My husband is constantly stealing my Sennheisers to listen to music while he programs. He says he doesn’t want a pair, but I’d like to get him some solid headphones for Valentine’s Day. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Among other things, he listens to Seven Lions-style “dubstep”/electronic, remixes of tracks with breathy female vocals that abuse side compression and make me sea sick, ambient (Robert Rich, etc.), metal, some classic rock, and classical.
Thanks in advance!
I just picked up a pair of AKG Y-50bt’s (Bluetooth and wired) and so far, they are great. Comfortable, great sound. Previously have used audio-technica m-50 and those old silver Sony DJ headphones that were ubiquitous in the early '00’s for points of reference.
Edit: under $100 on Amazon. Also, I’ve been amazed at the detail these provide. Very clear throughout the spectrum, with a touch of emphasis in the lows (but who doesn’t like that?).
I’m a bit of a cheapskate and have used Superlux HD668B can for the past four years. They’re clones of some fancy-schmancy Sennheisers IIRC.
They sound great to me for general use, but might not be the best for full on music production.
edit: they’re super cheap, but great for the money, although you/ he would probably want to buy some replacement pads (the same ones for the Sennheisers).
My all time favorite headphones… I’ve always had a pair since the late 80’s: Sony MDR-7506
A very nice (and relatively cheap) upgrade for them is adding a set of the Beyerdynamic fabric ear pads. While the original ones are comfortable enough they do peel and wear out after 5 years or so. I prefer the fabric ones overall for longer listening sessions.
Hope that helps!
I also recommend the 7506 with Beyer pads.
If he has large ears, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are also great.
Another vote for Sony MDR 7506
Great price, industry standard headphones
+1 for these Sony’s. I have a pair and love them.
AKG 550. Get them second hand. Most solid wired pair I’ve ever had!
I still love the studio standard AKG 240’s. Well under $100 most places.
Another for 7506.
I have those too, great value for little Money. But when longer weared they could start hurting a little…
Another vote for the Sony. Either 7506 or 7510. I’m not using Beyer pads on them but Shure ones. I prefer them over the Beyer pads.
Thanks for posting this @papertiger. I got me thinking about the headphones I use, and after reading a review of the Sony cans that are fan favourites here, I remembered that I had bought the Superlux cans before getting back into music - so I would use them for general media listening rather than detailed production.
From what I have read, and I would love to have this confirmed, the MDR-7506 phones have a relatively flat response with slightly emphasised mid-highs.
Perhaps if your husband is only listening to music for pleasure, rather than producing it, he should go for a pair that will better suit that purpose. I’ll probably be doing the opposite and getting the Sonys 
Sony MDR7510 is the updated version of 7506 and is way better than its predecessor. I use mine everyday from listen to music to mixing and have nothing to complaint.
some newer model: the mackie mc 250 sound exellent for their price.
Something different than the classic choices listed:
status audio CB-1
A friend who mixes for a modest living raved about them to me, since they can be acquired for $50-70 depending on coupons etc. They are his mixing headphones because they have a pretty flat response…especially for this price. I dig them a ton, better than my Hifiman 400s open backs. Reviews of them and their pros and cons seem to be accurate to me.
Sam
Anyone know good, comfy, good-sounding earbuds for gym, walking, etc.?
audio technica sport7tw they sit very solid and sound with a even frequency response, just the power is a bit short