Best set of portable non-amp cans under $300 US

[alphaseeker]

Hello,

My first set of posts around here! This is an awesome resource of information. I've spent sometime trying to search and gain information before posting.

Nevertheless, I'm searching for a set of closed or open cans for portable use. Specifically with the likes of a (Sony 829, iAudio 7, Sansa Clip, Ipod nano). I really would like to 'not' have to use an amp to power my headphones if possible as portability is the most important issue for me.

I really love the following genres/artists:

trance
Pink Floyd ( LOVE THE FLOYD )
metal
rock
Dave Matthews Band


I do not listen to rap & hip hop. It's just not my flavor.

I would like to be able to purchase these for less than $300 US.
All of my audio is ripped at 320 VBR or higher (for the most part).

If I have left any important information out, please let me know...

I appreciate all who take the time to read and respond.

Cheers!

 

[Almoxil]

Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 (closed). I listen to rock (Pink Floyd included), metal and some electronica through them. Most of my files are MP3 at 320 kbps CBR. Great, great sound. Nice punch to the bass, and good detail.

And, as a bonus, those "woodies" look awesome.

By the way, I use them off a Cowon D2 + Meier Corda Move but they sound great unamped as well.

 

[uraflit]

senn hd25-1

 

[alphaseeker]

I will point out that I am not a 'bass head' per say. I like my music to be balanced. A tight non-boomy bottom, with non-shrill like highs would be the most descriptive way I could put it.

 

[Almoxil]

So far so good, then. The ESW9's have a punchy bass, but not boomy, bloated or "dominant". And, as far as both my listening and limited gear go, the highs don't have any shrill...

 

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

I'd say ATH-ESW9 no doubt. There is a bit of a writeup on my blog.

 

[RedLeader]

UM2 my friend. For non-amped, look to the IEM world!

 

[alphaseeker]

I really don't want IEM. I can't get comfortable wearing them. Nevertheless, if I were to purchase a portable amp, I have no idea where to start. I don't want to blow my budget, just because I want great tunes.

 

[alphaseeker]

anyone?

 

[alphaseeker]

???

 

[mnemonix]

You already got your answers. Didn't you like them ?

ATH-ESW9, HD25-1 at your price point.

You might consider a Grado SR 325 if you're not concerened with the sound leakage.

 

[argyledk]

I switch between my HD595 and PX100's and I am very happy with both. Even though the PX100's can be found (I'm in Europe where prices tend to be somewhat higher than in the US) at around $50 I think they sound very good for portable use. They are very easy to drive + they take up significantly less space than the HD595.

Of course the soundstage is better with the HD595 and comfort is superb. The problem with the HD595 is that they leak quite a lot of sound, which can be an issue in some situations.

 

[Phil Ramsay]

I use HD-25-1, ER-4P, and SR-225 regularly as portable cans. Sometimes Senn PMX 60 if 'slumming it'.

All are very different of course, but all are decent un-amped, and have their place.

If you really don't like IEM's, I'd probably recommend the Senn HD-25-1 first. Good sounding, don't leak sound, bomb-proof construction.