[Blackout621]

I'm getting my first nice pair of headphones, and I want to make a great choice, which is hard in this community because so many people have so many different opinions and I can't afford to try out oodles of headphones myself. If possible, I just want to get it right the first time. Anyway, as the title says, I don't want to spend more than $500. I will use them for gaming (primarily FPS and action-oriented games) but I actually will use them more for music. I listen to about 90% hip-hop/rap/r&b and 10% electronic/other. So basically, I want some headphones with bass, but not too much to make gaming an unbearable process. Preferably closed back as I live with people. Here's another important detail: I'd like it if they could be used without an amp. I know some higher end headphones (such as the Ultrasone Pro 550 and 750) don't even need an amp, and I would prefer these headphones didn't as I'd be listening to a lot of music on the go with my iPhone. I mean yes, a lot of listening would take place on my desktop with a dedicated sound card, but so would a lot of it be on the go. I know this is a lot to ask, but you guys are the authority on audio knowledge, so I'm sure you'll have lots of helpful suggestions.
 
 
A big thanks in advance. 

 

[PointyFox]

You might want to look into IEMs.  I don't think good closed-back headphones exist.  If you lower your expectations a little, the Denon D2000 is ok, same with the Bose Triport AE2.  I didn't like the AHT-M50 as much.  The Triports seem to have very good audio positioning which is good for FPS games.  (I defeated an entire bridge clan by myself in America's Army by listening for footsteps with one).

 

[Blackout621]

Quote:

You might want to look into IEMs.  I don't think good closed-back headphones exist.  If you lower your expectations a little, the Denon D2000 is ok, same with the Bose Triport AE2.  I didn't like the AHT-M50 as much.  The Triports seem to have very good audio positioning which is good for FPS games.  (I defeated an entire bridge clan by myself in America's Army by listening for footsteps with one).

 
Well, if I wanted open-back, what could be some options?

 

[PurpleAngel]

You might consider getting separate headphone for use on the go, with your iPhone.
The JVC HA-S500 folding headphones sell for under $60, would work great with your iPhone.
 
For your PC maybe get an Asus Xonar DG (PCI) sound card, $30 and there is a $10 mail in rebate this month.
The Xonar DG comes with a basic headphone amplifier, good for headphone up to 150-Ohms.
 
So that leaves the rest of your budget for a music/gaming headphone, for use with the PC.
When you use your PC, are there other people in the same room?

 

[asgiov]

This is kind of silly.... Of course there are good Closed headphones.
You don't have to suggest seperate on the go and at home headphones.

Here are some options.

V-Moda M100 - Great for bassheads, without over doing it. They look awesome too. This one was designed with a lot of feedback from the Head-Fi community
http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-Over-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B00A39PPCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374299795&sr=8-1&keywords=v-moda+m100

Sennheiser Momentum - Also has great Bass Extension, not as much bass emphasis as the M-100, but a GREAT mid-range as well. I owned these for a few months and loved them. More classy than the M100, IMO.
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Momentum-Headphone-Brown/dp/B009FHFFIG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374300010&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+momentum

A few more to look...

Sony MDR-1R
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-1R-Premium-Headphone-Black/dp/B009A6CZ30/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374300252&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+mdr-1r

Logitech UE 6000
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-982-000079-UE-6000-Headphones/dp/B0094S36RI/ref=pd_pgd_B009A6CZ30_B0094S36RI?pf_rd_p=1560313982&pf_rd_s=cp-merchandising-top&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B009A6CZ30&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=054ZHH68C6EAAC3TZ8ZQ

AKG 550
http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Acoustics-Closed-Back-Reference-Headphones/dp/B006IBILRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1374300332&sr=1-1&keywords=AKG+550

The first two would be the first to look at IMO. You would be very happy with either.

 

[mykl]

In addition to asgoiv's suggestions, you also might want to check out the Denon AH-D600.

 

[Blackout621]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! What do you think of the ultrasone pro 750s?

 

[asgiov]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! What do you think of the ultrasone pro 750s?

I've never heard them, personally. Could only find this FQ Graph... through google search.. so not sure if it's from a reputable source.
But if the graph is accurate... then I wouldn't be interested, personally. Looks like it would be way to bright and ear piercing... I tend to lean towards a warm, laid-back sound.

 

[Blackout621]

I've never heard them, personally. Could only find this FQ Graph... through google search.. so not sure if it's from a reputable source.
But if the graph is accurate... then I wouldn't be interested, personally. Looks like it would be way to bright and ear piercing... I tend to lean towards a warm, laid-back sound.

Thanks for that. So the headphones you sent were for the most part in the $300 range, but are there any you'd recommend in the 400-500 range?

 

[asgiov]

Thanks for that. So the headphones you sent were for the most part in the $300 range, but are there any you'd recommend in the 400-500 range?

One that just came to mind are these..
https://www.mrspeakers.com/MrSpeakers-Mad-Dog-Fostex-T50RP-Headphones

They are modified Fostex T50RP... Planar Magnetic Headphones.

Only better closed headphones I can think of will cost much more... Fostex TH900
http://www.amazon.com/Fostex-Dynamic-Headphones-Japanese-Lacquer/dp/B007G8UMP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374438443&sr=8-1&keywords=fostex+th900

Anyone else is free to chime in.. but I would look into the Momentum's or M100s... or maybe the Maddogs too.
I can't personally vouch for the Maddogs... but they've gotten a lot of praise.. especially for the price point.

 

[Blackout621]

Quote:

One that just came to mind are these..
https://www.mrspeakers.com/MrSpeakers-Mad-Dog-Fostex-T50RP-Headphones

They are modified Fostex T50RP... Planar Magnetic Headphones.

Only better closed headphones I can think of will cost much more... Fostex TH900
http://www.amazon.com/Fostex-Dynamic-Headphones-Japanese-Lacquer/dp/B007G8UMP2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374438443&sr=8-1&keywords=fostex+th900

Anyone else is free to chime in.. but I would look into the Momentum's or M100s... or maybe the Maddogs too.
I can't personally vouch for the Maddogs... but they've gotten a lot of praise.. especially for the price point.

But you say the Foxsters are better?
 
EDIT: Sweet Jesus, just saw the price. Never mind 

 

[asgiov]

But you say the Foxsters are better?

EDIT: Sweet Jesus, just saw the price. Never mind 

The Fostex TH900 is basically the re-introduction of the Denon D7000 so many people loved. Denon has Fostex make the headphone for them... and since Denon discontinued it, Fostex is now selling it themselves. But yeah.... That's basically as high-end as it gets for a closed-back headphone. You can find the D7000 for less than $1000 I believe... and the Fostex for less too.
But that is still far above your price range.