iPod Need new wired headphones for my iPod Classic

[steve333]

I need new headphones to use with my iPod. Prefer them to be affordable, not high end.
Love my old @Sennheiser HD414 but they have been out of earpad replacements for over a year and the 3rd Party ones look the same but block too much sound, and these headphones already had low volume.
Wired is what I want, closed or open doesn't matter.
The search is on, any opinions welcome.

 

[philden]

I need new headphones to use with my iPod.
Love my old @Sennheiser HD414 but they have been out of earpad replacements for over a year and the 3rd Party ones look the same but block too much sound, and these headphones already had low volume.
Wired is what I want, closed or open doesn't matter.
The search is on, any opinions welcome.

I really like my Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. I have the 32 Ohm version.

 

[steve333]

I really like my Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. I have the 32 Ohm version.

I used to own that one, or maybe it was the 990. I liked them.
I should have mentioned that I'm looking for something more affordable. I will update the title

 

[Timmy D]

I know you’re looking for an affordable pair, but I wanted to at least post that I use Shure ionic 4s with my iPod classic. They sound great.

 

[macaddiict]

If you can handle the appearance, the Koss PortaPro headphones sound better on my iPods than my wired in AirPods Max.

They're open ear and lightweight, and ear pads are cheap and replacable. If you don't like the appearance of the PortaPro, other Koss headphones are great for the price but the PortaPros are legendary.

 

[steve333]

If you can handle the appearance, the Koss PortaPro headphones sound better on my iPods than my wired in AirPods Max.

They're open ear and lightweight, and ear pads are cheap and replacable. If you don't like the appearance of the PortaPro, other Koss headphones are great for the price but the PortaPros are legendary.

I remember trying them a couple of years ago and not liking them, but I don't remember if it was because of comfort or if the bass was too strong.
Not a fan of bass, I prefer more of a smooth sound like my Sennheiser's.

 

[macaddiict]

I remember trying them a couple of years ago and not liking them, but I don't remember if it was because of comfort or if the bass was too strong.
Not a fan of bass, I prefer more of a smooth sound like my Sennheiser's.

I'm glad you've tried them! They do have a strong bass profile, so your memory would make sense.

 

[steve333]

I'm glad you've tried them! They do have a strong bass profile, so your memory would make sense.

Yep, I checked Amazon and I bought them in 2010, must have returned them because of the bass.

 

[Mr.Ben]

Apple EarPods? Unless you're specifically after headphones rather than earphones.

I use them with my iPod and as they have the mic too I use them with my phone as well. They're not going to win any awards but they're not bad for the price. I recently bought a couple of pairs (£10.48 each in UK).

 

[steve333]

Apple EarPods? Unless you're specifically after headphones rather than earphones.

I use them with my iPod and as they have the mic too I use them with my phone as well. They're not going to win any awards but they're not bad for the price. I recently bought a couple of pairs (£10.48 each in UK).

I can't use EarPods, I am looking for regular headphones.
From online reviews so far I see folks like some models while others hate them, even higher end ones like Beyerdynamic

 

[MacMorrison]

My recommendation is looking for old stock wired earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum In Ear or Klipsch R6i II or Klipsch T5m. They are designed for the iPod and iPhone and they have the standard Apple 3-button remote controls on their cords.

Unfortunately, most wired headphones are discontinued, but you can still find some discounted online.

 

[erihp]

Maybe get some IEMs?

Crinacle's Ultimate IEM List

If it's not on the list, it doesn't exist. The ultimate compendium of every (relevant) in-ear monitor on the planet.

list.hangout.audio

Oh, you want cans. Get MDR-7506

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49510-OREG/Sony_MDR_7506_MDR_7506_Headphone.html

Or HD 280 Pro

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1253444-REG/sennheiser_hd_280_pro_circumaural.html

Something tells me you’re gonna rebuttal against all of these recommendations. And in that case, just buy a new pair for HD 414 if you like them so much.

 

[steve333]

My recommendation is looking for old stock wired earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum In Ear or Klipsch R6i II. Both are designed for the iPod and iPhone and they have the standard Apple 3-button remote controls on their cords.

Unfortunately, most wired headphones are discontinued, but you can still find some discounted online.

I think if I go old school I would look for the 50th anniversary Sennheiser HD414. I have the regular model but the impedance is really high (2000 ohms) so not so good with iPods. The anniversary edition is around 50ohms
I saw one on E-Bay for $170. Ridiculous price but that's how it is with these since they are popular. I wish Sennheiser would just start making them again.
I decided if I go for new, after doing a lot of research it appears the Sennheiser HD599 ($180) may be the way to go.
I wanted to spend less but how often do I buy headphones? Just waiting to pull the trigger as funds are low.

 

[steve333]

Maybe get some IEMs?

Crinacle's Ultimate IEM List

If it's not on the list, it doesn't exist. The ultimate compendium of every (relevant) in-ear monitor on the planet.

list.hangout.audio

Oh, you want cans. Get MDR-7506

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/49510-OREG/Sony_MDR_7506_MDR_7506_Headphone.html

Or HD 280 Pro

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1253444-REG/sennheiser_hd_280_pro_circumaural.html

Something tells me you’re gonna rebuttal against all of these recommendations. And in that case, just buy a new pair for HD 414 if you like them so much.

I looked at both of these but the Bass may be too strong for me. The Sennheiser HD599 is what I'm probably going to go for first.

 

[MacMorrison]

I have the Sennheiser HD 599. It's a little bassy on some pop music, but otherwise great and easy to drive with mobile devices.

 

[steve333]

I have the Sennheiser HD 599. It's a little bassy on some pop music, but otherwise great and easy to drive with mobile devices.

Hope not too bassy, I prefer the midrange sound of the HD414, but I can try it and return it if it doesn't work out. I listen to mostly classic rock and easy listening

 

[MacMorrison]

It's not overwhelming - the frequency response curve is a bit v-shaped, as in slight bass and treble emphasis.

The 599 has angled drivers that give it a nice sense of air and space in good recordings.

 

[steve333]

It's not overwhelming - the frequency response curve is a bit v-shaped, as in slight bass and treble emphasis.

The 599 has angled drivers that give it a nice sense of air and space in good recordings.

Good to know. Thanks. I will try them out soon and report back

 

[MacMorrison]

The Sennheiser HD 599 are a bit bulky and loose for mobile use - they are best suited for home listening.

If you can, try out a pair of Grado headphones, too. The SR-60X to 225X are worth testing - they're an acquired taste for some. Also, Alessando Products sells a special version of the Grado headphones - I recommend the Alessandro Music Series One as well - they're said to be less bright-sounding than the standard Grado headphones.

 

[steve333]

The Sennheiser HD 599 are a bit bulky and loose for mobile use - they are best suited for home listening.

If you can, try out a pair of Grado headphones, too. The SR-60X to 225X are worth testing - they're an acquired taste for some. Also, Alessando Products sells a special version of the Grado headphones - I recommend the Alessandro Music Series One as well - they're said to be less bright-sounding than the standard Grado headphones.

I will be using the headphones only at home
Thanks, I'll check out the Alessandro headphones. I tried the Grado SR-60X some time ago and found them to be too bright.
Just read more reviews on the HD599. Amazon has a HD599 SE for half the price and supposedly the same just in black. Many folks hate them though, at least on Amazon reviews and the build quality on Sennheiser now seems suspect.
They now build almost all their headphones in China, pretty shameful for expensive headphones.
The HD600 used to be made in Ireland, now in Romania and people complaining about the build quality of those as well.
Sheesh

 

[MacMorrison]

I have the 599 SE. It came in a plainer box (it's Amazon-only, I think) with a 1/4" and 1/8" cable (twist the small cable at the headphone end to unlock it and pull it out) and the plastic creaks a bit if you move, but otherwise the build quality is fine.

The earlier 598 had plastic cracking at the band joint but that was fixed a long time ago and it doesn't happen in the 599.

 

[erihp]

I looked at both of these but the Bass may be too strong for me. The Sennheiser HD599 is what I'm probably going to go for first.

FWIW the Sony MDRs are pretty flat, they do not have heavy bass.

 

[steve333]

I just ordered the Koss KPH40 for $39
Worth a shot, if they don't work out I will try the Sennheiser HD599SE from Amazon for $99
Thanks for all the suggestions

 

[MacMorrison]

I had Koss SportaPros years ago... all those lightweight Koss headphones use similar drivers and they're good for the money (e.g., the PortaPro, KSC-75, etc.).