[tempor]

Hi all.

Been searching and reading a lot of threads on this forum for the past couple of days and I have narrowed my first ever 'real' headphone purchase to five choices - I would like some help selecting the best for me.  I know they're closed but I need them for frequent travels (often flight) where I can not disturb people next to me.
 
In no particular order, as I've heard none of them:

   1. Sennheiser HD25-1 II - $199 at Amazon
   2. AKG K271S - $165 at Amazon
   3. Audio Technica a500 - $120 at Amazon
   4. Audio Technica a700 - $112 at Amazon
   5. Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO - $175 at Amazon
 
bonus addition I just found: Audio-Technica ATH-ES7? $200 at Amazon

I listen to mostly metal/extreme metal (Metallica, Pantera, Nile, Origin, Gorguts, Absu, Amon Amarth, etc), but also random video game soundtracks, orchestra stuff, ambient etc - just MOSTLY metal.

I will be using either a Sony NW-A800 or Sansa Fuze as my source, whichever is better, I can also get a portable amp if necessary (will start THAT search once I finally decide on my headphones...)

Portability is somewhat a factor and I know most of these are full-size headphones, but if a full-size sounds better for my music I don't mind lugging them around at all.
 
Or should I just get some Sennheiser HD201s for $16?

If this should be in the portable section I apologize.

 

[Abovetheair]

I would say the Sennheiser HD-25-1 II's. I think these are the best portable cans around, and would suite your genre nicely. If you are a basshead I would suggest the DT770 PRO's

 

[mattering]

I dont really think DT770 Pros are made for metal haha and the audio technicas are WAYYY out of questions...they are more for classical....Haven't heard the AKGs so i suggest the HD25-1 II's, like abovetheair .

 

[tempor]

Excellent, thanks guys.  I had a couple of other recommendations on the HD25-1 IIs also.  I will go with them.

 

[Aizura]

I love my HD25-1 IIs. Brilliant sound in a compact and indestructible package.
Mine get almost as many listening hours as my HD600 which says enough.

 

[tempor]

Awesome, that just further seals the deal.
 
Can anyone tell me a reputable online store for headphones so I can order these things?

 

[Palpatine]

You will most certainly like them. I really liked them when I had them.

 

[soviet911]

I got  Hd25-1 II recently and Slipknot sounds pretty dang good on them ( I guess they are the closeses band to the metal genere I have....) regardless the HD25-1 II have an amazingly tight bass and good detail (not the best but as good as it gets for closed portables) and they are pretty much indestructble. I will have a brief review of them up soon with pictures of break down. 
 
 
Finaly got some CD's riped in WMA lossless and this headhones have trully come alive, the bass and clarity are now clearly apperant. make sure if u get these ur music is riped in good quality otherwise you will be disapointed.

 

[Captfantastic]

Another vote for the  HD25-1 IIs...

 

[tamalaxaqg]

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I would say the Sennheiser HD-25-1 II's. I think these are the best portable cans around, and would suite your genre nicely. If you are a basshead I would suggest the DT770 PRO's

Thanks for your analysis! It is just the solution for my problem, It's comprehensive.

 

[Sil3nce]

HD25-1 II = amazing.
Demo'ed these at a friend's house and can definitely say from what I've heard they sound better than the dt770./