Headphone Advice

[Paul Scott]

I would to buy a pair of headphones for use for DVD watching/computer gaming as i have a baby on the way.

I am looking to spend around £50.00.

I have considered the Sennheiser 495 headphones has anybody used these or anything similar.

[Just]

Have always been a fan of Sennheisers and wouldn't use anything else for the same price. Have a shop around and you may even get into the 5xx series for 50 quid.

[Matt Hero]

They were doing the Sennheiser 580's for around the £60 quid mark. I've been using them to monitor my home studio and they are dead comfy for long sessions....as well as providing a quality reproduction.

My third pair of Sennheisers btw.... first choice for me usually.

[Paul Scott]

What do you guys think of the HD500 headphone.

Are these any good for long period of time and do any need to be burnt in.

[nigel_williams]

Don't know what the 500s are like but the 580s are pretty good as they were originally £199.

I have the Beyer Dynamic DT231s which are great, they've won the What Hi-Fi award 2 years running now. Great bass, not at all "tinny" - use them on the portable DVD and MP£ Jukebox.

They're about £40 but I think EmpireDirect do them a bit cheaper + P&P. I've recommended thee a few times and everyone has been impressed!

[sideshowbob]

If you pick up the latest What Hi Fi they've got some good Sennheiser phones for cheap. The HD495s are £29.95. I've got a pair and like them alot - really good crisp sound with extended bass, comfy too. They are pretty lighweight, so if you want a really solid pair, you might consider one of the 500 or 600 series pairs.

[rgfinch]

Paul - when you say do they need to be burnt in I assume you mean left to run in for a while when they're new. If so the answer is a resounding yes - I've never heard any headphones that didn't sound horrible straight out of the box. Suggest you leave them on at moderate volume for 24-48 hours before forming any opinions on them.

[gz5ztg]

I got a pair of HD 475s from eBay for 25 quid and am very happy with them. Very comfortable and can be worn for long periods.