[MagixSoni]

I'm a high school student, starting university next year, and I'm looking to invest up to 150 (pre-tax) in a pair of headphones. I don't mind going a little above that limit, but not too much.
 
I listen to literally all kinds of music, from classical / jazz when I'm working to house / bass heavy music when I'm just loafting. I want some proper headphones that are versatile, but can still pump out some decent bass.
 
I need headphones that are comfortable and preferably not too heavy. I've been browsing the forums and seen that you guys are fans of the ATH-M50's, but I've also been recommended some other headphones. What do you think would be the best purchase for me?
 
I want only over-ear headphones, no IEM's. Also, they shouldn't be ridiculously ugly looking. I don't mind wired vs non-wired. If a pair of good, active noise cancelling headphones exists without comprimising the mids and high's too much, I'd love to give hear about them as well.
 
Below is a list of all the headphones I've been recommended / have heard good things about.
 
ATH-M50 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags-on-product/B000ULAP4U)
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro (http://www.amazon.ca/Ultrasone-DJ1-PRO-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101TBB2)
Sennheiser HD555 (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD555-Professional-Headphones-Channeling/dp/B0001FTVDQ)
Sennheiser HD595 (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0)
Sony ZX 700 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRZX700-Outdoor-Headphones/dp/B004P150LY)
ATH-AN7CB (http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-ANC7B-Noise-Cancelling-Closed-Back-Headphones/dp/B002HWJT1A)
ATH-PRO700MK2 (http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-AUD-ATHPRO700MK2-LIST?SRC=D0301DT0HAMS0000&utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=feed&)
Shure SRH840 (http://www.amazon.ca/Shure-SRH840-Professional-Monitoring-Earphones/dp/B002DP8IEK)
Sony PIIQ (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRPQ1-PIIQ-Headphones/dp/B003MG07KW)
Sony XB500 (http://store.sony.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=100803&storeId=20153&langId=200&productId=8198552921665774402)
 
I know that is a huge list...that's why it is so tough for me to choose. With some of the pricier ones, I would probably buy a used pair (such as with the HD595) so that they still fall in my range. However, the fact that it is used would slightly lower it's standings in my opinion, because the warranty is probably out. However, let me know what you think.
 
I'd appreciate any feedback, and if you think that the best headphone set for my requirements isn't on this list at all, then I'd like to hear your opinion on your recommended pair (and maybe a link).
 
Thanks for your feedback!

 

[MagixSoni]

Oh whoops, I just made a new thread, looked in the forum, and say a post titled " Buying headphones? Seeking guidance? DON'T START A NEW THREAD. Ask for advice HERE!"
 
I wish that was stickied...anyways, my mistake, i'll repost there. If there's a moderator here, feel free to delete this post.

 

[roma101]

Do you need isolation for outside use? If not I would recommend the Creative Aurvana Live. If you do need isolation take a look at the KRK KNS 8400. I like the M50s also but I prefer the others over them in terms of SQ.

Stay away from NC headphones unless you are using public transportation (NC function cuts out low drones such as engine noise, air conditioner, etc) and absolutely need that function.

 

[nylan8301]

Within that price range, I have yet to find a headphone that can sound good across the spectrum. Personally, if deep and pronounced bass is what you are looking for, I would recommend a pair of DT770/80. However, some people find the Beyerdynamic "house sound" to have recessed mids (not horribly, but noticeable).
 
In college, I would have given my right arm for something that could block out all the idiot people in my dorm. Personally, I would recommend getting a nice pair of in-ears instead of over/on ears. However, I have yet to find a pair in that price range that can play well with all genres.
 
What do you predominantly listen to? Classical/Jazz and bass-heavy electronica?
 
-Nylan

 

[MagixSoni]

I'll mostly be using these at home, in a quiet environment, while working, at parties where there is a medium level of ambient noise, and every once in a while, in transport.
 
I guess I don't need active noise cancelling, but I'd like to have some kind of isolation. I looked into both the headphones you recommended just now, and I'm liking the KRK KNS 8400 - would you say the sound quality of this set is better than all the ones I listed above (excluding the Sennheiser 595 - I've eliminated that one already).
 
And Nylan, haha yeah that is one of my main functions actually - I don't want to be disturbed when I'm working. I thought about in-ears, but I feel like in-ear's can never match the comfort of over-ears - the feeling of having something in my ear is just weird to me.
 
And I guess if I was to say which genre I generally listen to, it would be mostly bass heavy (electronic and hip hop).

 

[MagixSoni]

Oh wow didn't know I can edit posts. Sorry for the double...

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
Brainwavz HM5
 
Very, very good passive isolation. Best passive isolation I've come across out of a lot of headphones. Sounds very good from top to bottom, it will cover eveything from dub to acoustic. It's a touch on a the bright side, not a boring headphone, but not sibilant. Pads are both velour & pleather, I like both, but prefer the velour feel more (sound is virtually the same when using either). It does benefit amplification, so I would suggest adding a Fiio E10 for home use, or if you're going to use it both at home and when you're out, then perhaps consider the Fiio E7 (you can find these used, I suggest going that route to save some cash).
 
Very best,

 

[roma101]

I like the 8400s better than the ZX700s (the ZX700s sound boring and lifeless to my ears) for sure and the XB500s are straight up bass monsters - not really balanced at all. But if you EQ them they get better. I've read a lot of good things about the Shure SRH 840s as well but have not had the pleasure of trying them just yet. I also have not tried the others on your list but I'm pretty sure you won't want the 595/555s since they're open-back and you want something closed for isolation.
 
Personally the 8400s IMO are a great bang for buck headphone and sound more like a $200-$250 headphone. They're very detailed although for some, they lack bass. For me, it's just fine and the quality of bass is very good.

 

[Throdd]

As an owner of the SRH840's, I'm very pleased with them, but my musical spectrum is fairly focused.  They have good bass impact when amplified, but they're supposed to be driven easily regardless.  I don't feel like bass is their strong point.

 

[bowei006]

Quote:

Heya,
 
Brainwavz HM5
 
Very, very good passive isolation. Best passive isolation I've come across out of a lot of headphones. Sounds very good from top to bottom, it will cover eveything from dub to acoustic. It's a touch on a the bright side, not a boring headphone, but not sibilant. Pads are both velour & pleather, I like both, but prefer the velour feel more (sound is virtually the same when using either). It does benefit amplification, so I would suggest adding a Fiio E10 for home use, or if you're going to use it both at home and when you're out, then perhaps consider the Fiio E7 (you can find these used, I suggest going that route to save some cash).
 
Very best,

is the HM5 neutral with low bass or neutral with a solid amount of bass(im a bass head but ill use the term solid in regular non bass head instances)
 

 

[MagixSoni]

I think I'll be investing in a 30 dollar amp, and my laptop / phone has an equalizer, so the headphones don't need to be bass-centric I guess...
 
Oh my god there are just too many options to choose from
 
I've eliminated the Sony XB series from my list, the Ultrasone HFi 780, the Sony ZX700 and the Sennheisers. Now I have these left:
 
Audio Technica ATH-PRO700MK2
Ultrasone DJ1
Sennheiser HD 518
Audio-Technica ATH-M50
Sennheiser HD 25-1-II
KRK Systems KNS 8400
Shure SRH840
BRAINWAVZ HM5
 
Would you say these are pretty close to each other in terms of value? If they are, I might just choose based on looks... And what do is your opinion on the ATH Pro700MK2 with the ATH M50 headphone cups? I've seen rave reviews on those. I'd appreciate any feedback

 

[Mods12]

Quote:

I think I'll be investing in a 30 dollar amp, and my laptop / phone has an equalizer, so the headphones don't need to be bass-centric I guess...
 
Oh my god there are just too many options to choose from
 
I've eliminated the Sony XB series from my list, the Ultrasone HFi 780, the Sony ZX700 and the Sennheisers. Now I have these left:
 
Audio Technica ATH-PRO700MK2
Ultrasone DJ1
Sennheiser HD 518
Audio-Technica ATH-M50
Sennheiser HD 25-1-II
KRK Systems KNS 8400
Shure SRH840
BRAINWAVZ HM5
 
Would you say these are pretty close to each other in terms of value? If they are, I might just choose based on looks... And what do is your opinion on the ATH Pro700MK2 with the ATH M50 headphone cups? I've seen rave reviews on those. I'd appreciate any feedback

I am looking at this too around same budget, i am looking at 840s m50s and maybe krk
 

 

[MagixSoni]

Quote:

I am looking at this too around same budget, i am looking at 840s m50s and maybe krk
 

What kind of music do you listen to?
 

 

[Mods12]

I am looking for good vocals, decent bass(not weak or overpowering) and a noticeable soundstage. I listen to all music and will also be using them for games

 

[headphonatic]

Quote:

I'm a high school student, starting university next year, and I'm looking to invest up to 150 (pre-tax) in a pair of headphones. I don't mind going a little above that limit, but not too much.
 
I listen to literally all kinds of music, from classical / jazz when I'm working to house / bass heavy music when I'm just loafting. I want some proper headphones that are versatile, but can still pump out some decent bass.
 
I need headphones that are comfortable and preferably not too heavy. I've been browsing the forums and seen that you guys are fans of the ATH-M50's, but I've also been recommended some other headphones. What do you think would be the best purchase for me?
 
I want only over-ear headphones, no IEM's. Also, they shouldn't be ridiculously ugly looking. I don't mind wired vs non-wired. If a pair of good, active noise cancelling headphones exists without comprimising the mids and high's too much, I'd love to give hear about them as well.
 
Below is a list of all the headphones I've been recommended / have heard good things about.
 
ATH-M50 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags-on-product/B000ULAP4U)
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro (http://www.amazon.ca/Ultrasone-DJ1-PRO-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101TBB2)
Sennheiser HD555 (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD555-Professional-Headphones-Channeling/dp/B0001FTVDQ)
Sennheiser HD595 (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0)
Sony ZX 700 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRZX700-Outdoor-Headphones/dp/B004P150LY)
ATH-AN7CB (http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-ANC7B-Noise-Cancelling-Closed-Back-Headphones/dp/B002HWJT1A)
ATH-PRO700MK2 (http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-AUD-ATHPRO700MK2-LIST?SRC=D0301DT0HAMS0000&utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=feed&)
Shure SRH840 (http://www.amazon.ca/Shure-SRH840-Professional-Monitoring-Earphones/dp/B002DP8IEK)
Sony PIIQ (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRPQ1-PIIQ-Headphones/dp/B003MG07KW)
Sony XB500 (http://store.sony.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=100803&storeId=20153&langId=200&productId=8198552921665774402)
 
I know that is a huge list...that's why it is so tough for me to choose. With some of the pricier ones, I would probably buy a used pair (such as with the HD595) so that they still fall in my range. However, the fact that it is used would slightly lower it's standings in my opinion, because the warranty is probably out. However, let me know what you think.
 
I'd appreciate any feedback, and if you think that the best headphone set for my requirements isn't on this list at all, then I'd like to hear your opinion on your recommended pair (and maybe a link).
 
Thanks for your feedback!

Try the Brainwavz HM5's, amazing for jazz and very bass capable. They're somewhat big, but they weigh very little.