Sealed Phones Under $200

[BluesDaddy]

Hey! I'm fairly new to this forum, though not to audio having been an audiophile "wannabe" since the late 60s when I watched my dad build a Dynaco PAT-4 and Stereo 120. Later, in '73 I built my own Dynaco SCA 80 Q (the Q being for the pseudo-quad matrix circuit built in). My first pair of headphones were, IIRC, Koss Pro-4s in about '74 or '75. Had those for years. After that, with a growing family, never had much more than a series of relatively cheap phones, including a set of Sennheiser HD 490s and those ubiquitous Radio Shack's that folks were raving about around 10 years or so ago, both of which I still have.

So, what I'm seeking now is a good set of sealed phones in the sub $200 category. With two teenage daughters and no isolated space to listen to music and read, I need some phones that will both keep noise out and not leak (which my current Senns do terribly). I listen primarily to late 60s to mid 70s "classic rock" (wouldn't you know it?!

), blues (from early pre-WWII to Mississippi Juke to Chicago and everything in between), with smatterings of jazz and classical thrown in. I've also got a fairly extensive collection RoIOs that range anywhere from professional sound quality to recorded on a portable cassette, mostly of live performances.

I've read through here and various other places and have lit upon the AKG K271 and the BD 250-80 as possible contenders. Suggestions from those with vastly greater experience in the world of modern headphones would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Kirosia]

Audio Technica A900, and if you don't mind canal phones (go inside your ear), Ety er-4.

 

[BluesDaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia Audio Technica A900, and if you don't mind canal phones (go inside your ear), Ety er-4.

Any reasons why? Oh, can't stand the in-the-ear thing, so the Etys are out.

 

[bahamaman]

I would second the motion on the A900s. I think it is one of the most versatile headphones I've listened to. Their versatility derives from their exceptional balance across the frequency spectrum. I don't believe I've heard anyone characterize the A900 as "bass-heavy" (though it can certainly deliver in that regard) or as particularly "bright".

When you consider the balance of the A900 and the fact that it can easily be run without an amp, you can begin to understand its excellent reputation in these parts.

Finally, the A900 would provide the isolation you require. I listen to it while sitting just outside the baby's room and he doesn't hear a peep.

 

[GlowWorm]

I third the A900's.

I'm with you BluesDaddy on the in-the-ear thing.

 

[bln]

I've heard the A900 and I own the Sennheiser HD25-1, which I find to have better sound, better isolation, and better looks than the A900. It's also less expensive ($120-$160). Just something to consider.

 

[BluesDaddy]

Is audiocubes the only place the A900 is available online? I can't find anyone carrying it except them.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

They are the only online retailer that I know of, you never find them on ebay either

 

[Construct]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bln I've heard the A900 and I own the Sennheiser HD25-1, which I find to have better sound, better isolation, and better looks than the A900. It's also less expensive ($120-$160). Just something to consider.

Just curious, but where can the HD25-1 be found for that price?


Although I cannot compare the A900 to many other headphones in that price range, I thoroughly enjoy them. I don't think you'd be disappointed with a pair.

 

[bln]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Construct Just curious, but where can the HD25-1 be found for that price?.

A number of online retailers sell the HD25 for between $150 and $180. I bought from Wild West Electronics ($159 plus $7 shipping, I think). Maybe my original price range was a little low, but the $120 figure was a reference to the recent offer at Etronics.com, where I know a couple Head-fiers got the HD25 at that low price. See this thread: http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=83464 . They're out of stock at the moment but that could change. Also try Froogle and Yahoo Shopping.

Finally, I found this thread, which ought to be useful to the original poster: http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=84576

 

[Evilson]

Quote:

Finally, I found this thread, which ought to be useful to the original poster

There are quite a few threads about this. From what I've read, the A900's have better sound + wider soundstage than the HD25. But it's non-portable. I bought the A900 myself.

There's also the Ultrasones.

 

[saint.panda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bln I've heard the A900 and I own the Sennheiser HD25-1, which I find to have better sound, better isolation, and better looks than the A900. It's also less expensive ($120-$160). Just something to consider.

Interesting, from reading various posts here, I always had the impression that the A900 was superior in sound quality.

 

[dj_mocok]

thats when i think personal preference and taste come to play...

 

[Nak Man]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saint.panda Interesting, from reading various posts here, I always had the impression that the A900 was superior in sound quality.

I agree with dj about preferences, people who prefer overall neutral sound may like 25s better. Otoh people who like better HFs would pick 900 over 25 (throw in comfort issue plus 'mostly for home use' and 25s were left in the dust =).

 

[BluesDaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nak Man I agree with dj about preferences, people who prefer overall neutral sound may like 25s better. Otoh people who like better HFs would pick 900 over 25 (throw in comfort issue plus 'mostly for home use' and 25s were left in the dust =).

"HFs" would be?

I like neutrality, I confess. But I also like comfort and the fact that the A900s are circumaural rather than supra-aural. Of course, being able to get 'em for $40 or $50 cheaper is another mark in the HD25's favor.

Someone speak to the Ultrasones. I've seen mention of them, but haven't read any impressions or reviews.

BTW, thanks for all the discussion. I think this is half the fun of buying new equipment.