[squee116]

Hi all,
 
While I'm always expanding on my desktop headphone collection, I'm hoping to find some headphones for when I'm out for a walk or a hike.
 
I'd like for there to be little to medium isolation.  I'd like to be able to hear things going on around me while I'm listening to my music, like a car approaching from behind me, or the like.
 
I've found I prefer to have a slightly warm sound, and I'm not a bass head, but I like the bass to be present, controlled, and have impact.
 
It can be portable headphones, IEMs, or w/e.
 
I'd prefer to keep the price under $150.  
 
As an aside, I've tried earbuds, and found them to be generally uncomfortable over long periods of time, though that may have more to do with fit.

 

[Covenant]

You can find used Sennheiser HD25-I-II's for around that price. They might isolate slightly more than you're after, but the sound is relatively warm and they provide a nice amount of bass whilst retaining clarity through the mids. They're also built like a truck and don't have to be babied, which is handy for a portable.

 

[squee116]

  You can find used Sennheiser HD25-I-II's for around that price. They might isolate slightly more than you're after, but the sound is relatively warm and they provide a nice amount of bass whilst retaining clarity through the mids. They're also built like a truck and don't have to be babied, which is handy for a portable.

I already have a pair of the HD25-I-II's, and the clamping force is a bit much for me.  You're right though, I do like the sound, and like how durable they are.

 

[Covenant]

  I already have a pair of the HD25-I-II's, and the clamping force is a bit much for me.  You're right though, I do like the sound, and like how durable they are.

 
Have you tried stretching the headband? Pick something a bit larger than your head and leave them stretched over them for a day or two, should reduce the clamping force (and the isolation). I found the clamp a bit much when I first got mine too, but a combination of them stretching and my ears getting accustomed to it has made it hardly noticeable for hour-long listening sessions.
 
That being said I'm still thinking of replacing mine soon with an Oppo PM-3.

 

[squee116]

   
Have you tried stretching the headband? Pick something a bit larger than your head and leave them stretched over them for a day or two, should reduce the clamping force (and the isolation). I found the clamp a bit much when I first got mine too, but a combination of them stretching and my ears getting accustomed to it has made it hardly noticeable for hour-long listening sessions.
 
That being said I'm still thinking of replacing mine soon with an Oppo PM-3.

I'll have to give that a try.  I'll likely be lugging these along with me on 3+ hour hiking sessions, or walks.  Planar magnetic may be a big improvement on SQ, but the weight would be detrimental.

 

[Covenant]

True, for long hiking/walking trips the PM-3 would probably be too heavy at 320g. The HD-25 is only 140g, and the Momentum clocks in at 190g.
 
Audio-technica make some good-sounding portables, albeit brighter and with more of a treble emphasis than Sennheiser. The Ath-ES7 would also be in your price range and weighs about 160g. It hardly isolates at all, but that doesn't seem to be a concern for you.
 
Other than that there are IEMs, but I always find those uncomfortable so have little experience with them personally. Others can chime in with recommendations there.

 

[H20Fidelity]

Sounds like a good contender for Dunu Titan 1. 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/744083/dunu-titan-1-titanium-coated-diaphragm-half-in-ear-earphones
 
.

 

[money4me247]

the akg k545 is a solid very highly performing mid-fi closed portable that you can find on sale for $150. list price is $250, can easily find for $200 or less nowadays.
 
the old momentum's gen1 have been seen on sale for $150 before. sub-$200 usually nowadays. msrp $350.

 

[squee116]

  Sounds like a good contender for Dunu Titan 1. 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/744083/dunu-titan-1-titanium-coated-diaphragm-half-in-ear-earphones
 
.

Something like this is exactly what I'm looking for! I'll have to look into it.

 

[squee116]

  the akg k545 is a solid very highly performing mid-fi closed portable that you can find on sale for $150. list price is $250, can easily find for $200 or less nowadays.
 
the old momentum's gen1 have been seen on sale for $150 before. sub-$200 usually nowadays. msrp $350.

I haven't had a chance to play with the K545, but the momentum's are definitely in the running.  I couldn't believe how light they were when I tried them on at Best Buy.  And they let me use my own music which was nice.

 

[squee116]

  Sounds like a good contender for Dunu Titan 1. 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/744083/dunu-titan-1-titanium-coated-diaphragm-half-in-ear-earphones
 
.

Apparently this may be on the bright side.  This may or may not cause problems, as my ears are a bit sensitive to highs.