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Good Cans <=$80
Jul 5, 2012 at 6:22 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 122
Slivortal

Slivortal

100+ Head-Fier
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So, I was looking around for a decent pair of CLOSED headphones to ask for for my birthday. Looking for some that are relatively light, durable, and portable, with good sound (obviously). ABSOLUTE upper limit is $80. Also the headphones need to not leak sound (so closed, I guess).

Usually I listen to classic rock and metal. I'm not looking for a huge bass; I like a balanced sound.

Thanks for the help!
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 7:08 PM Post #2 of 122
Quote:
slivortal said:
So, I was looking around for a decent pair of headphones to ask for for my birthday. Looking for some that are relatively light, durable, and portable, with good sound (obviously). ABSOLUTE upper limit is $50, though under $40 is preferred.
So far, Koss Portapros and Sennheiser HD202s have been the real standouts - which would be better? Though other suggestions would be appreciated.
Usually I listen to classic rock and metal. I'm not looking for a huge bass; I like a balanced sound.
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

sennheiser? idk lol
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 7:48 PM Post #4 of 122
romee said:
I think the AKG 518LE is pretty good. It's about $50 on Amazon 

You can see a comparison review here http://www.head-fi.org/t/567012/the-portable-bass-kings-the-pioneer-hdj500-vs-akg-518-le-vs-the-first-look-at-the-new-at-ws55-solid-bass
Click to expand...


Thanks, but I'm not sure this is what I'm looking for. The review seemed to say that it sacrificed the highs and lows for the bass, and I'm really not that big of a bass fan. Also, it said that the soundstage was lacking, and I personally like a good-sized soundstage (though maybe I'm being a bit picky in this price range...)
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 7:55 PM Post #5 of 122
http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-681-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B002GHIPYI

There you go.
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 8:17 PM Post #6 of 122
Quote:
magick man said:
http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-681-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B002GHIPYI
There you go.
Click to expand...

+1 Also the HD668B/Samson SR850
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 9:03 PM Post #7 of 122
magick man said:
http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-681-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B002GHIPYI
There you go.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the advice. One thing I saw about the superluxes was that there seemed to be some complaints about sound leaking - is this true? Because I'm planning on wearing these mainly to make sure I don't disturb others in public places - maybe not so much for solo recreational use (unless they sound far better than I expect).

hailin said:
+1 Also the HD668B/Samson SR850
Click to expand...


Now the SR850s... These are studio-quality headphones, with apparently a very harsh, "realistic" sound. Now, I like a balanced sound, but is that the same thing as a "realistic" sound? Is it really that "harsh" (what does that mean)?

Finally, it looks like there will probably end up being more than one good choice - is there a good way to pick between multiple sets of good headphones (other than just at random)? The marketing and specs just all seem so similar.
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 10:12 PM Post #8 of 122
Quote:
slivortal said:
Thanks for the advice. One thing I saw about the superluxes was that there seemed to be some complaints about sound leaking - is this true? Because I'm planning on wearing these mainly to make sure I don't disturb others in public places - maybe not so much for solo recreational use (unless they sound far better than I expect).
Now the SR850s... These are studio-quality headphones, with apparently a very harsh, "realistic" sound. Now, I like a balanced sound, but is that the same thing as a "realistic" sound? Is it really that "harsh" (what does that mean)?
Finally, it looks like there will probably end up being more than one good choice - is there a good way to pick between multiple sets of good headphones (other than just at random)? The marketing and specs just all seem so similar.
Click to expand...

If balanced means flat across the spectrum then no the HD668Bs might not be the right headphone for you. They are a little V-shaped with high reaching treble (bright) and some wonderful deep lows. They are very close to the Beyerdynamic DT990s (At least to my ears.) The mids are listenable but not the main focus like a Sennheiser HD598.
I have read that the BRAINWAVZ HM5 /Fischer Audio 003 is one of the more balanced headphones. So I would look for the brand Jaycar because they are suppose to be a replica (cheaper) version of the HM5/003. Worth researching probably.
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 10:30 PM Post #9 of 122
I'd recommend the Monoprice 8323. They are a little bass heavy, but not a lot. They provide excellent sound isolation. They are $25 on the Monoprice website. And, the sound rivals that of some others that are 3-4 times their price. Definitely go check them out.
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 11:34 PM Post #10 of 122
biggbenn74 said:
I'd recommend the Monoprice 8323. They are a little bass heavy, but not a lot. They provide excellent sound isolation. They are $25 on the Monoprice website. And, the sound rivals that of some others that are 3-4 times their price. Definitely go check them out.
Click to expand...


Now THESE look interesting. I like how they're foldable, are close eared, and have a detachable cord (as well as lifetime warranty) - but the sound is good, yes? I can't say I've ever heard of the brand before - are they THAT bass-heavy, or do they still have decent mids-highs?
 
Jul 5, 2012 at 11:45 PM Post #11 of 122
Quote:
slivortal said:
Now THESE look interesting. I like how they're foldable, are close eared, and have a detachable cord (as well as lifetime warranty) - but the sound is good, yes? I can't say I've ever heard of the brand before - are they THAT bass-heavy, or do they still have decent mids-highs?
Click to expand...

It is amazing. Especially for the price. I'd happily pay a lot more for them. And it's no surprise you have not heard of them. They are a fairly small company, that just happened to come across a good headphone. And they are just amazing. And they are NOT THAT bass-heavy. They have very decent mids and highs. Just good, all round audio quality.
 
Jul 6, 2012 at 1:36 AM Post #13 of 122
After hearing a report of Monoprice shipping beat up and possibly used headphones, I'm not sure that's the way I want to go (though feel free to convince me otherwise).

Right now, the Samson and both of the Kosses and Superfluxes sound interesting, though I am worried whether any of these will prevent my sound from being broadcast in public (not worried about hearing the public through the phones, though).
 
Jul 6, 2012 at 9:48 AM Post #14 of 122
I had the monoprice and I really liked them til the left channel quit on me. (I was fairly rough on them.) 
The Kosses no one is going to hear your music from them and if they do you are standing weirdly and uncomfortably close to them. The KSC75/portapro/KSC35 don't isolate at all,every noise gets in. The DJ100 are closed but quite large.
All the headphones besides the 3 three smaller koss I wouldn't wear out and about in public. They are oddly shaped (Monoprice, superlux) or way to large (Superlux,DJ100). It really is hard to get everything in a 50 dollar headphone.
 
Jul 6, 2012 at 12:38 PM Post #15 of 122
Quote:
hailin said:
I had the monoprice and I really liked them til the left channel quit on me. (I was fairly rough on them.) 
The Kosses no one is going to hear your music from them and if they do you are standing weirdly and uncomfortably close to them. The KSC75/portapro/KSC35 don't isolate at all,every noise gets in. The DJ100 are closed but quite large.
All the headphones besides the 3 three smaller koss I wouldn't wear out and about in public. They are oddly shaped (Monoprice, superlux) or way to large (Superlux,DJ100). It really is hard to get everything in a 50 dollar headphone.
Click to expand...


I don't care if it's isolated (I actually like having some awareness of my surroundings), I'm just more worried I'll be in the library/at work, and people 2-3 desks down will be able to hear my music/movies.
 
If this isn't an issue for the portapro, then I think my decision comes down to portapro/KSC75 vs monoprice.  What exactly are the pros/cons of clips like KSC75 vs full-sized portable headphones like portapro/monoprice?
 
EDIT: Senn 202s are also an option, I guess.
 
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