Headphones for a beginner.

If you're looking for a first pair, I'd recommend something like the Koss PortaPro or the Sennheiser HD238, both of which have large soundstages and plenty of bass. The PortaPro is a bit more efficient as you don't have to turn up the volume as much, but the HD238 is much more comfortable. Those two run about $40 to $60 bucks, and I've had a hard time finding better unless you want something quite large. If you lookup the PortaPro, it's also very portable, as it folds into a ball the cable can wrap around.

I have the FC700A, it was one of my earlier headphones. I personally love the white version which seemed pretty stylish. It's also extremely light. They do provide some sound isolation, but don't expect too much from most on-ears. But I liked the crystal clear sound  of these headphones, you can feel free to read the reviews on them, they are pretty accurate to what I personally heard. 

One thing I disliked quite a bit was the connection on the headphones. They come naturally short and provide an extender to your music source, but after a while of portable use, they would often disconnect from each other after relatively minor tugs. I also wouldn't recommend them if you are intending to use them and likely to bump into objects or people, but just day to day commute will be excellent.

Also, be aware that the headband is a little on the thin side, which gives it a slightly cheap feel. And extended use caused tenderness on my ears. But overall, if you can get these around $25-$30, I would highly recommend these cans!

ATH-SQ505. $65 shipped from accessoryjack...http://www.accessoryjack.com/audio-technica-ath-sq505-foldable-closed-dynamic-headphones-black.html

Good price to SQ ratio, color choices, solid build, and the square pads are a bit better for isolation(vs circular on-ears) and comfort/easiness to find the sweet spot. FC700 got a 5.75 for SQ from Joker and the SQ5 got a 7 for SQ. Not sure if the newer SQ505(replacing the SQ5) upgrades the SQ any but usually their newer models sound a bit better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuralHygiene 

I have the FC700A, it was one of my earlier headphones. I personally love the white version which seemed pretty stylish. It's also extremely light. They do provide some sound isolation, but don't expect too much from most on-ears. But I liked the crystal clear sound  of these headphones, you can feel free to read the reviews on them, they are pretty accurate to what I personally heard. 

 

One thing I disliked quite a bit was the connection on the headphones. They come naturally short and provide an extender to your music source, but after a while of portable use, they would often disconnect from each other after relatively minor tugs. I also wouldn't recommend them if you are intending to use them and likely to bump into objects or people, but just day to day commute will be excellent.

 

Also, be aware that the headband is a little on the thin side, which gives it a slightly cheap feel. And extended use caused tenderness on my ears. But overall, if you can get these around $25-$30, I would highly recommend these cans!

I have the ATH-FC700 too, and they are a nice sounding headphone. I actually love the short cord with separate extension, because I typically walk about with one of my rockboxed Clip Zips clipped to my shirt pocket, so the short cord is the perfect length. I use the extension if I'm home using a different source. I got mine in used but excellent condition off Amazon for thirty-something dollars, and I haven't ever regretted the purchase.

The JVC HAS650 is a nice compact closed on the ear headphone that is very efficient, and is around $35. Other choices that seem reasonable are the AKG K430($40) or the Sennheiser HD200II($76).

Keep in mind that you will  get better bass performance from a good larger circumaural headphone that has larger drivers.

The K430 and the HAS650 are very efficient, so you will get plenty of volume even from the lowest powered portables. If you don't mind something larger that is circumaural,  then look at the JVC HAM750, which is also very efficient.