Brother needs help selecting sub-$150 phones...

[goldenratiophi]

Ok, so my brother is looking for a pair of headphones between $100 and $150 to be used ampless from his iPod nano/soundcard. He listens to 65% rock and 35% electronica, and also does a lot of gaming. Open/closed etc. doesn't matter. I was thinking about the Audio-Technica A700 (but I'm not sure if they're great for rock, haven't heard them) or MS1 (but small soundstage isn't great for first-person shooters). What do you think?

 

[uraflit]

a700 is the better all around headphone; it gives some isolation, more comfort, and shouldhave more bass.

 

[Pibborando]

Yeah, my A700's were fantastic for games. Bass was definitely stronger than my new DT 880's. Comfort, isolation, and they do ROCK.

Can't go wrong.

edit: He should know though that they are HUGE. If he's looking for portable cans, there are other options, but if not, A700 all the way.

 

[goldenratiophi]

Cool. Would the A900s be a worthwhile improvement?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenratiophi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cool. Would the A900s be a worthwhile improvement?

I had the A900 for a while and did not consider it a good choice for rock or techno. I preferred using it for easier listening. The Ultrasone Proline 650 were the best cans I ever used for techno. I currently enjoy my HD555 primarily with rock and expect to be using it for DVD movies.

My guess is the A700 won't be as easy to drive as the A900 or HD555. Even then my concern would be how well an ipod nano could drive any of these full size cans. I suggest checking out what others use with their ipod nano before buying.

In this price range and for primarily rock and gaming from a soundcard, my choice would be the HD555.

 

[tbonner1]

Consider the Equation Audio RP-21 for closed phones.

 

[EsthetiX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbonner1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Consider the Equation Audio RP-21 for closed phones.

co-sign

These sound beautiful un-amped and are easily driven by a nano.

 

[StealthR6]

AT ES7