OzBargainers Choice in Best over Ear Headphones

belongsinforums on 02/05/2016 - 17:33
Last edited 10/05/2016 - 22:02

Considering upgrading from my $5 over ear headphones from Kathmandu.

Various websites recommend the entry level audio technica models, or sennheisers.

What is the best all round set of over ears? Taking into account price, build quality, features eg bluetooth, comfort (a big one) and sound quality?

I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need to spend $200. Cheers

Update 4/5/16

Popular picks:
V-MODA Crossfade M-100 $280 shipped from DWI

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro-80 Closed Studio Headphones $259 pickup from Store DJ

Bose QuietComfort 25 $348 shipped from Video Pro

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x $185 pickup at Store DJ

Update 10/5/16

Thank you all for your contributions! I finally got around to trying a few headphones today. The DT 770 Pro really stood out out of all the options at the store for comfort and sound quality - far more comfortable than the ATH-M50x, which has very strong clamp force. I have ordered the BeyerDynamic DT770 Pro Headphones (80 ohm) for ~$190 delivered from this deal. The next cheapest is $220 from ATA, an Oz seller. For the uninitiated, I would highly recommend this set if your budget is around $200 and you'd like a versatile set that does not require the purchase of an amp. Happy listening!

Electrical & Electronics Headphones

Comments

        • ThadtheChad on 05/05/2016 - 19:29

          @Newplace:

          While I understand that this is a bargain forum, there is a significant proportion of members here who are here for good deals. :) Not necessarily "cheap is king"… more like "I have X to spend, and I want the most from it".

          I'm sure the Sonys are pretty decent (especially as compared to something ridiculous like a pair of Beats), but a significant number of recommendations here will blow them out of the water (and then some). And obviously they cost more, yet within OP's "buy new headphones fund".

        • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 19:34
          +1

          @Newplace: yea I'm looking to upgrade to something i won't have to replace. My ears get irritated pretty easily so I'm looking for something at the higher end. Id rather stretch my budget than feel unfulfilled by a cheaper product

      • djprima on 04/05/2016 - 15:59
        +1

        in my experience, joining head-fi is making more confusions. And end up stretching the budget :/

        • darkchoc on 05/05/2016 - 18:46
          +1

          Hahahahaha! Exactly this.

  • Richardc on 03/05/2016 - 22:59

    as I wearing glasses, Bose is the most comfort for me.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2016 - 23:17
    +1

    I have both the Audio Technica "ATH a500x" "ATH m50x".

    M50x: Great bass, really convenient for travel, comfortable, changeable cords.
    A500x: Lacks bass, great highs (if you're into more lyrical or classical music), not so much good for travel, really comfortable.

    I'm really a fan of both, but I would recommend the M50x.

  • Randxyz123 on 03/05/2016 - 23:19
    +9

    I have a set of BOSE QC25 would never go to anything else. They are the best all rounder.

    Expensive yes but they often come on sale to around $280

    • ar993 on 04/05/2016 - 09:59
      +2

      I've been using QC25 for last few months. Been a Bose fan since I bought my first one a few years back (an in-ear pair with superb sound and still going strong). Didn't really need a new pair but after reading the review of QC25, couldn't resist myself :D
      Being noise cancelling cans, they helped heaps when the newborn was in frequently-crying stage last year. Wife hated it though since I often didn't hear her nappy change calls haha
      It's a must have for new fathers!

      • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 19:19
        +1

        Hm maybe a few years down the track!

  • captobvious on 04/05/2016 - 09:44

    I bought a pair of psb m4u 2 to replace my qc15 which i sold on ebay for 200. Good headphones, sound quality is superb. Good for sitting at home listening to tunes, battery life is unbeatable.

    The psb can get quite uncomfortable on a long flight, i think its due to the weight and bulkiness. The nc is not as good in my opinion. I find the qc cancels better on drones. So i went back to bose and bought qc25s

    So overall qc25 is on the money if you want the best noice cancelling to take on planes. Psb if you want to be different and have wank factor but no one really cares and you will be uncomfortable on your flight. I find its harder to sleep with psb on because of weight and size. I'm happier using these at home loungingb on the couch.

  • davlap on 04/05/2016 - 09:49

    As an alternative try these
    Goldring NS1500 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $149.00
    http://www.jaben.com.au/products/gol-ns1500

    I wanted NC and they were the best for around $100 (I paid $99 for ns1000) and you can go and try them on if in Melbourne
    Reviews are good

    • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 19:18

      Not too keen on nc. I find the high pitched noise uncomfortable

      • davlap on 05/05/2016 - 07:01

        Not sure what you can hear, but in mine it flattens outside sounds (bit like cupping hands around your ears), but music is still bright.
        Reason I bought these was that they actually worked, better than some of the more expensive.
        You don't need to turn them on, the cushions are really good and work better switched off than some of the cheaper NC switched on!
        Each to his own, they may not be for you. They have others, Goldring DR50 $49, so say down from$100

        I had never heard of goldring and they seem to be well respected. Also worth mentioning Jaben in CBD as they only sell headphones.
        The guy there was really helpful. I went into the street with hphones on to check noise reduction.

        No, I'm not affiliated.

  • ProjectZero on 04/05/2016 - 10:36
    +1

    May I also suggest the CAL!2, they're amazing and have been praised by a lot of people on Head Fi. They're the successors to the CAL! which was highly praised as well. I bought mine for $149 direct from Creative but you might get lucky and find them on special on their website from time to time.

    • ThadtheChad on 04/05/2016 - 17:21

      My interest has been piqued. :) Sounds like quite an awesome pair.

      A Review thread on headfi:
      http://www.head-fi.org/t/694472/creative-aurvana-live-2-revi…

      • ProjectZero on 04/05/2016 - 17:31
        +1

        I personally have a pair, love them. That said, I haven't gone too far into the audiophile stage lol. The headphones I've owned so far are below.

        Philips Uptown
        UE6000
        CAL!2
        Sennheiser PXC450
        QC25
        Philips Downtown

        Quite enjoying the CAL!2, longest pair I've kept.

      • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 19:23

        Interesting and over the top review and mod. Cups look a little on the small side,but seem good for price.

        • ProjectZero on 05/05/2016 - 10:55

          I consider myself to have big ears and they fit pretty good. It is bigger then the Sennheiser momentums over ear that I tried.

  • ThadtheChad on 04/05/2016 - 12:23
    +1

    May I recommend the Beyerdynamic DT-770 pros (80 Ohm). I use these for my desk/computer at home. I use IEMs for work/commute.

    The ATH-M50 is a great pair, but simply too uncomfortable for extended duration (for certain ear/head shapes). Also they clamp like a biatch (even after the overnight "stack of books" stretch).

    You're doing the right thing, use headfi as your guide.

    On a side note, while OzB has some really well informed and clued up folks, there is a significant demographic who are rabidly stingy… and for some peculiar reason, take pride in the fact.

    For headphones (and IEMs), in most cases, you get what you pay for.

    • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 16:10
      +1

      Dt 770 pros look good, 80 ohms means they don't require an amp, right?. $200 usd plus shipping via amazon.

      I'm starting to think that there's more than one best pair in each price bracket. I keep thinking "but for just $50 more i could get this". Now it's pretty difficult to make a decision.

  • andgucps on 04/05/2016 - 13:02

    I have a pair of Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviators (please don't hate because of the brand), at RRP they're a ripoff but I got them off catch of the day for about $80. If you can land them at that price, you get a very good pair of headphones with decent soundstage, bass and mids (highs not so good). Detachable cables with mic, very light and foldable too.

    Edit: basically don't disqualify fancy consumer headphones that are overpriced usually, when on clearance they become a bargain!

    • Baebs on 04/05/2016 - 14:17

      I have a pair of these and while they're comfortable, I strongly regret their lack of noise isolation.

      • andgucps on 04/05/2016 - 16:07

        That is absolutely true. They have a fair amount of sound leakage too, if you're self conscious about using them on public transport, but for the bargain price I found nothing better!

        I actually double checked my receipt, and it was actually only $60. I used store credit to get it even lower to $47 (shipping included)

        • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 16:12
          +1

          While i love a bargain,I just have too much junk lying around. Hopefully I'd be more inclined to use a more comfortable, better sounding pair.

  • StonedWizard on 04/05/2016 - 19:28

    If you want good over the ear Audio technica are good.

    If you want noise cancelling and good sound Bose QC25 are really good. I generally dispose Bose but they're really good.

    Comfort is subjective. The Bose are meant to be comfortable and whilst they are I find my ears get hot with them. Yet most reviewers show they're the most comfortable headphones ever. Very popular with flyers.

    • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 19:34

      I have cheap noise cancelling headphones.they emit a high pitched sound to block out noise that i find pretty annoying. I know bose qc are considered best in their class, but i wonder if they use the same tech ?

      • StonedWizard on 04/05/2016 - 20:59

        I use the QC25's on public transport and can't even hear anything on the bus let alone any whine.

        I am very skeptical of Bose products but if you want something to block out a lot of noise and also sound good the QC25's are really really good. They are also really lightweight and comfortable.

        I've tried many other noise cancelling headphones and you get what you pay for. I'd rather buy once and buy right than buy junk and buy another pair in 2 years.

        • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 21:27

          Yea. Currently I don't have any noise to block out, so I don't think I'd use the nc much atm.

      • ilikeradiohead on 06/05/2016 - 12:17

        I have a pair of soul by ludacris active noise cancelling headphones. They are pretty good but only with the noise cancellation on. However,

        I don't own a pair, but I've used the QC25s, and the noise cancellation is phenomenal. Someone at work brought them in and I couldn't hear anything. As if you were in the middle of nowhere. I put them on without music and it was actually pretty disconcerting how quiet it was.

        Although if you're not in the market for noise cancelling headphones, there's no need to get them.

  • Excelsior on 04/05/2016 - 19:58

    Can't go wrong with a pair of Xiaomis (Pistons or the Hybrids).

    EDIT: missed the "over ear" part lol

    • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 20:09

      all g. agreed that xiaomi are great budget IEM

  • sp3ctr41 on 04/05/2016 - 20:24
    +2

    Tried heaps of headphones. Staying in the reasonable price range.

    Sennheiser engineers don't know how to get good soundstage without butchering the bass.

    Audio Technica's ATH-M50s are great for bass, however I wear glasses and they clamp way too hard and lack soundstage because they are closed headphones.

    Beyerdynamics DT-770 almost identical to the ATH-M50s, great bass, clamp way too hard, although definately more comfortable over a long period of time. Lacks sound stage because they are closed headphones.

    The best one for me, and I really wish more people used this:
    Phillips Fidelio X2, I personally have been using the Fidelio X1 for years and they are unbelievable cans for their price.
    Awesome bass (Unbeaten in this price range for "open" headphones)
    Great soundstage (because they ARE open)
    Sits perfectly on the head without clamping and still manages not to fall off when turning head around quickly. Literally forget it's on my head sometimes after using it for hours on end and I turn around to check if someone behind me said something (a testament to its great soundstage), doesn't need an amp however can definately benefit from one.
    Can buy it off amazon.

    Again, this is the best one for me, different people will like different things and I perfectly respect that. Depends on what you want to get out of it.

    • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 20:28
      +1

      that's the second recommendation for fidelios! They seem to have mixed reviews on head-fi. And are $290 USD plus shipping on amazon currently. A little exxy…

    • belongsinforums on 10/05/2016 - 20:11

      Hey I would love your input one more time. I tried out the 770 pros today and thought they were pretty comfortable. I have to assume that the fidelios can only be more comfortable.

      770 pros for $220, or x2 for $300? In your opinion, are x2 worth $80 more or do you think I wouldn't notice the difference?

      • sp3ctr41 on 11/05/2016 - 20:20

        I personally would go for the X2s, however that's purely because I wear glasses and find clamping force to be a major consideration.

        Having put on the 770 pros, you know they are comfortable and they are honestly great headphones, so go for them if you like them.

        Important to bear in mind, you won't feel discomfort with any of these headphones until you've had them on your head for hours. Think about the clamping force on your head.

        Secondly, think about how your going to use them. IF you plan to use them in a quiet environment, the X2 are much better as you'll find the instruments are more separated and hear sound coming from a distance as opposed to feeling it coming out of a speaker, you can't use the X2 in public however because they are open and will leak sound out. Which do you prefer, flexibility or sound stage?

        If you play FPS or other competitive games, keep in mind that the greater sound stage offered by the X2 will also let you hear footsteps and their direction more clearly.

        • belongsinforums on 11/05/2016 - 21:01

          Thanks mate, very insightful. I think I made the right choice with the 770 pros at $190. They have pretty good sound isolation and I don't play FPS.

          I did feel some slight relief when I took off the 770s after 10 minutes, but I wasn't dying to take them off so I'm pretty happy with that.

          This journey has reminded me of my first pair of over ears from EB Games about 13 years ago. They had decent sound for $50, but the clamping over the years I used them must have been etched deeply into my memories, as that's all I can remember clearly!

  • smpantsonfire on 04/05/2016 - 21:17

    Try them out, the only way to make a good choice is to play your favourite song, and choose the phones that make you smile the most.

    • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 21:30
      +1

      What about the time required to become accustomed to a new pair? What about extended periods of usage? I have to take into account others` opinions as I have very limited knowledge and experience here.

      • smpantsonfire on 04/05/2016 - 21:34
        +1

        You can take peoples opinions and use them, but their ears aren't your ears. Their head is different than yours and what may feel comfortable for them may not feel the same for you.

        Seriously, pick the ones that make you smile. If you don't notice them being uncomfortable.

        • belongsinforums on 04/05/2016 - 22:30

          True. Now i just need to find a place that rents out headphones

        • iridiumstem on 04/05/2016 - 23:19
          +1

          @tomkun01: You'd find a lot in big cities (I know Sydney has one, etc). Trying them out in Japan also is an option as well.

  • commandershephard on 04/05/2016 - 23:09
    +2

    since you are going to japan check out e-earphone in akiba. loads of headphones for you to try. bring your own eartips if wanting to try premium IEMs.

    http://www.e-earphone.jp/

    can be hard to find

  • johnno07 on 04/05/2016 - 23:34
    +1

    I absolutely love my AD-700s. They are perfect for the sort of music I listen to (soundtracks/classical etc). They are also great for positional audio in gaming given the wide soundstage. Though the very open back does unfortunately make them unsuitable for public use / porn-watching.

  • Agret on 05/05/2016 - 02:04

    I have the DT-990 Pro which I got from ebay for US $187.51 on 28-Dec-13. I think it covered to just over $200. Would definitely recommend them, they are fantastic for the price and are comfortable for long sessions.

    If you don't want to spend that much my old headphones were the ATH-AD700 which are widely regarded as the best gaming headset you can buy due to the flat sound stage. They are also the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn.

    • johnno07 on 05/05/2016 - 07:43

      They are extremely comfy, but my only criticism is they get a bit toasty. Fine in winter, but we don't really get those in Queensland…

  • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2016 - 10:25
    +1

    If you're looking for open end design:

    Sennheiser HD600/650. ($325 on sale HD600 at Addicted to Audio)

    These are THE open ended headphones nearly a decade ago. Small incremental gains since then but these still hold their own. They are the cheapest headphones in my collection (most expensive being ~$7,000… source components extra) but they are used most frequently. The sound signature is not fatiguing, yet it is light and comfortable. After market parts are plenty, removable cables, balanced setup ready… Pretty much no downsides.

    Just be careful of fakes. A2A is a reputable aussie seller, and at $325, that's dirt cheap. Amazon cost more in USD ex shipping.

    • iridiumstem on 05/05/2016 - 10:33

      I love my HD600. Probably something that I'd come back to if it breaks (or I might try new headphones out first from those shops first and see whether I want a different headphone first for the sake of it). BTW, do you own STAX by any chance?

      • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2016 - 10:37

        I have an oldish one. SR007 Mk1. I've sold the amp for it and just keeping the headphones as a souvenir.

        Not going back to electrostats. They sound very accurate but not enjoyable (if that makes sense). Just too fatiguing and parts are so limited.

        • iridiumstem on 05/05/2016 - 10:45

          Electrostats are so cool though (the tech, not the sound, since I've never had the chance to try them so I dunno). It always sounded like something that I'd eventually want to try from what people were describing them to be.

          I don't know, I do remember hearing about how people prefer slightly boosted bass or something (can't remember what it exactly was off top of my head, but Harman Kardon was developing new target response).

        • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2016 - 10:56

          @Oversimplified:
          Boosted base is a gimmick for those stepping out of no-brand earbuds. It provides the instant sense of fullness.

          Controlled bass is where it's at. Orthodynamic headphones is hands down the deepest, tightest base ever.

          I've since gone to floor standing speakers. Great Aussie built monoliths from SGR. :)

        • iridiumstem on 05/05/2016 - 10:59

          @tshow: Speakers, the area that I am forbidden to even try. Curses to living in a flat and curses to my girlfriend knowing what I am capable of.

          I am very jealous, as you could see.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2016 - 10:27

          @Oversimplified:
          You have to sell the idea better. The speakers are aesthetically pleasing and a sculptural monument in the room.

          Also… doof doof.

    • Pacify on 06/05/2016 - 14:18

      The HD600/50 are old, but still some of the best open cans in that price range. They are still hard to beat

  • ar993 on 05/05/2016 - 13:35

    How about this one?
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/246461

  • hhbb555 on 05/05/2016 - 14:02
    +1

    if you want to use them over a long period of time, open headphones might be better.
    I use Audio technica AD700 and i can say that it is very comfortable to wear, and sounds good too..
    In fact the moment I got AD700, my Sennheiser HD201 has never been used anymore.

    • belongsinforums on 08/05/2016 - 18:38

      Open is more comfortable? Thanks

      • hhbb555 on 09/05/2016 - 07:11

        yes, less strain and more air to your ears/head.
        the material of the pads also has an effect.
        some uses material that doesn't absorb sweat, however it is hot if it is worn for a long period of time, and some uses material that does absorb sweat but more comfortable to worn for a long period of time.

  • worldwidehappiness on 05/05/2016 - 14:23

    Audio Technica m40 is better value than m50. There's a YouTube video that compares all the Audio Technica in that series, then you can narrow it down from there.

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 21:38

      yea m40 are pretty cheap and probably fine for my purposes. cheers

  • AMLagonda on 05/05/2016 - 14:50

    I love my Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250ohms !!! you wont find better.
    (Yes I use a USB DAC for these)

    I also have the 990 pro but the sound leakage is Huge lol

    • belongsinforums on 06/05/2016 - 16:54

      Whats the benefit in getting one with higher ohm?

      • AMLagonda on 06/05/2016 - 17:56

        I really don't know…. I think it has more clarity and range for an audiophile but I am not one of those.

        Just remember the clamping force on these are very soft and the foam pads are large and comfy, very Important!

      • ThadtheChad on 06/05/2016 - 18:25

        For higher impedence, you need an amp which can support higher impedance loads.

        http://www.head-fi.org/t/646368/beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-250-…

        The general consensus is to get the 80 ohm.

        • belongsinforums on 06/05/2016 - 18:39

          Yes, but what's the benefit¿

        • ThadtheChad on 06/05/2016 - 18:50

          @tomkun01:
          http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-betw…

          Relevant excerpt (SOUND CHARACTERISTICS):

          32Ohm
          The 32Ohm model of the DT770 is closer sounding to the 250Ohm and 600Ohm models than it is to the 80Ohm model. The most striking difference is that they have far less bass than the 80Ohm model, but also are fuller sounding. The bass on the 32Ohm's is tight and controlled but rather light on impact. If I had to rate it's impact I would say it's like the DT880/250, but even less than those. The high while quite extended and detailed but has a slight edge to them, but not grating or strident sounding. All of the DT line (DT770-DT990) has a treble oriented sound, so the DT770 will emphasize this. Now the mids, while fuller than the 250Ohm and 80Ohm models, are there but still recessed to a degree. The mids are clear, detailed, and possess decent transparency. Now the soundstage is smaller than the 80Ohm and 250Ohm and has an "in your head" sound to it. The dynamics of this model seem slightly lower compared to the 250Ohm version, but it’s hard to tell.

          250Ohm
          This Ohm version is good improvement over the 320hm version. It has improved dynamics and transients are pretty good. The bass while, tight and controlled is kind of slow sounding. The bass seems to extend just as much as the 32Ohm model but has a little less weight to the bass. Now the mids are more recessed or shallow sounding on this model compared to the other two models, but are more detailed and transparent than the lower models. The treble though is rather strident sounding and this can has more treble than the lower two versions. The treble seems to take over the sound on modern mastered stuff. One thing to note is that the treble is more extended as well and even more detailed. Now the soundstage on this model is pretty good for a closed headphone, but still rather closed in.

          80Ohm (PRO)
          The 80Ohm model has the most bass out of all the DT770 models. The bass is nice and pronounced with having good impact and depth, though when under amped it can have a mind of it's own. When underamped the bass gets bloated and flabby. The mids are probably the fullest of the DT770 line up but still on the recessed side. The treble is presented nicely although it sounds like it slightly rolled off. The treble is also the smoothest of the DT770 line. The soundstage is smaller then the rest though and certainly smaller than the DT770/250Ohm, most likely due to the bass and treble. This ehadphone it really good for rock, rap, metal, and any other bassy music genre's.

          250Ohm (PRO)
          The Pro version sounds almost the same but the thing that is most different is the clamping force of the headband. It clamps quite tight, while the other models have a looser fit. Also the soundstage on this model seems smaller cause of the clamp and the bass is also pronounced because of the clamp as well. Other than that it sounds the same.

          600Ohm
          This is the best model of this headphone available. It has very smooth treble in comparison to the other Ohm models and is even more extended and detailed. The treble also no longer seems to trample over the other frequencies, but is more integrated with them. The midrange on this headphone is far better than the other Ohm DT770 models. Because the treble has been smoothed out and toned down a little bit, the midrange has made a nice appearance and is also very transparent sounding with lots of detail. The mids are just right in my mind on this phone and the best of the DT770 line. Now the bass on these is full, has nice texture, and has more weight to it. It’s definitely more pronounced than its 250Ohm counterpart. Also the bass is much faster sounding on this model and is also deeper sounding as well. The soundstage is also bigger than the other three models and possesses nice depth, width, and height.

          Also there seems to be another variation of the 600Ohm model floating around which has just as much bass as the 80Ohm model. I have heard the new 600Ohm model first hand and it sounds incredibly similar to the muddy sounding 80Ohm version. The new version is very tight in the bass and does not have that overly boomy sound to it's bass, well it does but not as bad. The treble is no longer smeared and the mids don't sound as cluttered.

        • belongsinforums on 06/05/2016 - 20:10

          @gearhead: damn its a hard choice between 80 and 32.

          If i don't buy an amp, is the 80 ohm still worth it for laptop , mp3 and phone usage? Otherwise, ill choose a low impedance model.

        • ThadtheChad on 06/05/2016 - 20:47

          @tomkun01:

          I was in a similar boat.

          Recommendations are largely for the 80 Ohms. The 32 ohm appears to be pandering to folk without headphone amps or sources with higher power. At the end of the day, I didn't want to compromise sound quality and the general "meatiness" of bass with the 32 ohm version. So I got the 80 ohm, and bought an amp a couple of weeks later.

        • belongsinforums on 06/05/2016 - 21:16
          +1

          @gearhead: I have the same worry. On another note, the 32 ohms don't seem to be part of the 770 line, even though they are branded that way. Apparently they are simply rebranded 220s or something. Big day of listening tomorrow!

  • Shiezy on 05/05/2016 - 15:17

    I think that it will be good to use Voting options for most rerecorded headphones in comments to get a good idea about the best one.

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 17:32
      +1

      None of the cheaper ones are perfect. They all have their own pros and cons. And then there's brand bias. The problem is, there are several current best headphones, and these will change over time.

      That being said, the audio technica model is probably best considering all factors, simply because of price and reliability. These would probably be voted best if i did a poll. It only gets better as the price goes up, and the sweet spot seems to be around $300 for the high end of budget headphones.

      So now I'm trying to decide on my current and future requirements for headphones. There's just too many good options to choose from.

      • csjc on 05/05/2016 - 17:38

        For headphones I think $200ish will get you a pretty good pair. And if this is going to be your first "decent" headphones I think it's a good place to start. I'd like to say don't spoil your ears for higher end things before trying out something better than what you currently have already. Haha I hope this makes some sense.

  • Rorschach on 05/05/2016 - 17:25

    Take a look at this article as well.
    I have the ATH-M50Xs, waiting for some velour to arrive.

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 17:48

      Not sure if i trust the source completely. Thanks though. Not sure why people here aren't recommending Sony. And it concerns me that some people say m50x is not the best performing set at its price point. I worry that brand bias means people never even try lesser known brands, so they don't have a fair idea of value.

      • darkchoc on 05/05/2016 - 18:59

        Look up the Sony mdr-v6 or 7506 too.

        The ATs are awesome - go try em for yourself!

  • pj228 on 05/05/2016 - 19:00

    From my own experience I can tell you that bose are very good, but that being said Audio Tecnia are also very good and I dont think bose justifies twice the price. But thats just my experience.

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 20:42

      Yea Bose qc seems unbeatable for nc though.

  • ThadtheChad on 05/05/2016 - 19:05
    +1

    Reckon OP should go and try out a few pairs that have been called out here.

    There is a StoreDJ in Brissy that should have a wall of open headphones. Grab your music source(s) and head there to try out some headphones. :)

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 19:25
      +1

      yea it has been mentioned in this thread. I'll check it out this weekend

      • ThadtheChad on 05/05/2016 - 19:30

        Have fun mate! :) Good luck… and remember if you really like something, buy it. Also there may be room for movement in terms of price, just ask.

        • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 20:24
          +1

          It sucks not being able to try out models that aren't readily available in oz. If I can, I'll hold on until I head overseas next.

    • worldwidehappiness on 05/05/2016 - 22:25

      Big issue with headphones is that they take a week of regular use before they start sounding good. I bought AT M30x as cheap knock-abouts based on listening test at StoreDJ, then when I got the newies home, I though they sounded not so good. A week later, they sounded fine. The ones out for testing in the shops have usually been worn in well (although at the other extreme they could be damaged).

  • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 20:45

    Thanks everyone. I'm going to try out a few on Saturday. If the m50x wow me, I will strongly consider them,just for the relatively good price and local support.

  • amsaini15 on 05/05/2016 - 20:56

    Can anybody suggest a good wireless headset to connect to LG TV (Doesn't have bluetooth)?

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 21:01
      +1

      There are some models that come with a connector for your non bluetooth device.but it might be more worthwhile to get a bluetooth enabled pair, then buy a separate dongle for your tv. Ausdom make relatively cheap bluetooth headphones. See Amazon for prices

      • amsaini15 on 05/05/2016 - 21:15

        Thanks mate.
        If I buy this with USB 4.0 Adapter, would that be ok. - http://www.amazon.com/Ausdom-M05-Headphones-Microphone-Hands…

        Also everybody keeps talking about Amazon. I have never used them to ship to Australia. Isn't shipping expensive?

        • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 21:36

          Hopefully someone else will be able to answer that, as I have never used one before. You definitely want at least Bluetooth 4.0. You can put the price in AUD and Amazon will give you the total cost once you have added to cart and put your address in. Expect around $30 in shipping. Be sure to search for stores that ship to Australia using the checklist on the left hand side of the page.

          Amazon has vendors and it also has its own stuff it sells. They offer unparalleled customer service if you buy directly from them.

    • ilikeradiohead on 06/05/2016 - 12:26

      I have a pair of Sony Pulse Wireless headphones for gaming. They have a dongle that plugs into a powered USB and the Aux port on the TV (or whatever you want to use) for wireless gaming. They are pretty good although uncomfortable AF, as they have almost no padding on the top band and are quite heavy. I bought some packing foam to put on them but they still make my head uncomfortable after an extended period of time. YMMV though.

  • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 21:42

    I just logged into ebay to discover I have one of those elusive 10% off sitewide vouchers that expires soon. Pressure!

  • fryandlaurie on 05/05/2016 - 22:47

    I settled for the Takstar HI 2050. Maximum comfort, fairly good sound and I think they are easily repairable:

    http://www.amazon.com/Takstar-Monitor-Headphone-Gaming-Compu…
    http://www.head-fi.org/products/takstar-hi-2050

    Comparable to Superlux.

    For an all rounder (on ear only though) open set with one of the best quality to price ratio - Koss PortaPro (wait for sale and they are ~$20USD)

    http://www.amazon.com/Koss-PortaPro-Headphones-with-Case/dp/…

    • belongsinforums on 05/05/2016 - 22:55
      +1

      I have a takstar branded mic. It's horrible. Maybe their headphones are ok though

  • 50cent on 05/05/2016 - 22:59

    Get Beats by Dre bro, they crazy !!

  • txc88 on 06/05/2016 - 09:29

    I bought these ones:

    Bluedio H+ Turbine Bluetooth Headphones (~$45 AUD ish)

    I got mine from
    http://www.gearbest.com/bluetooth-headphones/pp_103028.html

    But you can get them from
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2016-Bluedio-Turbine-Hurricane-H-…
    (as well as many other places, I'm sure)

    Just make sure you get the H+ (and not the standard H model) for Bluetooth 4.1. Also, if you're getting it from gearbest, expect delivery about a month later.

    I've had mine for a little under 2 months now - using them every day for transit to/from work on the train (paired with Netflix/Spotify + a massive data cap) and I love them! I've only charged them once in this time (they're currently at 30% battery) and never had a drop-out or any issues. The sound quality is on-par with my UE 6000's (http://www.digitaltrends.com/headphone-reviews/logitech-ulti…) when the UE's have the built-in amp turned on, without the audio-cancelling hiss but with significantly improved bass. I'm very very happy with them (hence the lengthy review).

    Positives:
    - Surprisingly good audio quality
    - Bluetooth 4.1 (super low-energy draw)
    - FM Radio (to be honest, i've never used this)
    - Exceptional battery life
    - Standard 3.5mm headphone cable AUX in works when the battery is dead / headphones are turned off (I didn't know this, but I just tested it out then for the sake of this post)
    - Rechargable via micro usb
    - Built in headphone splitting - this is actually really handy. I can bluetooth Netflix/Spotify/whatever from my phone, and my SO can plug her headphones in to the audio-in port of my Bluedio headphones so she can listen to the audio as well.
    - Ridiculously cheap for what you're getting
    - Decently comfortable for multiple hours use
    - Voice prompts saying "Power On/Off", "Bluetooth Connected" etc.
    - There's an app that notifies you of the power level + lets you set a permanent EQ on the headphones (i.e. you set the EQ once and the headphones will remember the EQ regardless of what input source is used) + lets you set level of noise cancelling (i haven't used this though)

    Negatives
    - The build quality on the size adjustment clips is fairly crappy - if you're not careful, you could very easily break the flimsy plastic holding this thing together. I definitely wouldn't recommend these headphones for kids!
    - The headphones don't "fold in" like my UE 6000s

    Get them!

  • Shark on 06/05/2016 - 10:11

    I've got Sennheiser HD 650's, Bose QC25's an Audio-technica ATH-ESW9's (although these are on ear not over ear). The QC25's have excellent noise cancelling but the audio quality isn't up there with the HD 650's. I love my QC25's but if you don't need noise cancelling I'm sure you can get better audio quality though. my 2c

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