headphones question (grado vs. monster)

Hi forum.
I want to purchase some hi-quality headphones, but I want suggestions.
I have tried the Monster beats (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DD55OE/ref=mc_dp_hchrt_studio?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER) and they are the shitz! the best headphones I've ever heard. But they are quite pricey ($300).
Now, I haven't checked the grado headphones, but I've read so many good stuff about them and they are cheaper than the monster headphones ($100-$150). Are they up to the same quality than the monster headphones?

Or what headphones would you choose?

I spent half of last year researching and buying/ trying/returning several headsets. I went to a couple of forums and the one I got most of the info was www.head-fi.org, give them a try.

I purchased several Audio Technica, Sennheiser, Panasonic, JVC, Sony and Shure headsets. I can say that the 2 best ones were the Audio Technica ATH-A700 (which were my favorites because rock and metal sounded AWESOME on them, but I returned because they were too big) and the Shure SRH-840. Both of those are some of the best quality you can get at an affordable price, the Shures are getting good reviews. I have read very, very good things for the Grado brand, but those are open headphones and I wanted closed ones.

Also. if you plan to use them with your iPod, consider getting a headphone amplifier so you can get the most out of your 'phones.

Monster is overpriced. Might sound good, but the prices are too high.

HD800

grado. but you knew that

Maxi


grado. but you knew that

Well, monster design is way better, it looks like the enclosure the ear completely, while the grado look like they are gonna be loose.
And I asked becaused I've only tried the Monster. 

HD800

 
Holy shit!
Just googled them...$1,400....

Grado's are the way to go for rock, metal and anything with guitar.  The only thing is they are open and sound will leak out so it depends on where you want to use them.  I use Denon AH-D1001 phones at the office.  They sound great, cover the ears and are quite comfortable.  http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AHD1001K-On-Ear-Headphones-Black/dp/B000UPBQQC

Check out Head-fi for reviews for headphones in your price range with what you're looking for.

Check out Koss Stereophones, they're great quality and have a lifetime guarantee, and they've got a huge selection. Check 'em out at www.koss.com .

marvelusjd


Grado's are the way to go for rock, metal and anything with guitar.  The only thing is they are open and sound will leak out so it depends on where you want to use them.  I use Denon AH-D1001 phones at the office.  They sound great, cover the ears and are quite comfortable.  http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AHD1001K-On-Ear-Headphones-Black/dp/B000UPBQQC

Check out Head-fi for reviews for headphones in your price range with what you're looking for.

Great response so far!
My price range goes between $100-$150

The Shure SRH840's are the best headphones out there right now, IMHO. They're so damn comfortable too!!

well in your range audio-technica ath-a700 - the best sounding closed phones for that money...
one question: are you looking for open or closed (provide noise isolation both ways) phones?

Grado > monster any day. Love my SR225.

also head-fi.org. go

LIVESTRONG


well in your range audio-technica ath-a700 - the best sounding closed phones for that money...
one question: are you looking for open or closed (provide noise isolation both ways) phones?

Closed would be better.
But, it's ok if it's open.

I head over head-fi.org to check the forum and I haven't seen a single monster recommendation, and countless grado recommendations.
Now the question is, which model....

zoso

LIVESTRONG


well in your range audio-technica ath-a700 - the best sounding closed phones for that money...
one question: are you looking for open or closed (provide noise isolation both ways) phones?

Closed would be better.
But, it's ok if it's open.

I head over head-fi.org to check the forum and I haven't seen a single monster recommendation, and countless grado recommendations.
Now the question is, which model....

well hi-fi comunity isnt that much in design over sound thing, these grados sure play better...
also there is question whether or not yoz are using amp (or what is your usual source of sound) - too much Ohms need amp to get the whole dynamics and intensity of phones

my two cents (worth less than most because its australian currency):

i think advice from forums is gonna get quite forum-biased (we all know what music is "good" and "bad" around here... and also never buy a mac...) and also most of the people who review on amazon are quick thick, so i reckon really just go and try them at a store if you can and see what you like

crazyfatkid


my two cents (worth less than most because its australian currency):

i think advice from forums is gonna get quite forum-biased (we all know what music is "good" and "bad" around here... and also never buy a mac...) and also most of the people who review on amazon are quick thick, so i reckon really just go and try them at a store if you can and see what you like

Good suggestion and a great way to audition is go to your local Guitar Center to see what you like and then you can get online to hunt for the best prices.

crazyfatkid


my two cents (worth less than most because its australian currency):

i think advice from forums is gonna get quite forum-biased (we all know what music is "good" and "bad" around here... and also never buy a mac...) and also most of the people who review on amazon are quick thick, so i reckon really just go and try them at a store if you can and see what you like

I haven-t seen a big retail store in depth and breadth in town, but next tim I go to Texas I-ll check the models in Guitar Center. didn-t know they had a headphone section.
do they also carry the grado headphones?

Audio Technica ATH-A700 are great full-sized headphones. I agree with the above poster who said they are fairly large, but they are very comfortable and have great sound.
If you are looking for in-ear type headphones, Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 are awesome.

DTProgGuitarist


Audio Technica ATH-A700 are great full-sized headphones. I agree with the above poster who said they are fairly large, but they are very comfortable and have great sound.
If you are looking for in-ear type headphones, Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 are awesome.

got the eu triplefi 10 from amazon one day sell off for 99$ (they cost almost 300e here) - the buy of my life
as i suggested before ath-a700 are imho the best sounding closed phones for the money

LIVESTRONG

DTProgGuitarist


Audio Technica ATH-A700 are great full-sized headphones. I agree with the above poster who said they are fairly large, but they are very comfortable and have great sound.
If you are looking for in-ear type headphones, Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 are awesome.

got the eu triplefi 10 from amazon one day sell off for 99$ (they cost almost 300e here) - the buy of my life
as i suggested before ath-a700 are imho the best sounding closed phones for the money

I got mine in that same sale. Amazon sells them for about $200 now.

BUMP
I may go to Austin, TX next week, are there any stores where I could check the grados headphones?

Is BOSE out of the question?

Be aware that grados are uncomfortable, so don't get them for long listening.  I would look around on headfi for for audio technicas, sennheisers, akg, and beyer dynamic headphones in your price range.  I have denon d2000s and love them and have heard great things about the 1000 series too.

zoso


BUMP
I may go to Austin, TX next week, are there any stores where I could check the grados headphones or any other pair of headphones

Sorry, Fixed.

BUMP

I went with the Grado SR80

I will check this baby tonight with The Incident - Porcupine Tree

Note that all headphones have a "burn in" period.  While this period is almost entirely a mental adjustment to them, you'll like the sound of them more after like 50 hours of listening.

Pyromaniac


Note that all headphones have a "burn in" period.  While this period is almost entirely a mental adjustment to them, you'll like the sound of them more after like 50 hours of listening.

Exactly what the warranty paper mentions.
That as any mechanical article or device, with time it will get get a better sound.

Thanks