New headphone help please (too much choice)

[admin_exported]

Hey

I've come to the conclusion that I want to listen to my music in better quality and therefore want some new headphones.

After some initial research, I think I would like to go for open back headphones, although I am open to closed as well.

I have a budget of around 100, would rather spend less but if the difference is that noticeable I am willing to spend the extra.

So far from reviews etc. I have shortlisted these:

AKG K451

Sennheiser HD518

Audio Technica ATH WS55

I appreciate it is subjective and down to the individual but could you please tell me which out of those would be the best sound quality. I listen mainly to Hiphop, House, Reggae etc ... so would appreciate a good bass but would also like nice clarity on the vocals/treble too. Also please feel free to recommend other headphones in a similar price range to these. I saw the Street by 50 cent on John Lewis for £100 but reviews seem pretty poor and I don't really want to be a fanboy although I do like the design.

Thanks in advance for any help. Look forward to responses.

 

[dalethorn]

There's a very similar thread to this on another site here that should provide some useful background:

http://www.avforums.com/forums/headphones-headphone-amps/1735276-help-needed-new-headphone-choice-please.html

 

[Anonymous]

That thread doesn't really tell him much. We need more info xclus1v, i.e. closed or open headphone. I would say the Senn HD518 or models above for you.

 

[MeanandGreen]

Hey

I've come to the conclusion that I want to listen to my music in better quality and therefore want some new headphones.

After some initial research, I think I would like to go for open back headphones, although I am open to closed as well.

I have a budget of around 100, would rather spend less but if the difference is that noticeable I am willing to spend the extra.

So far from reviews etc. I have shortlisted these:

AKG K451

Sennheiser HD518

Audio Technica ATH WS55

I appreciate it is subjective and down to the individual but could you please tell me which out of those would be the best sound quality. I listen mainly to Hiphop, House, Reggae etc ... so would appreciate a good bass but would also like nice clarity on the vocals/treble too. Also please feel free to recommend other headphones in a similar price range to these. I saw the Street by 50 cent on John Lewis for £100 but reviews seem pretty poor and I don't really want to be a fanboy although I do like the design.

Thanks in advance for any help. Look forward to responses.

I received a pair of Sennheiser HD518 headphones for Xmas. IMO they would suit your musical tates down to a tee.

Their best asset sound quality wise is their bass response, very powerful and deep. The overall sound is on the bassy side of neutral, but the midrange and treble still have a lot of clarity and detail. The warm tone of the sennheiser's means they never sound harsh or fatiguing. They are extremely comfortable and nicely made. I can wear them for hours with no discomfort. They won't be to everybody's taste due to having a coloured sound, but like I say they sound powerfull, refined and make listening a pleasure.

My own experiences of various headphones over a good few years from £40 - £150 is that with headphones you really do get significant improvements with price, and my preference is open backed. However open backed phones do leak sound both in and out, so if that could be an issue for you or your surroundings look at closed back instead. Open backs do give great comfort and a sence of space to the sound in my experience.

I can't comment on the other headphones in your short list, I will say if you go for the HD518 you will not hear them at their best straight away, it will take about 10 hours before the sound opens up and you start hearing the clarity these headphones have to offer. From the box they sound muffled, just a point to bear in mind incase you are dissaopinted at first.