[hermes_vb]

Hi everybody. I'm a newbie and this is my first post.

I recently bought an Ipod and want to upgrade the crappy headphones it came with. I'm not an audiophile, but I consider myself having an above average hearing. At least I can hear some distortions my friends can't hear...

I've been reading a lot about headphones on this forum (and others), but I can't seem to decide what are the best headphones for me. Basically I'm looking for a closed, circumaural, confortable set that doesn't break the bank. Right now I'm on a tight budged ($100-$150) so any help will be appreciated.

PS I forgot to mention I have a big head (and ears) so take it into consideration...

 

[Esidarap]

What kind of sound do you like? Lots of bass?

 

[Uncle Erik]

For a closed phone, take a look at some of the IEMs. The only IEM I've used is the Shure e3c. I think it sounds pretty good, and it is easily driven by an iPod.

For a full-sized closed headphone, I really liked the Sony MDR-V6 with the iPod. Not the best headphone I've heard, but really not so bad, either.

 

[BennyBoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermes_vb Hi everybody. I'm a newbie and this is my first post. I recently bought an Ipod and want to upgrade the crappy headphones it came with. I'm not an audiophile, but I consider myself having an above average hearing. At least I can hear some distortions my friends can't hear... I've been reading a lot about headphones on this forum (and others), but I can't seem to decide what are the best headphones for me. Basically I'm looking for a closed, circumaural, confortable set that doesn't break the bank. Right now I'm on a tight budged ($100-$150) so any help will be appreciated. PS I forgot to mention I have a big head (and ears) so take it into consideration...

KOSS Ksc75!

 

[Esidarap]

I second the MDR-V6 recommendation, I own the MDR-7506 which is it's twin and it sounds great out of my iPod. Also, they're durable as hell and pretty cool looking headphones... in an industrial kind of way.

You might want to swap the pads though.. they kind of suck for long listening sessions.

 

[Geoff Rymer]

AKG 81DJ? A little under you budget, but I'm already feeling sorry for your wallet!

 

[awkwardsterility]

i also reccommend the v6/7506. doesn't really need an amp so you can take it around with you. plus, they fold up and come with a little bag for you to put them in. i've found that they improve with an amp as well, though, again, it's not required. i also recommend the beyer pad mod for the headphones, as the pleather cups can leave your ears somewhat sweaty, not to mention the pleather eventually cracks and peels off. besides, who wouldn't want pillowy goodness on their ears while listening to music?

ps - the 7506 is the v6 with a gold plug. thus, v6 is a bit less expensive.

 

[BluesDaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BennyBoy KOSS Ksc75!

Yep, my daughter loves the ones I got her!

 

[hermes_vb]

First of all, Thanks everyone for the posts. Now a few points...

1.@Esidarap I mostly listen to Rock so Highs instead of Lows are a bit more important to me. Having established my main preference, I'd also like to mention that I listen to various genres of music: Electronic, Classical, Rap, Latin (Salsa, Merengue, Latin Jazz). So you see that at least decent bass would be appreciated for Rap and Latin Jazz (where Baby Bass is a prominent instrument).

2.For those of you who recommended IEM models...I hate those because they've nerver managed to feel confortable for me. That's why I prefer circumaural (combined with closed for some noise attenuation). I forgot to mention it so MY BAD.

3. Considering my preferences and the listening setting (Ipod)...What's your take on the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and the Bose TriPort Headphones?

PS I know audiophiles in general love to thrash Bose, but I had to ask.

 

[Jesse40902]

triports are great quality just bad pricing....

 

[slinger1182]

If you are going to use an HD280, then you are going to have to EQ it to enjoy them. A Lot. They are the quintessential phones for a smiley faced EQ. And they are the phones that make you believe in burn-ins. You'll end up either loving them or hating them.

But they isolate really really well. Among the best in full sized headphones, I hear.

 

[slinger1182]

Oops, double post.

 

[hermes_vb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse40902 triports are great quality just bad pricing....

Just curious...What should be their $$$ according to you?

 

[hermes_vb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinger1182 If you are going to use an HD280, then you are going to have to EQ it to enjoy them. A Lot. They are the quintessential phones for a smiley faced EQ. And they are the phones that make you believe in burn-ins. You'll end up either loving them or hating them. But they isolate really really well. Among the best in full sized headphones, I hear.

I'm familiar with the burn-in process (been reading a lot), but when you say I'll have to EQ it, it confuses me. Do you mean I'm gonna have to alter my music using an audio edit program (Audition, Sonic Foundry, etc) to get the best sound?

 

[003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermes_vb Just curious...What should be their $$$ according to you?

Around $40-50. I think you might like something from AKG, not sure what model though. What about a goldring DR150? Are those open or closed?