Headphone selection

[lambo_freak]

Looking for some good headphones that can run without the aid of a headphone amp. Which would be best, any other suggestions? $80 USD max!

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=241-452

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=242-502

[gross30]

There are some great deals on Sennheiser products at that price range, and they make some great products. I have the HD-600 w/Cardas cable, and although I don't listen to them much, and they are not in that price range,when I do, they do sound great.

[cobbpa]

Linkwitz suggests the Shure E2C for budget headphones. Beyond that, check out the following link. I don't make any guarantee on its accuracy or anything, but it seems useful...

http://www.headphone.com/technical/product-measurements/

[george_k]

Just throwing in a recommendation for Grado SR-60, excellent sound IMO.

Check the head-fi forums your bound to get better answer there

[Pookie007]

What kind of headphones do you want? Are you looking for in-ear, on ear, or over the ear? I have some Shure in-ear I use for traveling because they take up very little space, but I prefer on or over the ear versions for listening at home. There are good headphones in that price range in all variations. I can also send you a few links to websites that review headphones if you would like.

[lambo_freak]

Looking for on/around ear headphones. They will be used for desk work. I like the reviews on the Grados with the SR80 pad upgrades. I wish the bass response didn't roll off so early though.

[Azeke]

I have owned a number of cans, best bang for the buck were these, don't let the price fool you: Koss PortaPro Headphones.

I also own a pair of Bose in ear headphones that I received for my birthday, and they are really good with excellent bass response (you will need to break-in these cans for approximately 100 hrs, because they sound bad initially). The one caveat, the ear pieces sometimes come off, but Bose has sent me a upgraded pair of plugs that I have yet to try.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[lambo_freak]

I went to a store today and listened to several different cans. Even the high priced models reminded me of why I've not bought headphones in the past: I hate the staging. So if any mod wants to close this up, you can.

[Alloroc]

I use Senheiser PCX-300 noise reducing 'phones at the desk. They sound great, although they do require batteries but they do last quite a while. They also block out a loth of the chatter and hum from the average office space. They're really light and comfy too. And if you commute, you'll be happy. I had the PCX-250 before the 300s and I gave them to my wife - really good to and no real difference in quality.

[Pookie007]

I like the Grado headphones. I think they are more open than the senn's. I was going to replace my pads, but after using them for about a week decided it wasn't necessary. You can also get a Grado adapter cable so you can convert to the smaller plug to use on things like you Ipod.

For those of you about to respond how about how much sound quality I give up using an Ipod, please also include a explanation of how to get a pre-amp, headphone amp, DVD source, line condition, and associated cables on the airplane for my 2.5 hour flight.

[Chris D]

Nope! iPods have their proper place, just as long as people don't start expecting them to things they're not capable of doing. (I always roll my eyes at products to integrate iPods with hi-fi systems and such)

[Hdale85]

Well there is a firmware you can install on them to play FLAC lossless files. I have yet to try it out as I haven't purchased a new Ipod yet but since there is a 160 gig version now I may be doing that soon.

[Alloroc]

I've an 80gb video ipod and I'm using apple lossless for the time being. It's mostly used with my Shure E500s and I'm pretty happy with the quality. When buying the 'phones I went through the full Shure range from SE110 right the way up and there was a distinct improvment in quality each and every time. I would note that the sound isolation concept works well if you're in a reasonably quiet place/room or street - regular hustle and bustle that is. They don't however work as well as noise reduction 'phones where noise is more intense and defined - a bus, plane or train for example.

I must give the FLAC rip a try and compare but as Chris says, once you understand what you're getting with an ipod, you'll be all right. Btw, Apple lossless really, really eats into battery life. I guess any lossless format would do the same. Defeats the purpose really!

[Pookie007]

Another website that has pretty good reviews is www.goodcans.com. He helped answer a few questions of mine, so I made all my headphone purchases through him.

[dyazdani]

I'd offer up a Grado recommendation as well. I've had SR-80s and SR-225s and have always liked the sound. I've got some AKGs now, but for the $80 range, SR-0s or 80s would work great.

[Hdale85]

Well you have to install a 3rd party firmware to get the Ipod to play FLAC. I can't remember the website for the firmware I'll look for it.

[PewterTA]

http://www.rockbox.org

I have that on an iPod and it's the only thing that should ever be on an iPod... Course I have the software on my iAudio as well...

Rockbox is a great sounding firmware change for the iPod, made the iPod sound MUCH MUCH better.