Comfortable + Good SQ for $75-$100? (UPDATED)

[aphexii]

I currently have a pair of Westone UM2's and i LOVE them... Fantastic IEMs...

Problem is, I don't always want to use IEM's, primarily when i'm laying around the house and don't feel like listening to myself breathe

These will be at home, so any style is fine.

UPDATED: WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR!!

* I would prefer to stay under $100 (more like $75), but will go above if warranted.
* Rather than tell you all the styles i listen to (varied), here are my favorite artists;
----1) Maroon 5
----2) Michael Buble
----3) Yo-Yo Ma
----4) Coldplay
----5) Led Zeppelin
----6) Rodrigo Y Gabriela
----7) Dominic Miller (Classical Guitar)
----8) Timbaland & all his colaborations

* I would like a more enjoyable experience as opposed to more accurate (if there is a tradeoff).
* I don't enjoy "shrill" highs but i love deep/low/subwoofer'esque bass! I like a full sound... I usually err on the side of warmer tones but i still want those highs represented for the classical I listen to
* They need to be COMFY!! I want to be able to put them on for 3-4 hours at a time, not have my ears sweat and get tired, and just enjoy music (or whatever i'm listening to)

Currently looking at the following based on many of the responses in this thread, and what i've read elsewhere. Price I would pay is included next to the product:

Senn EH350 - $54
AKG K81DJ - $66
Sony V6 - $69
Senn HD555 - $100
AT ATH-ES7 - $120

 

[srozzman]

Koss UR-40 are comfy, and pretty good SQ IMHO when Kramer modded )can you tell?) they use the ksc drivers btw

 

[tstarn06]

I have SR-80s and don't find them uncomfortable, and I don't believe comfort is an issue with the SR-60s either (especially with their "comfy" pads). Considering the number of Grado fans here, I don't think that poor comfort is a consensus.

Have you tried them on? Also, using the basic tape mod, you can boost the bass on the SR-80s nicely.

Another new phone on the scene is the RP-21, which is $99 and comfy.

 

[qazwsx]

~$100, good all arounders would be eH350 (open), MS1 (open), SR60/80 (open), and KSC75 (open).

 

[aphexii]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstarn06 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have SR-80s and don't find them uncomfortable, and I don't believe comfort is an issue with the SR-60s either (especially with their "comfy" pads). Considering the number of Grado fans here, I don't think that poor comfort is a consensus. Have you tried them on? Also, using the basic tape mod, you can boost the bass on the SR-80s nicely. Another new phone on the scene is the RP-21, which is $99 and comfy.

Never tried them on, no one locally sells em afaik... As far as comfort, when i search google for sr60 reviews, quite a number of them mention comfort as an issue so thats what I was basing my comment on.

 

[GSurge]

I have SR-60s and one of my primary motivations for switching phones is comfort.

 

[aphexii]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have SR-60s and one of my primary motivations for switching phones is comfort.

Pardon my confusion....

Are you saying you switched TO them because they are comfortable?

or that you are switching AWAY from them because they are uncomfortable?


BTW, thanks everybody for the responses thus far..!

 

[GSurge]

Oh, haha. Switching to Beyers!

 

[aphexii]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSurge /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh, haha. Switching to Beyers!

Gotcha... Guess i might have to try em to find out if I like em...

What Beyers you switching to?

 

[GSurge]

Bought a pair of 2005 DT990s. Hopefully I'll get them next week. Unfortunately, they are quite a bit over your $75 budget.

 

[heatmizer]

I wear glasses and I find the sr-60 with comfys to be quite comfortable even after many hours.
My most comfortable phones are my px-100

 

[aphexii]

Well JR.com has the SR60's for $69 w/ free shipping and a hassle free return policy.... Might just try them out to decide for myself... Worse comes to worse im only out return shipping.

On a side note, do Sam Ash stores have a decent selection of headphones in store? Thats the only place nearby I can think of that might stock any decent headphones.

 

[aphexii]

So i got to play with the Sony MDR-V7506 (new V6) as well as the Senn 280pro's at a local Sam Ash.

Liked them both. Sound quality seemed a little more pleasing on the 280's, but the sony felt more comfortable with a better build quality. Now to find somewhere that has the Senn 555's to try...

 

[Night Surfer]

They don't get much love around here but the iGrado fits your needs.
I say this because SQ, Bass, and Comfort are also high priorities for me and they suit me very nicely.
The plastic band sort of molds to your head and this can take a little while for them to get really comfy though. They will probably feel like they are squeezing your head at first.

 

[dissembled]

Another vote for Senn EH350 ($57 @ Newegg).

I was preparing myself to be disappointed with these because I initially thought all neutral phones were lifeless. I was also worried that its bass response would prove too insufficient for me. HAHAHAHA. Was I proven wrong.

Source:
Vision M (UNAMPED; avg: 192(+) KBPS Mp3s

)

Pros:

1. Surprisingly Detailed
2. Superb instrument separation
3. Very Open; Sufficient Soundstage (I'm a Soundstage nut.
   
   )
4. Great treble/midrange (Vocals are in the forefront)
5. TIGHT but sufficient bass
6. Good all-rounders (Acoustic songs especially. Strings are beautifully & impeccably replicated.)
7. Nonfatiguing (due to sublime instrument separation + neutral response + SOUNDSTAGE)
8. Sublime Comfort (Slept 2 consequetive nights with these muffs on.)

Cons:

1. Treble can be overwhelming for some songs at first. (A somewhat mute point because bass will develop during burn, ultimately countering this. )

I think that paying $57 for these phones is an injustice. I would honestly have $150 for the superb quality I get with these. And maybe even more.