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Oct 25, 2026 - 4:50:39 AM
94 posts since 1/14/2025

I’m asking if anyone has a recommendation for hardwired headphones that can plug into a Mac for listening to music. Something that is of fairly decent quality. Clear bass and treble. Thanks a lot.
John

Oct 25, 2026 - 9:16:18 AM

martyjoe

Ireland

407 posts since 7/11/2024

I reckon if you looked studio monitor headphones. Something decent should pop up.

Oct 26, 2026 - 5:38:40 AM

Erockin

USA

1399 posts since 9/3/2022
Online Now

I have a pair of Behringer that I have had for 20 years that we $30 maybe....lol
They still work and are decent. My son gave me a pair of Skullcandy headphones that I use now.
I like the closed muff style for absolute clarity. If you have $100, get a pair of the SONY MDR-7506 Professional Headphones.

Oct 26, 2026 - 6:03:28 AM

4224 posts since 10/22/2007

Koss ur20's. Good isolation.

Oct 26, 2026 - 6:26:25 AM
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DougD

USA

13107 posts since 12/2/2007

John, you weren't very specific about how you'll use them - how long you'd wear them, and whether just for casual listening or something more critical. There are some very expensive audiophile headphones which I've never tried. The Sony MDR 7506 are very widely used in studios, and especially for live sound, location recording, and film work because they sound good, are very durable, and are not really too expensive. I've had a pair of a very similar model (MDR V6) for many years, and they're still my go to 'phones (although the covering on the earcups is fragile, but they can be replaced). However, they're meant for critical listening where you need to hear details, and notice problems like hum, other noises and vocal quality. They have a wide frequency response, and with experience you can reliably judge a recording with them. They may not be the best choice for "easy listening" though and the design may not be the most comfortable for long listening periods.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sony makes a set of headphones that wre widely available at mass market stores for $15 or $20. They're light, foldable (so are the 7506) and sound decent. I'm using a pair right now with my laptop to edit some spoken word segments for a CD project. They're comfortable, and good enough for that purpose, but you'd never confuse them with the 7506's.
Audio Technica makes some phones in the middle price range between the two Sony's, that get good reviews. I've never used them but I trust the brand.
You really need to decide whether you want the light, on-ear type, or over the ear phones that block out more external sound. It would be great to go somewhere where you can try on and hear several options.

Oct 26, 2026 - 6:35:25 AM
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94 posts since 1/14/2025

Thanks all for the help. I've been reading about the SONY MDR-7506. The seem good although some reviews suggest if used for hours at a time the high notes of a fiddle might get "overwhelming".....
In answer to your comments, Doug, I'd use the headphones to get a sharper, more clear tone, than what I currently get from listening through your typical earbuds. Using the music I access on my Mac laptop... so my own audiophiles, Spotify, Apple Music..... similar type sources. I'd probably not use them for more than an hour at time.

Oct 26, 2026 - 8:39 AM

DougD

USA

13107 posts since 12/2/2007

John, a few more thoughts. For me, the Sonys were very useful tools, but I don't use them for casual listening - in fact they're in their case somewhere downstairs, waiting for the next project. I once recommended them to my sister, who found them uncomfortable and didn't really like the sound. Also, it occurs to me that they have a pretty heavy duty coiled cord - they're meant to be plugged into something substantial and could possibly drag an iphone or tablet around by accident.
You asked about hardwired headphones, but if latency is not an issue there are some good wireless options. I have a pair of JBL Live 660NC phones that I like a lot. They were about $100 on sale at Best Buy - I think there's a newer model now. They have a "Tune" series which are cheaper and voiced for the younger, swinger market. The "Live" series are better, more expensive, and offer several "voicings" in an app, along with custom EQ. They also have a jack so they can be used wired with a miniplug cable. These are what I use to listen to music if I want headphones. However I also have a little JBL Bluetooth speaker that was about $85 at Sam's club. It sits on the end table and that's what I use the most for casual listening. Very convenient and quite amazing sound for the price.
There are also some Sennheiser headphones in the $100 range that are probably pretty good.

Oct 26, 2026 - 10:49:43 AM

950 posts since 11/26/2013

Cape, I avoid headphones except when recording. Even after an hour they can be overwhelming for your ears, and you ain't got but one set of those. But you do you. We use AKG K44 bones when recording, bout $30 bucks. Got a whole pile of 'em.

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