Just to get it out of the way: I am aware there exists a separate thread for these sort of recommendations. Unfortunately, the number of requests exceed the number of recommendations and many requests are simply glossed over.
I am looking for some new semi-portable headphones that I will be able to use without an amp, connected to my laptop (and occasionally my phone). I'm a student and will be using them in the library, so it is a plus if they are closed and do not leak sound. I also may be using them for travel (home is two hours away), so they cannot be too uncomfortable. Side note: perhaps my perception of "comfort" is biased as I've been using some crappy WESC headphones for the past 2 1/2 years that hurt if you keep them on over half an hour.
Alright. So that's out of the way. Now, the sound. I am a fan of bass (how original, right?) BUT not so much that I like it to overpower the other frequencies, or that I want to hear it "boom". I love to hear the bass guitar on a good jazz album, and a good bassline in alt/electronic music just makes me melt. Generally I do listen to alt/electronic and jazz, with a managerie of other genres mixed in (hip hop, rap, pop, rock, alt, swing, britpop, etc.)
The contenders (though my choice is by no means limited to these):
- Audio Technica ATH-M50 - these seem to be a mainstay here; as far as I can tell they are good, cheap, and bassy but not overly so
- Audio Technica ATH-PRO700MK2 - larger diameter driver than the M50s; seem more bassy (a plus for me), recommended less here; would probably purchase replacement M50 pads to swap with the stock ones since they are notoriously uncomfortable
- Aiaiai TMA-1 - a pretty headphone that seems to get mixed reviews here; have heard it touted as both bassy and not bassy; seems to have shaky mids and poor treble, but haven't read enough reviews to come to a conclusion
- Grado SR225i - yes they leak, but Grados are touted as superior; have read they are very bright and not too bassy, but very clear
Can anyone here illuminate my options for me? I have never owned a pair of "decent" headphones and don't want to screw this one up.
I am very grateful for your help!
