[Detailed] Recommendation for new headphones?

[carrotcake]

Hey there, I'm rather new to the forums, and after reading for a few hours (including all the stickies) I decided to make this thread.

I'm looking for a new set of headphones; I'll start listing as much information as I can, and I'll be happy for any suggestions from you audiophiles out there.

Price range: $150~250, general range, not strict.

I will be walking around a whole lot with these on, so I'm rather concerned about the ruggedness of the headphones I'll be getting. These need to last for a long time under normal use (I walk about 3 miles every day, so that's normal use).

I would prefer headphones that look sleek in public. I've seen the Beats by Dr Dre series of headphones, and I really like the look. I'd prefer not buying any of that series until I get more insight on headphones that might be more worth my money.

I listen to a very wide variety of music; there are times when I want to relax with a good classical piece, or take a walk with booming bass club music or rock. Thus I'd prefer headphones that can account for a wide variety of sounds and perform well with both. Bottom line is, the cans I need can deliver punchy bass on songs that are meant to have punchy bass, but can also play classical, calming music without overpowering with bass.

From what I've heard, active noise canceling is not for me; when the song is meant to have a silent pause, a "white noise" in the background sounds anything but appealing. However, I do plan to use these headphones to escape from loud environments.

I will be using these headphones with an iPod, so I'd prefer best performance with an iPod and computer soundcard (I'm using an audigy 2 ZS); I don't and probably will not have access to an amp, nor do I want to feel like my headphones depend on an amp for good sound.

Also, comfortability for long amounts of time is paramount. I sometimes listen to music for up to hours at a time.

Also going back to the Beats by Dr Dre reference (I'm sorry about bringing these up so often, I know Head-Fiers don't like them in general. They're the only reference I have), I really liked the Beats Studio mute-button functionality; by pressing a large button on the side of one of the phones, the set mutes itself, allowing for one to hear the outside world. I don't know if there are other headphones with this functionality, but it would be nice to not have to take off my headphones to answer a question.

Other things:
Audio cable detachable on both ends so I can replace it or use different length audio cables at a whim.
Comes with a carrying case that offers decent protection.

If any other information on my preferences would help narrow the suggestions, please ask and I will provide. Thanks again, Head-Fi!

 

[bcpk]

Sennheiser HD 25-1 IIs can be completely dismantled so it is possible to replace parts of them if they break, although I think they're quite durable already. They also have replaceable cables, very good isolation (for headphones) and a fairly flat sound. I haven't used them a great deal so I can't say much beyond that, and I'm not sure if they'd need an amp or not. Other than that I think they're fairly well-suited to your requirements.

 

[WhiteBear]

HD 25-1 II don't need amp.

carrotcake

Ultrasone PRO line headphones will have almost everything you asked for.

 

[WyldRage]

Rugged
Detacheable cables
Isolation from outside noise

These factors describe the Sennheiser HD25-1 II. I do not think they come with a case however, and I would not describe them as "sleek in public".

From the limited time I have listened to those, I would describe the sound as somewhat dark, the bass taking precedence over the treble, but only slightly.

Apart from this, closed headphones with detacheable cables can be found in the Shure 840 and the Ultrasone pro line, but I am unable to give you more information on those.

 

[carrotcake]

Okay! So far it looks like the Sennheiser HD 25-1 II is the most recommended; Whitebear, which model from the Ultrasone Pro series do you recommend? Or are they all the same?

@WyldRage It's not so much "sleek in public" that I wish for so much as "avoiding the appearance of a robot from the neck up"

If the headphones that you're describing is the same as the one in this link, then that's sleek enough! In truth, good looks would be preferred, but that comes after the sound quality for me.

Also, I keep seeing people suggest the "m50" in the forums; what's so great about it? Would it suit my headphone needs?

Furthermore, I saw a set of headphones on Cnet reviews called the AKG K702; however, from the sticky in this forum, it apparently requires an amp. Does this mean it doesn't suit my purposes? Like whitebear's post stating that the HD 25-1 II doesn't need an amp, why would a pair of headphones need one? Cnet's description of the K702's open-speaker-sounding audio sounds appealing, but not if it requires an amp to use properly.

 

[joelpearce]

If you are going to be using them outside, you definitely want closed cans, not open cans like the 702.

 

[henryhan]

In short, NONONO on the k702s. First of all they are full sized, so you walking around would be a pain, and the risk they get damaged, etc etc. Secondly, they are extremely amp dependent, so coming straight from an ipod, it would sound thin and very non-musical (at least this is my experience). The akg's are open, however, that also means no isolation...in fact other people around you will be able to hear your music even at moderate levels. You hear the world, and they hear your music.

I've borrowed my friend's m50's for a month previously, and I thought they sounded pretty good. The cable was the coiled type and very inconvenient for portability, however I assume the straight cable version would be much better.

I think for ultrasones, the 650s/750s are the most recommended in the pro line, as well as fitting your budget description.

 

[WyldRage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrotcake /img/forum/go_quote.gif @WyldRage It's not so much "sleek in public" that I wish for so much as "avoiding the appearance of a robot from the neck up" If the headphones that you're describing is the same as the one in this link, then that's sleek enough! In truth, good looks would be preferred, but that comes after the sound quality for me.

Yep, that's the one, but there is something off in that photo: you don't see the cable sticking out from the top of the cups.

It looks like this:

Now, the AKG702 is open, so forget about isolation. As for the M50, it doesn't have a detachable cable. But if you do go that way, be wary that there are 2 models: a 3.5m straight or a 1.2 - 3.0 m coiled cable. Neither, I believe, is well adapted for walking.

 

[Ypoknons]

All headphones need an amplifier. No amp, no sound. What people mean by 'need an amp' is slang for needs a powerful (probably dedicated) headphone amplifier, because certain headphones were designed to be used from more powerful sources. Maybe you could look into the Audio Technica ESW9 too, but beware of fakes.

 

[WyldRage]

Some musing on my part, if you want to ignore detachable cables.

- AKG K 81dj (or k 518): cheaper, good isolation, and a sound tilted toward the bass.
- Beyer T50p: costlier and not out yet. A metal construction that should be sturdy and, hopefully, sound that should resemble the T1. (I am waiting for that one

).
- Phiaton PS 320: They look good, but no one has written anything on them here. If you feel like taking a risk, I'd personally love to hear some impressions of this one. The graphs look good on headroom, especially the bass extension. Update: Scratch that, I've read a few reviews that state that they are bass light.

 

[yumigator]

Quote:

Originally Posted by henryhan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've borrowed my friend's m50's for a month previously, and I thought they sounded pretty good. The cable was the coiled type and very inconvenient for portability, however I assume the straight cable version would be much better.

I've got a straight cable, and it's around 10 feet long. It's also extremely heavy and thick. Not for portable use at all.

 

[WhiteBear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrotcake /img/forum/go_quote.gif Whitebear, which model from the Ultrasone Pro series do you recommend? Or are they all the same? Also, I keep seeing people suggest the "m50" in the forums; what's so great about it? Would it suit my headphone needs?

Ultrasone 650 Pro - it is within your budget.

Ultrasone 750 Pro -is way out 250$ border(390$) but I saw 260$ on ebay for new. Body is the same. Sound is noticeably better.

You will get: DEEP punchy bass,detailed transparent sound,good soundstage,acceptably easy to drive with portable source,foldable,hardcase,2 detachable cables: one straight (length 3 m),one coiled (length > 3 m) with gold- plated jacks 6,3 mm
and gold-plated adapter 6,3/3,5 mm ,Spare pair of speed-switch ear pads.

Both are excellent sounding headphones!

For walking...

I use mine Ultrasone 2500 Pro (it is the same as 750 pro but open-i.e. no isolation) when walking my dog. I just bought 50cm. 3.5-3.5mm jack cable , threaded M8 thread and drove it in instead of 3.5-6.3mm Ultrasone cable.

It is heavier and bigger than M50. But it sits firm enough for walking.
M50 is hot after 30min or more. Its Isolation is better than Ultrasone 750 Pro have.


I bought M50 first. And liked it.
Then I bought Ultrasone 2500 Pro on sale.
And I was blown away.

So I found that for street i prefer Ultrasone 2500 Pro or Westone 3.
And for subway Westone 3 all the way.

M50 had to go...
I am still thinking there is nothing better than M50 for 100$ or less.

 

[Poetik]

Ever considered an iem? If you're gonna be using them a lot for portable use why not buy something that is a little bit more portable than a headphone?

 

[carrotcake]

@Poetik I've always used IEMs, and while it's true they're more portable, audio quality I've heard is better on full headphones. Plus, with IEMs, I find that I break them way too easily; I've gone through several, albeit budget, IEMs in the past few months. Hence the need for interchangeable wires, protective case, sturdy/rugged construction, etc etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyldRage /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yep, that's the one, but there is something off in that photo: you don't see the cable sticking out from the top of the cups. It looks like this: Now, the AKG702 is open, so forget about isolation. As for the M50, it doesn't have a detachable cable. But if you do go that way, be wary that there are 2 models: a 3.5m straight or a 1.2 - 3.0 m coiled cable. Neither, I believe, is well adapted for walking.

Thanks for getting back to me.

First, you're right about the HD 25-1 II's site picture; I checked myself and your picture more accurately depicts its appearance. That's a lot of untethered wires; is it difficult to swap the wires out? Wouldn't wires that are free to move make for an easier-to-break design? Or am I wrong?

Also, I appreciate everyone's comments on the AKG 702 and M50; if they aren't for walking then they aren't for me.


@Whitebear what exactly is the difference between open and closed headphones? Is it simply that the design in open headphones allows for outside noises to be heard, while closed headphones block out outside noise?
Also, can anyone compare Ultrasone 750 vs HD 25-1 II in sound quality, as well as the 650 and HD 25-1 II? I wouldn't really jump for the Ultrasone 750 unless its audio quality was miles better than the HD 25-1 II, which sells for $150 as opposed to street-$260 and beyond.

 

[kunalraiker]

Ultrasone's would be bassy, definitely not for classical, I did have Sennheiser HD 25's, amazing isolation and sound quality.