What grade of headphones do you buy?

[yoda313]

So do you splurge on headphones? Or are bottom-of-the-basement ones good enough for you?

I use cheap COLBY headphones that cover the ear. Since I don't use headphones all that often these are more than adequate.

So do you buy premium headphones? What about ones with simulated surround sound?

[Bodyslide]

I got the pair I am using now from Office amx about 2 years ago they were less than 30 bucks, and are the large ones that cover your entire ear. For what I need them for it's all I need...

[The1]

After the third cheap set of headphones that lasted no time, decided to lash out and get a half decent pair.

Wireless infrared stereo headphones gives you freedom to move around 6 meter range on the ones I'm using,great sound.

Wireless is the way to go.

[TheFamilyMan]

Combination. I have 3 sets for different uses: a somewhat cheapy Radioshack headset with a mic for online chatting, a Sony MDR-V7 set for critical listening, and a 5.1 (4 drivers per cup) Kinyo Ky-100 set that I use for computer games. BTW, I consider high-grade to be in the $150+ (US) range, which none of these are.

Edit: Decided I needed to drop some names too. The Sony's rate as mid-range and the Kinyo as barely mid-range. The mic on the 'shack headset is actually pretty decent. Overall I prefer using speakers when listening to music and non-gaming computer stuff.

[MJA]

I use Plantronics for gaming

premium headphones Grado headphones (SR60 one of their top sellers)

[edDV]

I have formerly state of art Plextor headset+mic for online chat.

I have another Plextor headset+mic that connects to the phone for walkabout..

I have formerly state of art Sony MDR something to listen to music.

Also a drawer full of OEM (included) headsets for Walkmans, DAT players and such (led me to buy tha Sony MDR for better sound).

Also a 5-6 Continental Airlines supplied headsets (these are crap).

I have a Clark headset for hearing communication in a noisy environment like a private airplane or helecopter. Looks like this without the mic.



I'd like to try those Bose noise cancelling headsets.

[jagabo]

I have an old pair of Sennheiser HD580's for serious listening. Several cheapies for other times.

[Mark F]

Grado SR60's. They sound great and cost around $70.

[dwill123]

Sennheiser HD580

[thecoalman]

None, they make my ears sweat and I get a rash after a while. :P

I've never used the better styles like some of those better ones posted above, I'm sure they would be different but I really have no need for headphones.

[oldandinthe way]

I have a pair of Skullcandy Proletariat Noise-cancelling headphones. I have no idea where they would rank.

[Conquest10]

This is the only pair I own. Work quite good with my iPod.


SONY MDR-EX71

[lordsmurf]

None.

Headphone exacerbate hearing damage.

No thanks.

[gadgetguy]

I buy mine at the dollar store. I'm guessing they're low grade.

[vico1]

We have a few...from mid to cheapies.

[hech54]

Ones with the highest frequency response I can find(above 20,000)....I love "high end" stuff. I used to have an awesome pair of Sony's rated at 30,000...brilliant....the best since my old Koss (HV1A?) ones rated about the same.

[piano632]

Have been using the highly-rated Grado SR125 ($150) for several years now and have not heard anything better in this price range.

http://www.gradolabs.com/product_pages/sr125.htm

Would love to have Grado GS1000 but oh they cost $1,000 !

[InXess]

AKG and Sennheiser studio line both.

[hgh]

what about wireless?

2.4ghz interferes with other devices.

900mhz has too much static.

infrared is too constant signal dependent.

Is there anything else out there for TV?

[waheed]

This is the only pair I own. Work quite good with my iPod.


SONY MDR-EX71

I have those as well.

[richdvd]

[Mr. Dweezel]

I'd like to get the AKG K-701. Some online dealers are selling them cheap
but I won't buy from them.

I'm hoping Parts Express will lower the price. Currently it would cost close
to $500.

[slacker]

Audio Technica ATH-AD700 open air headphones. Retail for $295 but can be found considerably cheaper. Highly rated upper end open air headphones and, due to their unique in class low power requirements, are perfect for laptops and other smaller devices.

[EddyH]

I tend to get earbuds, as most of my listening is off portable players, or the laptop, etc... and though I had a couple sets of neckband ones and liked them very much, they did seem quite fragile and literally fell to irreperable pieces after not a very long time (I still have the corpses about for potential glueing-together into a more conventional headband configuration because the quality was good enough to justify it), and unfortunately there just doesn't seem to be any good ones around any more. They were a nice stopgap between earbuds and headbands; bigger and more comfortable, but able to fold fairly flat to be put in a pocket. Worked great with the MDLP player and CD walkman.

But now, good quality earbuds. Just because i'm putting lumps of plastic in my auditory canal doesn't mean I should put up with awful sound quality or pain. Currently they're some JVC things I got for £9 after comparing amongst the limited selection in Currys (needed some fairly quick as the old set had died just before i passed the store!)... now they too are suffering - the glue on the components just doesn't seem to last, the drivers are falling out of the case - I quite fancy the MDR EX71s as well, and I thank you for giving me the code number. Mumsy got a pair with her Walkman branded contract phone and now uses it as her main mp3 player. I've tested them on hers, and my phone (k750i), and on other players, and they really are nice. Comfortable, good volume, range (low bass, high treble) and sonic balance, as well as having a great deal of connectivity. Bet they're pricey however

Used to have a good set of cans, but their remains are also scattered in a cupboard somewhere after my brother broke them. Could do with a set of cordless ones, if the frequency response could be guaranteed - a lack of cable might balance out their otherwise bulky nature.