Shopping for Headphones

[jackthejesusfreak]

I am trying to pick out a set of over the hear headphones to run as a monitor line out from my PA. I want to get as balanced of a sound as I can, and the best bang for my buck. Here are some ones I've picked out that I can afford:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sennheiser-HD-212-Pro-High-Impact-Sealed-Headphones-101778058-i1126137.gc

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V600-Monitor-Headphones-Circum-Aural/dp/B00001W0DI

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sennheiser-HD-212-Pro-High-Impact-Sealed-Headphones?sku=242407

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sennheiser-HD-435-Headphones?sku=241471

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sennheiser-HD-218-Headphones?sku=581420

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sennheiser-HD205-Headphone-?sku=240305

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sennheiser-HD-457-Headphones?sku=241472

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sony-MDR7502-Headphones?sku=271052

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sony-MDRNC7-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones?sku=580264

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sony-MDRV500DJ-Headphones?sku=271071

Thanks,
Jack

[jpleong]

If you're stuck in this price range, go with the MDR-V600s. They are the foundation for Sony's MDR-7506 professional. Everything else you've listed, and I'm not over-exaggerating here, is a toy comparatively -especially at that Amazon price!

JP

[jackthejesusfreak]

If you're stuck in this price range, go with the MDR-V600s. They are the foundation for Sony's MDR-7506 professional. Everything else you've listed, and I'm not over-exaggerating here, is a toy comparatively -especially at that Amazon price!

JP

thanks jp I've been hearing a lot about this particular model.

[jpleong]

Jack, I take back what I said. I am thinking of the MDR-V6, predecessor to both the 7506 and the V600.

The V6 and 7506 are virtually the same headphone with the 7506 designed to be a little more "accurate." I use the 7506 (and 7505) often and trust their sound. I've also used the V6 back-in-the-day and felt the same way. I have not used the V600.

As far as "balanced" goes, the MDR-7505 is not as hyped as the 7506 which makes it more accurate BUT it is a lot less comfortable for long sessions because of its supraural design.

I've used the Sennheiser HD-212's you've listed and they're also a nice rockin' pair but I wouldn't call them balanced. Enjoyable, for sure...

Look at AKG, Sennheiser, and Sony phones in the $90-120 range and that should be a good guide. Avoid anything that is explicitly marketed to DJs -they have extremely hyped bass.

My purchase recommendation? Save up your pennies. If you can afford $70 now, you can certainly wait and afford $100 in a month... and it'll be worth it. A lot more and a lot better options for headphones you won't feel need replacing in nine-months.

JP

ps- buy from Sweetwater... seriously. In the age of Walmart and Musicians Friend/Guitar Center/Sam Ash/crap-megastore-chain the art of customer service is hard to find.

[jackthejesusfreak]

Jack, I take back what I said. I am thinking of the MDR-V6, predecessor to both the 7506 and the V600.

The V6 and 7506 are virtually the same headphone with the 7506 designed to be a little more "accurate." I use the 7506 (and 7505) often and trust their sound. I've also used the V6 back-in-the-day and felt the same way. I have not used the V600.

As far as "balanced" goes, the MDR-7505 is not as hyped as the 7506 which makes it more accurate BUT it is a lot less comfortable for long sessions because of its supraural design.

I've used the Sennheiser HD-212's you've listed and they're also a nice rockin' pair but I wouldn't call them balanced. Enjoyable, for sure...

Look at AKG, Sennheiser, and Sony phones in the $90-120 range and that should be a good guide. Avoid anything that is explicitly marketed to DJs -they have extremely hyped bass.

My purchase recommendation? Save up your pennies. If you can afford $70 now, you can certainly wait and afford $100 in a month... and it'll be worth it. A lot more and a lot better options for headphones you won't feel need replacing in nine-months.

JP

ps- buy from Sweetwater... seriously. In the age of Walmart and Musicians Friend/Guitar Center/Sam Ash/crap-megastore-chain the art of customer service is hard to find.

jp,
so between the v6, 7505, and 7506, which would you say is the most balanced and comfortable? I normally play two gigs a day an hour in each gig. When you say 90-120 range, is that retail or sweetwater's price? thanks again
Jack

[jackthejesusfreak]

After some more research and great advice, I've narrowed it down between these 5:

Sony MDR-V6
Sennheiser EH-250
Sennheiser PXC-250
Sennheiser HD-428
Sennheiser EH-250


Opinions? Suggestions?

Thanks,
Jack

[jpleong]

You're talking a church gig, yes? What do you play?

The 7506 is the most comfortable and the pair I'd want to wear for two services. Depending on what/how you play, though, headphones may slip from your head too easily. If you're a hopping pentecostal, be prepared for them to slip off your head!

JP

[Bluesman48]

I have a pair of AKG 240's one of the first purchases I made from Sweetwater. I also own a pair of Grado 80's, nice sound very uncomfortable over a long session. I really like my AKG"s though, I think they are fairly accurate, maybe a tad hyped in the high end, but not overly so. I agree with JP, stick with Sweetwater they'll treat you right.:)