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Headphones that sound good and last??

Yonni

Yonni

Oct 31, 2016
1,893
6,597
Scotland
#1
I've searched and got mixed results so I'm starting a new thread. In the past I've used Sennheiser HD201 (recommended by a studio engineer). They were very affordable but the driver has begun to fart out after a couple of years use. I've had 2 pairs of AKG K52. Again, good price but totally different sound to the Senns. They seem to pick up every stray harmonic and finger noise. But, both have worn out within 18 months due to cable wear. I tried to re-solder one but the wire was so fine it was too fiddly. So the question is, with a max budget of $125 (or £100) What would you recommend for:
1. Faithful sound reproduction
2. Longevity and build quality
3. Comfort?
 
#4
I have 2 pair AudioTechnica ATH M40X phones that have lasted for about 5 years. They have a two year warranty. They make replacement ear pads available if you wear out those, but they're pretty rugged, all around. They have a good frequency response. $99 Invalid Link Removed
 
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#7
Guild B301 said:
I have 2 pair AudioTechnica ATH M40X phones that have lasted for about 5 years. They have a two year warranty. They make replacement ear pads available if you wear out those, but they're pretty rugged, all around. They have a good frequency response. $99 Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
I've read really good reviews about these except for one thing, comfort. My AKGs are over ear with soft pads. These look like on-ear with pleather or vinyl pads. Is that correct? Don't laugh but I've got big ears and comfort can be an issue. So can sweaty ears!
 
#8
I have these. AKG K240. Lead is detachable and replaceable.
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#9
Yonni said:
Thanks, my question about all three suggestions is:

how easy us it to replace the lead? I'd keep my AKGs if I could simply plug in a new cable, but it's built in.
Click to expand...
The lead on the DT770s is replaceable, but as they are intended for a professional environment, the lead is soldered. However, replacement leads are readily available, and the lead itself is very strong. It will take many years of very hard use before you need to replace it.
 
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#11
Yonni said:
I've read really good reviews about these except for one thing, comfort. My AKGs are over ear with soft pads. These look like on-ear with pleather or vinyl pads. Is that correct? Don't laugh but I've got big ears and comfort can be an issue. So can sweaty ears!
Click to expand...

I really like my ATH-M40x headphones. They are over-the-ear, but do have somewhat shallow ear cavities. That being said there are alot of third party ear pads you can buy on Amazon of varying thicknesses and materials.
 
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#13
I'm going with the M40s. The extra cable means I wouldn't have to buy another if one breaks and the bigger driver (plus reading side by side comparisons) has swung it for me. I do believe that the Beyerdynamics are the best of the bunch but I'm willing to try ATH first. If these don't keep me happy I'll admit defeat and shell out for them. I usually go with "buy cheap, buy twice" but the M40s get good enough reviews that I think they're worth trying. Thanks for your input. I'll let you know what I think.
 
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#15
The ATH M40 arrived today. Played for about 10 minutes without them and then plugged them in. I had them on for about 40 minutes.

pros:

comfortable head band
Not too tight on ears
Really adjustable
Excellent sound

cons:
Cable a little longer than I like
Vinyl covering can get sweaty

Overall, I love them. I had one ear turned upside down so I could hear a song on my phone and play along as Id left my aux lead upstairs. The sound is so much better than my old Sennheiser HD201 (too boomy) and the AKG K52 (to much too). These sound like my bass. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm really happy with them.
 
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#16
Way back when I was working as an audio consultant for studio owners -- so, circa mid-1980s -- the party line was this:
- AKG cans sound great...but don't stand up to abuse
- Fostex cans will last forever, even if the Neanderthals who come into your studio treat them like poop...but they're a bit lacking in the audio performance department
- Beyer cans are the best compromise between performance and durability...but they can often be a bit uncomfortable
- Sony cans FTW...not because they necessarily sound better than AKG, last longer than Fostex, or split the difference like Beyer, but just because they are an incredible value.

Since then I've learned two things:
- nobody makes a headphone that doesn't disintegrate after a few years in contact with your head
- field-replaceable parts trumps durability...and maybe even performance.
 
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#19
A timely thread, as I'm shopping for a pair right now. I bought a set of Bose headphones about 5 years ago thinking "Bose. Gotta be good right?" Nope. They sound great, but the leads are super thin and fragile (already broke and resoldered once, which was miraculous given the hair-thin wire gauge), and the ear pads started disintegrating in less than a year. I must have owned 10 pairs of headphones over the years looking for something that has a good full range, is durable, and handles bass frequencies well. My common experience has been that bass tends to fry them over time, not looking to repeat that experience. Thanks for posting All.

Question:
Has anybody seen a really good pair of wireless headphones? I hate dealing with the cords while I'm playing, but the few I've tried weren't very good.
 

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