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New On Ear or Circumaural Headphone Recommendation ~ $300

post #1 of 6
10/8/12 at 6:33pm
Thread Starter 

Hey HeadFi,

 

I'm back for some more advice. I've owned the ATH-M50s for around 2 years and definitely love the way they sound, but i'm looking to make a change to my headphone lineup. My biggest complaint about the M50s is that they're not super comfortable for long periods of time (though this isnt a HUGE deal) and for some reason (maybe cause i'm used to them) the music lacks warmness and the soundstage seems limited (especially compared to my Westone 3 IEMs).

 

I'm not looking to get IEMs (I have the Westone 3s as my portable headphones). I have been eyeing both the B&W P5 and the Audio Technica ATHESW9A, as they both seem to have super comfortable earpads but i'm unsure of how much of an upgrade (if at all) -- audio quality wise -- they would be. I'm also not tied down to those models either, suggestions welcome. I'd like the headphones to look somewhat good, though design takes a backseat to audio quality. I like to listen a bunch of different kinds of music: Phish (lots of this) Black Keys, Cake, Pretty Lights, Soul Rebels Brass Band. I will be using these at work and possibly on long car/plane rides, so i'd like them to have decent isolation. They will be running off an iPhone or Macbook with no amp.

 

Looking to spend around $300. 

 

Any advice would be appreciated, and thanks for reading!


Edited by DSchwartz88 - 10/9/12 at 10:54am
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post #2 of 6
10/8/12 at 10:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSchwartz88 View Post

I'm back for some more advice. I've owned the ATH-M50s for around 2 years and definitely love the way they sound, but i'm looking to make a change to my headphone lineup. My biggest complaint about the M50s is that they're not super comfortable for long periods of time (though this isnt a HUGE deal) and for some reason (maybe cause i'm used to them) the music lacks warmness and the soundstage seems limited (especially compared to my Westone 3 IEMs).

I'm not looking to get IEMs (I have the Westone 3s as my portable headphones). I have been eyeing both the B&W P5 and the Audio Technica ATHESW9A, as they both seem to have super comfortable earpads but i'm unsure of how much of an upgrade (if at all) -- audio quality wise -- they would be. I'm also not tied down to those models either, suggestions welcome. I'd like the headphones to look somewhat good, though design takes a backseat to audio quality. I like to listen a bunch of different kinds of music: Phish (lots of this) Black Keys, Cake, Pretty Lights, Soul Rebels Brass Band. I will be using these at work and possibly on long car/plane rides, so i'd like them to have decent isolation. They will be running off an iPhone or Macbook with no amp.

Looking to spend around $300. 

As there being used with iPhone and Macbook, try to stay with headphones that are 60-Ohms or less.

Unless you buy a portable headphone amplifier.

 

Lower Ohm headphones.

Audio Technica ATH-A900X

AKG K550

Shure 940

I'm sure there are some Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic models that will work for your situation, just have no idea which ones.

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post #3 of 6
10/9/12 at 10:53am
Thread Starter 

Do the Audio Technicas isolate well? Also, if someone is trying to match sound signature, I do love the signature of my Westone 3s. Any other models I should looks at? I do want good isolation as we play music in the office which I need to drown out sometimes. 


Edited by DSchwartz88 - 10/9/12 at 10:55am
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post #4 of 6
10/9/12 at 3:26pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DSchwartz88 View Post

Do the Audio Technicas isolate well? Also, if someone is trying to match sound signature, I do love the signature of my Westone 3s. Any other models I should looks at? I do want good isolation as we play music in the office which I need to drown out sometimes. 

Both the AD900x and SRH940 isolates fine, but the Shure have slightly more. The K550 gives some people a hard time with fit and pads sealing properly, which affects the sound as well. The SRH940 is tilted to the treble. Some may find it overly strident and analytical, I happen to enjoy the detailing and signature. The AD900x sound really good, much better than the AD700/900 open-backs IMO, which are way too anemic.

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post #5 of 6
10/9/12 at 3:49pm
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What are peoples thoughts about Mad Dogs? Very intrigued by them.

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post #6 of 6
10/9/12 at 3:54pm
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Originally Posted by DSchwartz88 View Post

What are peoples thoughts about Mad Dogs? Very intrigued by them.

There has been talk that they sound sort of like a closed pair of HE-400s? I think I have heard people say this, although I haven't heard them myself to know. The price/performance is supposedly very good as well.

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