……then, i suggest you go to my fellow enthusiasts site www.headphonesrock.com because there are some great reviews on portable headphone amps.

I’m writing a full review of the Go-Vibe V5 portable headphone amp at the moment, that’ll be ready in the latter part of the week.

Although called headphonesrock, Ben concentrates a majority of his site to amplifiers, which of course includes headphone amps.

Here are two of my favourite reports;

http://www.headphonesrock.com/2007/04/18/ibasso-p1/

http://www.headphonesrock.com/2007/04/07/td-dreamwork-xtra-x-1/

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?

I’ve literally just got back from bringing my wife back from the hospital, and now I can see her walking upstairs to bed. With three slipped disc that was a heard thing to do.

Anyway because of more than frequent trips to the hospital, I’ve fallen behind on reports for you. There’s lots I need to get stuck into, so let me give you an idea of what’s coming up.

1) Quick but a full review of the lovely Go-Vibe headphone amp.

4) Themes week; will concentrate on you making a decision about your headphone needs and wants. Some hard questions will be asked, because I find that people want it all, and many of their headphone requests are……. not easy to resolve.

So in the next few weeks that’s what’s coming up, and of course some more great headphone prices. Thanks for your patience, meanwhile, if I can help you in any way, contact me by leaving a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you.

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.

If you find any of the prices below cheaper, then leave me a comment or have a go at me if you wish.
Unless stated, I try my hardest to find the best/cheapest price for you. Were I can this price will include P&P.

so for example;

Shop A: £30 P&P free

Shop B: £27 P&P £5

I will suggest Shop A on this occasion. Again, unless stated otherwise, I’ll continue to bring you the cheapest price I can.

On some posts you might see this star * that means i haven’t done a search.

Another thing to remember is that I’m an affiliate for some of the companies I promote on this blog. that means if you follow one of my links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission.

The commission can be anything from 1%- 10% depending on which merchant you buy from.
However with that said, I’m dedicated to promoting the cheapest prices, and some merchants have no affiliate program, but I feel that you need to be aware of the price regardless.

I enjoy earning money, but I would prefer to have your confidence and loyalty.

Happy headphoning! If indeed ‘headphoning’ is a word.