[etb513]

Hey all,
 
I'm new to the site and in general I don't have a ton of experience with anything other than mainstream and relatively low-end sound equipment. In the past I've always stuck with portable in-ear headphones, but I'd like to give full-size circumaural headphones a shot.
 
I'm fairly flexible with price, but I'm looking for something anywhere in the $100 to $200 price range. I'd prefer a closed-back design as I don't want a ton of sound leakage, but passive noise-cancelation is fine. I don't really have the experience to describe exactly what sort of sound I'm looking for, but if anyone is familiar with Denon AH-C551's (in-ear phones), I loved their sound... before they broke. I listen to a lot of rock, some jazz and classical. Comfort is a must, but I'll just be wearing them around the house and whatnot so I don't need a super-durable build. I listen mostly through a computer and occasionally a portable player and I'd prefer something that doesn't need any sort of headphone amplifier to get the desired performance.
 
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
Ethan

 

[MadMike]

Audio Technica M50s. I have both the M50s and the C551's- you will not be disappointed. Better soundstage and tighter bass compared to the Denon's (which are very good IEM's). Sound very good unamped, though even better amped. Look on ebay for very good deals.

 

[etb513]

Thanks a ton, I'll look into them.
 
EDIT: If I do end up getting an amp to help things out, any recommendations for a small and relatively cheap but reliable headphone amp?

 

[clarinetman]

Shure SRH840. Best all-arounders, especially for their price.

 

[definitionz]

I would second the SRH 840's especially with your genre of music.
The clarity and how it distinguishes each instrument is good.
The kickdrum with rock music however could be too neutral sounding but that depends on what your looking for.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

SRH840 is a good choice, but if you want more "Fun" factor for rock, 750DJ is better 

 

[Mr Joboto]

SRH840 is a good choice.

 

[baka1969]

For what you said you need I'll also say the 840. I have the Denon 1001 and the M50 and had a brief listen to the 840 and, to me, the 840 sounded best. However, I find the Denon to be quite a bit more comfortable. I use them primarily for doing chores around the house out of my iPod so I prefer the Denon. Heck while using the vacuum, ultimate sound quality isn't an issue. Lmao. For using in quieter environments and if you don't mind the extra bulk of the Shure, I'd go with them.

 

[etb513]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm looking at both the SRH840 and the ATH-M50.

 

[casioa5302ca]

And what about something from Senn´s HD 25 series ?

 

[classakg]

Quote:

SRH840 is a good choice.

Definitely this. Cant go wrong with this. 

 

[baka1969]

casioa5302ca change your sig. It's offensive.

This is the current sig of casioa5302ca:

"Arguing on the Internet is like running in the Special Olympics, even if you win you're still dumb"


I will have you change that sig. So do it nicely or do it the hard way but that sig will go. Am I making myself clear?

 

[revolink24]

I agree with baka. Change the sig.
 
Oh, and ATH-M50s are absolutely wonderful for the money. If you can REALLY stretch your budget a bit I would get D2000s. There's always used too.

 

[etb513]

If I had the money I'd go for D2000s since I love Denon, but I really don't think I'm willing to dish out that much After Looking into both the SRH840s and the ATH-M50s, I think I'm actually going to go with the ATH-M50's, unless someone can convince me otherwise.

 
Is anyone here familiar with a cheapo microphone ($30ish) I could just clip on to the headphones' cable or w/e for general voice communication?

 

[captian73]

For me nothing Noise cancels ... as good as the Sennheiser HD25's (i've got a pair of 1997 HD25-1's).