Help choosing closed over ear headphones

[martinzpg]

Hi, I am looking to buy a new set of closed over ear headphones.
 
They must be closed because I would use them in an office with other people working next to me, so the leak should be minimal.
 
My main priority is sound clarity. I am not a bass-head.
 
I have read excellent reviews about the AKG K553, and I almost pulled the trigger on the massdrop deal a few days ago ($120), but I am not convinced because of the long non detachable cable on them.
 
I am willing to wait for a new deal on those if I can't find other options, because from what I have read, the sound is exactly what I am looking for.
I came to understand from what I've read that they offer a clarity that is unusual for their price range, is that right?
 
Are there any alternatives that sound as good but with a detachable cable? My budget is 200 bucks or less to spend in the US.
 
Finally, are the K551s a good option? I've heard they don't sound as well as the K553s because of the cable, and can the cable be replaced if the cable is the problem? Where could I buy them? I haven't seen them on sale at many sites.
 
My current set of cans is a Harman Kardon CL, and although I have enjoyed them for 3 yeras now, I am looking for something that will definitely be an upgrade from those.
 
Thank you very much, all feedback is highly appreciated!

 

[fallingsnowfy]

The only options you have in a 200  close can Budget for non comercial generic brands like Sony, Boss, Panasonic etc are.
 Beyerdynamic 770 30OHM
 AKG K553
 Shure SRH840
 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
High end headphones  are manly made for studio use, you can use them for travel, work, etc. But this is not their main purpose. Most of them have long cables and just a few have detachable cable and have dedicated buttons to control   with Ipads, iphones etc.
 
If you really need a portable headphone you need to look elsewhere, for example Sony, Panasonic, Beats or bosse. They offer better isolation and portability at sound quality cost.

 

[martinzpg]

Hi, thanks for your prompt reply!
 
I understand what you mean, and I know I must sacrifice some portability, but I would like a pair of phones that I can commute at least some times with.
 
How would you compare the ones you mentioned with the K553s?
 
Does any of them compare to the AKGs in sound quality?
 
I prefer sound quality, so if I have to go with the AKGs I will do it without hesitating, but if there are other options comparable in sound quality and with better portability I would like to know. Thanks!

 

[fallingsnowfy]

I think the K553s are the biggest of them all. There is not a headphone that can do it all in terms of sound quality, some are better at something specific.
Beyerdynamic 770 and K553s i think are the most fun. while Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and  Shure SRH840 have better clarity but can be a bit plain. Is up to you to decide. Do you want fun or more analytical sound. Watch reviews on youtube or read them online. For my personal preferences i would pick 770 or K553, since i like fun and i like well defined bass.

 

[7keys]

I can recommend the Sound Magic HP150. Like you I was looking for a good closed back with good isolation and tried the ATHM50x, no soundstage and mid bass hump, the M Audio Q 40, again mid bass hump but also an unreal tone. I've found the hp150 to have great sound, the bass goes deeper than the M50 but is only there when the song calls for it. I was surprised by the sound stage as I didn't think a closed back could have a nice soundstage. The frequency response is quite flat with nothing really standing out. It has a nice tone and very good instrument positioning. This can hits far above its price range. It also responds very well to equalization.

Here's a couple of revews.

http://www.head-fi.org/products/soundmagic-hp150-premium-full-size-folding-headphones

 

[serman005]

I agree with the HP150 recommendation. One more to at least entertain is the VMODA XS, which is also in your price range. It does have a bass emphasis when compared to the HP150 or the K553 Pro (you stated you are not a bass head), but it is quite portable/folds, etc. Something maybe to read about.

 

[martinzpg]

Thank you for your suggestions. I have read good things about the hp150s, but I also read they aren't very durable. Can you comment on that aspect?

Regarding the other options, I can't try any of them because I am outside the US and in my country there aren't a lot of stores showcasing these types of headphones.

I have read a lot about the k553, and all suggests they are perfect for my taste in terms of sound. I guess the important question is, is any of the suggested equivalent in terms of sound (or almost) and more portable?

If not I guess I will wait for another drop on massdrop for them.

Thanks again!

 

[7keys]

I have only had mine for one week so as far as durability is concerned I can't say. I did a lot of reading before I made a choice and had it down to the dt770 and the hp150 although besides good sound I also wanted a good soundstage, hard to find in a closed back.