100th post! Looking for an upgrade (of course)

[Bonta]

100th post! Been around for awhile on and off the forums. I initially joined to find a set of portable phones for the I-pod but after 2 years I've been itching for an upgrade. This can be seen as a celebration/reward for my graduating from being a junior member.

As you can see from my sig I have the Koss Portapros. I really like the way they sound. I believe I enjoy the "warm" sound signature. Keep in mind though that I do not have experience with any other headphones except the ibuds

. I listen to about 70% hip-hop/beats and the other 30% is really diverse from classic rock, metal, to j-pop.

With that out of the way I'm looking at the typical entry level cans for around 100-150 max. I plan to use these at home with no amp. Portability would also weigh in though its not absolutely necessary. I would like some isolation so I don't have to crank up past 50% volume. So far I've narrowed it down (if you could call it that) to these phones:

Sony MDR V6/7506
Equation RP-21
MAudio Q40
Denon 1000k
ATH ES7

Some other things to note, for comfort, my head is a bit bigger/rounder than most i.e. I have to wear sunglasses for large face people. The area at my temples is pretty wide. I hope you guys can help me out and after this purchase hopefully I won't be going down any further in the rabbit hole. And to think, 2 years ago I thought 50 bucks was a lot for some headphones

 

[Blackmore]

Well, I think you pretty much know what you need, you did a good job up here to search...
I can not recommend anything else than ES7, cos do own them and they do have that warm touch as well, which I think would be good with music styles you listen to it. About comfort and isolation been discussed a lot and they aren't the best out of your list. So, it leaves you with Denon, RP21 and Q40, 3 are less than 4...

Good luck...

 

[Bonta]

haha thanks. I usually spend about 2-3 days searching/reading on the candidates before I ask for opinions specified for me. The main problem with my indecisiveness is the all around praise or vastly contrasting opinions. I also don't know of a place I can go try these out at. The nearest guitar center is 21 miles away (and with the current gas debacle I don't want to be driving needlessly the problem not with money but with availability).

Sony MDR V6- some say good some say the highs are shrill and fatiguing
RP-21- FOTM so not too sure if it will compare with the others given time.
Denons- good but may not isolate well
ES7- Comfort issues?
Q40- relatively new with not many opinions.

It'd be nice if I could say definately what I like to narrow down the choices more but I don't have much brand experience. What I can say is I'm very satisfied with the porta pro sound. So if i can find a can that will upgrade all aspects of the porta pros I'd be happy.

Good luck to me indeed.

 

[Blackmore]

Take a look at this, about Q40

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/m-a...w-pics-275459/

ES7 arent bad, but not for a very long sessions, I guess, cos never used them for a long time myself. Just wait a while and you will get a lot more responses...

 

[wrecked_porsche]

Well, I have the ES7, and I tried the D1000. Comparing these two only, I'd choose the ES7 for the sound and isolation, and I'd choose the Denon for comfort. I can't wear the ES7 for more than 3 hours, but I can wear the D1000 all day if I had to. The Denon is probably the better "technical" performer in the SQ dept. but I prefer the sound sig of the ES7 (punchy lively, and sparkly), so if I'd have to choose one, I'd pick the ES7 (I did btw) because the Denon is too dark sounding and laid back for me. Its all a matter of compromise and personal preference though, depends on whats your main priority when it comes to choosing between them. Truth be told, I'd be fine with either one, they are both good value.

 

[Bonta]

After some more deliberation I've narrowed to the ES7 for portability or the Q40 based on audo quality (and that long thread singing its praise). Guess it can't hurt to try.

Edit: Just bought the Q-40's off amazon for 98 shipped.

im sorry wallet.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Blackmore]

I was thinking about Q40 for a while, but that stuppid cable they have just stop me to buy them.
Let us know what your impressions are please.

Congrats!