Best entry level audiophile headphones under $100?

[Permanent Waves]

Somebody at head-fi said "headphones are like buying different colors" very appropriate I think

Definitely, especially as cans are more colored on average than speakers.

The Grado's are a very detailed open sound, awesome imaging

That's interesting, that's not how I would really describe my 225i's. The imaging/detail is average but not phenomenal and though the sound is not closed in, the 225i's just don't present a very wide or spacious sound stage. Grado's are known for putting you in the first few rows instead of the mid or back section, an in your face forward type of presentation. Hence why I find them so great with hard rock/metal.

...I'll just start collecting cans now.

Haha, it's easy to get addicted since they are (usually) cheaper than speakers and of course easier to "set up" (just plug and play! ) and each have more coloration/personality between each other than speakers (at least true "hi-fi" more neutral speakers) do imo.

I so far only have 6 "hi-fi" cans (including a Senn 515 a friend gave me) but it's tempting to try more and I'm getting an upgrade itch even though I swore I'd never spend more than $300ish on any headphone. :sigh: (You know how that can go! )

Yeah, except you'd be comparing them to a person who has never eaten an orange I want to know how oranges are different from apples!

Haha, got ya. Well there's really no way to know unless you yourself try them side by side. You can always return/sell back the pair you don't like as much...or keep both! :thmbsp:

 

[Permanent Waves]

I've used Zzounds for years. They're one of my preferred online retailers for musical instrument and recording gear. :thmbsp:

Others in the same market I trust...
- Sweetwater
- B&H
- Next Day Music

Good to know, thanks. I'll add zZounds to my list of good online retailers.

 

[darth]

Grado SR-80

 

[eclein]

That's interesting, that's not how I would really describe my 225i's. The imaging/detail is average but not phenomenal and though the sound is not closed in, the 225i's just don't present a very wide or spacious sound stage. Grado's are known for putting you in the first few rows instead of the mid or back section, an in your face forward type of presentation. Hence why I find them so great with hard rock/metal.

When you start to mod these they really come around....I got them Saturday a week ago and since I've been tweaking them internally I keep comparing them to my Ultrasones and the Ultrasones would sound better, tonite the Grado's won and I've only done like 4-5 things to them. I got some Coccobola shells on there way....pimpin!!!!
LOL :hdphones:

 

[rswojo]

I still love my Koss Pro4aa. Under $100. They sound fantastic. In the 70's they had a cord issue but my new ones have been reliable. Comfortable. Under $100 easy.

I think Koss has a lifetime guarantee also, not sure though.

 

[Permanent Waves]

When you start to mod these they really come around....I got them Saturday a week ago and since I've been tweaking them internally I keep comparing them to my Ultrasones and the Ultrasones would sound better, tonite the Grado's won and I've only done like 4-5 things to them. I got some Coccobola shells on there way....pimpin!!!!
LOL :hdphones:

That's interesting. I haven't paid much attention to the mods over on Head-Fi because, as I said, I don't want to screw anything up and I like how they sound unmoded (including that focused and narrow sound: I've got my AKG 702's or even Beyer 770's if I want a wider sound stage as well as detail).

If I had the 60's or 80's I might try some mod though. :yes:

 

[vuntruong]

Hmm, I say AkG K 271 or 241. Loose the cable, replace that cable with something that is shorter and better quality.

 

[eclein]

Permanent Waves- If I didn't have some other Grado's on the way I wouldn't be touching mine either. All of a sudden I keep seeing Beyer mentioned....they must be in my future.

 

[Darto501]

I'm not qualified to answer the OP question but I can confirm Koss still does honor their lifetime guarantee. Proof of purchase unecessary, the old headset is all you need. Contact them by email first and then mail the phones. I hear recent reports of only asking for a new pneumatic ear cushion but came back with a new cord installed too!



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Ouch! Where in the world did you get THAT amp?
I made it myself!

 

[trhee]

I don't do a lot of headphone listening so in my case I bought a pair of Grado SR-80's. Great bang for the buck.

 

[mdutch]

I still love my Koss Pro4aa. Under $100. They sound fantastic. In the 70's they had a cord issue but my new ones have been reliable. Comfortable. Under $100 easy.

I think Koss has a lifetime guarantee also, not sure though.

Yes, sent mine in and they refurbished them for me. New earpieces, cord, etc.