[Jack5603]

Hello. I am looking for the best pair of full size headphones, preferably between the price range of 70-120. I've been using a pair I borrowed of "audio technica ath-anc7". I've had a positive experiance with them, but I had to give them back to the guy. Bass is very important, as I listen to a lot of Hip Hop. I also listen to Rock and just about every of its "sub-genre" you can think of. So basically I'm looking for the best headphones when it comes to variety, but strong bass that excells in hip hop.

I'll also add that these will be used just for listening to my Ipod around the house.

 

[blawhh]

denon d1001k full size headphones and no amp needed!

 

[nickchen]

The little Denon is a bit too expensive in relation to its performance and doesn't isolate very well. You get a comparable package plus isolation with the AKG K518...and its sound sig is even more hiphop-friendly IMO.

 

[blawhh]

but what about the clamp and bass?

 

[nickchen]

Clamp is needed to provide isolation, but if not desired, that can be cured completely by bending of the feathersteel headband. The bass isn't exactly made for classical or singer/songwriter stuff, but of that sort hiphop'ers propably dream of.

 

[Jack5603]

Those AKG K518 look very good and quite cheap. I'd like to know if there's any other options before I take the plunge and buy them.

 

[nickchen]

The Audiotechnica ES7 may be regarded as a (even better looking) alternative. However, it isolates less, and its agressive sound signature is better suited for rock- and metalheads IMO.

The Sennheiser HD25-1 is only slightly better than the K518, but costs almost 3 times as much.

 

[Jack5603]

I keep reading that the K518's are great, but very uncomfortable... as of now that's the only thing keeping me from buying them. Have you wore them for a long period of time? If so what did you think?

 

[nickchen]

I have had the elder K81, which is 99% similar. I could wear them stock for about an hour, but after severe bending of the headband endlessy.

 

[auradud3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blawhh /img/forum/go_quote.gif denon d1001k full size headphones and no amp needed!

THESE CANS WILL DISAPPOINT WHILE THEY ARE GREAT FOR BASS, THEY ARE SO BASS HEAVY THAT THER MIDS ARE LEFT FAR OUT OF THE SOUND STAGE, AND THE HIGHS ARE UNNATURAL, AFTER BURN IN FOR 3 DAYS I RETURNED THEM, THE BASS IS SO GOOD THAT IT TOTALLY DOMINATES THE CAN, LEAVING ALMOST NO STEREO IMAGING, THEY SOUNDED LIKE 2 SEPARATE DEVICES! ZERO IMAGING.

 

[sohels]

You might like the Sony MDR-V6. The mid-bass hump would work well for hip hop.

Personally, I like the Denon D1001 and disagree with some of the things said in this thread. If I recall correctly, the mids improved a lot after 2-3 weeks of use.

Both of the above headphones work well without an amp.

The Grado SR80 will be very good with Rock, but will struggle with hip hop.

I think closed headphones will definitely be better for you. Although I haven't heard them, I would suggest you look into the new Shure full-sized headphones, especially the SRH840.

 

[Jack5603]

Are the K81's identicle to the K518 in sound and looks?

 

[nickchen]

In sound yes, in looks 95% yes.

 

[captian73]

The akg k518's are good , but the clamping is unbelievably strong. that's o.k. for headphones like the HD25-1 or the HD650, becasue the ear pads are good, however the akg's i can only use for short term listening.

here's my quick impression on amazon.

Amazon.co.uk: M. Scarlett "fakehead...'s review of AKG K 518 DJ

but i do have to say that they are good fun to have. Although not the most balanced sound, I do enjoy the 518's .. which is half the battle, surely!