[DrewHulva]

I'm buying headphones for college, and I'd like to buy a pair that will last me my first few years. I'll be going for Audio Production, so I'd assume that headphones would be an integral part. I began looking at noise canceling headphones due to the fact that I really loved the serenity of the Bose headphones that I tried on at the Apple store and at the local Best Buy. The audio quality seemed good, but nothing amazing. To me it just wasn't something to justify the $300 price tag. I also had no desire to ask the employees there anything about the product (no knowledge there). 
 
Then I began my research online as to what type of headphones would best suit my needs. I discovered that the noise canceling technology actually colored and manipulated the sound. Which would, as you know, not be desirable when I'm trying to use the headphones as monitors. I came to the conclusion that full-size noise isolating headphones would be the best choice for me. Am I on the right track here? My budget is somewhere in the neighborhood of $200, and I'm looking for as much isolation as I can. I will be using the 'phones for my iPod, which I try to keep all my MP3's at a 320 bitrate, and on my MacBook Pro which I will be getting before I head off to Chicago next year. 
 
I'm somewhat lost in what direction to go here.

 

[sumathias]

Hi! Since you're going into audio production, you should consider studio cans then.
 
beyerdynamic dt770s, akg k272/k240/etc, shure srh840
 
maybe some sony mdr if you're up to it
 
not sure whether sennheisers are good in the studio...
 
good luck!

 

[Acix]

Go with the K-702 and the Apogee Duet .

 

[lejaz]

k702 for iPod and good isolation?....nah, don't think that would be ideal. beyerdynamic dt250 80ohm version would suit the OP's needs....sony 7509(not sure the power requirements)...sony 7506/v6....equation rp21...the shure 440 also should work fine out of iPod.

 

[Acix]

Quote:

k702 for iPod and good isolation?....nah, don't think that would be ideal.

The Apogee Duet and the K-702, are enter mix/mastering level, and this is one of cheapest pro combo for Mac laptops (around $500 used). For the ipod you'll need some in a ear hps.

 

[SoSpecial]

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Quote:

k702 for iPod and good isolation?....nah, don't think that would be ideal.

The Apogee Duet and the K-702, are enter mix/mastering level, and this is one of cheapest pro combo for Mac laptops (around $500 used). For the ipod you'll need some in a ear hps.

It's still a horrible suggestion for isolation and ipod use, which would imply portablity and I shouldn't have to post my thoughts on high-end open headphones used as portables.
 
 
My suggestion would have to be a Shure SRH840 and an HD25-II which will be about the same price as the K701, but he still gets  amazing monitoring headphones( SRH840) and amazing portable audio bliss AKA HD25-II.
 
P.S.: Amazing Portable Audio Bliss is coined by moi for reffering to HD25-II cause it's how I feel about my time with them.

 

[Acix]

 
Quote:

Quote:

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k702 for iPod and good isolation?....nah, don't think that would be ideal.

The Apogee Duet and the K-702, are enter mix/mastering level, and this is one of cheapest pro combo for Mac laptops (around $500 used). For the ipod you'll need some in a ear hps.

It's still a horrible suggestion for isolation and ipod use, which would imply portablity and I shouldn't have to post my thoughts on high-end open headphones used as portables.
 
 
My suggestion would have to be a Shure SRH840 and an HD25-II which will be about the same price as the K701, but he still gets  amazing monitoring headphones( SRH840) and amazing portable audio bliss AKA HD25-II.
 
P.S.: Amazing Portable Audio Bliss is coined by moi for reffering to HD25-II cause it's how I feel about my time with them.

You can't get all in one... one pro option will be JH-13, the OP need to focus on mixing and mastering, or on ipod system more for fun use. BTW, the HD-25ll are DJ hps, and maybe good for the ipod, but have nothing to do with mastering level.

 

[SoSpecial]

 
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Quote:

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k702 for iPod and good isolation?....nah, don't think that would be ideal.

The Apogee Duet and the K-702, are enter mix/mastering level, and this is one of cheapest pro combo for Mac laptops (around $500 used). For the ipod you'll need some in a ear hps.

It's still a horrible suggestion for isolation and ipod use, which would imply portablity and I shouldn't have to post my thoughts on high-end open headphones used as portables.
 
 
My suggestion would have to be a Shure SRH840 and an HD25-II which will be about the same price as the K701, but he still gets  amazing monitoring headphones( SRH840) and amazing portable audio bliss AKA HD25-II.
 
P.S.: Amazing Portable Audio Bliss is coined by moi for referring to HD25-II cause it's how I feel about my time with them.

You can't get all in one... one pro option will be JH-13, the OP need to focus on mixing and mastering, or on ipod system more for fun use. BTW, the HD-25ll are DJ hps, and maybe good for the ipod, but have nothing to do with mastering level.

Exactly, that's why I recommended he get both, because it's a better variety then a singular headphone which specializes in one( AKA K701.)
 

 

[rhythmdevils]

Shure SRH-840 and ath-M50 are great options.
 
and I put together a list of threads on studio headphones which may help.  Of course keep discussing, but these should give you some extra info. 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/495501/question-about-studio-monitoring-mixing
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/493746/reference-studio-grade-headphone-appreciation-thread-discussion
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/492628/studio-headphones-any-recomendation
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/481606/studio-headphones-vs-reference-headphones
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/472222/audiophile-vs-studio-professional-headphones
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/419451/hello-there-need-headphone-suggestions-for-studio
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/371355/what-are-the-differences-with-studio-vs-audiophile-headphones
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/379141/headphones-for-studio-production-mixing-and-engineering
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/372399/whats-the-best-closed-studio-headphone-unamped
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/332385/studio-headphones-for-a-new-old-school-recording-studio
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/324079/recomendations-for-best-studio-headphones

 

[lejaz]

When making recommendations it's best not to forget the OP's requirements: "My budget is somewhere in the neighborhood of $200," He's only in college after all...not about to start his own recording studio. The shure 440's would fit all his requirements as would some of the other closed ones that were recommended. Sound on Sound Magazine gave the srh440 a higher rating than the m50 for accuracy for mixing FWIW. Malcolm Toft at one time  endorsed the rp21 which is like $89. For  that price the OP could afford both those and the v6 to give a brighter, more analytical perspective. I had both and slightly preferred the RP21

 

[Acix]

Quote:

When making recommendations it's best not to forget the OP's requirements:

Is also good to plan on the future ; )

 

[lejaz]

Agreed But at his age he as plenty of time to upgrade in the future. Shoot, a real talented Reggae producer I know swears by those $89 Equations(he uses speakers too, of course).  And that guy is good... REAL good!

 

[Acix]

Quote:

Agreed But at his age he as plenty of time to upgrade in the future.

In the future will be a new models of hps to try out, and for now he can get the money to go with a great system. Maybe you can try out the Apogee Duet guitar center.

 

[lejaz]

Apogee duet plus k702 for $200(the OP's budget)...where??? Are you sure you're not on their payroll?

 

[Acix]

Quote:

Apogee duet plus k702 for $200(the OP's budget)...where??? Are you sure you're not on their payroll?

lol, the K-702/1 used can be found around $200, and the Apogee Duet as a Christmas present...as I sad, look into the future : )