[pookyman]

Hey everyone, I would like to know your opinion on these headphones and which is a better value and better qualiity. I listen mostly to rock and rap. If you don't like any of these please reccomend another one. (<$100)

Thanks.

 

[infiskik]

need the usual info.

source
portability
amped or unamped
open / closed
use (music only, games, tv, movies, etc)

 

[pookyman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infiskik need the usual info. source portability amped or unamped open / closed use (music only, games, tv, movies, etc)

Source: Mostly my iRiver HP-120
Portability: Don't really care
Amped or Unamped: Unamped
Open/Closed: ? Not really sure what that means
Use: My mp3 player and maybe my comp.

 

[clarke68]

I've never heard the 497s, but I'll put in a vote for the SR-60s. They sound great without an amp (I used them for years plugged directly into my work computer), and Grados tend to sound more "forward" than Senns, which tends to work better for rock & hip-hop.

As far as I know, they're about equal in quality & overall value, but they present music in different ways.

 

[pookyman]

How comfortable are the SR-60's compared to the hd-497's?

 

[Jesda]

The Grados seem to do a better job of bringing out background instruments, but comfort is a concern. People have used aftermarket pads and even socks.

 

[daredevii]

My brother just tried the 497's to use with his iPod and found that he needed an amp so he returned them. I'm not sure how your source compares to the iPod....just my 2 cents.

 

[pookyman]

Thanks for your comments guys. Also, with the SR60's, will I be able to listen to it with my mp3 player? (iRiver IHP-120)

 

[1UP]

SR-60S can run off an HP-120 no problem. However, I find them very uncomfortable after 1hr or so and they have a poor soundstage so they wouldn't be my best recommendation for games/pc usage. I'd consider the Beyerdynamic DTX800 or DTX900.

 

[clarke68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pookyman How comfortable are the SR-60's compared to the hd-497's?

I've never found Grados uncomfortable, but they're not exactly comfortable, either. Again, I've never tried the 497s, but I do have HD-580s. Comfort-wise (and sound-wise), if Sennheisers are like sitting in an elegant symphony hall, Grados are like being in the pit at a punk show.

 

[Mr.Radar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP I'd consider the Beyerdynamic DTX800 or DTX900.

Seconded. If they're anything like my DT770's or DT440's the DTX800 or 900 should be nice gaming 'phones. My Koss PortaPros (called "Baby Grados" by some members, due to their similar sound to lower end Grados) are very bad for gaming.

 

[pookyman]

Quote:

The SR60s come with Grado's new earpads. The new pads are a soft, porous, open cell foam that covers the driver much more comfy. The SR60s offer good sound quality, plus are easily driven by the output of a portable player or inexpensive home equipment a nice combination.

got the from epinions.com.

Are those "new" earpads comfortable?

Again, thanks for everyone's input.

 

[clarke68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pookyman Are those "new" earpads comfortable?

They're not terribly new, SR-60s have shipped with them for at least 3 years. The 'phones themselves are lightweight, I find that they're like having little pillows on your ears. Thing is, some people can't stand having anything touch their ears. I think these people make up at least some of the crowd that insists that Grados are uncomfortable.

 

[pookyman]

Do they adjust to your head easily?

 

[Aman]

The SR60s will be more comfortable and sound better.

They just put your music to life compared to the shrill, uncomfortable HD497s. The 497s are much more painful to wear than the SR60s, IMO - at least the SR60s are adjustable while still being able to wear them correctly with many different options - with the HD497s, if you don't like the one comfort level and listening position offered by them, too bad - you're stuck.

To conclude, the SR60s are more comfortable, sound better, and IMO are easier to drive.