Christmas Headphone Buying guide

Christmas is almost upon us, and with it comes christmas sales. Unless you're some kind of not christmas celebrating person, Then they're just regular sales. The point still stands that you guys are all listening to music out of a tin can with a piece of string attached, and I'm here to try and change that. Categories are sorted by price range, and I'll stay in the lower price range, just because recommending you 3000 dollar headphones is a bit ridiculous for a student.

Under 100 dollars

Okay So whether you want IEM's or Full size headphones, there is a couple of good really options. A lot of people may just buy whatever catches their eye, because it's shiny or it's their favourite colour. I'm here to tell you that if you do that then.... I'm just really disappointed is all.

Creative Aurvana Live!

Yes the exclamation point is part of the name. The CAL's are widely considered the best option for over ear headphones under 100 dollars. Usually available on amazon for ~90 dollars, they often also go on sale for anywhere from 60 to 80 dollars. They're made of plastic, which some people don't like, but you aren't going to find better sound for a better price for under 100 dollar headphones. They aren't garish or awful looking unlike some other options either *cough beats*. They are lightweight and comfortable for long periods of time, which make them great for both portable use and stay at home. The CAL's offer a slightly bassier experience with good mids and a treble that could use some work, But for under 100 dollars, you aren't going to find better. The headphone has a closed design, which means that the headphones will isolate noise, and keep the music in your headphones. The seal on the CAL's is decent, and it could be better, but when you remember the price then these headphones are so much better than anything else at the price range. Headphones really do better or worse depending on what kind of music you listen to, and the CAL's seem to hit the sweet spot where everything sounds good. Really an outstanding deal for anyone looking to get high quality sound without the huge price tag.

HiFiMan RE-400

A bit of a less known company by the general consumer, HiFiMan is known to produce some of the best planar magnetic headphones at the best price. Often their headphones are considered to sound well above their price range, and the RE-400 does not disappoint. before you whine and say that these are 99 dollars, which is pretty expensive, and that I should recommend some cheaper headphones, let me tell you that nothing else is worth it. and 99 dollars is still less than 100 so get over it. Anyways, these headphones should be good for just about any kind of music you want to throw at it. HiFiMan headphones are traditionally very neutral, and the RE-400 is no different, "[classified]  as a neutral earphone with just a hint of warmth. The midrange is clear and well-positioned, neither recessed nor forward in the presentation. Detail resolution is excellent and the overall sound is very transparent. The top end, similarly, is present but far from overbearing." That quote on the sound courtesy of This guy who knows more than I do, so i'm going to let you trust him and not me.

100-250 Dollars

A little bit broader of a category, there are a lot of really good options depending on how much you want to spend. So instead on doing the "best" I'm just going to give you my favourites, so get over it.

Sennheiser HD 598

While not technically under 250 dollars if you are buying them at retail, stores such as Amazon or B & H regularly have them for 250 or less. With the design being inspired by a sports car (I think i read it somewhere). Well, whatever it was inspired by, it looks nice, and is super comfortable as well, sporting velour ear-pads and a velour headband, you could wear these for hours without getting tired of them. The headphones are open-backed, which means that they are going to leak sound out of them, and they aren't going to isolate you from outside noise. while many people would complain about this, don't. These aren't meant to be taken out and about, and in the comfort of your own home you shouldn't need isolation. The HD 598's lack bass, so if you're some kind of bass loving person then look elsewhere. The 598's are described as being really good for rock and metal, but less aggressive for electronic music, which isn't a bad thing. These are really top-notch headphones for their price range.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50

The often praised ATH-M50's are well known as the best sub 200 dollar headphone for a lot of people. The M50's are a closed headphone, which means they don't leak sound, and will isolate you from the surrounding ambient sound. The M50's are made of plastic, and the earpads are made of pleather, and some people have had comfort issues in extended listening periods. Though they are plastic, the M50's are not weak by any stretch of the imagination, and are still extremely solid and shouldn't break if treated right. The earcups swivel 180 degrees, meaning they can lay flat in a backpack or something for good portability. The sound of  the M50's are generally described as a balanced headphone, with an emphasis on having a strong, but not overwhelming bass. High's can be shrill, and the mids are often described as recessed, with a smaller soundstage. The M50's are generally best for electronic music, and more metal/rock type music, but are not bad for other types either, just best for the previously stated genres. The M50's are really the best value for your money at this price range, but be sure to wait until they go on sale on Amazon, as you can usually get them for around $120, and has gone as low as $90. The m50's retail for somewhere around $180 however, so be sure to wait until you can get them at a cheaper price.

VSONIC GR07

The GR07's are noise isolating in-ear monitors that usually sell for around $180. The GR07's come with 15 ear-tips, so finding one that fits your ear properly shouldn't be too much of a problem. The GR07's are very comfortable in the ear, and are good for long periods of listening. The GR07's are what is called an over the ear IEM, which means that once the IEM is inserted in your ear, the cable has to go around the top of your ear before coming back down again. Some people find this uncomfortable, but i personally think it is great, because the IEM's are less likely to fall out of your ears if you need to be active. The sound of these IEM's are generally very neutral, and do well with whatever kind of music you want to listen to (are you noticing a trend yet) and are generally considered as a very detailed headphone. Even though these are well worth the money, it may be difficult to get a hold on them as availability is extremely limited, however if you can get them, they are well worth the money.

____________________________________________________________________________

SO if you're going to buy headphones, buy one of these, Or don't. I don't really care. Just in general don't buy beats, don't buy Bose, don't buy skullcandy, pretty much just don't buy anything from best buy, unless you care more about "swag" then actual sound quality. Please.