Headphone recommendation for use with Dolby Headphone

[Paragon]

Hi guys,

So I think the best option for me to enjoy movies is with a Dolby Headphone adapter (i.e. the JVC unit, unless I see a review of the Creative unit that makes it as good as...) and a good set of cans.

I'm happy with buying second hand (have bought from Head-Fi before with no problems), and I reckon I have... I dunno, £60ish to spare. I have a pair of Sennheiser 25SPs but I don't think they're great. However, a few key points:

1. They will be used predominantly for movies, seldom for music. This in mind I want ear-shatteringly good explosions and whatnot!

2. Following on from this, do I want a pair of closed cans?

3. This is perhaps the most important bit, I am allergic to microfibre/foam/velour/velvet type material, so the pads *have* to be leather/leatherette. This seems to knock out a few manufacturers (Grado, Sennheiser?), so who should I be looking at? AKG? Audio Technica?

Any advice/recommendations really welcome. Cheers!

[NicolasB]

Originally Posted by Paragon

1. They will be used predominantly for movies, seldom for music. This in mind I want ear-shatteringly good explosions and whatnot!

Listening to headphones with the volume turned up too loud is indeed a really good way to damage your hearing.

Originally Posted by Paragon

2. Following on from this, do I want a pair of closed cans?

On what grounds? That it would disturb the neighbours less?

The sole advantage closed-back 'phones have over open-back is that they act as more of an acoustic barrier; so you will hear outside sounds less, and others will hear less of what you're listening to.

Most better-quality 'phones are open-back. There's certainly nothing about closed-back that would give superior volume or bass.

[Paragon]

I didn't say 'literally' ear-shattering! In all seriousness though, I do want good bass and to really feel part of the experience.

I used a pair of UE 'phones with my iPod and as they isolate noise to some degree I didn't know whether closed backs would be beneficial - thanks for clearing that up. Other people aren't a problem.

[pbirkett]

If you can find them for the price, the Beyer DT770 would be a good choice... closed phones but they have very powerful bass. Might be looking at 2nd hand mind. Also, given your allergies, you might have to change the pads, Beyer sell leather ones though.

[Paragon]

Had a quick squizz and they seem to have really positive reviews and would come well within my budget second hand (£76 new from Dolphin). I think that closed are potentially a bit more appealing as I may be listening at funny hours (shift work) and I suppose theoretically opens could disturb someone in the next room (thin doors etc.). Any idea how much leather pads would cost/if it's easy to change them?

Is the 80 ohm version better and will that JVC Dolby amp thingy have a problem driving them? Cheers for the potentially silly looking questions.

[sennen]

Is the 80 ohm version better and will that JVC Dolby amp thingy have a problem driving them? Cheers for the potentially silly looking questions.

I've some much higher resistance headphones plugged in to the JVC amp without problem. I don't think I play the volume as high you seem to want it though