[incognitoedleon]

I'll say go for the UR-40. The HD-201's, which have the most praise from that list, seemed thin and boring unamped.

 

[Reputator]

Well the thing about the UR-40 from what I read is it takes a lot of power to run, and I do intend to use them for small and portable stuff as well. I've dealt with some of Koss's stuff before so I have an idea of how it is in that aspect.

 

[Kameleon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reputator Well the thing about the UR-40 from what I read is it takes a lot of power to run, and I do intend to use them for small and portable stuff as well. I've dealt with some of Koss's stuff before so I have an idea of how it is in that aspect.

UR-40s are perfectly usable straight out of any source, and don't require an amp any more than any of the other Koss 40mm titanium driver phones.

 

[Reputator]

I read they're comfortable, but is durability a concern for them?

 

[mulletman13]

Maybe check out a pair of D33 Eggos, or other phones from that line that you can afford. I'd reccommend the D66's, but they are nearly double your price ... but they are awesome for an all around headphone IMO

 

[xUKHCx]

.

 

[Francisco]

Stay away from the sens 212, they got too much bass. The HD 497 are the best deal under 100euros imho...

 

[Reputator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francisco Stay away from the sens 212, they got too much bass. The HD 497 are the best deal under 100euros imho...

Yeah I started to wonder about that, because I read bass is really heavy for a lot of the Sennheisers at this price level. I like bass, but let's be reasonable, it shouldn't drown out virtually everything else.

I'm getting a lot of recommendations for the UR-40s now though. A couple of things still stick to the back of my mind. Impedance is at around 60 ohms, versus 32 on a lot of others, so I guess that means it needs you to crank the volume a lot more than usual to get normal levels. Next is durability, and while I don't have a lot to go on, from the pics the frame looks rather thin and flimsy.

Since the HD497s are harder to find, would any of you say the Beyerdynamic DT231 is a good alternative?

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reputator I'm getting a lot of recommendations for the UR-40s now though. A couple of things still stick to the back of my mind. Impedance is at around 60 ohms, versus 32 on a lot of others, so I guess that means it needs you to crank the volume a lot more than usual to get normal levels.

Nah, 60 ohms is not much more than 32 ohms, in the scheme of things.

 

[Andrea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francisco Stay away from the sens 212, they got too much bass. The HD 497 are the best deal under 100euros imho...

...with the HD485.

 

[Reputator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea ...with the HD485.

well if I were getting something at that level I might as well get the SR60 instead. Then the decision would be a lot easier to make, and I wouldn't really be in this position.

I really think I'll be getting the UR40 now. I haven't heard anyone say anything negative about them. I thank everyone for being so helpful! You do a good job of making the new people feel welcome.

 

[fmplautus]

As we speak there are five pairs of Sennheiser 497s on ebay. These are really the best deal IMHO under a $100 and I own the Beyer 231s, the Senn 202s, and have owned or currently own Shures, Grados, AKGs, Highend phones, blah, blah

For bang for the buck and an entry level audiophile phone, I still love the Sennheiser 497.

 

[Reputator]

Hey, I can get the Sennheiser EH350s for $63.27 shipped. I might spring for those.

 

[episiarch]

Of the ones on your list I'm very familiar with the HD201, DT231 and K26P, and own an XD200 as well. I like the HD201 very much, and would highly recommend it to you. Don't worry that it costs only $20 instead of $50. It sounds better than headphones that cost a good deal more, and it is comfortable, adequately sturdy, and circumaural.

I'm one of the people who's heard both "first batch" and "later generation" K26Ps, and I recommend you stay away, as the later one in no way qualified as any sort of audiophile experience. (You should strike the two AKGs from your list anyway since they are comparable in cup size to the Senn PX and PXC series that you've decided against.)

IMO the DT231 is a pretty poor headphone. It has bass that goes pretty deep, and the highs now and then have their good moments, but everything in between is indistinct mush. It also leaks, despite its closed-looking design. The earcups are a little on the small side, a possible comfort issue if you have ears that don't fit them well.

The XD200 is not bad, but between it and the HD201 I'd choose the HD201.

 

[Asr]

If you expand your budget a little to $80, you can snag an AKG K240S.