Headphone recommendation

I.N.F.K · Jul 20, 2016

Evening gents (and ladies)

I have OCD, well pure-O. Occasionally, when im idle for too long I experience severe bouts of intrusive thoughts. While they just mean my mind is over active, it still affects my quality of life (depression). So I am need of a good set of portable headphones that I can have on me at all times. Bass quality I could care less about. However I do need a crisp sound as my preferred genre is classical; since its the only thing stronger then my thoughts. I would like to keep the price around $150. I would do actual headphones. But unless they make a pair for bigger necks, they're just uncomfortable. Good durability would be expected at around my price range. Any help would be great, because I know nothing about them.

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liamstrain · Jul 20, 2016

Do you need much in the way of sound isolation? I tend to prefer "open" headphones (which let in ambient noise a bit) for classical. Something like the Sennheiser HD 598, is tough to beat for sound quality at that price point (especially for classical), but it does not isolate well.

If you want something that isolates, I would look at the Sony V6, or MDR-7506. (Variations on the same headphone). We use those in the recording studio quite a lot because they are pretty accurate, and block out a lot of ambient.

bt93 · Jul 20, 2016

I have a pair of Sennheieser Momentums which while bassy do sound good with classical to me. You can bend the headband to fit as you wish. I also like Grado headphones, I have a set of i60's that sound open and clear. In your price range you could probably get the 125's.
I would recommend you check out head-fi.org as you'll get a lot of advice on that site.

liamstrain · Jul 20, 2016

+1 on head-fi.org. I'm reasonably active over there as well. (I think the Momentums are out of his stated price range, but they would be a good closed option as well).

I.N.F.K · Jul 20, 2016

liamstrain said:
Do you need much in the way of sound isolation? I tend to prefer "open" headphones (which let in ambient noise a bit) for classical. Something like the Sennheiser HD 598, is tough to beat for sound quality at that price point (especially for classical), but it does not isolate well.

If you want something that isolates, I would look at the Sony V6, or MDR-7506. (Variations on the same headphone). We use those in the recording studio quite a lot because they are pretty accurate, and block out a lot of ambient.

I have the Sony MDR-ZX770BT they're good, but lack battery life. So corded would be my preferred option. Those HD-598 look pretty sweet imho. Sound isolation would probably be preferred. The whole point is to block out everything but the music.

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Neko2 · Jul 20, 2016

I totally agree with the recommendation of Grado headphones. Pick whatever you can afford, they are all amazing but they are open ear so there isn't any sound isolation. If you plan on using them with a cell phone or mp3 player pick up a CMOY booster amp to push enough power for good sound.

I.N.F.K · Jul 21, 2016

Neko2 said:
I totally agree with the recommendation of Grado headphones. Pick whatever you can afford, they are all amazing but they are open ear so there isn't any sound isolation. If you plan on using them with a cell phone or mp3 player pick up a CMOY booster amp to push enough power for good sound.

In a altoids tin

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K1W1 · Jul 21, 2016

I.N.F.K said:
In a altoids tin

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That looks great and would be perfect for the business travel that I do however I'm not sure how the TSA would feel about bringing that through security. Have you travelled with this?

liamstrain · Jul 21, 2016

K1W1 said:
That looks great and would be perfect for the business travel that I do however I'm not sure how the TSA would feel about bringing that through security. Have you travelled with this?

I fly with all manner of odd devices. These barely raise an eyebrow - just goes through in your bag with everything else.

Ccc · Jul 21, 2016

I really like Audio Technica ATH M50s. They are a bit on the larger side, but I still carry them in a bag to work and when I travel: google image search

I got mine for $160, but they are cheaper in a lot of places. They are not isolating, but I cannot hear my 4 kids at home when I have them on, so they block out most other noises, and the sound range is pretty incredible. I am not very experienced with sound quality, but I bought these after researching different headphones on Reddit, and have been very happy with them.

K1W1 · Jul 21, 2016

liamstrain said:
I fly with all manner of odd devices. These barely raise an eyebrow - just goes through in your bag with everything else.

Good to know. Might pick one of these up then to go with my Bose QC20s

Neko2 · Jul 21, 2016

I.N.F.K said:
In a altoids tin

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Got mine from JDS labs for about $55 (also an Altoids tin model) and it's amazing. Great quality, sound and made in the USA (just like the Grados). Not sure about the TSA since they are pretty inconsistent but I'd still recommend the amp as a worthwhile investment.

liamstrain · Jul 21, 2016

Ccc said:
I really like Audio Technica ATH M50s. They are a bit on the larger side, but I still carry them in a bag to work and when I travel: google image search

I got mine for $160, but they are cheaper in a lot of places. They are not isolating, but I cannot hear my 4 kids at home when I have them on, so they block out most other noises, and the sound range is pretty incredible. I am not very experienced with sound quality, but I bought these after researching different headphones on Reddit, and have been very happy with them.

M50s are another good choice. I don't find their sound signature as good a match for classical music as the Sennheiser, or even the Sony - but they are better than the Grados for classical. Getting good closed (isolating) headphones in this price range is a bit tricky. You can find the Beyerdynamic DT1350 for a bit more money, and those are a good portable option (though not as good as the T51i, or my current favorite Audeze Sine). But this market really opens up over $250. :/ Many more options for good open headphone at this under $150 price point.

Welcome to headphone audiophile land. Sorry about your wallet.

Reignman · Jul 26, 2016

+1 on any Bluetooth wireless Sony 95 series headphones... unless you're lifting weight etc... bulky and slip.. but the sound quality is excellnt

KuRUpTD · Aug 4, 2016

Take look at the Koss Portapro...they don't look "cool" but amazing audio quality .

UffDa · Aug 4, 2016

I only have one ear that works, so I can't tell you about how good the stereo is, but I have been very happy with my Sennheiser HD 202. They are very comfortable. The only problem is that they cost about 30 bucks, so snobs wouldn't be interested.

Neko2 · Aug 4, 2016

KuRUpTD said:
Take look at the Koss Portapro...they don't look "cool" but amazing audio quality .

Totally agree. Those are my portables for the times I don't want to lug the Grado cans around.