[j1992]

I am thinking of buying new earphones (for portability) and headphones. I am not looking to spend more than £100 for earphones and £150 for headphones. Looking for some advice on what would be good for me. I listen to hip hop music.

These are what I have shortlisted so far:

Earphones - Shure SE215, Phonek Audéo PFE 012
Headphones - Ultrasone HFI-580, Audio-Technica ATH M50

[Gofre]

A few questions;
In terms of headphones, are you looking only at over-ear, or on-ear too?
if the earphones are for portable use, does this mean the headphones will be just for home use?

[j1992]

Preferably over ear headphones. Yes, they will just be for home use.

[Gofre]

(Original post by j1992)
Preferably over ear headphones. Yes, they will just be for home use.

Assuming you're going to use them without any kind of amping, the M50s are a great choice for you. The sound signature is nicely suited to hip-hop and they're just a generally awesome all-rounder at this end of the pricing spectrum. Also take a look into the Grados SR80i, their size falls somewhere in the middle of on and over-ear, but will give you phenomenal sound like only a set of open back cans can do.

Either of those in-ears would be a great choice, both are very well respected IEMs in the price range. The SE215s would actually have been my suggestion, but the VSonic GR07 are also well worth looking into!

EDIT: The V-Moda Crossfade LP2 is also worth checking out if you'd like a bass heavy headphone thaty still retains clarity at the high end. The original LP isn't something I'd go for though, the M50 will outperform it.

[j1992]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I was thinking of buying the FiiO E7 amp to go with them.
What do you think of the Ultrasone HFI-580's in comparison to M50's? I've read reviews that say their great.

[Gofre]

(Original post by j1992)
Ok, thanks for the advice. I was thinking of buying the FiiO E7 amp to go with them.
What do you think of the Ultrasone HFI-580's in comparison to M50's? I've read reviews that say their great.

Bare in mind that the E7 is a DAC/amp combo, meaning you'll only get the full benefit from the DAC with devices that can output audio digitally, which is normally just computers since very few smartphones or media players currently have this functionality and will only use the amp. If you plan on listening more from a laptop/desktop, the E7 is great. If it will see more use with portable devices, the FiiO E11 has a superior amp section and is probably cheaper now too.

I'd personally go with the M50s, Ultrasone put out some great cans but the reputation of the M50s is well earned. I've never had a chance to try the 580s to compare to the M50, nevermind any direct a-b testing, but most sources that I trust rank the M50 as the better sounding headphone. The 580 has what is known as a V Shaped sound curve, with accentuated bass and highs with a comparatively recessed midrange. It makes for a fun sound signature, but it stops the headphones being what can be described as accurate, and anything heavy on vocals is likely to suffer. It's a judgement call really.