headphones and sods law

[guy]

Hi all,

recently replaced the foam pads on my ancient (35 years?) Sennheiser hd400's and the damn things have stopped working - any way, excellent service and quite possibly due for replacement.

Any recommendations for replacement?
I have a large head, wear glasses and possibly consider comfort above absolute sound quality. The Sennheisers are a simple head band, flat foam pads (on ear, not over as this would get a bit too hot from previous experience). Mainly used plugged in to CD player or laptop, when rest of family are watching cookery competitions, dancing on ice etc.
Not concerned with Phone use/ipod - don't like the sound.
Here is the killer - budget ~£50, not bothered if 'phones are second hand - can always give them a clean and fit new pads.

Regards. Guy

[Alex_UK]

A pair of secondhand Grado SR60s would fit the bill I reckon. Actually - SR80s at £55 if they're not already sold and you could stretch to them? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24554

[johnwhit]

The Sen HD595's can be had for a reasonable price s/h, very confortable, decent build and quite neutral sounding IMHO.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sennheiser-HD-595-Headphones-/200908461241?pt=UK_AudioVisualElectronics_HomeAudi oHiFi_Headphones&hash=item2ec713d4b9

John

[Andrei]

+ 1 on the Sennheiser 595. I don't know but suspect the Sennheiser 598s are the 'new 595s. I still have my pair that I purchased about 10,000 years ago and they still work perfectly. I have also Sennheiser 555s and 650s, two pairs of Ultrasones, AKG 701s and Bose Quiet Comfort 15. ( 7 PCs in the house!) What I like about Sennheiser in general and the 595s in particular is that they are very comfortable. If your source is good it will be a long time before you get listening fatigue.

I mention the Bose Quiet Comfort too because they are at least as comfortable as the 595s and do not give away much in sound quality. They do have one spectacular trick. They really do block out the outside noise: 95 - 99 % efficient in my estimation. I tend to go to European destinations for vacation and from New Zealand that means four long-haul flights. I can wear the Bose for about 10 of the 12 hours on those flights. I get an aisle seat, my laptop is set up for music and treat myself to a concert :->

[guy]

A pair of secondhand Grado SR60s would fit the bill I reckon. Actually - SR80s at £55 if they're not already sold and you could stretch to them? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24554

many thanks for the link - I put the same request for advice up on HFS and was given the same recommendation.
They should be in the post to me on Monday (really looking forward to getting them).

thanks again. Guy

[Alex_UK]

Excellent - hope they work out - let us know how you get on. :)