kehyi

i think that it's A Good Thing that you're not totally cut off from the outside world. if you absolutely cannot hear anything going on around you, isn't it kinda dangerous, esp when crossing the road, etc, no?

i've used the sony EX71 before... they're ok, until you compare them to something else... Jaben is located in Adelphi, Stereo is located in Causeway Point

hmm... i suppose a little liar is better than a big one... *grin* anyways... do consider the AKG K81DJ / K518DJ (they are the same, the K81 is silver and black while the K518 is black and black) 1. "adequate noise cancelling" - check (it provides sufficient isolation to enjoy music while on public transport) 2. "headphone jacks that are small" - check (it even comes with adapter to convert the 1/8" jack to 1/4") 3. "deep bass" - check (deep bass is a defining feature of the K81 *evil grin*) 4. "wires of a portable length" - not check (but wire length is easily fixed with a SmartWrap or SyncWrap) 5. "stylish looking and at a reasonable price" - check (*I* think it looks cool and at a little over a hundred dollars, it's good value)

maybe because no one has bought or auditioned it yet. why don't you be the first and tell the rest of us what it sounds like?

One really cheap option is the Sennheiser HD201...

hey... gratz...!

eh... K81DJ has an 'unusual' method for stretching recommended. You should squeeze the headband together, rather than try to pull it apart. Sounds wrong, but it works. You can search this forum for more info... i remember i posted about it before... edit: Found it in this thread

ah... the famous death-grip of the K81DJ... when i first got mine, yeah, they gave me a headache after an hour or so... but after judicious stretching, and almost daily use, my K81s are pretty comfie now, can wear long long without problem. i'd say it takes about a week to get broken in, and about a month to get comfie. one good thing about the AKG's grip is that you don't need to worry about it dropping off

hmm... i've always thought a brushed look is better than the so-easily-stained polished look. I'll try this on my 3G ipod this weekend

Is louder better...?

well said

"Investment: the investing of money or capital in order to gain profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation in value." Unless your beyers somehow generates money for you, it looks like an expenditure, not an investment, to me

hmm... i've heard the K26/K27 with the K81 before and my conclusions were opposite to yours. To me, the K26's sound was flabby and loose... basically . I think the K81 you tried had the central foams covering the driver. The foams have the effect of muffling the treble (which consequently emphasizes the bass). Removing them improves treble clarity immensely. This is the only reason i can think of that the K26 would give you better treble than the K81. Also, burning-in tames the K81's bass considerably. It also improves the K81's comfort level... hmm... my recent posts seem to have been all about the K81

Do you need a closed phone for isolation? After using my AKG K81DJ almost daily, i now find open phones too, er, open. Ambient noise is a bummer. Esp for commute.

The best way to make it (or any headphone) more comfy is to wear it. Alot. Like a new pair of shoes, headbands need to be broken in. You can try stretching (or squeezing) it. search this forum for specific advice

yes they do. initially, they're so tight, i believe you can go bungy jumping with them on... gave me headaches after wearing for an hour or so. but with judicious stretching and regular use, my pair is comfortable enough to wear for many hours now. you can do a search here to find some advice on how to stretch the K81DJ.

My K81s work fine straight from my shuffle. I don't use an amp, coz amp=more stuff=less portable. The impedance is 32 ohm.

duh... i only saw this today... thanks but i lost my handphone on my birthday left it in the toilet and it's gone...

Do give the AKG K81DJ a try. Costs around $110. Search this forum for reviews.

I got mine from Stereo Electronics at Causeway Point. Cost me $109... and well worth it

i just noticed the refurb 1G shuffles are back in the applestore, cheaper than ever: 512MB = $58 1GB = $98

hmm... all the models OP listed are open-backed... open may give better sound, but in a portable environment, open = cannotmakeit due to external noises. so... for closed-back headphone, give the K81DJ a try... it's foldable

If you're considering a closed can for portable use, the AKG K81DJ is a good bet. Give it an audition, but keep this in mind: comfort improves upon stretching and usage, and sound quality improves upon removing the central foam.

it's a little early, no?

choose songs? it's a shuffle for goodness sakes... the songs choose YOU