Headphone Recommendations 300 USD?

[rdeng2614]

Hi,

 

I am looking to buy a pair of headphones.

 

I was thinking about buying a pair of IEMs as they can be used on the go and I don't know if I have enough money to buy a quality at home use headphones and a quality headphone on the go. How are IEMs for home use? If I manage to get a good fit, are they generally comfortable?

 

IEMs provide a good listening experience on the go and at home.

 

I was also thinking about buying a set of Beyerdynamics DT 880/990 32 Ohms, but they are much more expensive than the other models. Are there any cheaper options (websites selling used/refurbished) as I know that Beyerdynamics are very very good sound wise and all the 32 Ohm versions cost 350$ and the 250 ohms also cost around 300$. Comfort and sound are sort of tied as the highest priority. I can wear headphones for around 4 hours on weekdays and the whole day on weekends and I need the cans to be comfortable for long periods of time.

 

If I chose to buy the Beyerdynamics, I would have to severely skimp on the earbuds for on the go use, so unless there is a good, comfortable option for headphones that are not right up around the 300$ range, I would probably just stick with the IEMs. For headphones at home, I would prefer open headphones or headphones that have velour/cloth pads that can be bought.

 

What do you guys think? I am 65/35 when it comes to home use/on the go use. 

 

I've previously been using the Audio Technica ATH M50x, Sennheiser HD 558 midrange cans like those, and I just want to step up and have a better audio experience both on the go and at home.

 

Edit: I also wear glasses if that is an issue regarding comfort.

 

Thanks.

[ShearMe]

Well, DT770/880/990 are about the same range-wise as the M50X and 558. They have a more distinctive sound due to their treble spike, but are not really considered a whole step up to what you already have. More of a side grade, depending on sound preferences.

 

I'd really suggest not buying a super expensive IEM at first - start off with something like the Shure SE215, or HiFiMan RE400 (preferably go cheaper with something from VSonic, JVC, or NuForce, or another OEM). Then, continue saving some more money. Used HD 600 or 650 can often be found within budget, but anything else that'd be a real upgrade (enter le orthodynamic fanboys) would probably be best with an amplifier of some sort.

[rdeng2614]

So you're saying that a "noticeable" step up on the ATH M50x's/ HD 558 would be a HD 600 with an amp? That's around 400 USD and a lot more expensive than the 150$ ATH M50x.

 

Do you think I should just stick with my current M50's as I am not prepared to splash 400+ dollars on my home audio. Anything in sort of the middle?

 

 

 

Thanks

[ShearMe]

Do you think I should just stick with my current M50's as I am not prepared to splash 400+ dollars on my home audio.

 

Yes, that's exactly what I said.

 

 

Anything in sort of the middle?

 

You're using those for portable use, right? Better closed cans within budget aren't quite as portable. You could try the Sennheiser Momentum, Momentum On-Ear, Urbanite, or Beyerdynamic's Custom One Pro, or something from V-Moda, but as I said before, those are more of a side-grade that have different sound signatures and aren't a step-up necessarily.

[rdeng2614]

Ok thanks a lot.

[Jack H]

Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium. http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417497773&sr=8-1&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt880

You will probably need an amp though. Fiio e10 is like $50 on ebay and is amazing for the money.