New headphones

[cxz]

Well this question has probably been asked a few times, but mine might be slightly different =D Anyway I have decided to move away from headsets to headphones and a mic and I was wondering what is everyone's recommendation? I want to keep this under 100 USD, but if it is a little over that is fine.

The music I listen mainly listen to is rock and hardcore. Techno stuff when I'm gaming for some reason. Then if neither of those anything from bluegrass to rap =D

Well I said I decided on one, but that didn't happen so updating a little on what I want.

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I would really like to have a closed headphone, so most of the outside noise will be gone. The only problem though is that I mainly want these for gaming and music, but I have seen that open is the way to go. Unfortunately I do not have much experience with audio equipment, but out of all the headphones I have ever bought the gamecom 777 are the best sounding that I have heard. I would like to have close to audiophile sound, but doubt that is possible in that range. So guess throw out some more headphones from gaming and I'll look into those as well. Thanks to everyone that has commented already!

[monterto]

Hey cxz,

The main questions you need to ask are:

-What style do you want (in-ear, on ear, over ear etc)

-Additionally what variation on that style do you want (open, closed, semi-closed)

-How important is sound quality to you

As far as the mic goes, my top recommendation would be a clip-on mic. It really is up to you though, I avoid table-top microphones because they pick up a lot of noise through my desk while I'm typing. I know that some brands make a book mic that will clip onto the headband of any headphone as well.

Hope this helps. Let me know if there is anything you are confused about!

[cxz]

Hey cxz' date=' The main questions you need to ask are: -What style do you want (in-ear, on ear, over ear etc) -Additionally what variation on that style do you want (open, closed, semi-closed) -How important is sound quality to you As far as the mic goes, my top recommendation would be a clip-on mic. It really is up to you though, I avoid table-top microphones because they pick up a lot of noise through my desk while I'm typing. I know that some brands make a book mic that will clip onto the headband of any headphone as well. Hope this helps. Let me know if there is anything you are confused about! [/quote']

Hey thanks for the reply. Lol yeah guess it would help what style I was looking for. Well I want over the ear, idk what the different sounds will make with open or closed so I am open but leaning more towards closed. Well I have always used 40-50 dollar headphones and headsets, so I don't think I have an idea what amazing sound sounds like. So instead of $70 headset I figured I go with headphones since they are supposed to sound many times better. As for the mic I found clip-on and I think it sounds better than pretty much all the headsets I have heard and that is the reason I decided to try out that combo. Anyway hope any of this helped!

[The Tao]

I have the Pioneer SE-A1000's which have been on sale recently for around $60-70 (MSRP:$150) and I'm pretty happy with them. Full open back and pretty easy to drive. Ive been listening to rock, bluegrass, R&B, electronic... its all sounded great. The only disappointment is some of my favorite Deadmau5 tracks get a little distorted on the low bass end and it sounds like somebody slapping wet cardboard.

[cosmo]

Linus always recommends steel series 7H

[cxz]

Thanks tao I'll look into that one as well. Yeah cosmo I know that, but I've also seen him wear a sennheiser, except I think his version is a little out of my price range lol.

[Aphexx]

I see akg 240 sell for 60-70 it will offer a detailed accurate sound I don't own them but I believe it doesn't offer deep bass extension.

the next headphone I buy will be a basshead one currently I am researching the audio technica WS55 $80 WS77 100+ sony XB which are in the 60,90 and 100+ ranges as well as a vmoda m100 which is in the 200+ range. from what I'm reading the xb is like a big wall of bass where the audio technica is less impressive but more detailed offering separation within the bass notes.

[cxz]

I see akg 240 sell for 60-70 it will offer a detailed accurate sound I don't own them but I believe it doesn't offer deep bass extension.

the next headphone I buy will be a basshead one currently I am researching the audio technica WS55 $80 WS77 100+ sony XB which are in the 60,90 and 100+ ranges as well as a vmoda m100 which is in the 200+ range. from what I'm reading the xb is like a big wall of bass where the audio technica is less impressive but more detailed offering separation within the bass notes.

Thanks I'll do a little research on those. Guess it would help if I was an audiophile. lol

[OddballMV]

Amazon have the V-Moda Crossfade LP for under $100 i believe, can't go wrong at that price.

[cxz]

Amazon have the V-Moda Crossfade LP for under $100 i believe, can't go wrong at that price.

Thanks for the reply, I'll check those out too. I think I might go for the v6 though, because its cheaper than what I have looked at and I guess if I don't like them I can send them back lol. Never thought it would be this hard to find my perfect pair.

[OddballMV]

As long as you can return the V6 hassle free than go for it. I'm not sure how you will get on with them though, they are a professional headphone mostly made for the studio and are about 30 years old with a few refreshes in between.

[iarejesus]

If you like rock then you can't beat grado sr80's at that price range

[cxz]

If you like rock then you can't beat grado sr80's at that price range

Yeah thats what I hear, but I have seen a lot of ppl complain about them being uncomfortable. I have a big head so idk if they would be good for me. lol

[cxz]

As long as you can return the V6 hassle free than go for it. I'm not sure how you will get on with them though, they are a professional headphone mostly made for the studio and are about 30 years old with a few refreshes in between.

Yeah I know I changed my mind once again. lol I like the looks of the white audio technica m50, but like every headphone I see people complain about them not being what they like. lol It seems no one can agree about what is pretty good for the money.

[penguin_]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technologies-C01-SR850-Headphones/dp/B002OLYPAO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1358915569&sr=8-2&keywords=Samson+SR850

Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

[Ethan]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technol...s=Samson+SR850 Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

They look suspiciously like the AKG K240s. Tried and true design, I guess.

I personally use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700s and they are brilliant. Very comfortable (especially for someone with a bigger head, as you mentioned you have, OP) and the sound quality and soundspace (you can hear exactly where the sound is coming from) are awesome. The latter is important for FPS games, if you're playing them.

Keep in mind, they are open headphones. They don't shut out all of the ambient noise and sound of the noise will leak out. If you're in a noisy environment or you don't want people hearing what you're listening to if they're sitting next to you, then they're not the headphones for you. They're also not overly bassy. It's tight and honest bass (and certainly not lacking), but if you want *unce unce doof doof* dubstep headphones, these aren't the right ones. They're quite popular as entry-level audiophile 'phones and they go for around $100 in the US. ($150 here in Australia).

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EDIT:

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

[fishymamba]

I use Sony V6 head phones and they are AMAZING. Great for techno/electronic music. And they are pretty cheap. I have had mine for 3 years and they still work perfectly. I just changed the ear pads to something softer because I wear them for hours at a time.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V6-Mo...ywords=Sony+V6

Wow, only $74 now, I bought them for $95.

The only thing I don't like: the loooooooong coiled cord. I'm thinking of replacing it with a shorter cord because I see no sign of these headphones failing anytime soon.

[cxz]

Hey thanks guys for the replies, but I think I may have to go with penguin's suggestion. They are cheaper than everything else and a lot of the reviews have concluded that they are comparable to higher end headphones. I can't decide though if higher price means better sound and if I need to spend that much. What stores allow you to listen to headphones?

[OddballMV]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technol...s=Samson+SR850 Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

They look suspiciously like the AKG K240s. Tried and true design, I guess.

I personally use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700s and they are brilliant. Very comfortable (especially for someone with a bigger head, as you mentioned you have, OP) and the sound quality and soundspace (you can hear exactly where the sound is coming from) are awesome. The latter is important for FPS games, if you're playing them.

Keep in mind, they are open headphones. They don't shut out all of the ambient noise and sound of the noise will leak out. If you're in a noisy environment or you don't want people hearing what you're listening to if they're sitting next to you, then they're not the headphones for you. They're also not overly bassy. It's tight and honest bass (and certainly not lacking), but if you want *unce unce doof doof* dubstep headphones, these aren't the right ones. They're quite popular as entry-level audiophile 'phones and they go for around $100 in the US. ($150 here in Australia).

---

EDIT:

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

He's asking for a closed headphone for rock, hardcore and techno music. AD700 are so far away from what he wants it's crazy.

[cxz]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technol...s=Samson+SR850 Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

They look suspiciously like the AKG K240s. Tried and true design, I guess.

I personally use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700s and they are brilliant. Very comfortable (especially for someone with a bigger head, as you mentioned you have, OP) and the sound quality and soundspace (you can hear exactly where the sound is coming from) are awesome. The latter is important for FPS games, if you're playing them.

Keep in mind, they are open headphones. They don't shut out all of the ambient noise and sound of the noise will leak out. If you're in a noisy environment or you don't want people hearing what you're listening to if they're sitting next to you, then they're not the headphones for you. They're also not overly bassy. It's tight and honest bass (and certainly not lacking), but if you want *unce unce doof doof* dubstep headphones, these aren't the right ones. They're quite popular as entry-level audiophile 'phones and they go for around $100 in the US. ($150 here in Australia).

---

EDIT:

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

Lol that made me laugh, but I think its good info though. Just wish I knew ppl with cool studio equipment and/or audiophiles, so I can listen to some of their cheaper stuff lol.

[FinnHallqvist]

I recommend the ASUS Orion (Pro) and the ASUS Echelon.

Orion: Big earcups, retractable microphone, very good bass, red-black ROG design, http://www.asus.de/Peripherals_Accessories/HeadphonesHeadset/Orion/

Orion Pro: Same as Orion, but with a spitfire audio processor, http://www.asus.de/Peripherals_Accessories/HeadphonesHeadset/Orion_PRO/

Echelon: Same as Orion but with a bi-directional microphone which will record your voice very precisely and it has a camo-design, http://www.asus.de/Peripherals_Accessories/HeadphonesHeadset/Echelon/

[iarejesus]

If you like rock then you can't beat grado sr80's at that price range

The sr80i's are more comfy, they are definitely worth a look.

[Ethan]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technol...s=Samson+SR850 Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

They look suspiciously like the AKG K240s. Tried and true design, I guess.

I personally use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700s and they are brilliant. Very comfortable (especially for someone with a bigger head, as you mentioned you have, OP) and the sound quality and soundspace (you can hear exactly where the sound is coming from) are awesome. The latter is important for FPS games, if you're playing them.

Keep in mind, they are open headphones. They don't shut out all of the ambient noise and sound of the noise will leak out. If you're in a noisy environment or you don't want people hearing what you're listening to if they're sitting next to you, then they're not the headphones for you. They're also not overly bassy. It's tight and honest bass (and certainly not lacking), but if you want *unce unce doof doof* dubstep headphones, these aren't the right ones. They're quite popular as entry-level audiophile 'phones and they go for around $100 in the US. ($150 here in Australia).

---

EDIT:

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

[cxz]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technol...s=Samson+SR850 Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

They look suspiciously like the AKG K240s. Tried and true design, I guess.

I personally use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700s and they are brilliant. Very comfortable (especially for someone with a bigger head, as you mentioned you have, OP) and the sound quality and soundspace (you can hear exactly where the sound is coming from) are awesome. The latter is important for FPS games, if you're playing them.

Keep in mind, they are open headphones. They don't shut out all of the ambient noise and sound of the noise will leak out. If you're in a noisy environment or you don't want people hearing what you're listening to if they're sitting next to you, then they're not the headphones for you. They're also not overly bassy. It's tight and honest bass (and certainly not lacking), but if you want *unce unce doof doof* dubstep headphones, these aren't the right ones. They're quite popular as entry-level audiophile 'phones and they go for around $100 in the US. ($150 here in Australia).

---

EDIT:

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

What is the best choice AD700 or SR850? Yeah I did say closed, but I'm just hoping to get the best for my money. My headset now is open and I like it, but there are times I don't want to hear everyone in my house. lol

[Ethan]

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Technol...s=Samson+SR850 Waiting for the phone call from JB HI FI to tell me to come pick them up.

They look suspiciously like the AKG K240s. Tried and true design, I guess.

I personally use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700s and they are brilliant. Very comfortable (especially for someone with a bigger head, as you mentioned you have, OP) and the sound quality and soundspace (you can hear exactly where the sound is coming from) are awesome. The latter is important for FPS games, if you're playing them.

Keep in mind, they are open headphones. They don't shut out all of the ambient noise and sound of the noise will leak out. If you're in a noisy environment or you don't want people hearing what you're listening to if they're sitting next to you, then they're not the headphones for you. They're also not overly bassy. It's tight and honest bass (and certainly not lacking), but if you want *unce unce doof doof* dubstep headphones, these aren't the right ones. They're quite popular as entry-level audiophile 'phones and they go for around $100 in the US. ($150 here in Australia).

---

EDIT:

@ OddballMV - Open cans are good for Rock (and possibly Hardcore) as it makes discerning between each instrument much easier in genres that tend to get muddy. OP also mentioned they are gaming, which is highly suited to open cans when you need directional sound. I did highlight the caveats of a less prominent low-end (especially in relation to synthetic music) and low noise isolation. Considering they want a jack-of-all-trades, reading the entirety of the post, OP is going to have to make some sacrifices, so I trust their intelligence enough to take the information, weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision accordingly.

On the note of a do-it-all headphones, penguin's suggestion of the Samson/Superlux SR850s are a good middle-ground. Keep in mind they did inherit the semi-open design of the AKG K240 they copied, so they will leak a bit of sound, but much less than the AD700s. I think that's probably the best choice for you.

What is the best choice AD700 or SR850? Yeah I did say closed' date=' but I'm just hoping to get the best for my money. My headset now is open and I like it, but there are times I don't want to hear everyone in my house. lol[/quote']

For what you want to do, it seems like the SR850 is the best compromise. Quite a bit cheaper, too. They will have better isolation (although not completely sound-cancelling, remember) and slightly stronger bass (handy for synthetic/electronic music or if you're just a bass-head), which seems to be what you want. They also look pretty sweet, whereas the AD700 design is... an acquired taste. I like the look of them, but not everyone does, that's for sure.