Ok so it finally happened

[dxology]

Ive been reading this forum since January, when I was looking for a set of canalphones to order when I got my iPod. I settled on a pair of Shure e3c, which I love by the way. Lately though I have been wanting to try something new, a set of cans. I dont have alot to spend right now and I'd like to keep the price down on my first pair of headphones. I think I'm going to order the Sennheiser HD-201s, they look nice, sound good from the reviews I've read, and are nicely priced at Headroom. Not so fast, today I was browsing Amazon and found the Sennheiser HD-497 for $39.94. Now I dont know which ones to get. The limit I set for myself was $40 so the HD-497s fall into play there but I'm really liking what I've read about the HD-201s too. Can anyone tell me which one would be better for me? Source would be unamped iPod, TurtleBeach SantaCruz soundcard, and an Aiwa Stereo. I listen to all types of rock from DMB to Finch to NIN.
Thanks
PS: I have already planned my next upgrade after this: Sennheiser HD-555

 

[Wmcmanus]

Oh, and I thought you got laid or something fun like that... it's just a headphone question, never mind me.

Wish I could help you there but I'm not really familiar with the comparisons you're looking for.

Sionce it's your first post and you're already talking about spending money, let me give you the greeting: Welcome to head-fi and sorry about your wallet!

 

[dxology]

Thanks for the condolences for my wallet. I think something is telling me to go with the Sennheiser HD-497. I went out to the mall and was looking around RadioShack and they had 1 pair of Sennheisers, the 497s for 49 on sale. I could easily get those today or I could order the 201s, get them next week, and save alittle money. This is getting bad Im already trying to upgrade before I even buy 1 pair.

 

[Murdoch]

Get the best phones you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run.

 

[gshan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdoch Get the best phones you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run.

Roger. Imo I'd go with the HD497 or SR60 if possible. Comparing them to the HD201 you will probably find the 201s a little muffled sounding- Treble roll-off and less detail, and closed-natured sound.

 

[dxology]

How much to the 497s leak? I dont usally listen to my music that loud but I dont want everyone around me to complain about the "noise" either.

 

[ilovesocks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdoch Get the best phones you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run.

I agree to the point where I'd say forego the cheap Senns and just save up for the HD-555 (which is starting to become the Honda Civic for the brand-new Head-Fier). You've got your license; don't buy a bicycle.

P.S. Something kinda creepy is that I came here with an unamped Zen Micro, a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz soundcard, and an Aiwa stereo.

 

[Murdoch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovesocks just save up for the HD-555 (which is starting to become the Honda Civic for the brand-new Head-Fier)

as a 2001 civic owner, I'm inclined to agree with that comparison

 

[arspy87]

IMO, the Beyerdynamic DT231 is much better than the HD497. You can get them at HeadRoom for $60, I believe. They're closed, but they aren't particularly amazing at isolation/damping, so they'll leak some sound, but not as much as, say, Grados. That said, the Grado SR60 is probably a great choice too, but I've only heard the SR80 and SR125.

 

[mulveling]

Have you considered a nice pair of Koss PortaPros?

 

[Andrea]

For me, your best choice under $100 would be the Sennheiser EH350. (see here)
The best one under $150, the Sennheiser HD555.

 

[dxology]

I did some research on the Beyerdynamic DT231 and im intrigued by them, I might go with them. I also found the buy/sell forums, Im really considering a pair of used HD-555 if I can find the funds.

 

[Emon]

HD555s would be a good choice. I've not heard the Shure E3c, but they'll probably blow away the HD497s (which I used to own for over a year) and the HD201s. My ER-6 slaughtered my HD497s...I got my ER-6 in a trade for my HD497s. Best deal ever.

 

[Andrea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxology I did some research on the Beyerdynamic DT231 and im intrigued by them, I might go with them. I also found the buy/sell forums, Im really considering a pair of used HD-555 if I can find the funds.

I insist on the EH350 as a best buy under $100.

 

[gshan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrea I insist on the EH350 as a best buy under $100.

$99 shipped MDR-D66SLs ain't too bad either