[modestninja]

I'm looking for some closed head phones that offer good SQ, good isolation, sound good unamped and are somewhat portable. Currenly I own a pair of MS-1s that I love but am looking for something I can take with me when I travel (on planes or trains, etc...). I'd like to stay at $150, but if there's something that meets my requirements that's a bit more, I can most likely convince the wife....

I've tried a few different types of IEMs and have never been able to find ones that are anywhere near comfortable for me to wear for more than a few minutes so they are out.

From reading a bunch of threads on here these are some of the headphones I've seen mentioned that seem to meet my criteria (or at least most of them).

RP-21 (biggish)
A-700 or A-900 (seem to be too big...)
HD280 (not as nice sounding as some of the others)
HD25 (good overall, but hard to find and a little outside the budget)
D1000 (sound much better amped, biggish)

Can the RP-21s be worn around the neck without being too uncomfortable? Is there anything else I should be looking at?


Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[silverrain]

Sony V6 or 7506

 

[Goh]

The RP-21s can be worn comfortably around the neck. You just have to swivel the earcups outwards.

 

[Aar0n]

The RP-21s are biggish, but with a shorter cable they could be quite portable. Their isolation only makes them better for this, as they can block out quit a bit of noise. (I mowed the lawn wearing mine, and I could still rock out to some Iron Maiden.

)

 

[kamal007]

how about dt770? its closed and not as big as the at's

 

[StealthR6]

AKG K81 DJ or perhaps the AT ES7

 

[modestninja]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamal007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif how about dt770? its closed and not as big as the at's

Don't these pretty much require an amp to drive? I'd prefer not to have to bring one around with me...

 

[baileywick]

I have the RP-21s and HD280s, and prefer the RP-21s. The HD280s sound slightly dull to my ears. I prefer the brighter and fuller sound of the RP-21s. Comfort level is about the same for both.

 

[qazwsx]

I just know the HD280 and eH350 have Nicole Richie anorexic bass unamped. Amped then they sound hella good with everything I throw at them. Good bass, mids, and highs in general.

A500/700 models do well for closed headphones at their respective pricepoints. They have somewhat of an odd sound in the mids but their bass, highs, and instrument seperation make up for that one flaw. A little big.

 

[Skylab]

From my experience, and IMO, sound quality wise:

HD25-1>DT770 Pro 80>RP21>HD280

But the RP21 is only $99, seems very durable, and sounds really good. It might be best for you. The RP21 also isolates better than the DT770 (but not as well as the HD25-1). Any of these can be driven fine with no amp (although ALL headphones benefit from amping IMO).

 

[swt61]

I agree with Skylab, the RP-21's probably would be your best bet.

Skylab I knew you'd cave on the 600 ohm 990's.

 

[kamal007]

would love to hear whats equation rp21 has to offer. i have one guitar center nearby..anyone know on whats their return policy. went there like a month ago and saw the equation rp21 but none for testing purposes

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swt61 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I agree with Skylab, the RP-21's probably would be your best bet. Skylab I knew you'd cave on the 600 ohm 990's.

Yeah, couldn't help myself

 

[modestninja]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif From my experience, and IMO, sound quality wise: HD25-1>DT770 Pro 80>RP21>HD280 But the RP21 is only $99, seems very durable, and sounds really good. It might be best for you. The RP21 also isolates better than the DT770 (but not as well as the HD25-1). Any of these can be driven fine with no amp (although ALL headphones benefit from amping IMO).

A couple questions, does DT770 Pro > RP21 hold true unamped? Also, are these two headphones about the same size? I don't suppose either of them has a Grado-esque sound, do they?

Also, what kind of B&M shops usually carry the DT770 pro? From what I can gather only Guitar Center carries the RP21 near me (Minneapolis). I'd like, if I could, to test both headphones out.

 

[modestninja]

By the way, thank you for all the replies so far!