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Dr. Dre Beats

Ok, so I really don't know where to post this question. PC Audio seemed reasonable but these are essentially speakers so it's going here.

The new Dr. Dre Beats. I had the pleasure of listening to these today at the local big-box store at ultra-high volume because I guess everyone is deaf and there was no way to turn it down. Anywho. I'm referring to the noise-cancelling headphones in particular. The on-ear headphones sounded a little dark. The around-the-ear noise cancelling ones had a bigger mid-range which was quite pleasant.

And then I walked over to the Bose noise cancelling headphones and it was a guy just talking in on the demo and wouldn't shut up so I put those down.

I have no real experience with headphones but am looking to get into them here shortly. And semi-seriously. And by that I mean I'm not spending a grand on headphones. $300-600 is my limit. I'll eventually be running them off a tube amp.

So, any input on the Beats? Are they worth it for $300? They sure sounded good. And quiet. And as comfortable as I would ever need headphones to be. But since I don't know what Ultrasone headphones sound like I'm wondering if I'd be selling myself short.

I know someone will ask what kind of music I listen to so here it is. Everything from Sia and Natalie Walker to Ludovico Einaudi and Erik Mongrain. Remember, I want to eventual pair these with a tube amp so I don't know if that really changes anything.

Thanks for any advice/input.

John
tiggerfc
082288
53 posts
 
There is good websites dedicated to headphones called Head Fi that has a forum section where you can read other peoples thoughts home and portable headphones.

http://www.head-fi.org/

In your price range you might also want to consider customs.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I like AKG 701s which fit your budget and are readily available on Amazon.com and elsewhere brand new, authentic. The latest are the 702s black instead of white, which I am told is the main difference between them. I haven't heard the newer ones so I can't confirm that statement. They are about the same price, so you want to try them too. I drive mine off a couple of different tube amps. They are a benign load of about 50-60 ohms.
james63
534 posts
 
There are a LOT of headphones that will be better in the $300 price range. Do yourself a BIG favor and check out head-fi.org, great people with great advice.

Also www.headphone.com is a good place for information. The company is Headroom they sell lots of good brands and give REAL un-sugar coated reviews and measurements. They also make and sell thier own line of amps. For open headphones sennhiezer grado and ultrazone (also closed) all make good stuff.

PS. Sorry for the spelling I typed this on my phone...

For what it is worh I have owned 10 or so pairs of headphone in the $300+ range (including Bose) but most of mine were open backs so I can't really recommend a model. But IEM (in ear monitors) are the way to go for portable... Ultimate Ears and Shure are a good place to start.
gopher
499 posts
 
You can do much, much better than Bose or Dre for that kind of budget...

Another strong recommendation you spend some time at head-fi. For that kind of money you can probably get some world class headphones on the used market like the HE-5s with matching amp.
tiggerfc OP
153 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your inputs. I'll check into head-fi. I think I even started an account there awhile ago but that was as far as I got.

And yes, you are all correct when you say I should be able to get into some really good headphones for the budget. I read up a few reviews this morning and some said that the over-whelming bass began to cause headaches. I went back to the store this afternoon and put 'em on again, for about four minutes longer than I did yesterday and I almost couldn't stand it. They still sound good. Clear and undistorted which is what I think impressed me. But I'll never listen to headphones that loud.

I actually have a pair of Shure SE-110 or 115 or whatever that entry model is into their in-ear phones. I was always happy with them but I really want a good pair of around the ear style phones. Something that'll go good with a tube amp and an iPod/iPhone alike. Anywho, I'll check out those websites mentioned but if anyone still has any other recs I'd be very happy to hear them.

Thanks again for the inputs.

John
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