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Quality headphones?

Blogs > Phyre
Post a Reply
1 2 Next All
Phyre
Profile Blog Joined December 2006
United States1288 Posts
December 06 2009 14:46 GMT
#1
I'm thinking of getting some good headphones for my brother for xmas but know jack all about headphones. He's big into recording and music stuff so he said he'd like some of those big DJ looking headphones with good sound quality for his recording/guitar/etc stuff. Can anyone help me out? I think around $100 is my limit, not sure if you can get a decent pair for that much.

"Oh no, I got you with your pants... on your face... That's not how you wear pants." - Nintu, catching 1 hatch lurks.
Klapdout
Profile Joined August 2007
United States282 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-06 15:39:17
December 06 2009 15:29 GMT
#2
Does he need the phones to isolate sound at all?

Good open cans in that range are the Audio Technica ad-700's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826402014&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Headphones and Accessories-_-Audio-Technica-_-26402014
Best sounding ~$100 headphones I've ever heard.

If he needs something that doesn't leak sound as much then I'd recommend the Denon ah-d1001's
http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=40677219&source=EWBBASE&cm_mmc=CSE-_-google-_-ewbbase-_-Electronics&CAWELAID=382169831
They don't isolate from surrounding noise, but they do keep sound in so you don't bother others at night.

EDIT: just realized they are out of stock, I can't find them for less than ~$150 right now.
Prices on these vary like crazy month to month.


If you need something that pretty much blocks all sound out the Sennheiser HD-280's do a great job
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106328&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Headphones and Accessories-_-Sennheiser Electronic corp.-_-26106328
They are uncomfortable though.


You can do some research here
http://www.head-fi.org

Check out the forums, look up testimonials ect.
Ganfei
Profile Blog Joined August 2008
Taiwan1439 Posts
December 06 2009 15:33 GMT
#3
On December 07 2009 00:29 Klapdout wrote:
Does he need the phones to isolate sound at all?

Good open cans in that range are the Audio Technica ad-700's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826402014&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Headphones and Accessories-_-Audio-Technica-_-26402014
Best sounding ~$100 headphones I've ever heard.

If he needs something that doesn't leak sound as much then I'd recommend the Denon ah-d1001's
http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=40677219&source=EWBBASE&cm_mmc=CSE-_-google-_-ewbbase-_-Electronics&CAWELAID=382169831
They don't isolate from surrounding noise, but they do keep sound in so you don't bother others at night.


If you need something that pretty much blocks all sound out the Sennheiser HD-280's do a great job
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106328&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Headphones and Accessories-_-Sennheiser Electronic corp.-_-26106328
They are uncomfortable though.


You can do some research here
http://www.head-fi.org

Check out the forums, look up testimonials ect.


Lol @ the reviews for your first one, most positive but this was funny:


Pros: I love these babies. Very broad sound, middle of the road base (I cannot stand bass and these are perfect!). Gold plated plug a I cannot even feel them on my head!
Cons: HUGE! If you have seen a 120mm fan, the are about the size of the fan!
Other Thoughts: Epic gaming?


Pros: They actually fit my head. My head is huge. These are for people with big freakin' heads.
Cons: None, yet. Just got em. Middle of the road bass, but you can hear EVERYTHING.
Other Thoughts: THEY FIT MY HEAD. NOTHING FITS MY HEAD.
You are crushing me like a cheese sandwich
Klapdout
Profile Joined August 2007
United States282 Posts
December 06 2009 15:40 GMT
#4
On December 07 2009 00:33 Ganfei wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 07 2009 00:29 Klapdout wrote:
Does he need the phones to isolate sound at all?

Good open cans in that range are the Audio Technica ad-700's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826402014&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Headphones and Accessories-_-Audio-Technica-_-26402014
Best sounding ~$100 headphones I've ever heard.

If he needs something that doesn't leak sound as much then I'd recommend the Denon ah-d1001's
http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=40677219&source=EWBBASE&cm_mmc=CSE-_-google-_-ewbbase-_-Electronics&CAWELAID=382169831
They don't isolate from surrounding noise, but they do keep sound in so you don't bother others at night.


If you need something that pretty much blocks all sound out the Sennheiser HD-280's do a great job
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106328&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Headphones and Accessories-_-Sennheiser Electronic corp.-_-26106328
They are uncomfortable though.


You can do some research here
http://www.head-fi.org

Check out the forums, look up testimonials ect.


Lol @ the reviews for your first one, most positive but this was funny:


Pros: I love these babies. Very broad sound, middle of the road base (I cannot stand bass and these are perfect!). Gold plated plug a I cannot even feel them on my head!
Cons: HUGE! If you have seen a 120mm fan, the are about the size of the fan!
Other Thoughts: Epic gaming?


Pros: They actually fit my head. My head is huge. These are for people with big freakin' heads.
Cons: None, yet. Just got em. Middle of the road bass, but you can hear EVERYTHING.
Other Thoughts: THEY FIT MY HEAD. NOTHING FITS MY HEAD.



lol thats newegg for ya, they are tech level "high" to ;\
thats why I said go to headfi for testimonials ;D
Kingfisher
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Canada144 Posts
December 06 2009 15:50 GMT
#5
The three headphones mentioned above are all really great choices (especially AD-700). But they're a bit different from DJ style headphones that Phyre is looking for other than Sennheiser.
For recording and monitoring however, there are headphones that specifically target that kind of use because when recording, you don't want emphasized bass or treble that might distort the actual recording regardless of whether it sounds more enjoyable. Monitoring headphones make the sound neutral as possible which is beneficial when recording music and such. My advice is that get either Sennheiser headphones around $100 for a great sound or google "Sony monitoring headphones" to check those out as well.
PangO
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Chile1870 Posts
December 06 2009 15:57 GMT
#6
Klapdat is right. Although, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Circumaural Open-Air Dynamic Headphone, it's my choice, you won't regret it.
[image loading]
In Economics, the majority is always wrong. aka: MattRz
DivinO
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
United States4796 Posts
December 06 2009 15:57 GMT
#7
DJ style headphones can be found in the AKG K518 LE's. They're a bit tight on the head but can be found for under $100 including shipping from HTFR.
LiquipediaBrain in my filth.
SkylineSC
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
United States564 Posts
December 06 2009 16:03 GMT
#8
i think headphones that is focused on recording might not be the best for just listening and entertainment. So it'd depend on how specialized/picky your brother is.
Kerotan
Profile Blog Joined May 2008
England2111 Posts
December 06 2009 16:04 GMT
#9
Most things by sennheiser aren't bad, I have a pair of PC161's for gaming.
Nerdette // External revolution - Internal revolution // Fabulous // I raise my hands to heaven of curiosity // I don't know what to ask for // What has it got for me? // Kerribear
King K. Rool
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
Canada4408 Posts
December 06 2009 16:26 GMT
#10
How is the actual wire for these? I had 50 dollar headphones before for my amp, but eventually the wiring went bad, and the wires got exposed =/
Chef
Profile Blog Joined August 2005
10810 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-06 16:36:26
December 06 2009 16:34 GMT
#11

thats why I said go to headfi for testimonials ;D

The first thing anyone needs to learn about audio equipment is not to go to headfi. They are seriously just a huge pack of idiots who don't have a damn clue in the world. The best place to go if you're looking for reliable information is hydrogenaudio.org, because they actually have a rule against bullshit and threads get closed when people make unsupported claims.

At OP: You can probably get Senn HD555's for that price, which most people seem to like, but they're open air so they're probably not that great for recording and absolutely horrible for djing.

Your checklist should basically be:

Durability?

Gold or Silver plated (silver is more conductive [which means you don't have to turn the volume as high, which means you save batteries] and better short term, but oxidizes faster)?

Open or closed? open means people around the listener can probably hear what they're hearing, closed means the listener is isolated from sounds outside of their headphones. Both have different applications

Home use or portable? Full sized cans are not particularly portable most of the time. Some are good for trains if they have noise isolation.



I don't terribly remember what else, but bring that list to a store that sells a lot of headphones and hopefully get some help. Ignore anyone who tells you headphones need an amp, or recabling, or what have you because it's all bullshit. 100 dollars is definitely enough for a nice sturdy pair of headphones. The only other thing is to avoid obviously trendy brands like Skullcandy and Apple because you will end up getting less bang for your buck.
LEGEND!! LEGEND!!
Corvi
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
Germany1406 Posts
December 06 2009 16:42 GMT
#12
http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/home_en.nsf/root/private_headphones_dj-headphones

they are all great. hd 25 is expensive, but the others should be below $100.
haxorz
Profile Blog Joined June 2009
United States138 Posts
December 06 2009 16:58 GMT
#13
I know nothing about recording, but I have two pairs of Sennheisers and they are amazing for gaming and listening to music.
And theres the GG.
jeddus
Profile Blog Joined September 2005
United States832 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-12-06 17:18:08
December 06 2009 17:10 GMT
#14
I've worn the Sony MDR-7506 for a few years now.

http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/product-MDR7506/

Primarily, I use headphones for either sound design or video editing.

They are very comfortable, durable, and great for general needs too.
sex appeal
ToN
Profile Joined July 2009
Canada245 Posts
December 06 2009 17:49 GMT
#15
The ad700's are 5 dollars cheaper on amazon as well as free shipping I think if you are interested.
HwangjaeTerran
Profile Blog Joined October 2009
Finland5967 Posts
December 06 2009 17:51 GMT
#16
AKG - K271 (mk.II)
Cheap, incredibly good, lacks a little bass so not the ultimate listening headphones but with little tweaking of EQ and these are simply great for anything. I´m not sure how much these cost in the US though, wont probably fall in your price range.

E. I just checked, they are quite pricy there. Maybe some other model, I heard 241 studio or something are also very good from AKG.

If he wants to use them to casual listening too, try to get a pair with less than about 70ish impedance, otherwise he´ll have to get an headphone amplifier.

https://steamcommunity.com/id/*tlusernamehere*/
Shivaz
Profile Blog Joined March 2009
Canada1783 Posts
December 06 2009 17:54 GMT
#17
Alessandro MS1-i ~ $110 , great for most music, he will love it if he likes mid range. the cons are the sound stage is not so big and its open.
Whiplash
Profile Blog Joined October 2008
United States2929 Posts
December 06 2009 17:59 GMT
#18
Since were talking about good headphones what would be a good pair for gaming with a nice mic that lasted for more then a year? I go through a pair of logitech headphones each year because they break on me.
Cinematographer / Steadicam Operator. Former Starcraft commentator/player
keit
Profile Blog Joined May 2008
1584 Posts
December 06 2009 18:09 GMT
#19
[image loading]
Graphics
zOula...
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
United States898 Posts
December 06 2009 18:10 GMT
#20
I have these: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V700DJ-Style-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00001W0DH

I use them for recording and also general use. No complaints at all....good solid pair of headphones.
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