Hello all!

first of all, I am a newbie as far as headphones and some of my questions may sound silly, but please be patient

I am after some quality headphones for multi-purpose use. Well, I want them primarily for using them with my PDA (Palm Tungsten T5), laptop and my mini stereo. I also consider to buy an mp3 player but this is something in my wish list at the moment.

Initially, I tried some Philips headphones with noise cancelling, but the sound quality was poor. I then bought in sale the Sennheiser PXC250s (£59.97 in Mamplin as they were for clearance) with Noise Guard and while they are really good with the system on, but when it is off I find the sound quality poor. The only worrying bit is that they seem as they were used, or at least opened, as the cable was not folded as from the factory.

I tried also the PXC200 today and they are a bit better when comparing them with the PXC250 (Noise Guard off). One thing I did notice though, with the PXC250s they had in the store, was that turning the noise guard on increased the sound much more, when compared with my 250s. I also tried the HD212 & HD202. Between the two, I prefer the HD212, which I even tried them with my PDA and the play loud enough and the bass is so much better than the PXC250s.

I saw also the HD215 on display, but the person in the shop said that they are not suitable as they have an impedance of 32Ohms, while the HD212 have an impedance of 64Ohms. After checking in the web, the impedance of the HD212s is 32Ohms....

I understand that the big difference is in the portability, where the PXC250s are superior. I am not so bothered though with the HD215, as they come with a protective pouch.

I would appreciate if I could some opinions on this matter and also if someone could give an explanation regarding the impedance and other characteristics that play an important role in deciding what is suitable for various devices (e.g. is the larger impedance better for portable devices?).

I can return my PXC250s within 14 days, so I can still change my mind.

Thanks a lot in advance

Hello again,

as noone answered to my questions, I suppose that my post didn't make much sense as I try to compare different things. Well, I am after some quality headphones, but although I like the PXC250s, I am tempted buying bigger headphones due to the better sound quality they offer.

I had a look at some other threads and I have made my mind to go for portable ones as I decided to soon buy an iPod.

So, what about Shure e3c? Are they better than the Sennheiser PXC250? The price is very similar so I would consider both of them.

Thanks in advance

OK, still no suggestions. I came across also with the AKG K26P & K28NC. Does anyone have listened to any of the two?

Thanks

[TameRacingDriver]

I havent heard the PX250's, but I've heard the Shure E2C, and I couldnt believe the sound coming out of those tiny ear buds, the quality was pretty good to say the least. The E3C might be better again. Sorry I cant be more help...

Get the Sennheiser HD25. It's a superb headphone. I have previously owned Bose Triports and Grado SR60s. The Sennheisers are by far the best.

By the way the PXC250 and 200 are exactly the same headphone. The 250 has noise cancelling, which is the only difference. Are you sure the 200s sounded better? Psychological I think ;-)

Go to a dealer and try some different 'phones. It's the best way.

Originally Posted by dhansak79

Get the Sennheiser HD25. It's a superb headphone. I have previously owned Bose Triports and Grado SR60s. The Sennheisers are by far the best.

By the way the PXC250 and 200 are exactly the same headphone. The 250 has noise cancelling, which is the only difference. Are you sure the 200s sounded better? Psychological I think ;-)

Go to a dealer and try some different 'phones. It's the best way.

The HD25 are a bit big for carrying them around, aren't they? I know that the 250s & 200s are the same, although there is a very small difference when comparing the 200s and 250s with the noise guard off, and when I am saying very small I mean it. It could be the resistance of the 250s when the NG is off...I don't know really

Originally Posted by dhansak79

Get the Sennheiser HD25. It's a superb headphone.

Do you mean the HD25 or HD25-SP???

[StevieDvd]

It takes a good ear to distinguish between the HD25 & HD25sp and some good equipment feeding them.

The HD25sp are great value but the sturdy headband of the HD25 is better. I carry the HD25sp in my case but they are not a portable design like the PCX series.

Adding velour earpads and a better cable is also a good as the standard one is steel based for durability, copper based ones are better soundwise.

[rommi]

KOS Porta Pro

In ear earbuds may very well hurt like hell. If comfort is important than Sure or Sonys will not be nice.

Then you are definately after a PX200 pair, or KOS Porta Pro's.

They are both great, the Porta Pro's were better for me as I like lots of base for rap, they are unbelievable for such small headphones. But the PX200's are smaller.

Hello rommi,

I don't think I can get hold of the Porta Pro here in UK. Comfort is important for me so I am not really keen to in ear headphones, although they are great for travelling. I listened to the hd25 sp and I really liked the sound! I had a listen also with the new hd215 and they were also very good. None of these though are suitable for my portable as they are a bit big.

As I cannot have the best of both worlds, I will go tomorrow and buy either the hd25s or hd215s. I still though need to decide which one to buy for my portable....

[L-J-T]

Koss Porta Pros £35 here...

http://www.audiovisualonline.co.uk/d...s/display.html