[jonathanjong]

I (the OP, *ahem*, lol) have the D1001s. I wouldn't use them as portables. I'm in the "These Don't Isolate At All" camp.

 

[epithetless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanjong /img/forum/go_quote.gif I (the OP, *ahem*, lol) have the D1001s.

Heh heh heh...So you do. As musicmaker said, the HD25 wins on isolation for sure. They're pretty tough to beat soundwise in that form factor, too (though I'm one of those people who quite enjoys the ES7 sound

). I did not like the K81DJs much at all after owning them for a while. Their mids had a nice, natural tonality to them, sure, but they were recessed and completely overshadowed by the walloping bass and unrefined, grating highs. Bleh.

 

[Bonthouse]

I had the K81DJ, and now my little brother has them. For me the next upgrade was the HD25-1 And I never EVER regret that decision.
It's an amazing headphone. All parts replaceable, great for portable use and way more comfortable than the K81DJ.
Definitely worth the extra money!

 

[jonathanjong]

Looks like the HD-25s are winning by a stretch...even at the price?

 

[EyeAmEye]

To everyone who commented on the K81, did anyone remove the foam from behind the earpads? It makes a huge difference. The ridiculous bass is toned down tremendously and it brings out more midrange detail.

Have both the K81 and HD25 right now and can honestly say I prefer the K81 (only with foam removal, however).

 

[slwiser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aura /img/forum/go_quote.gif ESW9 > all.

x2

 

[jonathanjong]

As a portable?

 

[musicmaker]

I liked the ESW9's sound signature but sold them. Why, you may ask ? I purchased them for portable use. Isolation is important to me in portable situations. They didn't really isolate. Also I found them uncomfortable for > 20 minutes of listening. But they do sound good.

 

[oak3x]

Klipsch X5

 

[jonathanjong]

^ Not interesting in earbuds/canalphones/IEMs, sorry.

 

[Rednamalas1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanjong /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^ Not interesting in earbuds/canalphones/IEMs, sorry.

HD25-II
1) great neutral response from portable headphone
2) isolation only equaled in NC headphones and IEMS
3) good size, you can actually put it on your neck and be somewhat comfortable

- as you know though, these CAN be little flat at times, if you like colored sound. And that clamp can get little annoying over time.

I hope that helped

 

[vanger]

I can vouch for the durability of the HD-25's. So far it's the only headphone I've had that hasn't had to be sent in for repair or replacement (other than my less-than-one-month-old Image X10's).

I think durability should be just as important as portability, since whatever you buy has to last through the extra ruggedness you'll be putting it through. To be fair though, I haven't tried any of the other headphones you listed so I couldn't say they weren't durable enough for portable use either.

 

[jonathanjong]

OK, then. The HD-25 1 IIs are my next set of portable. When I sell my AKGs. They're super, duper expensive in NZ, though. I shall check out the international-shipping online retailers. Any suggestions?

 

[eruditass]

how about HFI-780 for $160?

 

[slwiser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanjong /img/forum/go_quote.gif As a portable?

THE ESW9 is designed to be used as a portable. Some may not like their use in that manner but yes portable headphones they are.