A Stereo Headphone Equivalent?

[IrishIrish]

Please understand ... computer does not come naturally to me.

My DH has always been an audiophile or the computer equivalent ... he listens to music, mostly older stuff.

He has quite an elaborate speaker system, but is it possible that I could get him a set of headphones or ear buds or whatever that would allow him to listen to music until his eardrums bleed and allow me to sleep?

Any recommendations on good quality that could be plugged into the computer and would I need to consider anything else?

Thanks all.

[Perry]

Sennheiser

Click here

[Elleth Faewen]

I got a set of Bose headphones. The main reason I got them is because they are very good at canceling outside sound. They are supposed to be excellent for sound quality. I'm usually listening to audio books, so I cannot speak to that, but I can vaccuum and run lawn power tools while still enjoying my audio.

[IrishIrish]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Peterlock]

Hi IrishIrish!

Leave it to Perry to recommend the headphones that rank number one according to consumerreports.org.

I subscribe to www.consumerreports.org and use it all the time, it's really great. So I looked up headphones for you and here's their list of recommendations.

Personally, I prefer wireless headphones but the sound can be compromised from cheaper models if your hubby is a die hard audiophile he may like the corded sets better - if you scroll down to "Wireless" sets the first one listed sounds good. Also when you see "discontinued" that doesn't mean you still can't purchase the model or get the next one up.

Prices quoted are MSR and you can always find a better deal.

Peter

CORDED SETS

Sennheiser HD570 (Open over-ear)
$125
The best sound of the models tested. Emphasized bass and midtreble, reduced upper midrange and low treble. 24-mo. parts/labor warranty. 6.7 oz.

Sony MDR-CD180 A CR Best Buy (Closed over-ear) 20
Very good performer; lighter than most. Emphasized midbass, reduced low treble. 4.5 oz.

Sony MDR-V700DJ (Closed over-ear)
$150
Very good sound. Emphasized midbass and midrange. Earpieces swivel and fold, also reverse for single-sided monitoring. 12-mo. parts warranty. 10.9 oz.

Jensen JF40 (Open over-ear)
Note: Discontinued.
25
Good performer. Emphasized midbass and upper midrange. Volume and mute controls. Lifetime parts/labor warranty. 8 oz.

Koss Pro 4AA (Closed over-ear)
80
Good performer, but reduced bass and upper treble. Heavy-duty construction. Earpiece hardware may pinch fingers. Has only 11/4-inch plug. Lifetime parts/labor warranty. 20.5 oz.

Koss TD 80 (Closed over-ear)
50
Good sound. Emphasized midbass and midtreble. Volume control. Earpads may pinch ears. Lifetime parts/labor warranty. 9 oz.

Panasonic RP-HT355 (Closed over-ear)
30
Good. Emphasized midrange and mid-to-upper treble, reduced low bass and low treble. Volume control. Headband may catch on hair. Earpieces reverse for single-sided monitoring. 6.1 oz.

Sennheiser HD433 (On-ear)
Note: Discontinued.
30
Good, lighter than most. Emphasized upper bass, lower and midtreble. 24-mo. parts/labor warranty. 3.8 oz.

Sony MDR-V600 (Closed over-ear)
100
Good overall. Emphasized midrange and midtreble. Earpieces swivel and fold, reverse for single-sided monitoring. 10.9 oz.

Aiwa HP-X222 (Closed over-ear)

30
Fair. Emphasized lower midrange and midtreble. Mute control. Earpieces reverse for single-sided monitoring. 7.4 oz.

RadioShack 33-1159 (Closed over-ear)
Note: Discontinued.
30
Fair. Emphasized lower midrange and low treble. Has only 11/8-inch plug. 8.3 oz.

• Brand & model Price
  Overall score
  Sound quality
  Recommendations & notes

WIRELESS SETS

Amphony Model 1000 (Closed over-ear)
130
Good, with no hiss or compression. Emphasized midrange and midtreble, reduced low treble. Interference produced severe clicking. 2.4-GHz digital transmitter/receiver. Has only one channel. 12-mo. parts warranty. Lacks plug; has stereo RCA cable. 10.9 oz.

Sennheiser RS65 (Open over-ear)
190
Among lighter wireless models tested. Good sound, but had compression and slight hiss, and volume went up and down. Emphasized bass and upper midrange; reduced treble. 24-mo. parts/labor warranty. 5.8 oz.

Sony MDR-RF915RK (On-ear)
100
Fair, with compression and hiss. Emphasized upper bass, upper midrange, and midtreble. 12-mo. parts warranty. 7.7 oz.

Advent AW720 (On-ear) Note: Discontinued.
80
Fair, with compression, distortion, and slight hiss. Emphasized midrange. Among lighter wireless models tested, but pressed on ears more than others. 12-mo. parts/labor warranty. 5.8 oz.

Jensen JW160 (On-ear) Note: Discontinued.
70
Fair, with compression and hiss. Reduced low bass, upper midrange, and treble. Earpads and headband press more firmly than others. 12-mo. parts/labor warranty. 6.1 oz.

Koss JR 900 (Closed over-ear)
230
Fair, with pronounced hiss but no compression. Emphasized bass and midtreble, reduced low treble. Stereo/mono control. Lifetime parts/labor warranty. 10.2 oz.