headphones for the hydrocarbons

[barbarian]

Hello mates. I want to buy a descent set of headphones to enjoy my records. After installing the 2M Red and playing loads of hours, i'd like to start exploring the music. I would like a set that people around me won't be able to hear and my budget is $250. Thank you for your suggestion in advance!

What do you think about the new Bob Dylan MONO box set due to release in early December?

E

[poppachubby]

I am not a big mono fan, but then again I'm not set up for optimal mono playback. 02audionoob can maybe discuss the Dylan better than I can. I would have to say that in general, the world can never have enough Dylan releases.

I am a bit of a headphone buff. Can I ask why you need a closed pair? Also, are you objected to IEM's? Circum or Supra aural? High or low impedance?

Your budget is a good amount. I personally use AKG K240S which are now discontinued, however there's an MK series now. These are extremely revealing and neutral cans, entirely dependant on source...junk in junk out. I also have the monitor version which are 600 ohms.

If you have a good amp you should consider high impedance. They generally have blacker background and are more detail oriented, sounds like that's what you want.

Truthfully I hate the closed sound and don't think that headphones can be optimal like that. That said, I own a pair of Senneheiser HD 280, an excellent example of closed back cans. These can be had for about half of your budget.

Keep in mind that manufacturers will not honour warranties when you buy from a third party/ grey market seller.

Spend a little bit more, free shipping...

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/audio-technica-ath-esw9a.php

So let's spend your money, closed back for $250, my suggestions are...

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/ultrasone-pro-550.php

High Imp. http://www.headphone.com/headphones/beyerdynamic-dt-770.php
Low Imp. http://www.headphone.com/headphones/beyerdynamic-dt-770---32-ohm.php

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/akg-k-271-mk-ii.php


IEMs...

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/phiaton-ps-200.php

http://www.headphone.com/headphones/etymotic-hf3.php

[poppachubby]

One other thing barbarian.

I have given you rec's based on your OP, and your desire to have transparency. Just keep in mind that revealing cans will expose any and all weaknesses in your chain. Starting from that LP with surface noise, straight through to your headphone circuit in your Marantz.

In some cases, like my K240's, it doesn't just reveal it but it will push it right up front, making listening a real drag.

This is why I like to have one pair that are surgical in transparency, and another which are a tad coloured and more forgiving.

[barbarian]

Hello POPPA!

Thanks for the great and prompt advice. I suppose that I should start with a set that is more forgiving, since I don't have top of the line TT or system overall. I didn't realize that IEMs could make for a descent pair of headphones. What are the advantages of cicum or supra aural?

I stated that I would prefer closed as to not disturb people around me, but if this is not by any means optimal, open air is the way I will go. I am pretty much open to the any possibility. Would it be possible to achieve this goal with $200 instead, or is the $50 extra definitely worth it?

Thanks again man; you're great.

E

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lf0GMWJe74k/TEB5-nVkbGI/AAAAAAAABws/pjZNP_bTX2o/s720/IMG_2589.jpg

McCoy Tyner in Phila, PA

[02audionoob]

... 02audionoob can maybe discuss the Dylan better than I can. I would have to say that in general, the world can never have enough Dylan releases.
...

It's curious...The CD box is available this Tuesday and lists for half the price of the vinyl box. I'll admit I'm still interested in the vinyl, though.

[barbarian]

lists for half the price of the vinyl box. I'll admit I'm still interested in the vinyl, though.

noob. the Vinyl is $139.99, the CDs are $103.99. That's $15.50/record. I'd hit that vinyl, maybe send them to PBTHAL for a nice rip.

http://tinyurl.com/2agrz5r