Headphone Advice

[NoelEdwards]

I'm looking to buy some new headphone's, I currently use the x41's for gaming and the Sennheiser CX300-II with my iPod. I'm looking to get a decent pair to use for gaming and my iPod. I was looking at the Beats headphone's studio but I'd appreciate any recommendations. I've got about ?250 to spend on a pair.

Thanks in advance.

[ETC]

I tried the beats they are horrid, go in to a hmv with your IPod you can try them, I settled for a ?149.99 pair of Bose that was also in HMV excellent quality just feel a little fragile.

[speedlolita]

Haha, beats - utter rubbish.

If you want some headphones for an iPod you want to look at those that have a low impedance in that they're easy to drive without an amplifier. Some examples are the Sony MDR-V6, Audio Technika ATH-M50, Grado SR80i and AKG K550 to name a few.

Can strongly recommend the K550 myself as my friend got some recently.

Personally though I prefer an open design as it makes sound more natural than a closed headphones but it all depends on how isolated you want your sound to be. If you want to use them on the go then I'd recommend a closed can of which all the above apart from the SR80i are.

Most other headphones around that price bracket are going to require an amplifier, but you could look into Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro or Sennheiser HD650 if you wanted something better for gaming and music - although they're not suitable for an iPod alone - I guess.

[Wil]

AKG K550's if you want a closed back so no-one can hear what you're listening to and Grado SR80i if you're not bothered. I've got both and both are stellar phones.

Both can be driven by and sound excellent through an iPod but will noticeably step up in sound quality through an amp (at the mo I'm putting them through a little Fiio e17).

The Grados make you look a little like Radar from M.A.S.H and some people have problems with that and getting them comfortable but the AKGs are rock solid, very cool and comfy.

[speedlolita]

I don't feel you need an amp for the K550 - but you may do for an iPod as they're rubbish (in terms of volume). Something like a Sansa Clip+ (I imagine) would be fine as my phone powered them just fine - even when compared to my desktop headphone amp.

The Grado fatigued my ears very fast though, couldn't wear them for long comfortably.

[Wil]

Yeah, like I said both the 550s and the Grados don't need amplification but just being able to route the sound out through the line out rather than the poor headphone route on the iPod benefits the sound.

I really like the Grado sound. Very up front and sparkly but I can understand if people find them uncomfortable to wear. I changed the flat pads that come with the SR80 and changed them for the bowls that normally come with more expensive versions. That made them better for me. The AKGs are a lot more solid and seem massive in comparison but the pads are very soft. I found the sound from the 550s a lot more netural but remarkably clear and 'airy' for a closed phone. I love them.

[Colin]

Beats are fad fashion headphones, i'm sick of the bloody sight of them. I have AKG K550's for at home and they're great, wouldn't be seen with them on outside mind you, they're mahoosive. ?180 from richer sounds if I remember rightly.

[koopatroopa90]

Good thread. Something I've been wondering about for a little while too, although not sure I want stereo or "5/7.1 surround" ones as I'd probably use them a fair amount for gaming etc.

My kid (wannabe chav but too nice 12 year old) brother has the beats - the ones with the rrp of ?350 but can usually be had for ?270ish. They seem alright, nothing amazing though in my opinion, and yes he has them purely for the brand.

Does anyone know where I could try out these AKG K550's? I know HMV have various sets on display but I don't remember seeing much more than the Bob Marley and Beats ones in Guildford...

[speedlolita]

Might have some in Richer Sounds, not really sure otherwise though.

My brother has those Beats too - but he got them for ?170 because the seller priced them at the same price as the fake ones. HMV receipt too as proof. They're alright I guess, far too bass heavy though and definitely not worth the RRP.

You'd be happy with K550 I imagine, I'm surprised so many people here have them (two ) as they're relatively new I believe.

My friend bought the K550 solely for use outside, he's a bit nuts though.

I have K701 myself, and would like HD800 next..

[Colin]

You'd be happy with K550 I imagine, I'm surprised so many people here have them (two ) as they're relatively new I believe.

I'm a what hi-fi 5 star review sucker.

[speedlolita]

Aha, I see.

I've never bought an AV magazine in my life, more word of mouth for me with people on 4chan's /g/ board, Headfonia and InnerFidelity.

[Colin]

I don't think i've ever bought it either, but I read a lot of online reviews and watched loads of youtube stuff when buying the new amp and speakers, what hi-fi happened to rate it all 5* and I was very happy with it, so trust their reviews a little. Seemed natural to then sift through some of their headphone write ups.

[speedlolita]

Gotcha. What Hi-Fi seems to be pretty reputable so it's a safe bet I imagine.

Very good phones considering they don't need an amp.

[koopatroopa90]

My brother has those Beats too - but he got them for ?170 because the seller priced them at the same price as the fake ones. HMV receipt too as proof. They're alright I guess, far too bass heavy though and definitely not worth the RRP.

You'd be happy with K550 I imagine, I'm surprised so many people here have them (two ) as they're relatively new I believe.

My friend bought the K550 solely for use outside, he's a bit nuts though.

I have K701 myself, and would like HD800 next..

I was at a car boot sale a few weeks back and the people next to us were selling the in ear beats for ?20, telling punters they usually retail for ?80. Most people were too sensible and realised they must be fake, but it was fun to watch!

Those HD800s are a crazy price, my whole surround sound kit cost less (and not a huge amount more at RRP either)! I'll have to go on a hunt for the K550's then to try and have a listen, I'd only be using them indoors as the almost disposable cx300s/creative clones (no idea of their actual model number) are ok for my walk to/from uni etc...

[speedlolita]

Sennheiser HD800 are considered the best traditional headphone. That is to say, only electrostatic headphones sound better - apparently.

Stax and the like. Look up Stax SR-009, and then the price of a suitable amplifier.

Yeah. Supposed to sound unbelievable though.