[XIX47]

My father's old headphones at work need to be replaced, and he is looking a purchase a new pair within a few days on Amazon.
 
He is not an audiophile, and as a 60 year old cranky man, he just wants them "to work" so to speak. He is not very picky.
 
So here are the specifics he is looking for in these headphones:
 
-It has to be UNDER $100. He also mentioned about not wanting them being stolen by co-workers.
 
-Must require NO amp to be properly driven.
 
-Since he works in a cubicle. he would like noise reduction/cancelling properties. He likes the HD 558s for such purpose.
 
-Stated he wanted "neutral" sound.
 
He did not mention this to me, but I know he does like to listen to older rock music, I guess around the 70-80s mostly. I believe Metallica is one of his favorite bands. I do not know much about rock music, so I guess a headphone that have synergy with rock music may be something to look at.
 
Thanks.

 

[bobby12]

The HD558s are opened headphones. They have no noise isolation/cancellation at all. I can hear my dog's footsteps with them on.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E
Anyway, these are very popular and they are closed headphones so they offer some level of noise isolation.
If you don't want them to get stolen I would suggest IEMs since they are small and less likely to get stolen. Like with all expensive items, if you don't want it to get stolen, don't leave it out in the open.

 

[KG Jag]

The open HD 558 has essentially no isolation.  If he's OK with that, he should be OK with the CAL!.

 

[Lorspeaker]

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-982-000079-6000-Headphones-Discontinued/dp/B0094S36RI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404892811&sr=8-2&keywords=ue6000

 

[SteveHiFi]

Sennheiser HD201 or HD202-II - too cheap to steal

 

[XIX47]

He has the 558s, but he is worried about cleaning people stealing his headphones. He does not want something too expensive and shiny lying around at work. He also just told me that the noise-cancelling factor is not a huge deal for him.
 
I will forward him the links for the UE6000, HD-201 & HD202-II to his work address. I am hoping for a few more options. Thanks so far everyone.

 

[XIX47]

After talking to him for a bit, he does need closed headphones so no one else can hear the music. That should make the search a bit easier now.

 

[SteveHiFi]

Try the Senn. PX-200 as well (on-ear)

 

[KG Jag]

  Sennheiser HD201 or HD202-II - too cheap to steal

And much too awful to want!
 
Check out the Sony MDR 7510 (and/or 7506)--efficient, neutral, studio can.

 

[cel4145]

+1 for Sony MDR V6 or 7506.

NVX XPT100 would also be worth considering. Uber comfortable. Same cups/drivers (same sound) as Fisher FA-003 and Brainwavz HM5, only they come with two different ear pad choices. Decent isolation (see the quote in my forum sig )

 

[Hifisnubben]

How about the "The Accidentally Extraordinary 51st Studio Sealed Headphone" ? Seems like a excellent headphone for the money and stylish to. 99$

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/accidentally-extraordinary-51st-studio-sealed-headphone

Best regards

 

[wippo808]

+2 to the Sony MDR V-6.  My dad uses them for the same purposes.  There's also the Koss Pro DJ100, which I believe comes with Koss' lifetime warranty.  Both are highly functional/durable, relatively neutral, and pretty subdued designs.

 

[KG Jag]

  +2 to the Sony MDR V-6.  My dad uses them for the same purposes.  There's also the Koss Pro DJ100, which I believe comes with Koss' lifetime warranty.  Both are highly functional/durable, relatively neutral, and pretty subdued designs.

The DJ 100 is iffy without an amp.  Better check it with what will be driving it before purchase.

 

[SteveHiFi]

 
And much too awful to want!

 
Exactly. I've had stuff nicked by cleaners before.

 

[wippo808]

The DJ 100 is iffy without an amp.  Better check it with what will be driving it before purchase.

 
Good point.  Seems like most people find them amp/source-dependent.  I've only heard them un-amped myself but still liked them quite a bit.
 
Oh, a couple others to consider are the CAL! and ATH M30, both of which also have updated models (though I haven't heard the newer ones).  IIRC the V6 is more forward with brighter treble than those two.