Decent headphones?

BeardyAndy · September 2023

I sold all my amps when I went ampless and am quite happy (for now) using my Mac as a practice platform and/or plugging headphones into the Twonotes CabM on my pedal board, need new cans though and would like some advice.

The ones I'm using now are Bose wired but must be 10 years old and designed for music not monitoring, I don't want to spend hundreds and don't want to have separate amps etc.. Is there an industry standard I should be looking at?

Thanks guys.

stickyfiddle · September 2023

BeyerDynamic DT770 gets a lot of love round these parts. I have 2 pairs and they're ace

Woodandwires · September 2023

Hi I have Focusrite ones that come coupled with the Studio package, barely used in mint condition, I could do for thirty pounds posted to you.

BeardyAndy · September 2023

Woodandwires said:

Hi I have Focusrite ones that come coupled with the Studio package, barely used in mint condition, I could do for thirty pounds posted to you.

Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on that. Lets see what else is out there first, I could treat myself to something tasty!

rze99 · September 2023

I have these Rode NTH-100 and I like them better than others I tried

fit well
v low external noise leakage so great for vocals and quiet acoustic part recording
comfortable ... as they can be
sound great
decent and replaceable strong cable
sensible price

https://www.gak.co.uk/en/rode-nth-100-professional-over-ear-headphones/954443?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9i1THMpU-Wts6uBJs47ppnsjWUiOSzC7b6Cmxgy7KRGLriiBrqJ1EBoCOV4QAvD_BwE

hollywoodrox · September 2023

I have Audio technica ATH 20MX & they’re great I’m sure the much lauded 40x or 50x models would be ideal for you and a great price too

flying_pie · September 2023

I have two pairs of headphones for silent practice, recording and reference after mastering.

AKG K240 mk2 is the more comfortable and of a decent sound quality for not to much money. I don't know if sound leakage would be an issue as I just use a SM58 for tracking vocals so bleeding isn't an issue.

I've also got a pair of Sony WH1000xm4 which I use mainly for reference rather than tracking/practice but again they sound great and have the option of being used wired and wireless. The headphones app allows you to set different EQ profiles so they are versatile - it's easy to have a flatter one for general use and a music specific one for referencing. Needless to say they are great for listening to music with.

In also have a set of Soundmagic in ears but I only use them for very occasional additional referencing as I much prefer over ears for everything else.

In this day and age I'm sure there are lots that fit the bill and you'll no doubt get loads of different suggestions

misterpete · September 2023

BeardyAndy said:

Woodandwires said:

Hi I have Focusrite ones that come coupled with the Studio package, barely used in mint condition, I could do for thirty pounds posted to you.

Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on that. Lets see what else is out there first, I could treat myself to something tasty!

I have the Focusrite, they are excellent, well worth £30.

BeardyAndy · September 2023

flying_pie said:

I have two pairs of headphones for silent practice, recording and reference after mastering.

AKG K240 mk2 is the more comfortable and of a decent sound quality for not to much money. I don't know if sound leakage would be an issue as I just use a SM58 for tracking vocals so bleeding isn't an issue.

I had a pair of these but got rid of them in the end because they wouldn't adjust small enough for my head.

Devil#20 · September 2023

stickyfiddle said:

BeyerDynamic DT770 gets a lot of love round these parts. I have 2 pairs and they're ace

I'd recommend the Beyer DT770's too but which one's you get depends on @BeardyAndy ;;use case. They do 2 versions (80ohm and 250ohm impedence). The former are better for overall listening for enjoyment but the latter are better suited as studio monitors and critical listening. Less bass response but more detailed highs and better for mixing etc.

stratman3142 · September 2023

Of the headphones I own, I'd pick the DT770 Pro (80ohm) as an all rounder for sound and isolation.

I prefer the sound of my DT990s (250 ohm) but they're open back and hence have low isolation.

stickyfiddle · September 2023

Devil#20 said:

stickyfiddle said:

BeyerDynamic DT770 gets a lot of love round these parts. I have 2 pairs and they're ace

I'd recommend the Beyer DT770's too but which one's you get depends on @BeardyAndy ;;use case. They do 2 versions (80ohm and 250ohm impedence). The former are better for overall listening for enjoyment but the latter are better suited as studio monitors and critical listening. Less bass response but more detailed highs and better for mixing etc.

Yes good point. I have the 80s. Mostly used for e-drums but these days I'm starting to do more recording. I haven't found them limited yet but you might as well optimise for whatever is your primary use case

BeardyAndy · September 2023

@Devil#20 I've a feeling a buddy of mine bought the 250ohm ones and ended up having to buy a separate amp to power them, I'd be sticking with the 80ohm for my needs. Only one ear works properly and even that one has tinnitus!

Penn · September 2023

I’ve got Beyerdynamic dt990 and AKG k240s

AKG are great for 60 odd quid. The Beyer were the Mrs BBC issued ones. They’re great too. Depends if you care about open backs as to if you’d want either but they’re pretty good.

I had some Bose too but after 3 years they fell apart. Crap quality. Had it happen with 2 pairs of them.

Vintage65 · September 2023

Leaky, but great for accurate guitar sound - Sennheiser HD600

Non-leaky for isolated mic recording - Audio Technica M50x

Winny_Pooh · September 2023

For recording an ATM50x (closed back)

For practicing DT880's (open back) as open back headphones are more comfortable over long time period and the spill is not an issue in any room where you can play an unplugged electric.

jaymenon · October 2023

I have a spare set of Sennheiser HD650s...

richman6100 · October 2023

For neutral, relatively accurate/uncoloured sound, Sennheiser HD6xx if you're ok with open back headphones.

Nerine · October 2023

Can’t really go wrong with any of the obvious choices you’ll find in lists and buyers guides online.

You’ll like whichever ones you buy and grow to not care about alternatives.

Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser. Can’t really miss. Pick some in your price range and roll with them. Return if you drastically don’t like them, which is unlikely.

davros · October 2023

I'd recommend the Beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X. The newer version of the DT770. I was astonished at the clarity of sound compared to my old sennheisers.

DonnyMac · October 2023

davros said:

I'd recommend the Beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X. The newer version of the DT770. I was astonished at the clarity of sound compared to my old sennheisers.

I have to agree, I have the 900 open back version and they're a hefty improvement.

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Decent headphones?

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