[Aik]

Hello. I've recently found myself needing a good pair of headphones, and after a few days of lurking around this place and others, I still have no idea what would be best and no idea what half of your jargon means

What triggered my headphone need is a uni course I'm taking on sound principles, where we were basically told that having good headphones is an extremely good idea when trying to work with sound for multimedia applications. Beyond that - my current earphones are ****** quality, so here's a good chance to upgrade and listen to my music how it was meant to be heard.

Some examples of bands I listen to: Within Temptation, NIN, After Forever, The Cure, Nightwish, and The Gathering.

Also - background noise drives me insane, so good noise cancellation would make me extremely happy too

I'm willing to spend up to/around $200, though the less the better really, being a poor student and all.

 

[TheVinylRipper]

Have you considered asking your prof for some ideas?

If he/she is teaching a class and says good phones are needed then it would seem he/she would have some idea of what those might be.

Your own ears are the best judge, IMHO. Go somewhere they have a lot of headphones and try out as many as you can. Bring your own music, that which you like and are familiar with.

Try to test all at the same volume, even a slight change in volume will make a big difference in perceived sound quality with the louder usually being thought better.

Read this to see why equal loudness is important.

 

[StealthR6]

A good solid all around can is probably something like a Sennheiser HD595.

 

[Cousin Patty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by StealthR6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif A good solid all around can is probably something like a Sennheiser HD595.

yes but it offers no sound isolation...

maybe look at the audio technica a900's. i believe theyre supposed to be a closed equivalent of the HD595.

 

[BrookR1]

I'm still trying to find the perfect can for industrial. It's such a difficult genre to do very well because it includes fast guitars, heavy synthesizers, speed, but sometimes slow ballads. The cans must have lots of energy but (for me) have slightly recessed mids. And if you've ever been to a live show, sound stage is a must. Please post what your instructor recommends.

Thanks!

 

[BrookR1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cousin Patty /img/forum/go_quote.gif yes but it offers no sound isolation... maybe look at the audio technica a900's. i believe theyre supposed to be a closed equivalent of the HD595.

I'm honestly not that impressed with the A900s only because they lack some energy. IMO, of course.

 

[jcn3]

i think this thread will help you out: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...ighlight=dt770 -- some opinions on closed headphones under $150.

 

[StealthR6]

^ doesn't included cans like the A700, DT770Pro80, I think it was meant more as a portable closed can comparison then an all out what the best closed can for under $150.

 

[nvkid909]

you could go the senns hd25-1 with cable upgrade route.

yes i'm one of the hd25 lurkers. these are good for isolation (closed cans).

thanks to this forum i found you could replace the stock steel cable with a better (copper) one intended for 'phones around the hd580 range.

hence great sound (though i'm using for ipod)

also you can replace the pads for velour ones, though may loose some isolation through that.

 

[Aik]

I've been doing some price comparisions across the internet - it's quite strange that some places are charging $500+ for headphones which others are selling for ~$200.

The HD25-1 looks perfect except for price, the problem there being that while the headphones themselves are around $200, shipping from America to Australia adds a heap more to that and there aren't any Australian places which sell it for anywhere near a reasonable price. Still considering it though (the lowest price looks to be here: http://www.getpartsonline.com/hd25-1...&code=hd25%2D1 )

Otherwise - anyone have any experience with the HD25 SP? They seem to be hugely cheaper than the other ones, so what is it exactly that's different?

 

[Pibborando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrookR1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm honestly not that impressed with the A900s only because they lack some energy. IMO, of course.

What, REALLY? After your post describing what you wanted in a good industrial can the first thing I thought was "A900". I mean, they're really bright (considerably brighter than any Grado I've heard), have recessed mids, powerful bass and decent sound stage for a closed can.

Other than that... uhh, DT 990?

 

[Kilane]

If you can track down a used pair of ultrasones, I've had no complaints out of my wife since owning them.

I think the 650's (used) fall about into your price range.