Headphones ideal for library use?

[Maelstorm]

Recently, I've been considering a new pair of headphones for when I spend time reading and studying in libraries. Music just makes it much more fun!

So, with that said, I'm looking for the following:

1. Under $100.00

1. Good sound, preferably ideal for jazz, classical, and drum and bass

1. Comfortable and wearable for reasonably long periods of time

1. Driveable with a portable CD player, such as a Sony Walkman

1. Something that won't make so much noise as to bother nearby people

I'm open-minded to headphones or earbuds, so long as it isn't a super-huge pair of headphones.

I was looking at the PX100 and the PortaPro, as well as the upcoming AT pair of headphones as well, but I need more options to consider, as well as input from all of you.

Please recommend me something!

 

[mikop]

perhaps consider canalphone even tho it is not listed?

sony ex71 has bass, sounds pretty good, cheap, and ppl will not be able to hear you in the next study cubicle.

earbud like Audio Techinca CM5 when any reasonable volume should not be heard inthe next cube also since I have them about 2 ft away powered through my comp right now with good volume and I can barely hear sounds
In a library, there is usually a lot of ambient noises so it should be all right.

 

[crimsonadam]

I have to agree with the Sony ex-71s (or the 51s, they're the same i believe). They're reasonably priced at $50 or so which means that if they suck, or you lose them or break them or they're stolen, it's very annoying and will make you bitter, but only for a deal, and it won't kill your soul.

Originally i thought that the 51s had horrible sound, then i stole an idea i saw in a post elsewhere on this list (unfortunatly i can't remember where so i can't give the proper person credit, i regret this and apologize). I removed the ear pads that come with the plugs and replaced them with some "Earplanes" earplugs. I cut off the last/smallest flange, popped out the little plastic bead in the tube and shortened off the end that fits onto the earphone. Essentially it looks like the ER6is. Kind of sort of.

But herein lie the beneifits: about 20 dB of isolation, which is nice in a library because then sound isn't going in or out, plus the isolation made the bass response possible which made the phones go from sounding like garbage to sounding like really good headphones (for less than $100).

That's my advice for library listening.

 

[crimsonadam]

It turns out that it was TERRYMX, who had posted a picture of mods that he had done to his er6i. It was part of his 09-02-04 post about pre burn-in impressions regarding the 6is. It doesn't seem like the link(s) to the pictures are working anymore, which makes this little post pretty pointless, but i felt that he should get credit for a real good idea.

 

[ricola_pak]

I, like you, spend a lot of time studying in the library at my uni.

I have found the PX-200 to be a very good solution as they are very portable, very affordable, and isolate well inside-to-out (no noise leaks out to disturb others), although does not isolate very well out-to-in (can hear noises on the bus). I like its sound balance, enough detail for my music preference, which is similar to yours.

For me, I would pick either the PX-200 or the Etymotic canalphones, but that is mainly because I have had experience with both of these, whilst haven't touched the others recommended by fellow head-fiers.

 

[commando]

Canal phones are your answer for the libary. EX51/71 (same thing) are underrated and often maligned here on head-fi, but I have them and i enjoy them immensely for my portable system. They're comfortable and good sound, and I sometimes use bass boost - where others will say the bass is too strong. For better ballance (i'm told) try the MD33s at http://audiocubes.com

I'm being far too polite tonight, it's not like me at all. Pretend I insulted you if you like

 

[eitook]

for library use, i use the sennheiser hd212pro, as it is closed, and gives out serious bass (though bloated at times). you should not consider the px100 or portapros as they are open cans, and believe me..they will leak out sound and annoy the **** outta the other library geeks. the ex71/51 is a good choice, alternatively try looking at other easily driven, closed headphones like the px200 (though, i heard it is pretty hard to position the cups correctly to get good sound).

 

[commando]

Full sized headphones (even small ones) are less portable than canals, in my experience. And i'm always right

 

[bangraman]

The one advantage that phones like the PX200 have over the in-ear MDR-EX71 is that you can take them off and put them back on without much fuss. You can also bundle them up and put them in a pocket without fear of them being caked in fluff when they come back out to use. I know it's a minor point and the EX71 does have a well designed minicase, but it's just somthing that's bugged me on a few occasions.


Either will isolate enough, in and out, for library listening provided you aren't blasting the tunes out.


If you can wait for views of the closed, folding Audio-Technica ATH-ES5, it might be worth a look. I don't know about their pricing, but knowing the Audiocubes selling prices it might even go just above your limit. The projected Japanese price is ~Y10,000, which translates to ~$90.

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by commando Full sized headphones (even small ones) are less portable than canals, in my experience. And i'm always right

There's the Commando we all know and love!

 

[commando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman The one advantage that phones like the PX200 have over the in-ear MDR-EX71 is that you can take them off and put them back on without much fuss. You can also bundle them up and put them in a pocket without fear of them being caked in fluff when they come back out to use. I know it's a minor point and the EX71 does have a well designed minicase, but it's just somthing that's bugged me on a few occasions.

I find EX71s easy to get in and out - they don't go deep into your ear, to me they're easier to get in and out than earbuds. When I need to take them off for a minute or two I just leave them hanging around the back of my neck and down onto my chest.

 

[Snake]

It's a library. IRS Betas with 2 Krells on a cart should just about do the trick...

 

[Head Creep]

I'd agree with the EX51/71's. I'm loving my EX51's, since they're small and have good sound for the price. I've modified mine a bit by removing a little paper filter on them and using butchered ear plugs instead of the regular rubber tips, and it's removed all of the complaints people have about these things. Considering your wants, I'd highly recommend them.

 

[DanT]

Well actualy with the EX70 I had someone complain in the library. Ok we are in small cubicul right next to each other in relativly complete silence and the final of tchaikovsky 1812 is somewhat loud

and For this time only I wanted to listen to it at unusualy loud level.

Not realy healty to listen at this level for any prolong period of time but just one in a while. Never had this problem with ety

 

[crimsonadam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanT Well actualy with the EX70 I had someone complain in the library. ... Never had this problem with ety

Were you using the EX70 with any of the previously mentioned earplug mods, which turn them into canal phones. I think that the mod would severely limit the amound of sound leakage.