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Which headphones should i buy?

#41
One thing that would make your comments more user-friendly to those of us who are trying to whittle down the options: if you could give the model numbers and the approximate price points, it would be easier to navigate. Instead of just the manufacturer name. Thanks.
 
#42
bpa11 said:
So incredibly subjective regarding definition, frequency curve, bass extension, soundstage, ergonomics, etc. -- hence the many different recommendations and options (just like cabinets). Recently, I compared AKG K240 against BeyerDynamic DT-770 and went with the Beyer. To my ear, they offered considerably greater definition with strong bass extension.

Since your application includes recording, closed headphones are a must. Beyer and Sony would be two good options. If you have the luxury of A/B testing at a nearby GC, it's worth the time.
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I would agree with your assessment. The 240s are a standard of years gone by and they are quite serviceable for what they do, but I think the Beyers are a step up in fidelity. However, while I prefer the ATH-M50s to both, I wouldn't use any of them for anything other than tracking and some pleasure listening.
 
#43
I've entered the freeze-up zone. I've been reading up on impedance and now I'm 20 times more confused. Is it possible to get a pair of phones that both don't compromise for monitoring, and also play from an iPod at sufficient volumes?

And fifty other questions like that...
 
#44
gerry grable said:
I don't know about the QC 15s, but my wife bought me QuietComfort 2s (around the ear headphones). They did cost about $300. I like them and think they are great, but then maybe I haven't heard really great phones. The battery is not a problem. The red light blinks when it gets low, and I always have an extra near by. My biggest problem is forgetting to turn off the switch when I'm through listening and running down the batteries.
My main reason for posting in the first place was that I found it hard to believe that better phones actually existed, and if they did, how much would they cost!
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Totally agreed. My girlfriend always forgets to turn off the switch when we're jammin and they die a lot faster that way. I love the QC2's and would totally recommend them if they're in the OP's budget.
 
#45
music fun said:
I've entered the freeze-up zone. I've been reading up on impedance and now I'm 20 times more confused. Is it possible to get a pair of phones that both don't compromise for monitoring, and also play from an iPod at sufficient volumes?

And fifty other questions like that...
Click to expand...

It depends on how loud you want to go. My HD600s work great from an iPod and are wonderful for monitoring and mixing. However, I'm pretty careful about not playing tunes at levels that can damage my hearing.

Again, the first consideration is if audio accuracy is more important than isolation or the pleasure of bass whump. After that, you can narrow your choices significantly.
 
#46
Corey Y said:
My main pair of headphones for the past 8 years have been the Sennheiser HD280 and they're great. Work excellent for recording, home practice, leisurely music listening and singers always usually prefer them over any of the cheapies I have when I record other people. I had them so long the padding on the earpiece pads wore out, but I was able to order a new set from the manufacturer for cheap. Which makes me love them even more.
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60% of the time, it works every time. :hiding:

Here are a couple good guides that seem helpful...

Invalid Link Removed

http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/
 
#47
i have 2 pairs , one older - one newer , of the
Sony MDR-7509HD headphones ...


definately not cheap at over $300 ... but they sound great at any volume ... usually the headphone amp gives out before the headphones .. !!

i also use a " tactile sub " in my seat for the extra low bass freqs ... so i don't blow out my headphones or my ear drums ... !
 
#49
I have both the DT880 and the 770Pro, both are excellent headphones.Which ones you choose depends on what you are looking for on a pair of cans.
F
The DT770Pro are closed back and provide good isolation without sacrificing Low end, for better isolation get the DT770M, these are meant for drummers and really loud environments, they have a bit less low end that the 770pro though. The DT880Pro are half-open and IMO the better sounding pair of the DT series; isolation might be an issue in loud environments, but for home recording they are excellent. The DT990 are great Headphones, but the fact that they are open back limits the places where you can use them without being disturbed by noise coming from the outside.
 
#50
The reason to get open cans like the 990 is for fidelity when mixing. The closed back cans emphasize low end in our ears, so mixing with those would lead to bad decisions about EQ in the mix.

I use the 770's when I want a fat bass sound in my ears, and I use the 990's when I want the truth.
 
#52
bongomania said:
The reason to get open cans like the 990 is for fidelity when mixing. The closed back cans emphasize low end in our ears, so mixing with those would lead to bad decisions about EQ in the mix.

I use the 770's when I want a fat bass sound in my ears, and I use the 990's when I want the truth.
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Bongomania offers so much good advice on TB that I was ready to go out and buy the Beyerdynamic DT 770s no more questions asked. I want a closed set with big bass! But then I read that they are rated at 250 ohms, so I'm wondering if my mp3 player will drive them loud enough. Sometimes I use my player to pick up a bass line from mp3s that are not always the highest quality.
So, if the DT 770s might not be loud enough, what's my next best choice (under $200)?
I don't need ear splitting volume, but, well you know.
 
#55
Lo-E said:
All the above are good choices.

Headphone technology has reached a point where you can get a great sounding pair from a lot of different companies for a good price.

For years, Sennheiser and AKG pretty much had a lock on the recording industry, but now the options run much farther afield.

Rather than steer you toaward a brand, I'll make these two suggestions:
1) Go with a closed design rather than an open design. If you are recording in a quiet environment and using a mic with open headphones as monitors, you may get some bleed into the mic using open phones. Stick with closed to play it safe.
2) Make sure they are comfortable. Modern phones all sound so good that you're better off just making sure you can wear these things for long stretches without getting a raging headache. If you mail-order, make sure you get a return policy that will let you wear them for a few hours to be absolutely sure they are comfy on your head.

Peace-
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+1
The straight and simple answer, IMHO, is go out (to J&R, GC, Joe's Music) and put some headphones on your head. My head and ears are different from yours in size, shape as well as perception. You can pour over specs for a year and a day. Until you actually try 'em, it's just numbers.
I will add this; whatever the price-range, look for durability and comfort. Only you can know what's comfortable to you. Most in ear phones some rave about, bother me. Some materials don't lend themselves well to long term use. You'll get dozens of great selections but only your ears can decide what's best for you.
 
#58
kydnav said:
Seriously tho, I use several.
Main one being the Beyer Dynamic 770.
And for backup I have a Shure SRH440 and a Pioneer Monitor 10 lying around.
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Beyer Dynamic DT770 have very good sound signature, very good response on bass and low mids. The DT770M which I've also offer very good isolation. They are also very comfortable and not warm for being closed back. The 80ohm version are in addition easy to drive with mobile devices.
I've have also AKG701 which I use for mixing and Ultrasone HFi580, but the DT770M are my main headphones for bass playing.
 
#60
bongomania said:
The reason to get open cans like the 990 is for fidelity when mixing. The closed back cans emphasize low end in our ears, so mixing with those would lead to bad decisions about EQ in the mix.

I use the 770's when I want a fat bass sound in my ears, and I use the 990's when I want the truth.
Click to expand...

Same here, I use open AKG701 for mixing, and closed Bach such as DT770M or Ultrasone HFi 580 for bass playing.
 

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