Any Suggestions?

[Fisherking 145]

Hi folks, thinking of getting some headphones for home use, budget around £100 - £150. I listen to mainly guitar based rock, harmonica and piano based blues, and random pop type stuff.

I live above work, so sometimes listening to music through the speakers during the daytime is not the best idea I've ever had. I spend a bit of time at the computer, which has an Asus Xonar Essence STX soundcard, and would also like to take advantage of the headphone amp in my CDQ. I'm leaning towards closed back 'phones so that I can use them at my girlfriends whilst she watches TV/we're not talking without disturbing her.

So far I've been attracted to the Audio Technica ATH-M50 and the Shure SRH 840, and have also considered the Grado SR80i, but they would leak too much sound I think.

Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[idc]

I will happily recommend the AKG K271 MkIIs which are closed backed, leak virtually no sound and have a nice bass lift to them (probably due to them being closed backed) that suits rock.

 

[Fisherking 145]

Thank you idc, I was hoping you would pop along with advice, you are the forums headphone guru!

 

[idc]

Your welcome. I have not heard the ATs and found the SRH 840s to be OK at a short audition, but not enough to wean me off the AKGs and the Grados will leak far too much sound.

Are there any pro-audio/DJ shops where you are? I find that they have the best selection of headphones to audition, most of which are closed back to suit DJing.

 

[Fisherking 145]

Pro audio? We struggle for ordinary audio where I am. If I'd posted sooner it would have been easier, as I was in London last Monday. Doh!

Think I'll pull the trigger and order them this afternoon.

 

[audioaffair]

The Grado SR80i do leak sound but not so much you'd hear it downstairs if this is your concern (obviously they are much much quieter than listening through speakers!) .. but if you want something quieter you'll need closed back headphones - the Audio Technica ATH A700 are a good (quieter) alternative