[Vinsm]

Hi all, I'm looking for a quality set of cans under $100USD and am wondering if I can get some advice from the fine community it seems you have here.

I will be using them primarily with my Zune and my laptop (movies/music) and for travelling. Wide range of music, like a bit of bass.

My research has led me to two options being the HD280s and the SRH440s.

Does anyone have any first hand experience to help me separate the two? I'm leaning more towards the Shures mainly on an aesthetic basis (although that little wire running from the earpiece does concern me).


Any other stand out options I should consider? - I had a pair of Grado SR60s and thought they were great however I want a change from these and there was a bit too much sound leakage.


Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Acix]

Under $100 you can consider the M-50. My recommendation will be the Ultrasones HFI-550/580 or the Pro/PL-550/ DJ1 Pro, I do prefer the pro series.

 

[stang]

The SRH440 will be great for your needs. The Ultrasone's do pack some punch but I am pretty darn 'Shure' the SRH440 will suit your needs. The Ultrasone's are close to the Grado sound sig but you need to spend a couple o' hundred for them to improve a bit over the Shure's. So +1 to SRH440

 

[Vinsm]

Thanks for the replies so far, keep the POVs coming. Asix, I will look into those Ultrasones but not really wanting to go over that $100 price point.

I'm also not intending to get an amp - from what I've read this shouldn't be a problem with either the Shure's or the Senn's (?).

 

[stang]

The SRH440 don't need one and I doubt the 280 Pro need one either, but I am not very good with Sennheiser.

 

[swbf2cheater]

You guys are crazy, no offense. But the 440 is heavy and bulky and not a portable pair. Thats an awful recommendation

I recently got the sennheiser PMX100, they are behind the head, open backs with excellent bass and clarity. Look into it man, you will save a hoard of money and be equally happy with the PMX100 or 200. Coming from an experienced user, and someone who has both and uses them often. For portable, neither the 440 or 280 will run nicely on an mp3 player. People will recommened you the Denon D1001, as its likely better than the 280 and 440. But Seriously, I own all of them and have just been stunned into submission by the PMX100.

 

[stang]

They look so cheap and gay

. Nah, I am not that experienced with portables, I either go IEM for portable use or proper headphones for home.

 

[deadly55]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swbf2cheater /img/forum/go_quote.gif For portable, neither the 440 or 280 will run nicely on an mp3 player.

My hd 280s sound just as good amped, or as as on my computer unamped on my mp3 player...

 

[Vinsm]

Hmm, interesting. I was just about to pull the trigger on the SRH440's (thanks to a $79 ebay deal I found on these forums). Extreme portability isnt a huge concern for me as they will either be over my ears, around my neck or in a bag - the SR60's I had were fine and the Shures fold up.

I agree with Stang - those PMX100's do look nasty, hahah. And the Denons, from what I can see, are around $150 which is getting up there a bit too much.

So... a pair of SR440's unamped running from my Zune 120 and laptop...

 

[stang]

Yup, you can't go wrong with the SRH440's

 

[CDewey]

I just auditioned both the SRH440 and the ATH-M50. They were both really good <$100 headphones. I was running both directly from my Ipod and they did well without an amp. I decided to go with the ATH-M50 personally, I found them more comfortable, plus I was not completely thrilled with the cord running outside the headband on the SRH440. (I was afraid I would break it)

 

[stang]

Lol now you've made his decision even harder

 

[duffers]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDewey /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just auditioned both the SRH440 and the ATH-M50. They were both really good <$100 headphones. I was running both directly from my Ipod and they did well without an amp. I decided to go with the ATH-M50 personally, I found them more comfortable, plus I was not completely thrilled with the cord running outside the headband on the SRH440. (I was afraid I would break it)

I have just bought the 440s, but I'm a bit unhappy with the isolation they provide. Now I've just seen the ATH-M50s but I'm not really wanting to order yet another pair of headphones to test out, and the difference here in England is about £50 (I got my 440s for £65 which is a really good deal; ATH-M50s at their cheapest are £110). Is the isolation hugely different with the M50s?