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Over-the-ear 1/4" jack, wired headphone recommendations please...

M

Majikman27

New Member
Hello everyone,
I've had very good luck heeding the advice received via the various forums on Audio Karma, and AK Members have helped me keep my McIntosh 4300V receiver in top shape. Now, I need headphones.
I am seeking advice as to what "modern day" over-the-ear, wired "conventional-style" headphones to buy. My budget limit is $300(+/-), and I would like them to have a 1/4" plug, since many use a mini plug because they are DAC. I want to directly plug into the MAC's headphone jack on the front of the receiver I do not know if I should get noise cancelling, or not, because they would only be used in my living room. Please note that I am not interested in wireless, and mostly listen to Sinatra, Jazz, and Big Band. Thank-you in advance!
 
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1st choice, Open or closed back. My preference is open back, but you will be able to hear some outside noises, and those in the room can hear some of what you are listening to. Closed back no one can hear anything , and you won't hear them, but at a sonic cost. If your alone open back is better. Noise cancelling popular if wearing on a plane, office setting etc.
Very popular headphones to consider ( among many) Sennheiser HD 600 or 650 & HiFi Man Sundara, are great.
 
I wouldn't bother with noise cancelling if you don't need it, almost all of the better headphones available don't have it (one exception is the AKG N90Q, but unless it's on sale, it's going to be way out of your range). I second the choice of the HD600 or HD650 (after upgrading my HD580s to 650s, I discovered I actually preferred them as 580s). Both have been released as a slightly modified version (in style; sound is the same) as the HD58X (equivalent to 580/600) and HD6XX (equivalent to 650) from Drop.com. If you want to try planars, check out the Hifiman 4XX, also from Drop. Lastly, there is the entry level electrostatic Koss ESP/95X, which is a bit out of your range, but may be worth it (although this is the only set I'm mentioning that I have no experience with).

If you're interested in a sealed rather than open design, I'd recommend either the Beyerdynamic DT-770pro, or the planar Monoprice Monolith M-1060C.

BTW, it's worth noting that almost all modern headphones use the standard 3.5mm plug, but include an adapter to use with an amp like yours. And if you don't have the adapter, it can be inexpensively obtained from eBay or Amazon.
 
Some Ideas:
Closed: Shure SRH840. Sightly warmer sounding but still pretty neutral since they are pro-type monitors. They are a heavy.
Open: Grado SR60/80/125/225. Forward mids/trebles and tighter bass. Can be fatiguing if played too loud. I've been a Grado guy for many years. You will love them or hate them.

BTW: I'm thinking of switching to in-ear monitors. For some reason the traditional over the head models are giving me some neck pain and headaches. Even the lightweight Grados. So you may want to research those too.
 
My personal favorite dynamic (non-electrostatic) headphone is the Sennheiser HD-600. At $299 from Amazon, just just fit your budget. But you can get essential the same phone from Massdrop for $150.
https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-hd-58x-jubilee-headphones

I tried the HiFiman 400 (original) planar magnetic. The sound was good, but the whole phone weights twice as much as the Sennheiser HD600, making it uncomfortable for me to wear for longer session. I sold it and kept the Sennheiser. The choice was personal.
 
Majikman27 said:
Hello everyone,
I've had very good luck heeding the advice received via the various forums on Audio Karma, and AK Members have helped me keep my McIntosh 4300V receiver in top shape. Now, I need headphones.
I am seeking advice as to what "modern day" over-the-ear, wired "conventional-style" headphones to buy. My budget limit is $300(+/-), and I would like them to have a 1/4" plug, since many use a mini plug because they are DAC. I want to directly plug into the MAC's headphone jack on the front of the receiver I do not know if I should get noise cancelling, or not, because they would only be used in my living room. Please note that I am not interested in wireless, and mostly listen to Sinatra, Jazz, and Big Band. Thank-you in advance!
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Sennheiser HD650 or Shure SRH 940 for closed back
 
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