[nishan]

I have been searching for a closed/semi-closed pair of headphones to use as a portable HP, with ipods, etc, AND for home use (which is more important), mainly laptop as a source or an integrated Music Hall amp.
My budget is around $100-$125. I have no intentions to amp right now.

Music: alternative, rock, and jazz(lots of female vocals).

(My current HPs are "closed", $45 Yamaha, which is just meh. - need an upgrade, and it's not portable)

I have considered the following:

1. AT ATH-M50: fits most of my demands, but how portable is it really? pretty big for outside, I think...
2. AT ATH - ES7: great looks, portable, but how good is it for serious home listening?
3. Senn HD-25 II: fits all criteria, but above budget
   
4. AT ATH-WS50 and WS70: WHERE THE HECK can you find these? why isn't there any discussion about those phones? They seem like they fit both indoor and outdoor use.

I do want the phones to look rather "serious".

(and for some strange reason, I'd like to steer away from Sennheiser except the HD-25 II ...every other model from them looks so...teenage-ish, and plasticky - same with Shure: just too "modern" looking for me)

What can you guys recommend?
Thanks IA.

 

[nishan]

bumpity