Are expensive headphones worth the cost?

[johnnyboy]

All right, I'm gonna be rooming with my best friend come fall semester, and we both LOVE our Z-640's, and the music the give off. I was thinking of upgrading to Gigaworks or ProMedia Ultras this summer, but then I got to thinking--

Two computers, two speaker sets, in the same room. So we'd have to take turns on the songs we want to be listening to, because otherwise two speakers playing two songs within 10 feet of each other ain't gonna sound pretty.

A possible solution to this is for me to get really nice headphones instead of investing in an expensive set of speakers that I wouldn't be able to listen to half the time anyway. My question is, is there really a noticable difference between, say, a $500 pair of Sony's over a $150 pair of Sennheisers? I mean, there's only so much space they can cram sound quality differences into a pair of headphones, right? Or am I wrong? Please, tell me--and if you can, suggest a pair I should look into (I have no idea which brands are better).

many thanks
-johnnyboy

 

[confoundicator]

To me the question is how much of a difference is there between the $150 Sennheisers and a pair of Koss UR-20's for $25. If you don't need professional quality clarity then I would go cheap (and the Koss's are super comfortable, good quality, and durable, not some piece of junk that's going to need replaced in a year - and they do have good sound, just not professional quality).

He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it, hath already committed breakfast with it in his heart. -C.S. Lewis

Edit - To the experts: Exactly how much difference is there in sound quality?<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by confoundicator on 05/17/04 07:13 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[blah]

The SOARSE and adjustments will make more difference than 500 and 150 cans. It all depends on what kind of music and stuff you gonna be listening to. I was looking for bass (Enigma, Evanescence type of diggers), got Techs which nobody likes, caz they "are too groooovvy", Senz will give you classic/jazzy type of enjoyment, nothing deep, Sony.. I don't really by them, they sound like from under the pillow. I would really suggest to listen to the guy above and get what's decent for the stuff you do, caz really from PC you will not see much of the difference (MP3s are crippled, games are too busy to pay attention to quality, DVDs have to have surround setup anyway, some other junk you never really notice the difference).

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...

 

[blah]

a LOT to be short (it's like seks with the rubber and live lady (I guess, never tried rubber;o)>

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by BLaH on 05/17/04 11:06 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[confoundicator]

(I guess, never tried rubber;o)>

Then how can you say it's a LOT better? Rubber could be mighty fine. 😎

So why not pick up the Koss's at Best Buy, if he doesn't like them return them and get the Sennheisers. I just can't see recommending a pair of $150 headphones when he might be fine with a $25 pair.

He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it, hath already committed breakfast with it in his heart. -C.S. Lewis

 

[blah]

""Rubber could be mighty fine.""

Are you nuts, it's cold, lol

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...

 

[johnnyboy]

Thanks for all the feedback! I wasn't actually considering sinking 500 big ones into headphones, but $150 would have been worth it to me. I'm just looking for something that pillows my ear, and has clear clear great great sound---are a $25 pair of Koss up to par? Even the stock headphones that came with my crappy portable CD player cost more than that if bought seperately lol.

 

[blah]

<A HREF="http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72694" target="_new">Head-fi</A> will give you more info on that if you are really really interested in clear clear sound (whatever that means😉

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by blah on 05/19/04 02:59 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[2_red]

GRADO SR-60 ($80USD)

I'm pretty sure Grado makes the best headphones in the world for personal use, I know some audiophile store owners who will swear by them. I've had this pair of SR-200(which are now discontinued & replaced by the SR-220) for nearly ten years now and I couldn't be happier with them. They have an extremely smooth, clean, natural sound.

Some would, understandably, not be a fan of it's brilliantly unique design, however. For one, its size adjustability is very limited. If you have a small head they may feel too large & loose even at the its tighest level. At the same time, though, unless you have a swollen brain, they will never feel too tight and press against the sides of your head like most do. Another thing that may not be to everyones liking is that the back of the cans are "open". This is one of the things that make them sound so good, but it also means there is very litte protection from outside noises. The plus side on this, besides the improved sound quality, is that your ears and head will never get too hot while wearing these. Couple that with the fact they don't squeeze your head at all and you've got the most comfortable home stereo cans ever made. Wear 'em all day without getting sore anywhere 'cept on yer ass! Cheers

 

[flamethrower205]

Got a pair of HD280 pro's- Sen's website says $199, I got em for $99 and they really are nice. I listen to just about every kind of music and these rock. They are closed so they kill a lot of external noise. I think these were def worth it compared to some of the pos portable headphones I have. They're also very comfortable, suprisingly. I wear em all day when doing work and my ears are fine- hell, even my ass doesn't get sweaty :tongue:

SEX is like math. Add the bed, subtract the clothes, divide the legs, and hope you dont multiply

 

[the_Prisoner]

I find closed headphones better. All the brands mentioned are great. Closed means they fully surround the ear. Best value and quality is the Koss Pro 4AAT or Pro 3AA.

I still have a pair from 1976 and a fairly new pair of the Pro 3AA. Koss is made in the USA, if that matters.

I have listen to Grado's and Senn's also very good. I think Senn's are over priced but a good headphone.

All these companies have been around for many years and produce good quality products. I suggest if possible to find a used audiophile store and see if they have any headphones you can listen to, or a place with a great return policy.

Audiophile stores will let you take them home and try them out. Your tastes in how sound "SOUNDS" is the best judgement. Good headphones are great for music and less needed somewhat for games. I have been considering the Zalman 5.1
surround headphones for late night playing while my girlfriend sleeps.hehe. That might be another one to check out.

link for Koss. <A HREF="http://www.koss.com/" target="_new">http://www.koss.com/</A>
link for zalman 5.1 surround headphones. <A HREF="http://www.zalman.co.kr/" target="_new">http://www.zalman.co.kr/</A>

I should add those prices are full retail and not what you would pay by using pricewatcher.com or a good store.

the Prisoner

I'm not a number, I'm a free man! 😡 <P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by the_Prisoner on 05/23/04 07:47 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[scottstevens]

Speaking of 5.1 phones, does anybody here use them? Are they good or are they just a gimmick? I'm debating getting some 5.1 phones or going for a good set of senns or koss. Any Ideas?

Cheers

 

[the_Prisoner]

Use Google and search, I found some positive reveiws on the Zalmans. I don't know anybody who owns them.

the Prisoner

I'm not a number, I'm a free man! 😡

 

[darnoc]

I've owned a pair of the Sony Studio Monitor Series DJ Headphones, model MDR-V700DJ for several months now and have been very pleased. Having owned cheap headphones all my life I've really enjoyed this set. They sound great, feel great to wear and are comfortable for long periods. They offer crisp audio, excellent tonal range and pretty good bass response. For $150 I've been very happy. While I'd be intrigued to listen to a pair of headphones that cost $500 I don't think I'd ever spend that much on a pair. This pair for $150 is perfect for me, but I'll never step down to anything cheaper unless I am traveling. In that case I'd get a pair of noise canceling headphones.