Need Some New Headphones; Budget $200

[FarFromCentre]

Hey everyone, I am new to the forum and I am looking for I new pair of headphones in the $200 budget range. I listen to mainly progressive and alternative rock, I would perfer closed cans if at all possible. I was eying on a pair of Beyer DT 770 Pro-80 heaphones at a great price: Beyer DT 770 Pro-80 Closed BEYERDYNAMIC Headphones NEW! - (eBay item 250190873276 end time Nov-27-07 06:28:47 PST). I would like to know all of your guys opinions as I do not know that much about heaphones; my area of expertise is in audio encoding.

 

[kevg73]

for $200 rock/alt headphones you need to consider grado sr225. they are great rock and alt headphones and are the sweetspot in terms of value on the grado prestige line. they are open but honestly most of the time open cans are better for rock and alt

 

[achristilaw]

Are you needing a closed can for privacy? Any amplification? And your source (or sources)? One Can easy to drive (reasonably). Is the Audio Technica AT900. It is actually good for you music likes. And the left over money. Might be used for a descent cable. Just a thought. The Beyers are fine though.
Really can use stable amplification. And will bring out the best. In a good source.

 

[FarFromCentre]

I just like closed because it blocks out all other noises, but I can live with open cans. My main source will be on my computer with my Auzen X-Fi Prelude sound card, I'm not looking for portable use or anything, maybe occasionally listen to them upstairs with my CD player. I don't have any headphones amps, if that's what you mean for amplification. Thanks for the suggestions guys, I will look into those Grados, I have noticed that whenever I mention "rock", I hear "Grado" in return.

 

[sinner6]

I just spent $200 on some Denon C700's and would reccomend them without hesitation. They have a forward midsection that brings out nice defenition in guitar tones.

 

[ph0rk]

For a closed all-arounder (especially unamped), I'd say the Beyerdynamic DT-250-80 over the 770.

easy to drive, sounds pretty balanced, decent isolation. slightly cheaper, too.

 

[FarFromCentre]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've also looked at the Audio-Technica AD900 Air headphones. I actually don't really care if the are open or closed cans. I also found a pair of DT880's for only $215 which I think I could handle. What are your opinions on these?

 

[kg21]

audio technicas and grados/alessandros are probably better in general if your gonna go unamped but the dt880 is an awesome phone, it is my favorite in it's class: out of the HD600/650, K701, Grado 325, etc. Just depends on your preference, the Dt880 is very clear and detailed but some people say it is too bright. Also some people say it lacks bass.

 

[FarFromCentre]

So why would the DT880's only be better with an amp? Are they hard to drive or something? I've heard great things about the Grados, but they look sort of ugly in my opinion, although I shouldn't guess a book by it's cover. The AD-900's look nice as well. The DT880's look very stylish and I've heard their sound signiture is great for progressive rock. I can't really decide between the two. Does anybody have any suggestions or opinions that they would like to share, I would like to know a little more on each headphone, so I can make a smart descision? Thanks.

 

[MaZa]

Quote:

So why would the DT880's only be better with an amp? Are they hard to drive or something?

Yes. 250ohms and overall average sensitivity. They need some extra power to shine. Great cans though.

 

[idunno]

I love my AD900. I use them to listen to a wide variety of music, including a fair amount of progressive and alternative rock. They're easy to drive: I use them with an amp now, but had no trouble using the AD900 ampless in the couple of weeks between receiving them and my headamp. A big plus for the AD900 is their almost "not there" comfort.

All this said, I'm contemplating the purchase of some DT-880's too.

 

[Moocher]

I listen to blues/rock with an emphasis on strong guitar music. I use Grado SR60, AT ES7, AT AD900 as my primary headphones. Of those three, the AD900s have the best sound for everything BUT my favorite music. Their bass is a bit light for me but they knock me out for other music and for movies. In your budget, I'd recommend the Grado 225s or get a couple of different headphones like the ES7s and a pair of SR80s.

If you will use the headphones for other types of music or movies, I would consider the AD900s.

Mooch

 

[FarFromCentre]

So, how would the BT880's be without an amp? What are the differences between the Audio-Technica AD900's and the Beyer BT880's in terms of the sound signature? I'm still not sure which one I should go with.