The All Purpose Advice Thread

So you are looking for something other than the Sennheiser house sound? You have some of the best headphones out there, HD800 for technicalities, and HD650 for natural sound. What kind of flavor are you looking for? If it's not an obvious change like a basshead headphone you might be just side grading or wasting money, IMO.

 

@cskippy I agree with all of your points to the letter. I just want a casual, perhaps 32 ohm over-the ear headphone to connect to a USB interface (not for mixing or mastering, but so a easy to drive headphone will be able to monitor loud enough while recording. The USB interface I have has a headphone out jack with a volume control so you can monitor what you are recording. Higher-end cans like 250 -300 ohms or higher need too much power to draw from the headphone out of the USB interface. I am just looking for a decent sounding headphone that is easy to drive so I can actually hear and monitor what is being played through the USB interface. The USB interface does not have enough power to drive higher-end cans.

So I am just looking for a decent, perhaps 32 ohm headphone so the USB interface has the power to drive it. Of course during mixing and mastering stages of recordings I use higher-end audiophile headphones (since I cannot afford monitors).

SO does anyone recommend an over-the-ear headphone that is extremely easy to drive that is not an IEM that is a decent price? I don't have very much money since I was put on disability, so I can't really give a price range that I am looking for, which I know would help people trying to help me.

I guess after all of that, I am just looking for an over-the ear headphone for a decent price that doesn't sound half-bad,

 

@The Alchemist, What for you would qualify as relatively inexpensive? For over-ear open cans, the Philips SHP-9500S is a 32-ohm headphone that sells for about ~$50 on Newegg (more expensive everywhere else for some reason). Like all headphones in this price range, it has limitations. It seems to be easier to make sealed headphones sound good in the under $100 price range, but these seem to be the best budget open option.

For over-ear closed cans, the Creative Aurvana Live (CAL!) is 32-ohm and runs about ~$60, and the Monoprice 8323 is 40-ohm and runs about ~$25. Both of these headphones are on the Inner Fidelity Wall of Fame.

If over-ear isn't a hard requirement, why not buy some PortaPros (they are 60-ohm though)? I just picked up a sweet black-on-black pair from Ebay for $30. I bought mine from this Ebay store. They shipped from China but sound great and everything seems legit. Of course, YMMV and all that. (Disclaimer: of the headphones mentioned, I have only owned or auditioned the PortaPros.)

 

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions @monacelli ! I will definitely check those out.

Other members, please also feel free to chime in, I am just trying to find the best , easy to drive headphones for the price.

 

@The Alchemist , I am enjoying my CAL! immensely. To me, they are neutral with a hint of warmth, quite smooth at both ends. They are light and extremely comfortable.

 

@The Alchemist I would really recommend a closed back headphone for monitoring for two reasons. You don't want sound leaking out getting picked up by the microphone and the superior isolation of closed backs will help you hear oddities such as hum or buzz that might go unnoticed with open back headphones.

 

@cskippy - any particular closed-back headphone in mind? I would really like a pair of Audio Technica ATH-m50x but hose are a little out of my price range since getting on disability.

DO you have a closed-back headphone in mind that is a reasonable price?

Thank you @cskippy and thank you @Wilson

 

I was actually going to recommend that very headphone.

The CAL seems like a great cheap alternative. I really wanted to hear the EMU Purpleheart but it's a Massdrop exclusive. It's very similar to the CAL.

 

I own the M50x and enjoy them for what they are. That said, many people actually prefer its little brother, the ATH-M40x. They are a good deal cheaper, running about ~$80 right now on Amazon.

 

I was looking for some audio technica M50x but they are out of my price range, even on sale at $129 (regular Price $169 - but those would be absolutely perfect.

http://www.prosoundgear.com/shop/dj-gear/audio-technica-ath-m50x-monitor-headphones-white/

 

Certified Refurbished M40X $79.50

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Techni...3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501454412&sr=8-3&keywords=m40x

Creative Aurvana LIve $74.55

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-EF0...1454457&sr=1-1&keywords=creative+aurvana+live

E-MU Walnut woodied version of the CAL $99.95

https://www.amazon.com/E-MU-Walnut-...TF8&qid=1501454496&sr=1-1&keywords=emu+walnut

Certified Refurbished M50X $117

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Techni...4?ie=UTF8&qid=1501454848&sr=8-4&keywords=m50x

I think the CAL would be your best bet but the m40x seems interesting.

M40X Frequency response



M50X Frequency response

 

@cskippy I think you are right about the E-MU Walnut woodied version of the CAL -they look really nice, and as you stated above, would provide decent isolation.

Damn those are nice (excuse my language) - but ever since I went on disability from my surgery, it makes it more difficult to purchase these things -but damn you guys who mentioned the E-MU Walnut woodied version of the CAL seems to be the perfect way to go.

 

If you don't like it I'll buy it off of you. Or buy from Amazon and return them.

 

@The Alchemist , this comparison, if you haven't already seen it, is a bit dated but nonetheless informative:

http://superbestaudiofriends.org/in...tar-cheap-headphone-comparo-extravaganza.179/

I was going to suggest HD598Cs (closed, low impedance & sensitive, impressions thread here, half-arsed measurements here, but looking on Amazon they're about the same price as the M50x. HD202 (32 Ohm) would be good if you can find them cheap (seem to be discontinued now and the price on Amazon is $69, from memory about twice what they used to be).

 

There is a Creative Aurvana Live (CAL) for $47.65 shipped - Buy It Now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Creative-Au...289231?hash=item212ab2ea4f:g:zkYAAOSwCU1YooV3

 

Amazon warehouse deals (used returns) has the 598Cs for $90 right now. I've seen them for $80. I got a pair this way. No issues.

 

@Dino -That is a great deal, and even though they are used, they look to be in great shape, can't beat that price really - AND they have a best offer option! am just broke

I don't make nearly as much as I used to since my surgery and had to be put on disability so it can be difficult to save up money for things I would love to have. (Sorry if I got too personal there, I am just frustrated)

 

I understand @The Alchemist . It would be so frustrating. Even more so being on a forum where so much desirable stuff is discussed.

It would help a lot if you could put a dollar figure to your budget for these headphones.

 

@Dino yes you are right, it is just difficult to try to save up any money, I also have an 11 year-old son I have to take care of.