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
Sony 7506. Less transparent than the Senn's but plenty of bass and very rugged.
I personally like them more than the senns to work with and prefer the senns to relax...if you know what I mean.
I believe that Grados will spill sound out into the workplace. If that is an issue, I recommend Sennheiser HD-280 Pro. Closed-back, as opposed to Senn. 580/600/650 and Grados, and with amazing isolation both ways— no one else hears your music, you don't hear anything else. Sound great, under $100 new, and you don't need a headphone amp to drive them. I use them on my commuter train with a portable CD player; have pricier cans and dedicated headphone amp at home.

Also, much more info available at head-fi.com. Good luck.
I have Sennheiser 580s and LOVE 'em. However, for your friend's application, I would recommend the AKG K240 *Studio* headphones. Be sure to get the Studio version, they have 55 ohm impedance instead of the 600 ohm impedance of the standard versions. These phones play LOUD, have excellent bass, and are extrememly comfortable for long periods of time.

There's a pair on FleaBay right now for $75 Buy It Now with $10 shipping:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-K-240-K240-Studio-HEADPHONES-Mint-condition-55-ohms_W0QQitemZ190037557396QQihZ009QQcategoryZ14985QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Also, look at the AKG K271s - they have a more closed design, could be better for an office environment. They are all 55 ohm and will match up nicely with portable devices. Check FleaBay for these, also.

=RW-