I'm currently in the market for getting myself a high quality pair of headphones that'll age well and that's portable. My usual listening environement is either at home, or moving around the city via bus. So, noise cancellation is a must. Though, reason why I'm asking here is because of the hit or miss nature of consumer headphones. If you don't get tricked by the placebo effect, you get tricked by the avoidance of buyer's remorse.
And when I talk about headphones that age well, I'm looking for headphones that'll last a few years, and that's actually fixable at home. I'm not much for trowing away stuff that can be fixed, or having the send them back to the factory when I have all the tools needed at home. Now in terms of looks, a part of me wants wooden headphones. But I know those tend to be rare and the ones that are there are usually chinese nock-offs (*cough* Meze & Esmooth *cough*). So, at this point, I'm looking for compactibility, comfort, portability, durability and (of course) sound quality.
My music style is quite diverse but mainly goes from soft core rock to progressive metal. I have a bit of classic. But, I don't listen to bass heavy electronic or otherwise more "mainstream" tunes.
And the over ear active noise canceling (crazy durable ive had my pair for 3years with no problem. These are very mid range the bass flat but highs and mids are very very crisp.)
Folks are of the opinion that noise cancellation has a detrimental impact on sound quality. Have you thought about headphones that seal well? I personally use a Sennheiser HD25-1 II at home, on the bus and on the train and it works great. They are extremely durable and very portable, with a no nonsense look to them. Are easy to take apart and be fixed with replaceable parts. I think it will also fit your music style, except with the classical part. However, I listen to classical music as well through these headphones and with nothing to immediately compare them against, I have no problem listening to this genre as well over these phones.
I really like the easy strip down of the Seinnheiser HD25-1 II (Though, while researching, I'd probably prefer a black Sennheiser Amperior if that exists. Only difference seems to be the casing). Though, I researched a bit and found an interesting alternative: the Sennheiser Momentum. Apparently they're quite solid over-the-ear (on-the-ear for bigger than average ears) and offer a great balanced sound (source). Though, I havn't seen the ability to take apart the Momentum, which I was quite impressed by with the HD25-1 II/Amperior.
And one thing I used the wrong term, I'm more looking for passive noise isolation(My bad, I've always stayed away from active noise cancellation, didn't seem right to me). So, the HD25-1 II seems like a great pair. Although I would like to explore the Momentum a bit more because of its good reviews. Price wise, the HD25-1 II seems like the best bang for the buck. But if I can get solid recommendations for the Momentum, I might dish out the extra money.
Anyways, thanks for the suggestions. I'm trying to get away from earphones (Currently using Meze Classics 11, although they have great sound, they age horribly. First pair died within a month, second pair within two months) because headphones offer the best bang for the buck. So, tiwo1990, have you ever used the Momentum? If so, how did they sound. I don't have much experience with headphones, but I think I can say I'm looking for warmer sounding drivers, since I listen to music recreationally rather than professionaly. And apparently HD25-1 II are brighter (Is that term for "opposite to warm") than some would like.
Hey woops sorry man! Didnt realise you meant passive!
Anyways I also have a pair of passive that I built myself.. Out of old shooting earmuffs and some speakers from an ihome (if you are willing to do a little work they were like$40 and id be happy to do a video guiding you through it. They are quite warm, I use them for movies. Very warm) If youre looking to just buy, for a warmer/ish sound I would go with like a lower end sennhieser or (i cant believe in saying this) like a high end skull candy...both are realitively cheap.
Thanks my man, I'll certainly look into it. Although I'd prefer buying higher end headphones. I'm looking for warm, but not muddy like some lower end drivers tend to be like. I'd get open cans for the sake of the soundstage, but because I need sound isolation, that's not an option. One thing that puts me off immediatly is over-the-top treble. Treble that jumps in your face, and that goes over all of the other sound. Maybe I mean less intimidation highs when I talk about warmness. Again, I'm by no means an audiophile, I certainly prefer my mid-high end earphones over apple earphones, but I'm a bit astray when it comes to the terminology.