$100 to spend on new cans

[bak5391]

My pair of Sony MDR V600 recently bit the dust and now I am in the market for an upgrade. I would like to spend at most $100, and I will not be using an amp with the headphones (attached directly to Laptop/PC). They will be mostly used for music and movies, but also occasional gaming. The most important aspects for me other than sound quality is the durability/build quality as well as the level of comfort. Some of the pairs I have had my eye on after doing some research here on head-fi are the Equation RP-21s and also the M Audio Q40s, but I am open to any suggestions.


Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[chia-pet]

You might want to check out some Grado SR-60. They're hailed as a great bang for the buck. Here's a link:

Grado SR-60 - $69.00 : TTVJ, Todd The Vinyl Junkie

 

[inthecup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chia-pet /img/forum/go_quote.gif You might want to check out some Grado SR-60. They're hailed as a great bang for the buck. Here's a link: Grado SR-60 - $69.00 : TTVJ, Todd The Vinyl Junkie

Maybe even some SR-80's

 

[bak5391]

Ill check both of them out; how is the comfort on the Grados? They look kind of raw for lack of a better word from the pictures.

 

[kjpmkjp]

Grado is not known for its comfort, or its looks. Some people seem to like them, but I tried both the SR-60 and SR-225 (different style earpads), and I wasn't a fan of either. Then again, I'm used to big, plush velour cushions.

 

[grndslm]

MS-1 or AD700. Both open.
Don't know much about $100 closed cans, but I'd say D1000 or D1001... I'm really enjoying the D2000.

 

[bak5391]

I would prefer closed, I dont really want the music playing to the area around me.

I would be more of a fan of the nice cushions also, kjpmkjp. I want to have something with good sound (doesnt have to be spectacular), and something I will be able to wear for numerous hours.

 

[donunus]

sounds like you are describing the audio technica a500

 

[Nocturnal310]

I guess you will have to go for 32 -64 Ohm Impedance as you aint gonna use Amps.

Checkout Senns HD270 : Sennheiser Worldwide: HD 270-V1 - HD 270-V1

and Checkout cheaper cousin of HD25 : Sennheiser Worldwide: HD 25-SP II - HD 25-SP II

 

[tonsosnot]

If you don't mind hunting a little bit, the Beyerdynamic DT770 can be had for around $100, and is a phenomenal value at that price. I this picked mine up on this forum for $108 shipped, and a few on eBay ended this week at just under $100, which is a great price for them. If you need them immediately, average price looks to be $130 used and $150 new.

The 770's are fairly good with a variety of music, but I'd say they are better at movies and games than many other higher-end headphones, which in my (limited) experience may sound great for music, but bland for other media.

 

[donunus]

he said nice cushions combined with being for unamped use which eliminates dt770 and senn hd25 or 25sp

 

[tonsosnot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif he said nice cushions combined with being for unamped use which eliminates dt770 and senn hd25 or 25sp

I find the cushions on the DT770 to be very comfortable, and prefer the material to the pleather you find on most headphones in this price range. They're softer and don't get nearly as hot.

Besides the Sennheiser HD555/HD595's (which are open), I'd say the DT770's are one of the most comfortable phones I've tried.

The 80ohm version would not have a problem being run from a laptop or portable device (from what I've read here...though I have only heard the 250ohm version myself).

I can't speak for the HD25 or 25SP's.

 

[captainzoli]

I would agree that the ATH-A500s seem like a perfect match for the OP's stated requirements and price point. Hard to beat comfort.

 

[bak5391]

Would you prefer those to a pair of recabled RP-21s w/ Beyer pleather pads?

 

[donunus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonsosnot /img/forum/go_quote.gif I find the cushions on the DT770 to be very comfortable, and prefer the material to the pleather you find on most headphones in this price range. They're softer and don't get nearly as hot. Besides the Sennheiser HD555/HD595's (which are open), I'd say the DT770's are one of the most comfortable phones I've tried. The 80ohm version would not have a problem being run from a laptop or portable device (from what I've read here...though I have only heard the 250ohm version myself). I can't speak for the HD25 or 25SP's.

dt770s are eliminated because they arent for unamped use. Its the hd25s that are eliminated for comfort because of being supraaural

I would say the minimum sensitivity for unamped use would be grados. anything less than that cannot be satisfactorily driven by most portable devices volumwise. My audio technica a900s play at the same level as my sr60s but with more bass at the same volume. The a500s are probably similar judging from that. They do have different impedances though so take this with a grain of salt