Most comfortable set of closed headphones

amuro73 · 23rd May 2007, 05:06 PM

I'm in the market for an affordable pair of headphones for tracking. My range is <$100 (can be used).

So far I've tried:

AKG K240M: open and very hard to drive, though pretty comfortable. But still the sides of my head get tired after hours of use.

Sennheiser HD280: I found it very uncomfortable.

Sony MDR-V700: sounds good and loud but also is very uncomfortable.

Sennheiser HD580: out of my price range, but I did find this one very comfortable, not head-fatiguing at all. The sound was a bit bass-heavy and border-line muddy, though good enough definitely for tracking.

Anything else I should try? Please note that comfort is of higher priority than sound quality, though obviously I'd like it to sound as good as possible.

Thanks!

ari

pbansen · 23rd May 2007, 06:57 PM

Sony MDR-7506?

Sounds Great · 23rd May 2007, 07:01 PM

Try the Audio Technica ATH-D40fs

Carbon Leaf · 23rd May 2007, 07:14 PM

The Proline Ultrasone 650's rock! Less Hear Fatique = more comfortable!

Chris Nighman · 23rd May 2007, 07:29 PM

I don't usually push stuff on here, but since we introduced the ATH-M50s, the ATH-M40s and ATH-D40s have dropped in price. Check them out, I've used the ATH-M40s for years.

Sounds Great · 23rd May 2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Nighman

I don't usually push stuff on here, but since we introduced the ATH-M50s, the ATH-M40s and ATH-D40s have dropped in price. Check them out, I've used the ATH-M40s for years.

Tell me about the M50's?

I have also been using the M40's for years, and though I have tried a ton of more expensive headphones, still find them the most balanced, and isolation is also quite good.

Chris Nighman · 23rd May 2007, 08:28 PM

Sounds Great...check your PM.

Sounds Great · 23rd May 2007, 11:39 PM

Thanks Chris. I just ordered a set of the M50's. I'll let you know what I think once I get them.

amuro73 · 24th May 2007, 05:19 PM

Thanks for the responses, guys -- I'll have to check out that Audio-Technica.

Keep 'em coming.

ari

Jejune · 24th May 2007, 06:44 PM

Also if you could put if you wear glasses that would be a big help. I have noticed that some headphones just don't agree with my glasses.

Sennheiser HD280 are my personal fav.

amuro73 · 24th May 2007, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jejune

Also if you could put if you wear glasses that would be a big help. I have noticed that some headphones just don't agree with my glasses.

Sennheiser HD280 are my personal fav.

I do wear glasses. You're right, it probably makes a big difference.

ari

magellan · 24th May 2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amuro73

Sennheiser HD280: I found it very uncomfortable.

wow...that's surprising to hear. the HD280's are by far the most comfortable headphones i've ever used. my only complaint is that they're not very durable...

jeronimo · 24th May 2007, 07:20 PM

I must say I allways liked AT products... the M40s are great!

Sounds Great · 31st May 2007, 06:45 AM

Oh my goodness!!

I got my new AT M50's today. I have never heard anything like them, and I have tried plenty of high end headphones. The clarity is outstanding, and the bass is out of this world. Wow!

ljmax · 31st May 2007, 01:25 PM

Another vote for the ATH-M40s. The M40s have the flatest response of any headphones I've ever used.

Chris tell me about the ATH-M50s.

LJ

hrn · 31st May 2007, 01:46 PM

Beyer DT250. Nice sound and nice to wear.

Janesaid2me · 1st June 2007, 05:24 PM

Can anyone directly compare the m40's to the hd280 i was almost sold on getting the hd280s as my new set of headphones but the m40 has now sparked my interest...so was just looking for a direct comparison.

Spec · 4th June 2007, 02:42 AM

any of the beyerdynamic range. for a little more $$ you could look at the DT 880. ultra confortable and v. accurate for the money.

Spek

ljmax · 8th June 2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janesaid2me

Can anyone directly compare the m40's to the hd280 i was almost sold on getting the hd280s as my new set of headphones but the m40 has now sparked my interest...so was just looking for a direct comparison.

I have both the HD280's & M40's. The M40 is a better set of cans for tracking and can be used for mixing if you are in a situation where you don't have monitors or can't use them for whatever reason. The HD280's were good for listening to music in general.

I just got a pair of the ATH M50's for $70 off of ebay. Everyone else has them for $139 and up but I made an offer of 70 bucks and the seller took it. The link is below but the auction is over. If you decide you want a pair watch to see if they re list . The M50's are extremely detailed and very clear. I've been using them for a few days now and they are my new favorite cans. Good luck. :)

eBay: Audio Technica*ATHM50*ATH-M50 Pro Stereo Headphones NEW (item 330128706298 end time Jun-03-07 18:25:21 PDT)

Sounds Great · 8th June 2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljmax

The M50's are extremely detailed and very clear. I've been using them for a few days now and they are my new favorite cans. Good luck. :)

Yes, the detail is intense. And the bass is just insane. And not overpowering at all, they just have sub-bass like I've never heard (felt) in phones before.

Now, about that coiled cord..

ljmax · 8th June 2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

Now, about that coiled cord..

The coiled cord is the only negative on an otherwise great set of cans. Maybe that's why there is 36 inches of straight cord before the coils. Plenty of space to splice in a straight cord.

Sounds Great · 9th June 2007, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljmax

The coiled cord is the only negative on an otherwise great set of cans. Maybe that's why there is 36 inches of straight cord before the coils. Plenty of space to splice in a straight cord.

It as actually working out for me as my listening chair (wood frame) has a space between the seat and side I can slide a coil in and hold it in place.

Back to the thread topic, I admit these are not the most comfortable set of closed headphones, the M40's are more comfortable, but the sound!

For a real treat, I just listened to the whole of Abraxas (on SACD, a must) and, OMG!!

The drums coming out of those cans are unreal! Actually, quite real, they are like you are in the room with them, both sound and percussion of them. The way things pop out at you is like no phones I have ever heard. How did they do this?

Listen to Se a Cabo. What else can I say? WOW!!

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23rd May 2007, 05:06 PM	#1
amuro73 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Austin/Bastrop, TX Posts: 33	Most comfortable set of closed headphones I'm in the market for an affordable pair of headphones for tracking. My range is <$100 (can be used). So far I've tried: AKG K240M: open and very hard to drive, though pretty comfortable. But still the sides of my head get tired after hours of use. Sennheiser HD280: I found it very uncomfortable. Sony MDR-V700: sounds good and loud but also is very uncomfortable. Sennheiser HD580: out of my price range, but I did find this one very comfortable, not head-fatiguing at all. The sound was a bit bass-heavy and border-line muddy, though good enough definitely for tracking. Anything else I should try? Please note that comfort is of higher priority than sound quality, though obviously I'd like it to sound as good as possible. Thanks! ari __________________ www.hashimusic.com Austin, TX

23rd May 2007, 06:57 PM	#2
pbansen Gear interested Join Date: May 2007 Location: Truckee, California Posts: 21	Comfy cans Sony MDR-7506?

23rd May 2007, 07:01 PM	#3
Sounds Great Gear Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Twin Cities, USA Posts: 10,953	Try the Audio Technica ATH-D40fs __________________ You awake with a start To just the beating of your heart. Just one man beneath the sky, Just two ears, just two eyes.

23rd May 2007, 07:14 PM	#4
Carbon Leaf Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 149	The Proline Ultrasone 650's rock! Less Hear Fatique = more comfortable! __________________ David Arnold Sound Pure David@soundpure.com http://www.soundpure.com Sound Pure Sales and Sound Pure Studios

23rd May 2007, 07:29 PM	#5
Chris Nighman Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Stow, Ohio Posts: 146	I don't usually push stuff on here, but since we introduced the ATH-M50s, the ATH-M40s and ATH-D40s have dropped in price. Check them out, I've used the ATH-M40s for years. __________________ Chris Nighman Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. 1221 Commerce Dr. Stow, OH 44224 Phone: (330)686-2600 x 2135 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM EST CNighman@atus.com

23rd May 2007, 08:28 PM	#7
Chris Nighman Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Stow, Ohio Posts: 146	Sounds Great...check your PM. __________________ Chris Nighman Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. 1221 Commerce Dr. Stow, OH 44224 Phone: (330)686-2600 x 2135 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM EST CNighman@atus.com

23rd May 2007, 11:39 PM	#8
Sounds Great Gear Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Twin Cities, USA Posts: 10,953	Thanks Chris. I just ordered a set of the M50's. I'll let you know what I think once I get them. __________________ You awake with a start To just the beating of your heart. Just one man beneath the sky, Just two ears, just two eyes.

24th May 2007, 05:19 PM	#9
amuro73 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Austin/Bastrop, TX Posts: 33	Thanks for the responses, guys -- I'll have to check out that Audio-Technica. Keep 'em coming. ari __________________ www.hashimusic.com Austin, TX

24th May 2007, 06:44 PM	#10
Jejune Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 30	Also if you could put if you wear glasses that would be a big help. I have noticed that some headphones just don't agree with my glasses. Sennheiser HD280 are my personal fav.

24th May 2007, 07:20 PM	#13
jeronimo Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Salvador, BA - Brazil Posts: 2,536	I must say I allways liked AT products... the M40s are great! __________________ Think Diferente! www.verticeestudio.com http://www.myspace.com/jelmet

31st May 2007, 06:45 AM	#14
Sounds Great Gear Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Twin Cities, USA Posts: 10,953	Oh my goodness!! I got my new AT M50's today. I have never heard anything like them, and I have tried plenty of high end headphones. The clarity is outstanding, and the bass is out of this world. Wow! __________________ You awake with a start To just the beating of your heart. Just one man beneath the sky, Just two ears, just two eyes.

31st May 2007, 01:25 PM	#15
ljmax Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 164	Another vote for the ATH-M40s. The M40s have the flatest response of any headphones I've ever used. Chris tell me about the ATH-M50s. LJ

31st May 2007, 01:46 PM	#16
hrn Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Gävle, Sweden Posts: 566	Beyer DT250. Nice sound and nice to wear. __________________ R1b M343 Cro-Magnon U5a Sami

1st June 2007, 05:24 PM	#17
Janesaid2me Gear addict Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 401	Can anyone directly compare the m40's to the hd280 i was almost sold on getting the hd280s as my new set of headphones but the m40 has now sparked my interest...so was just looking for a direct comparison. __________________ www.myspace.com/meteorstudios (studio) www.myspace.com/insecrecy (band) www.myspace.com/gerrycorsi (myself) Gerry

4th June 2007, 02:42 AM	#18
Spec Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 159	Beyerdynamics any of the beyerdynamic range. for a little more $$ you could look at the DT 880. ultra confortable and v. accurate for the money. Spek

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