[Squalish]

I'm looking to buy a pair of headphones for someone as a gift. She is very hard on her gear, so it needs to be indestructible and cheap-to-replace. So far, she's tried a wide variety of Streetstyles and Sony in-the-ear phones, but is not currently listening to much. I'd like to introduce her to the audiophile headphone hobby with some full-size cans.

Budget is $20-$50.

No amp will be used, just a Sansa or DS as an MP3 player.

I'd prefer not to get something horribly uncomfortable as well.

First instinct was to look at the Koss KSC-75, but she doesn't want anything with clips that divides when she takes them off - she wants to be able to hang them on her neck. Earplugs are out as well - she can't stand them.

I'm currently looking at the PX100's, PortaPro, and wishing that I could find the Creative Aurvana Live for the $40 that some have apparently been able to get it for. I'm completely open to suggestions.

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Edit Jan 1 2010:

Currently trying to compare
JVC HA-RX700
JVC HA-M750
Sennheiser HD485
Audio Technica ATH-SJ5
Audio Technica ATH-M30
Beyerdynamic DT235

Cans need to be NIB.

Edit Jan 4:
+DBI Pro 700, depending on how ugly it is in person. Looks like something I'd appreciate for myself.
After finally finding some comparisons between the HA-RX700 and the HA-M750 here, I'm leaning towards the M750's.

 

[nullstring]

not $40.. but pretty cheap
CREATIVE AURVANA LIVE! NEW IN BOX - eBay (item 110472733506 end time Jan-20-10 16:46:43 PST)

I would also consider ATH-ES7's, but they seem kinda fragile.

Koss UR40's are probably also pretty fragile, but they come with koss's lifetime warranty ($6 for full repair, no questions asked). Use the same drivers as KSC75. These are underrated around here, imo.

iGrado's seem kinda fragile too, but maybe an SR60?.

 

[Deep Funk]

There are plenty of cheap secondhand headphones on the web. Some old MDR V6-es are a good buy if in good condition. That's how I found my lovely V6-es in a country where they are hard to find.

The Sennheiser 400-series or EH350 could be worth a look. The EH350, I'm informed is a little gem. I'm semi considering buying one.

 

[lxxl]

You can get an idea of the lower end phones here on this thread.

some suggestions are JVC harx700 and Senn HD201, do a search on the forums and you can find how they sound/comfort/build.

 

[Prog Rock Man]

I second the Senn HD201. I do not second the PX100s or any of the smaller 'portable' cans. The 201s have great sound, great comfort and the wide plastic band and covers mean they can be dropped more often that others. Cheap to replace as well. I am sure they are on sale at Play.com for about £15.

 

[mythless]

Cheap, durable and decent sounding? Sounds like the JVC HA-M750 are for you! Black piano finish, and very durable. The PX100 are also quite nice. The Portapro aren't the best when it comes to durability, but they have great warranty.

 

[ljokerl]

Indestructible, comfortable, and between $20 and $50? Only one headphone comes to mind: the DBI Pro 700

If that's too ugly I second the HA-M750.

 

[az2123]

Some excellent suggestions here. Can't really go wrong with any of them.

However, I'd like to point out that even when hacked, the Nintendo DS is terrible as a source... stick to the Sansa.

 

[DT770]

Cheap, sound good, - devise a method to take up the 'way too long cord' and I bet she would enjoy Sennheiser 201's...

 

[derek800]

I would also recommend the HD 201's for a good cheap headphone. You could also look into the HD 212's if she likes bass heavy music.

 

[salannelson]

PORTA PRO! you cant go wrong with those. lifetime warranty. do it.

 

[Squalish]

Bump

Porta Pro over HD201? I've heard a lot of "201's were my first cans, but my second were sooo much better" that I havn't heard with the KSC-75.

Porta Pro or K81DJ?
Are the UR40's distinct from the Portapro/KSC line?
Where do ATH-SJ3/SJ5 play into all this?
How about ATH-FC700A?
DT231?
iGrado?
Panasonic RP-HTX7?
I know that the bottom end of a line isn't usually admirable compared to its big brothers, but is the SRH240 worth considering?

*hyperventillates*

 

[DT770]

I have Porta-Pros an like them, too. But your hair does get snagged up in the headband and she will ABSOLUTELY HATE that!!

The only two disadvantages to the 201's in this situation are:

1> They require a LONG LONG burn in before they sound good.

2> The cord is too long for portable use, you have to make a method of keeping the cord under control.

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squalish /img/forum/go_quote.gif Porta Pro or K81DJ? Are the UR40's distinct from the Portapro/KSC line? iGrado?

I'd rule out the K81Dj and iGrado for the comfort prerequisite. Both clamp quite hard unless she has a very small head.

UR40 shares drivers with the KSC75/KTXPro1
PortaPro shares drivers with the KSC35/SportaPro

 

[Deep Funk]

The Sennheiser EH-series could be interesting. The 250 and especially the 350 can be a good option.