In the market for headphones (advice please)

[Dudenstein]

I'm currently in the market for a set of headphones for general use. I will be using it on my computer, using it with my phone (RAZR Maxx), and using it to listen go music on my iPod classic. I need something that's closed because I'm going to be using it when I travel and I don't want to bother whoever is beside me on the plane hahaha. I currently have the Sennheiser CX 485 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106574) but I want to have something that is much higher quality. I don't know too much about the technical aspects of audio so I would appreciate any help or advice with this decision.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Momentums (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106629) because it fits most of my needs. I'm bummed that the inline controls don't work for android but I'm going to be using the, with my iPod more cause it can hold much more music anyway so I think I can live with that. It's also a safe bet with my phone because I don't know how much impedance my phone can handle. The ipod classic can handle 32 ohm which is more than enough to handle the 18 of the Momentums. My main gripe about this set is that they don't fold up and the case is bulky which would be a hassle when I'm traveling overseas.

The other set I'm considering in the V-Moda m100 (http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-Over-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B00A39PPDK). This set has higher impedance of 32 ohms so I don't know if my phone can handle it and even though the iPod should be fine I'm not sure how it is when they impedance just matches hahaha. I also don't like the aesthetics as much as the Momentum. One of the biggest things I love about this set is the form factor. I love how it folds up and the case is small which is perfect for traveling and generally being mobile with it.

In terms of music I listen to a wide variety of genres. I listen to alot of acoustic artists, classic rock, glam rock, emo, goth, pop, alternative, punk, Celtic, and blues. I think the Momentums would fit the wide variety of music better because the reviews seem to say that the Momentums are more neutral. I'm not too sure about this factor at all :p

Again any help or advice regarding this subject would be greatly greatly appreciated.

[h264]

So neutral AND isolating?

Etymotics er-4p or pt

Your welcome

[Dudenstein]

After using the 485s for a while I'm not too big on having the in ear style anymore. I found them uncomfortable after awhile. I would much rather have over the ear headphones for the time being.

[OddballMV]

The M100 is really good from what i have read and from the innerfidelity review. A few other options you could look at are the AKG K551 or the 267-Tiesto ones, the Audio Technica WS99 or possibly the Denon D600. To be honest at the that price you are into such premium territory you really need to give more information about your music tastes and any personal preferences on desgin etc. that you may have in order to get a more specific recommendation.

That is after all rather a lot of money. :cool:

[Bazingaman18]

In line controls don't work on ipod classics at least on mine which are the generation before the newest ones.

[h264]

After using the 485s for a while I'm not too big on having the in ear style anymore. I found them uncomfortable after awhile. I would much rather have over the ear headphones for the time being.

>I need something that's closed because I'm going to be using it when I travel and I don't want to bother whoever is beside me on the plane hahaha.

plane, huh? oh boy, I have a thought...

>I'm not too big on having the in ear style

>I would much rather have over the ear headphones for the time being.

neither am i

Well, if your using them on the plane, with all that noise...

I can't believe I'm going to do this...

How about the Bose QC15? I KNOW, they're not neutral, but you don't get many options in the airplane for actual noise free headphones. Most of the over ears styles just don't isolate enough. Only in ears do, I mean, they're earplugs, basically.

If you hate batteries, then those V-Modas will probably work just fine. I've never actually owned a pair though. They won't isolate anything like the bose though.

[Dudenstein]

The in flight isolation isn't something I'm too worried about because although I do fly fairly often (every year or so), I will be using the headphones more in my day to day life so I'm not going to put too much of a premium on big time isolation. I'm more concerned about bothering people around me than I do keeping sound out when I'm on a plane because more likely than not other people are going to get more annoyed by hearing my music than I would be annoyed by the sound of the plane which I'm pretty used to nowadays.

In terms of aesthetics I'm more interested in something very clean and simple with more metal than plastic. The Sennheiser Momentums fit the aesthetics perfectly. It's metal and leather which fits me. It seems to be a good size for me as well because it's seems to have a slimmer design. I'm just worried that the ear cups might be too small but I can try them on at Best Buy which I will definitely try out and while I'm there I can check out the Bose QC15 while I'm there (I think one of the Best Buys near me carries them). If I was deciding in terms of aesthetics alone then the Momentums would be my first choice.

One of the things that concerns me about the V-Modas is that the Innerfidelity reviews says that it's more for the bassheads, which I am not. I like a lot of acoustic songs and I usually prefer the acoustic renditions of popular songs. The ability for them to fold is such a good aspect of these phones that I wish the Momentums had.

Heres some of the artists/songs I listen to the most so you guys have an idea of what I would be listening to. Please don't judge my taste in music hahaha

Rush: Limelight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwXjnVICb3I

Black Sabbath: Heaven and Hell'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EL67mjv1nM

Brand New: Seventy Times 7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjfS9ZvsOD0

Foals: Olympic Airwaves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV0c0acyB1M

Sinatra: The Way You Look Tonight

Gaelic Storm: Courtin In the Kitchen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHt4_M2PTtI

Goo Goo Dolls: Acoustic #3

CCR: Fortunate Son

Paramore: When It Rains http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA2ZmdnJiDY

The Starting Line: The Night Life

Anything Eric Clapton

Mundy: Galway Girl

Haim: Forever

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Snow

[OddballMV]

If isolation is not that important to you then i would stay away from the Bose, they almost market them entirely on the Active Noise Cancelling feature which in my opinion adds a hiss (although less with the Bose than some others). Sounds like the momentum would be good for you but definitely try them out as the fit issues are widely mentioned, check out the AKG K551 as well i thought they look tastefully done.

[spike_ttp]

i have a pair of AKG K271's. they really block out a lot of outside noise and are made for recording studios mostly which means they deliver neutral sound which is clear and precise. Definitely my favorite headphones i've used

[Flojer0]

I use a pair of Sony's MDR-V6. They hail from the 80's and have quite a following. They are great for rock and electronic. I personally would say they are clear and deep on the bass without being boomy and are decent but not spectacular for mids and highs. Though the personal isolation isn't amazing, they are efficient enough to run on portables. They are 64ohm but I ran mine on my zuneHD without any problems. And if you ever have access to a headphone amp you can definitely amplify these up to painful levels without distortion, Seeing as they'll take a full watt of power.

 

Often compared to them is the Sennheiser HD-280. But I can't say much personally because I've only given them a short listen at best buy.

 

I can say that my sony's with some velour pads from Beyerdynamic leave me with a pair that I don't feel obligated to find an upgrade for.

 

(sorry if I sound too excited, these are currently my good headphones.)