Spec me some headphones for Music.

Converge · 5 Mar 2008 at 02:16

Hey guys,

Was hoping someone could help point out some really good quality headphones for me, i've had 2 pairs of Technics (£30 ones, gold "technics" writing on the headband, earmuff ones) which after a few months each, have broken. Basically, i listen to a lot of music with heavy drumming, and the bass in the headphones seems to be too much for them after a while and they start to emit a horrible vibration alongside the actual music

Anyone able to point me to some good ones, that won't break at the first sign of bass?

Thanks

C64 · 5 Mar 2008 at 04:10

Budget ?
£30-£45 Equation audio rp21
£60 ish < Goldring dr150 or Allesandro ms1 or Grado sr60

Have recently acquired some goldring dr150 having owned grado and allesandro as well as sennheiser hd555 and 595 and for my money the goldring beats them all overall people just dont know about them as they aren't a big name and they are a british company.
If however you love bass I'd get the equation audio rp21

Converge · 5 Mar 2008 at 12:50

Thanks a lot for the help C64, i like the look of the Equation RP21's, but where i've looked they are all £75 +, where did you get them that cheap, is it ok to list here or will it be classed as a competitor?

Thanks

C64 · 5 Mar 2008 at 13:37

Have emailed you can I ask which genre of music you listen to when you say drums you mean rock or drum and bass for example ? If rock I'd go for the allesandro ms1 or grado they are the best for rock.
But I think it's well agreed by people in the know if you love bass and want budget phones you go for equation audio rp21 this is not something I have personal experience of but can see them recommended all over the dedicated headphone sites out there I have only owned sennheisers and grado's and allesandro which is a tweaked grado.
Owned plenty of crappy ones like technics before though and feel your pain.

Leporello · 7 Mar 2008 at 19:39

you don't say what sort of source you'll be using or whether you intend to get a headphone amp. assuming you don't intend to use an amp you ould be wise to look for some low impedance 'phones. Grados might well suit you but they're bloody uncomfortable and very badly built. However, lots of people love their sound. you might also look at the Goldring 150s which sound good and are comfortable and well built. You could also look at some Audio Technicas, AKG, or others. But if you you need to find some match between the quality of your sound source and the quality of your intended 'phones. Have a browse on headfi.org and explore your options.

Good luck.

Converge · 8 Mar 2008 at 02:43

Thanks for the info guys, and thanks for the really informative emails C64, they're all brilliant. When i get some money, im going to go for the Allesandro's i think

C64 · 8 Mar 2008 at 06:23

Yea they will blow you away for rock the details are amazing through even the weakest sources.
Oh btw they are not uncomfortable they have to be about the most lightweight headphone I've ever used the storys of grado/allesandro being uncomfortable come from a long time ago when the earpads were made from a rougher material.
Yes the headband could be better but they are so light after a while you don't even realize you're wearing them.
Tempted to get some again myself But am saving up for some even more serious headphones and graham slee solo amp.