Group Test: Koss UR-18, Kossart i40, Sennheiser HD201,

Sony MDR-CD280, Sony MDR-XD200

Welcome to the first headphonedeals.org, group test. Today, it’s the low key, ipod budget choices, the pocket money headphones. Not to damn them with faint praise, some perform very well, some are just average, and some aren’t really worth you handing over your hard earned cash, to be fair.

So why This five?

The main reason is that after I feel for the Kossart iPro headphones, I was then dying to get my hands on the i40. Bigger, more comfortable, and I also wanted to see whether the new boy could cut it against the establishment. Koss, Sennheiser and Sony are old timers, each with a proven rack record, but the Kossarts are trying to make a name for themselves, and I think that you need to sit up and take notice, because the i40’s are good, very, very good.

So I already have the i40’s, The Koss UR-18’s are new to me. I like the Koss Porta pro headphones, it’s just a shame that they aren’t quite up there with equivalent (PX100) Sennheiser headphones, but still the Koss Porta pro have a huge following. The UR-18’s are light and comfy, not comfortable, but just comfy.

The Sennheiser HD201, have name a good name for itself as well, and with fairly good reason. Out of the five, the HD201’s have the most reassuring build quality, reassuring, not best build quality. But believe me, in this group that’s not hard to do. The HD201’s have been around for 320 years, and to be fair, good though they are, it is time for change.

The Sony MDR-XD200’s aren’t exactly new, but they haven’t really made the same name for themselves as the HD201’s. They aren’t the prettiest headphones you’ll ever own either. The biggest surprise however is the weight, because there isn’t any. Although they are one of the biggest headphones …..ever, they weight nothing. They’re so light, you’ll have to tie them down when you’re not using them, just in case a rapid movement of air should carry these away.

But, the Sony MDR-XD200’s has a little trick up their sleeves, in the way of a little switch under each ear cup. The buttons give you the choice of ‘Music’ or ‘Movies’. As far as I can tell, this firms up and deepens the bass, but the difference seems to be so minor, that the average user (me) will struggle to tell the difference, in the real world.

The Sony MDR-CD280, have you heard of them before? I didn’t until a trip to ebay. Oh sure, amazon.co.uk has them, as does etronics.com, I think, but they’re hardly a well-known headphone, even among Sony it would seem. Yes, they can’t wait to tell you about their Sony Bluetooth headphones, or the Sony noise-cancelling range, but the poor ol’ CD280’s are left on the shelf, quite literally. To be honest that’s a shame, because I love them. Comfortable? Absolutely perfect!

So how do they sound?

I’ll start with a British group from the 80’s. I’ll start with, Adam And The Ants - Prince Charming, from the album, Prince Charming. Now I beg you, if you’ve never come across Adam And The Ants before, then click this link, and give this track a blast. The preview doesn’t sound very good on gomusic.ru, but you can get a better sounding preview from your local itunes store. But do give it a try.

Lets start in alphabetical order.

Koss UR-18

The Koss give a firm but a slightly closed-in feel. The highs are rolled off far too much for my liking, but there is a good amount of depth. Now having said that, I haven’t tested anything else yet. The sound staging is good, with the vocals very much in the center, but the backing vocals are hard to define form the lead singer.
Although the guitar is strumming nicely in the depths of each corner, it doesn’t really make for a memorable sonic experience. Everything seems to be present and correct, but there’s a lack of life in the presentation. Not a bad effort, just not an exciting one. The Koss UR-18’s along with the Sennheiser HD201’s are the only headphones here with two cords, one in each head cup. The others have a single cord.

Kossart i40
The Kossart are lively and more involving, the low end is deeper, and the guitars are far more realistic and detailed than the Koss. Again, the highs are rolled off, but it might be a trait that comes from headphones at this price range. But, the Kossart aren’t off the hook yet. The vocals (mid range) aren’t as detailed or as forward as I would like.

The midrange suffers slightly from what I call the ‘Ultrasone iCans’ syndrome. That means the midrange is recessed and swallowed by the rest of the music. The i40’s doesn’t suffer quite so much as the Ultrasone iCans, however, you do find yourself toe tapping to the background music, instead of the vocals.

Sennheiser HD201

I could sum the sound up in three words, but let me go into a bit more detail. The Sennheiser sound is crisp and detailed, and the clarity is very refreshing. The Sennheiser HD201 taps into the highs in a way the Koss and Kossart don’t, but there is a massive trade off in low-end weight. And when I say massive, I mean there’s no weight whatsoever.

The Kossart fares the best so far for overall warmth and weight, and the HD201 just can’t compete. Because of the lack of low-end grunt, placing the vocals is easier than the Koss and Kossart, which is good for a vocal track like this. The trade-off in bass, is not something I couldn’t live with though!

Sony MDR-XD200

The difference in low-end weight is noticeable instantly, and again, moving from the HD201’s to the MDR-XD200’s, all is well with the world again… …well, almost. The midrange is in balance with the rest of the music, and so far in that respect, the Sony fare the best.

The sound comes across as being synthesized, artificial, and quickly flicking back to the i40, the sound is more pleasing, even with the slightly distant vocals. The vocals also lack the bite of the HD201 and the i40, and they also suffer from that little echo effect. Yes, the extra weight over the Sennheiser HD201 is welcome, but somehow the Sony leaves you wanting.

Sony MDR-CD280

This is a revelation compared to its brother. The sound is the most neutral in the group. It’s the detail of the HD201, if not better, with a touch more bass weight. The Kossart i40’s is more forward, deeper than the MDR-CD280, but with this track, the Sony MDR-CD280’s is near perfect. The bass is there, but not overwhelming, the midrange is detailed, the sound staging is as wide and detailed as you’d want it to be, the Sony just works.

Round 1

1) Sony MDR-CD280

2) Kossart i40

3) Sennheiser HD201

4) Koss UR-18

5) Sony MDR-XD200

The only problem with this verdict is that the two best headphones, the Sony MDR-CD280 and Kossart i40 don’t and probably won’t get enough attention. Most people will choose the biggest name, which in this group, is the Sennheiser HD201. That’s the MDR-CD280’s and the i40’s only problem here. On a sonic level, the Sony have it.

But, there is a problem with the Sony, and that is like with the Kossart, people pay far too much attention to the other headphones.
Fast dance track with bass. Hybrid Remix of - Filter, Take My Picture. Another classic that you should hear, if you’re into your dance music. I’m Looking for pain and strain from these headphones. In reverse order.

Sony MDR-CD280

The Sony kicks off with very fine detail and ….very fine detail. Amazingly, the Sony can also take a fair bit of volume, and it remains very composed at full volume from my itunes collection.

The bass is admirable, and well-controlled, as is the rest of the music. The highs are very dominant, even to the point of becoming tiresome, so I’m going to jump onto the MDR-XD200’s if you don’t mind.

Sony MDR-XD200

Oh yes, the bass weight is there, although the rest of the sound isn’t as impressive. It’s only right at the top of the volume range that the XD200 show an ever-so-tiny sign of bending under the pressure. The XD200 display a small culling of the highs, which is very welcome, and make for a more bearable listening experience, than the CD280.

The XD200 aren’t anywhere near as neutral as the CD280, and you still get that artificial sound. The bass mid and highs are better balanced than the CD280, which showed a not so welcome tenancy to scream at the top end, until you scream “I give up!’

Sennheiser HD201

Pin sharp detail, that’s better controlled and far more bearable than the CD280’s. This track is about bass and low end weight, and the Sennheiser HD201’s don’t have any. It’s an enjoyable listening experience, nonetheless. The HD201 is the best so far at handling deafening levels of volume.

Kossart i40
I have to say I have high hopes with i40’s and indeed they don’t disappoint. The low end is far, far deeper than any in this test so far. You feel as though the i40’s has been given an artificial bass boost, but I assure you they haven’t. They churn out bucket loads of low end weight that can be felt (on occasion) as well as heard, and not at the sacrifice to the sonic range.

Any downsides? The i40’s tends to get a bit to aggressive at the very top end of the volume level. It’s not as composed as say the HD201’s. But who cares about that, ’cause you get loads more bass than the others. You (and that includes me) shouldn’t really be listening to music that loud anyway, or so I’ve been told. The forward presentation is also to Kossarts advantage with this dance track.

Koss UR-18
The Koss also performs well in the bass department, as well as the i40’s if not better on bass extension and depth, which is a shock. The Koss UR-18’s problem is that it’s cloaked by the hopeless performance of the rest of the sonic spectrum. Unfortunately for Koss, with this track, the Koss lives up to its price range, or not as the case maybe.

If we’re going for sheer bass depth and weight, the Koss UR-18’s would win hands down, but the rest of the sound is so appalling, that you just wouldn’t be able to live with it on an everyday basis. You’d end up hating me for recommending them to you, so I won’t. Instead, I say, go for the i40’s.

Round 2

1) Kossart i40

2) It’s up to you which headphones you choose next, but they won’t offer the overall ability of the Kossart i40’s.

To the movies, or the movie I should say. I’ve chosen Star Wars two, no not Empire Strikes Back, but the Attack Of The Clones. I’m going to play track 28 (region 2 disc), the ‘Asteroid Chase’ with Obe One and Jango Fett. Houston, we have a problem! Sorry, my imac was refusing to play the disc……here we go.

Sony MDR-XD200

So with the Sony MDR-XD200’s choice of ‘Music’ or ‘Movie’ setting, lets see what they can do!

With the sound setting on ‘music’ the Sony’s performs well. When Jango releases the seismic charges, all is sounding very good. With the a quick flit over to the ‘Movie’ setting, to be fair, I can’t really hear or feel any audible difference. Maybe an ever so slight enhancement to the sound staging, but to be honest, I think the difference is so minute and questionable to take this choice serious.
The bass and sound staging should be enough to satisfy the most hardened Star Wars fan, at this price level. There’s nothing lacking.

Sony MDR-CD280

The Open and crisp sound is more welcome with this scene. Although the bass weight has gone, you get a more clear sense of sound staging, which is evident when Jango is behind Obe, firing his guns. Yes a little more weight would be welcome, but the exchange of low end weight for detail, is quite a welcome one.

I though these would leave me wanting, but they’re fine. They have enough bass to get on with, and for a compromise between movies and music, these would be my choice of the two Sony’s here.

Sennheiser HD201

The Sennheiser HD201’s sound well detailed, but they also sound very thin. For sound staging, they are probably the best so far, but that doesn’t compensate for the lack of bass weight that a film like this needs. Again between the Sony MDR-CD280’s and the HD201’s, my money would be on the Sony’s.

It’s hard to conjure up any real enthusiasm for the Sennheiser with this film, other than the very good sound staging. Even with this in their favor, they still leave me wanting.

Koss UR-18

The bass depth is again instantly noticeable, there’s a constant low end burble during most of the scene, especially when you see the characters are shown in their space ships. But, the severe rolled off highs doesn’t endear me to the Koss at all. The sonic spectrum is far too narrow, and that will be even more noticeable if you choose to use the Koss for music as well as movies.

Kossart i40

The i40’s is just astounding here. The bass depth can’t match the Koss, but they are far more open and detailed. Not the best sound staging and detail in this group, but they’re fast enough and deep enough, to please. I think we’ve found the i40’s forte. I’m sure that if I were a big gaming fan, that these would please even more.

Round 3

1) Kossart i40

2) Sony MDR-CD280
Sennheiser HD201

4) Sony MDR-XD200

5) Koss UR-18

Conclusion

Well, two rounds to the Kossart i40, and one round to the Sony MDR-CD280 headphones, surprised? So am I. The Kossart may not be the most open sounding headphones in this group but they are one of the best complete performers. A great music and movie headphones, with deep bass and good sound staging.

I have to say that I do love the Sony MDR-CD280’s, and it’s a shame that they will be over looked. They deserve your attention. One of the most detailed and the most comfortable performers here.

The Sennheiser HD201’s was a bit of a disappointment here, despite their fine detailed sound. Oh, the three words, Thin, Thin, and Thin. Were the HD201’s to have the bass weight of the Koss or Kossart, they would have walked this group test, but sometimes you need more than just high detailed sound. Sometimes, you’ll want for a more gutsy sound. And this is where the Sennheiser’s fall short.

The Sony MDR-XD200,……..again, I’m a little disappointed. I’m struggling to find a good use or market for the XD200’s, because in every respect, they are bettered by the CD280’s or the i40’s. The ‘movie’ and ‘music’ settings, don’t really add to the appeal of the XD200’s. If you have a better pair of all-rounders like the Kossart i40’s, why would you need such a choice?

The Koss UR-18’s bass depth was a shock and a surprise. The only problem is that sometimes it was overwhelming and bloated, and the rest of the headphones didn’t really match the bass. The highs were dreadfully rolled off; making the UR18’s sounding muddy. They weren’t fast enough to handle detail and bass simultaneously. In this test, overall, I’m afraid they couldn’t really keep up with the rest of the headphones in this group.

Final words

As I’ve said before, the two best headphones (CD280 and i40) are the two headphones that most people will over look, which is the biggest shame really!

One of them offers bone conducting technology, two are from the same manufacturer, one was about to be discontinued until Apple saved them. They offer brilliant sound, they’re compact, some of them fold and I believe they’re the best portable headphones on offer.

For those traditionalist that can’t get used to sticking small, badly fitting pieces of plastic into your ears, then don’t despair, because they is a classy alternative.

Audio Technica ATH-ES5

With a neat foldable package, we begin with the Audio Technica ATH-ES5 headphones. in their own way, they are rather stylish, and if the Audio Technica ATH-ON3 headphones that I reviewed earlier, are anything to go by, you’ll be in for something special.

style wise, they’re no beauty, and certainly not in the league of the Ultrasone iCnas or the Teac, but they do have a certain purposeful look about them. The Audio Technica ATH-ES5 looks like it means business.

Ultrasone HFI 15

Next is the first of two Choices by Ultrasone, although the HFI 15 headphones, doesn’t get as much attention as the icans. Not quite as stylish as the icans, I’m in no doubt that the HFI 15 will satisfy your listening needs. But i think these might get bypassed because of the Ultrasone iCans.

There are plenty of reviews for the iCans, as for these, they look like a poor relation. They probably don’t sound it though!

Bang and Olufsen Form 2

From the most stylish audio manufacturer in the world bar none, this is there offering. Yes probably not destined or considered for portable use, doesn’t mean they can’t be used for portable use.

Bang and Olufsen do get a bit of stick from audiophiles, challenging the the price against the sound quality. most of the time your system will be on standby anyway, and whilst it’s on standby, it won’ look as good.

With that said the A8 headphones has won quite a bit of praise, the Form 2 however seems to have been overlooked in the wake of the A8’s.

Ultrasone iCans

Although the Ultrasone iCans have had a fair bit of criticism over the sound quality, that shouldn’t deter you. Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion, but at the end of the day, you should make your own decision and come to your own conclusion.

I’ve yet to buy the iCans, and that is in no means because of the negative comments they’ve received, it’s because as they’re on my ‘to buy’ list, which is huge.

TEAC HP-F100 Filltune HiFi Bone Conducting Headphones

If you have deep pockets, and a certain eye for lifestyle headphones, then the (take a deep breath) TEAC HP-F100 Filltune HiFi Bone Conducting Headphones, has to be the high on your shopping list.

How, what, where and when, I know not, but I do think that they’re one of the most stunning and innovative pair of headphones on the market. don’t ask me to explain the bone conducting technology, just love ’em.

The Ultimate portable headphone, for the person with the ultimate budget.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to portability, you need something lightweight, great sounding, stylish (well why not) and preferably something you can use at home as well.

These headphones score on each of these accounts, with some doing better than others in certian areas. Each of these headphones are well worth your consideration for hooking up to your mp3, walking around town or plugging into your system or computer at home.

You don’t have the same tastes as me I’m sure, and when it comes to headphones, I’m a bit of a traditionalist. Full size headphones please, with big cups and cable thicker than an anchor rope.

But with the ipods and now mobile phones able to multi task, headphones these days are required to do the same. Home, office, on the bus, in the air, taking a phone call, playing Grand Theft Auto or watching X-Men, headphones must now cater for everything.

I’m not sure there’s a perfect solution, but nevertheless headphones designers have tried their best to keep up with the times. Unfortunately I haven’t.

My mobile cost me £15, I can’t take a photo with it, and I don’t really know how to use it. If I had a bluetooth mobile phone, or I wanted a lighter way to listen to my music, on the walk to uni, then these are the headphones I’d use.

1)Westone um1

I’ve had my eyes on these babies for a few weeks now, and I’m quite intrigued, far more than I am about any other IEM. When you buy from earphonesolutions.com, you’ll should be able to save some money, especially if you live in the UK like me (we pay too much for everything).

2) Sony DR-BT50 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

I’ve got a few Sony suggestions today, and I’ll start with the Sony DR-BT50 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones. For the obvious reason that it’s a full size headphone, this is the main appeal.

3) Bose Triport IE

Bar the Westones, the Bose Triport IE would probably be next on my ‘nearly’ list. I’m a great fan of the original Triports and in the earphone incarnation; they look a worthy prospect.

Audiophiles don’t approve, but that’s their problem. The argument is that you can buy better for the price, but I say it’s immaterial.

Instead of buying a Ferrari, I could buy a nice, reliable BMW, put a healthy deposit down on a nice house, and maybe go on a cruse, but is that better than having a Ferrari?

The only thing with Bose, is that except for buying used stuff from ebay, there are rarely any savings. The main saving would be on shipping. I’d still prefer to buy from Bose themselves.

Go on, be adventurous!

4) Sony DR-BT21G Bluetooth Headphones

I don’t want to make this a Sony fest, but let me finish with two Sony bluetooth headphones, as Sony seems to take them very seriously. Well it’ll compliment your Sony mobile phone.

Let me start with the only neckband headphones that would attract me, not because of the neckband, but as a bluetooth owner, these are stunning pair of headphones. Simple but purposeful design that makes a joke of the competition.

You need a pair of cool but serious bluetooth headphones, the DR-BT21G (say that three times really quickly) are the ones to have.

I would bow at your feet if I saw you with a pair of these!

5) Sony DR-BT30QB

Given my stats, these have been selling very well, but it doesn’t say whether those who brought them were Star Trek fans.

A very futuristic design if ever there was-one, but a fine design. As far as Sony bluetooth headphones go, I would, because I love Star Trek. I don’t think that they would work the same as they do in star trek, but with the technology in them, they’re not far off.

Final Thoughts

This 5 headphones might have been dominated by the Sony bluetooth headphones, but I think that’s it’s an ever growing niche market that needs to be taken seriously. I’m not going to enter the debate about sound quality, as these seem to be very functional headphones.

As for the Bose, you have my full blessing, and good luck to you! There might be a fitting factor (or not fitting comfortably factor) to them, but that’s nothing new for the IEM market I’m afraid, so choosing another brand might not be the solution.

For every good IEM review, I see a barrage of negative comments about fitting. but at least I’ve stated my two considerations.

good luck with all and any of your headphone purchases.

Until the next 5 headphones, happy headphoning.

Disclaimer: I’ve endeavored to find the best international prices, but with an international audience the prices in each country will vary.

This however has not affected my goal of trying to bring you what I feel is the best deal for you. I’d rather find you the cheapest deal, and gain your trust, than find you a more costly deal for the sake of a commission cheque!

proaudiosolutions.com - Best price for Equation Audio RP21 headphones

audiocubes.com - Stax, Audio Technica, Denon, low, low prices.

audiocubes.com - Home of the Audio-Technica ATH-ON3 Casual Headphones

Cheapest Price For the Denon AH-D1000 Headphones

Bid For A Bargain Price On Headphones

Be sure to read the new headphonedeals ‘Quick Review’ Section

After rating what I feel are the five best looking headphones, I feel it only fair to point out what I think the first worst looking headphones are. Some of these headphones are superb performers i hasten to add, but on a design level, they are among the most offending performers. These are some of the most unblingiest designs in the headphone world.

The only problem with this is that some of these suggestions happen to be the most formidable, best sounding pieces of audio equipment in the audio world today. And don’t start quoting big figures from bizarre audio manufacturers because I’ve heard a £11,500 CD based system, a £55,000 turntable based system, and a Linn system costing £70,000 and I’d still go for a pair of stax any day.

1) DirectSound Extreme Isolation Headphones

Maybe I’m being a bit harsh on the DirectSound Extreme Isolation Headphones, but I’m trying to work out where we would actually wear our noise canceling headphones. On a plane, train, bus or some sort of public transport?

It’s not that I don’t believe in the capabilities of these headphones, not at all, and I wouldn’t mind having a go on these myself. But I’m not sure that I’d want to be seen out in public with these on.

As for it’s usefulness, I’m a believer, as for the design…..hum…..ha…….uh….I’d feel more comfortable wearing my Sennheiser HD25 headphones, which more than adequately block out the noise.

2) Custom IEM’s including future sonics and Westone

I have enough nightmares about alien invasion, without buying a pair of their headphones, thank-you very much. No disrespect to any aliens who want audiophile quality.

I have no doubt, these IEM’s are absolutely mind blowing in terms of sound quality, and the custom colours make them all the more funky, but I have no wish to wear headphones design for Jabba the Hutt.

Sound? yes. Design? No

“Princess Leia, save me from Jabba’s headphones!”

O.K. Design aside, I would secretly love a pair.

3) Electrostatic headphones……

.. do sound amazing, but look like Robocop’s rejects, they really do. From Koss to Stax, they just look like something from the dark ages. Again, they are at the top of the headphone world in terms of performance, but the design leaves a lot to be desired.

Of all the headphones available, I just wish someone in the electrostatic camp would say,

“O.K. people, let’s design a stunning pair of electrostatic headphones today.”

instead of,

“I found this piece of plastic in a skip, I got the wire from my wife’s bra, and I managed to retrieve this vinyl effect cloth from the seat of a 1976 vauxhall viva. Lets design a pair of headphones.”

Some of the designs are more palatable, like the Stax SR-001 MK2. As for the rest, they’re in a design world of their own.

However, anyone that knows me, knows that I would love to have any pair of electrostactic headphones. Not because they look good, but because they sound as ‘out of this world’, as they look unattractive.

4) Skullcandy headphones

Now I don’t really want to upset the design team at Skullcandy, but they seem to be trying abit to hard, if you know what I mean. I’m sure that Skullcandy has a target market for their products, but you have to ask yourself if you want to be a part of that market.

I think snow-boarder’s, and people who are into heavy rock music, know that there are better choices on the market. You’ll stand out from the crowd, but is that a good thing?

5) igrado

Oh dear, oh dear, it’s all gone wrong. I thought these were going to be stunners when I first heard that Grado was bringing out a new baby headphone. ‘Lovely’ I thought ‘with a traditional headband and using the same drivers from the amazing Grado SR60’s, these are going to be Sennheiser PX killers.’

How wrong I was. With a less than bearable neckband design, and with looks that please my grandmother, I’m afraid these have to be the most eagerly awaited, but the most disappointing headphones to date. Not in terms of sound, just in terms of finally seeing what I thought would be the perfect product.

They remind me of those headphones you get on the patient line thing, in hospital.

Sorry Grado, but the SR60’s are the ones for me.

Final Thoughts

Now again this article has nothing to do with sound, and on that level there are many that are at the top of their class. Not only that, there are some in this selection that I really dream of having, but the wife wants a new kitchen instead.

I’m brave enough to put my hand up and say, “I think looks are important.” Again, people in the audiophile world would probably scream and hurl abuse at me, for saying such things, but what’s wrong with wanting audio products to look good.

We want our homes to look nice, people spend thousands making their cars looking nice, why does audio have to be different? Is it beyond the reach of audio manufacturers to produce good looking products?

Because my wife is in hospital for a few weeks, I might not have the time to update everyday. With, that in mind let me give you the best five deals that I think you should cash in on.

Now because of my inexperience with IEM’s I’m going to quickly point out my recommendations for five of the best deals on full size headphones.

Click the images for more info

1) Grado SR60

The reason for my picking the Grado SR60 is that I truly believe that when it comes to the RRP, as for clarity, nothing else will touch these under the hundred pound mark. Not the most comfortable option though.

What can they do for you?

As well as give you stunning sound, it’s the gratification that your buying into a more prestigious mark. So if you want to be heads and shoulders above the rest, for not much outlay, the Grado SR60 headphones are the ones to have.

But……

2) Sennheiser HD595

…… we never pay the full price on headphonedeals.com do we? And so for and extra few pounds, the Sennheiser HD595 would seriously be a tempting offer. Far more comfortable, smooth delivery, if not the most open. For long term listening at home, and for the huge saving, I’d say yes please.

What can they do for you?

Massage your ears with silky sound.

3) Sennheiser HD25

You have to remember, that for the most part, I’ve either brought or was going to buy these headphones at the full price, and I brought my HD25 headphones more than ten years ago for £165. You can get them for a ton you lucky people.

What can they do for you?

Well they sound sublime, and powerful. Probably not in the same detail as my (ex) Grado SR125, but they’re not as fatiguing either. But, what they do better than any other headphone I know is that you can have great headphones at home, and stunning performance on the move with your ipod.
At the end of the day we’re talking about a £160 odd pair of headphones here, but they aren’t really full size as such. So if you want to walk about town, you won’t look like a total twit.

4) Sennheiser HD650

One of the cheapest ways you can get into the audiophile world and gain the respect of many around you. Mention the fact that you have a pair of Sennheiser HD650 headphones, and people will look upon you as a connoisseur.

Some don’t agree with the Sennheiser thing, but under their breath they’ll probably respect you. But, don’t forget to buy a headphone amp. It’s a must have accessory with these headphones.

What can they do for you?

Open you world to new listening experience, and all for a disgustingly low price.

5) Ultrasone Proline 750

I just want to mention the love of my life, and the reason this site came to be, the Ultrasone Proline 750 headphones.

Originally, I was going to buy them at great expense from the Ultrasone UK website, when I discovered iheadphones.com and saved around fifty pounds.

The headphones themselves are brilliant. Read my quick report here.

What will they do for you?

If you’re a bass fan they are a must. Again, a headphone amp would be an advantage, but if you’re using them at home, it’s not a necessity. And you will be using them at home, because the sheer size of them, seldom means you’ll plug them into your mp3 player and go jugging.