[dijohn]

Sorry if this has been covered but I would like some input as to the best sounding headphones that don't require an amp to sound good. Very good, tight bass in an over-the ear design is a must for me. I listen to country, rock and pop music on an iPod 5g and iAudio x5l.

Thanks, John...........

 

[device manager]

What's your budget? How about a Sennheiser HD595.

 

[dijohn]

Sorry, I meant to include that. I would be okay in about the $200.00 range, more if really needed.

 

[Sebastianbf]

The hd-595's fits in your budget. Do a search in pricegrabber.com or take a look at the For sale forum. Actually, there's a used pair right now for $130 dollars (quite a bargain if you ask me).

 

[nightfire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dijohn Sorry if this has been covered but I would like some input as to the best sounding headphones that don't require an amp to sound good. Very good, tight bass in an over-the ear design is a must for me. I listen to country, rock and pop music on an iPod 5g and iAudio x5l.

A Grado would fit the bill nicely. If you get a chance to stop by an audio shop, audition an SR-80 and, if they have one, an SR-225. They do benefit from amping, but sound great even out of low power sources.

They aren't over-the-ear but rather circumaural; they rest on your ears. Is that within specs?

 

[MatsudaMan]

What kind of sound do you like? What kind of music do you listen to? These things will help in narrowing things down. I use grado sr125's and they work great umamped and amped. They're not very bulky and are light weight. If you like lotsa detail and punch, you'll love Grados. They pretty bright, but with flats they're just awesome. Sennheiser's are much more power hungry.

 

[Head Creep]

Another vote for Grado. The SR-225's would be ideal, but if you're planning on some wear-and-tear from on-the-go usage, the lower-end SR's are also a good choice.

 

[firefox360]

Well how about some Audio-Technica's A-500's? Since this is for potable use, some isolation wouldn't hurt I suppose?

 

[Spaceage]

If you do go for the HD-595, make sure you get the 50 ohm version. Some vendors are still carrying the 120 ohm.

 

[Xanatos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by firefox360 Well how about some Audio-Technica's A-500's? Since this is for potable use, some isolation wouldn't hurt I suppose?

He would have to have a pretty big pair to walk around in public with the a500s...

 

[The_Duke_Of_Eli]

I'd recommend a HD595 50 ohm version.

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dijohn Sorry if this has been covered but I would like some input as to the best sounding headphones that don't require an amp to sound good. Very good, tight bass in an over-the ear design is a must for me. I listen to country, rock and pop music on an iPod 5g and iAudio x5l. Thanks, John...........

Sennheiser HD25-1. They're supraaural, though. But they sound great unamped, have tight bass and sound great w/ rock and pop music on an iPod. $165-185 new online.

 

[arto]

The Beyer DT770, 880 and 990 are all available in portable-friendly 32ohm versions from Meier Audio. They're extremely comfortable, rugged, circumaural designs. For your musical tastes you may like the 880 or 990 best.

 

[manchau]

Another vote of DT770/80 for portable use.

 

[leng jai]

The HD595s are a good option for sure