What are your favorite Headphones?

[schmoron13]

After a weekend recording session (smooth jazz into the computer) my downstairs neighboor asked me about headphones (IE: banged on the ceiling)..so I've been trying to find out what pair I should get but have found little info on any. I saw that Keyboard Mag had a keybuy for the new K240 (from AKG) but that's it. I tried going to GC (I know I know) but those idiots didn't help (the girl working the pro audio dept sent me to another dept only to have me go back and point out that the cans were right behind her!!!!)...

 

I need a pair asap for the following uses:

I record mainly softsynths and the occasional guitar, cello, voice into my Aardvark Q10. I started doing some dance and hip hop music so I prob need decent bass response. Now I was wondering what people use and like/dislike. I would prefer to spend less than $100 but if they are worth it...

 

I know I need to listen to really pick a pair, but I'm curios as to what the rest of you use. I know very little about the technology in headphones and what the stats mean (besides range) so any advice would be great

 

Thanks in advance

[Steve LeBlanc]

I like these better than the AKG for most applications:

 

Sony Phones

[Mike Martin]

I agree with Steve. Sony MDR7506

[PAULIII]

I have a set of Koss Pro4AAA headphones that I have had for years. They are by far the cleanest, flattest sounding headset I have heard yet. I think I paid around 280.00 new, but I'm not sure what the updated equivilant Koss model would be. Really worth the money, though!

 

PaulIII

[synthetic]

The Sony MDR-V6 is a great closed headphone. They are nice and tight but you start to feel like you have a matress on your head after wearing them for a few hours. This is a blessing and a curse - it shuts out all outside noise, which makes them a must-have on airplanes. I won't fly without mine, even with no music playing they shut out the world.

 

The AKG K240s are a great open headphone, which means that you can wear them longer without feeling like there's a pillow on your head. I prefer the sound of the V6 although it is a bit brighter. It's a metal dome tweeter 1/2" from your ear so they can be a bit harsh. The K240 is a bit smoother. Both the Sony and the AKG have a slight bass bump around 150Hz. Also, the Sonys have a lower impedance than the AKGs, so the Sonys can get louder with the same amp. (This may have changed recently, I noticed an ad for the AKGs which said they're low impedance now.)

 

You may also want to check out the Fostex D40 or D50. They are very nice headphones, but a bit heavy and they don't stay on your head as well. Finally, you might want to try a hifi store as they often stock these models and have better prices (volume) than music stores.

 

-jl

[zero interrupt]

Another vote for the Sony MDR-7506. Best bass response I've heard yet. and oh so clear.

[Rick_Rhino]

the k240 will not give you ear fatigue like the mid range anoying sonys

[IZCool]

Perhaps, schmoron13, you should try visiting one of the headphone forums for more information:

eg

www.headwize.com

www.head-fi.com

good luck

[Raymar]

Just bought a set Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones for half price and I can't complain. Not only do they sound good but all of the parts are replaceable. They do look a little huge on my head though.

 

steve

[Intheether]

I don't think CG carries the AKG 141 and 240's I got my 141m's through zzsounds. I personally prefer the 141's to my Sony's based on feel (the sony's crush my ears too much). They really are excellent for tracking and mixing - I'd highly recommend them esp. for the price.

[Steve LeBlanc]

the k240 will not give you ear fatigue like the mid range anoying sonys

Yeah well, you probably shouldn't be listening through headphones for that long without a rest anyway.

[schmoron13]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I didn't realize that there was such a huge market for headphones!!!

 

I noticed that a lot of these so-called "audiophiles" rave about Grado labs...hence, I was wondering if anyone has any info on them, specifically the sr60 and sr80.

 

Thanks again guys for helping me out

[Magpel]

My main "cans" are the AKG K240s. I can't fault the way they sound BUT...the leakage is extreme. When tracking singers and acoustic guitars and the like, I almost always turn to some cheapo Sonys because they don't leak nearly as much.

[Carlito]

How about wireless headphones? I just saw a Sony MDR-RF975RK wireless .Could they work in a studio the same way as regular headphones?

[Felix_dup1]

My favorite is probably the Sony MDR7506.

 

I also have a pair of Sennheiser HD25SP's that I really like the sound of (though they're not as comfortable).

 

I've also considered a pair of Sony MDR-V700DJ (check out the frequency response) or Sennheiser HD280PRO's.

 

I haven't ever really liked the round earcups of the Fostex phones.

[Bucktunes]

FWIW, I'll add another vote for the Sony MDR 7506. I've used them for 10 years and I agree with the comments from the other guys here who recommended them.

 

I'd be careful about "audiophile" headphones. Like most consumer-oriented audio equipment, they're designed to hype or enhance the sound, which is what you don't want if you're using them as studio monitors. You want to hear exactly what you put into them, which is why the Sonys and the K240's are so popular in studios.

 

Peace all,

Steve

[Synthguy]

I'm really big on Sennheiser and Grado. They both sound similar, nice wide response, deep bass, sweet highs, proper mids. And they don't weigh a lot either. The 580s or 600s can take a little getting used to if you haven't used a closed set for a while, but they're really comfy. I'll have to check the others out again but I'm pretty sold on those two lines.

[schmoron13]

Thanks again guys for so many helpfull responses

 

A quick question: I'm not sure what leakage refers to? Does it mean that sound escapes, and if so, how bad is it (people walkin by can hear, someone in the next room) and would I lose any sound quality?

 

From the looks of thins, the Sony MDR7506 are in 1st place(how can I as a PC88mx user go against Mike Martin!!?? ), with the Grado Labs sr-80 and AKG 240 running neck and neck in second place...I'm gonna see if I can find a store that has all 3 and see which one I like the most....but if anyone has other suggestions, I'm always open to suggestions

[freddynl]

sennheiser HD series.

I use them since the early eighties.

Tried lot's of other brands (akg's , sony's etc..)

Best sound and wearing comfort are still the HD series of Sennheiser, and they are cheap, so best value for money as well.

(I replace them once in 5 years roughly)

They might be a lot cheaper in holland though as in usa..?

[burningbusch]

I also recommend looking into the Sennheisers. I've been using HD580s for several years, having moved up from the Sonys and AKGs. They are in the $200-$300 price range. One nice thing about the Sennheisers is that you can get replacement parts on the web. The cable, for example, is removeable and can be easily replaced if it shorts out. You can order replacement parts directly from Senn on the web.

 

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/

 

Busch.

[S_Gould]

Yeah, the Sennheisers kick some serious booty. I've had my HD540s for 15 years, and added some HD600s this year. I also have some Beyerdynamic DT911s and 831s in the studio, and they're almost as nice as the Sennheisers. Had some Koss 4AAs which sounded good, had good isolation, but were uncomfortable as hell.

 

Scott

[tenthplanet]

Sonys are Ok...provided you don't do listening tests vs AKG's and Grado's. Also try Nakamachi's if you come across them. Grado Sr-40's are worth checking basically the same drivers as the Sr-60's but they tend to be more comfortable and cost less.

 

Michael

[Pim]

Closed sytem: Beyer DT-150

Open (best sounding): Beyer DT-990Pro

[Dave Bryce]

Originally posted by schmoron13:

A quick question: I'm not sure what leakage refers to? Does it mean that sound escapes, and if so, how bad is it (people walkin by can hear, someone in the next room) and would I lose any sound quality?

Yes, leakage refers to sound escaping from the phones.

 

The issue isn't necessarily loss of sound quality, it's microphones picking the leakage up. Most people don't use phones to mix, they use them when they're tracking audio in which case that whole leakage thing can be a drag.

 

dB

[Ed A.]

Originally posted by synthetic:

The Sony MDR-V6 is a great closed headphone.

I agree, I have three of the MDR-V6's in my studio and I think they sound great. Incidentally, they are the exact same headphones as the Sony MDR7506, except the MDR-V6 was sold in hi-fi shops instead of pro music stores.

[VanZea]

I use a Grado SR60 and it sounds fine! I also like it's sturdyness (if thats correct english). I can drop it and it doesn't fall appart. It als has a nice thick cable...

 

Grtz,

Jeroen

[Postman]

Another vote for the Grado SR60s. I've never heard better headphones. Expensive, though.

 

I can't vouch for their sturdiness (yes, that's a word), though. The right earpiece detached from the headset about three months after I bought them and I can't find the right adhesive to reattach them: it keeps coming off.

 

Not good for live mike recording. Too much leakage.

 

I use my K240s most of the time for playing. They're very comfortable.

[EDinWestLA]

Another vote for the Grado SR60s. I've never heard better headphones. Expensive, though.

They usually sell for $US70. Maybe expensive for you, but not for me.

 

I do agree that they do leak enough to make a problem for live mike recording.

 

I own a set of Grado made Alessandro MS-1 cans, and they do sound great. Enough so that I hadn't even bothered with Senns, AKG's or Etymotics. But that's just me.

[Postman]

Wow, maybe I have the 80s. I can't find them right now. One of my kids may have them. They're about five years old. I remember paying maybe $250 for them. Hmm.

 

At $70, they're hard to beat.

[impuls]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Beyerdynamic headsets..!? DT 770 pro (closed) and DT 990 pro (open) is my definate favourites.

more info on these can be found at beyerdynamic.de - check them out!