[size=12pt]Hi Head-Fi Community,[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I’m Ken, 29 years old, from Manila, Philippines. I’m new here and I’m a Headphone/Earphone newbie; I wish I could spend more time to learn more about them because I am very passionate about music (& guitars too [/size][size=12.0pt]J[/size][size=12.0pt]), but I simply don’t have the time/resources for now.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]So I need your advice on my first set of decent Headphones/Earphones that I will be getting ASAP.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I bought my first (decent?) Headphone last year on Amazon, it’s an AKG K540 ($105+shipping), and unfortunately, within 4 months, it already needs repair. The headphone arc(?) snapped and split due to the thinness, brittleness of the plastic and my constant use. Since I’m in the Philippines, it’s hard to get a repair/replacement and the local AKG Distributor says there’s no international warranty and they can’t repair it (could you also recommend repair options?).[/size]
[size=12.0pt]So, I’m planning to buy 3 “New” (or “Used”) Head/Earphones ASAP:[/size]
[size=12.0pt]· [/size][size=12.0pt]1 (one) Headphone ($200 price max) – this will be my main. Home and Office use.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]· [/size][size=12.0pt]1 (one) In-Earphone ($100 price max) – will be used for travel/commute/outdoors. It's hot here and difficult to commute so I guess In-ear is cooler, lighter, and more durable for travel/outdoors.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]· [/size][size=12.0pt]1 (one) Sports In-Earphone ($100 price max) – I want to start being healthy this year [/size][size=12.0pt]J[/size][size=12.0pt].[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I listen mostly to Progressive Rock/Metal (Dream Theater, Symphony X), Guitar Instrumentals (Marco Sfogli, Andy James), Blues Rock (Led Zep, Joe Bonamassa), Melodic Hard Rock (Mr. Big, Journey), and Motion Picture/Epic Music (Hans Zimmer etc…) to name a few of my genre and taste.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Could you please recommend me what you think are the best HP/EP for my price range and preferences? I’m a serious music/audio listener but that’s what I can afford considering my location and work. Where I’m from, it’s hard to test due to the limited options/stocks; let alone buy one because the prices are inflated ridiculously – that’s why I chose to buy online but risk the repair and warranty.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I’m looking for:[/size]
[size=12.0pt]1. [/size][size=12.0pt]Audio Quality[/size]
[size=12.0pt]2. [/size][size=12.0pt]Comfort[/size]
[size=12.0pt]3. [/size][size=12.0pt]Durability[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I could go for recommendations beyond my price range above, but I think if it’s too expensive, I may have to buy in “Used” condition. Do you recommend buying “Used”?[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I have a friend whose business is shipping from the US to Phil so I have no problems buying online from the US since I get discounts from her.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]I really appreciate your taking the time to help, and make the audiophile community a better world.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Thanks for your time and help.[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Sincerely,[/size]
[size=12.0pt]Ken[/size]