Need some help

[clroan]

I was playing Call of Duty in the living room last week and woke up my infant son sleeping upstairs. The dangerous look I got from my wife said its probably time for some headphones. Eventually I found myself here. I have read quite a few posts and I now know that everyone here knows much more about headphones than I do and my choices are a little overwhelming. I could really use some help! I want a good set of full size headphones for listening to various types of music, watching some movies, and playing Xbox games in my livingroom. I have a budget of $250.00. Most important to me in order of preference is comfort, durability, and sound. When I have time I tend to play games for several hours so comfort is a must! I also dont have the resources to buy several sets of headphones so these will need to last for a few years. And considering the last pair of headphones I owned were the ones that came on my Sony Walkman in 1985 I dont think it will be too hard to impress me in the sound category. The ones I am looking at are the Sennheiser HD 595, the Audio-Technica ATH-A700, and the Ultrasone HFi 780. I know there are many more options and I am very open to suggestions. These are just the ones that caught my attention. I would also love to know if there is a store I could try these out at. I cant find one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Great site.

 

[1Time]

Welcome.

What equipment will you be plugging these headphones into?

What is your budget for buying these headphones?

Do you want to be able to hear what is going on around you somewhat while using the headphones? Or, do you want to block hearing sounds from others in the house? Or, is this not much of a concern?

 

[Sennshead]

you might want to consider an IEM as they won't need extra amplification, they will provide some isolation. The full-size cans often will need an amp to be as good as they can be, but on your budget you'll be able to get some great sounding IEMs. With good tips they are usually quite comfortable.

 

[clroan]

My budget is $250.00. I intend to use them plugged into my Sony tv for xbox games and into my Sony theatre in a box tuner for music and movies. I would prefer headphones I dont have to have an amp for unless that can also be included in the budget. I would like the closed style so people around me wont have to hear me, but since I will be using at home its not all that important.

Thank you.

 

[1Time]

So you're wanting comfortable, closed headphones to help keep the sound from leaking out.

FWIR...

A good buy for use without an amp would be the RX700 for ~ $35 shipped. Search "RX700".

Another without an amp would be the Q40 for ~ $130 shipped that's modified with Beyerdynamic pads for ~ $45 shipped. Search "Q40".

The Q40 and RX700 likely improve with amping, but it probably won't be worth amping the Q40 with your remaining budget. I suggest reading and posting in the amp forum for amp suggestions if buying the RX700. The Q40 probably will clamp tighter than the RX700. The RX700 probably will retain more heat inside the ear cups, which could affect comfort.

I don't suggest the A700. The HD595 and AD700 are open headphones, and so they should not be considered.

 

[ronnielee54]

Check out the Denon 2000's. Don't own them but I have been using a friend at works pair. Much better choice than the HFI 780's (used to own a pair). The Denons are much comfortable and better sounding IMO.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronnielee54 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Check out the Denon 2000's. Don't own them but I have been using a friend at works pair. Much better choice than the HFI 780's (used to own a pair). The Denons are much comfortable and better sounding IMO.

I did not suggest the D2000 because the OP wants durability, and some have had problems with screws coming loose. And, too many disapprove of the D2000 without an amp, and an amp with the D2000 would be over budget.