Headphone suggestions for voice-over work and instrumental music composing? (up to $200~)

[MusicComposer]

Well I've been reading a lot of reviews and articles about headphones the past few weeks. I've decided it's probably best to ask the opinions of the awesome people on this forum, since many of you have far more experience with this. I plan to use the headphones for cartoon voice-overs and composing instrumental music. I'd be using them solely on my laptop and desktop, probably wouldn't buy an amp at least right away.
What would be the best for my needs? My budget is up to 200 but I could toss in another 50 if there's one slightly more that's considerably better at inducing eargasms. Thanks for your knowledgeable opinions I appreciate it!

 

[staticfi]

I'll recommend the Sony MDR-V6 or 7506. Some people think they are extremely similar. I haven't heard the 7506 though. Many people use them for the same reason you need it. Plus you don't need an amp for them. I would have no problem using the V6 if I still recorded music. 

 

[MusicComposer]

Thanks for the suggestion, that's definitely one I came across during my search. I know they're ridiculously popular so I guess I can't go wrong with them. I'm wondering if another pair like the KRK KNS6400 or something else would be better. Does anyone have any experience between those or another set? I may just end up getting the (legit) Sony MDR-V6

 

[John Willett]

Personally, I would go for the Sennheiser HD 25-1 or the new Amperior.
 
The 25-1 is 120dB efficient and will give a good level from a small battery powered headphone output.
 
They are closed so you can use a microphone at the same time without bleed-through.
 
They are excellent for listening to detail.
 
My own HD 25-1 are about 22 years old and still going strong (I replaced the earpads about 4 times and the headband pads once).
 
Highly recommended.

 

 

[attic]

 I use the KRK-8400s in mixing on a daily basis. These are not headphone's for fun listening they are flat. That being said the mix's will translate well to other systems. You always need to check on real monitors .... so make sure you do that. I can recommend the KRK-8400s but make sure you have some brighter sounding cans around to compliment them.
 

 

[MusicComposer]

Quote:

Personally, I would go for the Sennheiser HD 25-1 or the new Amperior.
 
The 25-1 is 120dB efficient and will give a good level from a small battery powered headphone output.
 
They are closed so you can use a microphone at the same time without bleed-through.
 
They are excellent for listening to detail.
 
My own HD 25-1 are about 22 years old and still going strong (I replaced the earpads about 4 times and the headband pads once).
 
Highly recommended.

 

 
I appreciate everyone's help with this! I've seen the HD 25-1 recommended a lot before and it was highly regarded in the buying guide. Would you say they're worth twice as much as the Sony MDR-V6 for composing instrumental music and voice-over stuff? I may splurge on them, it's hard to resist things like that but I know there's always going to be something better.

 

[LithosZA]

Sennheiser HD-280 PRO or Sony MDR-V6/7506

 

[staticfi]

The KRK-8400 recommended above would be another good one. They have nice detail and great instrument separation.  
 
The Sony MDR-V6 has great instrument separation and detail too. I think they are extremely comfortable for long sessions, and I'm picky about comfort in headphones. I can wear these for 4 - 6 hours without a worry. The KRK-8400 was comfortable too.
 
Good luck in your search!

 

[attic]

You know what disregard what I said about needing some brighter cans and that these are not fun headphones. After reading another thread on this forum I just tested the KRK 8400s on a different setup. Normally I run these from my Motu 2408mk3 headphone out. I just tried these from a Yamaha AST-A90M Amp and the difference is astounding. This is a revelation to me and I will have to reevaluate these headphones entirely. Put it this way.... they sound way better so I need some time to acclimate to the difference before I can properly give an opinion at this point. It looks that the right amp makes a huge difference.
 
That being said I think I can still safely say these are a good choice for mixing.
 

 

[John Willett]

Quote:

 I use the KRK-8400s in mixing on a daily basis. These are not headphone's for fun listening they are flat. That being said the mix's will translate well to other systems. You always need to check on real monitors .... so make sure you do that. I can recommend the KRK-8400s but make sure you have some brighter sounding cans around to compliment them.
 

 
I have the KRK-8400 and they are good, but not as good as the HD 25-1.
 
The main problem I find with the KRK-8400 is that they make my ears hot.
 
This seems to be a function of the memory foam - this can be comfortable, but it does not breathe.  A bed specialist mentioned this downside of memory foam to me as it can make you sweat in bed if you have a memory foam mattress - it does the same things to my ears.
 
The KRK were designed to sound the same as KRK monitors so you can swap between the two - so if you have KRK monitors, great.  Otherwise I think you will find the HD 25-1 more comfortable.

 

[attic]

I have the AKG 240s and they make my ears sweat. The KRKs don't for some reason. My memory foam bed does though.