Good Questions: Best Portable Cans For The Road?

Every once in a while, we'll get a question that may apply to a select crowd, but we'll still avidly go out and do some extensive research on the topic at hand to get them some real, honest answers. So, if you have a question, feel free to give us a holler and we'll happily send our fellow editors on some field trips for ya'll.

Hello Unplggd,

I am looking for a pair of closed full-size headphones for all-around use such as at work, on the bus, at home etc and my source is an iPod nano with no amp. While it isn't that important that they don't reduce outside noise it is critical that the sound leakage is minimum.

For years I have been using an old pair of cheap Philips SBC HP200, not because of their sound, but because I find them very comfortable to wear and they go all around my ear. A few days ago I made the mistake of buying a pair of SkullCandy Mesh Black purely due to their looks.The sound is quite bad and they’re way too small and hurt on my ears after a very short time.

I'm looking for great visuals and comfort, which are very important to me as I will be using them a great deal and many people will see me with them. I am a total rookie regarding audiophile-grade headphones so please let me know of some recommendations slightly above the normal consumer range (or at least, well above the SkullCandy quality).

Thanks guys and gal,
-Josh from Montreal

It sounds to us like you're looking for something that's great on clarity, not too high on price, but manages to look as cool as it performs. Luckily, we've done many similar followups to this topic before, but we believe it's always good idea to check with our Unplggd audiophiles to see if the best headphones a few years back are still in the game this year.

Our newest contender for best mid-range headphone is the AKG K272 model released in June 2008. It's extremely comfortable to wear, performs like a champ with the need of a bulky headphone amp, and is actually priced competitively at $170.

Receiving high praises from both consumers and audiophiles alike, the Denon AH-D2000 remains our top recommendation for anyone looking for the best sound for their laptop, iPod, or iPhone sans amplification. Though priced at a premium, the build quality of the headphones continue to be one of the best in the industry, with sound quality reflecting such achievements in manufacturing. Grab a pair for $320 on Amazon.

Any readers out there have some personal recommendations for Josh? Let us know in the comments!

[Image: Matajuro1905]

Not sure I'd consider myself an 'audiophile' quality listener - but I do love my audio and do well with my AudioTechnica ATH-Pro700's (http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-PRO700-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000EDO2PW) for $130. They've got great bass and crisp highs while balancing it all out in a way that really lets you appreciate your tunes.

Alternately - you could take the advice from those over at Engadget who answered a similar question not too long ago: http://ask.engadget.com/2004/08/19/ask-engadget-what-are-the-best-headphones-to-use-with-the/

I've tried the Sennheiser HD-280-Pros (the ones that Engadget mentions I think) and they're also a stellar choice - especially at $83. If you're having problems with a small circumference ear opening you would also be better suited with these as they have oval shaped ear surrounds. http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-280-Pro-Professional/dp/B000065BPB

posted by Aaronth on January 27th 2009 at 10:11pm
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People finally stopped making fun of me for my Bose noise reduction headphones this year when teey ear buds went out and full-coverage came back in style. I am vindicated.

posted by Fact.25 on January 27th 2009 at 10:52pm
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I'm personally very pleased with my Ultrasone HFI-780s. They can be had for sub-$200 at Abesofmaine.com right now or a bit more on amazon.

http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=ULTHIF780
http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-HFI-780-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101XVH2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233122378&sr=8-1

Amazing audio quality as with any of these cans and compact down nicely. I really love the open feel they give....they don't make your head feel hollow while you're wearing them but the sound isolation is great.

posted by Trump48257 on January 28th 2009 at 1:00am
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on the sennheiser note, i've got a pair of the HD-25's and absolutely love them.

They're not incredibly cool looking, but dont look ridiculous.
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD25-1-II-Professional-Headphones/dp/B000TDZOXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233128351&sr=1-1

I got velvet earcushions for them and i'm incredibly content.

Also, an industry standard: Sony MDR-7506's
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233128242&sr=8-2

posted by bkoerper on January 28th 2009 at 2:40am
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Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster

Beats high definition headphones are precision-engineered to reveal the full sound of today's digital music including the most sonically demanding Rock, Pop, Hip Hop and R&B. With advanced speaker design, powered amplification, and active noise canceling, Beats delivers all the power, clarity and deep bass today's top artists and producers want you to hear.

Developed in collaboration between legendary music producer and artist Dr. Dre, engineers from Monster Cable, and renowned industrial designer Robert Brunner, the Beats by Dr. Dre headphones bring a professional producer's experience to music fans everywhere.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS232LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=Mjk2MDQwOQ

They really are amazing headphones. I love mine anew each time I use them.

posted by londonjc on January 28th 2009 at 12:40pm
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"I'm looking for great visuals and comfort, which are very important to me as I will be using them a great deal and many people will see me with them."

Is this a joke? If you want to be a hipster you can get the wesc brand but I think they sound horrible.

I'd go with the Sony 7506. Inexpensive and good sound. May not be pretty enough for you, though.

posted by mscot on January 28th 2009 at 2:50pm
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Oh, and the Dre/Monster headphones aren't worth the money imo.

posted by mscot on January 28th 2009 at 4:06pm
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Anyone have any thought on full ear cans for someone with a huge head?

My hat size is almost an 8 and I have the same set of audio technica's as the first poster, but I can only wear them for about thirty minutes before getting a headache.

posted by matsayswhat on January 28th 2009 at 5:55pm
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the sony's have a metal frame (not sure what you call the band that goes around your head). I'm able to bend mine out a bit as I have a decent sized head as well. I have a buddy with a very large head and he has used the sony 900s for quite some time while djing. Give those a look.

posted by mscot on January 28th 2009 at 7:19pm
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shoot. i was referring to the 7506 in the beginning. it has the metal band. the 900s do not.

posted by mscot on January 28th 2009 at 7:20pm
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The reader said he wanted good sound/good looks. It's like asking for good looking shoes that also are good for your feet- not a tall order and certainly not an occasion for name calling, mister.

posted by maximumHOTbottom on January 28th 2009 at 9:33pm
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the beats by dr. dre break SO EASILY.. we go through gobs of them at work because they're always breaking!!! NOT WORTH THE MONEY!!!

other than that.. i dont really have any other opinions... sorry!!!

posted by emily! on January 28th 2009 at 9:53pm
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Thanks Emily, shall avoid the Dres. Was looking at them and ppl were giving me mixed opinions on them.

posted by ekoshyun on January 28th 2009 at 10:27pm
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I like the grado prestige series.. they're full cover for small ears, aesthetic and the sound is great, but the sound leakage is a little more than what I define as 'minimal'.

http://www.gradolabs.com/

posted by john doe on January 29th 2009 at 3:48pm
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