Audiophiles: Educate me about headphones

[tangerine911S]

I'm looking to pick up a pair of higher end heaphones. I've done some reasearch but would like to get some opinions here. They would be mostly used for music through a computer or ipod so a 3.5mm jack is preferred (without an adapter) but they would ocassionally be plugged into a receiver.

I'm looking to spend less than $150. I have read about circumaural and supra-aural and while I have had a few cheaper circumaural phones and have been satisfied with them, I have read that the supra-aural (open back) sets can produce more realistic sounds.

One I am considering is the Grado SR80i (supra-aural) at $99. Reviews seem to all absolutely love this set:


If I went with circumaural (closed back over the ears) it would probably be the best Sennheiser within my price range.

Thoughts? Thanks!

[turbo6bar]

I have these headphones. I was an instant fan after auditioning SR60 Grado's at an audio store. Eventually, the connections in the SR60 went bad. Instead of sending them in for refurbishing, I bought a set of SR80.

I have been trying to figure out what speakers to buy for a new room in my home, but have been hesitant knowing nothing will approach the sound coming from these headphones. If my SR80's died today, I'd buy them again. I wouldn't consider anything else. Why should I when they provide such great sound for a reasonable price?

I would not use the Grados without amplification. I bought a headphone amplifier from an eBay seller. This is the simple amp in a cough drop tin can powered with a 9V battery. The bass is so much better with the amplifier vs running from the output on your soundcard. I would test with your Ipod before buying. Jurgen

[enzo1]

I went with these guys, I have Grado 225's love them, phenominal sound BUT.... they do have problems as explained on the website 1) not very comfortable-have to get used to them 2) the cord tangles 3) will fall off ur head... you will not find better sounding. When you call these guys a person will answer and give 1 on 1 information; they actually want to talk to you! HeadRoom: Stereo Headphones, Amps & DACs, Wireless, Noise Canceling, Ear Canal, Earbud, Audio Cables & Accessories

[Gogar]

I have a pair of SR80s and enjoy them very much. Outside noise doesn't get shut out AT ALL so they won't do you much good in a noisy environment, ie: airplane, living room where TV is on or something. Other than that they are right up at the top of the list.

[tangerine911S]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Outside noise doesn't get shut out AT ALL

I read this and it is my only hesitation in buying them. I like the isolation of the circumaural style headphones. Any recommendations?

[david914]

I have the AKG K271's and love them. I use them for both critical listening and at my sound board during sound gigs. They're closed back, circumaural, light, comfortable and have a combination 3.5mm/.25" plug. I use them with an outboard amplifier from portaphile.com and am very pleased with the setup. The sound isolation is extremely good as I run sound for a large band with lots of brass.

[ramonesfreak]

i have had the Grado SR80 for about 10 years. they sound great. but, i dont like them with portable players because the cord is too long and too thick. Every time I try to leave the house with them I regret it. For at home listening, they are very good

If you dont want ear buds, I would suggest the Sennheiser HD 25-SP II
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/private_headphones_dj-headphones_502103

I also have the Bose On-Ear phones and while I am not happy with the amount of plastic used at locations where strength is important, I think they sound excellent and are perfect for portable devices. I do think they are way over priced and would spend the money on the Sennheisers instead

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by tangerine911S

I read this and it is my only hesitation in buying them. I like the isolation of the circumaural style headphones. Any recommendations?

I think if you can find a pair to try you might enjoy it a lot more than you think. The effect of them not cutting much outside noise actually leads to a really light natural feeling on your head. But, if you try to use them on a train or the airplane you'll be miserable.

If you do do want closed-back earphones, AKG 271s are nice as David mentioned, Sennheisers, maybe 380s or 280s.

I'd stay away from Senn HD25s, (sorry srandalf) I have four pairs and have had a hard time keeping the cables from getting destroyed. The cables are 'easily replaced', but replacemet cable is $60. They are nice in the respect that they are relatively small on your ear but have good noise reduction and HUGE low end.

You could also try Sony 7506s, quality phones but a bit bright. All these options are a little pedestrian, though, in comparison to the Grados.

[Scuba Steve]

I have Technics RP-DH1200 headphones and love them. Great sound, and the headphones have a standard mini-jack so the cable can be replaced easily if it ever gets damaged. It comes with a long sturdy cable so that shouldn't happen for a long time anyway. Cable damage was my number one killer of headphones.

They are a bit massive through, but that helps on flights and also cuts down on noise from coworkers at the office. Great bass and no distortion at the mid or high ranges!

=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002EXJPM/ref=cm_rdp_product]Amazon.com: Technics RP-DH1200 DJ Headphones: Electronics

[TheMentat]

I've got the Grados as well... Demo'd several brands at a high end Audio shop, and it was an easy decision.

[HardDrive]

I DJed in my youth, and I'm still using my old Sony MDR v700s. They have all the clarity I need.....for listening to Motorhead.

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I DJed in my youth, and I'm still using my old Sony MDR v700s. They have all the clarity I need.....for listening to Motorhead.

my Sony MDR v700s finally broke last week after 10 years. most people only get a year or two of them as the plastic pivot points break from stress. thats where mine broke too. tried to take them apart and fix and couldnt get em back together so...trashed. they sounded great though

[tangerine911S]

Not many (one?) audio stores where I live but I am going to check with them tomorrow. I will probably end up buying the Grado SR80i's online. Where did you all get yours? Anyone have good deals on them? Cheapest I can find it $95 with free shipping.

[ramonesfreak]

just demo'd my Grado's with my ipod again..and i have to say im not thrilled with them with the ipod. i wonder if the ipod has enough power for the 80. You might be better off with the 60?...also, ive never been thrilled with the bass from the Grados and, they are quite bright. I just put on Miles Davis Kind of Blue anniversary edit. and the trumpet was very piercing and painful....I put on some electronic music, like Thievery Corporation and the bass is distorted and flubby and not nice. I like my Grados much better with my Bryston 60 watt amplifer and the Grado extension cable and with vinyl as the source


im not convinced these are good headphones for Ipod or other Mp3 players....you might want to do some more research, specific to your needs

and im warning you, once you try walking around with your ipod and the Grado cord tripping you.....you might get pissed. its really thick and not happy to be stuffed in your pocket

[Kraftwerk]

I have got the Grado SR 80, pictured above. I think they are really nice.
Price is right, too.

[tangerine911S]

I would mostly be using them with my Macbook Pro. Will that be powerful enough to drive the SR80's? I assumed I would have to buy/build an amplifier to get the full potential out of them anyway

This is a cool how-to for an amplifier: How to Build the CMoy Pocket Amplifier

[Eric Coffey]

Save up a couple bucks and find a set of Sennheiser HD600's (or the newer HD650's for a couple more). I would get the beefier factory cable, or preferably, an aftermarket variant (cardas, etc.).

[rouxroux]

I've always ordered my Grados from Audio Advisor.

Now if you could find some Jecklin Floats on ebay or craigslist.....

[ramonesfreak]

the laptop will sound fine. its when you use them for portable mp3 player like ipod that they get annoying....because of the cable, mostly. i do think they need an amp for optimum sound but im sure youll be satisfied with the computer

[Dave L]

Originally Posted by tangerine911S

This is a cool how-to for an amplifier: How to Build the CMoy Pocket Amplifier

COOL!