Commuter Headphones

[Aaron Dobson]

Currently using some Logitech UE4000 on-ear's that I purchased a few years ago on Amazon for about $25, but they have seen better days and I think it is time to move on.

Hoping to stay in the under $200 range for closed-back over-ear (preferably) headphones (bus/office). Primarily, I use Google Play music (indie rock, pop punk, classic rock, 60's soul/R&B) or stream Netflix on my iPhone 7+.

1. What headphones would you recommend?
2. Do i need a portable amplifier and/or DAC? If so, what would you recommend?
3. How much improvement in sound/quality is achieved by expanding the budget to $300 or $400? (Sent my wife a link to OPPO PM-3's, she was shocked at the price, but I could probably get her to let me stretch the budget).

I have been an avid music lover for most of my life, but have never put money towards good quality headphones.
Thank you in advance for any advice and recommendations!

 

[cossix]

I have a pair of HD1 by Sennheiser and they sound great out of a phone, even better with an amp. I've heard the Audio Technica M40x is also good on the go but it's a bit big so that may become annoying. Some people will recommend the Sony MDR1A but I tried that for a week and didn't like it at all compared to the HD1. The Sony bass was overpowering and a bit sloppy. It had decent clarity in mids and highs but it also felt flimsy.

I'd say try to find the HD1 for a good price on Amazon. It's quite portable with great build quality, and doesn't require an amp (although if you decide to get an amp in the future it'll definitely tighten up the bass and even it out). I use the FiiO X3 II player with the A5 amp when I'm out and about and I love it. Good luck with your search!

 

[squee116]

HD 25-1 ii's should be on that list as well. On-ear, but isolation is great, sturdy, and efficient.

 

[serman005]

SoundMAGIC HP151 or AKG K545 in your first price range would be my two recommendations. You should maybe read about them and see what you think. One might work.
If you were to expand your budget to $300-$400, you could probably find some improvement in sound quality plus there would just be more options. In addition to the PM-3, you could potentially get into a MEZE 99 Classics or a B&W P7, both of which are terrific. You should just be aware that some folks find the very neutral PM-3 to be a tad boring. FWIW. YMMV, of course.

 

[squee116]

If you opened up to open-back headphones being on the table, there'd be more recommendations. IEM's offer some good sound too, and even more isolation than over/on-ear headphones. Take a look at Dunu Titans/Fiio EX1, RE600 v2, and Shure 535.

 

[Aaron Dobson]

Thank you for the replys. IEM's will not work for me. I have chronic ear issues and IEMs seem to cause a lot of pain after short periods of use. Also, due to most of my listening being on public transit, I am only considering closed-back.

I'm trying to stay under the $200 price range. I'm currently leaning towards NAD Viso HP50 (half-price), Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, or ATH-M50x. The Backbeats are $50 more but wireless, not sure if it's worth the extra money. Any opinions between these 3?

Any other last minute contenders I should consider in the sub-$200 range?

 

[AbstractVoid]

Wireless could be nice for commuting but is usually associated with a loss of some audio quality and you will need to charge them periodically. Depending on your music tastes, the ATH-M40x may be more suitable as they are considered a bit more balanced/neutral than the M50x, both are decent for commuting though. The sennheiser HD25 are commonly suggested as portable headphones and work quite well, they are on-ear rather than over-ear.

As suggested earlier, if you expand the budget a little Meze 99 Neo/Classics or Oppo PM-3 are good portable options as well.

 

[harry501501]

If you opened up to open-back headphones being on the table, there'd be more recommendations. IEM's offer some good sound too, and even more isolation than over/on-ear headphones. Take a look at Dunu Titans/Fiio EX1, RE600 v2, and Shure 535.

He is looking for a set for commuting so open back sets aren't a great choice

 

[harry501501]

Although i mainly wear IEMs when out walking or travelling i have wore on occasion my Soundmagic HP100 as it is very lightweight, super comfy and has great isolation. it also has amazing sound, great balance and great sub bass depth without being anywhere near boomy or dominating. They are also not as wide as most over ear sets so don't stand out.

As mentioned above, the Sennhesier HD25ii is a fantastic ON-EAR headphone with excellent isolation both ways. Very comfy with great sound and suit most genres.

 

[harry501501]

Making me sad as I sold my HD25ii's and til this day don't know why