builttophil
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2012
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Quote:
Anyone? I considered starting a new thread for this, but I don't want to annoy/offend anyone...
Hello all,
This is my first post here, but I've been lurking as a guest for some time...I'd like to thank all the contributors for making a great website here - it's been a wealth of knowledge that's helped my research greatly.
That being said, I'm currently shopping for a new pair of cans. My previous pair of JVC HARX-900's died recently. The swivel point on the left can broke inside the housing, breaking the VERY thin wire that ran sound to the right side. It was a shame because I did enjoy these headphones, but despite their overall solid feel, they did not last two years with everyday use. I'm stuck not using a taped-up pair of Sony MDR-V150s...their ear pads are shedding that fake, paper-like pleather all over my ears. Plus they don't sound as near as good as the JVCs did...
So, I started looking for something similar - A closed back over ear headphone that's built more robustly than the JVCs, and that won't break the bank (looking for <$150). Here's where I've gotten myself so far:
I listen to mostly rock - anything from classic rock like Neil Young, some Smiths/Morrissey, Indie Rock such as Built to Spill, and piano rock like Ben Folds (Five). Other than that, the headphones will also be used to watch TV, movies, etc on my computer. I don't care about portability because they don't leave my computer. My current setup had the 'phones plugged directly into my computer's headphone jack, but that may soon change...
What I'm considering/don't want:
Don't want:
ATH-M50 - Don't want - I don't like the design - I'm shying away from folding/lots of swiveling because of my issues with the JVCs, plus I'm not much of a basshead.
Shure 440 - same deal with the design, I'm not too much into it.
Sennheiser HD 280 - I considered these right up 'till I saw a pic of them, they appear to have that crappy ear pad material that doesn't last too long, like on my Sonys. I won't ever get a 'phone that has them, and I'm not looking to spend more to put on another pair of ear pads.
Looking at:
AKG 271MKII - These are in the lead for me - a closed back, good ear pads (and two different pairs), decent reviews, plus i like the AKG design, it seems like a more solid design.
Koss Pro4/AA - Just a big, solid chunk of a 'phone - looks like it would last a nuclear holocaust
Panasonic RP-HTX7 - Good basic, solid looking design, but probably sounds as cheap as they are. Possibly questionable materials despite the basic design. Looks to be on the smaller side.
Here's the thing, I'd consider a semi-open 'phone like the AKG 240 or even a Superlux, but I'm concerned about sound leakage - my bedroom is just through the wall from my computer desk, and the door is always open, and my wife needs things pretty quiet when she's falling asleep, and I don't need her hearing my music or...um, 'movies' from the other room. I don't blast my 'phones, but I'm not sure mow much they would leak in the real world.
As for amping, I'm not an audiophile by any means, and would not benefit too much from a high-end amp, I don't think. I do realize that my computer is not up to the task (probably) of driving my first-choice AKG-271s, and I am shopping around yard sales/flea markets for a good deal on an old receiver with an integrated amp, and possibly an EQ, as well.
So basically (ha,ha) what I'm asking is:
Are the AKG 271 a decent choice for me? How will they compare to my old JVCs?
Should I consider a semi-open phone that doesn't leak sound to another room - and which ones don't?
Knowing that I'm not wanting a high-end, high-impedance 'phone, will a decent old receiver with an integrated amp drive what I choose well?
Sorry for the novel, I tend to over-analyze when considering a new purchase. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Anyone? I considered starting a new thread for this, but I don't want to annoy/offend anyone...