AKG K702

Not really, imo. They are quite large (and do not fold, or twist or anything). And being open cans, do not isolate very well - letting in a lot of ambient noise. 

 

They are fantastic cans - but probably not for portable use. 

I second the "not really"  They are huge and do not fold up.

 

I would recommend some V Moda M80 or V80 ( same sound signature but different design choices ).

They are extremely portable, sound amazing, are built like tanks, and come with an awesome case.

$200

+1

 

Or the Sennheiser 25-1 ii (for about the same price). 

 

Both would be great for your stated music choices as well.

Impedance just means how many Ohm's resistance they present to the portable player or amplifier. A higher number of Ohms requires more voltage from the amplifier - to power properly - but due to the nature of electricity - means you can have many more pairs of headphones connected to the same system (helpful in a production/studio environement). 

 

The differing impedance versions can also have different sound signatures - due to the nature of headphone voice coils. 

 

Usually for portable headphones, unless you intend to have a separate portable amplifier, you want to use a headphone with a relatively low (80 Ohm or less - 32 ohm is common) impedance. That will ensure good listening volume from a portable device.

Denon D2000 might be a good option to consider - if you find a set on sale (J&R had them for a good price, I think) or used. A bit bulky, but nothing compared with the AKG 702... 

 

The Shure SRH-940 are also quite good.

 

Is sound isolation important to you (either blocking ambient noise like on the bus/train, or not having others hear your music)?

Edited by liamstrain - 12/2/11 at 1:56pm

OK - then the ones I provided (or the V-moda's you solicited feedback on) all isolate well. 

The D2000 cable would be a pain to transport. I get really annoyed with it just moving it around in my house, it's more like a snake than a cable. You could always recable I guess, but the isolation is hardly top notch so I'm not sure why you would use it as a portable.

I felt they isolated pretty well. But I do not usually bother with closed cans anyway - so I do not have a strong point of reference. If I absolutely need isolation, I have some IEMs. 

K702 don't isolate at all and leak a lot and require good amping so are probably among the worst for portable use. D2000 while technically being closed still leak a fair bit and don't isolate all that well.

No isolation, leak sound like crazy, huge, and need an amp to sound really good, so no.

For your musical tastes, I'd like to suggest the AIAIAI TMA-1. Great portable headphone, best build-quality I've ever seen and great for on the road.

Furthermore, the Shure SRH-840 is perhaps a can that is more suited for your musical tastes (in comparison to the Shure SRH-940 mentioned earlier, certainly for portable use).

 

Regards,

 

ric.