[mach4piggy]

Hello all. After countless $20 buds breaking on me and delivering sub-par experiences, I've decided to invest more fully into my music listening.  I've been reading a lot of reviews and such, but I don't know too much about what makes a quality headphone in general.
 
I'll use them mostly for listening to music.  I listen mostly to metal, rock, alternative, and things of that nature.
 
I realize my price range won't allow for a really amazing pair, but I'm hoping to find a set with a good quality/price ratio.  Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Also, I have been considering both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S and the AKG K514 MKII.  The M50s are a bit out of my price range though, and I'm just not too sure about the AKGs.
 
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide to my n00bish self.

 

[mach4piggy]

anyone?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Takstar Pro 80 (Gemini HSR-1000).
http://www.head-fi.org/t/585356/the-takstar-technical-pro-gemini-thread

 

[mach4piggy]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll throw it in the pile of headphones are researching. Said research has been disappointingly fruitless to this point.  The combination of circumaural, closed-back, stylish, and ,<$100 is proving quite difficult to achieve.
 

 

[OneRhythm]

Sennheiser HD 439

 

[flexx17]

Sennheiser HD 439

I second this....after going back and forth between the sony xb500 and MDR v6 I came across the HD 439s factory refurb on amazon for 31$ IMO it won't get much better than that in terms of price/performance

 

[mach4piggy]

They do seem like a good option, especially if I can find them at a price similar to that. 
 
Being new to all this, I don't really understand why some headphones need amps to perform well through an ipod, while others don't.  So my question is, will these work well enough through an ipod w/o an amp? Because I'm going to use these a lot for walking around campus and such.
 

 

[flexx17]

(Haven't received mine yet) but based on research iPods and newer cell phones should be sufficient to drive em on their own

 

[OneRhythm]

I listen through them unamped through my iTouch and laptop all the time.  In my opinion, they are great all around casual headphones (according to my ears), however, if you are strictly a basshead, than there might be better options that will satisfy your needs.  They are also EXTREMELY comfortable as it uses velour padding, you will barely notice the weight on your head, and you can easily listen to your music for hours non-stop.  Oh yeah, the cable is also detachable, but you probably won't find yourself removing the cable, as it requires alot of force to remove it.  I guess the main downside is the fact that it doesn't come with a carrying case.  Your local Bestbuy should have them, though you check online first and verify they have it in stock if you want to check it out in person.  You may want to check out the HD 439 reviews that have already been done here.

 

[asdfghjkzxcvbnm]

Quote:

So my question is, will these work well enough through an ipod w/o an amp? 

I don't think anything mentioned so far needs an amp.

 

[BillsonChang007]

Sennheiser HD 439

Another add for this

 

[obobskivich]

Koss TBSE/DJ100 are very much worth considering - they're within your budget, sound good with rock and metal (imo), and have a lifetime warranty. If you have Tuesday Morning near you, they may still have the TBSE for $50 (which is a steal); otherwise check Amazon. And they'll drive just dandy from an mp3 player or similar.

 

[mach4piggy]

Yeah I keep reading that they're good all around headphones, and I'm not a basshead, so they seem to fulfill most every requirement I have.  I went to buy them today on amazon for $31 refurbed, but they sold out -_-  So I screwed myself there.  But I think I'll just go ahead and buy them new. Thanks for all they help guys!