This simple question has really turned into a learning experience for me about headphones, and sound quality in general. My criteria is much more complicated now and I was hoping I could receive some help from the community. If I listed qualities I want in a headphone for under $100, could you guys help me out?
1) Price, under $100. This is definitely a hard limit, I told my wife $75, so my limit is $100 lol. 10/10 importance.
2) Closed over-ear headphones. I really don't like earbuds, and I prefer over-ear vs on-ear. 9/10
2) Leakage. I want to mainly use these for work and I don't want to be disturbed or disturb others. We are all software developers so sometimes we appreciate some silence. It is for this reason that I am not interested in any open style headphones like the Grado SR 60i or the Porta pro. 8/10.
3) Decent sound quality without neglecting lows. This is for listening enjoyment only, so I don't think I need something as bassy as the xb500, but I do listen to a lot of electronic music lately, so being able to hear extended lows is as important as having "punchy" bass. Again, the xb500's leak a lot I hear, so they wouldn't work for me. 8/10
4) Doesn't require an amp to sound great. I would like something I could power from a phone/portable mp3 player. 7/10.
6) Misc: Detachable cord, comfort, single cord, case/bag. Not really important to me. 2/10
5) Looks I do not care about. 0/10.
Some headphones I had considered:
Grado SR 60i: Had considered, but I'm afraid of leakage.
Sony mdr-xb500: Same fear about leakage, so no longer considering these as a purchase.
Am now considering:
Sony MDR-V6: Heard that these are solid, but also hear that I might be able to get more bang for my buck.
Sennheiser HD 205-II: These seem like a good fit for me, but I haven't heard much about them.
Sennheiser HD 448: Worried not much low-end range.
Koss PRO DJ 100: Heard these are very uncomfortable.
Shure SRH440: Worried these are better as monitors and not very fun to listen to.
Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks!.
JP
