Do I need new headphones?

[Brian]

First things first: I have Sony MDR-V150 headphones, which is to say these guys. They were given as a gift, and have served me well. They pinch on the ears such that I have to take them off after a couple hours, but the sound they provide is good - an improvement from my last pair, but not what you'd call great.

Anyways, yesterday I was listening to a recording of a live concert broadcast and posted this comment in the Listening Thread (the important portion is bolded):

GLIERE | Symphony No 3, "Ilya Muromets" [or Murometz]
BBC Philharmonic, Vassily Sinaisky - live broadcast

Still searching for a great performance of this piece; perhaps this will be it? A pity that the live broadcast has such awful balance - the whole orchestra is directly to my right.

Later that evening I put on another new performance and found the same balance problem: the left channel was almost useless, for although I could still hear violins and other instruments I usually hear on the "left-hand side", they had now shifted just right of center. Most importantly, something just sounded wrong. But then I put on a familiar disc and the problem vanished.

Now, tonight, I'm listening again (first music I've heard all day), to a very loud piece I have absolutely memorized (the March from Tchaikovsky's Sixth). And by golly, something IS wrong. The left channel is dying. I've been deaf in one ear before, and this isn't it: my hearing is fine. So it seems the headphones are not functioning properly.

Questions.
1. Are my headphones really kaput?
2. Granted that I am cheap and will not spend a cent more than I have to (and that I was fairly happy with this pair), what should I buy if I have to get a replacement? 99.5% of my listening is on headphones (because I live with people who don't listen to music after midnight and don't listen to Goetz, Gliere, Gottschalk or even Grieg at any time of day  ).

[PSmith08]

If you have to get a replacement, then I would recommend going off-scale high on your price constraints, even if it's just a few dollars more than you would want to spend. Something like the Grado SR-60, which is a relatively inexpensive pair, or the Sennheiser PX-100, both of which are solid headphones (though neither is closed, which means they'll both bleed sound both ways). Of course, both of these are in the $50-60 dollar range, but the improvement will be noticeable - especially if you're listening to a stereo or off HQ rips.

You might want to check out HeadFi, which is a dedicated headphone forum, for some advice - some of the folks there are pretty helpful when it comes to advice, or you might check out HeadRoom.

[Harry]

Try the same pieces on speakers, and see what happens.
Good headphones don't come cheap, expect at least to spend about 100 $ at least. Of course there are phones for less money, and most of the time they sound okay, but since you listening primarily on headphones, I advise strongly for the benefit of your ears, to listen to some Sennheisers.

[Holden]

This may not be your headphones but there is an easy way to check it out by using them through a different listening source. If the same problem occurs with a portable CD player as opposed to your MP3 player then it's definitely the phones and you need to replace them.

So if this is the case take your portable music down to your local store that sells a variety of phones and give them a trial.

Can I strongly suggest that if you are a regular listener through 'cans' that auditioning new phones can be a bit problematic. Cheap 'phones, which yours are, give poor bass definition and many people confuse heavy muddied bass as great compared to accurate and tight bass. As a classical music listener you want to be able to hear the deep notes as actual notes. You also want to be able to hear the sections of a string quartet or symphony orchestra as spatially separate, not one homogenous whole. Clarity and sweetness of treble is a major factor in eliminating headphone fatigue.

Most cheap HPs go for two factors - heavy booming bass and an emphasis on the midrange (where the human voice lies) and appeal mostly to those who listen to  modern heavy rock styles. As a result you may perceive any new phones as inferior because you've got used to the regular sound of your old 'phones.

Can I suggest that you at least try headphones in the $50 to $70 range from the likes of Sennheiser, Beyer, Koss, Grado, Sony, Philips, etc. You will be amazed at the world of sound you have been missing and for a very reasonable price. My main recommendation would be Sennheisers and here are some models in that range.

HD280 I can't believe these are so cheap but try them out first as they are closed back. The sound quality from these is nothing short of amazing for the price.

PX100

PX200

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/category.asp?transid=cat7  - this page gives you a look at Sennheiser's home audio range. Just Google what you like and compare prices. However, the best thing to do is find a store that sells Sennheisers and have listen to what they've got. Make sure you use your portable system.

Good luck