Xombie11
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2010
- Posts
- 59
- Likes
- 10
Hi everyone.
I've spent the last week or so looking for a set of cans to bring to college this fall.
I've never really been a "headphone guy," as I much prefer listening to speakers (I have a pair of M-Audio Bx5as that I enjoy very much, and plan to take with me to college). However, I understand the necessity of having a good pair of headphones to wear around my dorm.
This headphones would function in following settings:
As such, I've decided that I'll need a pair of CLOSED headphones. They will be UNAMPED; my source is a macbook pro.
Portability is a bit of an issue. I don't want two sets of headphones--just one. I want to be able to carry these around in my backpack to bring around campus (if I have to) or to be able to conveniently store them on the plane. I'm not looking for IEMs.
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I've narrowed my search down to two sets of headphones (although other suggestions are still welcome).
*My budget is $125 or less, and obviously I'd like to keep that as low as possible--that's why I'm seriously considering the RX900s, even though the Shures appear to be superior.
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1. JVC RX900 - $55
Originally I wanted a pair of RX700s, as I wasn't looking to spend that much and $30 seemed like the perfect price for the set of starter cans I was after. After all, I don't even know how much I'll be wearing these, as my speakers will often suffice. However, the RX700s are hard to come by at the moment and run $45. For $10 more, I can buy these--complete with softer ear pads, a more durable headband, slightly better bass and a wider sound stage.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Shure SRH840 - $120
I've heard some amazing things about these cans in the <$200 price range. When I saw that I could pick these up from Northern Sound & Lights for $120 shipped, I got really excited. I like the look of these headphones, and they appear to offer a greater foray into audiophile sound.
Pros:
Cons:
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Well, what do you guys think? I can't make up my mind... I really need some advice.
Thanks.
I've spent the last week or so looking for a set of cans to bring to college this fall.
I've never really been a "headphone guy," as I much prefer listening to speakers (I have a pair of M-Audio Bx5as that I enjoy very much, and plan to take with me to college). However, I understand the necessity of having a good pair of headphones to wear around my dorm.
This headphones would function in following settings:
- Use late at night in my dorm room when I cannot use my speakers because my roommate is sleeping/studying.
- Playing games (CSS, SC2, etc.) when I don't want people to know I'm playing games.
- Listening outside as I'm studying under the trees (and want better SQ than Apple's earbuds).
- Listening to music in the library while I'm working on schoolwork.
- Listening to music on the plane as I travel from home (east coast) to school (west coast).
As such, I've decided that I'll need a pair of CLOSED headphones. They will be UNAMPED; my source is a macbook pro.
Portability is a bit of an issue. I don't want two sets of headphones--just one. I want to be able to carry these around in my backpack to bring around campus (if I have to) or to be able to conveniently store them on the plane. I'm not looking for IEMs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've narrowed my search down to two sets of headphones (although other suggestions are still welcome).
*My budget is $125 or less, and obviously I'd like to keep that as low as possible--that's why I'm seriously considering the RX900s, even though the Shures appear to be superior.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. JVC RX900 - $55
Originally I wanted a pair of RX700s, as I wasn't looking to spend that much and $30 seemed like the perfect price for the set of starter cans I was after. After all, I don't even know how much I'll be wearing these, as my speakers will often suffice. However, the RX700s are hard to come by at the moment and run $45. For $10 more, I can buy these--complete with softer ear pads, a more durable headband, slightly better bass and a wider sound stage.
Pros:
- Semi-open design is great for gaming/movies.
- Half the price of the Shures.
- Better set of starting cans?
- Can be modded (sounds like fun!).
Cons:
- Bigger and more bulky than the Shures--less portable.
- Not sure if I'd want to wear these outside my dorm; available settings are halved.
- Slightly more sound leakage than the Shures because of the semi-open design.
- Long (13') hardwired cord.
- Lack any kind of folding mechanism.
2. Shure SRH840 - $120
I've heard some amazing things about these cans in the <$200 price range. When I saw that I could pick these up from Northern Sound & Lights for $120 shipped, I got really excited. I like the look of these headphones, and they appear to offer a greater foray into audiophile sound.
Pros:
- (Much?) better SQ than the RX900s.
- More comfortable than the RX900s.
- More portable than the RX900s--they fold, cord is detachable, etc.
- Great deal for only $120.
- No problem wearing these in public; all settings utilized.
- Closed design=Very little sound leakage.
Cons:
- Twice the price of the RX900s.
- Too much $$$ for my first set of cans?? (Especially if I don't use them often...)
- No mods (that I am aware of).
- Closed design=Smaller soundstage=Not as good as the RX900s for games??
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Well, what do you guys think? I can't make up my mind... I really need some advice.
Thanks.