A Casual Audiophile's Recommendation Thread: Find me something new! Detailed requirements included!
Jun 13, 2012 at 10:10 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 22
BRSxIgnition

BRSxIgnition

Headphoneus Supremus
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NOTE:​
 I am posting this here instead of the recomendation thread because nobody actually provides proper support in that thread - it is only people asking questions.​
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Hi - I am a proud owner of Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones, and I love them mainly because of the durability, fit, and versatility (both physically and audibly) of them. HOWEVER...
 
I am looking to upgrade from them now, I want something fresh, but a noticeable step up. The main points I need filled are:
  1. Durability. They need to be at least as strong as the semi-metal/plastic build of the M50's.
  2. Looks. It can't be ridicu-ugly, but it doesn't need to win awards either. Something that looks good/sleek is nice.
  3. Overall Versatility. I listen to my music anywhere from on the bus, to at home, to in a library - good noise blocking and sound leakage is a must.
 
WILLING TO SPEND $400 TOTAL (Amp... etc. Included)​
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SOUND WISE...
 
To help, I will list a few of the songs of each genre I listen to - so please help me out! I generally listen to them all, but the more examples I have for a genre, the more I listen to that music. (aka: 3>2>1 in order of importance) Thanks in advance!
 
(PS: I know that my songs may not fit your likes, but please try giving me an objective statement!)
 
Techno/Dance
  1. "Disappearance of Hatsune Miku (Moonbug Remix)" - Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1 by Various Artists
  2. "Prometheus" - Portal 2 Songs by 2-Byte
  3. "Albino (Masahiko Kubota feat. Novoiski remix)" - Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1 by Various Artists
 
Rock/Rock & Roll
  1. "Escape (Lightning Guitar Ver.)" - Escape by Hemenway
  2. "Hourglass" - Light Lag by DECO*27
  3. "Battle for Everyone's Souls" - PERSONA MUSIC LIVE BAND by Tomoko Komiya
 
Rock/Other
  1. "My Dearest" - My Dearest by Supercell
  2. "I'll Face Myself -Battle-" - Never More -Reincarnation PERSONA4- by Shoji Meguro
 
Classical/Orchestral
  1. "βios" - GUILTY CROWN ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK by Hiroyuki Sawano
  2. "Valkyria Chronicles 3 Main Theme" - Valkyria Chronicles Piano Pieces by Casey Ormond
 
Jazz/Other
  1. "Specialist" - Never More -Reincarnation PERSONA4- by Shoji Meguro
  1. "Kaoru & Sentaro Duo in BUNKASAI (Medley My Favorite Things~Itsuka Oujisama ga~Moanin)" - KIDS ON THE SLOPE Original Soundtrack by Yoko Kanno
 
Acoustic
  1. "Meltdown" - Ode in Reply by Osamuraisan
 
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OTHER INFO....
 
If the best recommendation for me is to get an amp with my purchase, then I'll do that - but please include the price of amp in the total! It will also need to be a portable amp, if any!
 
Thank you in advance for your help, Head-Fi!​
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 5:31 AM Post #3 of 22
Instead of bumping, you should conisder posting here--and include your budget and whether or not you will using an amp:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/529144/recommendations-thread-i-e-dont-start-a-new-thread-ask-for-advice-here-please-read-op/15450#post_8457262
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 11:31 AM Post #4 of 22
Quote:
kg jag said:
Instead of bumping, you should conisder posting here--and include your budget and whether or not you will using an amp:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/529144/recommendations-thread-i-e-dont-start-a-new-thread-ask-for-advice-here-please-read-op/15450#post_8457262
Click to expand...

Alright - I was just worried that it might be lost in all of the other recommendations being given. Anyway, I'll try it. Thanks.
 
I'll keep this one open though, just in case.
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 11:51 AM Post #5 of 22
Nothing wrong with starting your own thread.
For your needs, you could consider the Philips L1. It's in your price range, it's very well built and also looks elegant. The latter is a matter of taste obviously, and so is the sound - I won't say that they sound great, but they do sound good and should fit your needs quite well. They're portable, dont require an amp and have decent isolation. There are headphones that sound better in this price range, but the L1 is a solid performer. Whatever you decide for, make sure you try them before buying if possible.
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 11:59 AM Post #6 of 22
Quote:
mad dude said:
Nothing wrong with starting your own thread.
For your needs, you could consider the Philips L1. It's in your price range, it's very well built and also looks elegant. The latter is a matter of taste obviously, and so is the sound - I won't say that they sound great, but they do sound good and should fit your needs quite well. They're portable, dont require an amp and have decent isolation. There are headphones that sound better in this price range, but the L1 is a solid performer. Whatever you decide for, make sure you try them before buying if possible.
Click to expand...

Those are semi-open back though.. I can't see myself using them in the bus or in a library.. 
 
What are the "headphones that sound better in this price range, " that you mentioned? How would the K550 handle my needs? (Assuming I shortened the cable for Portable use)
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 12:08 PM Post #7 of 22
The L1 is mostly closed - the grills on the earcups are mostly for the looks. There's a thick layer of felt or cloth behind which blocks noise quite well. If isolation is a top priority for you, you could consider one of the popular on-ears (Sennheiser HD25-II, Beyerdynamic DT1350, or the new Sennheiser Amperior). If you require even more isolation, you should look into IEMs.
 
About the headphones that sound better in this price range: There are several (the usual suspects would include Sennheiser HD600/650, Beyer DT880, AKG Q701, Grado SR225, and perhaps some more which I don't know about). But these are all open and mostly large (non-portable) and require some decent amping.
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 12:40 PM Post #8 of 22
Quote:
mad dude said:
The L1 is mostly closed - the grills on the earcups are mostly for the looks. There's a thick layer of felt or cloth behind which blocks noise quite well. If isolation is a top priority for you, you could consider one of the popular on-ears (Sennheiser HD25-II, Beyerdynamic DT1350, or the new Sennheiser Amperior). If you require even more isolation, you should look into IEMs.
 
About the headphones that sound better in this price range: There are several (the usual suspects would include Sennheiser HD600/650, Beyer DT880, AKG Q701, Grado SR225, and perhaps some more which I don't know about). But these are all open and mostly large (non-portable) and require some decent amping.
Click to expand...

Apparently the K550's work well for isolation, how are they? Do you know where I could find some good reviews? How do they stack up against the M50's?
 
Jun 14, 2012 at 1:59 PM Post #9 of 22
I don't know about the K550s, but there are several reviews here on Head-Fi. Consider that they are really large and will probably not be perfect for portable use.
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 7:04 PM Post #15 of 22
Quote:
brsxignition said:
Read through that thread - there's a few images. but not too many..
 
Anyway, any other headphones to recommend.. or would the M100's be the best bet for me?
Click to expand...

 
If this question was directed at me, sorry I don't really have any relevant experience or advice to give. Was just linking to the picture. 
redface.gif

 
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