Need recommendations for budget headphones (below $50)

[Rommie2k6 0]

Hi all,

 

For starters I'm not an audiophile. Also, my pocket is not very deep, only $50 to spend at max. Was thinking of buying a set of headphones to replace my old earphones. I got fed up with my old earphones (Sony) as the sound distortion was really horrible.

 

I guess I'm not very fussy about quality, I don't need "uber" sound quality, just decent sound (can distinguish the instruments playing music, and not just one "slur" of sound) and most importantly no sound distortions. Preferably the "clip-on" types or "small cans" (not looking for earbuds or IEM types). Most importantly need to be portable (i.e. got container to store), as I will be using it on my laptop in school.

 

Was shopping at SLS today and found a few headphones priced at $20-$30+ from brands like Sony, Philips & Panasonic. Are these headphones sufficient in terms of quality, or should I go for higher stuff like Senheisser, AKG, Koss, etc. (which do seem a bit off budget)?

 

Also, there are some specifications that headphones use that I don't understand, for e.g.

1) Impedence - Ranges from 16 ohms to 64 ohms. Is it the higher the impedence the better (since the uber $100+ seem to have 64 ohms). What is the minimum impedence I need for decent sound quality (for the record my previous sony earbuds were 16 ohms).

2) Frequency Range - Ranges from a few Hz to 20,000+ Hz. What kind of range should I get?

3) Sensitivity - Rated in db. Once again, what is sensitity, and what are the minimum values I should aim for?

 

EDIT: I did find one product suitable for my needs though - Koss KSC75 Portable Stereophone Headphones. Can anyone tell me where to buy it in Singapore? SLS doesn't seem to sell Koss products.

 

Thanks in advance to all you headphones guru out there!

Edited July 24, 2006 by Rommie2k6

[Guest joi-ful]

Koss KSC75. I believe you wont go wrong w it.

[Rommie2k6 0]

Koss KSC75. I believe you wont go wrong w it.

 

Haha thanks. Was about to add that to my post. Do you know where in Singapore I can buy this?

[aaron-xp 0]

Don't go for the specs. Impedence should really bother you, especially if you are not going for an amp. Frequency ranges are not really too important, most cannot hear the upper or lower limits that well. Sensitivity should be much of an issue if you have a proper source (laptops should be okay).

 

How about the EP-630 (though it is a canalphone)? Seems quite good for the price range. The Koss KSC75/35 should do you good.

 

PS. joi-ful: Same posting time!

 

I think you can get the KSC75s from Sim Lim. Not too sure exactly where.

Edited July 24, 2006 by aaron-xp

[viix 0]

$50 isn't much for decent headphones nor earphones.

 

You have 2 options.

 

1. Get any branded one you deem nice looking enough and within your budget and be satisfied with it, and never come back to this site ever again.

 

2. Up to a koss or sennheisers within a $100 headphones and start surfing this site more often.. soon enough you probably blow a few hundreds to thousands on equipment if you aren't discipline enough.

 

For your questions;

1) Anything 32ohms and below is easy to drive.. generally if it's too high and you'll need amplifiers to drive them decently

 

2) Doesn't matter, freq range won't mean you'll hear more or it'll sound better.

 

3) Means volume at certain loads. again, no issue as long as you stick to 32ohms and below.

Edited July 24, 2006 by viix

[aaron-xp 0]

I know where you can get them!

 

Just get one of the MO participants to *give* you one. I'm sure there are some kind souls out there...

[Guest joi-ful]

I think Hung Bros carries that KSC75 at $49 each. Not very sure about the availability now. Perhaps someone can conduct a MO for them some time soon, just need to wait for Amazon to stock them below 10USD

[Rommie2k6 0]

I think Hung Bros carries that KSC75 at $49 each. Not very sure about the availability now. Perhaps someone can conduct a MO for them some time soon, just need to wait for Amazon to stock them below 10USD

 

I see, was at Hung Bros today, didn't see it (I think). Maybe I'll check back some time later.

Btw, if we order through Amazon we won't be able to get the lifetime warranty that Koss products are famous for right? I meant realistically speaking, we would have to ship the damaged set back, then... (you know very troublesome and expensive).

[afbug 0]

I see, was at Hung Bros today, didn't see it (I think). Maybe I'll check back some time later.

Btw, if we order through Amazon we won't be able to get the lifetime warranty that Koss products are famous for right? I meant realistically speaking, we would have to ship the damaged set back, then... (you know very troublesome and expensive).

 

You an try Challenger Funan. If i'm not wrong, Koss's lifetime warranty is only for US/Canada and Mexico. So it doesn't really matter where you buy it.

[Rommie2k6 0]

I see, was at Hung Bros today, didn't see it (I think). Maybe I'll check back some time later.

Btw, if we order through Amazon we won't be able to get the lifetime warranty that Koss products are famous for right? I meant realistically speaking, we would have to ship the damaged set back, then... (you know very troublesome and expensive).

 

You an try Challenger Funan. If i'm not wrong, Koss's lifetime warranty is only for US/Canada and Mexico. So it doesn't really matter where you buy it.

 

Wow, you guys are fast. So I take that there is no official importer/dealer of Koss products in Singapore? So any warranty stuff must ship back to US one way or another?

[afbug 0]

There should be an offical distributor but I not sure who. Warranty will probably be covered by them or the shop you get from but it will probably not be lifetime.

 

If warranty is a concern, get Senn headphones then. 2 year warranty, just remember to get the warranty card from the shop. There is PX100 but more than $50. HD201 is $40 but full sized.

[kehyi 0]

One more vote for the KSC75.

 

I bought mine from Hung Bros in March... can bargain abit one.

 

Stereo Electronics in Causeway Pt also carries KSC75. last i heard from Aron (about a month ago), there'll be a new shipment with hopefully lower price... maybe can ask him lah.

[Rommie2k6 0]

Thanks for all the help folks. Has anyone shipped the Koss KSC75 through VPostUSA? How much is the shipping (for 1 set)?

[aaron-xp 0]

Don't think it is worth it. vPost ain't cheap.

[headphone2004 0]

You won't go wrong with KSC75, cheap & good.