Headphones: HD280's vs ATH-A500's

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Headphones: HD280's vs ATH-A500's

gazza27

63 posts

Master Geek

#17200 16-Nov-2007 18:40

Hi, I'm wanting a good all-round comfortable pair of headphones for gaming and music. I'm looking for great bass mostly, as well as good game sounds such as gunfire and footsteps and be able to tell where it's coming from. I want a pair of full closed headphones.

I've been looking at two pairs, firstly Sennheiser HD280's for $180 at Computer Lounge http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview-specs.asp?partid=5411

Also I've heard these are good, Audio Technica ATH-A500's and they will only cost $130 NZ including shipping from Japan. They will be from AudioCubes http://www.audiocubes.com/product/Audio-Technica_ATH-A500_Art_Headphones.html

If you know of any headphones superior to these for about the same price bracket please recommend.

PS. Not sure which section to put this in, hopefully I've got it right.

gazza27

63 posts

Master Geek

#95571 16-Nov-2007 21:07

Will be about the same price for the HD280's from Amazon, so price isn't a factor now - which is better?

alasta

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#95586 16-Nov-2007 22:10

I can't comment on your second choice, but my experience with Sennheiser headphones has been very positive. Just bear in mind that you might not be thoroughly happy with the audio quality when you first take them out of the box as it takes a while for the drivers to break in.

As an afterthought, you may want to pose this question on a specialised audio forum. There are a few around and they generally have plenty of clued up users.

paradoxsm

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#95592 16-Nov-2007 22:45

Another question, Does anybody know of any semi-pro headphones which are 16U (Ohms) or at the worst 32 U for use with gutless mp3 players? I use an old set of $80 Panasonics (bought for about $16 in Te Wharreware clearance) mostly as they are the loudest but audio is sub-par.

gazza27

63 posts

Master Geek

#95658 17-Nov-2007 12:03

alasta:As an afterthought, you may want to pose this question on a specialised audio forum. There are a few around and they generally have plenty of clued up users.

Unfortunately head-fi.org is down after a terrible server crash, so I've gone here for some help. The sennheisers do look more comfortable and more what I prefer and they look better than the ATH-500's, but I've heard fantastic reviews of the ATH's and specifically have been recommended for gaming and music which I will be using them for.

I think I might go the Sennheiser way but will wait until I post on head-fi. I have a working pair of Logitech 350 Premium's and the only reason for the upgrade is comfort.

gazza27

63 posts

Master Geek

#96687 24-Nov-2007 11:22

I went with the Audio Technica's in the end. Very impressed, extremely comfortable and after a couple of hours with the drivers broken in a little the sound quality is great, bass is clear and punchy and I can hear all the small details I never used to hear. Haven't played games yet to try out the whole directional sound effect.

Took only four days to arrive from Osaka, Japan despite choosing the cheap postage option - could take as little as two days if you're willing to pay $30NZ for postage. Brought them off Audiocubes.com, and I have to highly recommend the store if you're looking for high-quality audio gear or cool Japanese gadgets.

Just found out yesterday that I've won an HTC Titan right here at Geekzone. I'm having a good week!