[GuntherKS]

I am a newbie to the headphone market. I need a closed headphone for work (cubicle sweet cubicle). I have been reading the forum's and reviews and have narrowed my choices to the Sony MDR-V6 or the Sennheiser HD280. I have found both for aproximately $70 new on the web.

I am looking for something CLOSED (I wish I could get HD580's and be done with it, but I would bother the neighbors to much), under $100, and no amplifier needed. I will be using this 70% with a computer, 20% with a portable cd player, and 10% with a home system. I mostly listen to all types of rock music.

V6, HD280, or another suggestion that fits the criteria? Thanks.

 

[septikus]

I would probably go with the V6's. Normally the HD280's are recommended for Classical Music while the punchier V6's are better for rock.

 

[ooheadsoo]

From what I've read, the 280's flatter response makes it less fatiguing on the ears especially over time.

 

[elnero]

Quote:

Originally posted by septikus Normally the HD280's are recommended for Classical Music...

That's a new one on me. I use mine mainly for listening to rock at work. Works great, nice punchy bass without being overdone. I find they can be a tiny bit bright but then the V6's are supposed to be brighter.

 

[bomba]

the 280s are great cans - good isolation, clamps well, nice feeling, comfortable, BUT: when you re wearing it, you look like..., well the V6 look better on your head, BUT they are a little uncomfortable and come off easily when you re headbanging and they don t isolate that much.

 

[dokebi]

I prefer the v6 over hd280 for most music.

 

[bangraman]

The HD280 definitely comes off worse than the MDR-7506 for general listening on a portable. I thought the HD280's sounded fantastic off my mixers until I got here and tried the HD280 on my minidiscs. They aren't optimal for that use, I think. The V6's are better suited to portables, but I think they aren't as comfortable as the HD280. So head off to your local Beyer dealer and get some DT250-80 pads for the V6 (or maybe even Headroom?), and I think you might be very happy.

 

[kenchi1983]

another big concern might be, which one do you prefer to wear outside? the v6 or the hd280s?

the 280s are bigger than a normal head. and they are heavy with the long wires.

 

[Jackangel]

I'll recommend the V6s as well (I have the 7506s), even though I've not heard the 280s. They're very compact and "smart-looking" for full-sized headphones, especially with their ability to fold up, and the solid/simple/smooth contruction. I love hip hop, and I think these are great for that kind of music. They have a nice and strong bass presence, which is smooth and tight. And even the brightness, although it may be fatiguing over longer periods, provides a nice, tight, and snappy sound to percussive elements. I enjoy that somewhat piercing quality that grabs your attention...but not indefinitely.

 

[GuntherKS]

Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. I can't say that I am much closer to a decision. So by summarizing, the V6 will sound brighter and may or may not sound better for a rock sound. The HD280 will be more comfortable, a little softer sound, and better for long use if I can handle looking like Princess Leia (Are they really that bad looking?). Both fold and are decent for portability, but the V6 would be a little better for that category. Is that about right?

Also, I keep seeing on this sight that I ought to be able to get V6's for around $60. I have not seen them for less than $70.00 plus shipping at MillionBuy. Does anyone know where I can get them cheaper? I have seen the HD280 for $75 out the door.

 

[ooheadsoo]

$60 is an outdated price. Prices have gone up for the V6 since a few months ago.

 

[MacDEF]

Quote:

Originally posted by GuntherKS The HD280 will be more comfortable

For the record, I personally find the V6 more comfortable, provided your ears are small enough to fit inside the pads.

 

[GuntherKS]

bangraman, I like the idea of the V6 with the Beyer pads. They seem extremely comfortable. I have been looking for the how-to post. Do you know where I can find instructions to do that? Is it easy?

 

[bangraman]

Quote:

Originally posted by GuntherKS Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. I can't say that I am much closer to a decision. So by summarizing, the V6 will sound brighter and may or may not sound better for a rock sound. The HD280 will be more comfortable, a little softer sound, and better for long use if I can handle looking like Princess Leia (Are they really that bad looking?). Both fold and are decent for portability, but the V6 would be a little better for that category. Is that about right? Also, I keep seeing on this sight that I ought to be able to get V6's for around $60. I have not seen them for less than $70.00 plus shipping at MillionBuy. Does anyone know where I can get them cheaper? I have seen the HD280 for $75 out the door.

HD280 is brighter than the V6, and has less bass. I think that's why a lot of poeple say it's good for classical. It isn't that the HD280 can't produce good bass, it's just that I think it's beyond the capability of most portables to do so.
As for how they look, yes they do look that bad.
The V6 folds into a just-about-coat-pocketable package, whereas the HD280 will require a special issue flasher coat.

--------------------------

Gunther, the mod has been done a lot here. Search and you will probably stumble on it. I bought my MDR-7506 off another head-fi member pre-modded with the Beyer pads. How's that for lazyness (although I did go back to the original pads, because I prefer fake leather).

 

[GuntherKS]

For the sake of completion I decided to update this post. I ended up buying the Sony MDR-V6. After a week of use I can say I am very pleased with my purchase. Thank you Head-Fi!

The sound is fantastic and the V6 can be driven from my sound card and my portable cd player just fine. Apparently I do have slightly larger ears because they aren't completely circum-aural and therefore get a little uncomfortable after hours of use. I think I'll have to try the Beyer pad upgrade next. I know, this is just the beginning. Sorry wallet.

If anyone stumbled upon this post, check out these two threads. I found them to be very useful.

LobsterSan - Great review that illustrates the differences between the V6 and HD280:
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ght=Sony+MDRV6

Kelly - Also very good closed headphones comparative review:
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ght=Sony+MDRV6