Shopping for headphones for my nephew (9 yrs old) to use with a iphone when he plays drums. Mainly to listen to metronome. He does NOT want noise canceling. I would like to get him something with good sound for around $50. Does not need to be professional grade, but want to get something that he can also listen to music with. Any suggestions?
Headphone advice
- Thread starter wewo
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Hate to say it, but if you want good quality sound w/o noise cancellation, then good luck. I mean you can try these, but your next best bet will probably be some ear buds: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826262058&ignorebbr=1
Just an idea, not sure if he does this or not: have him tap on a notebook with the drumsticks to go in line with the beats. This way when it comes time for hitting the drums, he won't be able to hear the drums as much and can focus on the timing in order to get better accuracy. I've met a few drummers in my time & believe that most may agree with me.
Just an idea, not sure if he does this or not: have him tap on a notebook with the drumsticks to go in line with the beats. This way when it comes time for hitting the drums, he won't be able to hear the drums as much and can focus on the timing in order to get better accuracy. I've met a few drummers in my time & believe that most may agree with me.
With all due respect, there are plenty of very high quality headphones without noise cancellation. What you're looking for is open backed headphones.
Here is an article I picked at random that explains the differences between open backed and closed backed headphones: Forbes Article
The gist of it is that closed back headphones are more common because they isolate the sound from the rest of the world. This is more practical in most situations because when you're using headphones you don't want the rest of the world to have to hear your music, and you don't want to hear the rest of the world. However, open backed headphones still exist for one simple reason: They produce a more natural sound. You can read the article or Google a thousand just like it that will all explain the same thing.
The one thing to be wary of is that if he wants something that allows him to hear what's around him, whoever around him is also going to be able to hear what's in his headphones. He may be better off getting a pair of headphones specifically for drumming and a set of ear buds or something for listening to music, like pillar suggested.
I am a fan of Sennheiser. I have several pairs, and have given several as gifts. I have yet to have anybody be disappointed by them. The [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-239-Headphones-Black/dp/B005SNPTRS/ref=dp_ob_title_ce"]HD 239s[/ame] would be my choice, but they are $70 which takes us out of your price range. I'm sure you can find others that would fit your range. I just prefer Sennheiser.
Here is an article I picked at random that explains the differences between open backed and closed backed headphones: Forbes Article
The gist of it is that closed back headphones are more common because they isolate the sound from the rest of the world. This is more practical in most situations because when you're using headphones you don't want the rest of the world to have to hear your music, and you don't want to hear the rest of the world. However, open backed headphones still exist for one simple reason: They produce a more natural sound. You can read the article or Google a thousand just like it that will all explain the same thing.
The one thing to be wary of is that if he wants something that allows him to hear what's around him, whoever around him is also going to be able to hear what's in his headphones. He may be better off getting a pair of headphones specifically for drumming and a set of ear buds or something for listening to music, like pillar suggested.
I am a fan of Sennheiser. I have several pairs, and have given several as gifts. I have yet to have anybody be disappointed by them. The [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-239-Headphones-Black/dp/B005SNPTRS/ref=dp_ob_title_ce"]HD 239s[/ame] would be my choice, but they are $70 which takes us out of your price range. I'm sure you can find others that would fit your range. I just prefer Sennheiser.
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Seconding Seinnheiser. Excellent quality/price ratio for what you want.
I want to apologize for my post as I have never heard of open backed headphones. I am glad that you did indeed post it as I always enjoy learning new things. Also I do agree & back ya on Sennheiser. I have a pair myself, HD 201 & treat them like my other pair of headphones, which are some $150 Bose headphones.
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...which are low end headphones. $0-100 is pretty much crap tier.
Be aware that Sennheiser isn't the only brand that provides value and good sound quality. They are just a name thrown around because they have prolific low end items. That doesn't mean that Sennheiser is bad- their products are very good.
Like I said, I like Sennheiser. Others may have other opinions. Others also have other income levels, which is why it's in bad taste to call anything that somebody else has low end or crap. For all you know they may have saved every last cent they could spare for months and the last thing they need is to come online and have you call it crap. I only speak for myself, but your elitist attitude is a huge turnoff.
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Well, I said I like Sennheiser too. Disagree to agree.
But you're right. Maybe "crap tier" is a little too condescending and unrestrained. How about "lower tier".
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For "lower tier" items, Sennheiser generally has the best quality.
I, personally, prefer Monster, but you're generally spending $250+ for a better pair.
I, personally, prefer Monster, but you're generally spending $250+ for a better pair.
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Klipsch headphones may have a pleasant sound, but they aren't balanced and therefore may not be appropriate for a musician.
But they have some good speakers.
I got the HD239s. Since it is for a kid just starting out I was looking lower end, This is more than sufficient for his purposes. Got them from New Egg for 79.95 cause I like them and amazon was $72.95 plus $5 shipping. Thanks again everyone.
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Good choice. Hope they work out well.
