[rcgrant]

I'm looking for a new pair of headphones to replace my HD280s for home and office listening. Now, the HD280s are obviously "not-too-leaky", but I think I can do better on the sound and I don't like the way they fit; they're barely tolerable when I'm wearing glasses.

I want something that will be good for listening to mostly progressive rock/metal and ambient techno on either my iPod or my Powerbook, and will not be bothersome to people in the same room at reasonable volumes. I tried SR-60s and SR-80s a couple of times and subsequently ruled them out.

Considerations include:
Sennheiser HD 555
Audio-Technica ATH-A500
AKG K 501

I'm leaning towards the 555s because I have a generally good impression of Sennheisers in terms of sound and comfort (with the exception of the 280s.) I would also prefer circumaural headphones to canalphones.

Recommendations?

 

[Jahn]

out of that trio i think only the A500 is fully closed, so no leakage. It's about 100 bucks at audiocubes so it's in your budget. Enjoy! and sorry about your wallet!

 

[minya]

You might want to read saint.panda's excellent review of the Sennheiser HD-25-1 in the Featured Reviews section. This seems like it would fit your bill quite nicely. I personally have a pair coming to me next week, so I will be able to give my own analysis of their sound soon enough.

- Chris

 

[commando]

I would have suggested A500 and 555s, beyond that it's personal opinion. See if anyone in your area (members here) has 'em you can try.

 

[3lusiv3]

The Senn 555's are open so I say go for the Audio-Technica ATH-A500.