Headphone recommendation with a weird twist...

[DirtyNerd]

So, I need some recommendations on headphones, but I have a weird requirement. I do Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and as a result have developed some slight "cauliflower ear". Basically, parts of my ear have been flattened out and are a little "lumpy". It's not too noticeable, but the problem that I have is that some headphones put a lot of pressure on the ear itself and that causes me some discomfort.

I have the AIAIAI TMA-1s right now. I actually like them a lot for DJing: the sound is great...I only have them on both ears when I am cueing, otherwise they are around my neck or on one ear with the other earcup tucked behind my other ear. So they are pretty comfortable for that use...but I can't just sit and listen to music with them for a long time (e.g., a few hours) because they put too much pressure on my ears.

I was considering the V-MODA Crossfade LP2 and the Ultrasone DJ1 Pro as they seem to me to be more around the ear vs. on the ear. Any thoughts on either of these, or something else?

Also, I tried the Pioneer HDJ2000 and didn't like them...so they are out. And somehow, just on principle I don't want any of the Beats by Dre...

[deevey]

Without a doubt I found the Vmoda's THE most comfortable headphones I have ever worn bar none, however they might put pressure on your ears if you have a bigger head or ears - the cushioning is gorgeous.

I spent some time in a headphone specialist shop a few weeks ago looking for a replacement for my V6's, they were the ONLY contender comfort wise, little heavier than the TMA's (which I really thought felt like crap TBH).

Sound was definitely on Par with the TMA's, however I'm settling on Marshall Majors which IMHO had a sound much closer to the V6's that I love, and a feel like HD25's on the head - really lightweight and very very portable, although not quite as comfortable as the Vmoda's (which feel like a plush pillow) - the marshalls are on-ear, but less "clampy" than the 25's.

I'd honestly say try before you buy though ... headphones IMHO are not a one-size-fits-all device, everyones need's and heads are different.

[fullenglishpint]

If you like the sound of the TMAs, you could always try the studio edition. Big squishy ear cups but basically the same cans. http://www.aiaiai.dk/store/headphones/tma-1-studio

[deevey]

Weird .. I tried the studios and it felt like 2 big foam paper cups over my ears, felt horrible, great isolation though.

[Jay Nebra]

I can't speak for the ultrasone's as I've never used them but I have V-moda LP's and love them. The memory foam cups are great, I forget I have them on sometimes. And couldn't be happier with the sound quality and durability as well

[NewManSoon]

How about a pair of in ear monitors? A good pair can be pricey, but they are nice. Plus you will look cool.

[DirtyNerd]

Weird .. I tried the studios and it felt like 2 big foam paper cups over my ears, felt horrible, great isolation though.

Likewise, I didn't like the TMA studios. The TMA-1s feel perfectly fine and the sound quality and isolation are great...they are just not comfortable for me for long extended wear...when DJing this isn't a problem as I am constantly taking them on/off, moving an earcup back off one ear etc. But for production on my laptop, or just listening to music they are just not comfortable for long-term use.

[DirtyNerd]

I can't speak for the ultrasone's as I've never used them but I have V-moda LP's and love them. The memory foam cups are great, I forget I have them on sometimes. And couldn't be happier with the sound quality and durability as well

I am leaning toward the the V-MODAs...so far what I have heard is good...I am just concerned with their coverage & pressure on the ear. I want isolation, but not too much pressure.

[DirtyNerd]

How about a pair of in ear monitors? A good pair can be pricey, but they are nice. Plus you will look cool.

I am not opposed to IEMs...but three things stop me from going that direction.

1) I am not entirely sure how (if at all) they are suited for production as well as DJing.

2) Good ones are VERY expensive...You can get good DJ headphones for "reasonably" expensive...

3) and I hate to say admit it...I am not entirely sure I understand how DJing with IEMs actually works...how do you cue? how do you tell what's the main mix? how do you tell what the main mix sound is like? levels? etc.?

ok...there it is my secret is out...actually, that feels better to get that off my chest :-)

[Jay Nebra]

I am leaning toward the the V-MODAs...so far what I have heard is good...I am just concerned with their coverage & pressure on the ear. I want isolation, but not too much pressure.

As far as isolation, they have 3 slits shaped like a V on the side so they aren't completely noise-canceling. but that's only really noticeable when you aren't playing music. Once there's music blasting through them they do a pretty good job isolating, maybe not the best, but good enough.

As for pressure I don't think that will be an issue, they cover my ears completely and are very flexible. I have no problem wearing them for long periods of time. But again thats just my opinion and I'm sure your head isn't shaped the same as mine lol.