[GMRghost]

Hey Head-Fi-ers,

Being new to the audio world, my knowledge of equipment is very limited. I'm currently in need of some new headphones to replace my old Bose Quiet Comfort 2s. Browsing around, I've noticed a certain apathy for Bose and understand there are much better products out for cheaper. I'm looking to spend around $150-200 on a new set. I plan to use them for music, obviously, and gaming.

Are headphone amplifiers usually needed? Does it vary from set to set? What exactly do they do? What would be a good one for my price range?

Thanks a ton guys,
Justin

Edit: Left some details out. I won't really bring them outside. Something large and bulky would be fine if they produce good sound quality. I listen to rock music, so whatever would be good for that. Being comfortable is a must.

 

[mark2410]

you may get more of a response if you say what your looking for in terms of sound and form factor. open, closed, IEM, portable headphone, bassy, neutral, etc etc.

 

[GMRghost]

Good point.

 

[semisight]

Well, you're asking this in the portable audio forum so you're going to get a lot of in ear phones suggested to you. I would say get a pair of Grado sr125i and a basic amp. They're great for rock and good for the money.

 

[GMRghost]

Would it be possible for a mod to move this over or should I just remake the thread? Sorry >_<

 

[semisight]

Ask in both forums and see what you get. Maybe an IEM would be fine for you. Btw the Grados are over ear full size headphones.

 

[GMRghost]

Will do. Yeah, those Grados look really nice and they're right on price-point. Only thing: I'd prefer a full cup over my ear instead of something that just rests on top of my ear, if that makes sense.

Edit: Circumaural headphones is what I mean.

 

[theKraken11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMRghost /img/forum/go_quote.gif Will do. Yeah, those Grados look really nice and they're right on price-point. Only thing: I'd prefer a full cup over my ear instead of something that just rests on top of my ear, if that makes sense. Edit: Circumaural headphones is what I mean.

Check out the Headphone Buyer's Guide in the full-size headphones forum, where some circumaurals/closed cans are recommended.

Also, take a look at Joker's review thread (only some of these are circumaural):
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/s...9-09-a-433318/

 

[GMRghost]

Thanks for the advice.
The Sennheiser HD-595 seems pretty nice. What would be a good amp for that?

 

[semisight]

How much are you willing to spend? The Fiio E7 (E9 too I think) are coming in March or maybe a bit later, if you can wait (they'll be good budget amps hopefully). You might want to ask in the amp forums.