Headphones wanted

Lost my headphones recently when I lent them to a friend at college and now find myself in serious need of a new set of cans.

I'll be using them for both just listening to music at the computer here as well as for making music when I'm at college and I'm not looking to spend more than £50. I'm currently leaning towads getting a set of Sennheisers as I like the bass response on my earphones (CX 500'S) that I have for my MP3 player, though those in ear types are uncomfortable for protracted use when sitting in front of a computer.

So, any suggestions?

The last time Consumer Reports did a review of headphones, they recommended the Grado SR60.  I got a set and am very happy with them. 

Also for earbuds they recommended ths Sony Bass Booster MDR-ED21LP and indeed they do have the best bass of any earbuds I've ever tried.

Neither of these will bust your budget.


Edited by Slartibartfast - July 10 2009 at 20:17

Yeah, most of them aren't comfortable, the sound is tinny.  I don't know if the Sony ones would change your mind or not. But they are comfortable and do a reasonable job of not letting in outside noise.  The Grado's are really comfortable.  They don't cup the ear, so outside noise will still get in.  You can mail order them for $69.00, which translates into 43 GBP, or since I don't have the proper symbol on my keyboard: #43.

A plug for Consumer Reports: they do not take in ad money and they basically test stuff.  They do have a web site.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm

This is a US magazine, so it may be of less utility to our friends abroad.





Edited by Slartibartfast - July 10 2009 at 20:41

I would definitely go with Sennheisser, I use the HD280's and they are incredible. I like the open-ear ones even better (forgot the exact name...) unless I'm traveling. 

I've got a Sennheiser HD205 that's quite satisfying! (cost 65E in France)

 Haven't heard the Grado SR60's, but I bought the SR80's, that is the next step upwards in price, they have different ear cushions, but I think the speaker elements are the same (correct me if I am wrong). I didn't like them at all and gave them away. They had an exaggerated  treble that sounded nice in the beginning, but became tiresome and annoying in the long run. That's a shame, because the middle range was very good, and the bass OK if a bit weak.

I also got a set of Koss PortaPro. The are quite the opposite. Heavy bass, but lacks a bit treble. The midrange is OK but not great.

Maybe I am just spoiled with the sound of my Sennheiser 650's :)



I


 

Edited by Rottenhat - August 06 2009 at 12:50

I realize you posted this a long time ago and have probably bought your cans by now, but I thought I'd mention an amazing find at a ridiculous price.

JVC HA-S150-S
(flat phones)

The have a nice over the ear fit, flatten out by turning the ear pieces sideways so they fit nicely in my computer bag (great for travelling) and they have a decent low end and overall freq. response.

And the price...
$15 CDN

Admittedly not high end studio quality, for that I have my AKG - K240's

Currently I am using AKG-512's and am quite happy with them.