[HurricaneBob]

I just came across Head-Fi today and have spent my entire night reading the sight.  I have a couple on long flights coming up soon (one on Friday) and wanted to get a set of headphones to replace my Bose QC2 - I only used them on airplanes and got them for the noise cancelling feature.
 
After reading the reviews on the site, I think I've narrowed down to the choices:

• ATH-M50
• HD25-1 II
• AKG 550
• EDIT: I was also considering the M80s but am concerned about isolation Mr. Speaker's Mad Dogs (based on Wolfetans' recommendation)

 
I mainly listen to rock/metal and latin music as well as a lot of acoustic stuff and am really looking for crisp detail.  Also, while I realize this is a compromise with isolation, I like a wider sound stage. I was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction or maybe mention some additional models that I'm overlooking.
 
Also, on a side note, I went to Best Buy earlier today to get a pair of decent headphones for my trip on Friday. I decided (against my better judgement) to get the Skullcandy Aviators mainly because I like the look - I thought if they were half way decent I could deal with mediocre sound on one trip.  I have to say that they are a huge disappointment (although the more I listen to them the less I hate them); they just seem to lack any depth and sound hollow, not to mention isolation is terrible.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a moderately priced set that I can readily pick up at Best Buy? These things are going back tomorrow.

 

[KG Jag]

Quote:

I just came across Head-Fi today and have spent my entire night reading the sight.  I have a couple on long flights coming up soon (one on Friday) and wanted to get a set of headphones to replace my Bose QC2 - I only used them on airplanes and got them for the noise cancelling feature.
 
After reading the reviews on the site, I think I've narrowed down to the choices:

• ATH-M50
• HD25-1 II
• AKG 550
• I was also considering the M80s but am concerned about isolation

 
I mainly listen to rock/metal and latin music as well as a lot of acoustic stuff and am really looking for crisp detail.  Also, while I realize this is a compromise with isolation, I like a wider sound stage. I was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction or maybe mention some additional models that I'm overlooking.
 
Also, on a side note, I went to Best Buy earlier today to get a pair of decent headphones for my trip on Friday. I decided (against my better judgement) to get the Skullcandy Aviators mainly because I like the look - I thought if they were half way decent I could deal with mediocre sound on one trip.  I have to say that they are a huge disappointment (although the more I listen to them the less I hate them); they just seem to lack any depth and sound hollow, not to mention isolation is terrible.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a moderately priced set that I can readily pick up at Best Buy? These things are going back tomorrow.

For travel--especially unamped--the Senn is you best choice.

 

[HurricaneBob]

Thanks for the help, KG Jag.
 
Do you think there's anything else that I should be looking at (my budget is up to $400)?

 

[wolfetan44]

Quote:

Thanks for the help, KG Jag.
 
Do you think there's anything else that I should be looking at (my budget is up to $400)?

The Mad Dogs by Mr.Speakers or the Sony MDR-1R.

 

[HurricaneBob]

Thanks. Do the Mad Dogs need an amp?

 

[ddcpitt]

Most headphones reauire a dedicated amp to sound their best, but they still sound great IMO without one. But they definitely sound better with a quality dedicated amp.

 

[wolfetan44]

Just add on a FiiO E11 + LOD. And what did you end up getting?

 

[HurricaneBob]

Quote:

Just add on a FiiO E11 + LOD. And what did you end up getting?

 
 
I actually ended up ordering (I would rank them in this order):
 
HP100s (unamped)
M50s
UE6000
 
I've been traveling a good amount, but will try to get my thoughts on each one up here in the next couple of days.
 
In summary, I found the HP100s to be the most balanced and enjoyable to listen to, the UE6000s were the most comfortable, and the M50s were a fun, good sounding set.

 

[wolfetan44]

Quote:

 
 
I actually ended up ordering (I would rank them in this order):
 
HP100s (unamped)
M50s
UE6000
 
I've been traveling a good amount, but will try to get my thoughts on each one up here in the next couple of days.
 
In summary, I found the HP100s to be the most balanced and enjoyable to listen to, the UE6000s were the most comfortable, and the M50s were a fun, good sounding set.

Ah, nice! I've never tried those. The UE6000's were at the Apple store but they weren't working

 

[HyenaPrime]

Quote:

I just came across Head-Fi today and have spent my entire night reading the sight.  I have a couple on long flights coming up soon (one on Friday) and wanted to get a set of headphones to replace my Bose QC2 - I only used them on airplanes and got them for the noise cancelling feature.
 
After reading the reviews on the site, I think I've narrowed down to the choices:

• ATH-M50
• HD25-1 II
• AKG 550
• EDIT: I was also considering the M80s but am concerned about isolation Mr. Speaker's Mad Dogs (based on Wolfetans' recommendation)

 
I mainly listen to rock/metal and latin music as well as a lot of acoustic stuff and am really looking for crisp detail.  Also, while I realize this is a compromise with isolation, I like a wider sound stage. I was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction or maybe mention some additional models that I'm overlooking.
 
Also, on a side note, I went to Best Buy earlier today to get a pair of decent headphones for my trip on Friday. I decided (against my better judgement) to get the Skullcandy Aviators mainly because I like the look - I thought if they were half way decent I could deal with mediocre sound on one trip.  I have to say that they are a huge disappointment (although the more I listen to them the less I hate them); they just seem to lack any depth and sound hollow, not to mention isolation is terrible.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a moderately priced set that I can readily pick up at Best Buy? These things are going back tomorrow.

HurricaneBob,
You might be overlooking the V-Moda Crossfade M-80.
The sound quality is very crisp (personal opinion from personal experience).
The soundstage is very wide.
Noise isolation is superb as well.
Only $150 on Amazon!!

 

[punks15]

The M80 or HD25 is a nice choice, amp is not a mandatory for these cans too

 

[ostewart]

Glad to hear your enjoying the HP100, what you read was right?

 

[Eisenhower]

Just an FYI, the the Bose QC headphones are fantastic for air travel. I wouldn't use any of those headphones over the QC2 for air travel.

 

[HurricaneBob]

I checked out the M80s at an airport store (can't remember where I was), and I remember liking the sound but the isolation wasn't enough for me.
 
The SoundMAGICs are by far my favorite out of the group I've tried (admittedly, I haven't heard the HD25s), even unamped. I haven't listened to the QC2 in probably 3 or 4 years now (I loaned them to my brother and he lost them), but I remember the noise cancelling feature working extremely well and sound quality was good, but I think I prefer the sound of the MAGICs. 

 

[ostewart]

I'm glad we have another person who loves the HP100