[Herky151]

So I've been looking everywhere and I cant seem to find a general discussion about the "best" portable headphone/ iem that are actually reasonably priced. (If there is one I apologize)
 
For the most part I would be willing to look into anything, as long as its closed. (Over ear, on ear, in ear.) It would be for portable uses but also double as my main headphone. My music tastes are more or less everything. 
Currently I've been looking at all of the following:
 
 
Over ear:
Denon D2000/ D5000
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Shure srh 940
 
On ear:
Beyerdynamic DT 1350
Sennheiser HD 25-1 II
 
In ear:
Etymotic ER-4P (possibly with custom fit)
Westone AC2
Ultimate Ears UE 4
 
All would seem to work, it just comes down to my priorities of:
1. Sound Quality
2. Comfort 
3. Durability/ Expected Lifespan
4. Portability (I've managed with my HD 280s for a few years now so thats not a huge issue) 
 
Also any other opinions would be well valued. The price range is obviously not a strict rule, just a generalization. 
 
 
 

 

[Herky151]

Bump

 

[jasonb]

If you are considering the HD25's then you should also consider the AIAIAI TMA-1.


Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk.

 

[AyeVeeN]

I love the HD25s, especially for portable use + amp'd with an E11. Planning on getting the TMA-1s sometime, and I think my next headphones are going to be D2000s or Ultrasone 750/900s for closed, and FA-011 for open .

 

[Extra]

For the DT1350 and HD-25-1-ii, go with the HD-25, unless cost really isn't an issue. The DT1350's sound a bit better than the HD-25's, but not by 100$. Also, while the HD-25 can pretty much be completely user repaired, the DT1350 cannot be.
 
Also, at 200$, consider V-moda's M80. Takes a bit of loosening the pads/breaking in, but it is a great sounding portable and is rock (well, metal really) solid. Detachable cable and removable ear pads help too. Can be comfortable too, with a bit of stretching.
 
That's really just information on portables, can't help you really with the other kinds of headphones.
 
 

 

[Herky151]

I really like the idea that the HD25s can be repaired willy nilly unlike some other brands and that is why I got my 280s originally.
Does anyone have any opinions on things like IEMs vs On ear headphones? The idea of custom molded IEMs sounds great but it really comes down to sound quality for me and Im just wondering if the extra nearly $200+ (not including fees from the audiologist) makes that much of a difference over something like the HD 25.

 

[Herky151]

Also how do the AIAIAI TMA-1s compare to the HD25. I know they are very similar in a lot of ways in the design aspects.

 

[Herky151]

Bump

 

[ZARIM]

I will recommend the in ear phones(IEMs) like Sony EX1000, UM3x, SM3 V2, Westone 4 and over ear headphones like Pro 900, ES10, ESW10, Sony Z1000.

 

[Herky151]

How do you feel about custom IEMs for the cost?
Worth it or can you get more bang for your buck from other forms of IEMs/ headphones?
 

 

[Hifianddrumming]

 I've heard REALLY good things about the V-moda M-80s. And you get some style as well.

 

[Herky151]

What is their sound signature like?
 

 

[Hifianddrumming]

Warm-ish, substantial sound-stage, treble is the only somewhat lacking area. Ask other people, I don't personally own them

 

[Jalo]

How about looking in the for sale forum for a pair of used JH10/11/13.  It may be a little more but it will be exactly what you are looking for, portable and can be used a main.

 

[Herky151]

Excuse me for asking but aren't the jh10s custom made? So instead of hoping they fit couldn't I get a pair made that I know will fit?