Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations

Posted by AbeCollins (A) on February 6, 2015 at 15:33:00

I have very limited experience with headphones and don't normally wear them. The most I've ever paid was about $100 for a pair of Sonys or my Grado SR80. Here's what I'm looking for within a budget of under $1000, and preferably in the $500 range +/- or less.

- Somewhat lightweight and comfortable 'on ear' headphones with comfy cushions, rather than large over the ear headphones.

- Needs some passive ambient noise attenuation but doesn't have to be dead quiet from outside noise.

- The headphones will be used in my home office at my desk and will be driven by my Oppo HA-1 headphone amp/DAC, or the 1/4" headphone jack from an integrated amp. The headphones do not have to work well with an iPhone, iPod, etc.

- What impedance do I need? I see some headphones rated 32-Ohms, 250-Ohms, 600-Ohms within the same model family. What is 'standard'?

- Magnets and driver materials? I have no clue but if there's something I should look for or avoid I'd like to know more.

- And finally, I listen mostly to rock and prefer a clean transparent sound with great dynamics and well defined bass. Not that I need extra bass emphasis but I prefer that it not be 'rolled off' or too smooth down there. I would prefer tight, detailed, well defined bass vs ultimate 'thump'. I don't want the treble rolled-off either but prefer that it not be annoyingly bright. I forgot to mention that I also enjoy female vocals and jazz.

Again, must be reasonably lightweight, on ears with comfy cushions, some background noise attenuation, and they need to be transparent and dynamic. For use at my home office desk. Thanks!

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Topic - Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - AbeCollins 15:33:00 02/06/15 (30)

New Sennheiser Momentum 2 first impressions... - AbeCollins 19:56:00 02/26/15 (7)

RE: New Sennheiser Momentum 2 first impressions... - Ned 12:30:49 03/01/15 (1)

RE: New Sennheiser Momentum 2 first impressions... - AbeCollins 16:04:13 03/02/15 (0)

RE: New Sennheiser Momentum 2 first impressions... - cmait 13:01:50 02/28/15 (1)

RE: New Sennheiser Momentum 2 first impressions... - AbeCollins 09:20:04 03/01/15 (0)

Glad your happy - G Squared 22:23:04 02/27/15 (1)

RE: Glad your happy - AbeCollins 09:22:16 03/01/15 (0)

RE: New Sennheiser Momentum 2 first impressions... - Travis 08:04:52 02/27/15 (0)

New Sennheiser Momentum 2 - Ned 12:18:41 02/25/15 (2)

Thanks! And just in time..... - AbeCollins 12:38:08 02/25/15 (1)

RE: Thanks! And just in time..... - Ned 13:27:06 02/25/15 (0)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - rrsands 07:07:17 02/24/15 (0)

Not what you requested, but........... - Chuck Y 08:33:07 02/10/15 (0)

HD600. . - John PA 20:58:13 02/09/15 (6)

Agreed. nt - JimL 09:01:40 02/16/15 (0)

RE: HD600. . - nl 13:12:11 02/11/15 (2)

Not the absolute BEST I've ever heard... - Ivan303 18:38:07 02/11/15 (0)

RE: HD600. . - Travis 15:42:42 02/11/15 (0)

RE: HD600. . - daleda 12:41:22 02/11/15 (1)

RE: HD600. . - PAR 06:30:58 02/16/15 (0)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - Mortsnets 19:33:32 02/08/15 (0)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - Crimson 06:19:39 02/08/15 (0)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - Bill Way 11:06:56 02/07/15 (6)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - mbnx01 11:48:20 02/07/15 (5)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - niws 20:12:58 02/08/15 (0)

a pic and a link - mbnx01 12:24:10 02/07/15 (3)

RE: a pic and a link - AbeCollins 21:32:04 02/07/15 (2)

RE: a pic and a link - Ned 11:55:03 02/10/15 (0)

if you try a pair - mbnx01 11:37:49 02/08/15 (0)

RE: Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations - Travis 15:40:09 02/06/15 (0)

Need headphone primer for a newbie - me, and some recommendations

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