Yet another headphones recommendation thread

[Thatoe]

After selling my Klipsch ProMedia 2.1, I'm getting back to headphones.
I still have the FiiO E17 that I used with the Klipsch speakers.
It will be mainly for gaming. and maybe some movies.
Also, I'm looking for headphones and not a headset.
The budget is around $200 but it's flexible if it's worth it.
Thanks!

[namaiki]

Closed or open headphones? Any relatively well known headphones that you tried in the past that you did/didn't like and for what reason?

[Thatoe]

I think I want the open headphones.
My room is rather quiet too so shouldn't be a problem.
I had gaming USB headsets like Logitech G35 and Razer Megalodon.
The g35 was too uncomfortable and the surround sound quality on both is just average.
So, I'm looking for quality stereo headphones.
I also own Bose QC 15 because of a friend's recommendation.
Although they do a good job with noise cancelling, I don't think they're wroth their price tag
and I hate the fact that I have to carry an extra battery on long trips since they don't work without a battery

[invisible]

I'm rather fond of my JVC HA-RX700 headphones. Good balance of price vs. bass/sound quality. Maybe something like that might do you?
$35.67 @Amazon. Amazon.com: JVC HARX700 Precision Sound Full Size Headphones - Black: Electronics

[Hirohata]

Superaural or circumaural regarding open headphones? Just so we know which you feel is more comfortable. As a reminder, open headphones have lighter bass than closed headphones.

For circumaural, I really like the ATH-AD700. Haven't gotten the chance to try out that many Sennheiser models, so can't really comment on them. The DT990 are also a decent pair from what I hear.

For superaural I've only really liked Grados. Currently own a pair of SR80. Ask around more if you need help on the higher models e.g. SR125.

[tijo]

I did listen to the SR125 and they do sound great. I can't really comment on the other as i haven't tried them. I feel that the SR125 are more suited to music than gaming though.

[brain boy]

Best open headphones in the $100-200 range are SR60/80/125

The sonic differences between the lower sets are fairly subtle until you move up to SR225 but the premium you pay for those might not be worth it unless you buy them used.

Best closed headphone under $200 are Shure SRH940. Believe me, I've heard them all :P Check out head-fi for veeeery in-depth reviews and discussions. But don't drink the cool-aid and stick to your budget.

[Thatoe]

Thanks for the recommendations.
Does the fact that open headphones having lighter bass mean closed headphones are better for gaming?
Also, what's a good place to try these out around NYC?

[lazard]

Thanks for the recommendations.
Does the fact that open headphones having lighter bass mean closed headphones are better for gaming?
Also, what's a good place to try these out around NYC?

B&H over on 9th ave between 33rd and 34th.

[brain boy]

^ there. Also J&R - 23 Park Row (by City Hall). They have Denon, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, and some other brands that B&H doesn't have. Also alot on display.

Open vs. closed is a tough one- yes, closed generally have more bass (which helps with gaming imo), but the SRH940 are very neutral and not made for bassheads, they're more for musicians and audiophiles. SRH840, the predecessor has more bass but lack in soundstage compared to SRH940. That is the sense of space and 3d directionality of sound that helps with gaming. Open headphones generally have better soundstage, but Grados have less than most open phones and not as much as SRH940. Grados in general are notorious for lacking bass until you get to really high-end like RS-1. Open headphones with great soundstage and everything else are Sennheiser HD600- the very very best headphone under $300 imo, but they need an amp to shine.