good headphones - $200

[limathy]

hi, i've been reading lots of threads on the forums, trying to decide what cans to get for my 1st full size.

sorta decided against the ms1 after having the pk1's, their smoothness has poisoned me....

my tastes have really changed since head-fi
after the ksc75 i thought i would want to go grado/alessandro
then the pk1 - i realised i like the soundstage, and all round smoothness without the overpowering bass

ms2's are just more than i would like to spend on a set of headphones, so looking for something at about 150-200
i like alot of different music, so i guess it needs to an all rounder
looks arent important - but i do really love the retro grado style

i'm rather clueless with where to start, and i'll probably need to order online so any recommendations with good shipping to australia?

how are the audio technica's?
and would it be worth stretching my budget to get a set of hd600s? saw them on ebay for around 280
just wasnt sure if i could power them reasonably, i dont have a home amp, just a portable amp - minibox E

any suggestions would be appreciated - headphones, i can be flexible on the budget if its really worth it. just dont know where 2 start.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

Might I recommend the Koss A250. I just happen to be selling mine at the moment. They have great soundstage and bass that extends low but doesn't overpower. They sound great with my Minibox-E with the PtoS switch. They are discontinued, but still have a lifetime warranty with Koss, so you have that peace of mind. Read up on them here at Head-Fi and PM me if you are interested. -CK

 

[idunno]

I love my ATH-AD900. They are/were my first full size can; I jumped to them a month ago from the PK2.

The AD900 seems to be a good all-rounder, and an underrated value. Bass is detailed and punchy but not overpowering. Mids are sweet bliss. Wide soundstage. Not sure what to say about the highs, except that I've got nothing to complain about (I guess highs escape my attention most of the time, unless they're harsh/shrill, which they aren't on the AD900). They look good, and are comfy.

I listen mostly to rock (alternative, industrial, pop, classic, oldies) but also classical, electronica, fusion, new age/world music, and have enjoyed it all with the AD900. When I chose them, it was a toss-up between them and the DT-880, eventually chose the AD900 for its reported comfort. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

 

[jh4db536]

HD580?

 

[limathy]

how much are the ad900/s usually?
i was looking at them before for their comfort, meant to be wonderful

 

[idunno]

I got the AD900 for $230 (US) through Amazon/Musician's Friend, which has a decent return policy. Audiocubes has them for 219. Not sure about prices in/to Australia.

 

[Tyler J]

You might like the Goldring DR150 about $150 US. Supposed to be giant killers. Look for the giant app. thread