New Headphones - Suggestions?
The Blind Eternities forum
Posted on March 14, 2016, 5:22 p.m. by ducttapedeckbox
I have been using the same Apple ear buds since I got them with an iPod in middle school nearly a decade ago. They finally started to break. I have had other headsets, but none of them are universal for studying, gaming, and use on a plane. The biggest problems with these sets are the bulk (often due to an external mic) and the inability to interface with Skype (Bluetooth sets).
Needless to say, I want a new pair of headphones / earbuds that will last like the Apple earbuds. I've been doing research on my own, but I was also hoping that this community could give me some suggestions. Here are my criteria:
- Budget: Absolutely no more than $200, would prefer closer to $100.
- Type: I prefer a compact headset. I also prefer that they go around my ears, not over.
- Use: As mentioned above, I want to be able to use them in the library, on the plane, and for gaming.
- Mic: I do not want an external mic, but an integrated mic would be fine. Not necessary though as I can probably use my laptop's integrated mic. I won't use it for phone calls.
- Wired? I've had terrible luck getting Bluetooth headphones to work with Skype and my laptop, so I'd probably like to stay wired.
I've found some Audio-Technica and Sennheiser sets that look good, and there's also the more "traditional" Bose or Beats sets.
Thanks in advance!
ducttapedeckbox says... #3
I have a wireless JLab earbud/headset that absolutely refuses to work with Skype and my computer. Once I get the mic working, the sound goes. Once I get the sound working, the mic goes. The settings are entirely separate. The set is fine with my phone and making calls, but damn does it hate Skype. I have a Bluetooth speaker from them which is incredible, again, except with the mic. I can't definitively say that it's Skype as it may a problem inherent to the company.
I actually have an old pair of Turtles from the same middle school era (approaching a decade old) when I used my Xbox heavily. I've had the same problems with Skype, and the external mic looks ridiculous to use on a plane and/or in the library. The chord is unreasonably long for PC gaming as well.
I haven't thought to look at their newer models to see if they fit my criteria though, I'll check that out.
Thanks, TMBRLZ!
March 14, 2016 5:32 p.m.
Push and invest in a set of Bose QC25, never look back and always be happy with your music. Seriously they are incredibly comfortable and sound amazing.
Otherwise if you REALLY want to keep within budget, look at JBL E40 or Sennheiser HD 280.
March 14, 2016 6 p.m.
GoldGhost012 says... #5
Holy shit, how'd your earbuds manage to last you until now from middle school???
March 14, 2016 6:03 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #6
Thanks for the suggestions, STG! I would like to stay under $200, and the noise cancelling isn't overly relevant for me. I'm using my dad's old Bose set right now to see how I like it and use as a comparison for when I go looking in stores tomorrow.
I've also come to the realization that I need an integrated mic. The radiators in my apartment are loud. So loud to the point where people cannot hear me in a Skype call. I need a mic that can tune out the noise, and I'd like to avoid multiple cables / devices.
One option that I've found and has really good reviews is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, which comes with a detachable cable. I can replace this cable with one that has an in-line mic for a small cost. Do you think that the different cable will greatly impact sound quality?
I think it's a combination of luck and taking extremely good care of my electronics, GoldGhost012 :) I've had friends have theirs break without any apparent damage. These have lasted me forever. I rarely buy electronics because they stop working. It's usually because the device gets outclassed and/or I like my toys. Or, in the case of my laptop, I needed something that could comfortably run CAD software - which my old laptop couldn't.
March 14, 2016 7:33 p.m.
When you say around your ears, not over, are you after circumaural or supra-aural headphones?
Personally, I have a set of Sennheiser HD280 Pros and the sound quality they produce is amazing. Though I will say that they are big headphones and not very portable. You will also need a dedicated mic. But quality wise (especially value for money) they are top tier.
If you're happy for a set of supra-aural headphones, I saw the Sennheiser PX 200-III which might be a good mix. They have a mic built in (all via a single 3.5mm jack) and are nice and protable. All of the Sennheiser ones I have tried on in the past that use this style are pretty comfortable and lightweight. They also have a good frequency range (human hearing range is ~20-20,000 kHz) and decent impedance. They should also come in under budget.
March 14, 2016 9:26 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #8
Thanks, enpc - must have missed your post.
I went to Best Buy yesterday and tried on a few pairs, ended up trying a Sony pair. Looked good on paper and felt good, but they had a few things that I didn't like and didn't realize until I had them at home. The sound quality with Skype + other was messed up over Bluetooth. You can't use the built in mic when going wired. And, you can't use any of the built-in features while charging. All of these were major turn-offs, and I will be returning them.
I ordered the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and they came overnight via Amazon (woo Prime). A friend, also a huge stickler for his audio, recommended them and they also came up in nearly every search I did. They're amazing. Great quality. Great sound. Very comfortable. If the lack of a mic presents a problem, I can always buy a new cable with an in-line mic.
March 16, 2016 12:38 p.m.
If the mic is just for skype/gaming you can always just get a free standing desk mic and use that in conjunction with the headphones.
TMBRLZ says... #2
If you're swearing off Bluetooth, which I would have originally suggested as I know plenty of coworkers who love them, I've found the TurtleBeach headsets are pretty reliable and versatile. One of the low or mid-end sets should be all you'd need.
March 14, 2016 5:24 p.m.