New headphones suggestions?

[MightyJordan]

Right, I'm back with another headphones thread.

My Skullcandy Terje Nine headphones broke today when my brother was using them. The left side has literally snapped. The only thing holding it is the wire, but surprisingly, it still works. I'm not planning to use it anymore, though. I'm set on getting a new pair, but this time, my preferences are more strict than the last time:

• I'd prefer them to come from Play.com, as my parents only really trust that site, but they also trust Amazon.co.uk, so that's an option! I'd like to stay away from eBay, though.
  
• My budget is ?35.
  
• They have to be very durable (i.e. not break easily).
  
• I don't mind the make.
  
• They have to be great quality, like the Terje Nines.
  
• They've gotta have some bass in them. The TN was lacking a bit in that department.
  
• I don't want too much audio leakage. The TN was brilliant on this front.
  
• Not too big! I had a size issue with the TN.
  
• I'd prefer them to be in black, but I'm open to other colours!
  
• They must not have a noise limit.
  
• Cord size doesn't matter. I've still got the extension from the TN.
  
• I'd prefer that they not be in-ear headphones, because they usually hurt for me, but I will consider them if they're comfortable.
  

Actually, that's a big list, isn't it?:DD Sorry, but I want to get a really good pair this time round. Something that will last for ages; preferably at least a year.

Thanks to anyone in advance who is willing to take some time out to help me here!:))

Edited June 8, 2008 by MightyJordan

[utdarkviper]

Not many good choices on that site :p If your parents don't trust a site then tell them to get PayPal and set up your credit card on there and you can get PayPal to issue you a one-time-use credit card number for purchasing online. It will link to you credit card just once and then if someone ever tries to use that specific credit card number (the one PayPal generates) again, then it won't work. PayPal is the best! When I bought my headphones and my brothers, I went to local electronics stores and got a close look and tested some and then bought them for cheap online. It's the best way to do things in my opinion. You definitely can't limit yourself to one website and expect to be happy with selections/purchases every time, no offense :).

[MightyJordan]

My parents both have PayPal accounts. They both use eBay (me as well, but using their cards). I don't have a credit card. I'm only 16! :p

I'm not phasing out eBay completely, but I am a bit skeptical using it, as I've been fleeced a few times before.

Amazon would also probably be a choice for me. My dad has an account with them, and I have been allowed to buy a couple of games off they before. The problem is that they're usually more expensive than Play.com. Plus, they charge for postage, and I don't like that. :p

[MightyJordan]

I am intrigued by the Sennheiser CX400s. They've been recommended by The Gadget Show, so that's a good start. Unfortunately, it's only available on PlayTrade at the moment, but at ?22.99 which is a good price!

[PaulCabby]

Sennheiser PX200

[MightyJordan]

Sennheiser PX200

Weird coincidence! I'm looking at them as well. They sound very good. I've looked at a few other sites, and it's got really good ratings. It's ?24.99 on Play.com, but unfortunately, it's out of stock, so that's probably a sign that it must be very good!:DD

Here they are on Play.com.

BTW, Kevlar-reinforced cable?! A bit OTT, isn't it?:pp

[Ollie C]

Ohh, thank you, those Sennheiser's were exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to see in here, xD. I think I'll probably be buying a pair of those now. :happy:

On those reinforced cables... I have been known to chew my headphone wires, might come in handy. :laugh:

Edited June 8, 2008 by Ollie C

[PaulCabby]

BTW, Kevlar-reinforced cable?! A bit OTT, isn't it? :p

Haha yeah. But i have a pair and i cant see the difference haha

[utdarkviper]

Haha yeah. But i have a pair and i cant see the difference haha

Take a knife to the cable and maybe.... lol :p

[MightyJordan]

OK, I've narrowed it down to 6 pairs of headphones, all of them by Sennheiser! :D I'll list them one by one by price with the features they've got listed on the site:

1. Sennheiser PX 40 Mini-Headphones - ?11.99 (RRP ?14.99)b>

• Ideal for use with portable audio sources such as MP3 or CD players
  
• Optimised for rock and pop music
  
• Excellent sound reproduction with wide dynamics
  
• Bass tube for rich, full bass
  
• Ultra-lightweight diaphragm ensures powerful sound
  
• Cable with convenient volume control
  
• Lightweight and comfortable for music on the move
  
• Connection cable made from highly conductive OFC copper
  
• 2-year guarantee
  

The PX 40 are open, dynamic, supra-aural mini headphones for portable players. They are fitted with a convenient in-line volume control.

2. Sennheiser HD202 Stereo Headphones - ?13.99 (RRP ?19.99)

• Closed, supra-aural, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones
  
• For DJs, ideal for both mobile sources and home mini hi-fi systems
  
• Good attenuation of ambient noise
  
• Earcups can be removed from the headband
  
• Specially designed damping perforation ensures powerful bass response
  
• Lightweight diaphragm material with "turbine" embossing for extremely low bass
  
• Powerful neodymium magnets and lightweight diaphragms for high sound levels
  
• Powerful bass and increased signal levels for modern rhythm-driven music
  
• Clips to the belt: cord take-up for adjusting the cable length when listening on the move
  
• Extremely comfortable to wear due to ultra-lightweight design, even for extended listening
  
• Rugged outdoor design with extremely flexible headband
  
• 3m highly conductive OFC copper cable
  
• Replaceable leatherette ear pads
  
• 2 year guarantee
  

The HD 202 closed, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones are the ideal partner for DJs and powerful modern music, providing good insulation against ambient noise and a vivid, crisp bass response. The rugged lightweight headphones have a secure fit and can be used for both mobile sources and home (mini) hi-fi systems. When out and about, a convenient cord take-up lets you adjust the headphone cable to the required length3. Sennheiser PX 100 Mini-Headphones Black - ?17.99 (RRP ?29.99)l]

• Dynamic stereo mini headphones
  
• Great for travel and outdoor use with mobile sources such as CD, MD or MP3 players
  
• Fold and flip: registered design allows the ear cups to be turned through 90? and fold the headphones closed (headphones will lock in open and closed positions)
  
• 1.4 m Kevlar-reinforced OFC copper cable with 3.5 mm stereo jack plug
  
• Fits into the shirt pocket: rugged transport case with cord take-up (145 x 75 x 27 mm)
  
• Excellent sound quality for mobile audio sources
  
• High-resolution sound due to Sennheiser "Duofol" diaphragms with spiral embossing (reduces and spreads eigenforms)
  
• Strong Neodymium magnets for extremely low distortion
  
• High efficiency and powerful reproduction
  
• Balanced and detailed sound image for all types of music
  
• Crisp and fast bass response due to system "twin damping" with 80ppi polyurethane and special perforated elements
  
• Special baffle (based on the legendary HD 414) ensures very balanced sound
  
• Lightweight: only 60 g without cable
  
• Comfortable: headband with split padding
  
• Rugged and durable: robust steel headband with metal joints, steel-reinforced headband ends, connection to the ear cups tested for durability
  
• Easily replaceable ear pads and headband padding (ear cups and headband can be replaced by your dealer)
  
• 2-year guarantee
  
• Received a 5 star rating in What Hi-Fi Sound And Vision magazine
  

The PX 100 is a pair of open, dynamic supra-aural mini headphones for mobile players. Their outstanding sound reproduction and foldable design make them ideal for outdoor use and travell4. Sennheiser EH 150 Headphones - ?17.99 (RRP ?29.99)/url]

• Closed, supra-aural, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones
  
• Good attenuation of ambient noise
  
• Powerful neodymium magnets and lightweight diaphragms for high sound levels
  
• Extremely comfortable to wear due to ultra-lightweight design, even for extended listening
  
• Rugged outdoor design with extremely flexible headband
  
• 3m highly conductive OFC copper cable
  
• Replaceable leatherette ear pads
  
• 2 year guarantee
  

The EH 150 closed, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones are the ideal partner for powerful modern music, providing good insulation against ambient noise and a vivid, crisp bass response. The rugged lightweight headphones have a secure fit and can be used for both mobile sources and home (mini) hi-fi sy5. Sennheiser HD 212 Headphones - ?24.99 (RRP ?29.99))[/url]

• Jack plug 3,5/6,3 mm stereo
  
• Nominal impedance: 32 Ohm
  
• Weight w/o cable: Cable 130 g
  
• Transducer principle: Dynamic, closed
  
• Ear coupling: Supra-aural
  
• Cable length: 3 m
  
• Frequency response (headphones): 12.....19000 Hz
  
• THD: <0,2 %
  
• Sound pressure level (SPL): 112 dB(SPL)
  

The HD 212Pro closed dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones have a balanced sound image with a slight emphasis on the bass response. DJs will like their excellent attenuation of ambient noise and the soft, comfortable e6. Sennheiser PX 200 Mini-Headphones Black - ?24.99 (RRP ?39.99)99)[/url]

• Dynamic stereo mini headphones
  
• Great for travel and outdoor use with mobile sources such as CD, MD or MP3 players
  
• Fold and flip: registered design allows the ear cups to be turned through 90? and fold the headphones closed (headphones will lock in open and closed positions)
  
• 1.4 m Kevlar-reinforced OFC copper cable with 3.5 mm stereo jack plug
  
• Fits into the shirt pocket: rugged transport case with cord take-up (145 x 75 x 27 mm)
  
• Ideal for use in coaches, trains etc.: soft ring ear pads with improved fit and closed ear cups ensure excellent passive attenuation of ambient noise (15 to 25 dB for frequencies above
  
• 1,200 Hz)
  
• For all types of modern music: detailed sound reproduction with a slight emphasis on the bass
  
• High-resolution sound due to Sennheiser "Duofol" diaphragms with spiral embossing (reduces and spreads eigenforms)
  
• Strong Neodymium magnets for extremely low distortion
  
• High efficiency and powerful reproduction
  
• Adaptive baffle damping (patent pending)
  
• Bass tube for powerful, punchy bass
  
• Lightweight: only 60 g without cable
  
• Comfortable: headband with split padding
  
• Rugged and durable: robust steel headband with metal joints, steel-reinforced headband ends, connection to the ear cups tested for durability
  
• Easily replaceable ear pads and headband padding (ear cups and headband can be replaced by your dealer)
  
• 2-year guarantee
  

The closed, dynamic, supra-aural PX 200 mini headphones are an ideal choice for mobile audio sources. Their excellent isolation lets you enjoy music without being disturbed or disturbing others. Folded and packed into their rugged transport case, these headphones will accompany you anywhere.

Personally, the first one I might strike off the shortlist would probably be pair #4, the EH 150s. It's currently got a 3* rating from users on Play.com. I'd then strike off #1, the PX 40s. They haven't been reviewed at all, so I'm not too sure about them.

Still, I'd like to hear your opinions! Would it still be the PX 200s all the way? I think after looking at all of these, I might end up going for the PX 200s. They're the most expensive, but they've got the most praise, and not just from users of Play.com. They're also currently out of stock, so that might be a sign that they're rea:Dy good! :D

[MightyJordan]

I've gone and ordered the PX 200s! They're out of stock on Play.com, but I've ordered them anyway. I've gotta use my old Sony Ericsson in ear phones for now.

BTW, I saw the PX 200s on Amazon, but Amazon don't have any in stock, and the cheapest one from a good seller costs more than Play.com with delivery added on, so I'm willing to wait.

[MightyJordan]

They're still not in stock on Play.com! :( If anyone can find them for me for ?24.99 or less, I'd really appreciate it!

[PaulCabby]

http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/H...phones.274.html

but you may be able to pricebeat it (with it being ?24.99 at play.com

[MightyJordan]

No luck at all. I checked on Kelkoo, and they've got the cheapest down as ?27.94 (not counting eBay or Amazon Marketplace). They haven't got Play.com's price on there, but it looks like that's the cheapest.

[MightyJordan]

They're still out of stock! This is a bloody joke! That's it, I'm gonna cancel the order and look for something different.

Can anyone else think of something better?

[MiG-]

They're still out of stock! This is a bloody joke! That's it, I'm gonna cancel the order and look for something different.

Can anyone else think of something better?

Sony MDR-EX85. Penny Under budget and sound absolutely lovely.

Would beat all the Senn's imo. The trouble with most you picked is that they are bigger headphones so I would recommend a amplifier for them to reach their potential.

[MightyJordan]

Right, I've gone and ordered the Skullcandy Hesh headphones in Black. ?2 more than the Sennheisers, but better ratings from users (nine 5* ratings, and two 4*), and more powerful drivers. These ones have 50mm drivers! They look better as well!

Paint it Black!>:DD

Sony MDR-EX85. Penny Under budget and sound absolutely lovely.

Would beat all the Senn's imo. The trouble with most you picked is that they are bigger headphones so I would recommend a amplifier for them to reach their potential.

Sorry, I can't find those on Play.com. I'm not too sure about Sony headphones anyway. I was looking at some others on there, and most of them have got average or poor rating. It seems that the Skullcandy ones are getting the higher ratings out of everyone else.

BTW, I'm not fully up onto headphones. I can judge the quality of a set, but that's it.:DD

[MiG-]

Right, I've gone and ordered the Skullcandy Hesh headphones in Black. ?2 more than the Sennheisers, but better ratings from users (nine 5* ratings, and two 4*), and more powerful drivers. These ones have 50mm drivers! They look better as well!

Paint it Black!>:DD

Sorry, I can't find those on Play.com. I'm not too sure about Sony headphones anyway. I was looking at some others on there, and most of them have got average or poor rating. It seems that the Skullcandy ones are getting the higher ratings out of everyone else.

BTW, I'm not fully up onto headphones. I can judge the quality of a set, but that's it.:DD

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronic...earchtype=genre

They have the same drivers as the much pricier EX-91. I've owned both and the EX-85 Sounds like it more than fits your needs. I wouldn't take much notice of ratings for headphones, you could get them and think they are ****.

Plus the Skull Candys are a full-size headphone so will be rather quiet when listening out of a portable.

[MightyJordan]

No thanks, they're right out. I can't stand in-ear headphones. They hurt. I don't think the Skullcandy set will be quiet. I used to have the Skullcandy Terje Nine before. They were full-size, and still very loud! I'm after a full-size set anyway, for minimal audio leakage, and to keep background noise out. I know in-ear headphones can do these tasks better, but they're very uncomfortable for me.

[FiB3R]

I have a pair of Sennheiser PX250's same as the PX200's but with an in-line noise cancelling gizmo.

It does make them sound a lot better, but gets on my nerves sometimes. (I've got enough other crap to carry in my pockets as it is)

I also have a pair of Sennheiser CX 300's and can tell you right now, they **** all over the PX250's in terms of loudness and bass. (Just tested right now to make sure)

I don't like in-ear earphones like the iPod ones, because they hurt my ears after a little while, but these little beauties don't hurt at all, they have very soft silicone inserts, that come in 3 sizes. And they block out outside noise really well too.

Turns out Play.com are doing a great deal on the silver ones right now too.

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronic...es/Product.html

[MightyJordan]

The headphones shipped this morning, so they should be here by Tuesday at the earliest. I wish Play.com would go back to 1st class post. :(