Suggestions

Hello, I read a thread here some time ago about ATH-M50 mods since I have already bought one of these. I haven't tried them yet because most of them were reported unsuccessful. But anyways, that is not really the topic. I just want to say a few things about these headphones.

Those headphones are very good and very portable, but with some downsides:

- Non-detachable audio cable

- Sound replication is accurate after burn-in, but bass is less than desirable

- Most of the mods for the higher-quality pads are unsuccessful.

- Pleather keeps sound isolation from coming OUT but not IN.

I am trying to find more higher quality headphones under $150.00 is it possible? The AD700s, for example, have been reviewed as too big for people's heads, and the Sennheiser HD line seems a bit overpriced.

I mainly got these headphones thinking that they isolate sound well, what I didn't understand as that these are monitoring headphones. Again, they keep sound inside, but sound will leak inside. The portability makes them useful to carry on public transit, but they're not very useful for listening there. And I am not using Earbuds ever again since the Sony ones started hurting my ears, and also that when the padding comes off, they sound very tinny. They do not last. Never again.

Qualities that are important to me for a new pair of headphones at home/professional use:

- Build and manufacturing quality is top priority! Well designed metal/wood parts is most desired or hard ABS plastic is okay. it must last for a few years or more. Bonus points if stainless steel is used. Plastic must not break for a year of normal use.

- Must have detachable audio cable with the ability to plug in left or right side.

- Semi-open or closed with at most 200 Ohms impedance.

- AKG, AT, or Beyer-- quality brands only. Grado brands usually leak sound and Sennheisers usually look like cheap plastic. Nothing proprietary or overpriced like Bose or Beats by Dr. Dre (ew).

- No fake leather--velor or genuine leather is good. I have not tried those yet, but I want to. I hear they are comfy.

- Must have good bass and frequency response. highs and mids must be crisp, smooth, and sound good overall, would like accurate sound reproduction. I want the bass to be an upgrade from my ATH-M50. I listen to Breakbeat and Progressive/Electro House, so the bass must be acceptable.

- Comfort is another top priority. I use my headphones for a few hours a day continuously. On the ATH-M50 this gets tiring. I have not tried those elastic-like headbands yet. Do let last awhile and are they any good?

- Must be under $150. If not possible, then around $200.

The K500 and 501 are discontinued headphones, but looked superior in build quality because of the metallic mesh used for the cans.

I also looked at the AKG K99. These might be good replacements for my ATH-M50s, but not as portable. The price is slashed from its MSRP of $500, that's insane. But still, no detachable cable and reviews say bass still isn't there. I don't need absurdly heavy bass, I'm not listening to Dubstep or anything. Must be appropriate for Breakbeat, or some of Affective's remixes (search YouTube for "Affective remix" and listen to some of his Breakbeat/House remixes. That's usually as hard of a particular music genre I listen to.)

I hope someone can find headphones to recommend me!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalVeauX 

Heya,

 

It's quite difficult to find something for you that is real leather for your price range, that also has a detachable cable, low impedance, and all this, for $150 or below. You're asking for what is usually a mid-tier to high-end, and even those don't always have real leather and detachable cables. I think you're in for some disappointment if you think you're gonna get all that in one perfect headphone. Sadly.

 

But that said, the only thing coming to my mind that even comes close to some of your requirements is the AudioTechnica ESW9 or the Vmoda M80, for your max price range. And they're on-ear.

 

Very best,

Oh wow, I forgot to mention that I wanted over ear instead of on-ear. My earlobes would thank me for that. I don't know how on-ear could even be comfortable.

In all honesty, you are probably correct and that I am nit-picky. It's in my very nature with electronics products. And the whole price range affects this for good quality headphones. I realize most headphones manufacturers build with plastic to probably to keep the weight lower and for price concerns, but as long as they're firm and comfortable, it doesn't matter.

I looked at the two headphones you suggested. Looks like the ESW9 has a significant price slash on Amazon as well right now, so I'll consider it. The V-Moda kind of looks like "gaming headphones", so I'm not really sure about those.

Sorry for the double post. I'm thinking about DT-770 Pro as sell. These would probably be another good choice for me.

Hmm, now I just looked at Ultrasone HFI-780, and they are cheaper-priced have a black color and better build quality (according to someone who reviewed the 750), but the pads are not Velour. Maybe it's possible to mod them with Velour pad and still have them sound decent.