[eervig]

It's finally time to pull the trigger on my now $125 headphone budget, a first foray into decent cans for me. Obviously, each set is a compromise, and I'm primarily interested in jazz, classical and folk listening. I know every pair is a trade-off (I like the idea of the AD700s, for instance, but they have some clear weaknesses). After poring over these forums, I think I've come up with a scheme, involving *two* pairs:
 
Sony MDR-V6 : Closed phones will be good when I'm in bed next to somebody, and in a tight space where open cans would be a bother. These seem to be well-regarded in terms of SQ and extremely durable.
 
Senn HD-515 : Not highly spoken of here, but I figure these will give me a nice open sound and good soundstage when I'm alone in the living room, especially for classical.
 
Together they add up to $107 (I am restricted to Amazon.com).
 
If anybody has any suggestions regarding this combination, I'd be glad to hear it. Thanks!

 

[nullstring]

My suggestion:
 
Buy the MDR-v6's and then wait until you have a slightly larger budget.. then purchase the AD700's (or something else)
 

 

[eervig]

Thanks. Man, those HD-515s just can't win. I sort of get the impression they're a way for folks to *technically* have Sennheiser circumaural headphones.

 

[eervig]

A last question: the notion of the v6 being 'fatiguing' on the high-end - is this audiophile "eh, that's too harsh - ima reach for the $600 phones in the next drawer" fatiguing, or is it actually make for some unpleasant listening?

 

[eucariote]

Forget the Sonys (had them, everything since >$80 kills them in quality).  Invest in one good set of versatile headphones, don't get two sets of mediocre cans.  The headphone is the most important factor in determining sound quality- invest in the best you can afford within your budget.

 

[eervig]

Thanks. I mean, before I came up with the two pair idea, I was ready to just grab the AKG K240s with a FiiO e5, which seemed like a good all-around from what I've read.

 

[Cdis99]

I agree.
 
Don't go with two mediocre phones. The AKG 240's are a good choice (I haven't heard them first hand, but they have good feedback). Have you looked at the M50's? It's a great all around, entry level headphone. I have them and I love them, they're great.
 
Also, I wouldn't buy the E5. Why not save up a little and get the E7? Then at a later date you can pair it with the E9 and have a pretty nice home and portable setup.

 

[eervig]

I did not look too deeply into the M50s, but I will now. Thanks.