friend needs closed headphone

[keanej6]

Hey

Knowing that head-fi is a hobby of mine, my friend came to me after he bought an ipod asking for some headphone recommendations. They need to be closed for work. I have no experiences with closed headphones so i thought i'd turn to you guys.

They will be unamped, for now at least. Size is not an issue. I let him listen to my hd650s and my brother's k701s and he preferred the sound of the hd650s and the comfort of the k701s. He has a fat head. His budget is around $150. Music ranges from heavy metal to soft instrumental. I've stayed away from closed headphones as i had no interest in them but i've heard good things about audio-technicas and the beyer dt770. Any recommendations would be awesome. Rather than just stating a specific headphone, a short reason why would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Jaska]

I like the Beyerdynamic DT 250-80 as a closed headphone for use directly from an iPod. They're unobtrusive, sound very neutral and balanced, don't need an amp, and are even more efficient to drive than PortaPros.

 

[nibiyabi]

Sennheiser HD25-1 if he wants to be able to listen to and from work as well -- AudioTechnica A700 if he only wants them for the cube.

 

[Michgelsen]

I have the HD25-1 myself and it's a great closed headphone. It sounds great and it's super strong. However, I read that the DT250 sounds a little bit better, although I have not heard it myself. Furthermore, the DT250 is a bit cheaper and closer to the $150 you mentioned.

So, why don't I have a DT250 then you might ask? Well, I just wasn't aware of its existence back then, otherwise I would have probably bought that one.

 

[MaloS]

+1 dt250, other headphones on the list do not sound even remotely like hd650 -_-

 

[ericj]

All good suggestions, but as usual, I'm gonna throw in the advice that you should find an Equation dealer and audition a pair of RP-21's.

The earpads swivel 180 degrees so they'll fold flat for backpack use, circum aural, great sound, and you should be able to get them as low as $99.

They are 32-ohm and easily driven by an iRiver H10, so probably by an iPod as well.

You could get a lot less headphone for $99, or even for the $120 average retail.

In Irvine, your dealer would be:

Jim's Music Center
14120 Culver Drive, Suite J
Irvine, CA 92714
949-552-4280

Disclaimer: I'm not in any way associated with Equation. They don't even know who i am. My only link with them is my friendship with a dealer in the greater Toledo area. My interest in shilling the RP-21 is frankly to give other headphone makers a run for their money. I believe in competition, and these cans are some serious competition. I have received nothing but requests for a full review (pending!) in return for all this. But i wouldn't *mind some token of recognition. Not that I'll ever get anything.

 

[GlorytheWiz825]

I would recommend the Sennheiser HD-1 due to its fun factor and size. They are closed phones so you can wear them both for outdoor and inside use.

 

[keanej6]

awesome thank you all for the recommendations. i'll forward this thread for him to read.

 

[The Monkey]

If, in addition to his fat head, he has large ears, then I think the DT 250- could be an issue due to its smallish, and oddly shaped earcups. Other than that it's a fine can. HD 25-1 is excellent, too, and comfy with the velour pads.