Please help stop the madness!

[gtp]

Hello all,

I have some graduation-money that I have earmarked for headphones to use at my new job. Since finding this website, I have been obsessively reading for several weeks now. There are so many reviews that it is hard for me to keep them all straight, thus I beg for help!

I have around $180. I would prefer just headphones to keep things simple, however, if an inexpensive amp is required I am willing.

My sources are: (1) Ipod filled with ~256 Lame VBR mp3s and (2) Turtle Beach Audio Advantage.

I listen to many types of music, from classic rock to modern/indie rock and metal, and from blues to reggae to rap. I don't listen to country or classical (yet).

In 1997 I bought the Sony V600. Call me what you will, but I actually liked the warm sound, though I realized they were lacking. By 2003, I bought an Ipod and Sony Ex51s. These were OK until they were stolen. From reviews on this site, I bought Shure E2Cs and Senn HD201s. I have a hard time articulating the reasons, but the E2Cs just aren't that wonderful to my ears. They are OK, so I will keep them as my mobile earphones. The HD201s I like a lot, and I suppose their potential is causing my upgradeitis. I recently demod SR-60s and I LOVED THEM. I loved the dynamics and impact. I would have bought them but I work in an open office and thus need closed headphones.

So, I am looking for dynamic and fun closed headphones. I don't care about flattest response, etc, I just want enjoyable, quality headphones. I suppose I have bass-head tendencies, but I like quality as well.

So far I came up with (and the supposed faults):
V6 - flat sounding, uncomfortable - $80
HD280 - little bass, flat sounding, big - $90
HD25SP - no info? - $100
AT500 - enormous? - $100
DT250-80 - good overall? - $150
DT770-80 - good bass, need amp? - $150
AKG 271S - need amp - $170
HD25-1 - too pricey? - $180

Please give me your suggestions to (hopefully) end my insanity!

THANKS!!!
George

 

[EricP]

You should be able to find a used SR-225 in your price range, it's got great bass and a warm sound. Your description of the DT-770 should be revised to say "enormous bass". I am a little bit of a basshead (prefer warm tone, anyway) and it's way over the top for me.

 

[mrarroyo]

I second the Grado SR-225.

 

[Space]

he said he needs closed headphones, would the SR-225 have too much leakage?

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtp Hello all, I have some graduation-money that I have earmarked for headphones to use at my new job. Since finding this website, I have been obsessively reading for several weeks now. There are so many reviews that it is hard for me to keep them all straight, thus I beg for help! I have around $180. I would prefer just headphones to keep things simple, however, if an inexpensive amp is required I am willing. My sources are: (1) Ipod filled with ~256 Lame VBR mp3s and (2) Turtle Beach Audio Advantage. I listen to many types of music, from classic rock to modern/indie rock and metal, and from blues to reggae to rap. I don't listen to country or classical (yet). In 1997 I bought the Sony V600. Call me what you will, but I actually liked the warm sound, though I realized they were lacking. By 2003, I bought an Ipod and Sony Ex51s. These were OK until they were stolen. From reviews on this site, I bought Shure E2Cs and Senn HD201s. I have a hard time articulating the reasons, but the E2Cs just aren't that wonderful to my ears. They are OK, so I will keep them as my mobile earphones. The HD201s I like a lot, and I suppose their potential is causing my upgradeitis. I recently demod SR-60s and I LOVED THEM. I loved the dynamics and impact. I would have bought them but I work in an open office and thus need closed headphones. So, I am looking for dynamic and fun closed headphones. I don't care about flattest response, etc, I just want enjoyable, quality headphones. I suppose I have bass-head tendencies, but I like quality as well. So far I came up with (and the supposed faults): V6 - flat sounding, uncomfortable - $80 HD280 - little bass, flat sounding, big - $90 HD25SP - no info? - $100 AT500 - enormous? - $100 DT250-80 - good overall? - $150 DT770-80 - good bass, need amp? - $150 AKG 271S - need amp - $170 HD25-1 - too pricey? - $180 Please give me your suggestions to (hopefully) end my insanity! THANKS!!! George

Well these two are good choices.
AKG 271S - need amp - $170
HD25-1 - too pricey? - $180

Also the At900s are the ones that come to my mind. $200 dollar headphones. Closed. Good sound. Alittle recessed in the middles. Great Bass. For what you want that would be my choice. Or the HD25-1s. The HD25-1 aren't going to sound as good but are alittle smaller. Could use them on the go. A900s are going to sound the best and have good sound stage.

I have owned and liked them alot.

 

[SoundFreaq]

From what I hear the A900s might be something to consider. I agree

 

[catscratch]

Oh yeah, A900's are just the ticket. They don't need an amp, are closed, comfy, and most of all, sound good. A bit bright, and the mids are slightly recessed, but for the price, we can live with that. They'll stretch your budget a little at $200, but they won't make you wish you had bought something more expensive, either. Past the A900, it becomes very difficult to find a closed headphone that's an upgrade, and doesn't cost very large amounts of $$$ (used CD3000's being a possible exception).

 

[gtp]

Big thanks to those who responded. Looks like the Audio Technicas are leading the pack with HD25s biting heals. What about the DT250s?

Any wise advice from the day crowd?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
George

PS: Also, any advice on how do I justify $200 headphones to my wife??? My best one so far is that since I listen to music for 4-5 hours per day at work, good quality headphones would greatly impact my happiness, HAHAHA.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtp Big thanks to those who responded. Looks like the Audio Technicas are leading the pack with HD25s biting heals. What about the DT250s? Any wise advice from the day crowd? THANKS!!!!!!!!!! George PS: Also, any advice on how do I justify $200 headphones to my wife??? My best one so far is that since I listen to music for 4-5 hours per day at work, good quality headphones would greatly impact my happiness, HAHAHA.

We have all the bases covered for you! The DT250-250 is well praised around here, but my personal fave closed Beyer is the DT770-80, and it's in your price range as well.

As for the wife? We have a thread that addresses that as well! HULK SMASH!

 

[Canuck57]

You can't justify your headphones, "they" just don't get it. Buy her something that sparkles!

 

[gtp]

HAHAHAHA, that thread is freakin' hilarious. Great suggestions. I think I've used at least 4 of those techniques previously with my other hobbies.

THANKS!
George