[Peter J]

After years of not using them, I recently dragged out and old pair of Koss PRO-4AA headphones to do some listening with a desktop system I'm putting together.

I remembered what I love and hate about them. The sound is certainly as pleasing as it was all those years ago, but comfort....arghhhh! After several minutes they're uncomfortable, after 1/2 hour it's just not worth it to keep 'em on, head feels squeezed, ears feel pinched, weight seems excessive, not pleasant at all!

I think I'd like to have the option of cans with this desktop setup, but really don't want to make a purchase and find myself in the same non-comfortable place. These are the only pair I've owned so have no basis for comparison. I think I want somewhat sealed like these but wondering if it's possible to get 1 or 2 hour comfort with this type. Perhaps an on ear would be better? Earbuds look like a hassle, the few I've tried just didn't want to stay in my ear.

Any recs from those with more experience than me?  I'd like to keep budget low as I can. $50 would be nice, $100 would be possible, $150  would be stretching for intended use.

Thanks for any and all advice.

[ajzepp]

This is probably perfect for what you're asking for...

http://www.electronics-expo.com/denon-ah-d1100-advanced-over-ear-headphones-black

If you use the code "MARCH2012" you get half off, so it comes out to like $109 shipped. Probably expires soon, but this gives you a well regarded headphone for both sound and comfort, and it's a closed model so it won't have much leakage if at all.

[neobop]

That link was for these?
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/denon-ah-d1100.php

What's going to drive these phones, a PC or an amp?

What kind of sound are you looking for, balanced, good bass, mellow or sparkle?

I'm considering these:
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/krk-systems-kns-8400.php

[ajzepp]

That link was for these?
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/denon-ah-d1100.php

Yep, not sure what happened to the link...

OP, if you go to electronics-expo.com and search for "Denon 1100 headphones" you'll see them listed. They are half off for a few more days.

[saisunil]

Shure 840 are easy recommendation
I sold mine for less than $100 - they were practically new - I now have their 940, they are technically superior to 840s but the 840s had some wholesome organic sound to them that was so pleasing to listen to ...
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH840-Professional-Monitoring-Earphones/dp/B002DP8IEK

You can get them lightly used for less or look for b-stocks for less
Head-fi.org is one such place ...

Ultrasone 780s are also good
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/ultrasone-hfi-780.php

good luck

[macrojack]

This should check all your boxes.
http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Acoustics-K-240-Studio-Headphones/dp/B0001ARCFA/ref=pd_cp_e_0

[Peter J]

Thanks for your thoughts, I nearly pulled the trigger on the Denon cans, but I had second thoughts. It's really easy for me to go nuts on stuff like this and then not use it all that much, so I decided to explore a little on the cheap side and ordered these;

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003JOETX8/ref=pe_175190_21431760_B_cs_sce_dp_f1

Primary use is a desktop system for office, driven by an old Pioneer receiver that I pressed into service as a monitor riser. Going cheaper gives me the opportunity to try something different than I've had experience with. If they suck, at least I know more what to expect from open back 'phones so I'll be a smarter shopper.

There really is a bewildering array of stuff to choose from and I admit to being curious about much of it. When I bought the Koss' many many years ago, it seems to me the choices were far fewer. So this has morphed into an experiment of sorts, and if I find I use them a lot, its likely I'll move up the food chain some.

[saisunil]

Pls let us know your impressions after breaking them in for 50 hours plus ...
Cheers

[ajzepp]

I've heard lots of good things about those, Peter...enjoy!