[Scottyyy]

For the last 6 months I've been using Sennheiser HD212Pro's as a cheap upgrade from bog-standard Sony headphones that my dad got me ages ago. I really enjoyed the sound from the Sennheiser's when I first got them, but now I feel like I want something better.

I would like to stick with Sennheiser's as I love the look and if the 212's are anything to go by, they're extremely comfortable (important for me), also being closed headphones, they don't let any sound in (very important to me, I like to be isolated when watching movies).

The headphones will be for watching movies on my computer, and sometimes plugged straight into my TV headphone jack. I have a M-Audio Revolution 5.1 sound card, which I heard has a pretty good headphone amp built in, but i haven't really noticed.

I really like the look of Sennheiser HD595's, as they're in my price range and have read lots of good stuff about them. I've also heard good things about the Audio Technica AD series. But I don't know if either of them are good for watching movies.

I'd like to spend around £100/$200. Could someone give me a few suggestions please?

One last question - would it be worth getting an amp for watching movies/tv shows? If so, how much are decent amps? When I think of amps I always think of really expensive kit, like £300 or something. If they can be had for around £30 - £50 then I'll consider one.

Thanks for any help, and sorry about this type of thread. I can imagine you guys get tonnes of these all the time.

edit - sorry, almost forgot. Could the UK based experts out there link me to some good online shops that sell headphones? I've only really looked on eBay, but I'm sure there are some good headphone based shops out there. Thanks.

 

[dissembled]

In my shoes, I'd rather give up isolation for bigger soundstage and overall better sound. You're in your house and you don't plan to use them outside, correct?

You've already considered the HD595's and the AD series of phones so I'm guessing you are willing to try some open versions. A VERY sound idea for someone in your position.

A good idea is search them both up. Personally, the only comparison between them that I've found so far is very one-sided.

http://www.headphones.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10

Unfortunately, I'm also paritally biased to the AD series of cans because....well, I'm planning to get one.

So I'm not going to provide input in the matter because I've personally never heard either the SENN/ -AD series of models.

Maybe that comparsion can help you get on your feet though.

Good luck.

 

[Scottyyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif In my shoes, I'd rather give up isolation for bigger soundstage and overall better sound. You're in your house and you don't plan to use them outside, correct? You've already considered the HD595's and the AD series of phones so I'm guessing you are willing to try some open versions. A VERY sound idea for someone in your position. A good idea is search them both up. Personally, the only comparison between them that I've found so far is very one-sided. http://www.headphones.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10 Unfortunately, I'm also paritally biased to the AD series of cans because....well, I'm planning to get one. So I'm not going to provide input in the matter because I've personally never heard either the SENN/ -AD series of models. Maybe that comparsion can help you get on your feet though. Good luck.

Thanks a lot mate.

Yeah I'm in my house when I watch things so I guess you're right. The only sound that would get let in is when my brother listens to music, he plays it quite loudly. But that's during the day, I only really watch movies during the night anyway.

I'll have a look at the link and see if it helps.

Thanks again.

edit: the hardest part of this is finding good prices for the headphones. You don't happen to know of any good UK headphone sites do you?

 

[judas391]

Yes, open are much more comfortable for extended periods of time (especially movies) Good luck, haven't tried a sennheiser open phone yet

 

[dissembled]

Forgot to mention the DT770's which might be for you. It's closed and everyone here would pretty much hump it whenever they get the chance.

Personally know little about it though it might be up your alley. I guess there are some exceptions to my above arguement.

 

[Scottyyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif Forgot to mention the DT770's which might be for you. It's closed and everyone here would pretty much hump it whenever they get the chance. Personally know little about it though it might be up your alley. I guess there are some exceptions to my above arguement.

I've heard good things about those. I heard they were really good for gaming too, which I do a bit of sometimes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by judas391 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes, open are much more comfortable for extended periods of time (especially movies) Good luck, haven't tried a sennheiser open phone yet

Well the 212Pro's are pretty comfortable and they're closed, so if open ones are generally more comfortable then that's great.

 

[johnsonad]

Denon D2000. Closed can, close to HD650 sound, great bass response, easy to drive.

 

[Scottyyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnsonad /img/forum/go_quote.gif Denon D2000. Closed can, close to HD650 sound, great bass response, easy to drive.

A little too far out of my price range. Cheapest I can find them for is £215. I was hoping to spend around £100-£120.

I suppose I could save up for them if they're worth it though.

 

[Scottyyy]

Well I've narrowed it down to the following:

Sennheiser HD595 - £100/$200
Audio Technica AD700 - £83/$160
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro - £77/$150
Audio Technica A700 - £100/$200

I understand the A700 are closed and the AD700 are open. I put them both on there because I heard the AD700 sound better, but I like the idea of A700's being closed. I don't know much about the Beyers but I heard they were really good for gaming. The Senn's I heard are good all rounders.

Can anyone comment on which are these are the best for movies?

 

[commando]

A700 will be great for just about everything, but they're no good for portable use. I have the A900s and they're brilliant.

 

[tbonner1]

I would also look at the Equation Audio RP-21's.

 

[Andrew Jones]

As for UK websites, try www.rankhour.com (where I got my 595s about a year ago), or do a price search using pricerunner, dealtime or one of the other comparison sites. With a bit of patience, a google search limited to UK websites will find other stores which are not listed on the price comparison sites. Sometimes you can find a real bargain, usually the cheaper sites are all pretty similar.

Re your comment about the Denons, don't let the price fool you, none of the stores can get stock at the moment. I had one on order for over a month before giving up when they told me it would be at least another 3 weeks. I've now placed an order with Audiocubes, but looks like they now have stock delays as well!

 

[aCommunistSpy]

From my limited understanding, i hear that the Audio Technica Ath-es7's are really sweet and "fun". They are around 110$ i think and plus, they are one of the better-looking headphones out there. And they're closed.

 

[Scottyyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aCommunistSpy /img/forum/go_quote.gif From my limited understanding, i hear that the Audio Technica Ath-es7's are really sweet and "fun". They are around 110$ i think and plus, they are one of the better-looking headphones out there. And they're closed.

I'll have a look into those. Thanks for the suggestion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Jones /img/forum/go_quote.gif As for UK websites, try www.rankhour.com (where I got my 595s about a year ago), or do a price search using pricerunner, dealtime or one of the other comparison sites. With a bit of patience, a google search limited to UK websites will find other stores which are not listed on the price comparison sites. Sometimes you can find a real bargain, usually the cheaper sites are all pretty similar. Re your comment about the Denons, don't let the price fool you, none of the stores can get stock at the moment. I had one on order for over a month before giving up when they told me it would be at least another 3 weeks. I've now placed an order with Audiocubes, but looks like they now have stock delays as well!

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look. Yeah those Denon's look like amazing headphones, it's a shame they're so expensive/limited stock though. Also, isn't Audiocubes a US based site? Wouldn't shipping be really expensive?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbonner1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would also look at the Equation Audio RP-21's.

I can't find these in stock anywhere.

They do look nice though.

Thanks everyone.

 

[MaZa]

Ultrasone HFI-700 (older name HFI-650 DVD, not to be confused with HFI-650 Trackmaster) is designed for movies and gaming.