Help me choose some cheap Sennheisers

[The Big Cheese]

I've been looking for some cheap headphones for using at home. My top priorities are sound quality and comfort, and I don't need them to be portable. They will be used mostly for music with my rio carbon (un-amped), my stereo and my computer, but I might play the odd game on my computer with them. I don't want to spend any more than £40, but even less than that would be better. I've been looking around and the most suitable headphones for me all seem to be Sennheisers. These are:
HD201 - £12.37
HD415 - £18.68
eH350 - £29.39
HD435 - £29.95
HD485 - £31.34 (refurished)
Which would be best for me?

 

[nickchen]

HD485. No doubt. Best sub-60€ fullsize can available actually.

 

[jdimitri]

Correct me if i'm wrong here, but is HD485 a replacement for HD497?
If so, id recommend that.. 201 is excellent for the price, but really, its nothing special

 

[Razoramus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdimitri Correct me if i'm wrong here, but is HD485 a replacement for HD497? If so, id recommend that.. 201 is excellent for the price, but really, its nothing special

I've only had experience with the 201 and I'd have to agree. They are balanced and good sounding imo but lack those sharp smooth highs and crisp thunderous bass.

 

[~AZ~]

second on the 485's.

 

[Roger.McMurphy]

HD485 all the way. They are circumaural too and probably are the most comfortable and best sounding headphone on your list, by a good margin.

Get them, then come back to tell what you think about them

 

[nickchen]

Wasn't the problem of the 201 that it needs an amp to shine? Damned expensive set of "budget" cans thus...

 

[Mercuttio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickchen Wasn't the problem of the 201 that it needs an amp to shine? Damned expensive set of "budget" cans thus...

Yeah, they're more some sort of novelty to someone who has a ton of good equipment already... a horrible starter phone due to their requirements for sounding half decent.

 

[The Big Cheese]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll probably get the HD485 at that price then, I think I read on the site that by refurbished it just meant that the box was a bit damaged. By the way, will my Rio Carbon be able to drive the HD485s?

 

[nickchen]

Yes. My weakish flashplayer did.

 

[Razoramus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickchen Wasn't the problem of the 201 that it needs an amp to shine? Damned expensive set of "budget" cans thus...

even properly amped they are lacking the quality highs and bass, incredibly hard to drive for 24ohms, they do sound decent though

 

[colormetal]

is it worth it to upgrade my HD202 to HD205

HD202 / HD205


Frequency Response 18 – 18,000 Hz / 14 - 20,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance 32 Ohms / 32 Ohms
Weight Wo Cable approx. 130 g / 7.3 Ounces
Characteristic Spl 115 dB / 112 dB
Ear Coupling Semi-circumaural, leatherette
Distortion < 0.5 %
Transducer Principle Dynamic, Closed-Aire / SAME

 

[funkadelic]

Don't forget Ebay. A second hand set of HD480's would neet your needs nicely.


Simon

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by colormetal is it worth it to upgrade my HD202 to HD205 HD202 / HD205 Frequency Response 18 – 18,000 Hz / 14 - 20,000 Hz Nominal Impedance 32 Ohms / 32 Ohms Weight Wo Cable approx. 130 g / 7.3 Ounces Characteristic Spl 115 dB / 112 dB Ear Coupling Semi-circumaural, leatherette Distortion < 0.5 % Transducer Principle Dynamic, Closed-Aire / SAME

I honestly doubt it'd be worthwhile to upgrade at that low level. I don't even think you'd notice much of a difference, if at all (And the HD205 isn't recommended here very often, if at all, so I wouldn't both upgrading). If you plan on upgrading from the HD202s and want to stay in the Sennheiser line, I think you'd get the best bang for your buck if you AT LEAST went to HD280 Pros. From what I've gathered, this will yield you much greater results. If you can find a used pair of HD580s, that should be even greater.