Boy on a budget (Headphone Recommendations)

[btar93]

Hey, ive previously posted this before but its kinda in the wrong section, so ill just repost here if thats alright. 
 
"Hey there, ive recently become fed up with poor quality gaming headsets (which i used for games and music) after I received my current headphones, which im in the process of returning. After spending the last 3 days going over various websites and reviews for headphones im in need of some advice. Basically my setup will be whichever headphones i decide to purchase being primarily plugged into my computer (onboard 7.1 surround sound)  along with me buying a clip on microphone for skype. Initially I was leaning towards the Grado SR80i I believe they are called, however they do leak alot, which is fine, id be using them at home anyway, however i have concerns about the mic picking up my music etc. Ive also found that while I read one review boasting about how good a headphone is, I find another saying how poor it is. Sound is subjective I know but as this is my first glance into the world of decent sound I want to be reassured im going in the right direction. Last but not least I mainly listen to  Trance, Hardstyle, dubstep, house, pretty much anything "hard" and electronic so im assuming I need something that wont buckle under pressure of these songs, however I do listen to softer music, Lana Del Ray, indie bands, even classical. I guess what im saying is that I want headphones which can handle my main musical genre, but still be good all round.
 
Budget will be mainly around the 100 pounds mark, however I could be pushed to go a little further if needed.
 
Headphones ive been looking at so far: 
 
Grado SR80i
Grado SR60i

Philips CitiScape Uptown​

Audio Technica M50
House of Marley Exodus 
 
Out of the ones listed id say ive been primarily interested in the Grados and the Phillips.
 
Any feedback and/or questions are appreciated and if ive placed this in the wrong forum section I do apologise, its late here and im about to go to bed, just posting it now in the hopes of some replies to wake up to. 
 
Oh and about build quality and comfort, obviously id like something that looks, feels and fits nice, however im mainly talking about sound quality at the moment. 
 
Thanks again. 

 

[Sxooter]

People have visceral love / hate reactions to Grados. Make sure you have a good return policy on them. I love my SR225i but many people hate Grados with a passion.
 
I'd add the Sennheiser HD280Pro and Beyerdynamic DT660 or DT440 to your list, but I don't know EU / UK pricing so they might be out of your range.

 

[Dubear]

In a similar situation as you, except I'm looking for headset that I can take with me on trips. I'm leaning toward picking up a pair of nvx xpt100s. However if you need a set that is accurate with good soundstage for gaming, I would recommend considering the Krk kns 6400 or 8400. The only reason I'm not getting them is because I want a set that have punchier bass.

 

[btar93]

Forgot to add some additional info. Ive come across the Sony Prestige MDR-1R and Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Headset - 80 OHM. Leaning towards the DT770 because people have said its good for electronic music and gaming. Im also willing to purchase the Fiio E10 just as an added bonus. Ive heard people like the Audio Technica M50s for their overall sound, however bass is lacking so I could use the Fiio E10 to boost the bass a little. That being said most of these would probably be better than my current headset (turtle beach px22s) but i want to get it right the first time, im a student so I wont be splashing the cash again anytime soon. 

 

[btar93]

  People have visceral love / hate reactions to Grados. Make sure you have a good return policy on them. I love my SR225i but many people hate Grados with a passion.
 
I'd add the Sennheiser HD280Pro and Beyerdynamic DT660 or DT440 to your list, but I don't know EU / UK pricing so they might be out of your range.

Yeah ive noticed. Thanks for the feedback, I think its between the Grado SR80i and the ATH-M50s. What HiFi gave the grados an award for 2013 I think. all in all I would prefer a better overall sound instead of rattling bass that the  Beyerdynamic DT770 seems to be prefered for, oh and the fact I can get Grados locally with 2 year warranty 

 

[adisib]

 Ive heard people like the Audio Technica M50s for their overall sound, however bass is lacking so I could use the Fiio E10 to boost the bass a little.

 
M50s are actually bass heavy and only benefit a little from an AMP. They sound best for bass heavy and electronic in my opinion. However, they wont be great all rounders (even though that is what I use mine for), and music such as classical is hurt by the recessed mids. Clamp is tight on them, if that is a problem for you. Grados from what I hear aren't that good all rounders either, being less good for electronic and better for more acoustic.
 
The DT770 PRO will sound much better and be more comfortable; the 80 ohm I hear has more bass than the 250 ohm. However it costs more and you will also have to dump money on an AMP for them if you don't already have one.

 

[kraken2109]

Open back headphones are best for gaming, but in general (especially lower priced models) don't have as good sub-bass as closed back (due to the design it's harder to pressurize).
For £80 you can get the Sennheiser HD518 which is open back and supposed to be fairly bassy.
If you can spend £120 you could get the Sennheiser HD558 or AKG612 pro, both of which are open back.

 

[btar93]

   
M50s are actually bass heavy and only benefit a little from an AMP. They sound best for bass heavy and electronic in my opinion. However, they wont be great all rounders (even though that is what I use mine for), and music such as classical is hurt by the recessed mids. Clamp is tight on them, if that is a problem for you. Grados from what I hear aren't that good all rounders either, being less good for electronic and better for more acoustic.
 
The DT770 PRO will sound much better and be more comfortable; the 80 ohm I hear has more bass than the 250 ohm. However it costs more and you will also have to dump money on an AMP for them if you don't already have one.

I see I see. Yeah the clamp wouldnt bother me too much and I dont really listen to classical, its like once in a blue moon so. Yeah I mean like I said id be willing to purchase the Fiio E10, would that help the DT770s?

 

[btar93]

  Open back headphones are best for gaming, but in general (especially lower priced models) don't have as good sub-bass as closed back (due to the design it's harder to pressurize).
For £80 you can get the Sennheiser HD518 which is open back and supposed to be fairly bassy.
If you can spend £120 you could get the Sennheiser HD558 or AKG612 pro, both of which are open back.

Just started reading reviews on those, out of the two which would you go for if you are in my situation. There is way too much choice here haha, I cant make my mind up  
 
(Talking about the 558 and AKG 612s btw)

 

[kraken2109]

(I recommend viewing this image full size)
 
It's hard to say. Technically they're both better than the 518, but as you can see it has the most bass so there's a chance you might even prefer that.
As you can see, the 558 and AKG (I used the 601 which is reported to be very similar to the 612) are fairly similar. The 558 have slightly more bass, but the AKGs have a flatter in the high mids/low treble, with slightly more extension in the highs (the 558s final peak is probably too high to be very noticeable).
 
You could always buy both from places with good returns policies and send back the one you don't want.

 

[btar93]

  (I recommend viewing this image full size)
 
It's hard to say. Technically they're both better than the 518, but as you can see it has the most bass so there's a chance you might even prefer that.
As you can see, the 558 and AKG (I used the 601 which is reported to be very similar to the 612) are fairly similar. The 558 have slightly more bass, but the AKGs have a flatter in the high mids/low treble, with slightly more extension in the highs (the 558s final peak is probably too high to be very noticeable).
 
You could always buy both from places with good returns policies and send back the one you don't want.

I see, thanks for the image. On a side note, would you recommend I get a DAC anyways, like i said i could buy the E10 as it will be for computer use. 

 

[btar93]

 
The DT770 PRO will sound much better and be more comfortable; the 80 ohm I hear has more bass than the 250 ohm. However it costs more and you will also have to dump money on an AMP for them if you don't already have one.

Ive heard that you get a rattling sound in the DT770s though

 

[kraken2109]

I'm not really the person to talk to about DACs.
What I can tell you is that at 120ohms the AKGs would want an amp. The Senns don't require one but would probably improve with one.

 

[Sxooter]

  Ive heard that you get a rattling sound in the DT770s though

Not mine. I'm guessing if you do they're broken.

 

[MrRockliffe]

  Ive heard that you get a rattling sound in the DT770s though

That's interesting. I do in my Custom One Pros (very similar in sonic performance I found).
 
It comes and goes now and again. I've now come to the conclusion that the driver needs to cool down after extended bassy periods, so to say. It seems to do the trick every time, but it's annoying because I can't use them while they're all rattly.
 
That being said, they're brilliant headphones. I listen to all the music you do, and also use them for 7.1 Gaming using Razer's programme. Outstanding performance. Recommended, but maybe a bit to pricey for yourself.
 
You could have a look at the Ultrasone HFi 580s - what put me off at the time was the lack of the detachable cable, but that's only because my cable gets snagged on quite a bit.