Headphone Choices

S

Suds

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
352
So I am about to purchase my first set of good headphones and I am looking for a little advice. I checked out the Headphone Sticky, but it didn't really answer any of my questions. So to start off, my budget it around ~$100, give or take. Because of this, I'm leaning towards some Audio Technica AD700. I plan on using them mainly for listening to Progressive Rock/Metal and Power Metal:)D), but it'd be a plus if they would work well for gaming too(if not I have a pair of Koss KB-45's). I won't be using an amp either, so that limits my choices.

So, if you were in my situation, which headphones would you lean towards? I am an audiophile noob and need some help. :)
 
How do you like the Koss for music? What do you like and what do you not like about them?

The RP-21 is better for metal than the AT in some ways and worse in others lol.
 
The Koss sound OK for music and games, but I'm looking for something that is much cleaner and overall better sounding. I can't really state what I like and dislike about them because I haven't really heard anything that sounds better. I'm hoping to change that. ;)

I'm using it with a X-Fi ExtremeGamer sound card BTW.
 
How do the Grado SR60's stack up against the others as rock headphones?
 
Grado is known for their ability to playback rock. If you are playing predominantly rock, you should definetely go with grado.
 
I am leaning toward Grado's now. Quick question; Is there a noticeable difference between the Grado SR60's and the Grado SR80's?
 
Grado is good for rock, however, if you want something really clean and seperated I would not get a 60 or 80.

The AT700 is worth first try. If you do not like it they are easy tro sell for most of your $$ back or trade for a Grado.
 
grados arent good for gaming- they have a very small soundstage. go for the audio technica's nice big sound
 
Does anyone have any experience with either of the Grados? I've been reading over at HeadFi that the Grados are amazing for metal. If they aren't good for gaming, that's no problem. My Koss SB-45's work great, and I have to use the mic most of the time anyways.
 
If you get a grado, pick the 80 and a grado minijack adaptor (so you can plug them in your computer).
 
Some people like grados and some do not. The RP21 is going to be a really solid choice no matter what, I've heard them myself and I love them. But as said before, the grados are great particularly for metal. Maybe keep an eye out on head-fi for some used ones. You can get some really nice deals there.
 
compuryan said:
Some people like grados and some do not. The RP21 is going to be a really solid choice no matter what, I've heard them myself and I love them. But as said before, the grados are great particularly for metal. Maybe keep an eye out on head-fi for some used ones. You can get some really nice deals there.
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All true.

I just hate the build quality of the Grado low end vs the AT. The SR60 and 80 are just too bright for me too. The RP-21 is solid. Has thump too. The AT700 is more spacious and clear with less bass impact and more clarity like the AKG 601 and 701.
 
Ok....this MAY not be feasible for you, but if I were you...i -personally- would save up for an entry level pair of Senn's. I have the HD280's ...and holy shit! These babies have to be the absolute best sounding headphones i've ever heard by -far-. And they were reasonably cheap ( I think i got mine for around $130 or so). They don't require an ext amp, and they sound -AMAZING- on my Fatal1ty. Just my 2 cents :)
 
raisis2k3 said:
Cant beat bose :)
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Sure you can get the AT's, I heard grados get uncomfortable after a while. Only problem is the ATH-AD700's are purple, but if you don't care they sound pretty good. These are the ones to get if you don't want to buy a headphone amp. They can be had for way under MSRP.
 
raisis2k3 said:
Cant beat bose :)
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Bose sounds good but is incredibly overpriced. For the price of a pair of Bose's signature quiet comfort headphones, you could buy something from Grado/Sennheiser/AKG which would blow Bose out of the water. And they're overpriced across the board, its not just their headphones.
 
I agree, Bose is completely overpriced across the spectrum of their products. You are paying out the a$$ for the image and name associated with their well-marketed products. Most people that brag about owning Bose headphones don't know what they are missing with Grado/Sennheiser/AKG as mentioned in the last post. If you'd like to bury your head in the sand and live in a world of make-believe, then by all means go with Bose :eek:
 
I've read and been told very good things about the RP21's, but don't have any personal experience with them
 
zachary80 said:
I've read and been told very good things about the RP21's, but don't have any personal experience with them
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They're excellent for the price. They don't isolate very well, but thats my only complaint. I loved the sound.
 
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