Edit: Decide to edit my post as i have manage to eliminate most choices.

Looking for a very comfortable, light, sound isolating, durable circumaural close cans for traveling (planes & public transports) to be use on my iPod Touch 2G + PSP 3000 (Movies, musics and games on the go). Currently using Shure SCL2-K and Philips SHP805. Would appreciate if the new cans are able to sound better than them (upgrade lol)

Budget is around plus minus RM300-400. My musics are in 128kbps AAC Audio Files. I am not a basshead and though the types of music that I listen to are mostly Rap, Hip Hop, Pop, Alternative Rock, Rap Rock, Nu Metal & occasional Acoustic songs + Ballad.

Googled around and found some that might satisfy my requirements

Can get this from Bro walabies

Audio-Technica ATH-SJ3 for RM320
+ Portable
+ Bass
- Average reviews

Audio Technica ATH-A500 for RM400
+ Larger Drivers
+ Very good reviews from internet, madman(forummer) etc
- Might be a little big for traveling around with it

Audio technica ES7 for RM480
+ Lighter & Less Bulky
+ Nice mirror finish
- Kind of overbudget but is it worth the tag?

Can get this from Bro Sony Ericsson

Audio Technica ATH-WM5 for RM300 excluding tax and postage
+ Retractable Cord,
+ Light & not bulky
- Smaller Drivers

Need advice and opinions or other suggestions are always welcome. Thank you

This post has been edited by Vor: Mar 2 2009, 02:03 PM

Well it was great, I don't really know how to comment it in audiophile terms. But I do find the SCL2 (using mid silicone sleeves) was quite uncomfortable in my ears after a long period of usage (makes my canals itchy lol). But sounds good for normal casual users. Bass can be a little thumpy and hurts my ears after a couple of hours. Hope that helps


Thanks to your suggestion that made me re-googled and narrowed down my choices Couldn't find any reviews on A300 (found AD300) but I manage to find a couple that might suit me, any thoughts on them?

Audio Technica ATH-A500 <---- by far the best review among all my choices but it does look pretty big for traveling around
Audio technica ES7
Audio Technica ATH-WM5
Audio-Technica ATH-SJ3

This post has been edited by Vor: Mar 2 2009, 04:52 AM

Well since ATH A500 seems to be popular in here. But I wonder does one look ridiculous wearing them walking around or sitting in transports? Seems ok in the video assuming ATH-A950LTD has the same shape, weight and size as A500.

This post has been edited by Vor: Mar 2 2009, 02:12 PM

Ah crap, any similar headphones that are less bulky?

Does the extra rm80 bucks compared to ATH-A500 justify itself (ES7) besides portability? Guess I could live with A500 if it sounds better but less portable lol