[Type_X]

New member but not new to audio, I've been doing car audio for years now so I consider myself not to be a "noobie" when it comes to sound. I've never had a set of headphones, only earbuds but I'm in the market for a set now

Tastes: I'd like a set that has tremendous SQ, I'd like something softer than my focal components but do not take that as me wanting something that is laid-back in the upper range. Very detailed highs are a must. As for bass I'm looking for something that can somewhat reproduce low bass; obviously it's not going to be like a large car setup, but hey the more clean/tight bass the better

Budget: I'd like to keep it ~$100 (not a big budget but I'm hoping I can find something in the decent to the good range)

Thanks!!!

 

[derek800]

What genres of music do you listen to? Also do you have a preference of closed or open headphones?

 

[Type_X]

I listen to rock and rap. I just googled imaged closed vs open headphones and I saw different sets but I'm not sure what the difference is, I also saw semi-opened? Sorry for my ignorance but I'm really not sure

 

[derek800]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type_X /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to rock and rap. I just googled imaged closed vs open headphones and I saw different sets but I'm not sure what the difference is, I also saw semi-opened? Sorry for my ignorance but I'm really not sure

That's ok, closed headphones are sealed and do not leak much sound and they are very good at isolating. Closed headphones also tend to have a little bit more of a bass impact. Open headphones are open on the back, they generally have some sort of a grill on the back instead of being sealed. They will leak sound and are not very good at isolating. Also open headphones generally have a wider soundstage, they sound very open and airy instead of closed in.

 

[iHelp]

MS1. I LOVE them for rock/rap. They sound outstanding with pop punk.

The AD700 is another great option.

 

[VALIENTE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Type_X /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've never had a set of headphones, only earbuds but I'm in the market for a set now ...I'd like a set that has tremendous SQ ...Very detailed highs are a must. ...the more clean/tight bass the better

Type_X, welcome to the real headfi world.
For a beginner like you, may I suggest you to catch for a Grado SR60 especially that you have a limited budget.
I assume that this will serve your needs you have mentioned.

 

[Type_X]

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek800 /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's ok, closed headphones are sealed and do not leak much sound and they are very good at isolating. Closed headphones also tend to have a little bit more of a bass impact. Open headphones are open on the back, they generally have some sort of a grill on the back instead of being sealed. They will leak sound and are not very good at isolating. Also open headphones generally have a wider soundstage, they sound very open and airy instead of closed in.

interesting. so let me understand this correctly, an "open" set allows sound to 'come out' is this similar to a ported enclosure? can others hear what you're listening to if you have an open style headphone?

what would a semi-open headphone be like?

Quote:

Originally Posted by iHelp /img/forum/go_quote.gif MS1. I LOVE them for rock/rap. They sound outstanding with pop punk. The AD700 is another great option.

I googled MS1 and didn't find anything, can you include company names not just lines/models? I'm not familiar with the lingo in the slightest bit

I saw the AD700, they looked pretty nice and they are within my budget

 

[derek800]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VALIENTE /img/forum/go_quote.gif Type_X, welcome to the real headfi world. For a beginner like you, may I suggest you to catch for a Grado SR60 especially that you have a limited budget. I assume that this will serve your needs you have mentioned.

Grado would probably be a good way to go, but I would probably spring for the SR 80's instead of the 60's. Oh yeah, and I forgot to give you the customary "Welcome to Headfi, and sorry about your wallet."

 

[Type_X]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VALIENTE /img/forum/go_quote.gif Type_X, welcome to the real headfi world. For a beginner like you, may I suggest you to catch for a Grado SR60 especially that you have a limited budget. I assume that this will serve your needs you have mentioned.

Thanks for the warm welcomes and help, i'm not sure what a "beginner" is when it comes to headphones. I can see people being beginners to everything except a given final product like listening to headphones.
(IE, not a car audio installation, computer build, home theater setup, etc.)

Could anyone help me compare the following recommendations?

Grado SR60
AD700
MS1
Equation RP-22X

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek800 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Grado would probably be a good way to go, but I would probably spring for the SR 80's instead of the 60's. Oh yeah, and I forgot to give you the customary "Welcome to Headfi, and sorry about your wallet."

hah thanks for the recommendation. Headphones are just a temporary fix for when I'm not in my car. If I'm adamant about serious listening then I step into my car

Eventually a HT will eat my pockets

 

[VALIENTE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek800 /img/forum/go_quote.gif "Welcome to Headfi, and sorry about your wallet."

Go get the Grado SR60 and your wallet will be very happy.
Its one of my best purchases from the audio world.

 

[Type_X]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VALIENTE /img/forum/go_quote.gif Go get the Grado SR60 and your wallet will be very happy. Its one of my best purchases from the audio world.

the 80's are within my budget at 99 shipped. the 60's are 79 shipped. is the difference of ~20 noticeable? has anyone heard both sets to compare? How about the others ones i mentioned too. are they worth consideration?

 

[derek800]

Another set to look into is the Sennheiser HD 238's, I recently purchased them and they are great sounding heaphones. They are open, they sound great with rock imo, and they have pretty decent bass. They are also very light comfortable, and they are not too big so they can be used as a portable.

 

[Type_X]

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek800 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Another set to look into is the Sennheiser HD 238's, I recently purchased them and they are great sounding heaphones. They are open, they sound great with rock imo, and they have pretty decent bass. They are also very light comfortable, and they are not too big so they can be used as a portable.

Portability isn't a huge concern, these will either be used when sitting infront of my computer, sitting on plane, or some very light walking. However comfort is important obviously. Is the term portable and comfortable interchangeable here?

so now the list consists of....
Grado SR60
Grado SR80
AD700
MS1
Equation RP-22X
Sennheiser HD238

The list seems to continue to grow which is good but I'm trying to shorten it. Can someone grab this list and expand on it with comments about each? that would be great. I would look for reviews but hell, I know what car audio equipment reviews are like and some blow my mind. I'm hoping the forum guys can give me some reliable feedback

(at least that's how it is at caraudioforum)

 

[Dawool]

FWIR(From what I've Read, a common acronym used on head-fi)

I'd recommend the Audio Technica M50's
They supposedly have very good, tight, punchy bass
Also, instead of a sterile sounding noise, it's "warm" and nice to listen to
People are raving and giving incredible reviews on these cans, and are saying it is the best set of cans in the sub-100 range, competing with cans much more expensive

Also, these do not need an amp to sound their best

FINALLY
$90 from brianf,proaudiomart on ebay brand new
certified seller and people have been saying on this site that they sell legit cans

Also comes in coiled cable and straight cable

 

[Type_X]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawool /img/forum/go_quote.gif FWIR(From what I've Read, a common acronym used on head-fi) I'd recommend the Audio Technica M50's They supposedly have very good, tight, punchy bass Also, instead of a sterile sounding noise, it's "warm" and nice to listen to People are raving and giving incredible reviews on these cans, and are saying it is the best set of cans in the sub-100 range, competing with cans much more expensive Also, these do not need an amp to sound their best FINALLY $90 from brianf,proaudiomart on ebay brand new certified seller and people have been saying on this site that they sell legit cans Also comes in coiled cable and straight cable

those headphones look awesome, i'll definitely add them to the list

Grado SR60
Grado SR80
AD700
MS1
Equation RP-22X
Sennheiser HD238
Audio Technica M50

to reiterate my needs....crisp and detailed highs, some decent/good lows. do any stand out and scream these are for you?