High-end Headphones Needed! Help me!

[pinipig523]

Ok... as some of you know, I consider myself an audiophile and I know what sounds good and what doesnt. My computer speakers is proof of that (and a bit of my overzealous crazy side as well) . So anyway, is there any way I can top my speakers with a good headset?

Current PC System:
4xPolk LSi7 Bookshelves ($1400)
1xSVS 25-31PC+ subwoofer ($800)
Harman Kardon AVR-330 Receiver ($600)

I am looking at various headphones but I cant decide... and it seems to be a lot harder to audition them (I cant walk in a Tweeter Audio Shop and take a listen). Which models should I look out for?

Sennheiser?
Grado?

Help me out please!

Oh and by the way, do I need a separate amp for it or will my HK 330 be able to power it just fine?

[shawshank62]

Generally sennheiser has the best pc headphones, these are a bit pricey but im sure they are well worht the money.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...106-392&depa=0

Good review on the HD 555's
http://www.dansdata.com/hd555.htm

[jagnorm]

sennheiser are exellent head sets. You can find great quality headphones at music store.
Some of the best head sets are used for recording studios.
Guitar Center is just an example of a place to find quality headphones.

[pinipig523]

Whats the difference between open and closed headphones?

Does open sound more spacious - kind of like when you're listening to actual speakers?

I assume closed is preferred if I dont want to bother others?

I was looking at the Senn 280 or the Grado SR125 (although the RS2 by Grado looks mighty tempting - I just dont like the awkward headband styling). Any other brands?

Keep the suggestions coming! THanks!

[Bizkitkid2001]

Sennheiser HD 600, if you can afford it.

These are the best sounding headphones I have ever heard.

[Bizkitkid2001]

Here is a comparirions between sennheiser's and grado's top headphones.

http://www.audiorevolution.com/equip/sennheiserphones/

[BBA]

The best headphones for gaming or for movies are the Sony surround IR cordless with head tracking. It will set you back about $700 if you search deals on the web.

Sound Advice usually has a pair you can demo.

HERE

[Bizkitkid2001]

It uses infrared? uck, that means if anything gets between the headphones and the recieve (Person walks by, cat jumps in the air, etc..) you will lose the signal.

[MD1032]

Go for the Grado SR-225's if you can afford the jump. It'll save you the upgrading later. Plus, they're the best rock phones out there. If you want closed, I would grab a pair of Audio Technica A900's.

The HD555's and 280's also also fine reccommendations, though I don't exactly know how much you'd like the 280's. Seems like half of Head-Fi likes em, half hate em.

[mrish]

either senheiser or AKG mate but if u can afford it go with the Bose avionics approved external noise silenser hp's

[pinipig523]

Thanks for all the tips guys. However, I think its time to set some budgetting.

Obviously, $700 for a pair of heads is too much for me.... wow.... lol.

How about this:

Give me your best suggestion for EACH of these 3 price ranges:

$300
$200
$100

Nothing over $300, and nothing really under $50.

I want you guys to throw out some heads that you guys think I should look at... thanks again.

[Bizkitkid2001]

Then I will have to say the Sennheiser HD 595 for the $300 range.

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite...ransid=newHD-3


Do you have a B Jorn's or any other pro audio shops around your area? Going out and listening to the headphones yourself is your best bet.

[pinipig523]

Thanks for the tip Biz... 595 for $300. Any other ones you can think of for the 200 and 100 category?

MD - chime in too. I know you know quite a bit about heads.

Any and everyone else.... keep 'em coming. =)

[Tomteriffic]

Thanks for the tip Biz... 595 for $300. Any other ones you can think of for the 200 and 100 category?

MD - chime in too. I know you know quite a bit about heads.

Any and everyone else.... keep 'em coming. =)

Worth auditioning in the $100 ballpark: Senn 280's, Sony MDR 7506's or as much Grado as $100 will buy.

[Bizkitkid2001]

Worth auditioning in the $100 ballpark: Senn 280's, Sony MDR 7506's or as much Grado as $100 will buy.

For grados in the $100 area my choice would be the SR 80s.

[pinipig523]

Alright... looking into the tips.

Any other suggestions for the 200$ category?

[crazyray]

Just a reminder....speakers and headphones both fall into a special category that requires that YOU listen to them and decide how you like what you hear. Further, headphones have a critical comfort factor. It doesn't matter how good they sound if you can't stand them sitting on your head!

My vote goes for Sennheiser 600's.

[BBA]

Alright... looking into the tips.

Any other suggestions for the 200$ category?

I would say for the $200-$300 you need to look at the Bose noise cancelling...I used a set at QUakecon this year and let me tell you...beats the hell out of any other headphone I have owned.

I can tell you the Grado is the most uncomfortable headphone ever made for the first 6 months of wear...they have to break in to your head shape and by then, you are used to them so you dont notice the discomfort anymore.

As for Sennheiser...I wouldnt recommend them myself, but I have a little more discerning ear than most. To me Sennheisers sound dull and flat, not crisp, transient or clean. As was said above, you have to audition them yourself or expect not to be happy.

Looks like you need to visit some high end audio stores. (just tell them you have klispchhorns and Macintosh amps, they will bend over backwards to try to sell you something)

[pinipig523]

LOL to that klipschorn/macintosh idea!! I should do that!

[pinipig523]

I was just wondering.... what do you guys think of the higher end sony heads? I.E. the 600 and the 700 series?