by Mike Charles
In the digital age of DJing, the gear we use evolves and changes at an ever accelerating pace. Mixers are now also sound-cards and midi controllers. CDJs are being replaces by buttons, sliders, and VCI platters. Record bags and CD wallets have given way to Laptops in the DJ booth, and unless you use Scratch Live, turntables no longer serve much purpose. There is one bit of kit however, that has remained relatively unchanged during a turbulent decade of evolution in the DJ booth, headphones.
MY RULES
For quite some time, I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of headphones. My criteria are simple:
- Must produce good sound
- Must be durable enough to withstand the abuse of a traveling DJ.
While this sounds like a simple enough request to fulfill, I’ve spend the better part of a decade wanting more from the set of cans draped around my neck. Most djs have sensitive ears that demand good sound reproduction, which surprisingly few manufacturers are interested in. Equal weight is also give to durability, because who cares how good your set of cans sounds if they fall apart 2 months after you buy them. You don’t even have be a touring dj to be concerned with durability either because, lets face it, Djs aren’t very nice to our headphones.
THE FIRST TRY
My first [and second] set of headphones were the Sony MDR-v700. About 7 or 8 years ago there weren’t many offerings for headphones built for the “DJ” and back then it seemed like every DJ had a pair of these things. They produced decent sound were generally sturdy enough to last you a good while. The cup swivel joints on the Sonys are notorious for cracking and will eventually break if you beat them up. The “leather” iso pads that cover your ears aren’t really the greatest at isolation and eventually dry out, crack, and become uncomfortable to wear. Eventually the plug wire connection may go as well.
After several pairs of un-reliable sony’s I decided to play the field a little. Durability was my number one concern and I picked up a pair of Technics RP-DH1200 headphones which were, at the time, the sturdiest and most well built pair of DJ headphones available. I brought them home, plugged them in, then immediately returned them. They colored the sound horribly; bass response was artificially heavy and the mid-ranges were barely even present. After that experience, equal weight was given to durability and sound.
STEPPIN’ UP
Eventually I found the Denon DN-HP1000 headphones and assumed my troubles were over. By DJ standards they produced accurate, full sound that felt natural. Isolation was good and they appeared durable but they still had their fair share of problems. The cord connection was loose right from the beginning, but was easily fixed by taping it in place with electrical tape. After 9 months, the adjustment slider broke on one side right where it connects to the can so I duct taped it back together and plugged ahead. A few months later I threw in the towel when the other side broke in the same spot
LAST HOPE
With no other option, the Sony MRD-700s came out of retirement while I started researching the latest market offerings. A few youtube videos of the relatively new Pioneer HDJ-2000s looked very appealing but I was wary. Despite my respect for all the DJ equipment Pioneer makes, the HDJ-1000 model was never an option because the complaints against them were similar to that of the Sony MDR-v700s. The 2000s however, intrigued me with their all metal [magnesium] build and were worthy of a closer look.
The first thing I noticed was the price tag, which is close to double that of other DJ headphones on the market. You get an all metal casing, memory foam & leather ear cups, a detachable lead cord, and superior sound quality. I got my local Sam Ash to do a price match for me and decided to give them a go. 3 months later, I’m happy to report they are the best set of cans I’ve ever owned. The are way more durable than anything else out there. The memory foam pads are super comfortable, and the sound quality is dead on. The reproduce sound with an accuracy that give studio monitoring headphones a run for their money. The jury is still out on their longevity, but with a replaceable cord, I’m confident I’ll be using these for a long time.
One tip I can give to anyone looking for a new set of headphones it grab a CD or bring you iPod to your local music store and demo as many as you can before committing to purchase, and when the clerk isn’t looking check how durable they are. Preferably with out actually breaking them.
Ean’s Note:
I have used the same type of headphones for 12 years, Sony MDR-7506. While they are technically a studio headphone- many djs around the world use them for their reliability and clean sound. We would highly recommend you go with these over sony’s dj focused cans, the MDR-v700 series, which are sure to break in a few months. Please share your favorite cans in the comment section and we will perform a comprehensive head to head comparison of the top models.
All I know is if we could get Dennon to make an all metal version of the HP-1000’s I’d never use anything else. Absolutely AMAZING sound quality, but the fact that they WILL break right at the pivot joint, just all the other ones do makes me reluctant to buy another pair. Kinda thinkin bout droppin the dough an tryin the new HDJ-2000s, I hear meet if not exceed sound quality and will stand up to being owned by an “indeliquette” sort of owner
how much were the mdr-v700 headphones when first retailed?
I had the same problems with the Sony’s. They are garbage as far as I’m concerned. The most durable headphones I’ve ever owned are the Ultrasone DJ1. I believe I’m going on 2-1/2 years with them and no issues. While they may not be the most comfortable, they sure last a long time. I just bought a pair of DJ1 Pros and I hope they are as durable. From the looks of it, they should be.
I have been on this quest myself and have settled on the Nixon “The Master Blaster” series.
I had a per of Pioneer one HDJ-1000s and the broke of course, and I bought a Sony MDR-700 they where actually the display model and they work just fine (they’re my back-ups) but my baby is My Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Headphones they’re awesome they’re like have a surround sound on your head! you hear thing in song you never heard before. but to be honest with you I’d didn’t even know what Ultrasone wear until my aunt bought me a pair of Ultrasone editions 10, do you know how much they cost? $2,500 and I say they because I would never buy headphone like that out of my own free will! LOL damn! When I asked her why she bought them for me she said; and I quote “I’m rich, I’m Old, I don’t have any children of my own, your my nephew and you’re a DJ! those never leave the house! LMFAO!
lucky bastard lol
lucky bastard lol
Great story, when I get a rich aunt it will come in useful.
I had a per of Pioneer one HDJ-1000s and the broke of course, and I bought a Sony MDR-700 they where actually the display model and they work just fine (they’re my back-ups) but my baby is My Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Headphones they’re awesome they’re like have a surround sound on your head! you hear thing in song you never heard before. but to be honest with you I’d didn’t even know what Ultrasone wear until my aunt bought me a pair of Ultrasone editions 10, do you know how much they cost? $2,500 and I say they because I would never buy headphone like that out of my own free will! LOL damn! When I asked her why she bought them for me she said; and I quote “I’m rich, I’m Old, I don’t have any children of my own, your my nephew and you’re a DJ! those never leave the house! LMFAO!
I really loved the Technics headphones that were the smaller, lighter, and less-expensive brother to the RP-DH1200. I used a pair for several years before they finally died. I definitely got my money’s worth from them, as I think I had them for a solid 4 years.
Before those Technics headphones, I had the terribly break-prone Sony’s that every other DJ has suffered through.
[quote comment=”20964″]Nobody mentioned the AKG K181DJ yet. That’s why I’m doing it now :)[/quote]
I’ve used a couple of pairs of AKG headphones (studio & DJ) and they are sick
I’m also surprised not to many people have mentioned the “roll your own” method.
I’ve also put my ‘phones through some rough stuff, leading to broken cans and sadness…
I’m using noise-canceling ear protectors (the kind you can use for shooting or something) and I carved out some of the foam and put in some Pioneer over-ear headphone drivers. They’re by no means perfect, but they’re super cheap, and you get the cool DIY feeling. Best thing for me is the noise isolation is bar-none, and the ear protectors themselves are so closed, you feel like the bass is going to blow your head off. Not too balanced for DJ-ing, but for just getting started and bedroom DJ’s, there isn’t much better for the price (around 30$ depending on what drivers you use inside the cans).
I’m surprised no one mentionned the Roland RH-300 ..
They are “studio” headphones, but .. they’re not bad 🙂
I’ve compared them to Pioneer HDJ-1000 and to two-three different models of Audio-Technica headphones in live situations and the Roland were the obvious winners.
I’ve seen them on eBay for 260$US, that might explain why no one bothers to buy them..
I DO personally get them for 160$CAN tax free .. hehe. Friend bought a box (from a local store that went bankrupt) for cheap.
Specs are pretty good, if they’re accurate.
I’ve been using them for over two years now and they’ve been through a bit .. took them outside to jog in the pouring rain, did the same during a snowstorm though I have to admit that I let them go back to room temperature before flexing them, being thrown out of a booth by a drunk friend who wanted to play horse-shoes with the monitor pole .. myah, that was special..
I love and hate the cable. Straight but damn it’s long .. you can be sure that you’ll be able to reach whatever is in the booth without having to take them off your head/neck even if they’re plugged in the mixer..
First thing that will break will very probably be the plastic parts that hold the cups to the band but so far not even stretch marks on the (black) plastic w00t ^^
The pads are starting to wear out , I think I’ll replace them with aviation pads. Better sound deadening, way more comfortable and ears’ll be able to breathe lol.
Can’t beat the price I get them for anyways =o)
Sure SRH750DJ first pro HD love them so far good isolation great sound quality little on the heavy side. but in love with the set
AKG K 181 DJ !!!
AKG have a history of over 60 years in sound. And now they’re revealing a new standard in technology with this one.
After you hear the sound and isolation of these, you’ll be very very much wondering which you would choose…
I’m relatively new to DJ’ing, I started when I was 17 just streaming online with Virtual DJ, now I’m 19 and have a decent digital setup goin, but I’ve gone through my fair share of headphones during that time…
Coby CV790 -$30-(lulz, I was a poor n00b, I didn’t know)
Sony MDR-V150 -$20-(Still didn’t learn, you get what you pay for)
Pioneer HDJ1000 -$150-(Dj friend told me to get them. They were my first REAL pair of headphones. Awesome sound but plastic hinge broke for no apparent reason, which pissed me off because I take care of my equipment)
Sony MDR-V700 -$150-(Now sitting dead and coiled up in a crate somewhere, blew out the right side)
Stanton DJ3000 -$100-(decided to go with the cheaper ones, sound awesome and fit nicely, hate the blue leds tho…tacky, plastics on headband extension began showing stress fractures and cracked through in 6 months, but I still had the receipt and they replaced them free. So far, no problems with my new pair, 8 months and no cracks. Gets the job done quite nicely)
Bose Tri-Port -$7- (Lucky find on my part, they were at a Goodwill thrift store. Practically new condition. They’re really light compared to my Stantons, and sound just as good with smaller drivers, but they don’t insulate sound very well. As a result, I use them mostly as studio monitors when working in Reason or Maschine)
I only going to say AKG 181 DJ !!!!!!!!!
Period.
I personaly love my pair of AKG 271 mkII’s They are closed back and do a passable job of blocking out sound. However their best feature is how they sit on your head. Before I bought them I had a pair of denons as reviewed above and the same break occured. These ‘phones sit right on your head with the only support coming from their grip on your ears and the rest of the weight goes to your head through a hard plastic bit. The akgs have a suspension type setup as you can see in many of the photos and makes them comfortable for hours on end.
I had the Ultrasone DJ1, Sony MDR-V700DJ, and I recently just returned the Allen & Heath Xone 53 cans, and now Im using the Shure SRH750dj and let me tell you this set of cans are way better than them. I forgot to mention that I also used to rock the Technics RP-Dj1200, and it was great but heavy and the speakers didnt last lol. I like the way the Shure’s reproduction of sound. There are some details that you can hear while listening to this pair. The DJ1 to me sounded amazing but was lacking at the low ends, but its still an amazing set as well cause of its natural surround sound. The Xone 53 was just too bass heavy and to me it muddied the mids and somehow the highs became an after-thought. The only gripe I have on the Shure’s is that, I got a big head and I have to fully extend both sides just to fit me, but its very light and very flexible so thats a good thing. Of course this is just my opinion cause everyone perceive sound differently.
[quote comment=”25432″]I just bought a pair of SHURE SRH750DJ’s and I love them.
Sound is crystal clear, and they sport an extremely comfortable design. Some might consider them kind of bulky, but I find they have a well designed and efficient structure. They have Standard 50mm drivers, a weigh in at 1/2 a pound or 227g.
If anyone has anything to say about these headphones I would love to hear your feedback and any reviews from people with allot of expertise in this area. Thank you.[/quote]
I just bought a pair of SHURE SRH750DJ’s and I love them.
Sound is crystal clear, and they sport an extremely comfortable design. Some might consider them kind of bulky, but I find they have a well designed and efficient structure. They have Standard 50mm drivers, a weigh in at 1/2 a pound or 227g.
If anyone has anything to say about these headphones I would love to hear your feedback and any reviews from people with allot of expertise in this area. Thank you.
Ultrasone DJ1’s ALL THE WAY, but…. NOT THE PRO’s. I found the Pro’s did not sound as good as the regular DJ1’s. It did not “hit” as hard as I wanted them to.
In 10 years time I have owned a total of six DJ headphones
(3) Sony HDR-700’s
(2) Pioneer HDJ-1000
(1) Ultrasone DJ1
The sony’s sounded ok, but as we all know the 700’s are notorious for cracking on the swivel cups. The HDJ also had a swivel cracking issue as well, sound was improved but not by much. And finally the DJ1’s, quite possibly THEE best cans ever made. I’ve owned them for 2.5 years, still rockin and still looks clean. However, the leather looking cushion is starting to crack like old leather. But that’s expected and Im ok with that. Seinhizer is another great company, but I dont like the way they feel on my head
I see there are A LOT of opinions and personal preferences on here. But I leave everyone on here with some food for thought. A friend once asked what kind of camera she should by. And I told her, “Buy a camera from a company that is known for manufacturing Camera’s” (ie: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, etc.). So naturally, everyone should apply that to DJ cans. Why buy a pair of cans from a company that is not known for making headphones? (ie: Sony, Pioneer, Denon, A&H). So my advice, stick with Ultrasone or Seinheizer
For me, it’s the Xone XD-53 the only option. I find them to be way more
supperior in sound quality than sony & hd-25, have a better design and Athey ARE ROCK SOLID. the only negative thing is they are really heavy aand if you wear them for too long, it can become a hard task.
but they do their job perfectly. I give em a 9/10
Try Sk pro those r my personal favorite and they can be ordered for under 150 u.s. The cheaper, but still raw sounding phones are TI.
[quote comment=””]I just ordered some modified “Stix” MDR-V700 with a detachable XLR cable. Not to many people doing these modified puppies now that Dual-Audio is not doing them anymore. Check it out:
http://www.redboystix.com/Auctions.php%5B/quote%5D
[quote comment=”21339″]there are only three options:
Sennheiser HD25
Sennheiser HD25
Sennheiser HD25[/quote]
+1
I just ordered some modified “Stix” MDR-V700 with a detachable XLR cable. Not to many people doing these modified puppies now that Dual-Audio is not doing them anymore. Check it out:
http://www.redboystix.com/Auctions.php
[quote comment=”20964″]Nobody mentioned the AKG K181DJ yet. That’s why I’m doing it now :)[/quote]
K181 FTW!
– detachable cord
– replaceable spare parts (I mean — ANY part)
– foldable
– outstanding sound quality (Hey! It’s a AKG, after all!)
– non that expensive
– pretty like new after 2 years
[quote comment=””]nothing and i say NOTHING can compare to those SENNHEISER HD25 HEADPHONES..every single detail is replacable in case you damage something witch is quite hard cause its made of a special kinde of plastic..and the sound is unbelivably good..now you can purchase some colorful pads..it always is a metter of taste..but if you a poZer then i have nothing to say..go for the looks..but if you want good headphones SENNHEISER is the ones..you dont need to turn them to the max to hear the sound so that guard your ear..and after long working hours they wont exaust your ear..[/quote]
nothing and i say NOTHING can compare to those SENNHEISER HD25 HEADPHONES..every single detail is replacable in case you damage something witch is quite hard cause its made of a special kinde of plastic..and the sound is unbelivably good..now you can purchase some colorful pads..it always is a metter of taste..but if you a poZer then i have nothing to say..go for the looks..but if you want good headphones SENNHEISER is the ones..you dont need to turn them to the max to hear the sound so that guard your ear..and after long working hours they wont exaust your ear..
[quote comment=”20805″]First I have only played at home and at small private party’s. I use Etymotic hf5 in ear headphones and love them. Is something like this useable in a rave/club setting with a loud thumpin system? I am booked to play at a rave in late october ( we will see if the party goes off or not, I’m sure we all know how that goes) and I want good equipment. Any way should I dump my beloved Ety’s and get tradional set o cans??????????????[/quote]
I’ve been using the Etymotic Research ER•4P’s for over 5 years in the clubs I spin at and think they are very good for DJ’g. Go with those if you prefer in-the-ear and don’t want to spend a ton of $$$. They work for all types of music and the house sound does not bleed…it’s as if they are closed type…and they are given how they isolate.
I have the HD-25 but I feel like im the only person who doesn’t like them. Maybe my ears are messed up or something. One good thing is they are less likely to get stolen because their ugly as s***. If you buy those new pioneers someone will try to steal them if you gig a lot and don’t forget about all the drunken chicks that will want to try them on and pretend to DJ.
there are only three options:
Sennheiser HD25
Sennheiser HD25
Sennheiser HD25
At first, I REALLY enjoyed mine. Now, the right side cuts out and I have to remove and connect the connector again to get the signal back. I also find I don’t get as much separation between the 2 tracks I’m mixing (compared to my Ultrasone DJ1) and also between the track I’m cueing and the monitor. This is mostly due to them being on-ear instead of over-ear (like my Ultrasone DJ1). The Senn’s are far more flexible and sit on my head way better/easier though. The DJ1’s just slide off my head if I remove one side to monitor with one ear – never a problem w/the HD25’s.
I thought the Senn’s had more bottom end, but after further testing/experimentation it appeared they just had a boomy quality (yet, clean) and my Ultrasone’s actually hit lower notes. I was quite surprised.
Just my few cents
I have a fourth one: My Headphone is in heavy professional DJ & Studio use & every Day on the road, at work, when running in the rain ….etc. since 20 years … it never lets me down and is like new ….. it is a Sennheiser HD 25.
Wow, so much great feedback! Excellent post Ean. I am now deciding between the HD25 1-II or the HD25 SP-II. Which one should I get?? The SP model is slightly cheaper than the 1-II model. The SP has only a single “headband” whereas the 1-II has a double “headband” (sorry, don’t know what it’s called). Any feedback would be great!! Thanks!
[quote comment=”20904″]well, Jeff Mills still using Sony MDR-v700.[/quote]
[quote comment=””]My new favourite is my Sennheiser HD 25-1 II which replaced my old Audio-Technics ATH-M7PRO that I’ve used/abused for more than 10 years.[/quote]
I’m sure young Jeff gets given a new pair every other week in some sort of deal… 😛
My new favourite is my Sennheiser HD 25-1 II which replaced my old Audio-Technics ATH-M7PRO that I’ve used/abused for more than 10 years.
Cool………
What are Dj Headphones brand?
I have a pair of Sony MDR 7506’s. Yes, they’re solid, producing loud and clear sound, killing the outside noise nicely.
But…
The ear cups always fall off.
Reason:
The leather piece around the foam also acts as the piece that attaches the cup to the headphone.
There is a problem in the design of that attachment, as if you take your headphone out of your ears the wrong way, the cup falls out of where it was attached.
For a better description, see these images:
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/7802/dsc02860y.jpg
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/5818/dsc02861t.jpg
This is not a big problem if you have 30 seconds
Yes. You can put the whole leather piece nice and tightly around that headphone plastic anchor using your fingers dilligently.
However, we don’t have those 30 seconds to spend fixing this issue -every 1 hour or so- during the set.
Has anybody experienced the same problem?
Any solutions, ideas?
Which type of glue would you use to glue leather to plastic?
Cheers
\m/
Check this out…
http://www.gradolabs.com/frameset_main.htm
http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/store/custom/ue11pro.php
very happy with My allen and heath purchase.
Well I just bought Sennheisers HD 25 and i am kinda impressed by their superior sound quality and strong but still very clear Bass.
But to be honest this “Clearness” is disturbing in longer sessions..
The Bass is also very punching and I get a feeling of Pressure when listening to longer, Bass intensive Tracks.. Dont know if this will affect my hearing in a while..
But i guess its up to you to get one Sennheiser HD 25 yourself Ean!
Would like to get your opinion on them
I currently use a set of ATH-T44 it was something I needed very quickly and local pickup… They aren’t too bad the only thing is ear sweat after long use. for me to test anything out involves a 3 hr drive to the closest place that would possibly sell studio / dj gear
Another vote for the Sennheiser HD-25 II… around 10 dB sound insulation, very loud, simple design, metal hinges(!), replaceable parts and of course, the lightest pro headphones I’ve owned so far… and here in Europe, they are even cheaper than the competition…
Only thing to complain: they sound very precise, sometimes that bass is a bit too hard for me, but thats a matter of taste and you should wear hearing protection on a gig anyway… and sometimes the cable to the other pad comes out of its duct… but you can solve that easily with a small tip of glue…
If someone stole mine, I would buy them again without any doubt… (and I personally like the black design, which looks simple and pro and for my taste better than most horribly expensive but cheap-silver-plastic-aluminium-look-alike-built DJ phones with plastic hinges and overweight)…
Right now i am using m-adio IE-20x. I love using the inner ear headphones… sound is great!
Before that i always used Pioneer 5000’s and they 8 years old and still my backups that are sitting at my home.
I’ve had the Sony MDRV700s for 7+? years. I wear glasses, and they hurt after a (short) while, for sure. Haven’t broken ’em, but once a bad rabbit chewed through the cord, and I had to solder the thing back together (I’m serious). I don’t like the silver color, and I think the response is kind of dull. I would love a new set of cans, but I’m lazy. However, I use ’em every time, they have held up, and the job gets done…
My girlfriend got me a piar of Technics RP-DH1200 Headphones for Xmas 2 years ago, and I was like what the heck does she know about DJ headphone?!?! I can tell you now it’s the best pair I’ve even owned, not that comfy but great isolation, as loud as you want them to be, foldable, and a replaceable cord. Oh btw, she bought them because the guy at the music store said “compared to other headphones, these hardly ever come back”
ok so theres so many headphones out there and you all seem to mention the same ones, but djing is apart of streetlife coulture now, ( mainstream_) and looks are important i dont just want another pair of silver headphones i want a company to cross breed with some designers and make some headphones that actually look cool and function well.
i had a pair of boostedxgranade headphones looked fucking awsome super loud i say fair sound lots of bass i could feel it in my head but one side blew out in the middle of a gig with no extra headphones on deck ( wack_)
my vote goes for the 7506. i currently use them for everything.
thinking of the AKG k702 for my next headphone purchase (along with a headphone amp)…
I’m not sure what their DJing potential is but has anyone checked out the new Eskuche 33 1/2s ?
I have some Sennheiser HD25 C II and I freakin’ love them. They have great sound isolation are super light and sound superb. Wouldn’t trade them for nothing. The kinda retro design seems nice.
Sennheiser HD202 pro nice & cheap only cost me 22 qid 3 years ago, best ones i’ve ever used
[quote comment=””]Technics RP-DJ1200 nothing more to say [/quote]
Nobody mentioned the AKG K181DJ yet. That’s why I’m doing it now 🙂
Not that anyone is going to take stock in what I have to say…
I absolutely love my MDR-V700s. I’ve taken them literally everywhere with me. The protective bag that came with them died after maybe a month, but the headphones were not bothered by the months upon years (I’ve had and used the same pair often for over 4 years now) of being beaten up, banged around, and generally mistreated in my man-bag. They’ve had a laptop pressing on them, a Rubik’s Cube, grapefruit spoon, pens and pencils, forks, knives, and just about anything else I’ve ever kept in my bag rubbed against them, and they still work, and no part of them is broken. My only beef with them is the lack of an easily-replaceable cord…and I hate the curly-cord. A lot. Especially when it starts twisting the wrong way at random locations along the cord and I can’t get it to go back to the original twist direction. Nonetheless, they still work, they’re comfortable (if a little heavy), and the cord is thick enough that the couple of tiny nicks it has aren’t enough to get through all the insulation and actually expose the wire. I also really love the screw-on adapter that goes on the end. I have never lost it, thanks to the screw-on property Sony was so intelligent as to include. My headphones are just about the only Sony product I like enough to purchase. I’m glad I made the $120 investment (that’s how much they ran when I bought them 4-5 years ago.
So I’ve not tried any other phones, since I really don’t need to spend money to replace something that works just fine. The sound quality is good enough for me, and my only problems with them are the weight and the curly cord (I want a straight cord).
i have tried out many different head Phones for DJ and sound engineer purposes. I had Most of the names broken after some use. Most annoying is the so called “Leather” ear patches models. After 2 months the “leather comes off in little chips. It looks like the Dj has some colored dandruff or skin disease. My Scull candy NINE was the worst.
Also all swivel links and adjustable should Not be made out of hard plastic, it simply breaks too fast.
At this moment i am using a unkown brand “Iwave” with 40mm driver unit which i purchased for $12.99 at Ross. I never had a so good sounding headphone for this bargain.I also found a smaller 30mm driver unit but this one sounds clear but no bass enough.Next visit to the states i will buy as much as i can find from the 40mm version…..
“EQuip/Denon DN9000,X500,Traktor Pro,Vestax VCI100 DJTT TSI 2.2,NI audio1,Ableton Live8,NI Kore”
[quote comment=””][quote comment=”20797″]Headphones are definitely a personal-preference issue, bu tI still swear by my Ultrasone DJ1 Pros. I’ve used them nearly three years and they still look brand-new. The sound is great & they’ve never let me down.[/quote]
Same here.[/quote]
[quote comment=”20797″]Headphones are definitely a personal-preference issue, bu tI still swear by my Ultrasone DJ1 Pros. I’ve used them nearly three years and they still look brand-new. The sound is great & they’ve never let me down.[/quote]
Same here.
I saw Josh Wink – Well, I’m pretty sure it was Josh Wink – using custom in ear monitors. I’m surprised more folks don’t go that route as the prices aren’t astronomical any more.
i’m going to have to buck the trend here, i’ve been using etymotic’s in-ear headphones for years, and i really don’t see how you folks manage without them. Powerful sound isolation, and i find them much more comfortable over a four hour set than a pair of cans. Your milage may vary, but ive never seen the appeal…
I agree with Ean – Sony MDRV-7506s are where it’s at. I use my 7506s at the office for 6-8 hours a day, and I have used them for every single one of my DJ gigs since 06, and they’re STILL going strong. Every time I see any professional video or audio engineer doing anything with headphones, they’re doing it with 7506s. This only reassures me that I’ve made the right choice.
[quote comment=””]sennheiser HD25-1 II
have lasted through huge abuse![/quote]
sennheiser HD25-1 II
have lasted through huge abuse!
Well, after leaving yesterdays post, I headed off to do a 5 hr gig, and 1 hour in my DJ Pro by Ultrsone lost all bass frequencies not sure what happened, thought it was my mixer but I was using two TTM-56’s and it was the same in both. Looks like Murphy’s Law was in full effect. Time to go shopping!
i just wish that wireless headphones would be a real alternative. i hate cables.
i guess the new nokia’s could become an alternative maybe .. well at least for non pro’s like me:
http://www.nokia.com/microsites/bh-905
+ 1 on the velour earpads from Beyerdynamic.
I constantly wear the Sony MDR V6 cans since i started dj’ing / studio work in the early 1990’s. It’s only in the past year that I was introduced to the Beyerdynamic replacement pads. I can’t highly recommend enough that simple mod.
I also agree with trying to keep the headphone borrowing down to a minimum at gig, but there’s always, ‘that dj’ that never brings his own cans or needles or slip mats….
oh ya, the Beyer Dynamic DT 250’s velour pads we’re a good addition (mentioned on the wiki page.)
I used to use the V600s. They lasted me 10 years (but the pads didn’t).
Sony MDR-v6, the best DJ headphones ever made.
Which were replaced by the Sony MDR-7506, but they still make the v6’s since they rock so hard. Save the $30 – $40 and get the old v6’s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_MDR-V6
I owned a pair of V-700’s for years and liked em enough, they weren’t the most comfortable cans, but they sounded good and served their purpose until they broke. Before they busted I had bought a pair of WESC Bongo headphones, mostly for looks, and fashion, but it turns out they ended up being a really good pair of DJ cans. They have a giant driver, and though they tend to be a bit bassy, they are incredibly clear and loud. I know WESC pretty much has reputation for being all show and no go, but their Bongo line is surprisingly well built if your into the styling and all.
Sennheiser HD 25-1, over ten years of use of one pair with a few replacement parts, and nothing compares. I have converted a few pretty well known DJs to their irresistible powers over the years.
Sennheiser HD 25-1 -user here. I’ve had my current set in use since Q4 of 2000. I’ve only had to replace the foam pads once. Sadly, they’re now in need of repair/replacing, since one of the connections has started to crackle. But still, a nice 9 years of use out of a set of headphones is extremely nice and I will be replacing them with a newer version with a nice coiled cable.
well, Jeff Mills still using Sony MDR-v700.
I had a pair of Skull-Candy GI Rastas, which were fun but totally impractical (one of the arms eventually broke)
Ended up upgrading to a pair of Skull-candy SK-Pros… (purely because the dumbass who broke my original headphones offered to replace them, so i thought i’d add £10 and upgrade..)
Despite looking cool (red with white isos and black arms) I haven’t had any problems with these anywhere! The bass drivers are solid, and they’re loud, with good enough quality. They’re comfortable and have a good 3m coiled cable with a substantial jack.
If i ever get spare cash, and I run out of new synth and midi additions to my setup, i’ll probably change them to something more conventional – but for the near future – they do the job well! 🙂 I’d recommend them if you want something cheap and different.
I am in the quest 4 new phones, do you recomend the MDR-V900HD???
Another +1 for the MDR900s. Bulletproof, loud, great sound.
Try out Stanton dj pro 2000
[quote comment=”20873″]I have the Audio Technica ATH-M50 Studio Monitor Headphones (i got the version w/ the coiled cable) They are amazing![/quote]
Couldn’t agree more. I bought a pair on AT’s first run and they’ve become my all encompassing headphones for playing and studio recording. The cup pads have dried out, so they don’t have quite the isolation they used to, but the sound is top notch….especially the true low end response.
i vote HD25SP too. lightweight, high quality sound, stand up to loads of abuse. i’ve had the same pair for 10+ years. only had to replace the pads once. cost me UKP £75 when new.
what other dj headphone could possibly compete with that?
Too bad you didn’t give your Technics the benefit of doubt. Wouldn’t you consider it possible that because their frequency response goes down to 5Hz, the bass response will definetly be a lot more than most venue and other non-hifi loudspeakers ever will be able to reproduce. I’ve been a happy camper with these for the last two years.
HD25 for over 15 Years on Tour.
And some pairs of diy sticky headphones with V700 driver.
But the best normal DJ headphone is imho the HD25, bulletproof
-period-
I went from some unknown noname headphones to some sony 700’s, as they slowly started to crack at all the usual places I used more and more glue to keep them together, when 1 of the headbands finaly died after a fall to the floor from a table on a bassy stage, I set out to find a new pair, and ended up with a pair of Ultrazone DJ1 Pro, and the race was tied between the Uz DJ1’s and HD-25’s, I went with the Ultraz cuz my ears dont like beeing squeezed all night, I lisend to everything I could find during a messe here in sweden, and only the Sen’s and Ultraz where options, and the Ultraz won ;P and they r gr8
I have the Audio Technica ATH-M50 Studio Monitor Headphones (i got the version w/ the coiled cable) They are amazing!
http://www.performanceaudio.com/images/products/29/17126_1.jpg
PROS:
Crisp studio quality sound (no coloring), amazing comfort from the awesomely-padded earcups that cover the entire ear, great isolation, and solid construction.
CONS:
the earcups can cause sweat in hot environments, and long hours of use, the cord is not detachable.
have heard too many complaints about the sony’s and denon’s breaking…
Sennheiser HD25 all the way. Parts are replaceable, easy to wear, sound excellent. Ugly enough to not make you look like a complete c*ck.
Sennheisers are all I’ve used. Ran a pair of 212s into the ground – up to 10 hour sets, 2 nights a week – and went up to 215s at the start of this year. I hadn’t realised how much I was battling the room system until the got the full enclosure around the ears with the 215s. But that also means having them around the neck while not in use is not a comfortable option. Also, they’re a bit conspicuous if I wanna listen to something when I’m out and about (I’m fine just knowing how to create the emotions – I don’t need the attention unless I’m on stage).
Had to replace the cable on the 212s once in 8 years of use – it splits and connects to both sides with mono minijacks that unplug – because the straight cable was too long and would get caught on roadcases, etc when I’d go to put them back on – even though I had them tied up to shorten it almost the whole time. Eventually had to look for a replacement because the plastic layer over the earpads had worn away and, getting drenched in sweat in the club every night (it’s genetic), they’d started to stink a bit of stale sweat. Now I’ve rinsed and dried them properly, they’re completely fine for production/random home use.
Love the coiled cable on the 215s. Love the range – also use them for radio voice broadcast and sound much sexier in them. The bendable arm on one side is a bit of a wank though – which seems to be the selling point for DJs on the materials. Just push one side behind your ear like normal people, tool… especially since it doesn’t bend with just one hand without repositioning the whole unit.
The sound isolation was unexpected but one of the best things about them now. Have the tunes cranked in the room and be able to cue up without having to run the cans levels over halfway on the djm600.
HD25 I use them since 1998!
hey
Senn HD 25’s all the way, would never use anything else now. The sound is so much Tighter and Crisper than any other i’ve tried really helps with mixing and hearing whats happening with your tracks.
k
Ean I loved my MDR-7506, they were stolen when I was in college.
I had my first pair of Sony’s MDR-v700 for 5 years they finally disincarnated, bought a second pair and lasted a year… if that.
Now I have the Ultrasone DJ Pro and out side of the cracked ear cups, they work great, its been 3 years and road tested @ 2-3 shows a week, so far so good.
Mike Charles you have peeked my interest in Pioneer HDJ-2000s, leather Ear cups Nice!
I’m a fan of the Ultrasone HFI range for heavy daily listening. Never before heard such an astonishing upgrade as when I moved from Sony MDR-V700 to the (discontinued) Ultrasone HFI-700. If you’ve only ever tried “dj” headphones, step outside of that area and try out some other designs. Using the Sony MDR-7506 studio cans is an excellent example of this.
i think after this overwhelming love declaration of DJTT for the HD-25’s its time Sennheiser raffle off a couple to us 🙂
[quote comment=””]
BUT lets face it most big events and clubs have way to loud monitors, sure u can bring the level down but then you get spill from the room’s PA and your mixing turns to a mess, So DJing requires to much Sound pressure and abuse to be a sound purist, to me is all about enough clarity and (non) fatigue, and of course durability… So I have the same old (discontinued) Technics RP-DJ1200 since 99.
Z[/quote]
I’ve seen some DJs use earplugs or etymotic research ER plugs underneath their headphones while djing. Any of you do anything similar? Been thinking about it, being that many of the places I play are waaaaaaaaaay too loud in the booth, and fatigue is pretty bad by the end of the night.
Been a big fan of Ultrasone, would definitely recommend to anybody.
M.A.
Beyerdynamics 4 life. Spend the money.
HD-25 is the best 🙂
I’m another 7506 evangelist. They were the first pair of headphones I didn’t burn through in a few months. In 10 years I’ve had 2 pair, and I find them ALMOST perfect for what I want. I also liked that they translated well from DJing to audio production (nice to have a “go-to” pair of headphones).
Ultimately, I’m thinking about getting a pair of them (or maybe the 7509s) made into a stick, which will be perfect for me.
Sennheiser HD25 or AKG K518DJ for live gigs (about the same quality), AKG K240 for studio works.
Sennheiser HD 25-1 II here. I’ve dropped them, stepped on them (with big heavy boots), thrown them in anger, ripped the cable out of the mixer/interface cause I forget how short it is, and they keep going, barely a scratch on them.
They are on ear and cut off almost everything around me. The padding on the cups is nice and soft, the sound is crisper and cleaner than almost anything I’ve used, and the swivelling ear cup is a really nice touch when I need to mix in and out of someone else.
The short cable bothered me when I was on CDs, but now that everything is so centered I don’t care. I had a pair of Stanton DJ-3000’s which have the same structure as the Sony MDR’s and the Pioneer 5000’s. They broke every four months and I found myself gorilla glue-ing them and zip tying them together until I just got fed up. These have lasted me two years and I think I can get another 3 out of them if I treat them right.
[quote comment=”20855″]I’ve used Sony’s MDR-7506 for years like Ean. My question is only mildly off topic. Does th Audio 8/Audio 4 interfaces make Traktor’s cue louder? I use the Numark DJ I/O and the cue just isn’t as loud as I’d like it to be. There’s no headphone volume on the actual Numark unit as opposed to the Audio 8 & 4.[/quote]
A8 A4 outputs are realy loud enough, imho more than your ears can handle when cranked to max.
I have tried several Hp thru the years and I kinda divide things in 2 major schools … Studio Quality Hi-end Stuff and DJ workhorse.
For top notch I would go for the Sony MDR-7509 HD or the Senn HD-25 (which I use for production almost exclusively).. I find the HD-25 very harsh and uncomfortable after a few hours, so if I had to settle for only one HP for studio / Djing I would go for the Sony.
BUT lets face it most big events and clubs have way to loud monitors, sure u can bring the level down but then you get spill from the room’s PA and your mixing turns to a mess, So DJing requires to much Sound pressure and abuse to be a sound purist, to me is all about enough clarity and (non) fatigue, and of course durability… So I have the same old (discontinued) Technics RP-DJ1200 since 99.
But be sure to check the Ortofon O-one which are great and the A&H Xone ones … all derived from Ultrasone models but with some nice tweaks.
HD2000 are pure lust … I would only buy if I charged 10x they’re price for each gig 😉
regards,
Z
[quote comment=””]HD 25 II here. I think everything has already been said about them. I wouldn’t say they are ugly though. I prefer their minimalist design over these fat futuristic cans pictured above.[/quote]
actually, i love the look 🙂
I’ve used Sony’s MDR-7506 for years like Ean. My question is only mildly off topic. Does th Audio 8/Audio 4 interfaces make Traktor’s cue louder? I use the Numark DJ I/O and the cue just isn’t as loud as I’d like it to be. There’s no headphone volume on the actual Numark unit as opposed to the Audio 8 & 4.
Just bought new set of Headphones a week ago. Everybody and their mother’s were recommending the HD25s obviously, but i am fricken douche and had to get nice pair of designed cans for my head. So i went with XONE XD53s.. so far> excellent design, great sound qualitz, slightly heavy and imho they come for affordable price (it is rumored that they last long as well).
make sure to check out theese pair of headphones when visiting your local GC!
[quote comment=”20851″][quote comment=””]HD 25 II here. I think everything has already been said about them. I wouldn’t say they are ugly though. I prefer their minimalist design over these fat futuristic cans pictured above.[/quote]
If you want some serious headphones you should pick up the Sennheiser HD 25, I use them since 1998 without any fault. Replaced earpads a couple of times because I don’t take them inside a bag and also replaced the original cord with a spiral one just because I want to, the original cable was not damaged. This are not cheap but in eleven years I bet most of the DJ’s around the globe have bought at least two pairs of any other headphones so they end up spending more money without knowing what is good![/quote]
[quote comment=””]HD 25 II here. I think everything has already been said about them. I wouldn’t say they are ugly though. I prefer their minimalist design over these fat futuristic cans pictured above.[/quote]
If you want some serious headphones you should pick up the Sennheiser HD 25, I use them since 1998 without any fault. Replaced earpads a couple of times because I don’t take them inside a bag and also replaced the original cord with a spiral one just because I want to, the original cable was not damaged. This are not cheap but in eleven years I bet most of the DJ’s around the globe have bought at least two pairs of any other headphones so they end up spending more money without knowing what is good!
I too like the Sennheiser HD-25 II.
I was reluctant to try them at first, so I have gone from Sony MDR-V500 (pretty good, but not so good isolation and too weak for outdoor dj’ing) to Stanton DJ Pro 2000’s (cheap, have served me well for a few years), the Denon headhpone (can’t remember the number anymore, but returned them immediately because they were very heavy, not too flexible, expensive and didn’t sound right to me), Stanton DJ Pro 3000’s (still cheap, but much better sound and isolation than the 2000’s, unfortunately broke after a few years, similar problem as the Sony V700 I guess, but at least they were cheaper)
Finally took the chance to try the HD25, since anyone who tried them seemed to be really happy about them.
I must say they do indeed sound nice for Dj’ing, they are very light so they don’t annoy as fast, and the isolation isn’t too bad either.
I used the Sennheiser HD25-SP for about a decade. Still everything working and in good condition. At the moment I don’t take them to my gigs anymore and only bring some very cheap WE/SC (a cloting company) Headphones to my gigs. They are available in some dope colorways like the Ed Banger Pro Modell, and they are unbelievable loud with a punchy bass. I’m only listening to the sound of my Headphones on the left ear for a few seconds while mixing/blending or searching for a track, so I don’t need any super comfort fit or highprice DJ-brand anymore.
One more +1 for the Sennheiser HD25’s.
Note there are two models, I think they have a cheaper version, which I never owned and therefore cannot comment on. The top of the line ones are awesome sounding, leightweight, comfortable, sturdy and all parts self replaceable!
They come in two styles with different cables. I prefer the ones with the straight able, since that one also has a 90 degree angle on the connector, which I think makes more sense than the straight connector on the version with the non straight cable.
HD 25 II here. I think everything has already been said about them. I wouldn’t say they are ugly though. I prefer their minimalist design over these fat futuristic cans pictured above.
I bought, a year ago, a Denon DN_HP700, and the only thing I don’t like is the weight. But I can confirm its resistance, powerful wide sound, and isolation.
Probably they aren’t what i need, but it was the only good i could find when my old 1997 Sennheiser HD25 died.
Very sad of not find another pair of the same model.
In other hand I’ve been using a Sennheiser HD-280 Pro and I can say that these is another good level… specially if you need an extra isolation, it’s unnecesary talk about its sound.
For me the headphones sennheiser hd 25 II are also the ultimative for me! I have them for 4 years now and they still do as the first day. One Dj partner were telling me to buy them as he used them for 8 years or somethin. And yes, you can replace every single part of it which would be coming way cheaper than buying a new pair of headphones instead. is there any other headphone which can be replaced? and yeah, you can replace the pads, cushions, dont know how to say, in different colors so you can make them little individual. theyre totally comfortable as they are so light weight and also have brillant sound and you dont hear much of the surrounding. best ones!
The best headphones on the market for many reasons are the many forms of the HD25’s, absolutely perfect in every way and every component is replaceable! If your worried about the price… don’t be, its money well spent. You will most probably go through 2 pairs of £75 headphones whilst you would have owned and still be using the HD25’s for the same period.
the next best is the allen and heath XD-53.. suberb sound quality, comfortable to use, loud enough to deafen you and very well built.
If you don’t have the funds available, the Sony MDRV700’s are great budget headphones.
thats my 2 sence
[quote comment=”20806″]I really dig my Sennheiser HD280 Pro’s. Great sound isolation, good sound, and comfortable on my head. Also, for the price they can be had for online, they’re expendable should something go really wrong.[/quote]
I use these too, good isolation and nice flat sound.
I think they are designed for studio monitoring but have worked very nicely for me. Foldable too.
I’ve been using the Ultrasone DJ1 Pro for about one and a half years now and *really* like the build quality and sound. Also, they fully cover/enclose your ears which is quite nice for insulation and the long-winded sets 😉 The only downside to that is that they look and are huuuge..
One Can: HD25 !
I would also go with the HD 25 i use them at work a lot (SOund engineer, lots of FOH loud PA and so on) but for Djing i still use my Pioneer Dj5000, the good old ones with the little pillow. The oldest pair is all duct tape but still works for training, the speakers are a little worne out and softer than newer ones, but this also happens to HD 25. Love both tried lots, since i get the chance at work i worked my way thruogh all of Sennheiser and Akg (wich is where u go looking for Studio Sound)
I can’t see my comment appearing. Why’s that?
I’m all about the MDR-7506 myself ..
just got a second pair of them last year after the first one got a bit too sweaty and used 🙂 but yeah .. the only pair that didn’t break on me, the only pair that doesn’t turn my head into a diamond and also perfect to work on some productions while on the road!
before I ‘found’ the MDR-7506 in 2001 I needed new headphones close to every 3 months …
[quote comment=””]I like to take two cans of pork an beans. grub them down, duck tape those bitches to my head, wrap some copper wire around them and plug them into the nearest electrical outlet.
Sound is horrible but it feels…..ya know…..nice[/quote]
WooooHooooo I agree with that guy……full on!!
I like to take two cans of pork an beans. grub them down, duck tape those bitches to my head, wrap some copper wire around them and plug them into the nearest electrical outlet.
Sound is horrible but it feels…..ya know…..nice
[quote post=”1547″]
I use Sennheiser HD25 C II. fantastic detaild sound, light weight, everything is replaceable and excellent attenuation of ambient noise. But they are ugly 🙂
So I give them 9/10.[/quote]
Another vote for the HD 25’s. Steel cable (I always pull and break mine), modular (can buy every part as they wear out cheap enough), good sound and ugly as sin!
My trusty Sony MDRV-900’s have been subject to almost 9 years of daily abuse and they are still my most reliable and best sounding headphones. My only complaint is they can be a bit on the heavy side for lengthy listenings.
I’ve had a two pairs of Sennheiser HD25-SP, loved the sound but they were quite fragile and the design was not excellent (particularly the chords connection that made the wire tangle.
Afterwards, got a pair of technics 1200 for a while, not bad, but not the sound quality of the sennheiser.
I tried sony MDRv-700, they broke up after 18 months, so this is a no go.
I have got a pair of Sennheiser HD-25 for 6 years now, used for 8 hours every weekend, still in perfect condition, excellent sound, very loud, perfect isolation, and very comfy. I have tried a lot of other headphones (Pioneers, Stanton, other Sennheisiers), but to me this is still the best pair available, plus you can use them in the studio or for personal use. If they were to break (no sign of it), I think I’d buy a new pair without even looking at other headphones. I just love them
I switched recently from the Sony MDR-7506 to the Sennheiser IE7-In-Ears, have to find out how they do in a club, but up till now I have to say that the sound-quality is excellent and the shielding agains ambient noise is definately very good.
I love my ATH-M50!
Although I know it is intended for studio monitoring purposes.
it’s been rock solid and sounds great!
[quote comment=””]I’be got the Sony MDR CD280 for about 10 years now, mainly because of the comfort it provides. Plus, I really like open headphones for some reason.
Paid about 60 euros at the time (in old fashioned guilders), but reading this article maybe it’s a good idea to use all this feedback to get a new pair as I’ve never really paid particular attention to the quality of my headphones…[/quote]
I’be got the Sony MDR CD280 for about 10 years now, mainly because of the comfort it provides. Plus, I really like open headphones for some reason.
Paid about 60 euros at the time (in old fashioned guilders), but reading this article maybe it’s a good idea to use all this feedback to get a new pair as I’ve never really paid particular attention to the quality of my headphones…
Sennheiser HD25 : great sound, durable,…
best headphones on the market
I think you’re forgetting the Sennheiser HD-25. I have them 8 years now and they just work every weekend. The only thing that had been replaced are the earpads – I sweat like in hell :-).
Back in the days they didn’t have the C II model, which has lighter pressure on ears, my oldschool version has the pressure higher and it is slightly uncomfortable to wear them for hours, but the C II version got this fixed. I’d buy them again and again, but I doubt there will be the need to. I can grab them and throw far far away on to concrete ground and they will just work fine. I dont behave very nice to my DJ equipment, so I buy things that will last. If something ever gets broken, you can get spare parts for everything at a fair price.
They have no moving parts, so that’s one less thing to worry about. But they are foldable – you can grab the capsules and slide them off the headband. I wear them folded in an oldschool metal filmbox…
They’re not AKG K-701, but they are the best sounding DJ earphones I’ve ever heard. The Sony 700s sound dull compared to them.
And finally – you get the feeling, that you support some really professional audio company, that cares about their products and customers. What can you expect from headphones from a company, that gives plastic bearings in their top CDJ product line?
The only two reasons not to use Sennheisers are:
1) You’re Tiesto or you use headphones for fashion (noooo, just kidding :))
2) They don’t sit well on your head and ears (and now I’m serious; I know ONE guy, that had this problem).
Ondra
try the DENON AH-D2000. i think you’ll be satisfied for a while
Every part of the HD25 are user replaceable. They are comfortable, light, durable and accurate.
Although they have less powerful drivers than some others, there’s more than enough power to make my ears hurt. What more can you ask for?
I saw a picture of some A380 pilots wearing what look exactly like a set of HD25’s with a mic attached.
My love goes to the already mentioned Sennheiser Hd25, Beyerdynamic DT770pro and my new AKG K242HD.
Though I haven`t been able to fieldtest them in the club, I really like the AKG the most sofar!
I have been using the same pair of Sennheiser HD-25 headphones for more than 10 years now. I am NOT nice to them. After all those years of riding in the bottom of backpacks, trans-pacific flights and getting squished under record bags they have outlasted all other DJ equipment I have invested in. A few sets of earpads and one new cord was all that I needed to keep them “new” for more than a decade.
I’ve used the Following:
Sony MDR v700
PROS:
true sound
affordable
Flat response
CONS:
Fragile
Bad Low response for DJ application
Leather ear cups dry and break
no isolation
Technics RP DJ 1210
PPROS:
Good quality
very sturdy & long lasting.
Affordable
Nice Low Response
Cons:
ear cups get tattered.
no isolation
Technics RP DH 1200
PROS
Loud & good Sound quality
good isolation
RUGGED and Long lasting (mine even survived run over by a semi-truck)
affordable
good low response
Detachable cord
Cons:
Ear cups get tattered
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro
PROS:
Good sound quality
true sound
Sturdy
Detachable cord
Flat response
Detachable cord
CONS:
Low response very less
Bulky
No isolation
Expensive
Current headphones:
Sennheiser HD 25-CII
PROS:
Good Sound quality
Good isolation
nice low response
detachable cable
Light weight
ALL REPLACEABLE PARTS
CONS:
Slightly expensive
Slightly Fragile
Non Fold-able design
To sum it all i feel technics have lasted longer than a lot of these headphones in the market.
all these observations might differ from user to user.
i’m looking from a beginners point of view to a Pro user.
thanks
DVJ RVN
I just refit my 12 year old SOny 7506 with velour earpads from Beyerdynamic:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/313962-REG/Beyerdynamic_942704_Padded_Earcushions_for_DT250_DT280.html
I must say I have been through a ton of other headphones including the sony Sony MDR-v700 and for some reason I always end up back to these. The new velour pads make them very comfortable…It’s like I got a new pair of headphones for 20$!
I have a pair of Sony MDR-v700.
I have treated em well and they have only been good to me!
The build does worry me, thus i treat em nice.
Also…..I NEVER let others borrow them. THATS how shit gets fucked up!
🙂
Would love a pair of Pioneers, just don’t have the cash for em……YET!
🙂
I have had 3 pairs of Sennies.
An el-Cheapo, did the trick and served its purpose. The next was a pair for DJing but were nicked (when i lent them to a mate…now you see?).
Then i got a pair of HD-25 sp1’s. I knew of the HD-25’s (too expensive then) and got the sp1’s. The sound is good…..but WAAAAY to soft for DJing. Also they flip flop around too much.
So i got the Sony’s. I asked my brother to get me a pair of Sennies again from the UK, but he got me the Sony’s instead.
Cheers Fuzzy!!!!
Sarasin
[quote comment=””]First I have only played at home and at small private party’s. I use Etymotic hf5 in ear headphones and love them. Is something like this useable in a rave/club setting with a loud thumpin system? I am booked to play at a rave in late october ( we will see if the party goes off or not, I’m sure we all know how that goes) and I want good equipment. Any way should I dump my beloved Ety’s and get tradional set o cans??????????????[/quote]
I would certainly suggest getting an over ear pair of headphones a) for sound isolation and b) not to look like a total noob 😛
[quote comment=””]Ultrasone DJ1 Pro. Comfortable feel, very durable, amazing sound.[/quote]
Completely agree. I have had mine for a little under a year and love em. I know there is better cans out there, but for the price and the durability, I don’t think any can match them.
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro. Comfortable feel, very durable, amazing sound.
[quote comment=”20797″]Headphones are definitely a personal-preference issue, bu tI still swear by my Ultrasone DJ1 Pros. I’ve used them nearly three years and they still look brand-new. The sound is great & they’ve never let me down.[/quote]
[quote comment=””]FTW! –> Allen & Heath XD-53[/quote]
I second that. I haven’t heard the A&H XD-53s, however.
But the DJPros have done quite well by me.
I really dig my Sennheiser HD280 Pro’s. Great sound isolation, good sound, and comfortable on my head. Also, for the price they can be had for online, they’re expendable should something go really wrong.
First I have only played at home and at small private party’s. I use Etymotic hf5 in ear headphones and love them. Is something like this useable in a rave/club setting with a loud thumpin system? I am booked to play at a rave in late october ( we will see if the party goes off or not, I’m sure we all know how that goes) and I want good equipment. Any way should I dump my beloved Ety’s and get tradional set o cans??????????????
FTW! –> Allen & Heath XD-53
Dude! Ultrasone DJ Pro. Excelent fidelity no matter what you throw at them!
i had a pair of Technics RP-DJ1200 that broke and quickly picked up a ATH Pro5 MS (camo) and have used them for 5 years so far. They are super comfy after 6 hour sets, super light, sound great and do not look like silver cups over my ears. they were also very cheap $55 I still look for the next pair to replace them but they are going strong and I generally Dj 3 night a week for 5 years.
Wen i think about headphone i first think in two thing 1st good sound including noise canseling 2nd confortably thast why i have two favorites 1st Technics RPDJ1200 the 1st version without telephone cable wich i think is too heavy and they have good size in the earpad and 2nd Sennheiser HD25-1 II wich they are so light also without telephone cable and also good earpad size, about sound i dont have to explain SENNHEISER!
I had a pair of Sony’s that self destructed while gigging in Taipei, the only headphones I could find at the time to replace them were a pair of Technics RP-DJ 1210.
Four years later they’re still going strong, loud, clear and in one piece ( though the cups are getting a little worn ). The only complaint I have is that the cups are a little small for my jumbo ears.
The Pioneers are very comfortable, but considering the price I would still highly recommend the Technics.
I’m with Ron Van Dahl on this, Sennheiser HD25 all the way! One thing these cans have over every other DJ can is that they are super lightweight and sit on your head all night if you want. You also don’t have to do the silly DJ head tilt wicky wicky pose (unless you like that)
Technically they’re studio cans like the 7506, but I feel they are less fatiguing as the drive isn’t as close to your head and the sound isolation is probably the best I’ve heard even though they don’t look it.
And yes if anything breaks on these they’re cheaply replaceable from Sennheiser. Sounds like a win combo to me.
Headphones are definitely a personal-preference issue, bu tI still swear by my Ultrasone DJ1 Pros. I’ve used them nearly three years and they still look brand-new. The sound is great & they’ve never let me down.
I use Sennheiser HD25 C II. fantastic detaild sound, light weight, everything is replaceable and excellent attenutation of ambient noise. But they are ugly 🙂
So I give them 9/10.
I owned the Technics RP-DH1200 which I purchased in the fall of 2004.
I felt they were good headphones. I liked the sound quality compared to the Sony 700’s, which I thought were lacking on the mid-range.
My only complaint was the comfort factor: the small nubbin on the inside of the ear cup would hit my ear in just the wrong way, and would get painfully uncomfortable after about two hours.
They lasted until early this year when the joints cracked. I promptly applied electrical tape to them and they lasted another three months.
I then purchased the Pioneer HDJ-2000. They are an amazing set of headphones. The sound is incredible; the build is strong and sturdy, while remaining light (much lighter than the RP-DH1200); and they are very, very comfortable. The memory foam ear cups and head pad really make a difference.
As solely a bedroom DJ I like the Sony v700s. While I don’t have anything to really compare them too, they are quite comfortable and sound good.
I’ve heard a tremendous amount of positive feedback on the Sony 7506s. Yes, they are “meant” for studio use, but many big-name DJs use them.