High Quality Headphones

[Kosko]

So I just recieved my Grado SR 80 headphones , and right off the bat I want to say its nice to hear bass again. Its one thing I was completely missing with the ear buds. I think I'm going to let them play and sit over night to get past the "break-in period".

They aren't the top of the line, but they do produce great sound. They look oldschool, which I definitly dig. And they are fairly light so they are not fatiging [sic] to wear. Some people think they are a bit uncomfortable, but I haven't noticed that at all. All for <$100 so I'm definitly happy with the purchase.

I was just wondering if anyone else likes high quality headphones, I mean who wouldn't.

[EmmSee]

for listening: I have some nice Bose ones, you've gotta get the high-quality 'phones. Makes a world of difference.

for my studio it's AKG's

[Kosko]

yeah totally, its like i'm rediscovering music @ work today. feels great.

[Kibuddy]

I'm a bit of an audiophile, so I have to have high quality headphones, or I can't enjoy my music.

[Geoff St. Germaine]

I have a pair of Sennheisers that I use with the computer for listening when other people are in the room doing other things. The sound quality is quite good. The only thing I don't like about them is that after a couple of hours my ears get sore from the foam surrounds.

[Mon Rominee]

I have an excellent pair of Sonys, and a real nice pair of Sennheisers. (edit) Model HD280's: closed ear designs, good clear, not booming yet full bass. I'm not an audiophile, but I can still appreciate a good set of phones.


Gotta have the full ear cover designs...I get good imaging that way...goofy looks be damned.

[Figjam]

I use sennheiser hd 477s. Nice affordable phones.

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

I bought a nice pair of HD 560's at the employee price when I worked for Sennheiser. I also have a pair of AKG K141's that I think are still packed away in a box, because I haven't seen them since two moves ago …

[BurningSkies]

I concur. I use a pair of Sennheiser HD515s. I originally bought them to practice my playing with my Pandora, but I find myself using them more and more for music listening.

I also do like them because the surrounds are outside of my ears and they don't cause any pain, even after 4-5 hours of use.

[fookgub]

Originally Posted by Geoff St. Germaine

I have a pair of Sennheisers that I use with the computer for listening when other people are in the room doing other things. The sound quality is quite good. The only thing I don't like about them is that after a couple of hours my ears get sore from the foam surrounds.

What kind are they? I have a pair of HD-280's that can be a little fatiguing. The 580's, on the other hand, are pure bliss.

[morf]

I'm into headphones alot

I currently own Grado SR325i, Senns HD650 and Stax SR404.

[morf]

Originally Posted by EmmSee

for listening: I have some nice Bose ones, you've gotta get the high-quality 'phones. Makes a world of difference.

for my studio it's AKG's

... Sorry to break the news to you, but Bose are probably the worst headphones you can get for the price. Check Head-fi.org for details.

[Mark Latimour]

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD-280s, but I prefer for general listening my Sony EX71 in ear canal phones. In fact, using them with my iPod over in China I have decided to upgrade to Etymonics ER-6i's for my iPod listening because I just love the sound out of canal phones so much!

[morf]

You may want to look at Shures instead, Etys lack bass.

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by morf

You may want to look at Shures instead, Etys lack bass.

Everything I have read has said the exact opposite - and that the Shures give you that "squeezing your brain together" feeling that the Ety's dont have.

[nateo]

I've been meaning to pick up a quality set of phones for a while now. I've heard good things about Senns but I'm concerned about the ear fatigue Geoff mentioned (my wireless phones do that after a few hours, and it's hard to get a several hour test run in store). So far according to my research (i.e. reading this thread) I figure I'll look into some Sennheiser HD-5XX phones. Any other recommendations?

-Nate

[morf]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

Everything I have read has said the exact opposite - and that the Shures give you that "squeezing your brain together" feeling that the Ety's dont have.

Etys are more airy, and the highs are smoother yet clearer, but they completely lack bass. Shures are much better for that aspect. Trying them out is the best option. www.headphone.com (headroom) has a 30 day tryout policy if you buy them there, you can return them and try something else.

[morf]

Originally Posted by nateo

I've been meaning to pick up a quality set of phones for a while now. I've heard good things about Senns but I'm concerned about the ear fatigue Geoff mentioned (my wireless phones do that after a few hours, and it's hard to get a several hour test run in store). So far according to my research (i.e. reading this thread) I figure I'll look into some Sennheiser HD-5XX phones. Any other recommendations?

-Nate

HD580s, or HD600-650s can be good, they dont fatigue in the long run. Dont go with Grados.

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by morf

Etys are more airy, and the highs are smoother yet clearer, but they completely lack bass. Shures are much better for that aspect. Trying them out is the best option. www.headphone.com (headroom) has a 30 day tryout policy if you buy them there, you can return them and try something else.

Do you have any sources for this? It completely contradicts everything I have read. Is it just your opinion or is there litrature etc?

[dlloyd]

I heard the emperor has some new clothes...