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-- What are some good headphones?

What are some good headphones?

I felt like this forum was a good place to post this because a lot of you seem to know a lot about sound quality and I feel like dance fans are better with musical knowledge than a lot of others.
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I am thinking about getting new headphones. Here's a checklist:
-overhead headphones (open preferably)
-really good quality; brings out elements of the production not caught by most headphones
-comfort. the headphones won't turn my ears red after 20 minutes
-under $400
(these headphones would just be for home use)
Thanks in advance.

I'm going to move this thread to the >> Production Studio (click here) << because those guys know their shit, and this thread will do terribly in the COR, lol.

I've been happy with the Technics RP-DH1200s, they should meet your standards. They do hurt my ears after extended use however, but I've also got pretty sensitive ears, but overall they've been very reliable for me and are the best headphones I've owned so far.

So, these would be for casual listening (i.e., not for music production or DJing)?

What would you be using to power them (e.g., audio card, headphone amp,etc.)?

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik So, these would be for casual listening (i.e., not for music production or DJing)? What would you be using to power them (e.g., audio card, headphone amp,etc.)?

It would be for casual listening. I didn't plan on using anything to power them.

quote:

Originally posted by kyl33 It would be for casual listening. I didn't plan on using anything to power them.

I'd be a little careful with some of the recommendations that you might get here, then. Most high-end headphones that guys on this forum use aren't really designed to sound "good", as much as they're designed to sound "accurate". Most prosumer headphones that you're probably used to using, and even some high-end audiophile headphones can have hyped bass frequencies, scooped midrange, etc. to make them sound better. For music production, that's not a good thing - we generally want the frequency response to be as flat as possible and to sound neutral, so that we know what we're hearing when we mix will sound relatively similar on different systems than our own.

Many audiophiles also prefer listening on high end production/mixing headphones (myself included). But, just be aware that they can sound quite a bit different than what you're used to hearing and can take some time to get used to due to the more relaxed bass and more in-your-face mids. Also, many of them require a rather lengthy "burn-in" time before they sound natural.

All that said, I like the sound of the BeyerDynamic DT990 Pro (250-ohm "Pro" version) for casual listening. I actually use the DT880 Pros for mixing, but they're semi-open and are great for mixing, but don't sound as good as the 990s for casual listening IMO.

Oh, and one other thing I'll add is that, even though you say you won't be powering them (presumably referring to an amp), you will obviously be using some type of device to listen to music. So, it's important to consider what that device(s) is/are. If it's primarily a mobile device, for example, you'll want to make sure that you aren't looking at headphones with a high (e.g., 80-ohms or more) impedance rating. If it's a decent stereo system, you can probably go as high as 250-300 ohms. Since you won't be using a good headphone amp, stay away from anything in the 600-ohm range, because they need some serious amperage to push them.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Oh, and one other thing I'll add is that, even though you say you won't be powering them (presumably referring to an amp), you will obviously be using some type of device to listen to music. So, it's important to consider what that device(s) is/are. If it's primarily a mobile device, for example, you'll want to make sure that you aren't looking at headphones with a high (e.g., 80-ohms or more) impedance rating. If it's a decent stereo system, you can probably go as high as 250-300 ohms. Since you won't be using a good headphone amp, stay away from anything in the 600-ohm range, because they need some serious amperage to push them.

Thank you for the very long, informative answer! I would only be using the headphones for listening to music on my phone and to plug into my laptop, so I should go with a low ohm rating.

Check out Sony MA900 and Sennheiser HD598, they don't have a huge bass which bleeds into the entire spectrum, they're quite neutral.

I'm gonna buy one of them soon, probably the Sony as they don't need an amp at all and are the lightweight champs at 195 grams!.

I recently was looking for best bang for the buck headphones. After a lot of reading I decided for the Creative Aurvana Live (CAL). It's an improved version of the Denon AH-D1001.
There also is a newer version Aurvana Live2.
The CAL's are really cheap (~$60) but have excellent sound.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/cre...live-headphones

My advise however is read here: http://www.head-fi.org/

There are just too many things to consider.

quote:

Originally posted by Trance-M There are just too many things to consider.

Not if you're after lightweight,comfortable and high sensitivity cans like the OP

quote:

Originally posted by Viber Not if you're after lightweight,comfortable and high sensitivity cans like the OP

He didn't say lightweight or did he, comfort isn't the same I think?

IMO there still is a lot of personal preferences involved. At least that's what I concluded after reading many reviews and discussions.

Here a review of the Sony and the CAL at one page, could be interesting: http://balachandar.in/tag/consumer-electronics/

I just mentioned the CAL to show that cheap headphones can be very good too as I don't think everyone is aware of it. The CAL weighs 210gr and doesn't need an amp too.

The CAL are closed design (clamp?) and use leather pads which aren't so good for the summer or for long listening sessions.

Could be, but I will know next year, otherwise they will be great for winter. Until now I can't complain about the clamping force.

https://wiki.installgentoo.com/inde...itle=Headphones

dunno...

love the 15 dollar Denon AhD310r here....and i know people
will laugh at that.... but they have similar drivers to the cal...

you can pick them up new as "overstock" at ebay or such like at peanuts price..


http://www.head-fi.org/products/denon-ah-d310-headphones-black/reviews/6636

a review.....


V

I've heard a lot of good things about the Shure SRH840 headphones. I've yet to try them yet however. Still researching myself.

quote:

Originally posted by Magnus I've heard a lot of good things about the Shure SRH840 headphones. I've yet to try them yet however. Still researching myself.

They are hot and heavy but do the job when it comes to studio work.

tried some philips fidelio l2. didn't like them.

had the same pair of HD25s for 10 years, still use them daily. mofos are bomb proof. sound, still immaculate. i have no desire to try anything else. wouldn't call them comfortable though, you get used to them.

over-ear fones give me a pressurised claustrophobic feeling, hate that.

quote:

Originally posted by rubez over-ear fones give me a pressurised claustrophobic feeling, hate that.

You probably wouldn't think so if you've tried some legit open/semi-open cans procured for production.

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