Headphone suggestions for a newcomer
 

I'm about to venture into the world of headphones for the 1st time, not primarily for listening to my music library but mainly for my guitar.

I certainly may get a Bryston BHA-1 in the future but for now the main focus is for extended playing sessions with my guitar.

After doing some research on-line and examining what brands are available in my local market I've got it narrowed down to 3 models in particular.

B&W P9 ($999)
Focal Elear ($1,499)
Sennheiser HD800 S ($2,199.99)

The HD800 S are the most expensive by $700 over the Elear here in Canada. The HD800 S reputation goes on and on but I've seen some great reviews of the Elear's making me wonder if they hold their own against the HD800 S.

I haven't come across much feedback about the P9's.

Anyone familiar with all 3 and could provide feedback?

Thanks

The HD800 S has the largest soundstage, the P9 tries to emulate a speaker with a reported bass hump. It has it's fans and detractors. Both are a lot of money for your needs. Elear has on the main equal if different footing with the 800, with the 800 getting the general nod. Maybe in ears would be better with guitar. However, I am the 'gettin' In to the mid range' king here, and wiser ears will contribute shortly.

I would not rule out HD600 Sennheiser for $300 new. Warmish overall tonality with good but not exceptional bass. Overall a very pleasant headphone to listen to, musical and warm sounding. HD650 for $75 more adds a tighter, grippier bass and loses a touch of warmth towards neutrality. the HD800 is a more neutral type of a headphone so will reveal more of upstream components with the resulting consequences, good or bad. I've owned the three pairs of Sennheiser I mentioned so very familiar with them.

Thanks for the responses. I definitely don't want in ears so they are off the table. I need something that's very comfortable as I could be playing for a few hours at a time. Plus if I do venture into listening to my music library down the road I don't want to have to buy another pair at that time if I were to skimp on a quality pair now because I'm just using it for my guitar playing, I want to do it right now.

I own practically every headphone out there. I would talk to Ivan about a pair of Audeze LCD-X's.

+1

I agree, I had the HD600 for years and upgraded to the HD650. I don't use headphones enough to justify the HD800's. Both are very comfortable and sound great, especially for the $$$. I'd certainly take a listen to the Sennheiser lineup.

FWIW, The top headphone for guitar players seems to be the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, according to top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers. They are $149. :D

I have the HD 650 Sennheiser and the Audeze LCD 2.I use the 650 Sennheiser more due to comfort and size.

It is a vast field.As mentioned, you have studio monitor 'phones which ' tell it like it is' without any house signature, perhaps ideal for your guitar, then you have the in house sound of the likes of Sennheiser and Audeze. I love the Audeze sound, which starts with the portable Sine, then the EL-8, and from then to the LCD series. I've only heard the first two and was really impressed, but they are bulky, and the Sine is tight fitting. Have a perusal on Headfi,there are 100's of posts on all the 'phones mentioned from owners, or check out the above mentioned links. I come and go with 'phones, you might do the same, so set a budget and probably look to these two companies in the main. The P9 is also loved.