beginner upgrading

[034936]

hi everyone, im very much knew to these forums and have limited knowledge when it comes to headphones (go easy on me

).
ive been searching these forums looking for a somewhat cheap upgrade from my basic Sennheiser PX200s. I listen to mainly rock music (a lot of heavy stuff) but also listen to a lot of softer acoustic styles. i would very much like them to have very stong bass (without being thumpy) and i also would appreciate very clear high end sounds. Let it be known i don't intend on using an amp and my price range is around US$120. I am looking for closed "over the head" style phones and if possible, not too heavy or overly large.

so far, the leading contender is the AKG K81djs. the next option are the Sennheiser HD 212s ( i realise they may not deliver, but the bass and the price have grabbed my attention). both seem to be quite cheap. other models i've dismissed such as beyer DT770, senn 280 and 580 are generally too expensive and require amps.

thankyou very much in advance for any advice or help you are willing to offer.

 

[qazwsx]

i'd recommend a Grado SR125 or Alessandro MS1.

 

[034936]

i checked out the Alessandro ms1 although would i require an amp to go with it?

 

[TheMarchingMule]

For the best sound from it, an amp would be helpful.

Also, a bit off-topic, but how did you come up with your username?

 

[034936]

haha just a school id number. nothin creative i know..
i dunno im just unsure about the whole amp thing. i probably shudve mentioned these are intended to be my portable headphones also.

 

[qazwsx]

An amp can improve the MS1, but it ain't necessary,

 

[034936]

i just read the MS-1s are open air. . a closed headphone would be best considering i would be listening in public quite often.

 

[nickchen]

Closed? Then the Senn HD25-1 is state of the art (if you can afford them). The AKG K81/K518 is, except the nutty bass, quite close to the HD25 and costs only 60ish.

None of these will sound as good as an MS1 though. Pick your poison.

 

[ronmtorres]

the sennheiser hd 280 pro is $80 with free shipping in amazon. i have that 'phone and the sound is ok. i just ordered an MS1 and i would recommend that to you. I have not listened to them because I have not gotten them but they are the best rock 'phones in your price range. However it is open I think; It is $99 shipped. now, you have $20 dollars so go buy a koss ksc 75 hehe!

 

[034936]

will the open headphones be too much of a problem? for example, listening on long car trips or train rides?

 

[Deftoned]

Quite amusing too see how folks read this:

Quote:

I am looking for closed "over the head" style phones and if possible, not too heavy or overly large.

And then go on recommending Grados/Alessandros just because they read this:

Quote:

I listen to mainly rock music (a lot of heavy stuff) but also listen to a lot of softer acoustic styles

I think that K81DJ would be a good choise considering your applications, just keep in mind that the cord is quite long (8 feet.). Other phones I come to think of is the Audio Technica EJ-5 and ES-5 & ES-7. I think that the K81DJ would be a fine pick though. And if you would ever fall for this hobby of ours, you would have tons of modding options for your K81s.

 

[vegaman]

It depends how much noise there is and how loud you like to listen. I use MS1s on the train without a problem, I sometimes hear peoples ibuds over my music though, so I guess I don't listen very loud.

Edit: Though, if you're buying them primarily as a portable, closed headphones or IEMs would be better.

 

[Deftoned]

Quote:

will the open headphones be too much of a problem? for example, listening on long car trips or train rides?

Yes, at least I think so. The gain in sound quality buying the MS1s for example is easily lost twice when your going to use them in noisy enviroments. My SR60s is a pain on public transports, they isolate nothing, either way (sounds coming in and out).

 

[nickchen]

Soundwise, I always prefer my MS1, but even stronger winds on silent forest walks make me grab my closed K81, as the resulting Ssssssh would interfere too much with the music.

A Grado or Alessandro may be regarded as perfect balcony- or picnic portable.

 

[034936]

thanks for the posts everyone. anymore opinions would be greatly apreciated.