Circumaural Phones:Pro's, Con's?

[B. Fieds]

Hey, I'm looking for some headphones (to go with a Walkman, by the way). I'm interested in circumaurals, for the isolation factor, but have read that they tend to make the ears sweaty. Has anyone had a pair of circumaurals, if so, do they make your ears uncomfortable, and what's the make, price, and sound quality? I'm really looking into the >$50 range, as I am a student and don't have much spending money, but would still like some quality. If anyone has experience with supraaurals, I'd be glad to hear from you, too (and, in your case, how much sound leaks in, and out, from your phones, and are they comfortable?) Thanks!

[CrowdAds]

[Flamin_Spirit]

I have Audio Technica ATH-M30 ($52 on amazon.com+free shipping) These are extremely comfortable for several hours. I've only been uncomfortable wearing them after many hours of wearing them. (think 5+hours straight) Your ears aren't squashed against your head with these, unlike supreaaurals. If you do get uncomfortable, take a small break (15-30 minutes) and you should be good. I don't get the "sweaty ears" but that probably depends on the person, as well as how tight or sealing the headphones are. These block out almost as much sound as my IEMs (Head Direct RE2) at non-dangerous volumes. I also have hair that hangs down over my ears, and that may be helping.

The sound quality is great on these headphones. Especially when coming through my Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi sound card. I'm loving these so far. I do a bit of online gaming as well, and no mic on these originally had me kind of in the air on them. I found this mic and it works fantastically with these headphones.

I also should point out that the cable on the ATH-M30 is a nice 11ft long cable, about 1/8" thick. There is a 1 & 1/4" metal spring stress relief at the plug that works great. They're not extremely portable, but they really are worth the $52

ATH-M30 on amazon

[JK98]

"I'm interested in circumaurals, for the isolation factor"

Circumaural doesn't mean closed or isolating. Circumaural means that the headhone completely surrounds the ear and doesn't press against it. Circumaural headphones can be closed or open. Closed headphones can be circumaural or supraaural. Circumaural headphones tend to be much larger than supraaural ones.

Closed headphones do tend to make your ears sweat if they have plastic coverings. Those with felt coverings tend to be less sweaty. Circumaural headphones tend to have larger drivers and hence better soundstage than smaller supraaural models. Closed headphones tend to give more bass than open headphones.

Circumaural headphones tend to be large and clunky and not so great for portable use. Some are also not so efficient, so they won't play so loud with a low power portable.