[papernicolas]

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My budget is $150-200.
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Main purposes will be:
 
-General music listening (I listen to alternative rock bands such as radiohead, muse, elbow; some indie rock, acoustic singer-songwriter type of music, and a bit of jazz).
 
-Monitoring my recordings, and to a lesser degree, gaming. (I play acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and usually experiment quite a bit with effects).
 
I'll also be doing a bit of gaming with them, but it's not one of the main things I'll be using them for.
 
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I don't have an amp, though I've been told to get this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=140555025447&si=l5YecEPyk6X5LLkwHP1IOE2F4xk%253D&viewitem=
 
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The options that I have seen are:
 
Shure SRH 840 ($143 right now in amazon)
Audio Technica ATHM50 ($159)
Sennheiser HD 595 ($149)
 
I'm open to other suggestions. Also, I'd prefer closed cans, because I listen to most of my music while on the bus, or late at night with my family sleeping, but open cans are not out of the question.
 
Thanks in advance!

 

[Digital-Pride]

Out of three, I would lean towards the Shures as they have a very smooth lush midrange(great for vocals and instrumentation) and a nice deep strong bass response that doesn't intrude on the other frequencies.

 

[papernicolas]

Thanks. Do you think that amp is alright for the shures?

 

[Digital-Pride]

I'm not familiar with that amp, but from what I've read, specially built Cmoys are pretty good.

 

[papernicolas]

Anyone else got some input?

 

[bcasey25raptor]

Quote:

Anyone else got some input?

another vote for the shure's. it may be biased of me but i own them and they are fantastic with a proper source. the shure's don't need an amp but a fiio e7 dac might be a good investment. i know i am picking one up when i have the money.

 

[papernicolas]

Thanks! Keep the opinions coming

 

[swbf2cheater]

840 - best sound quality and bass, poorest comfort
m50 - most well rounded, does every good but nothing great
595 - biggest and most dynamic sound stage, weakest bass

 

[Rawrbington]

840s or M50s
 
the 840s sound better(imo).  you get a bit more bass with the m50s, but its less acurate, some might say muddy.  but it still sounds nice.
the 595s are the most comfortable for me, then the shures, then the m50s last in comfort.  but the headband on the shures doesn't bother me.  the comfort issue wit the 840s seems to be split about 50-50
either you don't find it comfortable because the headband hurts your head somehow. or you find them comfortable. i just like the ear fit of the cups/pads on the shures better than the m50s.
 
 

 

[Germancub]

I'd give you my vote, but I'm sure you already know what ill say lol.

 

[papernicolas]

And how would the senn hd 25-1 II compare?

 

 

[papernicolas]

bump

 

[blackzarg]

I can give you a more direct comparison between the 840's and the M50's once the 840's come tomorrow =)

 

[screwzloos]

You should be able to find ATH M50 for quite a bit less than $149, and those are a good set, but even so I would hold off and get something a bit better. My Senn 598s blow away my M50s. There's no competition with a decent headphone amp. I'd imagine the 595 is a close second if you really can't drop a few extra bucks.

 

[papernicolas]

Ok, I'll wait. Give them some burn in time though.