Okay, well here goes nothing

[benton]

Okay, well I am a total noob first off. I used to think triports were a gift of god and such. I am just learning about upscale headphones and really need some help here.

Okay well I need some suggestions for some new headphones. Here is what I'm going to be looking for:

1.Under $150

2.Used for listening to music mostly (metal,rock,rap,progressive) so I want some really good quality with a sufficent amout of bass.

3.Will sometimes be used for FPS shooters such as CSS, but I care about the music listening aspect most.

I know that there are many headphones out there, and I am just asking for suggestions and opinions.

Thanks a lot and hopefully I will be knowledgable soon!

 

[The Monkey]

Welcome to Head-Fi and sorry about your wallet!

Make sure you do some searching/browsing around here, as there is a wealth of information.

Are you interested in closed (little or no sound leaks in or out) or open (people can hear your music and you can hear them) headphones?

 

[benton]

Thanks for the reply, and the reason the wallet is so small, is I'm dropping $1,200 on my new computer.

I think Id prefer closed unless open has a performance gain. I don't want to be blasting my music and bugging other people with it!

 

[Roblin]

From my experience open does have a performance gain. Lets the sound waves free. But, many do have closed phones to block out noise - depends where you work, how loud roomates/kids are.

I have a pair of Grado sr125s, which are right at your price point. I absolutely love them. I'm saving up for a headphone amp, but for now they sound fantastic straight from my computer, CD player, etc. DVD-audio sounds phenominal too. They did take a while to "burn-in" (or break in). They are just about to reach their prime - highly recommended if you are Ok with open headphones.

Read other reviews though - some perfer other cans at this price range, and some find other cans more comfy.

 

[Ko Nectic Jazz]

Quote:

Okay well I need some suggestions for some new headphones. Here is what I'm going to be looking for: 1.Under $150 2.Used for listening to music mostly (metal,rock,rap,progressive) so I want some really good quality with a sufficent amout of bass.

You can have a MS-1 for portable device ($99 at Alessandro). A Beyer DT-770 (80ohms) for home, if you are really looking for big bass ! You should be able to find one for less than $150.

Quote:

3.Will sometimes be used for FPS shooters such as CSS, but I care about the music listening aspect most.

What are "FPS" and "CSS" ? (I'm French, I don't this

)

 

[The Monkey]

I have often seen recommendations for one of the Audio Technica phones based on similar requests, but I'll let those with more knowledge of them chime in.

Given your gaming, I think Grados or Alessandros might not be the best fit because of their relative lack of soundstage. Although they will rock nice and hard with your metal.

 

[Ko Nectic Jazz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Monkey I have often seen recommendations for one of the Audio Technica phones based on similar requests, but I'll let those with more knowledge of them chime in. Given your gaming, I think Grados or Alessandros might not be the best fit because of their relative lack of soundstage. Although they will rock nice and hard with your metal.

It's true that it is a bit fatiguing when you're used to, and it's not very exiting with rap.
If you're looking for neutral phones, forget Grado.

I never auditioned an AudioTechnica, but I wish I could.

 

[benton]

Remeber music is the most important, speakers will mostly be used for gaming with occasional headphone so it doesnt matter as much how they are in gaming

 

[kramer5150]

K240s.. the 55 ohm model $80 shipped on ebay. Print the ebay ad and bring to guitar center or sam ash to try and get a price match. Best all around can for $80 IMHO.

MS1... Best $100 grado IMHO. Comfort might be an issue though. More forward and dynamic than the K240s. Destroys the AKG for Guitars and vocals. May be too aggressive for your listening tastes. Doesn't quite have the sub-bass extension or the soundstage depth of the AKG. But what it does to guitars and vocals is WELL worth its other very minor flaws.

KSC75, UR40, portaproII. For $30... theyre stallar. And sound better than most under $65 cans. IMHO clearly beats the more expensive MDRV6 and HD280... unless you need isolation. UR40 being my favorite, and KSC75 the favorite for portable.

I for one wouldnt use any of the above without an amp. Especially the AKG. IMHO youre not doing any of these great cans justice without an amp. A $50 cmoy or PA2V2 really brings out the dynamics and impact in all these phones.

Garrett

 

[Inkmo]

I second recommendations on Grado and Audio Technica. Grado makes some hella-bang-for-your-buck sub $150 headphones. If you need the isolation that closed headphones provide, The AT A900 and A500 are both good choices. Personally, I have the AD900, the open-air big brother to the A900. If you want the more pronounced, more fun bass, though, those Grados might be more up your alley. I've only heard the SR-60 and all the AT models I've mentioned shortly, so those are only my rough impressions.

Happy hunting, sorry about your wallet

By the way, in case you haven't found them yet on your own, www.audiocubes.com and www.headphone.com are both decent places to look for the cans you asked about. Also, don't forget our own FS/FT forum here at Headfi. I think I mighta saw some Grado SR325s over there the other day...

 

[wakeride74]

If you are not going to use an amp I'd say your best options are going to be the Beyer DT770-80 or the Audio-Technica ATH A900. The DT770 will have more bass of the two if you are a bass head

 

[benton]

I wouldn't call myself a bass head, but just want some bass in there. I will probally be using an amp once I get familar with them and I hear good things about the cmoy. Therres just so many headhpone options Im getting confused. And can you please mention exact names of phones instead of just audio techna. Also, what makes grado better than audio techna or visa versa?

 

[Chri5peed]

Well open headphones obviously sound better, thats why they exist!

As well as sounding better, I believe open 'phones stay cool over extended use, because they let everything flow free!

I love my HD580s. When Dr Xin releases the new version of his SuperMacro-3 amp I shall be in heaven!

 

[benton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chri5peed Well open headphones obviously sound better, thats why they exist! As well as sounding better, I believe open 'phones stay cool over extended use, because they let everything flow free! I love my HD580s. When Dr Xin releases the new version of his SuperMacro-3 amp I shall be in heaven!

Okay, then I guess Ill go with opens. So hers an updtae

1.under $150
2.Must be able to be used with an mp3 player(portable)
3.Must also be able to be amped for home use

I want some all around headphones for both home and portable.

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by benton Okay, then I guess Ill go with opens. So hers an updtae 1.under $150 2.Must be able to be used with an mp3 player(portable) 3.Must also be able to be amped for home use I want some all around headphones for both home and portable.

MS1. Amp with a $50 cmoy to get the most out of it, unless your MP3 player has an unusually robust headphone circuit.

IMHO the K240s is too muddy unamped.