Audiophiles, show me your cans! (headphones that is)

^What type of music do you spend most of your time listening too? The best headphone for you will depend on what sound you want to be accentuated in the music (or none at all). Do you prefer a sharper, punchy, in-your-face type of sound, or a laid-back, spacious, enveloping sound?
 
Can't I get both? ;)

I know how it usually is some type of compromise......

If the laid-back sound can be reproduced at decent SPLs with a bit of emphasis on accurate tight bass then we would be in business.

Right now I am listening to Invol2ver. I enjoy the detail in this. I also like the detail in Pink Floyd. I don't need BIG sound when I listen to heaver rock and alternative. I'm sure the laid-back type of headphone would suffice.


I'm also trying to get into DIY speaker design. Down the road I might get a pair of Fostex 8" full range drivers and build some nice veneered cabinets.

Currently the HK is driving a pair of Cerwin Vega L-7's which i picked up for only $20!!!! 6.5" woofer and I think 3/4" soft dome tweeter. I can't find a picture of them, but these are now in its place:
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I am super impressed with the response and imaging I get from these, and they are not even considered to be low-end audiophile speakers. I guess it only gets better from here.
 
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Sticky Green said:
Can't I get both? ;)
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Not for $80-$100 bucks :(

Actually, even in the $1000 range it's usually still a decision that has to be made. Different people just usually prefer one or the other.

I would indeed check out the Sennheiser HD280 for $90 bucks new, unless you're looking for something that can be driven well by an MP3 player. You can drive the 280's on an iPod, but the 64 ohm resistance is pushing it and you'll drain the battery pretty fast. They have rather a rather weak bass response, but have a nice soundscape, are comfortable, laid-back, and immersive.

Another great value would be the Audio Technica a700, which you should now be able to pick up new for around $100 or slightly over. I feel like this may be just what you're looking for. The bass is tight and fast, not bloated, and they're pretty decent all around. These aren't exactly laid back, but at the same time they're not fatiguing (too sharp) at all imo. The a500 is great too but isn't that much cheaper so you might as well go for the 700.

And finally, of course, the Grado sr60/80 must be mentioned. They are far from laid back, but for what they cost they are the best can's out there. They have a very direct sound, and some find them a bit harsh, but your HK amp should balance them out nicely I think.

Cerwin Vega makes decent low-end speakers, but it's well known that you get much more for your money in headphones, so prepare to be blown away. Please consider upgrading your sound card though, a cheap sound card can absolutely be a deal breaker.
 
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HD25-C II

Amazing sound quality for the price and really durable, sit really tight on the head at first but get eased in over time. The coiled cable is also nice :) Might consider getting a different pair for leisure listening if you get these though as they're not the comfiest cups in the world
 
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Senn HD600 with HD650 cable

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AKG K271mkII with custom Mogami cable

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AKG K518LE (Blue)

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Shure SCL4

I use a Vivid V1 DAC/AMP -- Not the best, but tremendous power (+ good synergy with the HD600 and K271) for a inexpensive DAC/amp.

On the go I have a blue Sansa Fuze 4gb and a blue Creative Zen Nano (I like blue!).
 
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just got these yesterday:
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lightweight, great isolation and sound siiiiick. if anything breaks, the individual parts are replaceable.
 
Just got these a few weeks ago:

Sennheiser HD 201

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Delivered for $53. Basic but pretty good for what I want.
 
I second the sony 7506 ~ I know they are fairly standard but they do sound nice bass isn't too strong and the highs are intense. Very loud. Very comfy as well.
 
Basic info (sorry for those already of aficionado status):

Grados tend not to have a flat response in the least. Relatedly, their sound is in no way "transparent". However, I think that they're the best of the best for that powerful, immediately present oomph, and their price:quality ratio is until very recently unprecedented. They worked out great for me, given that I listen to a lot of break core and technical death metal. They're my first pair of headphones that don't benefit from EQ'ing.

Grado 60s and 80s run fine without a dedicated headphone amp. Higher series really 'need' one to reach their full potentials.

If I were recording, I'd want something else for a 'reference monitor', for sure.

...
Okay, question: what are some in-ear bud headphones that are reasonably ($50 or less) cheap AND durable? This would be for exercising, mostly, and I would likely be sweating on them...a great deal. I also have tiny ears. With the mid-range Sony model of this style, using the smallest squishy rubber fittings, I have a perfect fit in my left ear, but then it's still too large for the right!

ebola
 
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These are mine.

I will post a pic of my actual ones later.

What I like about them is that I have phenomenal noise cancellation with them. I can just keep the cans on when I'm mixing and screen out absolutely everything else and focus completely on mixing. Very useful when you've got two kids.
 
HD 25's a slave to apparent industry standard.. but I have no complaints, and they sound nice.
 
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ultrasone proline 650. I've had these for 4 or so years, and I still use them daily and love them.
 
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