low-cost $100 music studio headphones

[vampirefish]

I'm looking for good, low-cost $100 music studio headphones. Currently, I use Grado SR 125 which I LOVE, but they are open. I need closed for recording. I know Grado doesn't make any closed cans, so no such luck with them. I've read through a lot of these threads and it seems that the Senns HD280 may be a good choice. I realize that I need to listen to any set I want to truly make a decision but was hoping someone out there may have a little more advice on studio phones. I see a lot of questions regarding the brands but not a lot referring to studio use. Thanks!

 

[sanity8me]

not sure if the HD280's are better then the mdr-7506's (v6's), but I'm almost positive they're more comfy.

 

[SpoonMan]

The v6's are probably the best bet, depending on how long you have to have them on your ears for, my ears get pretty sore after having my V6's on for an hour and a half or so.

 

[hop ham]

sony v6's are one of my most comfortable phones. just put on some beyer 250 velours and you can wear them for hours staight. this will however bump the price of both the phone and pads to about 100 USD.

i prefer the v6's to the 280's however, i have not owned the 280's but only heard them for a day. the v6's have been with me for a while.

 

[sanity8me]

i remember doing a search on where i can purchase these beyer 250 pads a while back. think the cheapest i found em for was ~$30... which kinda sux. one of the reasons i moved onto the A900's was because my pads are so worn out, plus I lost the 1/4" adapter. still debating whether to upgrade the pads or not...

 

[hop ham]

sanity

yeah, the pads are definately not cheap. they cost me 27 bucks with shipping but they are worth it if you plan on using them. in your case, the v6's are in the backseat to the a900's. it seems as if the a900's got very popular over the last couple months. i have to admit that they are pleasing to the eyes.

 

[vampirefish]

As I read more reviews (outside of this forum)...it seems that the Sony's may be better. I've read alot about Senns bass - you have to turn down volume to stand it.

 

[sanity8me]

hop, where did u get em for that price cause i think i remember seeing them for $30 without shipping?

also, u think it's worth it now that i'm gettin the A900's?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

The HD280 don't sound a thing like Grados, but IME they are the ideal studio phones, since they don't overhype any of the frequency range, and have an analytical sound that lets you easily pick apart a recording. It sounds like the V6 is too colored to be a more viable alterative to the HD280.

 

[vampirefish]

Wow...not an easy decision...but in reading more and getting more feedback...sounds like the senns hd280 may be the best bet. I definitely don't want colored sound when mixing my recordings. thanks everyone!

 

[wallijonn]

AKGs. of course.

 

[bhd812]

i used akg's before and would think they would be worth it

not sure if they are closed though

 

[davei]

I'll second the recommendation for V6/7506. Inexpensive, I personally find them very comfortable for long periods of time (my head is also pretty big - 7 3/4 hat size), accurate but maybe a *little* on the bright side.

 

[noiseunit]

considering the level of neutrality and isolation offered by the 280, it would certainly be my choice for a studio phone (for the given price bracket).

 

[terrymx]

AKG K240S