Help me pick a good headphone.

TUDJ

· #2 · Mar 13, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manji

I'll be buying my very first Enthusiast headphone. I think Im becoming an audiophile but still lack the know-hows. My budget is > $300, I was considering "beats by dr dre" after I tried it at a local retail store. I would prefer to have the most comfortable headphone that I could wear while asleep. I just dont want to wake up with throbbing ear. I've looked into a speciality store that has some selection. Could you guys please recommend something either from the following or from anywhere else?

sennheiser
AKG
Grado

Can you get to the store and try some of them? I'll tell you now that people are going to recommend different headphones, none of them will be right or wrong. I'd recommend looking at Sennheiser HD595/HD580, Grado SR125/225, Audio Technica A700/A900, Denon AH-D2000. Theres more in the price range that I forget atm but I'm sure others will suggest them.

None of the above cans are strictly better than any other but they all have unique sounds that you should judge whether you like or not.

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sting_rayz

· #3 · Mar 13, 2009

I will only recommend based on my personal experience with them but both the Beyerdynamic DT 880 and the AKG K701's both are extremely comfortable. My K701's have not finished their burn in so I can't comment fully on their sound, the 880's I absolutely love. However I could not imagine sleeping in bed with either of these can's on. Maybe because I toss around a bit, or maybe because my pillow is extra fluffy and my head sinks into it whereas it would push the cans off my head. But those are my recommendations. Good luck in your quest.

p.s. both of these can be had used for ~$200 or less, I bought my K701's new for $230 last week.

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Manji

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 13, 2009

Thanks, Yea, ill be going there this saturday and check them out. Ultimately, Im going for comfort first then sound quality. +rep

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ace8uk

· #5 · Mar 13, 2009

I use the AKG K240's and I have to agree, if it's comfort you want, then the AKG design is one of the best.

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grossebeaver

· #6 · Mar 13, 2009

Both the AKG K242 and 272 are good cans, but if you were considering the Dr. Dre Beats, you may want to listen to see if their sound fits your tastes first (also keep in mind the sound will "open up" over time". Another thing to consider is the open vs closed design, open tends to have a wider/open sound stage, while a closed pair tends to be a bit more direct with a bit punchier bass. Also some of these headphones could sound a bit anemic without a headphone amp.

The Grados have great sound, but can be a bit uncomfortable after more than 1-2 hours of use (aftermarket replacement pads are available though).

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razr7

· #7 · Mar 14, 2009

I heard the sennhieser HD650 has both comfort and quality

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Manji

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 15, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by grossebeaver

Both the AKG K242 and 272 are good cans, but if you were considering the Dr. Dre Beats, you may want to listen to see if their sound fits your tastes first (also keep in mind the sound will "open up" over time". Another thing to consider is the open vs closed design, open tends to have a wider/open sound stage, while a closed pair tends to be a bit more direct with a bit punchier bass. Also some of these headphones could sound a bit anemic without a headphone amp.

The Grados have great sound, but can be a bit uncomfortable after more than 1-2 hours of use (aftermarket replacement pads are available though).

Yea, I tried beats by dre w/ my mp3 player and it had some insane bass, I could see the headphone's padding vibrating(when I didn't had it on, if you're wondering). I ended up buying a Denon AH-D1001, excellent sound quality and comfort. Fits my ear perfectly.

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