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Headphone Help

N

NateParker95

Jul 22, 2011
6
0
#1
Hello fellow bassists,

I have been playing my bass with a headphone amp (since I play mostly at night and I don't want my neighbors to hate me) and I'm getting tired of using my weak default iPhone ear-buds. I was wondering if there were any headphones (I mean the kind that go over your ears) out there around $100 that gets a some good vibrations.

Thank You so much,
Nate :bassist:
 
#2
It just so happens that I've been researching inexpensive headphones for just this purpose. In another thread, I've been exploring headphone practice solutions where the bass and the mp3 player end up in the same good quality headphones. Here's what I know.

The Sony 7506 are terrific. They're around $85 on Amazon, but believe me. I tried them at work last week: absolutely transformative. And the whole reason that I was able to try them at work is because the television studio uses them as studio monitoring cans and to master final video products.

Me, I decided to save a $20 and get the Sony MDR-V6

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V6-Monitor-Headphones-Voice/dp/B00001WRSJ

Someone in that other thread pointed out that Amazon reviewers were having a big discussion about the fact that they sounded pretty much identical to the 7506 model.

Amazon.com: Customer Discussions: MDR7506 vs. MDRV6

I think there are other good headphones out there, no doubt. Audio Technica, JVC...even some of those trendy brands like Skull Candy may have some worthy candidates. I myself seriously considered the JVC HARX 700.

Amazon.com: JVC HARX700 Precision Sound Full Size Headphones - Black: Electronics

Any of these are going to be lightyears beyond stock iPod earbuds, that much is certain.
 
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#6
For around 130 to 150 try the Shure SRH840... A little more money but WELL WORTH IT in quality and fidelity. The cord detaches at the head set so it never tangles when storing and it's replaceable! So are the ear pads. I've gone through 3 pairs of Sony Studio monitor headphones before I wised up and got these. I use them for everything. Good Luck!
 
#8
I tried a pair of 7506s, they were WAY too bass heavy, sent them back. Now using AudioTechnica - can't remember model, but they were around $100. To me, an improvment, but still on the bass heavy side. Also, the coiled cord is indeed a PITA - get the straight cord. Also using the Tascam GTR trainer, absolutely love it.
 
#12
When it comes to headphones, it is important to try them with your bass if possible and listen. Some music or studio supply stores have a lot of different demo units available. Some headphones color the sound, other are more transparent. Ear fatigue can be an issue. Find what seems best for you, then look at the prices, tradeoffs and make a decision. You might find that it is worth investing a little more.

If you are using them for extended periods of time, comfort is really important.

I have a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-250's that I like, they are under $200.
 
#14
+1 for the Sennheisers, they are very good.

But I would also highly recommend AKG K240 Studio phones, right around your budget and they are the most "natural" sounding phones I have. PLUS, they are far and away the most comfortable to wear! Light as a feather, they don't squeeze your head, you hardly know they are on! For long practice sessions these can't be beat! (and I have the Sennheisers, and Sony's as well)
 
#16
The good folks at headphone.com, certified audiofiles, indicated the Shure H440's Shure SRH440 Professional Monitoring Headphones - Full Size Headphones | HeadRoom Audio

were the shizz for this exact purpose. These people do nothing but critically evaluate 'phones, so at least check their site. I'm rocking Sennheiser HD650's, which though a few years old, are amazing. If you really want the audio-nirvana experience, pair your headphones with a decent headphone amp, like the Apogee Duet. I don't recommend the Apogee One. If you really want fantastic sound look at the Woo Audio tube amps!
 
#18
mcglyph said:
The good folks at headphone.com, certified audiofiles, indicated the Shure H440's Shure SRH440 Professional Monitoring Headphones - Full Size Headphones | HeadRoom Audio

were the shizz for this exact purpose. These people do nothing but critically evaluate 'phones, so at least check their site. I'm rocking Sennheiser HD650's, which though a few years old, are amazing. If you really want the audio-nirvana experience, pair your headphones with a decent headphone amp, like the Apogee Duet. I don't recommend the Apogee One. If you really want fantastic sound look at the Woo Audio tube amps!
Click to expand...

Big +1 on Shure, the only complaint I have with my cans is that I can hear every imperfection as well ;)
 

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