Nice entry-level "cans"

[iindigo]

Hi! I'm looking for recommendations on a pair of entry-level cans. I listen mostly to a mix of classic rock (70s and such), modern rock, and j-rock/j-pop with a couple other genres sprinkled through. Most of the rock isn't really hard and some of it even makes extensive use of classical instruments (think the Moody Blues, the Alan Parsons Project, and Pink Floyd) but I also have some harder stuff, so I have quite a variety to listen to.

Most use will be with my home desktop computer with a Klipsch Promedia 2.1 240watt speaker system, with possible occasional use on my iPod if (and only if) the set isn't hard to drive. My budget is about $100... I may be able to afford more, however, depending on how things go.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I'm considering noise isolation as well.

Any and all help is appreciated!
John

 

[SoundGoon]

Depending upon what you are looking for, I would start by recommending the Koss KSC-75. Very decent headphones and fun to listen to. Also, not at all a problem to drive. Even if you decide to get something bigger and better, I would still recommend as having these for an easy, fun headphone. Also, something to check out for the types of music you are talking about may be some Beyers or the Sennheiser HD-590. The 590's are exceptional with acoustical instruments
Hope this helps some, and Merry Christmas!

 

[LostOne.TR]

Around that price range, I can say I like the Equation Audio RP-21, however I'm not completely familiar with some of the genres you listen to, nor am I familiar with the other headphones in that price range.

Just an option..maybe you can look into/ask around and see if others with the same tastes like it for. Mostly posting because Eureka 7 rocks.

 

[iindigo]

Thanks for the suggestions!

As I took a look at those, I realized that I had made quite a large error in my original post - I completely forgot to mention I'm looking for good isolation as well. You know, one of the pairs where you put them on and the world around you just disappears...

EDIT: @LostOne.TR: Yep, E7 does indeed rock. I have the entire soundtrack

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iindigo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi! I'm looking for recommendations on a pair of entry-level cans. I listen mostly to a mix of classic rock (70s and such), modern rock, and j-rock/j-pop with a couple other genres sprinkled through. Most of the rock isn't really hard and some of it even makes extensive use of classical instruments (think the Moody Blues, the Alan Parsons Project, and Pink Floyd) but I also have some harder stuff, so I have quite a variety to listen to. Most use will be with my home desktop computer with a Klipsch Promedia 2.1 240watt speaker system, with possible occasional use on my iPod if (and only if) the set isn't hard to drive. My budget is about $100... I may be able to afford more, however, depending on how things go. Any and all help is appreciated! John

You just described the HD555. I recommend you buy it for $100 new or as low as $70 used.

The Equation Audio RP-21 for about $100 also may be worth considering.

 

[LostOne.TR]

@iindigo :: I've sent u a PM about the soundtrack, don't want to offtrack your thread too much.

 

[LostOne.TR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iindigo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm looking for noise cancellation as well. You know, one of the pairs where you put them on and the world around you just disappears...

I have about zero experience with Noise Canceling headphones. I've worn the Bose QC2 a few times. Nothing to remember their sound signature or any impressions made. However I have seen a few positive mentions of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 (link to a page of it at amazon). I think a search of the forums for that headphone might bring up a few impressions.

 

[USAstrat]

Im pretty sure he means that he wants isolation, not noise cancellation.

 

[iindigo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAstrat /img/forum/go_quote.gif Im pretty sure he means that he wants isolation, not noise cancellation.

Good catch! Yes, I'm after isolation. Thank you for saving me from my own ignorance

That said, I'm now looking at these: Newegg.com - SENNHEISER HD 280PRO 3.5mm Connector Circumaural PROFESSIONAL Headphone

The reviews for them seem glowing and NewEgg is offering them for $75.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iindigo /img/forum/go_quote.gif The reviews for them seem glowing and NewEgg is offering them for $75.

The HD280 for about $80 shipped is the usual / good price. I recommend it if you highly value blocking sound from coming in or out of your cans. If you get the HD280, I recommend burning them in for a couple weeks.

Although I have not heard Equation Audio cans, I highly suspect you would prefer the RP-21 for about $100 or the RP-22X for a little more.

 

[iindigo]

I took a look at the RP-21's, and while they may sound great, they are easily some of the ugliest cans I have ever seen. Of course, that may have just been a bad photo.

How hard are the HD280s and the RP-21s to drive? Are they something that my iMac G5 equipped with a Burr Brown PCM3052 integrated sound card could handle decently without an amp?

 

[1Time]

The HD280 is easy to drive. I ran mine from an integrated sound card to very loud levels. The RP-21 is easier to drive.

 

[wangerin]

Id recommend Grados SR-60/80's over the HD280pro from personal experience.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wangerin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Id recommend Grados SR-60/80's over the HD280pro from personal experience.

The OP is wanting closed cans that isolate. Do you think the Goldring DR100 for $100 would be worth his consideration?

 

[SoundGoon]

Thanks for the suggestions!

As I took a look at those, I realized that I had made quite a large error in my original post - I completely forgot to mention I'm looking for good isolation as well. You know, one of the pairs where you put them on and the world around you just disappears...

Ah ha. Ok, that sorta crosses off the KSC-75's I would suggest The Sennheiser HD-280, the Koss PRO-4AAT, or one of the various Beyers that are out there. The reason I give you several recommendations is because you will hear things differently than I do, what may work for those genres for me may not for you. The first two are both pretty decent in my opinion, with the Sennheisers giving quit excellent isolation. Best of luck and enjoy!

Edit - while the HD-280's are "easy" to drive, they do not have very much bass/bottom to them, and speaking from experience, without proper amplification (and sometimes even with it) you do not get accurate bass. That''s not to stray you away from them, just giving you a heads up.