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Really comfortable headphones?
- Thread starter Sesshi
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give 7506 another try. but with:
-Beyer DT250 felt pads: makes 7506 uber comfortable to wear, i can wear'em 8 hours straight without any pain. it'll sit on your ears instead of pressing against it. 1-800-293-4463 Just ask for the velour pads for the DT-250. They cost $17 + $5 shipping.
-different sponge layers: i'm using AKG 240's sponge over the metal diaphragm. changed the clarity and detail of sonics dramatically. experiment with other kinds.
hey, at least it's a cheaper alternative. a good one at that. i do music for a living and above mods have helped a great deal.
-Beyer DT250 felt pads: makes 7506 uber comfortable to wear, i can wear'em 8 hours straight without any pain. it'll sit on your ears instead of pressing against it. 1-800-293-4463 Just ask for the velour pads for the DT-250. They cost $17 + $5 shipping.
-different sponge layers: i'm using AKG 240's sponge over the metal diaphragm. changed the clarity and detail of sonics dramatically. experiment with other kinds.
hey, at least it's a cheaper alternative. a good one at that. i do music for a living and above mods have helped a great deal.
If I was doing that, I could just get the DT250 of course. The 250's on the upper end of the acceptable weight scale and I do find the earpads comfortable. I might get a set and let the Triport and the 250 fight it out.
@Sheshi,
OK, I know you said 'around' and not 'on' the ears but I still think you should consider a pair of 'on ears' that have a unique solution. The Koss Porta Pro, they are extremely light and very comfortable. They have temple pads which take all pressure off the ears, and the ear pieces have a 3 way locking position where you can make them come even further from the ear. The net result is ultimat comfort.
The sound quality is, unbelievable. Rich, tight base and sparkling highs, with a very open sound. They even make a $6 dollar transitor radio sound good. Oh, and they also fold up into a tiny bundle. They also have a lifetime guarantee that Koss will honor faithfully.
OK, I know you said 'around' and not 'on' the ears but I still think you should consider a pair of 'on ears' that have a unique solution. The Koss Porta Pro, they are extremely light and very comfortable. They have temple pads which take all pressure off the ears, and the ear pieces have a 3 way locking position where you can make them come even further from the ear. The net result is ultimat comfort.
The sound quality is, unbelievable. Rich, tight base and sparkling highs, with a very open sound. They even make a $6 dollar transitor radio sound good. Oh, and they also fold up into a tiny bundle. They also have a lifetime guarantee that Koss will honor faithfully.
I actually found they put pressure ON the temples, maybe I had it set wrong or something - it's possible. Sound quality was OK but I would go pick the Sennheiser PX100 given the choice. But neither are in contention at this time.
Ever since I used my first over-the-ear headphone, there's no going back to any of the others 
I currently own 3.
Aiwa HP-223: By far the most comfortable of the 3, Lightweight, but quite big. Sound's ok, definitely not the best of the 3. They have a bit of trouble with bass, and the treble is a bit distorted. It not that bad, though. Definitely better than all the in-ears I've used. They are a dream on your ears. Extremely comfortable.
Stanton Dj Pro 60: The least comfortable (they don't go completely over the ear, unless you have a small head ) of the three, but the best sound quality of them all. Small, really light, and they only start bothering me after 4-5 hours. A quick readjustment and I'm good to go.
The third pair I have is by Jwin, but I can't remember the model. Here's a pic of me using these headphones. Not a really good pic, but it's the only one I've got right now. Durable as hell, and really comfy. They've been with me for 3 years now, and have withstanded downpours, rock climbing, rappel (all kinds, even down a waterfall) and they still work The sound quality's in between the other two.
Let us know how your Triport sounds and feels!
I currently own 3.
Aiwa HP-223: By far the most comfortable of the 3, Lightweight, but quite big. Sound's ok, definitely not the best of the 3. They have a bit of trouble with bass, and the treble is a bit distorted. It not that bad, though. Definitely better than all the in-ears I've used. They are a dream on your ears. Extremely comfortable.
Stanton Dj Pro 60: The least comfortable (they don't go completely over the ear, unless you have a small head
) of the three, but the best sound quality of them all. Small, really light, and they only start bothering me after 4-5 hours. A quick readjustment and I'm good to go.The third pair I have is by Jwin, but I can't remember the model. Here's a pic of me using these headphones. Not a really good pic, but it's the only one I've got right now. Durable as hell, and really comfy. They've been with me for 3 years now, and have withstanded downpours, rock climbing, rappel (all kinds, even down a waterfall) and they still work
The sound quality's in between the other two.Let us know how your Triport sounds and feels!
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I know it's a bit late, but I really, really like my Audio-Technica ATH-A900's. Great sound and oh so comfy, but a bit pricey. There's a picture at this Yahoo shopping link:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Audio-Technica ATH-A900 Headphones:1993413188
HTH
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Audio-Technica ATH-A900 Headphones:1993413188
HTH
Yeah - I thought about going back to Audio-Technicas but they're very heavy: The A900 tips the scales at 300g's and there was something about the A900's sound that I eventually found kind of rough after a while. And it was at that sort of point where I'd even trade some sound quality for something that sounded smoother. No sign of the Triports yet.
I think in terms of feel, I've found the perfect headphone. The Triports are fairly lightweight and they sit on the ear and my head in a way that I find hard to fault. They're fully circumaural, the pads cushion just enough to make the headphones 'disappear'.
Soundwise I'd agree with many of the reviews that the bass is overemphasised, but only if you're reviewing these in a cubicle, at home, etc. But - I've found this attribute very effective as a portable headphone, especially with iPods which have a slight bass reduction in any case. Apart from the bass I find the rest of the sound is harder to fault than I first thought. Treble and midrange clarity is fine for a headphone of this price, and it's obvious from the manual that the bass over-emphasis is actually designed in to the product bearing in mind its intended use as a semi-portable phone. And if you de-emphasise the bass using EQ, the Triport does a very creditable job even for home use.
I'm slightly dumbfounded as thinking myself an audiophile and checking out 'audiophile' websites I've got used to the disparaging comments against Bose. It's actually a fairly decent headphone.
I second the AKG K240 Studio headphones. Definitely the most comfortable and best sounding headphones I've ever used.
I have closed-back Audio-technica ATH-M40fs and absolutely love them.
Great sound balance, excellent freq range and they weigh 250g.
Great sound balance, excellent freq range and they weigh 250g.
I suppose it comes from embittered audionerds who have been browbeaten into the selection of Bose by their better halves over their choice of a more impressive looking (and not significantly better, although the difference in their head is a hundredfold) esoteric setup which they wanted
Nevertheless nothing Bose that I've tried or had has given me any major reason for complaint when used in the way it's intended to be. I think the Wave is OK for people who want that sort of thing. I agree there's better sounding, but in that mode of use it's more about the package. I prefer the UE-10Pros when flying but I've found the QC's to be very comfortable and pretty effective. The Triport isn't as incisive sounding as probably its nearest competitor - the Sennheiser HD25 - but it's a whole new world in terms of wearing comfort and is perfect for me for casual use.
Sidetrack here but as I've said many times before on this forum - although it's been more usually on the subject of Macs vs PC's - you might like to give something a fair shake before you trash it just because every other nerd around you does, because the chances are they they've never done that too. I've had other apparently intelligent, apparently decent people sending me hostile PM's because I speak from practical experience, I'm direct about it and that disagrees with their one-sided opinions - and I find it amusingly offensive
Nevertheless nothing Bose that I've tried or had has given me any major reason for complaint when used in the way it's intended to be. I think the Wave is OK for people who want that sort of thing. I agree there's better sounding, but in that mode of use it's more about the package. I prefer the UE-10Pros when flying but I've found the QC's to be very comfortable and pretty effective. The Triport isn't as incisive sounding as probably its nearest competitor - the Sennheiser HD25 - but it's a whole new world in terms of wearing comfort and is perfect for me for casual use.
Sidetrack here but as I've said many times before on this forum - although it's been more usually on the subject of Macs vs PC's - you might like to give something a fair shake before you trash it just because every other nerd around you does, because the chances are they they've never done that too. I've had other apparently intelligent, apparently decent people sending me hostile PM's because I speak from practical experience, I'm direct about it and that disagrees with their one-sided opinions - and I find it amusingly offensive
No,I actually like amazing sound.
BOSE is'nt terrible but far too expensive for what you get!
All right, which comfortable, circumaural, reasonably portable and isolated headphone would you recommend which sounds better than the Bose for less money?
Grado fan here! and yes I'm a Head-Fi member too..
I myself prefer the supra-aural over the circumaural headphones partly do to the smaller size. I feel like I got a football helment on me head with the cricumaurial headphones on. the supra-aural design is one of the things that make Grado sound so good or to the ones that prefer them. they are light weight and the headband is sturdy enough that it can be bent out and away from the ears to conform to your head if it's big or you have ears that are sensitive and tender. I myself prefer the tight fit but I am also one that prefer boots laced tight over comfy shoes worn loose. they also break in in time just like good shoes. all models except for the 60's(Soft pads) and 1000's come stock with Bowl pads. if your ears are small they will actually fit inside the Bowl pads. they can be washed and even replaced with 3 different Grado pads with varying comfort and SQ(Bowl, Flat & Soft pads). all 3 pads can be purchased from www.ttvj.com
the 60's sale for $69 and is one of the best reviewed headphones for making a headphone upgrade at it's price point. I have the 80's and the 225's. all Grado's are easily driven by an iPod for they are 32ohms yet a headphone amp will bring out the best in them. they are also open end headphones which I also prefer. SQ is suppose to be better with open end and they also allow me to hear things going on in the background. they come stock with nice heavy cabling instead of the flimsy cabling many headphones come with. the 60's and 80's come stock with a 1/8th Mini jack.
for a slightly different sound signature made by Grado there is also the Alessandro series. the MS1's are considered a very good headphone at $100.
Grado's are actually what turned me back into listening to headphones. they sound that good to me!
just 2 cents worth from a head-fi member..
I myself prefer the supra-aural over the circumaural headphones partly do to the smaller size. I feel like I got a football helment on me head with the cricumaurial headphones on. the supra-aural design is one of the things that make Grado sound so good or to the ones that prefer them. they are light weight and the headband is sturdy enough that it can be bent out and away from the ears to conform to your head if it's big or you have ears that are sensitive and tender. I myself prefer the tight fit but I am also one that prefer boots laced tight over comfy shoes worn loose. they also break in in time just like good shoes. all models except for the 60's(Soft pads) and 1000's come stock with Bowl pads. if your ears are small they will actually fit inside the Bowl pads. they can be washed and even replaced with 3 different Grado pads with varying comfort and SQ(Bowl, Flat & Soft pads). all 3 pads can be purchased from www.ttvj.com
the 60's sale for $69 and is one of the best reviewed headphones for making a headphone upgrade at it's price point. I have the 80's and the 225's. all Grado's are easily driven by an iPod for they are 32ohms yet a headphone amp will bring out the best in them. they are also open end headphones which I also prefer. SQ is suppose to be better with open end and they also allow me to hear things going on in the background. they come stock with nice heavy cabling instead of the flimsy cabling many headphones come with. the 60's and 80's come stock with a 1/8th Mini jack.
for a slightly different sound signature made by Grado there is also the Alessandro series. the MS1's are considered a very good headphone at $100.
Grado's are actually what turned me back into listening to headphones. they sound that good to me!
just 2 cents worth from a head-fi member..
I suppose it is just like a Head-Fi'er to recommend a totally open, pretty fragile, uncomfortable, supraaural headphone with huge cables when asking for a comfortable, circumaural, reasonably portable and isolated headphone
I suppose it is just like a Head-Fi'er to recommend a totally open, pretty fragile, uncomfortable, supraaural headphone with huge cables when asking for a comfortable, circumaural, reasonably portable and isolated headphone
open or closed was not a requirment in your original post, Grado's are far from fragile and sturdier than the Bose you ended up with
Grado's are very comfortable but that's a matter of opinion. the Bowl pads are thick and cushy and if ya got small ears they are circumaural. I do not think you even knew what circumaural or supra-aural even meant in your original post.
Grado's do not have huge cables, there's much larger but they do have very good built cables that can take a bit of abuse and much better than the ones on the Bose.
Grado's are very much as portable as the Bose! many use Grado's as portables. and Grado's have a much better SQ at a better price bracket than the Bose! but I forgot SQ was important to you.
me gonna sit back and enjoy me Grado 225's, HR MicroAmp and DAC connected to me iMac to watch a movie and then some music before bed. peace!
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It looks like you were responding to the post above, not my original post.
Not if the Grados I've had are any evidence to go by. They are pretty fragile headphones - I've had earcups literally drop off and the build quality on models like the RS-1 is very amateurish compared to the competition. It's not just the build quality that's suspect but the design that allows the phones to do stuff like drop off. The bowl pads are like sandpaper and they are in no way circumaural unless you're a pixie. Do you know what circumaural is? It means they go completely around the ear and no part of it sits on the ear. The Grado cable sleeves tear relatively easily and are over-stiff, and that combined with the length makes it less than manageable than even say an AKG K701 cable. As far as a casual use headphone goes, I can actually find a lot more issues to brood over with even on an SR80 than a Triport.
If I really want to listen, I have other systems - speaker based systems considerbly better than any headphone system can manage. If I have to, there are also other better-performing headphones (which I don't find as comfortable as the Triport) I can use.
open or closed was not a requirment in your original post, Grado's are far from fragile and sturdier than the Bose you ended up with
Not if the Grados I've had are any evidence to go by. They are pretty fragile headphones - I've had earcups literally drop off and the build quality on models like the RS-1 is very amateurish compared to the competition. It's not just the build quality that's suspect but the design that allows the phones to do stuff like drop off. The bowl pads are like sandpaper and they are in no way circumaural unless you're a pixie. Do you know what circumaural is? It means they go completely around the ear and no part of it sits on the ear. The Grado cable sleeves tear relatively easily and are over-stiff, and that combined with the length makes it less than manageable than even say an AKG K701 cable. As far as a casual use headphone goes, I can actually find a lot more issues to brood over with even on an SR80 than a Triport.
If I really want to listen, I have other systems - speaker based systems considerbly better than any headphone system can manage. If I have to, there are also other better-performing headphones (which I don't find as comfortable as the Triport) I can use.