[BenAdamson]

Hi, I'm currently looking for a pair of headphones to replace my broken Sony ZX700s. However, many of the more famously recommended headphones seem to be far more expensive here than in the USA.
 
Below are some comparisons of the headphones most recommended around here, all prices from Amazon UK and US:
 

Name	UK Price (£)	UK Price (converted to $)	US Price ($)	Price difference ($)
Grado SR-80i	£114.03	$178.54	$99.00	$79.54
Audio-Technica ATH-M50	£133.30	$208.71	$159.00	$49.71
Sennheiser HD 25-1 II	£167.99	$262.37	$199.95	$62.42

 
I understand there is some tax added after the US price but I don't believe it is anywhere near the $50-80 region. The grados nearly double in price! This price difference is very annoying - are the headphones I listed still good value compared to other headphones on the market in the UK?
 
My real budget is in the £50-100 range, what should I go for? The ZX700s were great value in the UK and were lovely until the sound in the right side went out. I don't want to experience that again.

 

[DrSheep]

  Hi, I'm currently looking for a pair of headphones to replace my broken Sony ZX700s. However, many of the more famously recommended headphones seem to be far more expensive here than in the USA.
 
Below are some comparisons of the headphones most recommended around here, all prices from Amazon UK and US:
 

Name	UK Price (£)	UK Price (converted to $)	US Price ($)	Price difference ($)
Grado SR-80i	£114.03	$178.54	$99.00	$79.54
Audio-Technica ATH-M50	£133.30	$208.71	$159.00	$49.71
Sennheiser HD 25-1 II	£167.99	$262.37	$199.95	$62.42

 
I understand there is some tax added after the US price but I don't believe it is anywhere near the $50-80 region. The grados nearly double in price! This price difference is very annoying - are the headphones I listed still good value compared to other headphones on the market in the UK?
 
My real budget is in the £50-100 range, what should I go for? The ZX700s were great value in the UK and were lovely until the sound in the right side went out. I don't want to experience that again.

How are the prices from Apple Stores in UK.  I dig around in Amazon UK, and the best one I came up with is the Shure SE215.
 
This may be good too, only 1 left: http://www.amazon.co.uk/MDR-V55-Headphones-ear-cup-earphones/dp/B00EH2BJIO/ref=sr_1_501?s=electronics-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1378389103&sr=1-501&keywords=headphones

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
Politics, friend. Some countries have a lower custom/import tax on certain products. So the street price is lower. Also depends on where the item is coming from. Grado for example is made in the USA. So it will cost more to import to UK than something Chinese made most likely.
 
Some headphones for you to look into perhaps:
 
Brainwavz HM5
 
Very best,

 

[BenAdamson]

 
Some headphones for you to look into perhaps:
 
Brainwavz HM5

 
Those don't seem to be sold in the UK - google shopping comes up with no results and the amazon page shows them unavailable.

 

[MalVeauX]

   
Those don't seem to be sold in the UK - google shopping comes up with no results and the amazon page shows them unavailable.

 
MP4Nation.net
 
Ships world-wide.
 
Very best,

 

[disillusion]

The Brainwavz HM5 are probably identical to the Lindy HF-100 Premium HI-FI Headphones http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0057P09EK/ or the Jaycar Pro Monitors http://www.jaycar.co.uk/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
You can also order them from http://www.mp4nation.net but they are out of stock at the moment.

 

[MalVeauX]

  The Brainwavz HM5 are probably identical to the Lindy HF-100 Premium HI-FI Headphones http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0057P09EK/ or the Jaycar Pro Monitors http://www.jaycar.co.uk/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
You can also order them from http://www.mp4nation.net but they are out of stock at the moment.

 
Yessir, they are all the same headphone, all clones of the same OEM. Including the Fischer FA003 and NVX. Just a difference in color, branding, and some minor accessories.
 
Nab some velours and you're set.
 
Very best,

 

[BenAdamson]

Are the Grado SR80i still good value for money at £99.95 ($178.54)? Do I need to buy an expensive amp?

 

[DrSheep]

  Are the Grado SR80i still good value for money at £99.95 ($178.54)? Do I need to buy an expensive amp?

It's an oldie but goodie, and at 32 ohms you don't really need an amp, let alone expensive ones.  Of course amping will only help.

 

[MalVeauX]

  Are the Grado SR80i still good value for money at £99.95 ($178.54)? Do I need to buy an expensive amp?

 
Heya,
 
Look at their specs to know if you even need to think about an amplifier. Expensive or not. If you're getting into audio you need to research the item(s). No amp needed, by the way. But seriously, take a look into why.
 
The Grados are excellent value, but at $178USD, I would not buy them unless you were a total fan of Grado and just loved their sound over everything. Grados are a love/hate thing because they are on ear headphones. They have a signature sound that is very aggressive and reminds you a lot of how distortion harmonics sound (read: guitar tube amps). Some love it. Some don't like how harsh and bright they are. Some love it but can't wear them because they just are not comfortable (I'm in that camp; love their sound, hate wearing them though).
 
I wouldn't get the lower Grado for that cost though. I'd seek a used one already in your country maybe if you wanted to try Grado.
 
Very best,