The best headphones for $100 or less? (not planning on buying an amp)

[mrpspfreak]

Hi, I'm looking at buying a full size pair or headphones, but don't want t spend too much, as I'm also buying a new MP3 player to go along with it. As of now I'm considering the Grado sr80 and the Koss PortaPros. I'm planning on using them with a Sansa Fuze, and will primarily listen to rock and alternative with them (Alice Cooper, the Beatles, Springsteen, Metallica, etc.). I'm mostly going to be using these in an isolated room, so I honestly don't care about sound isolation. Comfort, durability, and SQ are the big three when it comes to headphones for me.

P.S. If it's important, current set up is an iPod Nano 1st gen, with a pair of Bose Tri Port in ear headphones (say what you want about them, but they've lasted over two years and provide great sound isolation. Not that I'm saying they're better than similarly priced headphones. Hell the only reason I bought them is because my dad kept saying they were awesome >__>).

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[lacrossebowe8]

I would do the sr80's. they are great rock cans and are easy to drive from a portable.

 

[mrpspfreak]

I heard reports that the sr80's are very uncomfortable, though. Is this true?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrpspfreak /img/forum/go_quote.gif I heard reports that the sr80's are very uncomfortable, though. Is this true?

Yes, as stock. I owned the SR80 and it was the most uncomfortable headphones that I've owned. I've since read there are alternative pads that can be used to improve comfort and somewhat alter its sound.

 

[mrpspfreak]

Do you know of any specific pads?

 

[Callous]

Buy some Sennheiser HD414 pads and then quarter mod them.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrpspfreak /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do you know of any specific pads?

HD414 pads. If you quarter mod, I suggest keeping the cut out foam so you can use it with the pads or not as you may prefer.

 

[mrpspfreak]

Huh, ok. Those pads wouldn't happen to be sold on Amazon, would they? Because that's where I'm buying the headphones and my player, and I just prefer to have everything in one cart. And is there really a difference in SQ with soft modding them? Because I'm sure I'll mess up, and I don't want to have paid $10 for the pads for nothing.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrpspfreak /img/forum/go_quote.gif Huh, ok. Those pads wouldn't happen to be sold on Amazon, would they? Because that's where I'm buying the headphones and my player, and I just prefer to have everything in one cart. And is there really a difference in SQ with soft modding them? Because I'm sure I'll mess up, and I don't want to have paid $10 for the pads for nothing.

You can buy the pads on eBay or direct from Sennheiser. The pads will be more comfortable and will change the sound, but I don't know in what way the sound would change or whether you would consider that change to be an improvement. Some of the SR80 / HD414 pad owners could advise, or you could start a new thread specifically asking about this.

 

[Stevie B]

Go with the SR-80's, you won't be disappointed!

 

[donunus]

Washing the sr80s stock pads with hair conditioner will also do the trick in improving comfort plus sound will get a little more bass

 

[HipHopScribe]

I would suggest the Denon D1001's, I have them and Grado SR60's, and I personally like the Fuze + Denon combo much more than Fuze + Grado, since I find the Grados can be a little harsh and the Fuze isn't a really warm sounding player to begin with. The Denon's have a full sound, better soundstage and bass response, while not sacrificing mids and highs, they're good with most kinds of music, but I especially like them with rock.

 

[Nappster]

If you want Headphones that make a great sound, especially for rock and that stuff (you mentioned that in the opening post) you should try the Allessandro MS1. Great cans, having a lot of fun with them. Though they are not very neutral, which may cause trouble when listening to classic music, like beethoven. If you prefer more neutral Earphones, try the AKG K530.

 

[musicmaker]

another vote for the Denon D1001. They sound nice and are incredibly comfortable.

 

[Moocher]

From what I understand the SR80s are basically the 60s with bowl pads. I have the 60s and bought a pair of bowl pads. I bent the headband of the phones and they are very comfortable. After trying the bowl pads for a month or so I changed back to the standard pads, the comfies and I'm happy again. They sound great out of my iPods.

Try the 60s out for awhile, then you can play around with different pads if you want. Saves you some money, too.

Mooch