[Mythar]

I'm very new to all of this, but was looking to spend around $200 to get some new headphones, but I don't want to deal with an amp just yet. I plan on plugging them into a couple of different pioneer recievers I have and listening to them for home theater and a wide range of music (less classical and jazz), though the most important use will be home theater. The lack of an amp is basically centered around by desire to use these as backups to my speakers in a number of different rooms when I need to keep the sound isolated to a certain room/apartment, and thus ease of setup in multiple places is important as well. Any suggestions on the best home theater /reciever driven /$250 and under headphones? I hope to audition some soon, but was looking for suggestions. If there are some that are just out of this price range but are clearly superior, please list those as well.

Thanks

 

[bootman]

Grado SR225.

(But they will sound even better with a good amp.

)

The Sony V6/7506 is a good HT phone. (under $100)
Sounds decent right out of the headphone out of my DVD player.

(but again much better with a good amp)

 

[Guyferd]

what about the ety er-4p?
I know they rock!!

 

[bangraman]

Best open under $200 for all purpose use with a meaty receiver with a good headphone jack: Sennheiser HD580.


Best closed under $200 for all purpose use with most sources: Audio-Technica ATH-A900.

 

[psyco1]

Closed - A900

Open - HD-590 or sr-225

 

[purk]

Audio-Technica works wonder with out an amp. I would say A900 for closed and SR225 for open design. Really, a combination of Meta42 (used) and HD-580 will blows those two cans any day. You need an amp!!


Purk

 

[Mythar]

Thanks for the great suggestions. I'm assuming most of you feel open>closed if surroundings permit...and I'm sure I'll get an amp eventually, but I can always upgrade again once that comes around.

My reciever is going to be a Pioneer D811s, which is pretty middle range, so I doubt it has a meaty headphone output...but if anyone knows if that would provide enough power for HD580s, let me know!

Thanks again.

 

[andrzejpw]

Buying HD580s will be insurance for the future. They will sound ok without an amp, but when you're ready to add one they will blossom into incredible phones. Just be prepared to realize that you aren't hearing them at their best without an amp.

For phones without an amp, I say go with Grado 225s, A900s, or beyer 250-80s.

 

[daycart1]

These suggestions are all good.

But there is a difference between headphones that work well UNAMPED and those that might work well without a dedicated headphone amp.

Usually on this forum when people talk about "unamped" listening, they mean listening from a portable. Of course portables amplify the signal (using an opamp), but not enough to drive some headphones well.

I think a receiver with a headphone jack will have plenty of power to drive any headphone. The limitation is the quality not the quantity of amplification. But this will apply to any headphone you choose.

Conclusion: I think with your receiver, you'll have no trouble with even "hard to drive" headphones like the Sennheiser HD 580. So that would be another good choice for you, as Bangraman said.

 

[purk]

Daycart,

Well said. I second your choice.

Purk

 

[KR...]

Quote:

Originally posted by bangraman Best open under $200 for all purpose use with a meaty receiver with a good headphone jack: Sennheiser HD580.

Yeah right

Quote:

I plan on plugging them into a couple of different pioneer recievers I have and listening to them for home theater and a wide range of music (less classical and jazz), though the most important use will be home theater.

Your best bets are the Sony v6, Grado MS1 both of these are under $100.

 

[Mythar]

Thanks guys, I figure I'll start out with the HD580s, and I may get the A900s in a couple of months...to fit the times when I need closed headphones, or maybe a little more oomph.

 

[Mythar]

Thanks guys, I figure I'll start out with the HD580s, and I may get the A900s in a couple of months...to fit the times when I need closed headphones, or maybe a little more oomph.

 

[Mythar]

how do the 580s compare with the 590s? Which one would be better for primarily home theater purposes?

Thanks

 

[KR...]

Well, you can't use the 580 without an amp, well you can but they are going to sound like ****. They sound great with an amp however.