Recommend me some good headphones!

Discussion in 'Off Topic [BG]' started by wdinc01, Jul 27, 2009.

  1. wdinc01

    wdinc01

    Nov 19, 2005
    Jacksonville, FL
    I'm going to be starting college soon. As such, I'm building myself a nice desktop, and plan on getting a netbook as well. So I'd like to get myself a set of nice headphones to use, since I usually listen to ANYTHING on the computer through headphones.

    My specifics:
    Nice sound quality (especially good bass)
    I'd prefer using analog ins I.E. not USB
    Full cup size, but they should be closed back so I don't disturb my roommate late at night
    A microphone would be great, especially if its removable

    That's pretty much it. I'd like to not go over $100, but I'm putting the cap at $200, because headphones shouldn't be that expensive. Remember, I'm a college student. I'm also not an audiophile, but I'd still like my music/movies/games/whatever to sound good.

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. geeza

    geeza

    Mar 15, 2009
    Earth, but just barely.
    I'm not wearing pants
  3. Lync

    Lync Supporting Member

    Apr 13, 2004
    NY
  4. hover

    hover

    Oct 4, 2008
    Massachusetts
    Grados. SR80i's.
     
  5. +1. I love these things.
     
  6. TOOL460002

    TOOL460002

    Nov 4, 2004
    Santa Cruz
  7. OrionManMatt

    OrionManMatt

    Feb 17, 2004
    Houston
    Those are a consistent, safe choice, but I've enjoyed the Sennheiser HD-280 Pros as well.

    What kind of music does the OP listen to mostly?
     
  8. BassyBill

    BassyBill Still here Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 12, 2005
    West Midlands UK
    These are a great buy at the price and I'd be more than happy using them myself.

    That said, I thought I'd offer an alternative, if you want to go to the top end of your budget. AKG make some great headphones - better than Grados imo, although those are excellent, too. I use the AKG K240S that are semi-open, but AKG make a closed (and more expensive) version, linked below. They sound in a different league to the Sony's, but as is often the case you get what you pay for.

    http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Acoustics...4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248724290&sr=1-4
     
  9. OrionManMatt

    OrionManMatt

    Feb 17, 2004
    Houston
    If only Grados weren't so uncomfortable. :)
     
  10. hover

    hover

    Oct 4, 2008
    Massachusetts
    you think? is it the not so cushy pad material? It's like Birkenstoks. You wear them enough, they mold to your head.
     
  11. Can't go wrong with Sennheisers.. the mid-level ones are great quality and you can get them at a decent price.
     
  12. Pacman

    Pacman Layin' Down Time Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 1, 2000
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Endorsing Artist: Roscoe Guitars, DR Strings, Aguilar Amplification
    I use Sony MDR 7506. They're good for what I use them for.
     
  13. I'll toss out another recommendation for the Grados, but I also suggest a forums search. There are four or five pretty lengthy threads on the topic, and they're all good. Ultimately, just like with anything else, I think you have to check out a few for yourself to see what works best - either through an in-person test drive or by leveraging a good return policy.

    I read a lot about the Grados, and the bottom line seemed to be that they sound great, but while some folks love the ear pads, just as many hate 'em. I was able to find a shop that carried the line, so I was able to listen...and because they price-matched, buy right there. I use them for listening as well as practicing - it was $100 very well spent.
     
  14. wdinc01

    wdinc01

    Nov 19, 2005
    Jacksonville, FL
    I've been listening to a lot of experimental/indie stuff recently. But I like a broad range. Really, I just want it to sound good. But I usually put a slight bass boost on whatever I'm listening to because I like bass (hence why I play the instrument).

    Thanks for the suggestions guys. Should I just buy a separate mic?
     
  15. GregC

    GregC Questlove, Black Thought, Hamilton Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 19, 2007
    NC
    I had the Sony 7506s and really liked them before I somehow lost them.:atoz: Couldn't find a pair when I went shopping for new ones, ended up with the Sennheiser HD 280s and have been just as happy. Both have good bass response without being overwhelming, work well with my Cafe Walter and are very comfortable.
     
  16. MoBeach

    MoBeach Guest

    I like AKG K240 Studio's
     
  17. Denon and Grado are great but I went with Sennheiser because they were highly rated and my local store had them in stock.

    Here's a few sights to check out...
    www.goodcans.com
    www.headphonereviews.org
     
  18. BassyBill

    BassyBill Still here Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 12, 2005
    West Midlands UK
    And so do I! See above.

    Trouble is, the model you mentioned is a semi-open design.
     
  19. kcamsdog1387

    kcamsdog1387

    Jun 22, 2009
    Seacoast NH
  20. I have Grado SR80's. They are comfortable for me, and they sound great, all for a good price.