[Sean R]

I have $300 to spend on headphones and I want to get what is absolutely best for my needs. I listen mainly to rap/hip-hop but I do want headphones that will be good for all genres of music. Nice bass, crisp response, everything should be good. I am never going to be using any amp or anything, they will either be plugged straight into my iPhone, my computer, or my TV if I wanted to watch a movie with them or something. I don't want them to be giant and ugly, I want them to look nice so I can go out with them. I had Beats by Dre and they were stylish enough to wear in front of others, but I heard I could get so much more with $300 so I decided to return them. By the way, the headphones should be comfortable and preferably circumaural with at least a little bit of noise cancelling properties (the more the better). If you need to know anything else to narrow the search, please ask, and I would appreciate it if the results were small as I don't know enough about the technical side of headphones to pick a pair myself. Thanks to anyone who helps.

 

[AtomikPi]

Denon D2000 would be a pretty good option, they work fine ampless, good bass response. I have heard good things about shure's new full size hp's and they isolate more than the d2000's but I have not heard them so I can't make any other comments.

 

[Sean R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtomikPi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Denon D2000 would be a pretty good option, they work fine ampless, good bass response. I have heard good things about shure's new full size hp's and they isolate more than the d2000's but I have not heard them so I can't make any other comments.

The D2000s look a little big for my taste and they go for 50$ over 300 (my funds are limited). Is there anything you could recommend for 300$ that far surpasses the sound quality of the Beats but keeps that portable style factor of them?

 

[spacemanspliff]

Buy used. Much easier on the wallet if you are on a budget. D2000s come up on the FS often enough.

Or the Audio Technica A900s are good unamped, closed, comfy, and around $200? now even new I think.

The JVC RX700s are a good bet too. Really inexpensive but still better than the Beats after you peal off their felt blanket imo.

 

[Sean R]

I'm definitely not going with used. That's just kinda nasty if you ask me. How are Ultrasones? They look light and portable enough, but I don't know how the sound quality would compare to the Beats.

 

[padam]

ATH-ESW9

 

[aristos_achaion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean R /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm definitely not going with used. That's just kinda nasty if you ask me.

Oh, I wouldn't get IEMs used (yes, that sounds kind of nasty), but I don't see where full-sized headphones would be any worse than anything else used. Yes, they've been on somebody's head, but name anything else that doesn't come in contact with the owner on a regular basis. Plus, you can get things well below MSRP and good out-of-production phones (HD580s and K501s spring to mind, not to mention orthos or vintage Stax). If you're a huge germophobe (or convinced the previous owner had head lice), replace the pads...probably still cheaper than new phones.

Also, don't forget that used phones usually don't have to be burned in...a nice convenience.

 

[AtomikPi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean R /img/forum/go_quote.gif The D2000s look a little big for my taste and they go for 50$ over 300 (my funds are limited). Is there anything you could recommend for 300$ that far surpasses the sound quality of the Beats but keeps that portable style factor of them?

D2000 are I think 218 on amazon. (I literally just checked)
You're pretty limited if you want your headphones to look good. Honestly in that case you're better off with IEM's. The Se530's could work if you don't mind a bit of treble rolloff.

Also, don't be afraid of buying used. Seriously. I've bought quite a few phones used including both of my main full sized cans and have not gotten lice or anything else.

 

[koven]

DT880

 

[AudioTroll]

Sennhieser HD-25, but they may not be comfortable,
I had a used borrowed pair (like 10 years old) end they fit percfect,hardly noticed them on,
I just got a brand new pair,and damn they hurt my ears afer 1 hour or so.

but I think they will "give" some in the headband after some use

for portable use I will never get another can thoug,they are unbreakeble,(almost anyway)

good luck in picking the right one for you.

 

[Failed Engineer]

Second the ESW9.

Perfectly mate with the genres you mentioned in the post. The only criteria they don't fit is your desire for a circumaural design. But they are still comfortable unless you have a really large head and as a result are very portable. They are also very sexy headphones. Probably amongst the top in that regard.

You should try to find them in a shop in your city to try them out for fit and if the noise blockage is up to your needs.

 

[The Uam]

The new Shure 840 look amazing. Just wait another month and get it, you will be surprised...

 

[Sean R]

Are the Ultrasone Pro 650s good?

 

[Acix]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/k702-studio-393139/

 

[priest]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acix /img/forum/go_quote.gif http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/k702-studio-393139/

l'm listening to K'Naan on my K 702 right now. Sounds awesome, even though I was prepared not to like hip hop on them, given the average description of their strengths.