[sgogeta4]

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to headphones since I mostly used speakers and never really used headphones more than the free pair of headphones that came with my Sony discman (many years ago). I find I need to use headphones more often due to my erratic hours that I'm up (I'm a medical student). I've been reading up a bit via Google, but I would like to direct my query to those who have actual experience.

Budget wise, I'm not ready to spend that much ($1-99 USD), though I'd rather get a $50 set that's fairly good than $100 that is only a bit better. Not sure if I'll be able to try the pair out (since where I am now has no stores like Best Buy lol), hence why I hope I can get enough info online. I would prefer to order online to a US address (but if the store can ship to Canada, even better - though I've read that Grado is much more expensive in Canada).

I'll be using it mostly to listen to music and watch movies (on my computer) and I want something comfortable on the ears for a few hours (that isn't too bothersome on my glasses or my ears - should I not wear headphones for that long?). A close second to comfort is sound quality, though there are two things that minimize the importance of this - my budget and the fact that I'm listening to music through my laptop's integrated sound card (Realtek HD, if that makes any difference). I also hope to use it to listen to music from my Sony W810i cell phone.

I listen to many types of music such from rock, alternative, classical, punk, pop, techno, nu metal, to stuff that I don't even know what to call. I have mostly English music such as (looking at my last played songs) Green Day, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Robert Miles, and Rob Dougan and music in Chinese and Japanese. Dunno if my music selection helps any.

I am having trouble deciding what type/style of headphones to pick and was wondering which type people like more, in the ear, on the ear, or around the ear - or is this purely subjective? The circumaurals seem a bit big for my tastes and for listening on the go, so I'm leaning towards IEM or supraaurals. Don't really need noise cancelling as will probably bring me above budget. Also, not a fan of the cheap foam covered speakers or thin/weak headbands (but again if budget is the issue, then I'll stick with it). Do wireless/bluetooth headsets/headphones have markedly inferior quality to headphones at this price point (<$99)? Are there any with above average audio quality?

I hope I haven't been too picky, else I'll have to revise my requirements. Bottom line, what should I get for my needs and why do you recommend it? From searching here and online, I've seen recommendations for:

Grado SR-60i - best audio quality at this budget but are they comfortable, portable and does the sound bleed into the surrounding?
Koss KSC-75
Meelectronics AI-M9
Sennheiser PX 100
Sennheiser HD 212 Pro

Has anyone used these bluetooth sets? The first two just have a bluetooth clip, so I can always get my own headphones.
Sony HBH-DS205 ($65)
DS980 ($90)
IS800 ($100)

Sorry for the long message, thanks for any input!

 

[peli_kan]

Hi, and welcome to Head-fi!!!!

Oooh, lemme be the one to say it, "sorry about your wallet" :')

The Grado SR-60i is still arguably the best at its price, but recent years have brought the competition closer. Definitely consider the Audio Technica AD700, it is considerably more comfortable, arguably more neutral, and presents a much better soundstage.

Unfortunately I have next to zero knowledge on bluetooth sets since my life's never had a place for them. Hopefully who does have some stops by.

 

[sgogeta4]

I guess you've replied to too many threads and didn't recognize me lol. I joined Head-Fi upon your recommendation (from my similar NBR post) since you had such great input to my post there. I was hoping that other audio specialists would add to what you've already told me. Thanks again, peli_kan!

 

[jjinh]

for the same price I'd definitely pick a wired headphone although I admit to having never tried bluetooth or wired headphones.

I agree with the grado recommendation from those you've suggested. they're decent sounding, you can wear then all day, and they can take a beating

 

[peli_kan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgogeta4 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I guess you've replied to too many threads and didn't recognize me lol. I joined Head-Fi upon your recommendation (from my similar NBR post) since you had such great input to my post there. I was hoping that other audio specialists would add to what you've already told me. Thanks again, peli_kan!

BAH, of course I knew who you were! That's why I was stoked to be the first to welcome you here from NBR.

Since I have nothing useful to add here, consider this a free bump.

 

[ljokerl]

From what you've listed the SR60i definitely leak the most into your surroundings, followed by the KSC75's and the PX100's. For something that leaks less, I'd look into the Yuin G2A or even the JVC HA-M750 or AKG K81Dj (although that's a bit less portable).

If you do intend to use these outside and need isolation, IEMs may indeed be the way to go. $50 will carry you quite a long way. For long-term comfort, take a look at the Soundmagic PL50, Meelectronics Ai-M6 (similar to M9 but nicer form factor), and Maximo Im-590. For even less dough, you could get the Soundmagic PL30 or PL21, both superb for the price and very comfortable. The Soundmagic P10's are also pretty good headphones, but they do have a weak headband, which does not fit your requirements.

Oh and while I've never tried bluetooth headphones, I have given up faith in both wireless (RF) headphones and bluetooth headsets. The connection just isn't reliable enough to get continuously good sound quality at this price point.

 

[sgogeta4]

I'll look into those IEMs, thanks!

 

[swaffleman]

Maybe not what you're looking for, but I'd recommend the Sony V6's or Koss Porta Pros for good sound at a budget price.

 

[sgogeta4]

Hey guys I've revised my initial post to reflect all the changes thus far. To keep it much shorter and simpler:

Budget: max $70 (new headphones)
Ordering to: Canada (preferably), if cheaper then to USA
Uses: movies on notebook (Realtek integrated audio), music on notebook and phone (Sony W810i)
Music type: many types such from rock, alternative, classical, punk, pop, techno, nu metal, to stuff that I don't even know what to call. I have mostly English music such as (looking at my last played songs) Green Day, Linkin Park, Evanescence, Robert Miles, and Rob Dougan and music in Chinese and Japanese. Not sure if that really helps. ^^
What I'm looking for:
1. Comfortable headphones (and/or headset if quality is similar and within budget) - I also wear glasses
2. Sound quality (and/or mic quality)
Preferences: not big/heavy, doesn't leak excessively to surroundings (not open, semi-open might be ok though), not a fan of cheap foam covered speakers

I've eliminated most of the circumaurals and supraaurals since I find them too big (ie. Sennheiser HD555), headphones w/ excessive bleed (ie. Grado SR-60i), uncomfortable (ie. Koss KSC-75), used (ie. Apple one) and above budget headphones.

I've narrowed it down to:
$29 Sennheiser PX100 (waiting for 2nd revision)
$39 Sennheiser PX200 (closed version of PX100 but I've heard it isn't as good or comfy, is there a lot less sound bleed/leakage?)
$33 Sennheiser HD212 Pro
$42 Denon AH-D501K
$50 AKG K81DJ
$49 Yuin G2A

and for IEMs:
$36 Meelectronics AI-M6 vs. $18 AI-M9
$40 Maximo IM-590

The prices are from a quick search of Google shopping and I didn't really check them, so if they're suspiciously low, let me know. Any suggestions out of these? Or a reason to consider one that I dropped?

Other questions:

Does anyone have experience w/ wireless headphones (bluetooth)? Do wireless/bluetooth headsets/headphones have markedly inferior quality to headphones at <$100? I've looked at these models specifically so far: Sony HBH-DS205 ($65), DS980 ($90), or IS800 ($100)? The first two just have a bluetooth clip, so I can always get my own headphones if the sound quality sucks.

 

[swaffleman]

I prefer koss porta pro to the PX100...but that's just me.

 

[ljokerl]

Random thought: your list is kind of all over the place, sound-signature wise. Focusing that aspect might really help you decide. For example, the HD212 are definitely basshead cans, while the Yuins are very balanced (many would consider them bass-light), with a good high-end extension and emphasis on the mids/highs rather than the bass. The PX100s are fairly dark-sounding, while the Meelectronics are somewhat bright.

Also, you really need to decide on whether you want IEMs or portables. They're completely different markets and the inclusion of both makes suggestions very difficult. It comes down to this: IEMs all isolate at least as good as the best-isolating portables. Usually much better. As a general rule, they work better for someone wearing glasses. On-ears usually don't isolate much, and sometimes leak, but can be more comfortable for a longer period of time for someone not used to IEMs. They also always feel more natural to me for watching movies; not really sure why.

 

[sgogeta4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Random thought: your list is kind of all over the place, sound-signature wise. Focusing that aspect might really help you decide. For example, the HD212 are definitely basshead cans, while the Yuins are very balanced (many would consider them bass-light), with a good high-end extension and emphasis on the mids/highs rather than the bass. The PX100s are fairly dark-sounding, while the Meelectronics are somewhat bright. Also, you really need to decide on whether you want IEMs or portables. They're completely different markets and the inclusion of both makes suggestions very difficult. It comes down to this: IEMs all isolate at least as good as the best-isolating portables. Usually much better. As a general rule, they work better for someone wearing glasses. On-ears usually don't isolate much, and sometimes leak, but can be more comfortable for a longer period of time for someone not used to IEMs. They also always feel more natural to me for watching movies; not really sure why.

I'm not really sure how to use the frequency response curves (sound signature right?)... I listed my music above but I don't know what sound signature works best for me? For the type/style of headphones, I'm also at a crossroads. I prefer smaller headphones over IEMs in terms of comfort and am interested particularly in the PX100/200 but I'm conflicted with the mixed reviews of sound quality vs. sound leakage (both ways). Argh too many choices!

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgogeta4 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm not really sure how to use the frequency response curves (sound signature right?)... I listed my music above but I don't know what sound signature works best for me? For the type/style of headphones, I'm also at a crossroads. I prefer smaller headphones over IEMs in terms of comfort and am interested particularly in the PX100/200 but I'm conflicted with the mixed reviews of sound quality vs. sound leakage (both ways). Argh too many choices!

Frequency response curves don't really tell you precisely what a headphone sounds like. If you want better isolation than the PX200 and sound on-par with the PX100/PortaPros, the AKG K81dj (perhaps with HD25 Velour Pads) might be the ones to go for. I've been meaning to add them (and a few others) to my review thread, but I really do think they are stellar for the price. Their signature also works better for rock/metal than the PX100.

 

[sgogeta4]

That sounds like a great solution! I hope they aren't too bad with glasses. Where can you get the HD25 Velour Pads in US/Canada? I only can find UK stores that sell it and it seems fairly pricey (more than the PX100 just for the pads)! Are the pads just for comfort or do they affect the bass too? Or would you recommend the blue tack mod for a cleaner bass (or both)?

 

[ljokerl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgogeta4 /img/forum/go_quote.gif That sounds like a great solution! I hope they aren't too bad with glasses. Where can you get the HD25 Velour Pads in US/Canada? I only can find UK stores that sell it and it seems fairly pricey (more than the PX100 just for the pads)! Are the pads just for comfort or do they affect the bass too? Or would you recommend the blue tack mod for a cleaner bass (or both)?

The pads can be bought from Sennheiser USA. I believe they are like $15. They don't affect the sound much, maybe a bit less boomy bass with them. I don't know if the blu-tack will be beneficial or necessary, but I did take out the foam lining under the pads in my pair to open up the treble a bit.