Topic: $100 Headphone Recommendations ?

[dennisrtyler]

ok folks...looking for some current recommendations on your favorite pair of $100 cans. thanks for your input. fwiw, these will be used for tracking out shows on the laptop. i plan to get a pretty nice portable headphone amp fairly soon as well. perhaps that will figure into your suggestion.

[evilchris]

Sennheiser HD-515.

[noahbickart]

Do they need to be sealed or have any degree of isolation? Or can they be open backed headphones?
For closed cans, try the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. For open, perhaps the Grado SR 125. Canal phones are also an option, especially if you will be in noisy environments.

For my part, I am really enjoying my AKG k701's, and these can be had for not much more than twice your budget. They sound so good, I never listen to my stereo anymore.

-Noah

[illconditioned]

Sony 7506.

  Richard

[evilchris]

For closed cans, try the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro.

[shaggy]

Sony 7506.

  Richard

that or the MDR-V6 (same phones minus the gold connector, less money).  There is a reason these are the most widely phones in the broadcast/studio industry, very well built and quite comfortable.  These are among the best sounding closed headphones for under $80.  I used them for mastering all my recordings.  And they fold to boot! 

I have used the Sennheiser HD280s, a similar sounding headphone.  It was like wearing a clamp, couldn't keep them on my head for more than five minutes.

[Frank in JC]

Another vote for the Grado SR-125

Sound-wise, they're on the bright/forward side, but I don't find them to be fatiguing with good sources. 

[Ryan Sims]

I very much like my Beyerdynamic ATH-m50 pair, which are about $100 on eBay.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I'm using Grado SR-80s and an X-Can v2 on my desk sourced with a Sony D5 analog out.  The headphons and amp are nice combination and not expensive. 

I don't find the grados really bright with this amp on most material but some recordings, like the Cats Down Under the Stars CD, seem to have a lot of presence in the upper range that I don't recall on my home system.

[KLowe]

Dennis....I just got the Senn 280's today and really like em.  I vote for them.  saw em on google search for 80 bucks with a 2yr warranty.

also....there are some AKG's 240 for cheap.

[shaggy]

One last ditch attempt to sway you over to the MDR-7506 or V6 side of things:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=46352#post46352

I think these are much better than the HD280, not just for comfort but the very high end on the HD280 seems to be a bit snubbed.  Again, did I mention that the MDR-7506 FOLD?  1000's of audio and broadcast studio engineers can't be wrong!

[dennisrtyler]

One last ditch attempt to sway you over to the MDR-7506 or V6 side of things:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=46352#post46352

I think these are much better than the HD280, not just for comfort but the very high end on the HD280 seems to be a bit snubbed.  Again, did I mention that the MDR-7506 FOLD?  1000's of audio and broadcast studio engineers can't be wrong!

having not read the above link yet, is there any sonic difference in the 7506 v. V6 ? thanks for the link shaggy.

[Javier Cinakowski]

I use the beyerdynamic DT880.  You can find demo or b-stock pairs for less than $200.  One of the most acurate and impressive headphones availible at any price....

[StuStu]

I have AKG 271 headphones that I'm not using. PM if you're intersested. They're in excellent condition.

I use Senn 600's and absolutely love them. I know they're out of your price range, but they're sweet. I'd like to test the 650's sometime. 

[George]

I use the beyerdynamic DT880.  You can find demo or b-stock pairs for less than $200.  One of the most acurate and impressive headphones availible at any price....

They really need a good amp to shine.

Sony MDR-V6 for the win, imho.

[bluegrass_brad]

Sony 7506. Over the years doing sound and monitors around the country, this is the headphone I see engineers use most often.  One other difference between the 7506 and the V6 is that parts for the 7506 can be ordered.  SO if you break a hinge, you can just order the hinge, or just the earpad if it wears out, etc. I have had mine for several years and they have been used for literally 100's of shows now and besides the standard wear are as nice as the day I bought them.

[George]

By the way, you can order the replacement VELOUR pads for the Beyerdynamic DT250's and they fit the Sony's perfectly.  Nothing like wearing a pair of V6/7506's with velour padding.  It's the shit.  I find the pleather pads on the Sony's to be a little uncomfortable in comparison. 

Another plus for the V6/7506's...their practically indestructible...I've owned my 7506's since April of 2001 and their still going strong.

[Javier Cinakowski]

I use the beyerdynamic DT880.  You can find demo or b-stock pairs for less than $200.  One of the most acurate and impressive headphones availible at any price....

They really need a good amp to shine.

Sony MDR-V6 for the win, imho.

I agree, they need an amp, but he mentioned in his post that he plans on buying a portable amp.  I use a Headstage Mini-Amp Pro and it powers the DT880 quite well. It was only $75. 

[Tim]

Sony 7506. Over the years doing sound and monitors around the country, this is the headphone I see engineers use most often.  One other difference between the 7506 and the V6 is that parts for the 7506 can be ordered.  SO if you break a hinge, you can just order the hinge, or just the earpad if it wears out, etc. I have had mine for several years and they have been used for literally 100's of shows now and besides the standard wear are as nice as the day I bought them.

[BC]

ultimate ears super fi 5pro.
Hmm, just tried to find a link on headphone.com but didn't see it there, that is where I read reviews and ordered mine from about a year ago.

[Tim]

act fast, http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,101301.0.html

[dennisrtyler]

act fast, http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,101301.0.html

thanks Tim. Richard beat me to 'em.

[illconditioned]

act fast, http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,101301.0.html

thanks Tim. Richard beat me to 'em.

Sorry.  Yeah, I love these cans.  I have trouble buying (for a good price) in Canada, so I'll pick up this pair.

Should be approx $100 new at any online place.

  Richard

[dennisrtyler]

act fast, http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,101301.0.html

thanks Tim. Richard beat me to 'em.

Sorry.  Yeah, I love these cans.  I have trouble buying (for a good price) in Canada, so I'll pick up this pair.

Should be approx $100 new at any online place.

  Richard

no worries Richard

[prof_peabody]

+Ts.  Just saw this thread and was looking for a new set of cans.  Sony's look good.  thanks

[prof_peabody]

Any idea what the difference is between these two versions ?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206580908&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-7506-Pro-MDR-7506-Headphones/dp/B0002H02ZY/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206580908&sr=8-3

[Javier Cinakowski]

There are some Beyer DT990's in the yard sale for $160.  That is a fantastic deal for top-shelf headphones.  You will not do any better for that price IMO...

[dgodwin]

Any idea what the difference is between these two versions ?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206580908&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-7506-Pro-MDR-7506-Headphones/dp/B0002H02ZY/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206580908&sr=8-3

I'm pretty sure they're the same, just sold by 2 different vendors (neither amazon)

[prof_peabody]

Any idea what the difference is between these two versions ?

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206580908&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-7506-Pro-MDR-7506-Headphones/dp/B0002H02ZY/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206580908&sr=8-3

Good call.  Anyone recommend a good place to order these?

I'm pretty sure they're the same, just sold by 2 different vendors (neither amazon)

[George]

By the way, these sound really good too:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RH5MA-Stereo-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000YIF4I6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1206622113&sr=1-1

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

By the way, you can order the replacement VELOUR pads for the Beyerdynamic DT250's and they fit the Sony's perfectly.  Nothing like wearing a pair of V6/7506's with velour padding.  It's the shit.  I find the pleather pads on the Sony's to be a little uncomfortable in comparison. 

Any idea where to order these velour pads, gloco? I have some V6's that are getting old and frayed (had 'em since 94 or 95). I'm also missing a small plastic cover from the back of one ear piece. Any idea where to order parts like that?

[dennisrtyler]

By the way, you can order the replacement VELOUR pads for the Beyerdynamic DT250's and they fit the Sony's perfectly.  Nothing like wearing a pair of V6/7506's with velour padding.  It's the shit.  I find the pleather pads on the Sony's to be a little uncomfortable in comparison. 

Any idea where to order these velour pads, gloco? I have some V6's that are getting old and frayed (had 'em since 94 or 95). I'm also missing a small plastic cover from the back of one ear piece. Any idea where to order parts like that?

b&h

[§†∑∫åµÞ≥¥]

Thanks! I guess mine are the V600 -- still the same ear piece as far as I can tell though.

[bugg100]

Hey Dennis,  Check your local Radio Shack, locally mine had the Super.Fi 3 Live for 1/2 price ($49).  These are great to monitor at shows with.....  IEM's may not be be for you though.....

Joe

[dennisrtyler]

Hey Dennis,  Check your local Radio Shack, locally mine had the Super.Fi 3 Live for 1/2 price ($49).  These are great to monitor at shows with.....  IEM's may not be be for you though.....

Joe

thanks for the tip Joe

[Nick's Picks]

yea, good call.
$49 would be very nice for some IEM's for show duties.

as for $100 cans.
i've said this before...i'll say it again.
the stupid Senn HD201's for $20.
I'll put them up against anyones $100 headphones and you tell me.  I plan on buying a pair...and I'll do it and send them to anyone who wants to try them out as I have several all ready.


they are stupidly silly good.
and the "Internet" agrees with me, so that has to mean something.
http://www.google.com/search?q=sennheiser+hd+201&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[Will_S]

At $20 the Sennheisers Nick references are worth a shot, but personally I don't particularly care for them.  I have a pair that are handy when I need some sealed headphones, but I much prefer my Grado SR80s, my Sennheiser PX100s, and even my old Senn HD414s.

[dgodwin]

Hey Dennis,  Check your local Radio Shack, locally mine had the Super.Fi 3 Live for 1/2 price ($49).  These are great to monitor at shows with.....  IEM's may not be be for you though.....

Joe

Was this a local deal, or is it nationwide?  I'm looking for a pair of decent priced IEMs, and these sound perfect. 

[daco63]

I'll raise a hand for the HD280s.  I have some AKG 240's that I sometimes use for mixdown - I love 'em for that.  But for tracking at shows... isolation is #1 for me.  Without that, you have to crank vol in the cans... 7506's do that really well, but I prefer the isolation I get with the 280s. They both will do the job just fine though.