Your opinion on the best pair of headphones less than $100

[xtengong]

I'm sort of new to the audiophile world, so i don't quite know what would be a nice pair of headphones to buy. I'm on a tight budget of $100. I plan to use these headphones for almost anywhere i go. I was looking at the grado sr80's but i've been hearing that i would also need an amp for it, so i'm not so sure anymore. They can basically be almost any kind of headphones, just as long as their aren't that fragile and most importantly, sound really well.

EDIT: Just so you guys know, I will consider the sr80's to be somewhat portable for me because I would just wear it around my neck when i'm not listening to them, so any other headphones like them are also okay, just as long they aren't too chunky to be worn around the neck.

 

[carlineng]

The sr80s definitely do not require an amp. They sound great without one. Also consider the Alessandro MS-1, which is $99. Its a joint product between Alessandro and Grado. Do a search and read up on it.

 

[lmilhan]

In order that I would pick:

Denon AH-D1000 - closed
Alessandro MS-1 - open
Grado SR-80 - open
Equation Audio RP-21 - closed
Grado SR-60 - open
KOSS Portapro - open
KOSS KSC-75 - open
KOSS Sportapro - open

Any of the above headphones will likely blow your mind with their sound quality. All are under $100, and all are easily driven without an amp (but of course could/would benefit from one).

 

[xtengong]

hahaha, i was just looking at the MS-1's actually when you replied xD... any other suggestions?

 

[nick20]

SR80 for open and RP21's for closed.






-Nick

 

[xtengong]

Hm, after reading stuff about the ms-1's, it's starting to make me change my mind and get them. any opinions?

 

[xtengong]

alright, i think i'll go get the ms-1's, and then go get the Go-Vibe 5 when i get more money afterwards. Is it important if i get the firmer doughnut shape earpads for the ms-1's or no? and are the cables really long?

 

[vesther]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmilhan /img/forum/go_quote.gif In order that I would pick: Denon AH-D1000 - closed Alessandro MS-1 - open Grado SR-80 - open Equation Audio RP-21 - closed Grado SR-60 - open KOSS Portapro - open KOSS KSC-75 - open KOSS Sportapro - open Any of the above headphones will likely blow your mind with their sound quality. All are under $100, and all are easily driven without an amp (but of course could/would benefit from one).

I would say that the Grado's are the best bet here IMO. Closed Earphones may have some distortion in some parts of music, though.

 

[Ranma13]

Also keep in mind the Grados can be really uncomfortable unless you use the flat pads.

 

[nick20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranma13 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also keep in mind the Grados can be really uncomfortable unless you use the flat pads.

Or get bowl pads, or mod the stock ones. I actually preferred the stock pads to the moded stock pads.


Bowls felt better on my head, but weren't worth the price.

 

[-=Germania=-]

IMO - The whole of the MS-line sounds great. Really, I don't care much for the normal Grado line *except for the RS1's*. The MS line I feel is more balanced overall with a little clearer and realistic presentation. While the Grado's do a great job with rock and strings, they are not so hot with many other types of music IMO! The MS series does a good job at doing most things well while still placing you very close to the instrumentation.

 

[facelvega]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtengong /img/forum/go_quote.gif alright, i think i'll go get the ms-1's, and then go get the Go-Vibe 5 when i get more money afterwards. Is it important if i get the firmer doughnut shape earpads for the ms-1's or no? and are the cables really long?

nice choice. I really liked the SR-60 with my Go-Vibe V5.

 

[worldman]

For under $100, I would recommend the Grados. I have used both the 60 and 80 and they both sound great without any amplification. However, they leak out a lot of sound so I would not recommend using them at a public place.

 

[xtengong]

thanks guys, i just ordered the ms-1's, and hopefully i'll enjoy it even more than the pair of sr60's my friend let me try out. thanks for all your help ^.^

yayy, one more step into the audiophile world xD