No idea what Headphones to get

LCanndy on 03/03/2015 - 21:15
Last edited 05/03/2015 - 09:59

Hey guys, I'm new to these forums so not sure if this is alright to be posted here or asked. But i guess i'll try anyways

My budget is around the $250 for headphones so I have looked around and ended up with these three conclusions.

V-Moda Crossfade M-100
Sennheiser Momentum Over Ear
BeyerDynamic Custom One Pro

Any opinions on which one i should get out of these? Or suggestions on other headphones?

Okay so i found out i got really lazy on this post, what im after is

Bassy type of headphones, but that doesn't completely drown out the mids and highs
Closed headphones, though i'd like some open headphone suggestion as well since i might buy another pair for indoor use laterr on
Something that looks decent or kind of good like the Sennheiser momentum.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • dylanando on 03/03/2015 - 21:32
    +9

    Sennheiser

    • jackary on 06/03/2015 - 11:02
      +1

      MASSIVE +1. Bought a pair of CX-300's years and years ago specifically because they were the best bang for your buck at the time if you liked bass. Have moved up the ladder since, but the old CX's are still going strong, 5 odd years or more later. Top notch!

    • Praeto on 08/03/2015 - 10:03
      +1

      +1 for Senns. I have almost a dozen pairs of headphones, and the Senns beat out everything else I've ever tried. One of my favourite pairs is 15 years old and works as well as the day I bought them.. Which should speak to their quality.

  • frondono on 03/03/2015 - 21:42
    +5

    have a look on head-fi, you'll find all the information you need on there.

    • elektron on 05/03/2015 - 22:02

      I agree, you'll find more information there that you can poke a stick at.

      I would definitely add Sony MDR-1A to your list - many people prefer their sound over the Sennheisers. They meet your requirements to a 't' and there is a 37 page (and counting) thread dedicated to this model on Head-Fi.

    • whirlpool_guy on 06/03/2015 - 09:25
      +2

      Very bad advice!

      The saying goes, "Welcome to Head-Fi. Sorry about your wallet."

      • iridiumstem on 06/03/2015 - 09:31

        I've heard that SR-009 and Audeze LCD-XC are decent ;)

    • Musing Outloud on 07/03/2015 - 16:28
      +2

      Also try: http://www.headphones.com.au/

      You can sort by style, brand, recommendations or price. They also have a forum full of opinions just like Head-Fi.

      Google is your friend so search reviews on:
      * "top 10 closed headphones"
      * "top 10 open headphones"

      Beware opinions vs. technical perfomance.

      Comfort is critical - too tight and the best sounding headphones won't last an hour on your head. so both ear and head padding needs to be watched for. If you wear glasses, you may find in-ears could be better as having your flesh-flaps crushed over the over the arms of your reading glasses does hurt after a time.

      • Rodgort on 07/03/2015 - 19:42

        Love Headphonic. If you would rather not worry about searching send them an email for product recommends based on the information you provide. (example, $250 budget, edits a lot of videos etc)

  • steff on 03/03/2015 - 21:56

    It depends a lot on:

    What type of music you listen to most
    The source of music
    Portability

    Try thinking on these lines and update your post for better suggestions

  • iridiumstem on 03/03/2015 - 22:08

    You like bass, don't you?

    Hmmm, I've heard good things about all of them (at least except Beyerdynamics one, that one was not available to me so I never cared about the reviews on them), but I am not sure how well they fair against each other.
    You'd probably need to look at what sort of music you are going to use it for and whether you are going to like it for it.

    • ProjectZero on 04/03/2015 - 11:45
      +4

      "Because I'm all about the bass bout the bass no treble"… lol

      For bass I've heard that the ATH-M50s are great for bass… I don't have one so I can't comment though.

      • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 08:04
        +1

        It depends on what you mean by "bass".
        I am sure it doesn't have "bass" that I look for in girls ;)

        • daleyboy79 on 05/03/2015 - 09:18
          +3

          i generally look for bass in creeks and rivers…

        • ProjectZero on 05/03/2015 - 09:24
          +1

          @daleyboy79: Where would a megaman character be in the creeks and rivers?

      • evolution-flip on 05/03/2015 - 08:43
        +2

        The M50s are actually not that good for bass. So if you listen to crappy Rap or Hip Hop music, I'd suggest something else. Beats? ;-)

        • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 09:31

          Actually, Beats Solo 2 was alright, to an extent that made me tempted to get it. I seriously suggest people to try it out, it's actually decent. My gf didn't like it because she doesn't like boosted bass, but if boosted bass is your thing, I'd say it's a decent headphone for outdoor usage.

  • Canndy on 03/03/2015 - 23:06

    Yeah, true forgot to mention about my preferences of Music. I generally listen to everything, classical, edm, hardstyle rock, metal etc. etc. However at this very moment i think i prefer a headphone that's more leaning towards the bass side.

    • iridiumstem on 03/03/2015 - 23:14

      Wouldn't it be better to get a headphone that's relatively flat and just use equaliser and boost bass every time you need bass? I am simply suggesting this because classical does sound weird with boosted bass.

      • Canndy on 03/03/2015 - 23:30

        Yeah that's certainly true. Any suggestions on what i should get?

        I've also read that you're able to change the bass settings manually on the headphones fort the Beyerdynamics one, i'll check that thoroughly.

        • iridiumstem on 03/03/2015 - 23:31

          Hmmm, does it need to be closed/portable?

          Fidelio X1 by Philips? (Though I am not sure how cheap you can get this one for in Australia, it looked expensive)
          HD600 by Sennheiser?

        • Canndy on 03/03/2015 - 23:41

          @AznMitch: Yeah it's quite expensive ranging from $350-500, still kind of on a $250 budget haha

        • iridiumstem on 03/03/2015 - 23:43
          +1

          @Canndy: I've heard decent things about thinksound on1 from forums; it is $280 AUD (approx) from Amazon. Perhaps search upon that as well?

        • Canndy on 03/03/2015 - 23:44

          @AznMitch: Yeah i'll look up on that, thanks

        • iridiumstem on 03/03/2015 - 23:45

          @Canndy: I cannot guarantee anything, but it did look alright from the things I've heard about it. Though, people usually try to hype their cans…

        • bargdebarg on 05/03/2015 - 19:19
          +2

          I like my AKG k550s but they are not bass heavy. What's the most important thing? Go and listen and have a feel for these headphones. Everyone hears and perceives sound ddifferently. Build quality and buying a good case is important unless they come with one.

          Also boosting bass via eq if using a mobile device is not a good option. Better to run your settings flat and buy headphones which sound perfect to your ears (and tastes) flat on eq.

        • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 19:24

          @bargdebarg: I was saying that before he said anything about portable devices :P Hence my recommendations about open backed headphones.

        • bargdebarg on 05/03/2015 - 19:34

          @AznMitch: fair point. Nothing wrong if you're using high quality solid state EQ at home… However I'm still generally against eq. Good equipment doesn't need it!

        • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 19:37
          +1

          @bargdebarg: Yes, that's true. I only use EQ when I feel like I wanna spice things up, my headphone is relatively flat. Given that the music file is relatively decent, I find it fun to play around with equalisers, though I usually end up coming back to flat.

        • bargdebarg on 05/03/2015 - 20:38
          +1

          @AznMitch: when i do use eq, i tend to attenuate frequencies and never boost, then turn the volume up. results are often nicer.

        • iridiumstem on 08/03/2015 - 10:15
          +1

          @bargdebarg: True, but when I am tired, I find bass to be slightly overwhelming on many many pop music (though I guess they are already boosted in a way), so I tend to reduce bass when I am tired.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2015 - 23:17
    +1

    alessandro ms-1's are good for all genres of music. the bass isn't heavy though. about $150.

  • Kozhutki on 04/03/2015 - 00:31
    +1

    I would say the V-Moda M-100 would be the best bet for what you want. May need to get XL pads, they tend to clamp down a bit. Great bass that slightly sacrifices the highs. Well designed for travel & very durable.

  • Hoju on 04/03/2015 - 07:37
    +1

    I can recommend the audio technica juicy earphones. They're so good I have about ten pairs of them!

    • theguyrules on 07/03/2015 - 13:31

      Haha I'm guessing from the coke comp?

      • Hoju on 08/03/2015 - 19:02

        :)
        Still another couple in the mail too.

  • iridiumstem on 04/03/2015 - 07:46

    Hmmm, yeah, I think you'd need to specify several things.
    What you are going to use it for, i.e. indoor, outdoor, travelling, gymming etc.
    What you want the most from the headphone i.e. how comfortable they are, how decent they sound or how well they isolate sound from the outside noises.

  • ilsan0 on 04/03/2015 - 07:52

    I just got myself a pair of Parrot Zik 2.0 and am impressed so far.

    • ProjectZero on 04/03/2015 - 11:46
      +2

      Yeah… but that one is about double the OP's budget

      • ilsan0 on 04/03/2015 - 11:50

        Yeah.. That it is.

    • elektron on 05/03/2015 - 22:14

      They are a good fit for the iOS echosystem but they don't support AptX so not a great fit for Android if you enjoy listening to lossless.

      Can I ask how much you paid?

      • ilsan0 on 15/03/2015 - 13:15
        +1

        $429 Myer had them on special.
        Yep, Ios ecosystem.

  • kevsta on 04/03/2015 - 11:19
    +5

    Audio Technica ath-m50x is also worth considering.

    • Canndy on 04/03/2015 - 14:04

      Yeah i came across that a couple of times, i was just wondering how's the bass response on that?

      • kevsta on 04/03/2015 - 15:33

        The bass isn't heavy so you might need to adjust your equaliser for more bass. But where they shine is the clarity of the music. I listened to beyer custom ones and preferred the ath-m50x.

        I would suggest going to a shop and trying them out for yourself before buying.

        • Canndy on 04/03/2015 - 15:54

          Hmm know any shops around Sydney that has ath-m50x on display?

        • kevsta on 04/03/2015 - 17:22

          @Canndy:
          minidisc.com.au has a showroom up in chatswood on cnr help st. and pacific hwy. I don't think they carry v-moda though.

        • Manh on 04/03/2015 - 18:09

          @Canndy:

          Store DJ Sydney should have.
          https://www.storedj.com.au/store-sydney

      • micm1991 on 05/03/2015 - 21:25

        I bought mine about 6 months ago with a similar budget and music taste to you. I've been really impressed with the sound quality. I often wear them for 3-4hrs on end with no pain around the ears like some headphones can give you. You can get them under $200 delivered on ebay, in 3 colours ( i got the blue and bronze ones).

        • Canndy on 06/03/2015 - 01:16

          What type of music do you listen to?

        • micm1991 on 06/03/2015 - 15:28

          @Canndy:
          Literally everything from classical to top 40 to heavy metal (similar to what you said). I'm not massive on blasting my ears off with bass but my house-mate is a bit of a doofer and he's got the same headphones as me. As some others have said, I have read that they're not the best in that price market for heavy bass though.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/03/2015 - 23:13

      Yep they are pretty awesome! Great bass and sound :)

  • Canndy on 04/03/2015 - 13:05

    Haha wish i had money for Parrot Zik 2.0

    To be honest, though i have heard a lot of good things about the V-moda crossfade m-100 the build design slightly turns me off, comes off as more of a kiddy look

    • abbztract on 06/03/2015 - 12:58

      Let me say that the are very comfy though. Get custom back plates and you can make it look however you like. Sound is decent and they're pretty tough. They like the Beats of audiophile headphones. They actually sound good and look good too.

  • ProjectZero on 04/03/2015 - 15:17

    Hey OP, I actually have a set of headphone for sale… unfortunately I can't seem to PM you… possibly because it might be off.

    As I shouldn't be posting items for sales here, pm me if you are interested.

    • Canndy on 04/03/2015 - 15:57

      I have enabled it now, i can't pm you since my account is less than a days old.

  • raj koothrappali on 04/03/2015 - 15:39
    -1

    8 of this : https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/pro-urban-dj-studio-bluetooth-2… and you still have some spare change :)

  • cheapskatehaggler on 04/03/2015 - 15:59
    +2

    i recently got the audio technica A900X, superb sound clarity and bass

    • hayne on 06/03/2015 - 13:40

      Audio-technica is great, I got the ATH-ES7s a few years ago and love them. The sound quality is beautiful for the price, punchy bass without being overwhelming. My Bose headphones sound awful in comparison - Bose way overdoes the bass to the point that it's muddy. Best for watching action movies on planes when you want to hear big explosions but pretty rubbish for listening to music.

    • kbzj on 06/03/2015 - 15:46

      I've been using the ATH A900 for a few years now. Brilliant, love them. My only caution is that the pads may need replacing every few years. But that is a small price to pay for such great headphones!

    • XxDkoYxX on 07/03/2015 - 09:47

      Also, if you're looking into open headphones as well, Audio Techinica have an open version as well.

      Open - ATH-AD900x
      Closed - ATH-A900x

      Both great headphones :D

  • Manh on 04/03/2015 - 16:49

    I'm an owner of the Yamaha MT220 and have no experience with any other headphones. I bought it just from watching a review on Youtube and reading comments from HeadFi. The general gist of it is most who owns it, loves it, and uses it more than their other premium headphones.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHl22HGW82c
    http://www.head-fi.org/t/658673/yamaha-hph-mt220-thread-merg…

    • Manh on 05/03/2015 - 21:16

      No owners of MT220 have any opinion on them? It was OzBargained last year so I know some of you have it :) I just want to hear your say on them.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2015 - 20:46

    I spent about a month looking into this and ended up getting the V-Moda M-100.

    Most reviews that compare it to others rate it from on par, the same to much better than the competition. Most of these reviews are done using the standard pads.

    Let me tell you, they sound awesome with the standard pads, but with the XL pads they are (profanity) insane.

    I listen to everything from Classical, Metal, Electronica and Hip Hop on them.

    I also have the ATH-M50, I never use them anymore - people say that they're bassy, I find them flat as hell.

    V-Moda M-100 - you won't go wrong, especially if you listen to Hip Hop/Metal/Electronica.

    • Canndy on 04/03/2015 - 22:04

      I would honestly get the V-moda straight away just for their reviews. However, there's just one thing that turns be off and it's the design. In my own opinion on the design it seems childish like, I can't think of the words that describe how i feel about the design but hopefully you're able to get it from that. Though just from the audio specs of the headphones is a reason why it's still on the list of why i might get it still.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2015 - 22:07

        If you want style then get the beats, if you want good headphones get the V-Moda's.

        Get the matte black version, it looks much more subtle. I've got the shiny black and wish I got the matte black.

        • Canndy on 04/03/2015 - 22:44

          Not really into beats aesthetics either, more towards the momentums for looks, but trying to find something with the V-moda's audio quality and the look of momentums.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2015 - 20:47
    +1

    By the way, I managed to pick them up on eBay for $275 AUD last year from a Hong Kong seller, 100% genuine.

  • Weezle on 04/03/2015 - 22:08
    +1

    Audiotechnica headphones are pretty good. Check em out.

  • jubified on 04/03/2015 - 22:38

    Another vote for ath-m50. I use them on the train, close my eyes and enjoy the music. Bass has a solid punch to it. Other instruments are crisp and vocals are pretty great. Mine clamps onto my head a bit too tight for my liking but it does provide a somewhat passive noise cancelling.

  • TheBird on 05/03/2015 - 02:40

    I'm far from an expert on headphones, though you should also state what you're planning on using them.

    While people have given you very good suggestions on consumer level headphones, they're mostly suited for watching TV/movies/Listening to music. Is this going to be their primary use?

    • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 07:18
      +1

      This.

      It's really hard to recommend something without considering what you are going to use them for. Open headphones cannot be used outside without cranking up the volume but they are really good for indoor usage. Closed back ones can be used outside but if you are thinking about getting one for various music genre, most closed cans have smaller sound stage compared to similar graded open headphones in general. If you are looking for something extra portable, supra-aural ones or even earphones might be something to consider. Many of the portable/outdoor headphones have boosted bass because most of the noises are at lower frequency, meaning that bass gets affected so they tend to boost the bass to compensate. It's all about purpose, preferences and choices. $250 is reasonable amount for headphones, I'd assume you could find something decent that suits your preferences.

      My personal combination includes relatively cheap and decent pairs of open backed headphone for indoor usage and a cheap and decent earphone for outdoor usage. That being said, some people go as far as getitng a CIEM (though I'd say avoid CIEM unless you are willing to spend money on your portable music player and a DAC/AMP as well) or get a decent pair of closed can and be done with it. I think it really boils down to what your preferences are. As in preference in music, what sort of aspects of the can you prioritise etc etc.

      Anyways, Sennheiser HD598 just sits on the OP's budget at $228 at Addicted to Audio (not sure how decent the store is, just found them using static ICE)

      • abbztract on 06/03/2015 - 13:02

        Let me just add that you don't necessarily need to upgrade your source or DAC/AMP for a CIEM. I have UERMs and they are much more sensitive than anything else I've had before. No need for an amp and as long as you're not playing your 128kbps files, you'll be fine.

        • iridiumstem on 06/03/2015 - 13:08

          :P I was saying it because if your DAC/Amp has high output impedence, I've heard that they have impact on the sound signature, because of properties of BA, somehow (Though CIEM is something that I am not really interested in, so I skimmed through the article about BA stuff, so I might be wrong).

    • Canndy on 05/03/2015 - 09:52

      Yeah true, got lazy. It's going to be used indoors and outdoor listening to music. Though it'll pretty much be mainly outdoor use.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/03/2015 - 08:16

    You can't go wrong with these…..

    https://www.massdrop.com/buy/akg-k7xx-massdrop-first-edition…

    • Pacify on 05/03/2015 - 21:57

      K7xx are open, I wouldnt really recommend for outdoor. Also mass drop isnt sending them to aus anymore :(

    • Canndy on 05/03/2015 - 09:49

      Those are on ear ones :P
      I'm after the over ear ones haha

  • Ramrunner on 05/03/2015 - 08:57
    +3

    Why is Audio Technica not on this list? Frequently highly recommended. I have a pair after painstakingly spending a day listening to about 20 different headphones. I see some others have mentioned them too. You REALLY must consider them.

    • Canndy on 05/03/2015 - 09:50

      I have considered them, but right now i'm after more bassy type of headphones

      • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 09:58

        Would you clarify your definition of "bassy"?

        Do you mean more bass or do you mean decent bass quality?
        Like a headphone with flat response doesn't necessarily mean that it has a crappy bass, it simply means that it doesn't have boosted bass.

        • Canndy on 05/03/2015 - 10:00

          Decent bass quality that's overpowering that it drowns out the others. Sorry just woke up, need to be more specific on these things haha.

        • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 10:01

          @Canndy: I know you've mentioned that you don't like how Beats look, but Beats Solo 2 is, surprisingly, decent. I'd recommend that you at least try it out without going "OMG it's Beats, IT MUST BE BAD".

        • Canndy on 05/03/2015 - 10:03

          @AznMitch: Haha i don't have that opinion on Beats since I've seen a lot of reviews that say they've improve a lot. Though I just don't like the design that much, I'll still check it out tho since there are beats everywhere on display.

        • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 10:06
          +1

          If you want something cheap and for indoor usage, I'd suggest Koss KSC-75 from Amazon or/and PortaPro (KSC-75 units are compatiable with PortaPro headband, if you don't like clip headphone). KSC-75 will cost you around ~$30 AUD and they are alright. I use them when I cannot use HD600, i.e. right after shower.

        • Pacify on 05/03/2015 - 21:56

          You can get them off amazon for 15 USD

        • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 22:05

          @Pacify: Yeah, but conversion and postage lead to it being around $30 AUD :P

  • Reverse Snorkel on 05/03/2015 - 09:54
    -1

    Maybe consider adding Bose to your list. They make great headphones for around the price your looking.

    • Canndy on 05/03/2015 - 09:54
      +1

      I've heard a lot of bose from friends, though they are good I've heard they're not that good for their money. i have been still looking at them.

      • bargdebarg on 05/03/2015 - 19:23

        Anything Bose is bass heavy but expect to pay slightly more than what's it worth.

      • twoface41face on 06/03/2015 - 00:06

        I have a pair of qc25. Worth every cent for the noise cancellation. The sound quality is pretty good for me(I'm not an audiophile) but If you wait till a sale comes on at dj or Myer it is well worth it in my opinion.

        • hayne on 06/03/2015 - 13:42

          Agree that Bose is best in breed for noise cancellation.

          It's pretty rubbish for audio quality and you pay an unreasonable amount extra for the brand. I say this as someone who's on my third pair of Boses. I buy them for the noise cancellation. I don't listen to music with them.

  • wkd on 05/03/2015 - 12:59
    +2

    Grado

    • bargdebarg on 05/03/2015 - 19:24

      +1 for Grado open headphones when you're ready. Buy the best pair you can afford…

      • elektron on 05/03/2015 - 22:22

        Isn't the OP specifically after closed cans?

  • esty on 05/03/2015 - 13:11

    Hey guys,

    sorry to jack the thread, but i too am looking for a pair. Not to fussed on sound quaulity, comfort moreso for me.

    Buget $150 max
    use: travel

    Thanks guys!

    • iridiumstem on 05/03/2015 - 14:12

      Wouldn't you want something that has sound cancelling function?

      I've heard Bose sound cancelling headphones are good, don't know their price range however.

      • ProjectZero on 05/03/2015 - 16:55
        +1

        Just adding onto this, if you want cheap and effective NC, you can give the philips in-ear a go (SHN4600) I personally have the SHN2600 and can say they are surprisingly good in terms of blocking out noise.

        The SHN4600 is currently on sale at HN

        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/185235

        • esty on 06/03/2015 - 11:46

          Thanks man!

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