[stuartg13]

Hey, I'm looking to get a pair of full-sze headphones to use. I mainly play music out of my smartphone (droid x), it sounds pretty good on it's own but I'm tired of my old iPod ones. I'm a college student so my music time is split between walking in crowds or studying at the library, so I need something that has little sound leakage. Closed-back, I'm guessing, would be best. I also listen to mostly hip-hop so bass is important to me but I don't want anything overpowering. I want to stay within the $100-150 range. Any suggestions?

 

[violineb]

I'm a big Grado fan so I would immediately recommend the Alessandro MS1, but Grado leaks too much sound in and out. I've heard good things about Audio Technica M50 and it's closer to $100 than $150 on Amazon. Apparently work ok unamplified as well.
 
One I can surely recommend NOT getting is the Sony Extra Bass series. Tried in Bestbuy yesterday...was swimming in yucky muddy crap pool of sound :/

 

[matthewh133]

The ATH-M50 is a good choice IMO. Bass is good but not overpowering, it's within your price range and also closed back so it won't leak sound. They are also not too big, so you won't look like too much of a dork

 

[Angelbelow]

In terms of budget, I was in a similar situation and I went with the ATHm50s and really havent looked back. Theyre definitely leak proof so thats a plus.

 

[SoSpecial]

Quote:

I'm a big Grado fan so I would immediately recommend the Alessandro MS1, but Grado leaks too much sound in and out. I've heard good things about Audio Technica M50 and it's closer to $100 than $150 on Amazon. Apparently work ok unamplified as well.
 
One I can surely recommend NOT getting is the Sony Extra Bass series. Tried in Bestbuy yesterday...was swimming in yucky muddy crap pool of sound :/

You know nothing until you get them home or at least onto an ipod, the source they use in the stores is terrible.
 

 

[stuartg13]

A lot of people seem to recommend the M50's. I've heard the Denon D1100's are really nice. Which is the better one between the two? I found the D1100's on Amazon for $150.

 

[stuartg13]

I have one more question. Is it really necessary to have a portable amp? I can't really see the need for it.

 

[Proglover]

Quote:

I have one more question. Is it really necessary to have a portable amp? I can't really see the need for it.

 For a ATH-M50 or a AH-D1000, this is not really necessary. Impedance is not high with those two, so your volume doesn't suffer much.
 

 

[Proglover]

I do advice a LOD cable with a very cheap FiiO E5 though, when having a ipod/iphone.
 
Not because of the amplification needed, but because then you use your clean line out instead of the very coloured headphones 3.5 mm.out.
It'll give you a noticable improvement in sound.
 
...just my 2 cents.

 

[stevenswall]

Quote:

Quote:

 
One I can surely recommend NOT getting is the Sony Extra Bass series. Tried in Bestbuy yesterday...was swimming in yucky muddy crap pool of sound :/

You know nothing until you get them home or at least onto an ipod, the source they use in the stores is terrible.
 

+1 Agreed... Even the Walmart display sounds relatively better than the B-Buy stand.

 

[MFranzen]

I have a modified pair of HD555 that have served me very well. They come under your price range, but I highly recommend them.

 

[stuartg13]

I tried out the Extra Bass ones at a Sony store near me. They didn't sound too bad, but I would have liked to plus my own music into them and see what it sounded like. Does anyone have any reviews for the Sony Extra Bass headphones?

 

[soundeffect]

If you decide on the Sony XB, stick with either the XB500 or XB700 and skip the XB300. The XB300 aren't that great. Just like to add my little opinion.

 

[violineb]

I was using my ipod, sorry I was unclear. You are right about trying them amped though. I will go back with my LOD and Predator and give them another proper try.

 

[shane55]

I will also recommend the M50. In your budget, don't leak much (unless they're cranked!), very comfortable, fold, have carry bag, are easily powered by iPod, iPhone, etc... and... sound great for all kinds of music.
 
--- end of rant ---
 
shane