Recommend me some headphones

Headphones for traveling. I have been flying a lot, and sometimes on small planes (two isles, one has one seat, the other has two), which are incredibly loud. I like to listen to music when I'm flying but the iPod earbuds don't have enough noise cancellation, but if I turn the volume too loud, it hurts my ear.

Anyone have any recommendations for traveling? Comfort and noise cancellation are most important. Sound quality comes next as I will be using them for everyday use. Compactability is not an issue as I usually have lots of room in my bag, but compact is good. Must not need batteries.

Another thing, I want something with a retractable cord/cable. I don't want 10 feet of cable dangling between my head and my laptop all the time.

I don't mind buying used or refurbished. And let's say the budget is $150, but I'm willing to go higher for good headphones.

 

It would help to know if prefer in-ear headphones (or IEM) or on-ear headphones, what kind of sound you like, and how much importance you put in aesthetics.

Some headphone suggestions:
-AKG K81DJ
-AKG K181DJ
-Creative Aurvana Live!
-Sony MDR-V6
-Brainwavz HM5
-Audio Technica M50
-Sennheiser HD25-1 II $200

Some IEMs:
-Etymotic Research MC3
-Etymotic Research HF5
-Shure SE215

Try to avoid anything made by Bose or Skullcandy, and anything that is endorsed by a celebrity.

 

Audio Technica M50s are absolutely stunning. There's one that has a curly cord(like the old school telephones) that you may be interested in. It has a passive noise cancelling because it covers the entire ear.

Here's a picture:

 

In ear or over the ear. I'm very picky about sound, and I have tried lots of headphones and speakers, none of them match my taste. Basically if I can't adjust the EQ, it's not a matter of how much I like it, it's a matter of how much I can stand it.

I usually look for a sound of what I describe as "transparent." If you Youtube Victor Wooten's Amazing Grace, you'll know what I'm talking about (or any song from Bela Fleck & The Flecktone's album Live At The Quick).

Good looking headphones are always a plus, but definitely not a requirement.

 

+1 for the AT M50's. get the corded version if u don't need the extra length. i was impatient and went with the straight cord version, and regret it dearly. the wire is so long u could almost jump rope with it.

as far as IEM's, u can get the Ultimate Ears Triplefi 10's for a little over $150. once in a blue moon, they'll dip into the $100 price range which is a definite steal. those are the CTS-V's of IEM's.

 

Phillips Oniell, "The Stretch," they cancel lots of noise, are comfortable, have great sound, and the cord detaches at the headphones. And they are not very expensive.

 

In that case, you should probably avoid the M50. You'll probably find the MDRV6 and HM5 to be tolerable. Your best bet is to go to a Guitar Center / Radio Shack / headphone store and try as many as you can.

 

The ATH-M50 are a bit 'colored' If you want something that is flat and balanced then you should check out the KRK KNS 8400 they are actually more comfortable than the M50 and they isolate better. IMO they aren't as fun to listen to, but they seem to be more flat. You should be able to find them at a local music shop.

Note that the website I linked to will price match, and they offer their 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee even if you price match. I've ordered multiple items from them and they are very good to deal with.

 

If you want something flatter, the Shure 440 is also a possibility, but they are the most uncomfortable headphone i've ever tried and i prefer the "colored" signature of the M50, i wouldn't do any audio work with the M50 (the mids are slightly recessed and the bass isn't as tight as it could be), but they are fun to listen to (for me at least). YMMV. The Shure 840 get thrown around more often as a recommendation since they are much more comfortable than the 440.

I also got a pair of HD25-1 II which i use for when i'm on the move, they are smaller, lighter, sound quality is good and they isolate well for on ear headphones. I've seen the aiaiai TMA-1 thrown around as a portable headphone recommendation as well, but i have no experience with them.

EDIT: Oh and those who think the M50 are build like a tank, you haven't see the HD25-1 II, while the plastic has a more "raw" feel to it, the HD25-1 II feel like the type of headphone you can just throw in your backpack and not worry about them. I don't have the same feeling about the M50, don't get me wrong they feel well built, but the HD25-1 II just feel more sturdy.

In the end, you need to try the headphones, especially if you want for on the go, the 440 for example benefit form an AMP even if they don't need one to be driven properly. Load your portable music player with your favorite tracks as well as at least one track of every genre you listen to and fire it away on those headphones. Finding the one you like the most will be much more easier that way, sound is something very subjective, i have friends who do not like the sound signature of my M50 and HD25-1 II for example.

There are so many choices available, you'll likely want to shoot yourself because it won't be an easy decision. One last thing, nothing isolates as well as IEMs, but not everyone finds them comfortable, I for one can't stand IEMs.

 

In my opinion the M50 are more comfortable than the SRH840 and they sound better. To me the 840 seemed veiled in a different way. They weren't terrible, but not as fun as the M50. I probably would have chosen the 840 over the KRK KNS 8400 because the KRK are more forward, and I don't really enjoy that signature.

 

Ultrasone HFI 780

Amazon.com: Ultrasone HFI-780 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Headphones: Electronics

 

I also have the Ultrasone HFI-780's. They don't seem to be as good of build quality as the M50. The highs on them are more harsh too. I enjoy the M50 more, but the 780's do sound good.

 

The Ultrasone does look a little flimsy. Anyway, I'll get the M50 and check it out. If I don't like it I can always return it.

 

I listen to a lot of DMB (mainly tapes of shows, now that tour season is upon us), and the crossover with the Flecktones is natural, so I listen to them too. I would recommend the M50s. I bought them maybe two years ago, and have loved them ever since.

I would recommend, if you can, going on Amazon or finding the best deal. I got mine for $50.

 

I spent about 20 hours researching IEMs on head-fi.org a few months ago so I feel quite qualified to give you my advice on IEMs.

I wanted a warm and sweet sound that is accurate yet leaning towards the low-end. After looking at dozens of models and reading a myriad of reviews until my head hurt, I went with the JVC FTX90. It has a great build quality, a quite thick and sturdy cord, and a lively and warm sound that is well-balanced. I really noticed the quality of these IEMs, however, while listening to Adele. I literally felt like I was live in-concert! The sound separation was great, as it is clearly expressed on some of Drake's tracks as well. This IEM actually made me listen to a lot of artists that I wouldn't normally listen to because it can produce such a nice sound. Although isolation isn't spectacular, it is a bit above average. One thing to note is that the type of tips you use greatly affect sound quality and isolation.

Since you are going to be on a loud plane, I'd say these FTX90s could do the job quite well if you don't mind a slight bit of background noise. When I listen to these while on the train (and they get loud as hell here in Chicago), I could still hear some noise however it was far from overpowering my music. At a cost of $120, it is truly one of the best values out there. It sucks that it is only sold in Japan though.

Otherwise, here are some good IEMs with great isolation that fit your budget (better than the FXT90):

HiSoundAudio Crystal
Etymotic Research HF5 w/ ACS Custom Tips
Fischer Audio SBA-03
Fischer Audio DBA-02
Yamaha EPH100

 

You can always re-terminate the cable at a length you would prefer. If you don't have the soldering tools and knowledge then you could send it my way, I've got all the plugs and supplies needed to do it, and have done it many many times.

Shoot me a PM if anyone is interested in having me do some solder work for them.

 

I have the M50s, Klipsch S4 and Ultimate Ears. Ultimate Ears wins hands down but also the most expensive.