• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Something durable for clumsy teenager

Montalban

Montalban

Active Member
Need some help here guys, I have no clue what to get,

I'm thinking about getting my gf's little brother a decent pair of headphones for Christmas. But... I'm slightly hesitant as he has literally broken or lost every set of phones he's ever had. Hasn't been much of a loss since all he's ever had are those crappy five dollar phones from the check out lines at wal-mart. But even as clumsy as he is I think he deserves some decent sound :yes:

So I'm thinking somewhere between $50.00 to $100.00 max and probably some over ear headphones instead of ear buds. One: because hopefully some big phones like that will discourage him from taking them to school. Hopefully...

And two: if he does happen to misplace them maybe they'll be easier to find.

But most importantly, he needs something durable. Something that can handle some abuse.

Based off a recommendation on a recent thread I looked up the sennheiser HD-280. These are in the perfect price range but how sturdy are they?

And also, for this price range, in terms of sound quality what gives you more bang for the buck? Over ear or ear buds?

Thanks guys
 
Register to hide this ad
vinylhunter said:
I have a pair of folding open-air over the ear Sennheisers I use for work. They've held up to travel and being mushed into a bag for several years.

OTOH, apparently he's proven himself unable to take care of anything, so why waste the money?

Oh, gf involved. I get it.
Click to expand...

Yup. As far as the headphones breaking though, the wires get pulled out of the earbuds themselves and end up shorting out. Lots of use and crappy build quality.
 
It's hard to rate either OTE or IEM in terms of durability imo. One person will have a model that broke (or they broke) in week while another will have the same model for years. So all you really have is anecdotal "evidence".

I suggest you look around on Head-Fi for you'll find a lot more info. than here. Some reviewers there rate by durability/build quality (as subjective as this still is). There are also IEM's (and maybe some OTE's) that have detachable cables so if the cable goes bad you just replace it and it can't be "pulled out" of the driver assembly in any case. It "unplugs/plugs in" all by itself just like a headphone jack into an out.

Decide if you want to get OTE or IEM and then look at the ratings for what seems to be the most durable in your price range.
 
I've fed my daughter with various vintage cans over the years. She loves them because they don't look like everyone else's. :music:
 
On head-fi look for the over ear headphone shoot out. About 100 phones and counting!

MacKat
 
Alright leaning towards the 280s. Perfect price on amazon and great reviews. Still doing some research though. How's the sensitivity on these for just straight use with an ipod? Should I be considering a headphone amp in my budget too?

I'm not a headphone user myself so I'm clueless in this audio field. I really appreciate the help from you guys.
 
I think AKG K240's would be excellent, had a pair till I upgraded to k702's
They are 100$ and have a detachable cord, so if he tears it or breaks the cord, you can get a replacement
 
Nico621 said:
I think AKG K240's would be excellent, had a pair till I upgraded to k702's
They are 100$ and have a detachable cord, so if he tears it or breaks the cord, you can get a replacement
Click to expand...

The detachable cord would definitely be nice.

Bob_in_OKC said:
+1 on the 280. When I saw this title, I was thinking the 280's before I read the thread.
Click to expand...

Always appreciate the input Bob!

I'd have to say based off the reviews I've read today, as far as durability and sound quality is concerned, I think the 280s are just what I'm looking for. And I'm sure he'll love having some classy sennheisers instead of the skullcandys all of his buddies have.

Being based out of Utah skullcandy is everywhere around here...
 
Nico621 said:
I think AKG K240's would be excellent, had a pair till I upgraded to k702's
They are 100$ and have a detachable cord, so if he tears it or breaks the cord, you can get a replacement
Click to expand...

I agree, the 240s have great sound and are tough enough with the detachable cord.
 
Just wanted to follow up with you all...

I ordered the 280s about a week ago and they finally got here today, so I thought I better try them out before I wrap them up and stick 'em under the tree. Excellent suggestion from you guys! They sound incredible and they're quite comfortable and feel like a really good build quality. I think he'll really enjoy these.

Just wanted to thank you guys again for suggesting these to me, these seem to be exactly what I was hoping for.

Thanks again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom