[TravisNJ]

I have very little knowledge of headphones, but for my birthday my parents are getting me a new pair of high quality headphones for my computer. I was suggested on a different forum to come here and ask my question.

I listen to mainly Jamaican Ska (Jamaican R&B) and American Rock/Pop.

Right now I use a pair of Sony Stereo Headphones and I've been looking at the Bose Around The Ear Triports (Very comfortable and great customer service).

My price limit is around $150.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[grndslm]

Depends on what you're looking for...

long, straight cord? ... or long, coily cord?
how much impact in bass would you like?
do you have/want an amp?
can you leak noise in and out for a more open sound?

I'd go with ATH-AD700 if the price limit was strict, but I'd rather splurge and get the ATH-AD900 if that was the only can I could get.

Only other can I desire besides ATH-AD900, is the DT770 or DT770 upgraded to Darth Beyer. Everything you'll ever need would be in those two headphones - the former is open; the latter is closed.

 

[TravisNJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grndslm /img/forum/go_quote.gif Depends on what you're looking for... long, straight cord? ... or long, coily cord? how much impact in bass would you like? do you have/want an amp? can you leak noise in and out for a more open sound? I'd go with ATH-AD700 if the price limit was strict, but I'd rather splurge and get the ATH-AD900 if that was the only can I could get. Only other can I desire besides ATH-AD900, is the DT770 or DT770 upgraded to Darth Beyer. Everything you'll ever need would be in those two headphones - the former is open; the latter is closed.

Cord type doesn't matter to me. I want the best well rounded headphone that my money can get me. I do not have any amp, I run it out of my computers sound card (which I'm looking to upgrade) and I'm thinking about buying a pocket-pre amp.

I'd like to have them "around the ear" and noise cancelling.

 

[Phraxos]

Whatever you do, stay away from the Triports - Bose makes atrocious-sounding headphones. If you want noise-cancelling, try the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7s. They're a very snug around-the-ear (unless you have big ears), but isolate and noise-cancel well, while retaining good sound. If I remember correctly they go for around $130 on Amazon.com

 

[tosh1000]

Specific model recommendations are helpful, but if you don't personally try them on for fit and comfort before ordering, you could end up very disappointed.

 

[Agnostic]

Without an amp Sennheiser HD595 is another good option. It's an open headphone though so it leaks some sound.

 

[facelvega]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravisNJ /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd like to have them "around the ear" and noise cancelling.

If we tell you that no noise-canceling headphone on the market sounds very good compared to conventional headphones at the same price point, or even a lower price point, then do you still want noise canceling? How about if we mention that some closed headphones will cut a lot of outside noise without adding any sound-quality ruining active cancellation signal?

For your music, preferences, and budget, how about a Beyer DT770 pro with the 80 Ohm drivers? (there are other drivers available too) An Audio-Technica A700 (NOT an AD700, which is open) might also do nicely. Or how about save your parents some cash and get the new Equation Audio RP-21, or 22 if you want strong bass? They're all the rage now.

 

[TravisNJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by facelvega /img/forum/go_quote.gif If we tell you that no noise-canceling headphone on the market sounds very good compared to conventional headphones at the same price point, or even a lower price point, then do you still want noise canceling? How about if we mention that some closed headphones will cut a lot of outside noise without adding any sound-quality ruining active cancellation signal? For your music, preferences, and budget, how about a Beyer DT770 pro with the 80 Ohm drivers? (there are other drivers available too) An Audio-Technica A700 (NOT an AD700, which is open) might also do nicely. Or how about save your parents some cash and get the new Equation Audio RP-21, or 22 if you want strong bass? They're all the rage now.

The Noise canceling is not a high priority, comfort is though. I don't need extremely strong bass.

And to the person who said something about trying them on, I agree, thats why I've been leaning towards the Triports. They are very comfortable and I thought the sound was great.

I'd definitely want to try whatever I'm going to get on before I buy them and thats why I'm having trouble comparing.

 

[facelvega]

Triports are comfy, but they can easily be beat for sound quality, and it's generally considered a scandal around here that they cost so much for their middling level of performance. The headphones I mentioned are also considered to be quite comfortable, especially the DT770.

 

[Xenafor]

ATH-AD700 seconded.

 

[TravisNJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by facelvega /img/forum/go_quote.gif Triports are comfy, but they can easily be beat for sound quality, and it's generally considered a scandal around here that they cost so much for their middling level of performance. The headphones I mentioned are also considered to be quite comfortable, especially the DT770.

How bad is the Triport sound quality? Especially compared to Sony Stereo Headphones.

 

[kpeezy]

My RP-21's blew them away. I think they would be a great option for you. Closed with great isolation and great sound. $100 new. Less used. Check on their site and you can maybe even find a local seller who sells for less. My friend found a shop that sold them for $79 new (those jerks told me they didn't carry it when I called :< ) Definitely great headphones.

 

[TravisNJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpeezy /img/forum/go_quote.gif My RP-21's blew them away. I think they would be a great option for you. Closed with great isolation and great sound. $100 new. Less used. Check on their site and you can maybe even find a local seller who sells for less. My friend found a shop that sold them for $79 new (those jerks told me they didn't carry it when I called :< ) Definitely great headphones.

A place a town over apparently carries those, I might go check em out tomorrow. Are they comfortable?

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[WiredMonk]

Remember, though, he's getting it as a birthday present. Thrift ain't a big deal for him

 

[Xenafor]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravisNJ /img/forum/go_quote.gif A place a town over apparently carries those, I might go check em out tomorrow. Are they comfortable? Thanks for the input guys.

They're slightly clamping (painful), but good headphones overall, especially for the price.