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Best headphones for Macbook Pro

M

Mirrorball

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 6, 2007
37
0
I bought a Macbook Pro last July, so it's not the latest model, it's the Penryn one. I was thinking about buying a new pair of headphones, but I don't want to spend a lot of money in headphones that are too good for the Macbook Pro.

So assume that I'll be listening to CDs, no mp3s, headphones plugged directly to the computer. Is a Sennheiser HD555 or HD595 too good? Will there be a difference compared with a less expensive pair of headphones? If so, what's the best I can have without having to sell a kidney to pay for it?
 
I just recently picked up some headphones, and I was considering the HD555. I ended up going with Audio Technica A700's because they are closed back (not an open design that will leak sound). Open designs are better for sound, but they won't give you the isolation closed ones will.

What are you going to be using the headphones for? Are you going to be using them with anything other than your MBP? If so, like an iphone for instance, you'll want to pay attention to whether or not you need a headphone amp. If you do, you'll want to avoid those.

I chose the A700's because of the closed design and a general preference for them over the 555's when it came to rock music. Hope that helps.
 
chrmjenkins said:
What are you going to be using the headphones for? Are you going to be using them with anything other than your MBP? If so, like an iphone for instance, you'll want to pay attention to whether or not you need a headphone amp. If you do, you'll want to avoid those.
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I'll only use them with my MPB or iPod in my own room, so isolation isn't necessary.
 
How much are you willing to spend? You might want to invest in a USB DAC because some of the mbp has a beeping noise/hissing noise.
 
I use Sennheiser HD251-II for DJing and as an extra reference when producing. They're also great for regular listening. I'd recommend them to anybody.
 
Mirrorball said:
I was thinking about buying a new pair of headphones, but I don't want to spend a lot of money in headphones that are too good for the Macbook Pro.
Click to expand...

My phones are in my sig. They're pretty darn good, incredibly comfortable and run only about $40. And on top of that they're probably the most attractive cans on the market. I don't think you can lose.
 
Hydroxs said:
How much are you willing to spend? You might want to invest in a USB DAC because some of the mbp has a beeping noise/hissing noise.
Click to expand...

I second this. The headphone jack is awful.

Oh, and I have a pair of Sony MDR7506. They are comfortable, and sound good. Highs may be a big exaggerated, but I do lots of music production, so I'm picky. They are considered to be somewhat of a standard, so they can't be that bad. And, they're pretty cheap.

But no matter how nice a pair of phones you get, you will still hear the odd artifacts caused by the jack, which drive me nuts.
 
id say get the Sennheiser HD 280. they are monitoring quality headphones with great mids and reasonable bass at a good price and def worth it. they are closed headphones, while they are not noise cancelling, they do a good job at limiting outside noise. ive researched for headphones and these are the ones i will buy.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-280-Pro-Professional/dp/B000065BPB

they also come in black/silver for a little more which i might get to match my aluminium apple stuff… hey we buy apple gear for premium prices, eh.
 
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I think you can get the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro around $150. They are a bit heavy on the bass side. The Audio Technica a700 has a more balance sound and a little cheaper. If you do get the DT770, be sure to get the 80 ohm version because the 250 ones will require an amp.
 
Mirrorball said:
No more than $200, and less than $150 would be great.
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Save some money. Get the Sony MDR-7506. Clean and crisp for general listening, and outstanding for monitoring. Goes for around $95.
They are very efficient and aren't at all difficult to drive (unlike some Sennheisers). Perfect for laptop use, with or without an external sound card. You'll see them in use in many recording studios, and for good reason - they are terrific. They've stood the test of time.
Some people think the Sony V6 is the same. It looks virtually identical, but there is definitely a difference in sound (in favor of the 7506). Check reviews and headphone forums online. You can't go wrong with the 7506.
 
I use Beyerdynamic DT700 Pro and they're great currently. I previously used AT A500, which were nice as well. You really have to go out test them to pick the "right one."
 
Get the new Sennheiser HD800; only $1300; then you just have spend around $2000 for a decent amp.

Anyways, I'm using the AKG K701 with a Headroom micro DAC and micro amp.

I also have a pair of Shure E500s and they're really nice too. No idea what you're budget is; kidneys are worth quite a bit.
 
alphaod said:
Anyways, I'm using the AKG K701 with a Headroom micro DAC and micro amp.
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K702's here (liked the blue-grey combo.)
they sit 100times better then HD650's on my head.
i like open headphones.

Abstract said:
Yep.

If you're OK with open headphones, just get Grados.
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grados are hardly under 200, more like over 400 arent they :)
do you have em?
 
Bose Quiet Comfort 2 Headphones are my favorite. If you are looking for earbuds the Bose Triport IE headphones are my favorite.
 
Ploki said:
grados are hardly under 200, more like over 400 arent they :)
do you have em?
Click to expand...

No, but that's because they're open and music will spill out to those sitting around you, and also means you'll hear ambient noise as well. The OP wasn't very specific, so I assume open ear (which are better) is OK.

For closed headphones, I think Sennheiser HD280 and Sony MDR-V6 headphones are the typical recommendation, and don't require an external amp. They're around $80-100, so that should be doable.
 
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