[Pscheoverdrive]

Hello all...

I've been digging through this and several other sites for about ten hours so far, trying to find a good set of headphones around $300.

My search so far has brought up these models:
Grado SR225, SR325i
Beyerdynamic DT660, DT860, DTX900
AKG K181DJ, K701, K271
Sennheiser HD280

So, here's how these would be used: I'm a music freak, thus I listen to a huge variety of music. Metal, harder-electronica (goa, psy, techno) jazz and J-pop are among the most frequently listened to. These headphone will go with me everywhere, so some noise cancelling would be preferable... But, size and weight are not concerns here. However, these will almost always be driven by my .mp3 player or the soundcard on my laptop, so low impedance is good.

I want clarity above all else, next comes decent bass (I like some kick) and detailed highs... I'm not doing studio monitoring while walking around, so a little coloration is ok.

A few notes on the 'phones listed:
The AKG 701's are a bit pricey, so they're only an option if they blow all the other headphones out of the water...

The Grados are tempting... How much do the the SR225 and SR325i differ in SQ?

AKG K181 DJ - I've seen lots about the K81s, what about these?

Senn HD280 - I've not heard anything about these. Seems to be overshadowed by the HD600... But, the imp is too high on those.

Beyers... Substantial differences? Can the DTX900 measure up to the Grado SR225?

Thanks all... If there's any 'phones that are worth checking into, I'm all ears... But, I'm trying to make the list shorter.

Edit: Forget that I asked for noise cancelling. SQ, SQ, SQ...

 

[vapman]

the hd280's are good, but if i were you i'd look at the hd580 or 600.

 

[Cousin Patty]

K701 and Grados are open headphones. They will not do well in portable setups where you need isolation. The k701's need decent amplification and are also very big and not really portable.

What I would really suggest is getting two headphones...the K81 DJ for portable use. And something like the SR225 for home use.

 

[aufeuer]

Except for your noise cancelling needs, the Grados seem to fit the bill.

EDIT: Oh, and at $300, there's the Grado/Alessandro MS2 which is worth considering.

 

[Genetic]

You ask too many questions....

Grado will do an excellent job direct from your MP3 player. Difference between Grado's models? The best way it to find an audio shop where you will have access to demos. Only you can tell if you like or not the sound signature.

Good luck (And too bad for your wallet....)

Amicalement

 

[nickchen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Patty the K81 DJ for portable use. And something like the SR225 for home use.

Also my first thought.

 

[jbloudg20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Patty What I would really suggest is getting two headphones...the K81 DJ for portable use. And something like the SR225 for home use.

Very good suggestion.

 

[Pscheoverdrive]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Genetic You ask too many questions....

Haha... Sorry... There's just so much to know.

Well... The K81s look good, but what about the K181 DJs?

And I've listened to a lower-end set of Grados (80s, I think)... The noise isolation issue is really that big b/c I'm in all sorts of environments, so open/closed... Sound is more important.

Thanks guys... I'll look into the MS2s.

 

[Chef Medeski]

Go for the Grado. I use them for Rock/Alt. Rock/ and jazz and they work great. I have a special edition SR-225. For your price I would go with the Allesandro or a used RS-2.... would u mind used? .... cause might was well

 

[rhythmicmoose]

You might also want to consider the DT-770 80 or 32 ohm. It's closed, so it'll give you isolation. It's got the clear, detailed Beyerdynamic sound and will definitely give you the bass and treble you're looking for. The "Pro" 80 ohm version and "2006" 32 ohm version will also work well unamped.

 

[Audiofiler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Patty What I would really suggest is getting two headphones...the K81 DJ for portable use. And something like the SR225 for home use.

Great advice and strategy up the HP ladder..as you move on.

 

[hulkster]

Quote:

the K81 DJ for portable use. And something like the SR225 for home use.

True, or try the Philips HP460 as oppossed to the K81Dj. Mine are in the mail...I hear they clamp way less than the k81s = more comfortable, and people who compared say they sounded much the same in the sound department.

Edit...or consider in addition something cheap like the px100/PHILIPS SHL9500 for compact folding and tossing around when you don't want to wreck your good ones.

 

[Kees]

I would SERIOUSLY consider Beyer DT880 for your listening preferences.
Do a search, there is a lot to be found about them on this forum.

 

[Pscheoverdrive]

Ahh.... 'K... So, things are getting a little narrower.

So far, it's:

Alessandro MS2 vs Grado SR325i vs SR225
AKG K181DJ vs K271 vs Beyer DT660 vs DT680

I rethought my 'requirements' a little, and I've determined that sound iso isn't an issue. It's just all about SQ now...

The DT880 looks sweet... But, I think 250 ohms is a little too high...

Can anyone give me ops on these face offs?

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pscheoverdrive Ahh.... 'K... So, things are getting a little narrower. So far, it's: Alessandro MS2 vs Grado SR325i vs SR225 AKG K181DJ vs K271 vs Beyer DT660 vs DT680 I rethought my 'requirements' a little, and I've determined that sound iso isn't an issue. It's just all about SQ now... The DT880 looks sweet... But, I think 250 ohms is a little too high... Can anyone give me ops on these face offs?

The new DT880 also comes in a 32 ohm version.
(And

looks: http://www.beyerdynamic.com/cms/manufaktur.1456.0.html# )