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Low-Cost Headphones w/ Decent Isolation

Submitted by soapfloats on Fri, 10/01/2010 - 00:06

What it says.

I own (2) EX-29s (broken), (1) HD-280 (bad cable), (2) MDR-7506 (one has busted ear pad), and (1) K-240s (my personal headphones).

So this discussion is for cans under $100, preferably $25-$50.

I like my current cans for different reasons, and want to repair/replace them if possible. I also want to have a 4-pack of cheapos to use to save on the wear and tear of the good ones.

These will be used EXCLUSIVELY for tracking, some overdubs. Some overdubs and other monitoring will be done via the above-mentioned headphones.

Remy, among others, has lead me to look into this, and I hope it will provide a reference for others looking for inexpensive (yet isolating) headphones for tracking/overdubs.

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Comments

soapfloats

Thanks for the advice fellas.

John and Boulder - I own the 280s (like em a lot) and have my eye on the ATHs... but I'm looking for something that I don't care if it gets stepped on.
It doesn't have to sound good, it just has to be cheap and isolate.

Thanks to Bob and Sarnz, that's more what I'm looking for, but keep up w/ any and all suggestions.
I'd love to have a few 280s, M-50s, and such when I need something good.

Fri, 10/01/2010 - 21:03 Permalink
BobRogers

I was in a rush last time, so here's some more info. The HD202's are for sale on Amazon for $20. The sound isn't accurate, but I don't find it annoying or tiring. They are light, so a lot of people like the feel. Some actually prefer these to the more expensive cans. Though they aren't too adjustable they seem to fit a fair number of head sizes pretty well. That's important because all the isolation in the world doesn't matter if the cans don't feel good and people wear them half off one of their ears. This would be my recommendation, but if you are getting multiple pairs you might try out a few other kinds. What feels best to one person doesn't for another.

Sat, 10/02/2010 - 03:19 Permalink
soapfloats

Unfortunately, I'm not willing to spend more than $50 for band 'phones, preferably less.
The one exception would be the EX-29s, b/c I love them (mostly for their isolation and ability to handle loud volumes).

I'm married to my AKG k-240s for my personal phones, partially b/c I've had them for so long.
Maybe I'll buy a pair each of 202s and the ATH-10's and compare... and I'll keep the 30s on the list when budget allows.

Thanks to all for your input!

Sun, 01/30/2011 - 21:56 Permalink