[tlarwa]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum, so thanks in advance for the help!

I'm looking for a decent set of cans for night-time listening. The source will be my trusty Thorens turntable (running through a Cambridge 640P phono pre), and the music will be classic rock, prog rock, prog jazz and jazz. Amplification is a Denon AVR-4306 receiver. I do not have a dedicated headphone amp (at least not yet!). My budget is around $100 or so, and I have ZERO problems buying on the used market. In fact, I'd prefer it, as pretty much all my equipment is pre-owned and I have definitely gotten my money's worth!

I've been looking through the for sale forum, but there are so many choices I don't know where to start! Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

Tom

 

[1Time]

Welcome.

Do you prefer headphones that are good at not leaking sound out so as to not bother others near by? Or, is this not so much of a concern?

 

[tlarwa]

That's not a concern. They'll be used for late-night listening after everyone is in bed. The system is in a different part of the house.

Tom

 

[REB]

Try to get a used open akg: k500 or k501. They are extremely well-suited for jazz and do very well with rock.

 

[REB]

Although it might be a stretch with your budget. Not impossible, but they usually go for $120-150.

 

[jeycam]

How about lower Grados?

 

[tlarwa]

I'll keep an eye out for the AKGs. My budget's not set in stone, I just don't want to spend a ton until I know that I'lluse them and that I'm getting something I'm happy with. Thanks for the advice!

Tom

 

[1Time]

You can't possibly know this until after you've already spent the money and have used the headphones at home. You increase the chance of failure by not using the headphones before buying. And, you're already being talked into spending more money than your original budget on headphones you won't be listening to before buying. Welcome to Head-Fi (sorry about your wallet).

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlarwa /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'll keep an eye out for the AKGs. My budget's not set in stone, I just don't want to spend a ton until I know that I'lluse them and that I'm getting something I'm happy with. Thanks for the advice! Tom

 

[_jon]

For a budget of $100, the only recommendation I'd make is the Alessandro MS-1. It was my entry into the "audiophile" market and if I didn't loan them out (they broke in a friend's possession..) I'd still be in love with them. Very eargasmic for the money!

 

[kmhaynes]

x2 on the MS-1i. My preference is with bowls, which will cost another $20 -- to me, the stock pads muddy the bass. Also, with the bowls, my MS-100 mod will produce a more natural sound with an expansion of the soundstage, which the Grado/Aless models need.