What headphones to buy?

[macrosblack]

I want a fine pair of headphones that are comfortable, don't allow in a lot of outside noise, cover the whole ear, and sound awesome. My total price range is around $250. And will I need an amp with your suggestion? If so, which amp should I buy? Any suggestions from the experts?

Thanks

Macrosblack

 

[Snufkin]

Beyer 250-80s or Sony V6/7506s if you aren't going to use an amp
Beyer 831s, 770pros or 250-250s if you are

 

[Lambda]

I would start out by scouring the headphone and amp reviews,
selective searches for the same, and read, read, read.............

 

[Mike Walker]

How important is preventing sound leakage? Although at the lower price point (under 200 US dollars) my favorite 'phone is the closed MDR-V6, I believe that in the price range in which you're shopping, the best, most neutral sound comes from open 'phones such as the Sennheiser HD-580 and HD-600. So you must ask yourself is sound "isolation" is really worth compromising sound QUALITY.

If you insist on sealed 'phones, the Beyerdynamic models (DT-770 pro, and DT-831) are also of very high quality. Their tonal balance is quite different (though still neutral to my ears) than the Sennheiser models. The Sennheisers just sound better TO MY EARS in this price range.

 

[sacriste]

I’ll have read a lot. Here's out I found: It depends of the music you hear the most, your listening place, your media player/s and your musical tastes:
Jazz: Senn HD-495
Classic: AKG 401
Top40/Techno: MDR-V6
Rock: Grado SR-60
Open airs are more comfy but you hear outside sounds, so are better at home or office.
Closed are good to isolate, but they’re supposed to sound less natural.
Al most everybody agrees that an amp is better to get consistent results, due to the lack of well build headphone jacks in general.
V6 & and Grado don't need an amp, but won't hurt.
Senn & AKG do need an amp, but still work with home equipment at reasonable level.
Hope it helps!

 

[macrosblack]

Thank you for all your responses. They were very helpful.

MacrosBlack

 

[Neruda]

I wholeheartedly reccomend the beyerdynamic DT250-80 for your needs. these headphones sound killer, and get even better with a good amp. they can be had for around $160 I believe. I posted a review a while back; you can find it in the featured headphone reviews section.

 

[Mike Walker]

Neruda is right, the Beyerdynamic DT-250 IS an exceptional headphone!

 

[MikeR17]

Quick question for Mike. How do the Beyerdynamic DT 250-80's compare to the V6's. I have a pair of V6's and like them very much, but I have heard several great reviews for the 250-80's and am curious to try them. What do you think about these 'phones?

 

[Mike Walker]

I do not own the Beyerdynamic DT-250. I HAVE compared them, using a cd of my work as test material, directly with the MDR-7506 in a pro audio store which I frequent.

Note: I've never even had the DT-250 in my studio, so this IS NOT a "review". Just some initial impressions. Take it with a grain of salt and do your own listening!

Having said that, in MY (limited) comparison the DT-250 sounded very smooth overall, with a less "hot" midrange and high end than the MDR-V6, and also with the very good bass extension that one would expect with a closed 'phone (though PERHAPS with a little less energy in the 20-40hz octave than the MDR-V6/7506). The DT-250 seemed several db less sensitive in the comparison, requiring a bit more "oomph" from a headphone amp to reach the same level (as the MDR-V6/7506).

That's about all I dare say, considering how limited my exposure to the DT-250 was. I will say I was (very) tempted to pull my charge-card from my wallet, but I already have too damn many headphones!

 

[Neruda]

Yeah, that sounds about right to me...

 

[MacDEF]

Quote:

Originally posted by sacriste Jazz: Senn HD-495 Classic: AKG 401 Top40/Techno: MDR-V6 Rock: Grado SR-60

Huh... except for the V6 rec, those aren't what I would have found from reading all the reviews and rec in the archives

 

[dhwilkin]

Mike, have you heard the new Sennheiser 280? A recent review here in this thread says they have significantly more isolation than the V6s. Wondering if you could comment on their sound...

 

[Audio-Me]

I'm in the same situation as macrosblack. $250-300 budget (but flexible depending on quality). Need lightweight VERY comfortable isolated closed headphones (no ear buds!) but need warm smooth mellow sound. (will be used in noisy environment, mostly turbines running / splashes from water hitting up against steel, footsteps, vocal crosstalk, metal hitting metal... - Navy Carrier)

"Studio" headphones I have not experienced yet, but seem to fit my needs:

Beyerdynamic DT 250-80
Ultrasone HFI-600 (audio specs looks crummy on paper, but seems to fit other needs best)
Sony MDR-V6

What are my non studio closed headphone choices to go demo?

As for portable amp, I am still clueless as to what to get. I just need a small decent one (warm but clear sound) that doesn't eat batteries like a dog.

 

[Mike Walker]

No Dh Wilkin I have not heard the new Sennheiser HD-280, but would very much appreciate the opportunity. Once you have purchased a pair for me, drop me an e-mail and I'll let you know the address to ship them to