Hedaphone decision

Others may disagree, but I think you needn't spend 250 to 300 on headphones if you're listening almost entirely

to MP3 files directly from your computer (without amplification).

For a hundred to maybe 150 you can get excellent headphones that match your source material -

actually that are even better.

examples -

Shure SR 840

Sony MDR V6 / MDR 7506

Audio Technica ATH-M50

Ultrasone 580

If you're just going to be using them on your laptop, and listening to MP3 files, I would go with the Audio Technica ATH M50s. Good closed cans with heavy bass response that doesn't drown out the other elements. It's a popular headphone around here. It's also only around $150, so it's a lot better on your wallet. If you really want to spend the $250-300, you could go with the Shure SRH940's, but the M50's sound like they would serve you just fine. 

The SRH-940 is an excellent headphone but a little bit bass-light (if you want heavy bass).

If you can live with a tiny bit bass light, or want to use an equalizer, go for the SRH-940 if you love detail, clarity and especially vocals, also layering and depth... yeah it has everything lol.

You can get it for a really good price this week at http://www.earphonesolutions.com/ with the coupon code "black".

If you'd like to try an IEM instead of a headphone I'd highly recommend the popular Westone UM3X with the same coupon code then you receive a $100 discount.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetaLicca 

If you're just going to be using them on your laptop, and listening to MP3 files, I would go with the Audio Technica ATH M50s. Good closed cans with heavy bass response that doesn't drown out the other elements. It's a popular headphone around here. It's also only around $150, so it's a lot better on your wallet. If you really want to spend the $250-300, you could go with the Shure SRH940's, but the M50's sound like they would serve you just fine. 

I agree.

Get yourself a pair of ATH-M50's.  Outstanding headphones; excellent value,

suitable for a very wide variety of music.  Solidly made as well.

They're pretty much the same price everywhere I've seen these days - about $150.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zazex 

I agree.

 

Get yourself a pair of ATH-M50's.  Outstanding headphones; excellent value,

suitable for a very wide variety of music.  Solidly made as well.

They're pretty much the same price everywhere I've seen these days - about $150.

The srh840 is a much better headphone. Owning both the ath m50 and the shure srh840 i would recommend the srh840 over m50 any day. I would recommend the sennheiser hd 25 1 ii even more but they are on ear design.

I put my vote in for the Shures (SRH840 or SRH940). I've compared side by side some of the headphones listed above (SRH840, SRH940, ATH-M50) and if ranked it would be

1. SRH940

2. SRH840

3. ATH-M50

I have to warn you however about the SRH940. Its bass extends well but lacks the mid bass. If you listen to songs that demands bass, I recommend the SRH840 wholly. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcasey25raptor 

The srh840 is a much better headphone. Owning both the ath m50 and the shure srh840 i would recommend the srh840 over m50 any day. I would recommend the sennheiser hd 25 1 ii even more but they are on ear design.

 

"Much better headphone" - based on what criteria? 

That you own both and say they're "much better"?

I like the 840's; I like the M50's too.  There are strengths and weaknesses in both.

I think they both represent very good value in their price range.

(But I sold my 840's and kept my M50's.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HungarianGuy 

Which are the main differences? Could you make me a quick comparison?
 

 

The srh840 is more neutral and has smoother highs allowing for a more relaxing experience. I also find they are more detailed in the mids. Bigger soundstage.

The m50s are more colored with boasted bass and treble with recessed mids. Smaller soundstage. This means things like guitars and vocals will be in the back while drums and high hats will be emphasized. They can be rather harsh with some recordings and the louder you play it the more harsh they are. Not good if you listen to aggressive music as it can be painful.

Overall i find the m50s have a v shaped sound signature while the srh840 is more neutral. The srh840 is s much better headphones and i have yet to hear something better. (my sennheiser hd 25 1 ii is much funner but it's not a better can, It has a closed in soundstage)

The 940 is lighter and more comfortable too.

There's one more headphone for you to consider I think, it's the KRK KNS 6400 and 8400, they are similiar to the Shure's and cheaper, used by professionals too. :)