Absolute Best Possible Headphones to Use With an iPod?

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Quote:

It's actually the latest iPhone 4, it would be very hard to use an mp3 player that doesn't directly sync with itunes. I have been looking for a pair under 50 ohms or so, so that the iPhone would be capable of powering it. I found the marshall major headphones but read some reviews that they are nothing great. I will definitely not be using an amp (just for portable listening) so want the best possible set for my situation, I don't need audiophile quality just something that will sound better than the bose on ears I have, have deep powerful bass but also hit the highs that the bose are incapable of doing.

Ok. Then:
 
1. Look for something easy to drive
 
2. Don't assume that spending $400 is necessary or even helpful. Higher end cans generally assume more amp and they can not add qualities to a source that it lacks. Look for low impedance.
 
3. Don't be discouraged by the Bose or think that you didn't spend enough money. A lot of what they sell is hype and mark up.
 
4. There's a US store with a specially good rep. And they have an IPod page!
 
http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/top-ipod-products.php
 
You should look at
 
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/sennheiser-px-200-ii.php
 
- closed backs, designed for portables, recommended for iPods, less than $100
 
http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/beyerdynamic-dt-770---32-ohm.php
 
- more money, $270, very low impedance for closed back cans. Otherwise, if you can give up the closed backs, look at those Grados - but check the impedance.
 

 

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And take a look at this - it's the headphone equivalent of the Iliad and Oddessy combined!
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/433318/shootout-89-portable-headphones-reviewed-beyerdynamic-dt1350-added-08-12
 
 

 

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Keep in mind impedance is not the only thing you want to look at when you consider portable audio devices.
 
General Rules:
Impedance:  Between 16 and 100 Ohm
Sensitivity:  Greater than 98 dB
 
This will ensure you that your portable device can power the driver efficiently and you will not have to turn it up to blistering levels to get a nice sound out of your headphones / IEM's.