Best Rock/Trance/Linkin Park Headphones for Around $150 or Preferably Less (no amp)

[GermaniumGenie]

Hi. Like the title says, what are the best headphones around (can be a little more if it's worth it) $150 or less for listening to rock, trance, Linkin Park, and the like? I want my music to sound realistic and very detailed, and I also want to be able to hear the instruments and voices clearly. It also needs a decent amount of bass (doesn't need to be extravagant), eloquent highs, and a smooth midrange. I will be using these without an amp on my CD player and computer (Creative X-Fi in just 2 more weeks! I have an Audigy2 ZS now). Comfortability is not really a priority. It is all about the sound quality for me. From what I have seen on these forums, the Grado SR80 or SR125's seem like the best choice for me, but I'd appreciate some additional input.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

I'd look for a used SR225 (around $150) or an Alessandro MS-1 (new from http://www.alessandro-products.com/headphones.html for $100) in that price range.

-Matt

 

[mmmmcheese]

Allesandro MS1 with flat pads. That would cost around $130.

 

[Jahn]

What those guys said.

 

[GermaniumGenie]

Thanks a lot, but I have a few questions now. Sorry if these are too many questions.

First, which one: used SR-225 or Alessandro MS-1?

Also, where can I find used SR-225's for $150? I can't find a "For Sale" section on these forums. They cost $175 on eBay, and I'm not sure I would trust that seller.

Where can I find flat pads for the MS-1?

Also, what did Alessandro do to tweak the Grado headphones that makes them so much better?

 

[mmmmcheese]

http://toddthevinyljunkie.com/produc...uct.php?id=167

 

[mmmmcheese]

Also I would say to go with the MS1 over a used SR225 because unamped I do not think you will notice as much of a difference to make it worth it.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermaniumGenie Also, where can I find used SR-225's for $150? I can't find a "For Sale" section on these forums. They cost $175 on eBay, and I'm not sure I would trust that seller.

Here are the Sale Forums!

 

[GermaniumGenie]

I ordered the Alessandro MS-1 a few hours ago. How fast is their shipping usually? I live in Ohio (US). Why can't I just go to Radio Shack and get some of their replacement flat pads for much cheaper?

 

[J-Pak]

Wow $30 is a bit too much to spend on pads in my opinion. If you can deal with yellow then the Senn HD414 flats are only $7 from Sennheiser direct; this is what I use on my SR-60s

 

[Cerebral_Mamba]

I have not tried the radio Shack pads, but the Todd Flats are well worth the bucks. I don't think you would regret buying them, after all its all about the music right??

 

[Little J040]

My SR125s set me back 80 bones, from a great head-fier, So if you can find something like that maybe the rest of the money could go into an amp? The z-audio lineup is cheap and very good bang for buck IMO

 

[GermaniumGenie]

what's so special about the $30 ones?

 

[Jorge]

Check this thread regarding my latest purchase:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=128461

I find the Senn HD485 to be a good can for the kind of music you're talking about. I just got done listening to some DJ Tiesto and these cans absolutely thumped. Recommended for the kind of music you're talking about, I would say.

 

[Beach123456]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GermaniumGenie what's so special about the $30 ones?

They bring the drivers closer to your ears, bringing noticable differences in the sound.