Sealed headphones for portable use?

[scwtlover]

Based upon responses to my first post and exploring this forum, it appears that finding a good pair of sealed headphones for portable use, in my case, a Rio Karma, is not so easy. (I'm not looking for canal phones.)

Source: Rio Karma playing music transcoded from flac to Ogg Vorbis Level 6.

Amp: Not in the immediate future.

Music: jazz: mainly small ensemble, e.g., Keith Jarrett, Oscar Peterson,
Charlie Parker
classical
vocal, e.g., Eva Cassidy, Judy Collins, Chava Alberstein, Nina Simone
folk, e.g., Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton
classic rock/pop, e.g., Beatles; Bob Dylan

Each possibility seems to involve compromise. I'm prepared to buy and return, but I'd like to begin with the likeliest possibility and try to minimize transaction costs.

That said, the candidates listed below all are within my budget (listed in descending order of cost). I very much would appreciate opinions about these headphones (or others that I should consider), with particular attention to suitability for music, portability, and source (in alphabetical order, not necessarily order of importance).

Audio-Technica ES-5

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Apart from anything else: (a) how does the size of the headphone and the coiled cord affect portability? (b) what about the 64 impedance?

Sennheiser HD 25-SP
Apart from anything else: (a) how does the 9-foot cord affect portability? (b) what about the 85 impedance?

Audio-Technica FC7

Sennheiser PX200
Please note that I've read about problems some people have getting a good seal.

Thanks in advance.

 

[commando]

Would you consider canal phones? They're much more practical for portable use. Ety 6-i's would be ideal.

 

[Franchot]

I have a Rio Karma and when I'm at the gym I use the Sennheiser 280 Pros. They cut out virtually all noise and the Karma can easily drive them and to me they sound very good with a good bass thump. (Note: You'll have to use the Karma's equalizer to get that "just right" sound.) The downside is that they aren't really portable headphones--pretty big and not as light as other headphones and they can become hot--especially if you're working out. But for the hour or two I'm at the gym, they do a fine job. (I don't even notice if people are staring at me wearing these headphones.) They're my Number 1 headphone when I'm outside and want to shut myself in from the outside world.

You might also consider the Beyer 250/80s. They offer pretty good isolation and a good sound and are smaller and lighter than the Sennheiser 280. I use them with my Karma when I'm sitting around the backyard. The cloth pads won't get hot, either, and there's no coiled cord.

Another option is the Sony MDR-V6s. I've used them on plane rides with my Karma and they do a fair job of isolation. I'm just not that crazy about their sound. They also have a coiled cord.

Finally, I also use the Sennheiser PX-100 with my Karma, but they offer virtually no isolation and probably wouldn't suit your "quieter" music in a noisy environment. But they sound nice for the money and if I want to hear what's going on around me while I'm listening to music, they do a good job.

 

[commando]

Franchot, you're mad! Have you tried canals?

 

[jgreene]

I Love the Ultrasone HFI-650's around the same price as the 280's and they sound great. but for a hundred bucks cheaper there are the HFI-550's but they have a few buzzy high problems.
They arent supuer portable, but they do foly up and I dont mind carrying them around

 

[commando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgreene I Love the Ultrasone HFI-650's around the same price as the 280's and they sound great. but for a hundred bucks cheaper there are the HFI-550's but they have a few buzzy high problems. They arent supuer portable, but they do foly up and I dont mind carrying them around

How can they be $100 cheaper than the 280s, when the 280s cost around $80?

 

[carsten2501]

hfi-550 are around 100 $ cheaper than hfi-650

wonder if hfi 550/650 or akg271 or sennhd280 blocks wind-noise/resonanse..(?)

 

[commando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by carsten2501 hfi-550 are around 100 $ cheaper than hfi-650 wonder if hfi 550/650 or akg271 or sennhd280 blocks wind-noise/resonanse..(?)

That would make sense, but it's not what he said.

I don't understand people wanting full sized headphones for portable use. They're heavy, they're big, they often need amps, they're expsensive, and they make you look stupid and a target for muggers. Using them in the gym is even worse. Canal phones were made for situations like that.

I rate the 271s poorly, and even if you like their sound, they're not ideal for portable use. They're too big and not stable enough.

 

[jgreene]

I meant the 550's are 100 less than the 650's, and they 650's do a great job of isolating for me, even on the subway, and they are pretty easy to drive so an amp is not required, i only use mine when i want the better sound at home

 

[carsten2501]

Commander:
bout full-size and portable: i understand what ya mean.. thing is that i have gone desperate in search for wind-blockers. Have the e2 allready, doesnt block that at all. So.. i just "research" a bit in here and then i can make a decision if it will be worth the hazzle with full-sizes vs. canal-phones.

edit: oh and thanks for feedback on akg271(they LOOK beautiful though..)

 

[commando]

Get a pair of cheap ear muffs from your hardware store, wear them over your E2's. Or drive.

 

[JohnRich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by carsten2501 Commander: bout full-size and portable: i understand what ya mean.. thing is that i have gone desperate in search for wind-blockers. Have the e2 allready, doesnt block that at all. So.. i just "research" a bit in here and then i can make a decision if it will be worth the hazzle with full-sizes vs. canal-phones. edit: oh and thanks for feedback on akg271(they LOOK beautiful though..)

Have you tried custom molds for the E2? The wind noise is just 'gone' with ER4Ps and custom sleeves - was a bit odd at first because there used to be some with tri-flanges but I'd gotten used to tuning it out; now I just feel the breeze but don't hear it, which is better

 

[bangraman]

The PX200 is relatively low-risk, and seems to be the only acceptable-sounding truly portable closed phone around. Yes there does seem to be fit problems for some people, and it is definitely not the best sounding phone on this earth but I'd suggest you give that a go first. It could be that you end up being satisfied with it's sound on the move. It does not offer a huge amount of isolation, but it does actually offer some, which is an achievement for cups so small.

 

[JohnRich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scwtlover Based upon responses to my first post and exploring this forum, it appears that finding a good pair of sealed headphones for portable use, in my case, a Rio Karma, is not so easy. (I'm not looking for canal phones.) Source: Rio Karma playing music transcoded from flac to Ogg Vorbis Level 6. Amp: Not in the immediate future. Music: jazz: mainly small ensemble, e.g., Keith Jarrett, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker classical vocal, e.g., Eva Cassidy, Judy Collins, Chava Alberstein, Nina Simone folk, e.g., Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton classic rock/pop, e.g., Beatles; Bob Dylan Each possibility seems to involve compromise. I'm prepared to buy and return, but I'd like to begin with the likeliest possibility and try to minimize transaction costs. That said, the candidates listed below all are within my budget (listed in descending order of cost). I very much would appreciate opinions about these headphones (or others that I should consider), with particular attention to suitability for music, portability, and source (in alphabetical order, not necessarily order of importance). Audio-Technica ES-5 Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Apart from anything else: (a) how does the size of the headphone and the coiled cord affect portability? (b) what about the 64 impedance? Sennheiser HD 25-SP Apart from anything else: (a) how does the 9-foot cord affect portability? (b) what about the 85 impedance? Audio-Technica FC7 Sennheiser PX200 Please note that I've read about problems some people have getting a good seal. Thanks in advance.

Can only comment about the Sennies in this list; The HD25SPs would work but not sure they're the ideal choice for jazz/classical; they do a decent job but the presentation isn't as polished as the HD580/600 etc. The cord length doesn't seem ideal, but the cord is detachable/replaceable, so i guess you wouldn't risk much by shortening/adapting it to your needs.

PX200/PXC250s Regardless of what you've read, of the 6 or 7 people i know who have tried and then bought these (mostly i-pod victims who gave in and tried different headphones instead of the stock buds) none of them have had any problems with getting a seal/decent bass etc with these; you could try them and return if the fit doesn't work for you? Having said that the isolation is nothing like as good as canalphones

 

[waylman]

i dont have a phone to recommend, but stay away from the px200's and the hd280's. px200's are just awful. stay away!!! I am currently seeking a replacement for these. As for the hd280's...they sound great with my iPod but are massive and heavy, not good at all for portable use.