[matthewh133]

Hey guys, after my girlfriend heard my recent collection she wants to upgrade from her ibuds and onboard laptop speakers. No surprise there. So, I need something closed, $150, not IEM, and of course, most importantly, something pretty that she wouldn't be embarrassed to wear to work/on the train etc. She's has a Taylor Swift obsession, and also loves rock/indie/acoustic.
 
Any suggestions? So far on the short list I have the ES7, M50. Besides that I am having a hard time finding some nice, low key looking headphones that don't sound like crap. How are some of the cheaper Ultrasones? I considered the DJ1 but heard it was too bassy, which she won't need for her music tastes.
 
Thanks for any further suggestions!

 

[earthpeople]

Maybe look at the ESW9s? They are beautiful headphones and sound nice too. Maybe not the best choice for rock, but it's still does it well IMO. Don't know about TSwift and indie/acoustic music though.
 
They are $200 new though, but if she doesn't mind used you might be able to find some closer to $150, maybe just slightly higher. There was one for $150 + shipping in the FS forums a few days ago.

 

[kingtz]

If she doesn't think the M50s are too ugly, then I think she'll be fine with pretty much anything. Maybe even the SRH440s will do, since they look similar.

 

[matthewh133]

Yeah I showed her the M50 just then, she said they look too bulky. Though she liked the look of the ESW7.

 

[serious7]

common man i bought my younger sister a 200 dollar pair of headphones and im not even 20 yet. get you're girlfriend a better valued headphone!

 

[matthewh133]

I'm not paying for it rofl.. I just forked out $500 at Tiffany's for her birthday. Can't afford to pay for everything she wants or I'd be living in a gutter

Anyway, back to my question..

 

[NapalmK]

Quote:

Maybe look at the ESW9s? They are beautiful headphones and sound nice too. Maybe not the best choice for rock, but it's still does it well IMO. Don't know about TSwift and indie/acoustic music though.
 
They are $200 new though, but if she doesn't mind used you might be able to find some closer to $150, maybe just slightly higher. There was one for $150 + shipping in the FS forums a few days ago.

Yep I'm looking at this one myself.

 

[mcnoiserdc]

since you are talking about it.
I am waiting for my esw9 too... They look awesome...

 

[maverickronin]

Maybe Phiaton MS 300s?  A little out of your price range and more cool than pretty looking, but its the only other thing I can think of.

 

[GeorgeGoodman]

I was going to suggest the Ultrasone HFI series but if she thinks M50s are too bilky than ditto for the Ultrasones. I suggest checking out Headfionia.com's review of closed headphones and the review of portable headphones. I hope this helps.

 

[batphink]

You might want to look at http://www.geekstuff4u.com/ and http://www.audiocubes.com/.  They have lots of pretty Japanese headphones.

 

[matthewh133]

Quote:

You might want to look at http://www.geekstuff4u.com/ and http://www.audiocubes.com/.  They have lots of pretty Japanese headphones.

Thanks for the links, though I have seen those sites and both are very expensive. Though just to clear things up, I am not just looking for "pretty" headphones, the looks must be backed up by great sound. I am leaning towards the ES7 atm I think, she has said she likes the looks and they have gotten pretty good reviews considering the price.

 

[JayB18]

The ES7 is a great portable phone for the price but a fullsized model such as the SRH440 is going to sound superior.

 

[eujaee]

Denon D1001 nice looking, in a minimalistic way, sound pretty good for pop/modern country, cost $149 USD.  Do they have to fold?

 

[slntdth93]

IMO, taylor swift sounds a bit wierd on es7's, will double check in a bit (personal opinion - vs. both sennheiser HD228 and 555). I think it has to do with the funky mids on the es7 but ymmv