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Headphone Recommendations

Requesting input from all you headphone lovers out there. I have a friend whos looking to buy some good quality headphones. Around $250 new or used is his budget and would prefer to buy new. He needs a closed over the ear style, just cant stand buds. They will be used at work mostly listening through Media Slayer, therefore a very transparent top end wouldnt be needed. Headphones with good bass is what he would prefer, his music preferences reflect that. Lots of classic rock and alternative, Floyd, Tool, etc. He has no interest in an amp or DAC at this point(he wants to save his pennies for a two channel rig) so please keep that in mind with recommendations. Any suggestions or opinions would be appreciated. thanks in advance, Justin.
jlind325is
warnerwh
539 posts
 
Or you can get Sennheiser 580's for half the 600 price with performance that is very close. Both sets are very comfortable.
jalapenos
81 posts
 
Since he is not interested in a dedicated amp, I would heartily recommend a pair of Grado SR-80's. They are less than $100 new, are very easy to drive, and are excellent for rock and alternative. He could move further up the Grado line, but the SR-80's are a fantastic budget-minded start!
arni
313 posts
 
Given these few key points regarding what he is looking for: Transparent top end, good bass, and no interest in an amp.. the answer is a no brainer: Grado 225. Much easier to drive than Sennheiser (per no amp- less affected my lesser headphone outs on receivers,cd players etc.), more transparent on top (some say too bright), and very good in the bass.
Good luck!
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
I am not familiar with Media Slayer. I will tell you that it takes a lot of "juice" to drive the Senn's. If you're talking about an output of 500-750 mVolt...forget about it! It will take about a 2 volt output [DAC] into a headphone amp to really appreciate the Senn's...otherwise, WAY too low volume.

Your friend might want to try a pair of Grado 125's, if he's going to go with a low voltage output. They'll play MUCH louder than the Senn's.
rbeich
17 posts
 
Yep...the HD600s are a great functional headset for
about the $200 or so mark. A little laid back, nice
balanced sound. Cant go wrong.
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