Help a noob find some headphones

[scoter man1]

Keeping it short and simple,

I'm looking for a headset (Circumaural) and I'm setting my budget around $50. Dont really care if we go over a bit.

I don't need (and would prefer not to have) a mic on the headset.

I generally listen to electronic music and rock. Bass is somewhat important to me, since weak bass would suck with the electronic stuff.

Thanks in advance for any reccomendations.

[AllTech]

I can only recommend the Razer Carcharias.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826153043

[draegunstrife]

I quite like these:

Turtle Beach PX11

Ignore the PS3 part =D

Of course, always read the reviews first before deciding if it's for you.

[flimbo]

For listening to music I would avoid the "gaming" headsets like Razer, Turtle Beach etc.

[Darkest]

Here's a good read for you: http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-buying-guide

[scoter man1]

Originally Posted by Darkest

Here's a good read for you: http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-buying-guide

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of thing I was looking for.

[scoter man1]

Any opinions on the Shure SRH440 vs. KRK KNS-6400? They aren't too far out of the budget.

[GenClaymore]

Another good choice are the Superlux HD668B, Samson SR850 and SUperlux HD660 which are actually very good headphones. Both HD668B and SR850 are open back and usually around 50ish on amazon. The Superlux HD660 is closed back is also around 50 on ebay.

If you need a mic just use a clip on mic, it what i usually do if I plan on using a mic. If you handy you can make your own flexable headset style mic.

[scoter man1]

Originally Posted by GenClaymore

Another good choice are the Superlux HD668B, Samson SR850 and SUperlux HD660 which are actually very good headphones. Both HD668B and SR850 are open back and usually around 50ish on amazon. The Superlux HD660 is closed back is also around 50 on ebay.

If you need a mic just use a clip on mic, it what i usually do if I plan on using a mic. If you handy you can make your own flexable headset style mic.

I'm thinking I'm going for closed back (not really sure yet), but I like the sound of 50 more than 80. From what I read open back gives a more 'real' sound... what the heck does that even mean? Sorry for asking questions like this...

[GenClaymore]

I think when they meant real, they mean a bigger sound stage then closed back headphones.

[scoter man1]

Originally Posted by GenClaymore

I think when they meant real, they mean a bigger sound stage then closed back headphones.

So I'm assuming that you are recommending open over closed? I mean, take into account that what I listen to music with now is skull candy in ear canal buds. Lol, I think pretty much anything is better.

[Rebel975]

Sony MDR-XB500

I tried them out in Staples. They do bass extremely well and are very comfortable. They have memory foam earpads, I think.

[GenClaymore]

Originally Posted by scoter man1

So I'm assuming that you are recommending open over closed? I mean, take into account that what I listen to music with now is skull candy in ear canal buds. Lol, I think pretty much anything is better.

The problem with openback headphone is they leak. So if you living with some one or gonna be near some one else. They will come and dance by you because they will bea ble to hear exactly what music your listening to. If your using a openback headphone. Then some openback headphone leaks worst then others.

Where closed back will let you game or listen to music in peace, and if you around some one that talks alot. Then usually you don't hear them when you have the headphones on.

[scoter man1]

Right, that's what I've been readin'. I guess I'd shoot for closed back since I use headphones as my sanctuary away from other noise. Alright, so I guess my last question is will I hear a 'big' difference between the HD660 and say the KRK or Shure I mentioned earlier? I don't mind dishing out an extra 30 bucks or so if its gonna be noticeable.

[gridiron whirlw]

Whatever you decide what ones that you want....you are definitely doing the right thing by getting any of the above mentioned headphones over a set of gaming headphones.

You should be very happy.

[scoter man1]

Great! Thank you guys for all of your help. I really appreciate it.

[scoter man1]

Bought myself the 660's for $57.

[Tacoboy]

Originally Posted by scoter man1

Bought myself the 660's for $57.

The Superlux HD660 are 150-ohm headphones, chances are your going to need a headphone amplifier to drive them.
Asus Xonar DG sound card ($20 after mail in rebate) is decent and comes with a very basic headphone amplifier that can drive 150-Ohm headphones.

Adding Beyerdynamic DT880/DT990 velour ear pads add some comfort to using the HD660 ($36)

[eclap]

i have the superlux hd668b ones and they're great for the price! paired with a headphone amp they're plenty loud. would think that a 150ohm pair of headphones would suck if not plugged in to an amp though.

[GenClaymore]

A Xonar DG will work, I suggested the same HD660 to a friend a while back that had a Xonar DG. Every since he got the headphones he been happy with them. Then it was his first real headphones, and he loves them over the gaming marketed headphone he had before it.

Just make sure you set the Xonar DG hp amp setting to the right setting. But the op can try without the sound card first to see how it sounds.

[scoter man1]

Originally Posted by Tacoboy

The Superlux HD660 are 150-ohm headphones, chances are your going to need a headphone amplifier to drive them.
Asus Xonar DG sound card ($20 after mail in rebate) is decent and comes with a very basic headphone amplifier that can drive 150-Ohm headphones.

Adding Beyerdynamic DT880/DT990 velour ear pads add some comfort to using the HD660 ($36)

I appreciate the sound card recommendation. That was going to be my next question, since I don't really want to spend 100 on a sound card. I'll definitely look into it since its 20 bucks.

[Rob McClelland]

Originally Posted by AllTech

I can only recommend the Razer Carcharias.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826153043

Those I have but my volume control thing going bit there 2 years old . That why I order these at good price. >http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00 I had 30 bucks off rebates from 2 $ 15 buck promo codes discounts used on them .

[scoter man1]

Update:

I got them and they sound great. A bit mid heavy if you leave the equalizer flat, but that's nothing a few tweaks can't change. The curled cord is really pissing me off, so I'll probably re-cable it soon. My phone drives it okay. Computer (on board sound card) drives it just fine. Still interested in getting a different sound card just for the benefits of better audio, but its great. Would highly recommend these for $57, they're great.

[pogostickio]

Originally Posted by Rebel975

Sony MDR-XB500

I tried them out in Staples. They do bass extremely well and are very comfortable. They have memory foam earpads, I think.

I use these and yes they are an excellent set of headphones. The mid and treble range sound natural but the bass is phenomenal. They are well built and very comfy and you can barely feel the headband even though there's very little foam cushioning. And the wire is flat which really helps to reduce tangling. There are a few different driver sizes in the same product range priced from $36 to $100.

The one thing I forgot to mention is that the cable is quite short. It is only 1 metre in length so I recommend you buy an extension cable to enjoy these babies. It is not a good enough reason to look elsewhere for headphones.

bah, already bought some. Well I hope you like your new cans. And I should read the whole thread before posting. On the plus side I can recommend a good headphone amplifier. It has 50 hours of rechargeable battery life!

http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Portable-...hone+amplifier

[nikavelli]

"Xtra Bass" headphones .... there's better alternatives out there...