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So I’m finally deciding to take my music a bit more seriously. I have a Motorola RAZR HD, which is supposed to have pretty good audio output – not that you can prove it by me. Music from it sounds muddy and strained in places.
First step: get rid of Google Play Music. The “equalizer” it uses isn’t really that great at all. Poweramp comes more highly recommended. (I’ll keep folks informed as to how that goes.)
The second step is to ditch the in-ear cheapie earbuds that I have and look for something more comfortable and better-sounding. I prefer something on the ear rather than in it, and obviously my EDC space is a premium, so I’d like it to fold or compact in some way. A case would be handy, too (although I have a spare Pelican 1010 around here). I can’t really justify anything over 50 USD right now, however.
The ones I’ve seen that look interesting are Skullcandy’s Lowrider and the Koss Portapro. If anyone has those and can give a quick review, or can make other recommendations, I’d be appreciative…
If I must go in-ear, Sony MDR-AS50G looks good, but I’m concerned as to its comfort. It does not look easily adjustable.
I actually like these:
Philips Flexible Earhook Headphones SHS3200/28 (Black) (Replaces SHS3200/37)
Comfortable,
Secure
Not to bass-heavy
No case provided though
and these
Audio-Technica ATH-EM7 GM Adjustable Aluminum Clip-On Headphones
Accurate rendition.
Comfortable
Allows more exterior noise to filter in.
Neoprene Zippered Case
Two part cord, so you can adjust length
Might be discontinued but some stores still seem to have stock.
NEVER, EVER, EVER get these:
Philips Adjustable Earhook Headsphones SHS4840/28 (Silver)
Whatever pluses they have are voided by the fact that they are painfully uncomfortable.
Likely choice for a torture device for a cash-strapped penal colony.
ATB,
SamThe Porta Pros are quite well regarded as a good budget headphone over at Head-fi.org. No idea about the Skullcandy ones though.
I was going to suggest the Senneiser PX-100ii, but it seems these are over your budget at about $70.
Probably best to go with the Porta Pros.
I have 2 pair of Porta Pros. They are excellent for the money, and adjustable for comfort. I think the fact they’ve been selling and receiving praise since the 70’s, without any changes (hence the odd 70’s look), says a lot. I also think Sennheiser are the only competition I know of for the money. In my opinion the Porta Pros have the edge.
The colours are a bit off due to the flash
The cans I keep at work are the Grado SR60s for about 80 bucks, a bit outside your budget but worth considering because they are so classic and well-made.
They have an open-ear design so they are not so good for noisy environments or especially quiet public ones, but the sound is fantastic and very crisp. I will often wear them all day long, so they are comfortable.
However, they are a bit outside of your budget and I also have a pair of Monoprice 8323 headphones. For 23 dollars I didn’t expect much but I find that even they are above and beyond the sound quality of earbuds that are several times more expensive. I can tell the difference between my Grados and Monoprice cans if I compare them side by side, but a few minutes after my ears adjust, the Monoprice ones sound only marginally less good. Since I spend more time listening to music at work than at home, I keep them at home and I’ve been nothing short of absolutely pleased with them.
They seem well-constructed and fold up, so they are nice to carry. They are closed-ear headphones so they are great for things like public transit and loud workspaces. One really nice feature is that the headphone cable can be removed and replaced, using any standard male-male 3.5mm cable. I find often on headphones and earbuds that the weak point is the cable, so being able to replace the cable is an incredible boost to longevity. I’d highly recommend these too, and like the SR60, the 8323 has consistently gotten rave reviews over at Head-Fi.
I’ve never tried them, but from what I read the 201’s are okay plugged into your hifi etc. and the 202’s are better for Mp3 players. It looks like getting a really good sound from the 201’s with a portable Mp3 player, you’d need a seperate amp. They both sound okay to me
I use Koss KSC-75s. I’m told they are the same drivers as the Porta Pros. Unlike a lot of headphones, they’re open – which means outside sound leaks in, which I prefer so that people aren’t required to tap on my shoulder to get my attention.
People praise them – but sound quality isn’t an interest to me, so I have to take their word. All I know is that they’re quite “bright”.
They’re only $15.
Incidentally: Poweramp does indeed make a difference. I’ll need to study the equalizer and get it to where I want…
I have the Skullcandy Lowriders. Got them off the clearance rack at Walmart for $15. I use them when I don’t want risk hurting my Sennheiser HD 219s. They do not sound anywhere near as good as the 219s, but for the price, and the ability to fold them up, the lowriders are worth having around. I don’t think you can beat Sennheiser for sound quality, but there are cheaper, more compact designs out there. Just gotta decide where your priorities lie.
I was in your position and was recommended the ATH M50s. For the price, they have great lows, ok mids, better highs, and the padding on the band and ears make them useable for hours. They are closed, so you wont hear much around you. Adding some EQ via rocketplayer or poweramp makes these sound amazing.
Edit: just saw the price and portability request. Sony all the way. A little bassy, but eq will address that. The most “fun” headphones I ever owned.
#11I work in the music industry and a few weeks ago I had a chance to use the Sennheiser 202-II’s. They are closed back so they can be a bit fatiguing over a long period of time. If you are looking for cans that alter the sound these are not the ones. With the impedance they have you will be able to get some decent volume. The price is right but they do not fold up. I actually did a rough mix on them sitting in the lounge and it got the producers approval. Hope this helps.
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