Recommend <$200 phones for metal

[Navybsn]

I'm looking for a set of phones to replace my Bose over the ear phones. I mainly listen to metal (Opeth, In Flames, Kyuss), prog rock (Rush, Porcupine Tree, Anathema), some acoustic guitar stuff (Dead, DMB), and occasionally some jazz (Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck). I have a newer Macbook and an 8gb 3g iPod Nano for sources and a cMoy amp for amplification. Price limit is $200 tops.

Stuff I've looked at so far:
Beyerdynamic DT 770 (on Amazon for $120)
Sennheiser HD595 (on the web for $180)

Better choices?
Thanks.

 

[1Time]

I suggest considering the HD25-1 II for ~$200 (edit) and the HFI780 if it's in your price range from Northern Sound and Light.

 

[wolf18t]

Put used Grado SR-225 on your shopping list. They popup quite often in the FS forum, usually below 200$.

 

[Tridacnid]

One word: Grado. The SR325 is my favorite can, but aside from being out of production (they have the SR325i in its place), it is also a little over your budget. Try to get the SR225 or the SR80 at least.

Also, if you get used, the price will pretty much sit at the same place (unless you abuse the cans), so if you don't like them, you really don't lose anything.

 

[Yukon Trooper]

SR225's would be a solid choice. Of the two on your list, the HD595 would be the much better option. The DT770's will sound slow and boomy with metal, not to mention the recessed midrange, which will kill your vocals and guitars.

 

[Navybsn]

Any thoughts on the M Audio Q-40? I have read that the Grados are good, but how much do they leak? Are the people around me going to complain?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navybsn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any thoughts on the M Audio Q-40? I have read that the Grados are good, but how much do they leak? Are the people around me going to complain?

Grados leak a lot. If you're not wanting to bother those around you, then you need headphones that are closed and don't leak a lot of sound. The HD25-1 II would be could for not bothering others.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navybsn /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any thoughts on the M Audio Q-40?

I suggest searching Q40 and reading. It sells for about $100.

 

[Navybsn]

After (much) reading, I think I'm going to lower my budget (a first for me). Seems like I can get a very good quality set of cans for around $100. I have also decided on sealed (so no Grado) because of the environment I'll be using them in, and circumaural (don't like pressure on my ears) so that rules out the HD25-1

Contenders:
Denon D1000 - lots of great comments/reviews
M-Audio Q40
AT ATH-A700 - recommended in other threads for rock/metal

I'm going to use the $100 I save on a better amp.

 

[Benaiir]

I've seen the HD595's at DakMart.com for 150, if that'd help you pick.


Also, if you're willing to go a little to the low-end, Dak also has the 515's for like 50.

 

[YtseJamer]

Look for the Ultrasone 780 (closed design) or the Grado SR225 (open design)