Headphones...help please

[Tony W]

I have sworn off earbuds forever. 

Why so ?

I use Shure earbuds (which I highly recommend even tho a little costly) and bought them specifically so I can cut out external noise and hence pump lower actual volumes into my eardrums.

I have sworn off earbuds forever. 

Why so ?

I use Shure earbuds (which I highly recommend even tho a little costly) and bought them specifically so I can cut out external noise and hence pump lower actual volumes into my eardrums.

My personal preference is to avoid earbuds. After 2 hours, my ears feel like somebody beat them with a spatula, they get tender quickly. I was at a local ski shop that was going out of business, and picked these up
http://www.skullcandy.com/shop/ti-p-7.html (I got solid black ones)

I've never been happier, I mow quite a bit of grass in the summer, and spend time on tractors, mowers, and other loud machinery. Now I can decrease ambient noise, (including my girlfriend when she is having a fit) and increase quality music. When coupled with the MBR it's a unique experience.

[jkevinwolfe]

I second the avoid earbuds advice. I haven't run across a pair at any price without a strong coloration of sound. Typically these have a lot of bass and treble, and little middle. Consequently you mix and eq all your work to sound "normal" through these and your masters will have too much middle with vocals sticking way out in the mix, a muffled high end and wimpy bass end.

It's best to get a pair of very flat studio monitor headphones. They'll last for years. I paid $100 for a pair of Senneheiser HD280 pros. They sound great.

[hewhoiscalledj]

Must have said this a thousand times on as many boards but it never gets old...

Sony MDR-7506   Flawless sound, super comfy over long periods, lightweight, and folds into a compact shape for transport. 

Just under $100 (US) and worth every penny. I'd definitely take a look at Sennheisers and AKGs too. A good pair will last you near a lifetime and give you nothing but pleasure... Honestly, they sound so good you'll hear all the little nuances you didnt on computer speakers or cheap earbuds.

[guitarron]

Must have said this a thousand times on as many boards but it never gets old...

A good pair will last you near a lifetime and give you nothing but pleasure...

akg 240's-mine are about 20 years old-work fanastic

[longjourneyhome]

Sony MDR-7506   Flawless sound, super comfy over long periods, lightweight, and folds into a compact shape for transport. 

Wholeheartedly agree with hewhoiscalledj about the MDR-7506s.  In addition to sounding good, they are comfy.  So comfy I can wear them and sleep. The 7506s have traveled with me many, many international and over-night flights. They do a nice job of keeping the bad sounds out, and the good sounds in.

[Davo]

Its worth it to get a real decent set.  I love my AT's.