Portable Headphones for Destructive Dad?

[ajames]

I'm in need of a decent set of headphones for my dad for father's day. They'll be driven by a current gen. nano, and used for his commute (i.e. train, subway).

The goal is to provide an upgrade from stock buds, which i could easily name several options, but the problem is that my dad destroys stuff quite easily. Whatever i find needs to be able to withstand a bit of abuse, being thrown into a messenger bag, etc. Is there any sort of middle ground between good headphones able to withstand a beating, and cheaper headphones which are easily (monetarily) replaced?

I'm thinking:
Koss KSC 75
Koss PortaPro
Creative EP630
Senn PX100
AKG K81DJ's

He's definitely no audiophile, but notices the upgrade from stock buds -- my primary dilemma is finding something durable enough ... any thoughts?

 

[Rednamalas1]

Go with Koss - they have lifetime warranty and I preferred portapros over PX100s and K81s as well.

grab a 13$ KSC75s while you're at it

 

[inthecup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajames /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm in need of a decent set of headphones for my dad for father's day. They'll be driven by a current gen. nano, and used for his commute (i.e. train, subway). The goal is to provide an upgrade from stock buds, which i could easily name several options, but the problem is that my dad destroys stuff quite easily. Whatever i find needs to be able to withstand a bit of abuse, being thrown into a messenger bag, etc. Is there any sort of middle ground between good headphones able to withstand a beating, and cheaper headphones which are easily (monetarily) replaced? I'm thinking: Koss KSC 75 Koss PortaPro Creative EP630 Senn PX100 AKG K81DJ's He's definitely no audiophile, but notices the upgrade from stock buds -- my primary dilemma is finding something durable enough ... any thoughts?

PX100's He'll love them, I'm 52 years old and I love them.

 

[null]

sorry but px100s are pretty flimsy. the portapros are made with a metal band and are pretty solid for the most part, though the drivers sometimes like to get knocked off their 'clips'

 

[inthecup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by null /img/forum/go_quote.gif sorry but px100s are pretty flimsy. the portapros are made with a metal band and are pretty solid for the most part, though the drivers sometimes like to get knocked off their 'clips'

Maybe I'm just careful with them, had them for almost 3 years, I walk with them 4 or 5 times a week. I always fold them and put them back in their case.

 

[Coop47]

I'd say the KSC75's. Not only do they sound great, they're very portable and there's not much to break. Even if the clips get separated from the speakers, they'll snap right back on.

 

[tohni]

Had/Have PX100 - didn't sound too good for me -, Porta Pro - bassy, seemed rather fragile - and AKG K24P. The AKG K24P (new model is called K412P), have been with me for more than five years. Guess that means they are somewhat durable. I have only tried the other two for a shorter time. When it comes to durability, I think the PX100 are about equal. Soundwise I prefer the AKGs.

 

[tohni]

The KSC-75 IMO are nothing but average; even at their price. I just don't like the sound. But you could get your dad a second pair for the money you saved from not buying the Senns or AKG.

 

[sackynut]

I would suggest PX100's (they are actually quite sturdy) but public transportation + open headphones isnt the best idea. The train and subway arent the most quiet things in the world, keep that in mind.

maybe some IEMs? My ep-630's work GREAT for public transportation.