headphones for <$250

[variable]

I am looking for the best headphones for under $250. It will be mostly for music, some (compressed-divx) movies, and some games, but mostly music. They will be on either my audigy or audidigy 2 ZS, soundcard on a desktop computer. Currently I am looking at the sennheiser hd595 for $250 on newegg, and was just wondering if anyone had any better suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Veniogenesis]

You can't go wrong with a HD595 (smooth, laid back, amp improves performance a lot). Others to consider include:
A900 - Big, no amp needed, jack of all trades
DT880 - Amazing detail and awesome sound, definitely need an amp!
SR225 - Not as comfortable, awesome for rock
K501 - Super uber awesome mids, open
K271s - Great mids, closed


Edit: My suggestions:
Don't get the DT880 unless you have / will be buying an amp.
SR225s aren't great for games because the soundstage isn't all that great
A900 will be GREAT for computer use, but the HD595 have the ability to shine if you get an amp later down the line.

 

[[AK]Zip]

I vote A900. They have awsome bass which is perfect for movies and games when you play and at the same time very comfy and sound great.

-Alex-

 

[ephemere]

That price is too high for the HD595. Try shopping.com.

 

[mrarroyo]

Depends on the sound you are looking for. My vote would be for the Grado SR125 or SR225. Good luck.

 

[variable]

i was reading more reviews and i am down to either the hd595 or the a900, however i cant find a store that sells the a900.
do the hd595 require an amp to sound truly good, or can i get away without one? Thanks for the help so far

 

[nabwong]

No amp needed. I use my Rio Carbon. Sounds freaking awesome i almost wet my pants when i heard them the first time.

 

[ephemere]

A900 is sold by musiciansfriend.com ($200), audiocubes.com ($200+shipping, or less if the head-fi sale is still going on), or bluetin.com ($173+shipping).

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by variable i was reading more reviews and i am down to either the hd595 or the a900, however i cant find a store that sells the a900. do the hd595 require an amp to sound truly good, or can i get away without one? Thanks for the help so far

You can get away without one.

It's a good investment since it'll really shine later on if you add an amp.

 

[Skylab]

The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro80 is also a good choice in that price range. Gobs o' great bass, anda great all around can. Very comfortable too, and decent isolation (it's a sealed headphone).

 

[dw6928]

I have both hd595s and grado sr225s, and as much as I love the 595s, the
225s seem to have more impact. They are fatiguing however. A long listen
could be troubling. But if you want to see why people get good headphones in this price range, go for the 225s.

 

[DevilDog]

I recommend the HD595s as well. They're more comfortable, less fatiguing and have better soundstaging (helpful in movies and games) than the SR225s. They're just a more versatile headphone.

 

[ahmose]

Another vote for A900, very versatile cans.