Looking for good sounding headphones...

[justanotheruser]

Darn - I just wrote a long post explaining exactly what I was looking for - went to submit it and it didn't work. Anyway, I'm looking to spend somewhere around $150 - I can spend much more if necessary - for some good-sounding headphones. I used to have some MDR-7506s which sounded pretty detailed but they were terribly harsh - not very organic sounding to say the least. Wireless would be nice since I currently have to use extensions to reach a chair across the room - very annoying - but I'm under the impression that wireless=bad sound, so maybe that's not a great idea. I am very picky about sound - I listened to some phones made by Sony and Bose today - they were just pathetic. Again - if needbe I can spend a lot - but I also don't want to throw money away. Anyway, any suggestions?

[justanotheruser]

BTW - I'm a v. serious violinist - so when I say picky I mean PICKY! :)

[Ioman]

What type of music do you listen to? I am assuming you will like natural sounding headphones that put more emphasis on clarity and warmth that raw bass?

Neuroking could help you with this. I am thinking Grado's personally.

[Ioman]

Oh BTW, heaphones or ear buds?

[justanotheruser]

Headphones - and you've got it right - I'm really looking for warmth and clarity - and flat response. I listen to a lot of classical stuff and *cough* electronica.

[Ioman]

hmm thats a tough one. I listen to electronica too and bass is pretty important.

Go here: http://reviews.designtechnica.com/reviews_subcat-94.html and look in the column under "your score", those are all user reviews, so there should be some good feedback. I would stay away from wireless headphones though, they all still need some improvement in technology IMO.

I will probably get the Sennheiser HD 580 headphones: http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review264.html

[dang]

I like my Sony MDR-7506. Were $100 US when I got them. They dont make them anymore but you can still find them on the Internet new.

[Wendy]

HD 580 seem like a good deal. However, you'll probably need a decent amp, and they can't be enjoyable without a headphone amp to color it up.

[llbbl]

grado sr60's are good for portible use with ipod or something like that.

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review1195.html

Here is the cheaper version of the 580. They should work just as good :D

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review260_intro1297.html

[neato]

Do you have a headphone amp and is the midrange/high over-prominence of the MDR-7506 the only thing that bothers you?
By 'I can spend much more if necessary' what's your maximum budget? I have a Stax Omega II ($6,000 TSP) and that does fall into the range of recommendations right now :P

[Ioman]

oooh post pictures of your home theater Neato!! I must see this wonderful equipment :D

[llbbl]

"Preaching to the converted," I sighed to myself as I read the manual for the Stax Omega II Earspeaker headphone system. I fondly recalled my headphone reference for all time—the Most Fabulous and Seductive Sennheiser Orpheus tubed electrostatics, which Thomas J. Norton reviewed for Stereophile in 1994. I recalled the Orpheus's heady, open, fast, and colorfully wideband sound, and clutched my palpitating heart.

http://www.stereophile.com/accessoryreviews/895/

http://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/staxomega2s.jpg

[neato]

I put it in as an aside so lets not get steered off topic.

[Ioman]

Yes captain serious! :)

[llbbl]

I am suprised that the whole thing isnt made out of gold and has diamonds encrusted into the ear pieces :D

[llbbl]

I put it in as an aside so lets not get steered off topic.

We are masters of getting off topic ..! lol

[justanotheruser]

the maximum amount I'd consider spending would be somewhere in the range of $4/500 - of course, I've been known to go for broke w/ other items - i.e. the late 19th cent. French violin I just bought...but I have to say that was worth it...

[justanotheruser]

w/ the Sony MDRs - I thought the overall sound was decent but hardly breathtaking - the sound was clear but a little empty and cold

Any thoughts on the Sennheiser HD600s (assuming I also buy a decent amp)?

[neato]

$500? The HD600 is one of the better places to start for classical, and you can get it at reasonably low cost from some places as the HD650 is now top of the heap. It's not the best for electronica though, and will sound a bit 'ungroovy' even when amped decently.
The HD650 on the other hand is a bit more laid back but has more lows... and is IMO a more general purpose phone. It does classical well and will take other styles in it's stride too. I like the way it sounds and at $350-$400ish it's not bad value for what it does.
Pair either up with something like the Headsave Classic (www.headsave.com) with a few tweaks (email Norm at Headsave and he can advise... I'd suggest the optional 8620 opamps and 24V PSU to start with) and you've got a pretty capable system which can upgrade with your needs. I suggest Headsave as they're very good value for money and the last time I tried one of his amps, it was really well made.