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  #1  
Old 12-16-2017, 09:24 AM
jwellsy jwellsy is offline
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Default Headphones

I'm suffering from analysis paralysis looking at headphones. My old beloved Seineissers have finally fell apart too much to resurrect again.

I'm looking for:
- laptop use
- over-ear (can't stand earbuds or on-ear) phones
- open back, so I can hear room sounds
- non-bluetooth and no noise canceling
- maximum comfort, if they aren't comfortable - won't wear them
- Prefer to stay around $100, >$200 is a non-starter


On the bluetooth issue:
- Is a charging cradle/stand the way to go?
- Do you have to rebind them every time you turn on the laptop?
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  #2  
Old 12-16-2017, 09:39 AM
philjs philjs is offline
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I use a pair of AKG K240 Studio semi-open phones for extended listening...I have two pair, one for my MacBook and one for my desktop system. They're very comfortable, quite affordable, and -- most importantly -- sound good.

Phil
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  #3  
Old 12-16-2017, 10:02 AM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jwellsy View Post
I'm suffering from analysis paralysis looking at headphones. My old beloved Seineissers have finally fell apart too much to resurrect again.

I'm looking for:
- laptop use
- over-ear (can't stand earbuds or on-ear) phones
- open back, so I can hear room sounds
- non-bluetooth and no noise canceling
- maximum comfort, if they aren't comfortable - won't wear them
- Prefer to stay around $100, >$200 is a non-starter


On the bluetooth issue:
- Is a charging cradle/stand the way to go?
- Do you have to rebind them every time you turn on the laptop?
Go to eBay, search Sennheiser Open Back Headphones, and you’ll find plenty of models that fit your criteria.

HE
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  #4  
Old 12-16-2017, 10:40 AM
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You know, the AKG K240s are the industry standards in the recording industry and there is a reason: you can wear them for long periods with neither ear nor head fatigue. They eliminate the ear fatigue by reducing the spiky response as much as possible. I've got them at home and we've got them in all the studios at work.

Bob
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  #5  
Old 12-16-2017, 08:08 PM
MusicLaw MusicLaw is offline
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Sony MDR-V6 or MDR-7506. Both are excellent Studio Monitor phones and Industry Standars for decades. Each is avaialble typically for under $80. The MDR-V6 are a slight bit smoother than the MDR-7506.

At a slightly higher price point of about $150, consider the BeyerDynamic DT-770 (250 Ohm version). These work well with Studio Gear, and also work well with iPods, Smartphones, etc.

All the above are closed back style and are very comfortable.

If at all possible, try before you buy. Everyone hears slightly differently and what you perfer and get to know, may not be what others prefer.
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  #6  
Old 12-16-2017, 08:37 PM
Rudy4 Rudy4 is offline
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Beyerdynamic DT-770's.

I've had some other studio-grade phones and these excel in the sound department IMHO. They are comfortable for hours and you can get replacement velour pads for them.

Another set that I have for using at the gym, etc. is a really inexpensive set of Sennheiser HD202's that are quite amazing for the price. Over-the-ear, but light, well-padded, responsive with good bass.

Last edited by Rudy4; 12-16-2017 at 08:44 PM.
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  #7  
Old 12-16-2017, 08:55 PM
BluesKing777 BluesKing777 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jwellsy View Post
I'm suffering from analysis paralysis looking at headphones. My old beloved Seineissers have finally fell apart too much to resurrect again.

I'm looking for:
- laptop use
- over-ear (can't stand earbuds or on-ear) phones
- open back, so I can hear room sounds
- non-bluetooth and no noise canceling
- maximum comfort, if they aren't comfortable - won't wear them
- Prefer to stay around $100, >$200 is a non-starter


On the bluetooth issue:
- Is a charging cradle/stand the way to go?
- Do you have to rebind them every time you turn on the laptop?


Other considerations to look at ......I too had some fairly ancient Sennies, light open model, no idea what sorry - and in the way of forumising, I had to have the new (at the time) Sennheiser HD. I like them and use them for home recording, just great....but....I can’t stand listening to my iPad or phone with them as they get hot and still use, yep, the old Sennies!
After all the years of using the old ones, I have the eq in the back of my head....ie, I can judge if a guitar in a video is bright, dark, creamy..without thinking too hard.

BluesKing777.
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  #8  
Old 12-18-2017, 01:09 PM
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ATH-M50x

These Audio Technica headphones are my pick over the Sony and Beyer phones mentioned in previous posts. Of course YMMV.
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  #9  
Old 12-21-2017, 08:53 AM
jwellsy jwellsy is offline
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I pulled the trigger on 2 pairs of AKG K240 cans. MF has a 17% off sale, free shipping and no tax to my state, came to $114 delivered.

I can use these as basic knock around workhorses with my laptop and silent guitar.

I appreciate all the suggestions, and will look into all of them as potential upgrades for when the right deal comes along.
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  #10  
Old 12-23-2017, 11:53 PM
throbert throbert is offline
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I would suggest the Alessandro Grados. Reasonably priced and sound good. I also had Sennheiser 414s.
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  #11  
Old 01-18-2018, 12:07 AM
ronadair ronadair is offline
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I’ve got Sennheiser HD650s. Thay’re high impedance, but with the right amp guitars sound heavenly. I wish I could play as good as those things make me sound. ;-)
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  #12  
Old 01-18-2018, 08:15 PM
Tico Tico is offline
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Don't buy open back headphones if you plan to use them when recording with a live mic.

Open backs let sound from the room in.
They also lets sound out of the heaphones.

So, unless you want some of the drum track from your headphones (that keeps you on time) bleeding into the mic when you record anything, don't use open back headphones.

Last edited by Tico; 01-18-2018 at 08:42 PM.
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  #13  
Old 01-18-2018, 08:38 PM
ronadair ronadair is offline
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Yes, HD650s are open back. Solo practice only.
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