I currently have a pair of SMS50 Street but they were very fragile and I have been through two of them in the past 2 years and now that the second one has broken, I conclude that they are overpriced junk. The connector to plug in the 3.5mm cord is temperamental and doesn't connect properly any more. And they are impossible to fix.. ive tried.

So I need a new set of headphones. Something that is going to last me a bit longer. I have thought of just loosing the cable and going bluetooth but not sure it that is the solution. I want is for light listening to music and audiobooks. I would like some sound isolation or noise cancelling as I will use these when flying.

Ath-m50 great quality, comfortable, accurate, fair priced. Very popular and easy to buy online or most music instrument stores. Long Mcquade etc.

I guess as they are discontinued, the replacement ATH-M50x would be similar?

Would I also need to get some form of additional portable amp to run them reasonably?

Not sure about the new x version. Didnt realise they were discontinued. I would still try to get a pair of the old version at a local music store. $179.99 I think I paid 2 years ago at Axe music back in Calgary. I think the x version improves on the creature comforts like a detatchable cable and optional colors. Same sound afaik. Maybe Ken would know? Hes a fan too.

I got a pair of NAD Viso HP50s at my favorite audio store. Slapped a 5 year warranty on them.

Lets ask the question. I have read up about the ATH-M50x and it gets great reviews. For about 1/2 the price you can get the younger sibling ATH-M40x that is from what I have read in the reviews about 80% as good but just not quite the bass response of the big brother.

I am wondering along the lines of diminishing returns, is the ATH-M50x still the one to get at around the $220 mark.. it's quite a bill to pay for a headphone. Can you get something decent for the $100-120 mark? Has anyone tried the ATH-M40x?

Matt,

Why aren't you looking at Grado phones? Like Axiom speakers, Grado headphones are very neutral and natural-sounding, and they've been consistent for decades.

The Grado SR80e is about $80 in the US, and has had excellent reviews for years. I've used the SR125 for a long time.

I might remind you that, like loudspeakers, there is little correlation with sound quality and price. Fit is important, of course, so if the phones aren't comfortable, there's no point getting them.

Also amazing are the little Koss PortaPro's, which fold up and are extremely lightweight and comfy. Very neutral and linear sound quality, with slightly overemphasized bass. I have not heard recent models, but they're even less costly now than in decades past. They used to be $50 when they were introduced, and now they're half that.

Regards,
Alan

Neither Grado nor the Koss provide any isolation for the user. I have to agree they both are great for the money, I have the SR60's and the Porta Pros.

I would recommend a model from Etymotic Research. I had the HF5 and currently use the ER4's. The HF5's are within your price range and sound amazing.

http://www.etymotic.com/

Hi Wid,
Thanks for catching my dumb error. And yes, you are entirely correct: the Koss PortaPros and Grados provide no noise isolation. When I reread the original question, I realized my mistake (after I'd posted, duh).
In any event, Audio Technica has several models of ear buds with active noise-reduction that you can switch on or off, and both are under $100 with quite smooth, neutral sound. I've been using a pair for some years. It's important to get proper fitting nipples that are sized for your ear canals.

I have not heard recent Etymotics, but the ones I reviewed some years ago were rather shy on low bass, plus they were not supplied with a range of adaptors for different-sized ear canals.

Regards,
Alan

I prefer my Shures to my Etys. But the Shures were of course a bit more expensive.

Well, what with that being left untouched, my suspicions are real. Everyone here is flat-lining.

When Alan dehumanized his German blender, no one let that go. As a matter of fact, I recall split-second times on the responses.

Pathetic, the lot.

What model Shure do you use Ken?

The SE215s. I'm thinking I'm close to needing some new plugs for them, but when I get them to seal right, they're excellent. Unbelievable bass out of such tiny things.

My Etymotics are the original 6 model (whatever the letters were).

I've heard good things about that model, might have to try some one day.

It's funny, I was skeptical of them because they don't look like they occupy as much ear canal as the Etys, but the basic buds fit and seal really well.

Ha, ha!
I know that was a good setup line for someone, but I didn't know what else to call them. I mean, that's what the earbud makers call them.

All earbuds should be supplied with a range of different-sized nipples, as the seal is crucial for good bass -- if the earbud is capable of good bass.

Alan

Best headphones EVER!

Now that's funny, Scott.

Alan