Buying first pair of headphones. Which should I choose?
Dec 5, 2013 at 7:37 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 15

laserfart

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Looking to buy first decent pair of over-ear headphones (~$100) for music listening. Don't have an amp, and I'd be mainly using these with my laptop, phone, or ipod. 
 
I signed up to the site yesterday and I don't know anything about headphones, but based on some reviews here I've narrowed it down to:
 
- ATH-M50's
- Sony MDRZX700
- JVS HA680 from Japan
- AKG K240
- Creative Aurvana Live!
- Sennheiser HD380
- Logitech UE6000
- Shure SRH750DJ
 
There isn't a specific genre of music I mainly listen to, but my first choice right now is the M50's as I've read it provides a deeper bass which I think I'd enjoy. But based on some reviews I'm concerned it might sound more muffled in other areas.
 
I was also considering KNS 6400 or Shure SRH440/840 which I've read have more clarity, but I've also read that those are better utilized for studio use rather than casual listening. 
 
I'd appreciate any insight/experiences with these headphones or other possible recommendations.
 
EDIT:
 
TL;DR Hesitant to get M50s because of overshadowed mids (not good for guitar solos). Hesitant to get Shure SRH840 because fear of flat sound/lack of punchiness. Any insights? And if my worries are justified, what's a good reconciliation between the two?
 
Dec 5, 2013 at 7:50 PM Post #2 of 15
I vote JVC HA-S680s
 
Dec 5, 2013 at 11:02 PM Post #3 of 15
I suggest the CAL! or Logitech UE6000 in that price range.  You would probably benefit by reading this (concentrating on cans currently in your price range):
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-full-size-sealed
 
I will add that the semi-open K 240 is not an especially good choice without an amp.
 
Dec 6, 2013 at 9:58 PM Post #5 of 15
  stay safe and stick to the m50's. It is not muffled in anyway except maybe for the slighty below neutral mids that you won't notice. 


A-B the M50 with a good can that has neutral mids and you will notice the difference.  You may like the relatively bigger bass and/or treble, but that's a different issue.
 
Dec 6, 2013 at 10:26 PM Post #6 of 15
ATH M50s! 
 
-Tight/clean bass
-Easy to drive
-Excellent build quality/price
-Great aesthetics 
 
It's a great first purchase.. Also, try to get the ones with the coiled cable, they're much easier to carry around.
 
Dec 6, 2013 at 10:28 PM Post #7 of 15
I vote for Shure SRH750 DJ's. Cheaper than the ATH50's and better low end while still maintaining clarity elsewhere. These can be had for $110 from authorized Shure dealers on eBay.
 
Dec 7, 2013 at 3:21 AM Post #9 of 15
I'd say first decide if you want closed headphones or not. If you don't absolutely need the isolation, then I'd recommend getting semi-open or open headphones.
 
AKG K240 is a fine choice, they are affordable, yet have a good clarity and separation, warm musical sound and enough bass for most needs.
 
Dec 7, 2013 at 4:39 AM Post #10 of 15
  I'd say first decide if you want closed headphones or not. If you don't absolutely need the isolation, then I'd recommend getting semi-open or open headphones.
 
AKG K240 is a fine choice, they are affordable, yet have a good clarity and separation, warm musical sound and enough bass for most needs.

Though isolation isn't a deciding factor for me, ideally I'd like to be able to use them, say during travel on a plane. That said, I'm definitely open to any semi-open/open options.
 
KG Jag suggested I get an amp for the K240. I might purchase a $20 one off amazon or something, but getting an amp as well really isn't my first preference. 
I've also looked into the Grado Sr60/80is which I've read is really good for rock music, but not so much for bassier, electronic music which I listen to as well.  
 
Dec 7, 2013 at 5:10 AM Post #11 of 15
I think the new K240, the 55ohm version, doesn't need that of a monster amp. I drive mine out of a studio interface DAC, but they sound just fine out of an iPod too.
 
You could try them first, and if they are not loud enough, then later invest in a bigger amp, like a FiiO E11.
 
The reason why I recommend open headphones is that they usually sport better sound quality for the same price, in case one doesn't need isolation.
 
Dec 8, 2013 at 8:20 AM Post #13 of 15
I've got some m50s for sale at the moment. I love them! Only reason I'm selling is because I bought the coiled cable version instead :)

http://celltraderonline.com/showthread.php?t=7473
Audio Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones - $90 shipped

Sent from my LG G2!
 
Dec 8, 2013 at 9:52 AM Post #14 of 15
You could always just buy off amazon or somewhere with a good returns policy and send them back if you don't like them.
 

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