shadowox8
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2013
- Posts
- 96
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- 12
Quote:
Okay, here it goes. I'm not entirely new to Headfi, I've looked for advice on here for years but this is the first post I have made. I am a college student with a budget of $300 and I'm looking for a pair of headphones or multiple pairs of headphones for under $300 that will satisfy my needs. I need a pair of portable, durable, closed headphones for library and studio use, but could use a pair of semi-open or open headphones in the dorm. I listen to hip-hop, rap, instrumental hip hop (think RJD2, Gramatik), electronic and some reggae. I have a Cmoy BB amplifier and I plan to purchase a Fiio E07K to pair with these new headphones. I was looking at the Vmoda M100s, but for $300, I could get the Crossfade LP2s and Grado SR80i's for the dorm. Or maybe ATH-M50s and Beyerdynamic COP's if I got them at the right price. If you can see where I'm going with this, What is the best pair of headphones or combination of pairs for my needs? Thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give me.
I'm relatively new to the headphone world, but I listen to similar music (a lot of beatstrumentals), so I'll give this a shot. Just take my advice with a grain of salt, on account of my relative newness.
I recently purchased a used ATH-M50 from another Head-Fi'er, and I'm pretty happy with it. I have trouble wearing it for too long (the top of my head gets sore), but I think its sound does those generes justice, so long as you're not looking for overwhelming bass. I can't say what adding an amp would do for it, though; I've never owned or used one.
I also got to use a friend's AKG K550 for a while, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it underwhelming at first, but it quickly grew on me. A very nice, clear sounding headphone. A bit less bass than the M50, but it has a solid presence, and very good sub-bass response. I also found it very comfortable. There are also instructions floating around for a few DIY mods to change the fit and bass. Buying this can also might negate the need for two pairs of headphones; I don't have experience with open headphones, but I hear the K550 feels like an open can despite being closed. I regularly see used ones going for $180–200 in the for sale / trade forums.