Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 13 Moderators Share Posted June 13 hello stereonet brains trust, my soon to be teenager daughter, has ben using a closed back pair of headphones for some years now. our neighbour actually gave her thee they look like a tandy/realitic affair but actually quite good and been good for her. but extensive use during covid home schooling and use at home pretty much used them up - wore them out... so now bit touch and go. So with her 13th birthday coming up we are thinking of getting her a set of headphones, she is using or now our sennheisser HD414SL which she seems to like ... but not closed back.... which she really wants. ive been into headphones many years but all open back so none the wiser on closed designs... given a birthday present want to give her something decent.... but not over the top...rugged .... but she is a girl ! so not too utilitarian...not too heavy...not too delicate.. Has to be easy to drive phones as they will feed off mostly off her phone 3.5mm socket, iPad or our MacBook pros. so this is very important that they are phones that can work off these devices... not wireless or noise cancelling anything like that price around $250... so please no suggestions way beyond that unless they are on special or someone is flogging a set for that sort of money... what are some good suggestions, some brands coming to mind for me in closed back are sony, denon, beyerdynamic ? anything in sennheiser ? down want any beats or anything like that paying for the brand suggestions please... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davewantsmoore 6,468 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 beyerdynamic dt 770 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
anandpkumar 285 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 how about an audio technical M40x/M50x? Both can be had new for well within your budget. The M50x if she prefers more bassy music, and M40x for a more neutral sound. I have the M40x, and would highly recommend it for the price paid (approx $150) 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,109 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 (edited) Budget? Edited; sorry, missed that.... These are used by Peofessional DJ all over the world, super robust and can go ear damaging levels my son has a pair. https://www.storedj.com.au/sennheiser-hd25-classic-dj-and-monitoring-headphones-w-1-5m-cable-and-90-degree-plug Edited June 13 by Addicted to music Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bengineer 501 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 How important are the looks part? Most suggestions aren't exactly pretty headphones. Meze 99 is fairly trendy looking and worth considering? Oppo PM3 too. The new AKG 371, just a bit boring looks though Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Irek 541 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 I would actually suggest to let her choose in a shop. The external design and how comfortably they are might be more important than anything else. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 13 Author Moderators Share Posted June 13 is that the oppo itrek ? thank you all for suggestions already, will be sure to check out all options suggested most important is easy to drive so works with iPhone/ipad/macbook pro and such budget around $250 so bit lower or bit higher is fine but doesnt mean $500 doesnt have to be too trendy looking or flashy or fashion statement or anything. some looks are good .... and utilitarian is just fine, no need to be rugged or anything Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,109 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 7 minutes ago, Irek said: I would actually suggest to let her choose in a shop. The external design and how comfortably they are might be more important than anything else. Good idea, let her decide on what she wants, let her try out like places at JB.... however not a good time due to C19 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 13 Author Moderators Share Posted June 13 5 minutes ago, Addicted to music said: let her decide on what she wants, let her try out like places at JB.... however not a good time due to C19 definitely will do but good to know some options and indeed covid is creating an obstacle eg usual places like addicted to audio are not allowing demos...well they weren't a little while ago... jb likely more amenable... though not sure how well covered for range,, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moikel 69 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 Another vote for M50x my son loved his so much that when he eventually wore them out after years of music and gaming [you can hardly kill them with a stick] I took him to Minidisc and let him try everything under $400. He picked another pair of M50x, they come in red and white too. That said those Oppos look very cool, I used to have their PM3, which were excellent, still one of my faves. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 13 Author Moderators Share Posted June 13 14 minutes ago, Moikel said: Another vote for M50x my son loved his so much that when he eventually wore them out after years of music and gaming [you can hardly kill them with a stick] I took him to Minidisc and let him try everything under $400. He picked another pair of M50x, they come in red and white too. That said those Oppos look very cool, I used to have their PM3, which were excellent, still one of my faves. thats good feedback from a youngn and appreciate. i like that these fold up. jb sells them as well. will definitely check out... with what ever else can including other suggestions here Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pete_mac 3,877 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 The Audio Technica ATH-M50X are a good thing... I’ve used them for listening as well as DJing and they sound lovely. They were $149 at JB last week for one day only (40% off) - bugger that you missed it! These are supposedly a nice sounding pair of closed back headphones too, with a more modern aesthetic. I’ve been tempted to try a pair, but I have a pair of Sennheiser HD25s too and don’t really need a third pair right now. $100 off the normal price below: https://www.storedj.com.au/audio-technica-ath-pro7x-premium-professional-dj-headphones-black 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Benje 814 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 @betty boop I have a pair of white OPPO PM-3 in very good condition. They aren't getting used but I haven't gotten around to listing them. If they sound the go, I'll send you some pics. Benje 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deafenears 64 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 10 hours ago, Irek said: I would actually suggest to let her choose in a shop Don't let her do that, she might actually set her eyes on something like the Focal Stellia Oppo PM-3 in white or red seems like a good suggestion to me. Currently listed for $350 and usually goes on sale for $299 so could probably bargain to that. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Irek 541 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 (edited) Edited June 13 by Irek Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 13 Author Moderators Share Posted June 13 8 hours ago, pete_mac said: The Audio Technica ATH-M50X are a good thing... I’ve used them for listening as well as DJing and they sound lovely. They were $149 at JB last week for one day only (40% off) - bugger that you missed it! These are supposedly a nice sounding pair of closed back headphones too, with a more modern aesthetic. I’ve been tempted to try a pair, but I have a pair of Sennheiser HD25s too and don’t really need a third pair right now. $100 off the normal price below: https://www.storedj.com.au/audio-technica-ath-pro7x-premium-professional-dj-headphones-black Hehe always way isn’t it ! her cabs should have packed in last week ! Anyways about month for her birthday So have some time to choose 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter the Greek 1,305 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 MX50 in my opinion. They were my pick for our daughter, but I decided the Bose QC 35s as they're just so darn comfortable. Cant stretch an extra $100? ....admittedly, we got ours with Qantas points 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deafenears 64 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 Stretch it a bit more... Focal Elegia... will last her all the way through University... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 13 Author Moderators Share Posted June 13 9 hours ago, pete_mac said: The Audio Technica ATH-M50X are a good thing... I’ve used them for listening as well as DJing and they sound lovely. They were $149 at JB last week for one day only (40% off) - bugger that you missed it! I think that sort of cleared out JB our local scorptec does seem to the the ST m50x so might wander down to check out. not sure they demo etc but will check. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pete_mac 3,877 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 46 minutes ago, betty boop said: I think that sort of cleared out JB our local scorptec does seem to the the ST m50x so might wander down to check out. not sure they demo etc but will check. Yeah, they went quickly!! I bought a pair last year when they had the identical one-day sale, and manged 45% off after applying an emailed 5% off voucher to the main discount. I've been very happy! The 40X are supposedly not far off the performance of the 50X. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,109 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 If I were to go to JB checking out headphones, I’d be taking alcohol wipes with me, Use it b4 and after... Too many unknowns, rather know that I’ve done the precautions than be sorry... A packet of Coles brand disinfectant wipes I picked up for $2,50 and are in a reusable seal.... Headphones are way to personal to be trying out right now... Hence the reason why ATA has stopped all auditions and good on them... you may need to call them to see if they have relaxed... Everything else you touch with your hands and then you can either use sanitisers or wash them thoroughly, when people place items like headphones close to areas of infection, no thanks . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 14 Author Moderators Share Posted June 14 25 minutes ago, Addicted to music said: If I were to go to JB checking out headphones, I’d be taking alcohol wipes with me, Use it b4 and after... Too many unknowns, rather know that I’ve done the precautions than be sorry... A packet of Coles brand disinfectant wipes I picked up for $2,50 and are in a reusable seal.... Headphones are way to personal to be trying out right now... Hence the reason why ATA has stopped all auditions and good on them... you may need to call them to see if they have relaxed... Everything else you touch with your hands and then you can either use sanitisers or wash them thoroughly, when people place items like headphones close to areas of infection, no thanks . Yeah that is difficulty right now quite possible Jb won’t allow trying out in any case. oppo are discontinued ? It seems not sure can demo anymore ...the at50x and OPPO seem most ideal contenders. Both good in styling vs rugged ie not fiddly bits break off or too flashy from all reviews have Seen at more forward the OPPO likely more down the middle ... either seem good with iOS devices ... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deafenears 64 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 53 minutes ago, betty boop said: oppo are discontinued ? It seems not sure can demo anymore ...the at50x and OPPO seem most ideal contenders. Yeah, Oppo got out of the audio and headphones business. Drop purchased some of the Oppo PM IP and have developed the Drop + THX panda - same drivers as the PM-3 with different tuning. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Benje 814 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 Betty If you were in Adelaide, you could borrow my PM-3. You mention pairing with an iphone. I also have an OPPO HA-2 Dac/Headphone-amp. It does high res, even DSD. I could load up a DSF file on my iphone (which does take up a lot of space, so it isn't really tht great an idea), use the Onkyo HF Player app on my iphone, connect the iphone to the dac with a lightining to USB-A connector, plug the headphones into the HA-2 and there you have it - DSD from the phone to the headphones. The HA-2 is about the same size as an iphone SE or iphone 6. Jin the two with the oppo rubber bands (supplied) and voila an amazing player. It is overkill though. Neither received much use despite how good they are. I have Nuraloops now as well. Benje 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 14 Author Moderators Share Posted June 14 14 minutes ago, Benje said: Betty If you were in Adelaide, you could borrow my PM-3. You mention pairing with an iphone. I also have an OPPO HA-2 Dac/Headphone-amp. It does high res, even DSD. I could load up a DSF file on my iphone (which does take up a lot of space, so it isn't really tht great an idea), use the Onkyo HF Player app on my iphone, connect the iphone to the dac with a lightining to USB-A connector, plug the headphones into the HA-2 and there you have it - DSD from the phone to the headphones. The HA-2 is about the same size as an iphone SE or iphone 6. Jin the two with the oppo rubber bands (supplied) and voila an amazing player. It is overkill though. Neither received much use despite how good they are. I have Nuraloops now as well. Benje certainly appreciate the offer Benje ! unfortunately melbourne way ! the HA2 sounds a very good thing too ! its all a bit sad oppo exited making such good stuff ! the PM3 and the HA2 am sure an ideal match for someone ! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kaynin 3,690 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 JB auditioning is ridiculous. You can’t see the amp or source. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 14 Author Moderators Share Posted June 14 30 minutes ago, Kaynin said: JB auditioning is ridiculous. You can’t see the amp or source. in this case we'd only just plug into our iPhone... so that sorts amp and source not that jb seems an option with the AT phones. not sure what else they have to check out, but will plan a visit there Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kaynin 3,690 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 25 minutes ago, betty boop said: in this case we'd only just plug into our iPhone... so that sorts amp and source not that jb seems an option with the AT phones. not sure what else they have to check out, but will plan a visit there Can you plug their headphones in to your phone in the JB store? I didn't think you could, which was my main point, but happy to be corrected. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 14 Author Moderators Share Posted June 14 6 minutes ago, Kaynin said: Can you plug their headphones in to your phone in the JB store? I didn't think you could, which was my main point, but happy to be corrected. why not ? do they have some sort of policy on that ? the demoing would be pointless otherwise ? we just want to know how works on the phone plenty of hifi specialist stores that sells phones too. not sure any selling AT given strong contender not sure how many are demoing phones either.... could be like addicted to audio who aren't doing that right now.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kaynin 3,690 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 (edited) 16 minutes ago, betty boop said: why not ? What I recall is that the headphones are "built in" to their display boards and you have two knobs to select the volume and tracks. I don't recall you being able to get a pair and plug them in to anything else. I absolutely felt it was pointless...to the initiated that is...most people wouldn't gerry that when using your phone they could perform or sound different. I'll be interested to see how you go, things may have changed, or this set-up may have be the one store I went to. EDIT: Like this - the headphone termination went behind the display so you couldn't hook anything up to them - Edited June 14 by Kaynin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 14 Author Moderators Share Posted June 14 1 hour ago, Kaynin said: What I recall is that the headphones are "built in" to their display boards and you have two knobs to select the volume and tracks. I don't recall you being able to get a pair and plug them in to anything else. I absolutely felt it was pointless...to the initiated that is...most people wouldn't gerry that when using your phone they could perform or sound different. agree kaynin, that would be pointless. am due a jb run next week with a few discs coming out. i might check out see what the go is, see what range is etc. dont really want to take my daughter in waste our time and yeah if we are not testing with her phone see it a bit pointless as gives no idea really what sound like on her phone. I'll see next week the computer / band shops too as some of them sell a few of the phones we are talking here. though realise most of these tend to not have demo stock tend to be packaged up on display or in the store. and if you want you buy. forget about trying to demo. anyways will do some exploring in the next week, see whats out there in the suggestions made. what can check out etc. appreciate the heads up as have probably saved a wasted visit with daughter into JB. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,109 Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 Just remembered. id checked out the AT50x at JB a while ago and yeh on a iPhone5 that had a 3.5mm jack... sounded really good and was about to buy a pair. Then I thought about going wireless, the Sony MX3 1000 that’s so popular are very different, the Bose are different again. Was also looking at the AT900 but I can’t seem to be able to allowed to sync with the iPhone. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
anandpkumar 285 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 On 14/06/2020 at 10:13 AM, pete_mac said: Yeah, they went quickly!! I bought a pair last year when they had the identical one-day sale, and manged 45% off after applying an emailed 5% off voucher to the main discount. I've been very happy! The 40X are supposedly not far off the performance of the 50X. +1 for the AT M40x. I have these and have been using them for around 3 years with very little sign of wear. Rugged and built to last. I have also heard the M50x a few times, and personally prefer the M40x since they sound a bit more neutral - the M50x is a bit more bass heavy. You can't go wrong with either for the price 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mightygrey 64 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 These are a great option for what you've described: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-meze-99-noir-closed-back-headphones 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blybo 4,611 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 Sennheiser Momentum. Easy to drive, nice bass but not overpowering, cool looks, very comfortable. Series 2 folds up too. I only sold my series 1 to go wireless when I went to the iPhone X https://en-au.sennheiser.com/momentum-m2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 15 Author Moderators Share Posted June 15 3 minutes ago, blybo said: Sennheiser Momentum. Easy to drive, nice bass but not overpowering, cool looks, very comfortable. Series 2 folds up too. I only sold my series 1 to go wireless when I went to the iPhone X https://en-au.sennheiser.com/momentum-m2 certainly like to try them out. wonder if can find them in budget aoudad $250 mark Quote Link to post Share on other sites
626tomp 12 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 16 minutes ago, betty boop said: certainly like to try them out. wonder if can find them in budget aoudad $250 mark Not quite $250, but can get a 30% student discount for sennheiser on their website if you're registered on unidays. Just need a valid school email and you should be good to go. Should also apply to other headphones, haven't checked. My experience is as long as its not already on sale it tends to work. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moderators betty boop 15,731 Posted June 15 Author Moderators Share Posted June 15 56 minutes ago, 626tomp said: Not quite $250, but can get a 30% student discount for sennheiser on their website if you're registered on unidays. Just need a valid school email and you should be good to go. Should also apply to other headphones, haven't checked. My experience is as long as its not already on sale it tends to work. oh thats awesome !!! I study on the side myself registered with a uni days so will most definitely check out. thanks for headsup ! will definitely explore to be honest she is quite happy with the sennheiser sound just a closed back is needed. so this makes a very good option Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oldf%$ker 42 Posted June 15 Share Posted June 15 You did not specify over ear or on ear so I will throw these into the mix; https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Beyerdynamic-T51i-Portable-Hi-Fi-Headphone-/283112397573?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10 ON sale at the Australian Distributor for Beyerdynamic. They come with a sweet case as well. I have owned them and will probably buy them again. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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