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Headphone recommendations
#252862 03/20/09 08:01 PM
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I am interested in getting some full size headphones. Not sure if I want sealed or open style. My budget is between $200 - $250 including any applicable taxes and shipping. I will not be using a headphone amp, they will be powered by my avr. Comfort, efficiency and sound quality are most important. Most likely I will have to order online since my selections locally are limited to only a few stores.

Thanks in advance


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: Headphone recommendations
BlueJays1 #252878 03/20/09 09:15 PM
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Dr., you should follow the link below. try these headphone and just marvel at the sound. PS, Open is the way to go.
http://www.gradolabs.com/frameset_main.htm
try them, you will be suprised and then the price point in Canada is 329 so it should be just over or under 250US. hope this helps.


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Mark
Re: Headphone recommendations
Family Man #252886 03/20/09 10:02 PM
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I forgot to mention I am dealing with the Canadian dollar for my budget . Grados are a brand I am considering. I was also leaning towards an open style that you seem to prefer but I am open to anything at this point.


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: Headphone recommendations
BlueJays1 #252888 03/20/09 10:15 PM
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Hi Dr. House,

The open-air types are usually by far the most comfortable. I've used a pair of Grado SR-125's for years. Keep in mind that as with loudspeakers, there is no necessary correlation between sound quality and price. For example, apart from a somewhat exaggerated deep bass response, the Koss PortaPros are very neutral and wide-range and are a remarkable bargain. They are also extremely comfortable and are sensitive enough to use with portable players. Sennheiser is another excellent brand.

Comfort is paramount. I've heard 'phones I've liked but they're so uncomfortable that after 15 minutes, your head feels as if it's in a vice.

Regards,


Alan Lofft,
Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)
Re: Headphone recommendations
BlueJays1 #252890 03/20/09 10:20 PM
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I tried the new monster headphones (sealed). http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=3808
I found them too unnatural, like being inside the speaker. love the grado's. i haven't tried the AKG 701 or 702 but they are double the grado. I find that for the difference the 325 play like the grado reference series almost to a point of very little difference but for the price i think they are great.

you should visit http://www.headphones.com
excellent reference site.


M80-QS8-VP150-EP600-A1400-8
STR-DA5300ES BDPS5000ES.

Mark
Re: Headphone recommendations
alan #252891 03/20/09 10:23 PM
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Check these out for an inexpensive set of good sounding headphones.

For a higher HP end that's in the Grado family check out these phones. I know they do international shipping.


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: Headphone recommendations
BlueJays1 #252892 03/20/09 10:40 PM
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I agree with Mark that open is the way to go. IMO they’re much more natural sounding and you don’t get that pressurized feeling during loud passages like when your ear is totally enclosed. However, one drawback to open is that they don’t attenuate outside noise so they work best in a quiet area. This is also an advantage if you need to hear the doorbell/phone ring or are just paranoid like me and don’t want anyone sneaking up on you. ;\)

You could also look at Sennheiser:

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/category.asp?transid=cat0

I liked the sound of the Grados but can’t stand wearing on ear headphones so they were a no-go.

I have the Sennheiser HD600 but these are similar but maybe a little above your price range.

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=newHD-3

I’ve worn mine for over 16 hours without even noticing they are there. The felt pads allow me to wear reading glasses with no discomfort. On several occasions I’ve had the headphones yanked from my head when I walked off forgetting I had them on.

One problem for some of the Sennheisers is their high impedance causing them not to work well with portable devices unless using a separate amp. However, mine work just fine with my Denon 2807 receiver. I don’t think any of the Grados have impedance issues.

Cheers,
Dean


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Re: Headphone recommendations
grunt #252894 03/20/09 10:59 PM
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Thanks everyone for your input.

I found this site online that would deliver to my area. They carry Grado and Sennheiser products. I am not sure how competitive their prices are.

The Grado SR-125's and Sennheiser HD555 are the top models that would fall within my price range.

I will also look into Koss and AKG dealers.


http://www.planetofsoundonline.com/view.php?m=b71ba7e6f2

http://www.planetofsoundonline.com/view.php?m=5fca6ce7a8

Closed style

http://www.planetofsoundonline.com/view.php?m=7791c92399


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: Headphone recommendations
BlueJays1 #252900 03/21/09 01:34 AM
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Costco sells Koss headphones including the PortaPro which are all within my price range.

http://www.costco.ca/Common/Category.asp...8-Cat80&topnav=


I’m armed and I’m drinking. You don’t want to listen to advice from me, amigo.

-Max Payne
Re: Headphone recommendations
BlueJays1 #252902 03/21/09 01:42 AM
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They are a decent sounding headphone for the money.


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

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