[mattbot2]

Hello all,

I currently have some Sennheiser HD202's and they sound fantastic. But i'm looking for a bit more audiophile level. I want closed back headphones and I think noise canceling would be a benefit, even though I don't travel, I love having the sound completely blocked out.

Stereo really, not interested much in this 5.1 stuff.

Thanks a lot,

Matt

Edit: Just had a look around and the Sennheiser PXC-350 look very nice. Can also be had for £89.99. Tempting!

[tudj]

You need to take into account whatever it is you will be using the headphones with.

For example; it's not really worth spending £100 on a pair when you'll be using them with 128kb MP3's on an iPod etc.

So, what will you be using these headphones with?

About the noise cancellation - I think you'd be better off just getting a normal pair of closed headphones, most offer good/great sound isolation. Those with active noise cancellation won't sound quite as good at the same pricepoint.

[mattbot2]

Originally Posted by tudj

You need to take into account whatever it is you will be using the headphones with.

For example; it's not really worth spending £100 on a pair when you'll be using them with 128kb MP3's on an iPod etc.

So, what will you be using these headphones with?

About the noise cancellation - I think you'd be better off just getting a normal pair of closed headphones, most offer good/great sound isolation. Those with active noise cancellation won't sound quite as good at the same pricepoint.

128kb MP3's? I said audiophile god dammit! The absolute minimum for me is 320kb MP3's. It'll be used on my Sony Walkman MP4 player, my computer, TV and my Xbox. So I need a general all rounder I think.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[mattbot2]

Sorry for the double post, but these can be had for the same price as the PXC 350's, would these be a better bet?

Sennheiser UK - HD 380 Pro

[Drubbing]

Originally Posted by mattbot2

128kb MP3's? I said audiophile god dammit! The absolute minimum for me is 320kb MP3's. It'll be used on my Sony Walkman MP4 player, my computer, TV and my Xbox. So I need a general all rounder I think.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Headphones don't do it all by themselves. if you want something resembling high quality sound, you won't find it with good headphones, if paired with average sources like PC sound-card, MP3 players and games consoles.

If you're going to stick with basic sources, you don't want to overspend on phones.

Wireless and noise cancelling are technologies you have to pay for, in lieu of SQ, none of the models with this tech provide high quality sound.

[wicker_man]

You could consider the Denon AH-D1001, they are available in John Lewis stores for demoing, but available online for about £90.

[Bonessi]

I'm presuming you want closed back ones if used on your mp3 player. If you don't mind open back ones (if using at home and want a larger soundstag for your xbox I recommend the Audio Technica AD700's. Very comfy, albeit large, but they have a lovely sound from them. People say not too bassy, but there's enough for me.

When you can afford it, pair them with a nice headphone amp (I got the Astro A40 mixamp, but there's a few about) and away you go.

[mattbot2]

Originally Posted by Bonessi

I'm presuming you want closed back ones if used on your mp3 player. If you don't mind open back ones (if using at home and want a larger soundstag for your xbox I recommend the Audio Technica AD700's. Very comfy, albeit large, but they have a lovely sound from them. People say not too bassy, but there's enough for me.

When you can afford it, pair them with a nice headphone amp (I got the Astro A40 mixamp, but there's a few about) and away you go.

I'd really prefer some closed back ones. They're more versatile in my opinion. Sennheiser HD380 Pro?

[Drubbing]

Originally Posted by mattbot2

I'd really prefer some closed back ones. They're more versatile in my opinion. Sennheiser HD380 Pro?

Why, the only advantage is they isolate better, which is fine if most of your use needs that.

Otherwise, open sound better for the same money.

The 380 pro I've not heard, but follows the 280 - a high isolation DJ phone with bass bias, not very comfy and pretty bland.

[crazy8s]

I made a [slightly] similar thread a while ago regarding headphones for all round usage

Beyerdynamic DT770 for all round usage

may be of some help

[mattbot2]

Originally Posted by Drubbing

Why, the only advantage is they isolate better, which is fine if most of your use needs that.

Otherwise, open sound better for the same money.

The 380 pro I've not heard, but follows the 280 - a high isolation DJ phone with bass bias, not very comfy and pretty bland.

I'm a teenager and live at home still, i'm often in the lounge where someone will be watching TV, so I like to be able to focus on the audio. Plus the isolation allows me to use them on planes that I go on (infrequently)

[mattbot2]

Looks like i'll be going with the Denon AH-D1001.

The sound from my PC and Xbox is actually amplified through my Sony HiFi, although it won't make a great amp, i'm sure it will make a difference.

What do you guys think?

[Drubbing]

Originally Posted by mattbot2

Looks like i'll be going with the Denon AH-D1001.

The sound from my PC and Xbox is actually amplified through my Sony HiFi, although it won't make a great amp, i'm sure it will make a difference.

What do you guys think?

They probably don't need amping, and from those sources adding an amp isn't a good idea, it's more likely to reveal their limitations.

No one piece of kit makes things sound great all by themselves.

[mattbot2]

Oh, okay. But they're still a good choice right? The Denon's

[Bassbin]

Also consider the Creative Aurvana Live which are rebadged versions of the Denons (I think both Denon and Creative get them from the same OEM manufacturer). Have been as low as £29.99 from Zavvi recently but now sold out. I would think you could pick them up for £50-60 though.

[mattbot2]

Hmm, the Beyerdynamic DT770's are tempting.

Edit: The 80ohm ones.

[Drubbing]

Originally Posted by mattbot2

Hmm, the Beyerdynamic DT770's are tempting.

Edit: The 80ohm ones.

Still need an amp. And the sources won't match them for quality.

[mattbot2]

Originally Posted by Drubbing

Still need an amp. And the sources won't match them for quality.

From what i've heard, the 80ohm's don't need an amp and sound fine at medium volume from an iPod or similar. HDMI audio out from Xbox 360 and I'll save up for a nice soundcard for my PC because i'll also need a new motherboard because i'm out of PCI slots.

[Drubbing]

Originally Posted by mattbot2

From what i've heard, the 80ohm's don't need an amp and sound fine at medium volume from an iPod or similar. HDMI audio out from Xbox 360 and I'll save up for a nice soundcard for my PC because i'll also need a new motherboard because i'm out of PCI slots.

From personal experience of the DT250/80, an amp will be needed to get the best out of them; amps aren't about volume, they're about providing power to move the drivers. Volume is a side effect.

My DTs sounded ok plugged in a PC/iPod, but pretty lifeless and flat sounding. They're full and rich with an amp. They don't need a lot of power/expensive amp (but not a Fiio, please!), but it makes a difference.

A good soundcard is also a must if you're going to get good phones, you don't get your money's worth otherwise.

[mattbot2]

Originally Posted by Drubbing

From personal experience of the DT250/80, an amp will be needed to get the best out of them; amps aren't about volume, they're about providing power to move the drivers. Volume is a side effect.

My DTs sounded ok plugged in a PC/iPod, but pretty lifeless and flat sounding. They're full and rich with an amp. They don't need a lot of power/expensive amp (but not a Fiio, please!), but it makes a difference.

A good soundcard is also a must if you're going to get good phones, you don't get your money's worth otherwise.

So what amp would you recommend?