help with portables for rock/hip hop

[kiz]

I had some PX100's that I was very happy with for a while until they broke after a year or so. I had EX71's that i hated and e2c's which I didnt like much either. It's possible that earbuds don't work for me. I'm looking for something to mostly listen to hip hop and hard rock, so good bass is important. I'm looking to spend no more than $150. I'm open to buying used. What do you guys recommend? Also, I want to be able to use them unamped.

I'd look into sr-80s or sr-125s if they could be powered adequately from my ipod nano. i really want Tool and Porcupine tree to sound amazing, as well as some softer post rock. What about AKG 26P's or HD25SP's? I haven't had much luck with canal phones since my E2c's but i'd be willing to try them again.

 

[pez]

for iem's/canal phones, i'd be willing to recommend the super.fi 5 eb's (130 on amazon) from Ultimate Ears, they really have a good fit, and they have a molded cord for when it goes behind your ears. These are if you want a lot of bass, if not go for the super.fi pro's (150 on amazon) they don't have as much bass as the eb's but it's plenty for rock and hip hop.

 

[FallenAngel]

If you don't mind the look and the fact that they're completely open, your Nano should power the Alessandro MS-1 just fine and it's a great headphone.

Personally, I hate the AKG K26/K27, they're small and the bass is terrible. Plus, they're impossible to fit for me.

For the gym or other harsh environment, KSC75's can't be beat at $20. For the headband, you can always go PortaPro, also a very nice inexpensive set.

For something a little bigger and still doesn't need an amp, try some Sennheiser HD595's or AudioTechnia A900 / AD900.

 

[speedball]

I'd look into the super.fi 5 pro's from UE. I tried the EB and don't recommend it unless you like HUGE amounts of bass. IMO, the 5 pro has plenty of bass and in fact leans toward the bass-heavy side of things rather than neutral, yet it does a good job controlling all that bass. It does really well with rock and hip hop with its great bass and highs.
They're IEMs, so portability and isolation are big pluses. The downside is that some don't find them very comfortable. I don't have any problems with the fit or comfort, though, and I think it's more a matter of getting used to listening to IEMs as opposed to a real fit issue. Once you get used to them, it's really not as big of an issue.

 

[Torula Yeast]

I wouldn't recommend IEMs unless sound isolation is a priority for you; I've found that SQ at Price Point X vx. headphones isn't as good, as I suspect you're having to pay for the minaturization tech.

From experience, I can tell you the Grados are quite easy to drive straight out of an iPod at about 75-85% volume. If you're into the hip-hop, though, I'd mention that the Grado bass is more rumble than punch, and the bass will seem to take a backseat to the overall sound compared to your old PX100s. Not that I've ever been in any way dissatisfied with this presentation; I like the Grados' bass, but some do yearn for more from them.

 

[BrookR1]

The SR-80s can be powered fine through a portable and have good energy and bass slam for rock and hip hop. If you want portability and are curious about the Grado house sound, the iGrados might be a better choice as they offer a warmer/bassier sound than any of the others mentioned.

If you're a certified basshead, you should probably just buy a replacement pair of PX100s. If you don't mind slightly boomy bass, then the portapros are pretty good also.