Headphones for MP3 player

Rob C · December-12th-2004, 05:37 PM

I want to get some relatively inexpensive (because I tend to break them) headphones for my Nomad MP3 player. My primary considerations are cost and portability (in other words, I'm not going to get Grados to use on the bus to and from work). I just want the best sound quality I can get in those parameters.

I've got my eye on the newish Apple iPod in-ear headphones. They are supposed to sound pretty good and block out noise. But before I pull the trigger, or rather, ask my wife to do so for Xmas, I thought I'd look here for suggestions. Anybody got any?

Thanks....

vibes · December-12th-2004, 05:56 PM

Sony MDREX51's or MDREX71's are in-ear headphones that sound great and don't cost a ton. They block a lot of sound, almost as much as noise-canceling headphones. You can find them at most Best Buy stores.

gnhrtg · December-13th-2004, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vibes

Sony MDREX51's or MDREX71's are in-ear headphones that sound great and don't cost a ton. They block a lot of sound, almost as much as noise-canceling headphones. You can find them at most Best Buy stores.

They do block external sound but deliver weaker bass compared to decent (and cheaper) more traditional earphones - thought the latter do not block nearly as much noise. I have both and use the in-ear's in subways or when wandering on crowded main streets.

Nefertiti · December-13th-2004, 04:48 AM

I'm very satisfied with the Sennheiser MX500 earbuds, which sound extremely well for the price ($20).

vibes · December-13th-2004, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnhrtg

They do block external sound but deliver weaker bass compared to decent (and cheaper) more traditional earphones - thought the latter do not block nearly as much noise. I have both and use the in-ear's in subways or when wandering on crowded main streets.

This is natural, since the driver in these earbuds is much smaller than what you would get with traditional headphones. That said, these earbuds deliver more bass than any other earbuds I've heard, and are probably the best you can get for under $50.

mjb · December-17th-2004, 02:26 PM

For some reason that I probably do not want to know, I cannot ewear in-ear buds - they always fall out.

My walkabout MPs litening set are the Koss Porta-Pro ...

Pete C · December-19th-2004, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjb

For some reason that I probably do not want to know, I cannot ewear in-ear buds - they always fall out.

My walkabout MPs litening set are the Koss Porta-Pro ...

I've been using them for years, but they're no good at noise canceling.

mjb · December-20th-2004, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete C

I've been using them for years, but they're no good at noise canceling.

I did not realise that noise canceling was a requirement ... I just got a pair of these Philips HN050 ... quite effective for the money (about $50)

Boris Badenov · March-9th-2005, 07:13 PM

mjb -

Are you still pleased with the Phillips? I'm starting to travel more and my otherwise lovely Sennheiser open-ears are (unsurprisingly) no damn good at blocking out jet engine noise.

clarke68 · March-9th-2005, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob C

in other words, I'm not going to get Grados to use on the bus to and from work.

I was gonna say Grado SR-60s until I read that line. What's your budget? They retail for $69, are super easy to drive (so they sound great with portables), lightweight, fairly tough, and their funky, retro looks discourage theft. Widely regarded as some of the best headphones in the world under $100. What's not to like?

-- Edit --
I just saw this thread was started last December. Well...I hope you're enjoying whatever Santa brought you!

Rob C · March-10th-2005, 10:50 AM

Thanks. I ended up getting the Sony MDREX51 earbuds. They sound pretty good (I actually think the bass is swell, but the midrange and higher frequencies break up and "crackle" a little sometimes), but they are fantastic in that they really do block out a lot of noise, which is key for me in that I mostly use them on the bus or el train.

One day I may break down and get some Grados, though.

mjb · March-10th-2005, 07:20 PM

Boris ... I am still liking the Philips. Noise cancellation is on/off though I assume that is typical. I have to be careful walking around downtown Toronto and have the volume quite low. Comfortable and good sound and they keep me ears warm.

FIrst time on a plane with them tomorrow ...

Boris Badenov · March-10th-2005, 11:48 PM

mjb -

Thanks. If you would be so kind as to post your impressions of how they do on the plane, I'd be grateful.

mjb · March-11th-2005, 07:28 AM

bb

wilco

mjb · March-16th-2005, 09:25 AM

Well, they were pretty darned good. The sound is generally good and doing the on/off comparison didn't seem to materially affect the quality.

The engines noise and other cabin distractions were substantially reduced while it was still easy to be aware of on-board announcements.

Really makes me want to try expensive headphones to see how much better they are!

Boris Badenov · March-18th-2005, 09:27 AM

Thanks, I'll probably grab a pair.

Ron Thorne · September-6th-2005, 11:53 PM

I've owned and enjoyed Sennheiser and Grado products for over four decades, and just added another pair of Sennheiser headphones to our "arsenal". I did substantial research before choosing these phones, despite my affinity for Sennheiser products.

Having acquired a 40GB iPod earlier this year, I was interested to find headphones which would faithfully reproduce the fidelity of recordings and yet not be too unweildy. My Grado SR-60 and SR-80 phones sound amazing, as do my Sennheiser HD-414's, but they're not really practical for travel.

Enter the Sennheiser PX-100 foldable mini headphones. I just received ours today, and am very impressed on many levels. They appear to be very ruggedly built, with almost as much metal as plastic in their construction. They're warranted for 2 full years.

They sound terrific, with Sennheiser's usual transparent highs, punchy mids and astounding bass response, especially for their size. They fold up into a very compact package, ensconced in a protective hard plastic travel case. Cost (with FREE S&H) from Amazon.com $44.99. While I found them for as little as $35.00 elsewhere, they weren't always the "bargain" advertised after the S&H was added.

For a more complete overview and rather extensive review, click here.

Nefertiti · September-7th-2005, 03:12 AM

I have the similarly built (but closed) Sennheiser PX200. While I generally like the sound (powerful bass and smooth treble), the frequency response depends a lot on the postion of the headphones on the ears. The folding is also a bit of a hassle because of the cables.