[momeNt]

My first experiment into higher quality headphones were the Audio Technica A-500 headphones. I am very pleased with them, i have had them for about 4 or 5 years, replaced the earpads because my dog chewed them, and replaced the cable already, still sound the same thankfully.

But i never had had the opportunity to get some open headphones, i hear they are a little different to listen to, my a-500s are almost fun to listen to, all the sounds come from within your head but it feels like different parts, pretty cool feeling.

I was about to get the AD 700s but i wanted to hear if there were any other opinions about different brands. I would like to stay around the same price ($150) no more than 175 really, for some open headphones. I would like them to be good for music, all different kinds, DVDs, and games, all of this would be driven by my PC sound card creative audigy 2zs.

Open to any suggestions, i didnt want to be narrow minded and stick with the only brand ive known.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jaska]

I'd consider a pair of Grados. For DVDs and gaming, however, there might be some better choices in terms of sound stage.

 

[Chrispy]

Well, they might not be the best for gaming and movies, according to some, but i really like Grados.

I have the SR-60s and the 325is. I bet you could find used 225s around your price range.

 

[momeNt]

from what im looking at it seems like the SR 125s are more around my price range, so SR 125s vs AD 700s (Edit: and any other headphones people suggest)

If i had to rank what i feel most strongly about when listening it would probably be Music > DVD > gaming, i really enjoy listening to music and hearing so much more than what you hear on a car stereo and crappy headphones you get with an ipod.

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[Rednamalas1]

I would skip SR125s altogether and jump straight into SR225s
they hardly have any soundstage for movies though, as AD700 might be better for movies

 

[momeNt]

Maybe im looking in the wrong places, but where are there SR 225s for < 175? i keep seeing 200+ everywhere, and for that price I would settle for the AD 700s for sure.

 

[Rednamalas1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by momeNt /img/forum/go_quote.gif Maybe im looking in the wrong places, but where are there SR 225s for < 175? i keep seeing 200+ everywhere, and for that price I would settle for the AD 700s for sure.

they can be frequently had for 140-160 used in FS forum here

 

[JayB18]

I would recommend the Audio Technica AD700. Great on all types of music as well as games and movies. Grados are good too but they wont work as well with games, movies, and music that requires soundstage such as classical/instrumental. I like the AD700 quite a bit more than my Grado SR60.

 

[jgonino]

Go with the Grado Sr225 used, or a pair of AD700, AD900.

You might also consider a pair of Ultrasone 2200's. might be able to find a pair used at that price.

 

[Rednamalas1]

save up, get them both

, then you're covering all of possible genres except classical

 

[momeNt]

Yea maybe ultimately i will get both, these grados from what people say are very good for rock and i'd like to give them a shot.

Thanks for the responses guys.

 

[MrEcted1]

I'm a Grado guy. I've had the SR-60s, 80's and now I use the HF-1s (from what I understand they are between 225s and 325is... not sure though). Anyways I can't get enough! The 80s are definitely a good pair of cans and aren't too expensive. I'm not near as experienced as these guys so don't listen to me

 

[kejar31]

While the Grados would be great/fun for rock and such they will suck big time for gaming. If you are looking for something in that price range that will do Music, DVD's, Games and give you a sound stage beyond your head then I would suggest the HD595's.

 

[momeNt]

I think the senn HD 555 is more along my price range.

I have owned the PC 150 (Im hoping the quality of how these headphones are made is a lot better in the HD line) but the headband part is made pretty poorly and the pad is just glued on and fell off after a month or so. for ~$50 headset i should expect a little better quality.

HD 555s look much sturdier than the pc-150 obviously. Any feedback on these?

Thanks.

Edit: isnt 120 ohm impedance pretty high to be driven by the sound card in these HD 555s?

 

[JayB18]

The HD555 also come in a 50 ohm version. I would not suggest you choose the HD555 over the AD700 though. The AD700 are much better overall in my opinion, especially in detail and clarity. They are also better for rock music than the HD555.