I want a new pair of cans, unamped, <$200

[syndrome]

The deal is, I'm planning on getting a new soundcard anytime now, see this thread:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...19#post2262519

I'm really at the very beginning of this audophile quest, with very restricted budget and knowledge. I want a pair of cans that will work great unamped, and not too expensive. Another problem is, I live in sweden, and you can't get just any headphone you want that easily.

Basically, what I'm looking at right now is something along the lines of:

1. Koss PRO 4AA TITANIUM
2. Sennheisers! Maybe HD555? Budget says maximum HD595.

Almost forgot this. I listen to a variety of music, but most is rock/metal-ish, almost everything based on some kind of guitar.

Remember the unamped thing (I can't afford an amp at the moment), and please share your recommendations!

EDIT: My current phones are Philips SBC-HP895.

- Syndrome

 

[F107plus5]

You want guitars?

You want Alessandro!

Check out the Grado/Alessandro MS-1!!

...George Alessandro makes guitar amps. He knows what guitars should sound like!

Yeah....and Grados' do guitars pretty good too.

Ms-1s work great without an amp, and they can be bought with either 1/8 or 1/4" plugs, and, they can be bought through the Alessandro web-site for the same price throughout the world.

 

[Dash]

I vote used Sr225s or MS2s. Ms2s are a great value in the lineup. None of the Grado/Alessandro require amping but improve greatly when amped properly. Sr225s are also a sweet spot in the family. Id rather snag a pre-owned pair from the forums that buy something new at that price.

 

[syndrome]

So you both insist on Grado's?

I don't know why, but I just feel good with Sennheiser. Note that I haven't tried the 595's.

How are Grado's unamped?

 

[DarkJC]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all Grado 'phones fare very well without amplification.

EDIT: And of course, most swear by the SR-225 as THE rock can. Mine should be here soon, so I'll be able to judge for myself.

 

[syndrome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJC Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think all Grado 'phones fare very well without amplification. EDIT: And of course, most swear by the SR-225 as THE rock can. Mine should be here soon, so I'll be able to judge for myself.

Well, the SR-225's are a little out of my price range :\
SR-60 and SR-80 has very reasonable prices. What's the difference between them?

 

[syndrome]

I think I've made some more decisions after looking at some reviews:

1. Koss Pro 4aa is out of the picture.
2. If Sennheiser, then 595 over 555 (probably).

Therefore, I think this is between Grado SR60/80 and Senn's HD595. If no one recommends something else.

I still wish to know how the HD595's are unamped, if they lose a lot of potential or not

On to something more detailed about what I listen to. I'm a big fan of Death Metal and Black Metal, but also most types of Rock and Heavy Metal. Trance/Techno and such are out of the question (not a basshead), but I ocassionaly listen to some electronic stuff like Röyksopp or Amon Tobin.

 

[Jerome G]

How much are the 225's in Sweden ? they are $200 here and you can usually find them on the FS forum for $150 or less.
How much are the sr60 or 80's ? If they are over $100, then you should probably get the MS1's

 

[1117]

Another vote for the Alessandro MS1. I'm a rock man myself, and these babies bring out the guitars nicely.

They go for $99 USA and ship world-wide.
http://www.alessandro-products.com/headphones.html

NOTE: The Alessandro MS1 are tweaked Grado SR125, but cost $50 less! They sound awesome without an amp too. Aso, it will take some time to "break them in" before they reach their full potential (otherwise known as "burn-in time" around here).

 

[syndrome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerome G How much are the 225's in Sweden ? they are $200 here and you can usually find them on the FS forum for $150 or less. How much are the sr60 or 80's ? If they are over $100, then you should probably get the MS1's

the SR225's are almost $400, new. I found only 2 retailers, kind of strange.

The SR60 on the other hand, is like $80. The SR80's are like $110.

And the Sennheiser HD595 are $205.

 

[DarkJC]

Wow, $400 new? I don't blame you then, that's definitely out of your price range. Twice the price I paid for mine.

I have the SR-60 right now and I really enjoy them, but I haven't tried the SR-80 so I can't speak about whether there are any improvements.

 

[syndrome]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJC Wow, $400 new? I don't blame you then, that's definitely out of your price range. Twice the price I paid for mine. I have the SR-60 right now and I really enjoy them, but I haven't tried the SR-80 so I can't speak about whether there are any improvements.

I read that the 80's are a little more bassier, but I don't know if they lack in something else that the 60's do better? I mean, if the 80's are improved in different ways without lacking something the 60's have, I guess it's worth the ~$25 difference in price.

 

[Ikarios]

Another vote for the SR60. I love these headphones for rock - aggressive and very forward-sounding. They're bad for classical but great for distorted guitars.

 

[Gaughtfried]

I'm thinking of something from the Audio-Technica line, perhaps something of the a500/a900 flavor? That is unless you are someone like me who does not have a good credit card in which I cannot help you. If you do however, then audiocubes.com seems to be a good choice to start from. If you look around though, you might be lucky and find a retailer that sells these things locally.

Over the two that you have chosen, though I would pick the hd555/h595. They seem to be a great starting can that seems to ramp up well with the source and amp that you may choose in the future.

*edit*
I meant a500 originally.

 

[xxlMusikfreak]

If you're from europe and want Grado than you have only 2 choices: Buy used or buy Alessandros. Grado prices over here are just plain crazy. Only exception are special phones like HF1, but they are no longer available from Todd.