aliasfox
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2003
- Posts
- 32
- Likes
- 0
Hi all,
It's been a while, but it's time for new headphones. My office just moved, and the new setup is no good for focusing on work. Too much background noise and stuff going on. I have my cheapie IEMs (JVC Marshmallows) that I use for commuting on the subway and at the gym, but while the sound quality is fine when all I'm listening to is podcasts or broadcast TV while running, they leave a lot to be desired when I'm sitting at a desk.
Last time I looked for headphones was a long time ago, and this is what I remember from that experience:
- I ended up with Sennheiser HD497, which sounded fine, but seem broken these days. That, and open backed cans might not work too well at the office. Not as 'forward' as the Grado SR60, which I regret not getting at the time.
- I really liked the Grado SR60s, but massive leakage prevents those from being in the running for this usage scenario.
- I used to have a pair of Etymotic ER6i IEMs that lacked bass but otherwise sounded great. Too bad they stopped working after 6 months of the NYC subway system.
- JVC Marshmallows are $15, so constant replacement isn't an issue. Not the most clear, but reasonable.
I also remember liking the Sennheiser HD280 Pro, but that was also a while ago. Is there anything in the same vein that would be a better fit for me?
Source will be an iPhone 4 or iPad 1, no external amp planned
Files will be either Pandora or on-device MP3/AAC/ALAC files
Most genres of music will be present:
- Orchestral classical (Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, etc)
- Contemporary instrumental (RJD2, Thievery Corp)
- Jazz and Blues (from Booker T to Dave Brubeck, from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock)
- Classic Rock (Zeppelin, Clapton)
- Top 40 (though this stuff doesn't need to sound good...)
Would love everyone's thoughts. Thanks!
It's been a while, but it's time for new headphones. My office just moved, and the new setup is no good for focusing on work. Too much background noise and stuff going on. I have my cheapie IEMs (JVC Marshmallows) that I use for commuting on the subway and at the gym, but while the sound quality is fine when all I'm listening to is podcasts or broadcast TV while running, they leave a lot to be desired when I'm sitting at a desk.
Last time I looked for headphones was a long time ago, and this is what I remember from that experience:
- I ended up with Sennheiser HD497, which sounded fine, but seem broken these days. That, and open backed cans might not work too well at the office. Not as 'forward' as the Grado SR60, which I regret not getting at the time.
- I really liked the Grado SR60s, but massive leakage prevents those from being in the running for this usage scenario.
- I used to have a pair of Etymotic ER6i IEMs that lacked bass but otherwise sounded great. Too bad they stopped working after 6 months of the NYC subway system.
- JVC Marshmallows are $15, so constant replacement isn't an issue. Not the most clear, but reasonable.
I also remember liking the Sennheiser HD280 Pro, but that was also a while ago. Is there anything in the same vein that would be a better fit for me?
Source will be an iPhone 4 or iPad 1, no external amp planned
Files will be either Pandora or on-device MP3/AAC/ALAC files
Most genres of music will be present:
- Orchestral classical (Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, etc)
- Contemporary instrumental (RJD2, Thievery Corp)
- Jazz and Blues (from Booker T to Dave Brubeck, from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock)
- Classic Rock (Zeppelin, Clapton)
- Top 40 (though this stuff doesn't need to sound good...)
Would love everyone's thoughts. Thanks!