's usually cross-country or trans-atlantic, and I would like something more comfortable/isolating than what I have used in the past (cheap $30 pair of Sennheiser over-ears and even-cheaper JVC Marshmallows...just to give you an idea of the starting point).
I've considered Bost QC15, Sennheiser PXC450 and Audio-Technica NC, but now after reading reviews + this forum, I'm considering skipping NC altogether. Like I said, I don't travel all that often, so isolation is important, but sound quality is my priority. Earbuds tend bother me after a while, and I don't like having to take them in/out constantly so I think my preference is a pair of versatile, comfortable over-ears with above-average isolation. That said, if I can get super-comfortable, total isolation IEMs AND a great pair of full headphones for home use, I'm open to that. My total budget is <$300. A few other considerations:
- I am by no means an audiophile, but I guess I aspire to be someday. I am a music lover and listen constantly (i run a music blog) - mostly folk, indie rock, garage rock, soul (like, Stax/Motown) and maybe the occasional foray into other genres. I never listen to hip hop, techno or metal, for what that's worth. These are for music only.
- I definitely want a detailed, accurate sound. I'm not looking for crazy bass.
- Must be fairly portable - meaning they fold up and fit in a case (ideally a hard case for peace of mind)
- I want to be able to drive these at a reasonable volume from iPod, phone, iPad, laptop without any kind of amp.
- Budget is <$300
Really appreciate any opinions - the number of options seems overwhelming! Thanks in advance
