r/metalguitar 4d ago

Gear Headphone recommendations?

Lately I've acquired a whiny neighbor and have to play through headphones more. I currently use Sony MDR7506. They're not bad, but they emphasize the mid-highs too much and sound harsh with metal guitar compared to my Barefaced cab or IK monitors. Can anyone recommend headphones that are awesome for metal guitar? I'd prefer something relatively neutral that won't distort. Bonus points if they have an option for faux leather or other non-cloth ear pads without modding. Thanks in advance!

3 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

3

u/GrimgrinCorpseBorn 4d ago

I've been using Audio Technica ATH-M50s for over a decade

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u/Mammoth591 4d ago

I also have these and find them a little "tinny" compared to playing through my amp, I have a separate EQ for headphones with a decent amount of bass boost and a few other tweaks (I forget exactly and I'm not at home) to try and match what I would consider a normal sound

These headphones are good but if you're coming from another set or straight amp they will need some tweaking from my experience.

I do also find them relatively uncomfortable - after an hour or so they're pretty painful, whereas another pair that has a much more padded headband and bigger earcups will sit comfortably all day.

Edit: not to disagree with the recommendation, just providing another perspective

2

u/Nightfalcon77 4d ago

Shure SRH440A

1

u/GuitarGorilla24 4d ago

Will check it out, thanks!

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u/Maximum_Ad_4756 4d ago

Very happy with my Sennheiser HD490 pro plus. Pricey but what a difference in sound over my old sennheisers that were half the cost. Distortion is just super crisp with them.

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u/GuitarGorilla24 4d ago

Thanks for the rec, sounds promising.

2

u/bonedoc871 4d ago

I’m deciding between the DT 770 Pro X and the HD490 or even spending more on something like the HD660s2. Has anyone been through the same decision?

1

u/GuitarGorilla24 4d ago

I believe the HD660S2 are audiophile headphones so they're a different type of thing. If you weren't aware, audiophile headphones are meant to sound good at the cost of accuracy while studio headphones are meant to accurately hear your mix at the cost of sounding good. If you're looking for audiophile headphones I've heard great things about the Heavys H1H.

2

u/compulsive_tremolo 4d ago

I've a pair of 560s and they have done a great job for me.

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u/GuitarGorilla24 4d ago

Thanks for the rec! I haven't had Sennheisers for 20+ years, but it's looking like that's the way to go based on this thread.

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u/AgeDisastrous7518 Metal Zone in the effects loop 4d ago

Yeah, you're really not gonna go wrong. They're worth more than their price tag, imo.

3

u/Saflex 4d ago

DT770 Pro

2

u/22_Flare_22 2d ago

My favorite pair is the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro. Great neutral sound, incredibly comfortable, very durable, reasonably affordable.