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    Looking for the Ultimate Headphone for watching Blu-Ray movies

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by hendra, Jan 21, 2008.

  1. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    I am looking for headphones that is best suited for watching Blu-Ray movies. Right now I am using Sony Earphones that just doesn't cut it. I want headphones that sounds as close as possible as a home theater system. I rent a tiny room in a house shared with other people so having a big screen TV with home theater speakers is not an option. My only way of watching movies is by using my laptop.
    Requirements:
    1. Corded only.
    2. No headset is needed. This is purely for watching movies and not for video conference or making phone call.
    3. NO Noise Canceling feature. I don't like the feeling in my ears when using noise canceling headphones.
    4. NO Canalphones like this
    [​IMG]
    I don't like to use headphones that take extra effort to put in my ears and possibly dangerous if the rubber comes off and stuck in my ear canals.
    4. Light weight and must feel very comfortable in my ears.
    5. Straight forward to use. Just plug it in to the headphone jack. Further adjustment should be made by WinDVD or PowerDVD software player.
    6. Budget is under $250.
     
  2. MICHAELSD01

    MICHAELSD01 Apple/Alienware Master

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    It would help if you posted your budget.
     
  3. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have updated my original thread. Budget is under $250.
     
  4. MICHAELSD01

    MICHAELSD01 Apple/Alienware Master

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    A lot of people might call this overpriced, but based on the reviews it's worth every penny and includes some impressive technologies.
    http://alienware.com/GearShop_Pages/Gear_Shop_Detail.aspx?ItemId=13930&CatId=1437

    Reviews:
    http://nerdapproved.com/audio/review-alienware-ozma-7-headphones/

    Advanced S-Logic™ Surround Sound Technology
    S-Logic™ prevents sound from becoming locked in and makes it seem broad and detached. Directions and distances can be heard and perceived - just like being in a live concert.

    Safer Hearing
    The Ozma 7 headphones are easy on the ears: The S-Logic™ Natural Surround Sound System allows an up to 40% lower dB output (3-4 dB) for the same loudness sensation, thereby reducing the risk of hearing loss.

    Reduced Magnetic Field Emissions
    The Ozma 7 Headphones have strongly reduced radiation. With LE (Low Emission), these headphones offer a 60% reduction in comparison with ordinary headphones. They are certified and recommended by Technical Surveillance Organizations and Consumer Advice Centers with certified low magnetic field emissions.

    Character
    These superior headphones are developed from the studio sector and are distinguished by a frequency response especially tuned for DVD. Movie and music enthusiasts are overwhelmed by extraordinary sound that makes it seem as though you are listening to speakers meters away from your head. Demanding PC gamers also appreciate the Ozma 7 Headphones because of the impressive three-dimensional sound effects.

    "The Ozma 7 headphones feature pleasantly boosted bass that's terrific for playing games, watching movies, and listening to music." - Maximum PC

    "The set's sound quality is stellar -- crisp and sharp as a Ginsu knife." - PC Gamer
     
  5. M1530

    M1530 Notebook Evangelist

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    Check out shure headphones
     
  6. r1n7r4h

    r1n7r4h Notebook Guru

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    Shure's are out because OP doesn't want canalphones, therefore I'm assuming he wouldn't want ones that go even deeper.

    I'd recommend the Sennheiser HD595s which you can get for $150+ shipping from Sarjo Distributions, who is a great seller btw.

    Or you could go for the Ultrasone Prolines, same thing as the Alienware Ozmas, but beware of the less than spectacular durability with their headbands. Maybe, I am just rough with them but my Sennheisers and Audio Technicas have lasted longer.
     
  7. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    There are hundreds of good headphones out there; for a true theater like experience I recommend a Circumaural headphone (that has large pads surrounding the whole ear). They might not be very portable, but ideal for watching movies.
     
  8. PJ@y-Z

    PJ@y-Z Notebook Evangelist

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    Go for Sennheiser HD595/HD555 ;)
    But you should buy a good soundcard !
     
  9. mawk

    mawk Notebook Guru

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    Amazon has the Senn. HD600 for $269. They don't really qualify as light weight but they are comfortable and this is a great deal. You can drive them from the headphone port on your laptop, but as PJ@y-Z said get a good USB soundcard w/ amp as soon as your budget allows.
     
  10. PJ@y-Z

    PJ@y-Z Notebook Evangelist

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    HD580/600/650 need to more power and laptop soundcards can't drive them !
    cuz they've 300 ohm impedance (compared to 555/595 which have 50 ohm) and need to a decent amp !

    And HD650 has better SQ than 580/600, so it isn't worth to buy HD600 ;)

    EMU 0404 USB has good SQ, but id you want an expresscard soundcard, go for X-Fi Xtreme audio which is cheaper .
     
  11. Woodgypsy

    Woodgypsy Notebook Evangelist

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    HD600 will need an amp. For use with laptop, things that came to my mind are..

    Senheiser HD555/595
    Audio Technica ATH-AD700 / ATH-A900
    Denon AH-D1000
    Goldring DR150

    I find they are all very comfortable to wear (something that cannot be said for, say, Grado), and can be had under 200$

    For you, I think AH-D1000 is a good choice - it is relatively lightweight (not full-sized like other ones), very comfortable to wear, and have a good overall sound quality. It does look bit cheap, though.
     
  12. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    I'd suggest the HD595's. Although even with those, I'd go for a sound card, the one thats built into your laptop isn't going to be as good as an external one. With phones like the HD595's then It'd be a shame to not have a decent sound card.
     
  13. Orlando Guy

    Orlando Guy Notebook Consultant

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    The Bose I have go around the entire ear and are amazing for movies. Great bass response and just sound intense. I believe they are around 200.