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Really comfortable headphones?

Sesshi

Sesshi

macrumors G3
Original poster
Jun 3, 2006
8,113
1
One Nation Under Gordon
I thought posting this on a non audiophile forum might elicit some positive answers. Doing so on such forums just gets me sidetracked because far more people have a tendency to recommend what they want instead of what they have.

I'm after some really, really, really comfortable headphones. Many of the 'audiophile' headphones are just too heavy, clampy, whatever. Also any highly localised pressure on top of my head gives me a headache.

I don't really care about the absolute sound quality as long as it doesn't sound terrible. I'd be fairly happy if it for example sounded like a Sennheiser PX100 in terms of overall quality. I need it to go over the head, and around the ears (not over them). Large squidgy cushions a plus, but high weight a definite minus.

Any suggestions?
 
If you're looking for in-ears, shures are the way to go. I had some troubles (which I posted) at first, and now I love them.
 
No in-ears. I have the Ultimate Ears UE-10 (which have been remoulded a couple of times), and I don't like using them very much. Does strange things to my ears. Neither do I like the Shures.
 
comfort is subjective, of course, but i can wear my sony 7506's for extended periods w/o trouble. that includes having one ear on, one off for filmsets.
 
Sounds as though you live in London. Why don't you go over to the Apple Store and try them all on? There are plenty in varying prices. Don't know of any other shops that have them all out to try. Most of them seem to think you should buy them on the basis of what you can see in the packet.
 
@bousozoku: What would you recommend that's really lightweight and comfy then? There's a lot of models in the Sennheiser range - and none I've had so far has turned out to be all that comfortable.

Ish said:
Sounds as though you live in London. Why don't you go over to the Apple Store and try them all on? There are plenty in varying prices. Don't know of any other shops that have them all out to try. Most of them seem to think you should buy them on the basis of what you can see in the packet.
Click to expand...

Well... it is kind of gross, trying out something which has been on several hundred, if not thousands of potentially sweaty, cootie-infested, etc heads. Right now I am quite tempted by the Bose Triport which the Apple Store do have. I've only ever tried it and just for short periods but it did seem quite 'invisible' on the head. But I've damaged headphones the way I'm trying to use it now by running over the cable with the chair and dragging the phones from the table as well as putting it down too hard on the desk, something I unfortunately do a lot now I'm working a lot more often from home - to pick up a call, etc. The Triports look about as strong as a paper bag, which worries me.
 
Sesshi said:
I need it to go over the head, and around the ears (not over them). Large squidgy cushions a plus, but high weight a definite minus.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Not sure I get the difference between around/over the ears, and these go more around than over the head, but I like these:

B0006IWPT0.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1131113023_.jpg


Then, I'm not likely to spend more than $10 on headphones (just don't use 'em enough), and I used Air Canada headphones for a good two years before they finally crapped out on me.
 
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Sesshi said:
@bousozoku: What would you recommend that's really lightweight and comfy then? There's a lot of models in the Sennheiser range - and none I've had so far has turned out to be all that comfortable.
...
Click to expand...

I'd think that you'd find either the HD477 (130g without cable) or the HD485 (220g without cable) comfortable. There are high specification/higher priced headphones with many brands but I don't see the numbers helping when it comes to light headphones over $100. If you want phenomenal bass, you have to add mass and headphones become uncomfortable.

I've used Sennheiser Open-Aire headphones for hours on end with no discomfort. I can endure my Logitech headset but it's nowhere near as pleasant and my ears ache within 30 minutes.
 
Sesshi said:
....I'm after some really, really, really comfortable headphones. Many of the 'audiophile' headphones are just too heavy, clampy, whatever. Also any highly localised pressure on top of my head gives me a headache.
Click to expand...

I bought the AKG K240 about 20 years ago. Not much reason to ever buy another headphone. The sound is near perfect and I can wear them all day The cushions are large enough diameter that they don't go on the ears but around them. AKG calls this "circumaural". On-line price is about $100

They are "open" design so they are best used in a quiet location and they do take a bit of power. But even an iPod can drive them if you turn the iPod volume to maximum. The sund is best described as "accurate". Not the heavy bass that kids go for. These are studio monitor headphones.

http://www.akg.com/mediadatabase/psfile/datei/72/studio_hea4055c1a24d59f.pdf
 
I know you said you don't want in-ear as you find them uncomfortable, but I have to give another vote for the Shures.

My 4Cs are incredibly comfortable. The soft liner is amazing. I can't imagine a more comfortable headphone, external or in-ear.
 
As I said, I have the Ultimate Ears UE-10 - a custom-fitted pair of in-ear phones. Even with adjustments they do something to my ear. They do not work for me. The same (but worse) goes for ALL the Shures I've had, even with the soft flex tips. Plus, they're a bugger to insert/remove - just not practical for the use I have in mind.
 
@scottlinux: Dang. They look just up my street... although the impedance of 2.2Kohms is kind of steep for my amp to power.

And how many times must I say...
NO EFFIN IN EARS?

Thanks. Any advance on the Triports?
 
I don't remember the brand or model number (I think the exact pair I used is actually discontinued but they still make similar headphones) but when last I was in my (music) school's computer labs, I used these headphones that I literally forgot I was wearing a couple times. They're SO big that they fit entirely around the ear, not even touching them, and the headband was just a couple pieces of elastic so you can barely feel it. It was really amazing. The sound quality was just superb, as well. The drawbacks are that the things are HUGE, and probably expensive, as well. But yeah, I could barely feel them. I wish I could remember what brand they were (I'm 90% leaning towards AKG but might've been Audio-Technica).

Oh wait! Now that I actually go back and read the thread, I agree with Chris:

ChrisA said:
I bought the AKG K240 about 20 years ago. Not much reason to ever buy another headphone. The sound is near perfect and I can wear them all day The cushions are large enough diameter that they don't go on the ears but around them. AKG calls this "circumaural". On-line price is about $100
Click to expand...
 
I have these:
AKG K240 Studio (click for specs)

Click The image for a very high resolution image

Notice the design, they are intended for long studio sessions, comfort in mind. They are designed to self adjust, and sort of just 'float' on your head. The sound quality is great, they are studio quality.
 
You should have a look at these:

Sennheiser HD590

Having used it for couple of years I haven't regretted one second it owning it. Virtually weightless, no pressure/very evenly distributed around the head fantastic sound quality, plus they don't cook your ear even for hours on end.

They were around AUD$300 when I got them, I don't think they make them anymore. Perhaps you can leftover stock somewhere.
 
I know I know, it's getting into nitpick territory but it does bother me - the K240 is too heavy. I have a K701 which is the same weight and after a while that weighs on my head.

(no I am not a weed. I guess I'm just particular about comfort)
 
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