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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
The M50s are caught in a vicious cycle of FOTM, if you want something similar but better, go for Shure SRH840s (I'd pick these) or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros.
These headphones are by and large impractical though. The M50s make your ears sweat after an hour of listening and are generally uncomfortable. The SRH840s are heavy. The Beyers are also heavy and get veeeeery hot, especially in Summer.
Another possibility is the KRK KNS8400, these are also a good choice, but perhaps a little too neutral and not as "fun" as the other choices.
The M50s sadly suffer from slightly recessed mids, which are a predominant feature in your list of musical genres. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pros have a relatively poor sound reproduction overall, being not especially detailed and lacking in mid-bass and treble. There's better options out there.
Personally I highly recommend the V-Moda M-80s.
Looking for a good comparison of headphones in the price range? Try this one.
Nappuccino
Member
i know they are... but that just makes the wait harder lol.
The Big Rig
Member
I'm with Hix on the M80's. The only thing the HD25's have over it are the highs. The HD25's are V-shaped, to focus on bass and treble, while the mids suffer a bit. The M80's are more bass and mid, with more smooth (and less crisp) highs. For your genres though, they'd great.
I brought mine to classes for the first time today, and got a guy with the Beats Solo's wondering why he paid so much.
Are you looking for portable cans?
are M80's what you call portable cans?
I mostly use my PX100 at home, I have in ears when I go outside, so I guess size is not an issue? just the price range
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
Depends, they can be decent headphones if you are willing to invest in a source, such as a Fiio E10 (or E7/E17 for portable). Without that, the bass can be a touch muddy and obscure the mids. Mind you, I generally advise avoiding noise cancelling headphones as they do mangle the sound a bit (and most closed headphones isolate perfectly regardless).
Headphones like the Brainwavz HM5s are fantastic choices for this at the price. They're more neutral, but comfortable and have excellent detail and good isolation.
If you want a good pair of Senns in your price range, the HD 558 are a good option. Sadly they are open, so there's quite a bit of sound leakage...
M80's are portables, yep. They are great for round the house too of course.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
No amp needed, will work perfectly with the Galaxy S2 and Vita. Especially the Vita, which has a rather nice Wolfson DAC.
The Big Rig
Member
Yeah the M80s don't benefit much from an amp. They sound pretty great without one.
One question though: Do you have a huge head? If so these may not fit. I have a large head, and they just barely fit comfortably.
One question though: Do you have a huge head? If so these may not fit. I have a large head, and they just barely fit comfortably.
not really, probably just a tad smaller than average
TTOOLL
Member
I'm sad, my PortaPro plug is fucked, I can only hear the left channel. There is some kind of contact problem because when I "flip" the wire it works on both sides. As I imported it I have no warranty in Brazil. =(
Would you recommend The Plug?
edit: What is a good headphone I could use with my guitar amp? It's a Vox Pathfinder 15r.
Would you recommend The Plug?
edit: What is a good headphone I could use with my guitar amp? It's a Vox Pathfinder 15r.
The Big Rig
Member
You could probably splice the wire, but it may not be worth it. How expensive are PortaPros in Brazil?
TTOOLL
Member
here is one of the cheapest stores in Brazil
https://www.balaodainformatica.com....&Promocao=fone_de_ouvido_porta_pro1_koss_koss
116 USD
https://www.balaodainformatica.com....&Promocao=fone_de_ouvido_porta_pro1_koss_koss
116 USD
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
I would not recommend the Plug in way shape or form at all. It's pretty awful. Anyway, you should see if there's an electrician in your town and take it there to have them reterminate the jack. You can also do it on your own with a soldering iron, some flux, a neutrik or switchcraft jack, and shrinkwrap or electrical tape to function as a strain relief. Just YouTube it.
Well I think it's finally time to retire the trusty Sennheiser 595's. Used them almost every day for 7 years straight so they owe me nothing. One of the best purchases I've ever made.
Right now I'm looking at the Senneheiser HD600 and HD650. Anyone have an opinion on the two? I could get either one for the exact same price.
Or if anyone has a different recommendation for around $400 I'd like to hear it. Open back is my only requirement. Thanks.
Right now I'm looking at the Senneheiser HD600 and HD650. Anyone have an opinion on the two? I could get either one for the exact same price.
Or if anyone has a different recommendation for around $400 I'd like to hear it. Open back is my only requirement. Thanks.
HD-600: a bit bass shy
HD-650: a bit bass heavy
At least for my specific bass taste. Otherwise, both are fantastic. Both require an good amp like the O2. Only the 650 has detachable cables, which I find a big plus.
If you like the sound signature there are few alternatives. But unless open is a must must, take a look at the Mad Dogs. Or the HifiMan HE-400 for an open back option. The dogs also need an amp and the HE-400 also like one.
HD-650: a bit bass heavy
At least for my specific bass taste. Otherwise, both are fantastic. Both require an good amp like the O2. Only the 650 has detachable cables, which I find a big plus.
If you like the sound signature there are few alternatives. But unless open is a must must, take a look at the Mad Dogs. Or the HifiMan HE-400 for an open back option. The dogs also need an amp and the HE-400 also like one.
Thanks for the advice.
Do you guys consider an Astro A40 mixamp as worthy amplification or should I be looking elsewhere?
edit: Mrspeakers Mad Dogs I have never heard of these, but apparently they are amazing? Now I'm interested.
Read the OP, but I still don't know what I am supposed to be looking for :/ Hope someone can help.
I have around £120 to spend on headphones, would like something fairly small like these . The music I listen to is mainly Metal like Megadeth and so on. Would be running them on an iPhone. Thanks for any help!
I have around £120 to spend on headphones, would like something fairly small like these . The music I listen to is mainly Metal like Megadeth and so on. Would be running them on an iPhone. Thanks for any help!
Visualante2
Member
I'm having the same issue. I bent my V6 plug this week at the inner most green ring. Can anyone suggest a similar heavy duty replacement plug? I don't know how to solder but I figure for about £5, I could take the spare into an electrical repair/audio specialist and get them to solder it up for me.
Anything similar* to this'd be great. I'm not in the US so I don't have a stockist like Radioshack. I'll settle for a plastic one if there's literally no metal alternatives out there. Happy to shop internationally if I can't find anything local. Tried Sony, they were useless.
* don't care for the larger plug functionality.
The HD600 also has detachable cables.
Not really sure, I am guessing closed since I don't want too much sound disturbing others. Will buy the Sennheiser soon!
I'm looking for a set of headphones to use while PC gaming. I will have them hooked up to a Yamaha receiver and then to my PC.
I'm leaning towards a set of Sennheiser's since I have a pair of their earbuds that have worked out very well for me. My question is Amazon has the HD 598's for $250 and the HD 558's for $176. Are the 598's worth the extra $75 bucks?
Also, if there is something else in the $200-$250 range that blows these away I'm open to suggestions.
I'm leaning towards a set of Sennheiser's since I have a pair of their earbuds that have worked out very well for me. My question is Amazon has the HD 598's for $250 and the HD 558's for $176. Are the 598's worth the extra $75 bucks?
Also, if there is something else in the $200-$250 range that blows these away I'm open to suggestions.
Hifiman HE-300 are only 250 if you really want open headphones.
Mad Dogs are also in this price range, but a little more...
Mad Dogs are also in this price range, but a little more...
Would a receiver power the Mad Dogs just fine? I've never listened to headphones through one before.
This is the receiver hooked up to my PC
I like the Grado SR225i's in that price range, and they're easy to power-- in fact, they are easy to overpower. I'm not trying to undermine Des, just giving you another choice.
According to LC, the Mad Dogs ask for a good amount of power, but my Onkyo and Marantz receivers power any cans I hook up to it really well, and I think the Yamaha could do the same.
I would spend the extra cash, wait another paycheck; whatever, and get the Mad Dogs.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
I can second or third the Mad Dog recommendation. They're really fun cans to listen to, but are most importantly, well balanced and possess enough transparency to transport you to the performance. I believe a large number of phones in the $250-500 price range (and even higher, unless you've got an incredibly quick set like th SA5K) will simply be too veiled or colored to accomplish this feat, but the Mad Dogs are amazingly competent phones for the price. I can't stress that enough
Necromanti
Member
WARNING: Total newb-post incoming.
So I recently got a pair of Beyerdynamics, the DT 990 PRO (250 Ohms), and I love them. I've paired them up with a tube amp (Indeed Pure Class A) after reading recommendations on some forum that I cannot recall.
They've been great together, but I'm in a bit of a pickle when I want to get it all connected to my TV. (Note that I don't have a receiver or anything like that.) My Samsung HDTV has a 3.55mm jack labelled "audio out", through which I've previously connected a Fiio E6 (portable amp) and my IEMs--when I'm lazy--without a hitch.
When I connect my tube amp + DT 990s, though (using a 3.5mm to RCA), I can hear constant static that gets annoying. The static isn't there when I'm watching TV, and isn't as bad when my PC is the source (since I can raise the volume on the PC), but it's distracting when playing on my PS3 (connected to my TV through HDMI).
Is a receiver my only solution?
So I recently got a pair of Beyerdynamics, the DT 990 PRO (250 Ohms), and I love them. I've paired them up with a tube amp (Indeed Pure Class A) after reading recommendations on some forum that I cannot recall.
They've been great together, but I'm in a bit of a pickle when I want to get it all connected to my TV. (Note that I don't have a receiver or anything like that.) My Samsung HDTV has a 3.55mm jack labelled "audio out", through which I've previously connected a Fiio E6 (portable amp) and my IEMs--when I'm lazy--without a hitch.
When I connect my tube amp + DT 990s, though (using a 3.5mm to RCA), I can hear constant static that gets annoying. The static isn't there when I'm watching TV, and isn't as bad when my PC is the source (since I can raise the volume on the PC), but it's distracting when playing on my PS3 (connected to my TV through HDMI).
Is a receiver my only solution?
Headphone outputs on receivers are usually afterthoughts. note that the specs on the product page list nothing about the headphone power output or output impedance of the headphone port. So it's hard to say just how the MD might sound.
When I get home today I'll try plugging in some of my headphones, including the Mad Dogs, into my receiver (Pioneer 1019) and see if they sound different compared to my dedicated headphone amps. Might give us a better idea.
Regardless, I still would recommend the Mad Dogs over nearly everything around 500 bucks (assuming the buyer wants something attempting to be a bit more neutral). The HD600 is the other, mostly neutral choice under 500 but I found the Mad Dogs to be cleaner and have better imaging.
The HD650 are more bass heavy and have a wider, taller soundstage than the Mad Dogs. I prfer the HD650 to the HD600. I've grown to like them more than I did when I bought them but I got them used for 300 and, frankly, at ~500 new in stores, they're not worth double the price of the Mad Dogs. They're also just as demanding of an amp as the Mad Dogs.
Thanks, I ordered the HD 598's off Amazon since I could get them to my door today just to try them out. I'm probably going to end up sending them back and going with the Mad Dogs though.
The MrSpeakers website says it is closing today and opening back up on September 4th. Also, the units with dog pads included aren't in stock. Are the dog pads worth the wait or will the stock unit be more than enough?
Thanks for helping out a newb.
I won't know about the Dog Pads until I get them in sometime in September. So far, no one has compared the current pads to the new ones except for Dan (MrSpeakers) and he said that it as a very noticeable improvement (but, then again, of course he would say that
. But considering the relatively low price for the Dog Pads and the honesty shown so far from MrSpeakers, I would say it'd be a good idea to get them instead of the basic model.
edit: quick update, FWIW, the Mad Dogs out of the Pioneer receiver headphone out sound just great. Sounds very close to my headphone amps. i didn't try any thorough A/B testing but ran a few songs through both and noticed no obvious problems. still had good quality imaging, punchy bass, smooth mids and treble. no grain that I could hear.
Wozzer
Member
I'm looking for a set of headphones to use while PC gaming specifically.
Background
I've never been one to give audio much of an opportunity to impress, typically opting for cheap £10 Logitech headphones or speakers that'll "do the job" (my current ones having had the right speak not functioning for several months now). Given that I'm happy to pay lots for IPS monitors and high end graphic cards, it seems only fair that audio gets a fair consideration.
Until recently I'd been using an Xbox 360 Wireless headset for Xbox 360, PC and PS3 gaming. Whilst this is fine for the most part on the consoles, I've had a nightmare of a time getting bluetooth drivers and adapter to play nice on the PC, with constant background noise and complaints on my voice quality, and it was just generally a bad idea so have decided it's time to invest in a something a step up.
Considerations
Whilst I'm looking to step into good audio, I've not the funds to warrant $500 cans that'll let me dream right. My price point is negotiable depending on advice to follow, but I'd ideally want to stick to no more than £150 ($237), so probably what is considered bare bones in this thread.
Considering the low price point, is it worth just opting for an all-in-one cheap and no thrills gaming headset such as;
In looking at the recommended low budget cans from the OP and posts within/other threads I'm not sure on what combination of headphone amp (if one is needed at all) is needed in conjunction with which worthwhile (in comparison to the above cheap headsets) set of headphones. I.e;
A few features such as virtual surround sound, wireless and lightweight/comfort, but ultimately immersive audio and affordability is key. They'll mostly always be plugged into the PC (currently onboard soundcard, but looking to install Xonar DS).
Thanks for helping out a newb, I'll promise to neglect audio a little less.
Background
I've never been one to give audio much of an opportunity to impress, typically opting for cheap £10 Logitech headphones or speakers that'll "do the job" (my current ones having had the right speak not functioning for several months now). Given that I'm happy to pay lots for IPS monitors and high end graphic cards, it seems only fair that audio gets a fair consideration.
Until recently I'd been using an Xbox 360 Wireless headset for Xbox 360, PC and PS3 gaming. Whilst this is fine for the most part on the consoles, I've had a nightmare of a time getting bluetooth drivers and adapter to play nice on the PC, with constant background noise and complaints on my voice quality, and it was just generally a bad idea so have decided it's time to invest in a something a step up.
Considerations
Whilst I'm looking to step into good audio, I've not the funds to warrant $500 cans that'll let me dream right. My price point is negotiable depending on advice to follow, but I'd ideally want to stick to no more than £150 ($237), so probably what is considered bare bones in this thread.
Considering the low price point, is it worth just opting for an all-in-one cheap and no thrills gaming headset such as;
- Plantronics Gamecom 780 £40 ($63),
- Razer Carcharias £58 ($91) or
- Creative Labs Tactic Alpha £31 ($49).
In looking at the recommended low budget cans from the OP and posts within/other threads I'm not sure on what combination of headphone amp (if one is needed at all) is needed in conjunction with which worthwhile (in comparison to the above cheap headsets) set of headphones. I.e;
- Sennheiser HD555 £80 ($126) or the annoying priced
- Audio-Technica ATH AD700 £125 ($197) which are only $90 in Americaland.
A few features such as virtual surround sound, wireless and lightweight/comfort, but ultimately immersive audio and affordability is key. They'll mostly always be plugged into the PC (currently onboard soundcard, but looking to install Xonar DS).
Thanks for helping out a newb, I'll promise to neglect audio a little less.
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
I just thought I'd drop in and make a recommendation AGAINST the headphones I own, the Grado SR325is.
They sound quite lovely, but over time they have revealed some issues.
1) Unless you are simply lucky with how it turned out, the cord may not be properly aligned, but a bit twisted. This makes the cup want to turn, which you can't feel while it's on except for the cord possibly awkwardly bending. However, this alignment issue can make the cord end up getting even more twisted. This is annoying to have to constantly manage and is only possible because of the 360 turning of the cups.
2) They are uncomfortable. The headband pad from my 555s and quarter-cut softy pads went a long way to helping this (if you have to "fix" your headphones, that's already an issue), but then they are still so heavy they get uncomfortable to your neck if you want to wear them a long time, like when playing an RPG or something.
3) The damn things keep disconnecting from the headband. As you can see in this image, the metal cup is attached to a half-circle polymer band, allowing it you have some tilt adjustment. Then that polymer band is attached to a metal bar, which allows for vertical adjustment.
That bar essentially screws in to the polymer band, but it's not terribly secure. The grooves are at a very diagonal angle rather than being a more horizontal spiral, and I think that plus the weight of the cups plus the tension from the twisted cord makes them eventually wiggle their way out.
Once this happens they can easily be screwed back in, and it's a very precise fit, however, it is loose. The only way I have figured to get them to stay back in when you do this is to use superglue... but even that doesn't hold forever. It's just the shitty design of the grooves and/or fastening method in general that means they will eventually work themselves out again at some point.
So the combination of these three issues means I would not recommend them. Obviously, if you're dropping a few hundreds dollars on some headphones, you're a person who will use them a lot and want them to hold up a long time. Using these a lot is uncomfortable and they don't hold up in this one way. Get some lighter, more comfortable headphones with a smarter headband design.
They sound quite lovely, but over time they have revealed some issues.
1) Unless you are simply lucky with how it turned out, the cord may not be properly aligned, but a bit twisted. This makes the cup want to turn, which you can't feel while it's on except for the cord possibly awkwardly bending. However, this alignment issue can make the cord end up getting even more twisted. This is annoying to have to constantly manage and is only possible because of the 360 turning of the cups.
2) They are uncomfortable. The headband pad from my 555s and quarter-cut softy pads went a long way to helping this (if you have to "fix" your headphones, that's already an issue), but then they are still so heavy they get uncomfortable to your neck if you want to wear them a long time, like when playing an RPG or something.
3) The damn things keep disconnecting from the headband. As you can see in this image, the metal cup is attached to a half-circle polymer band, allowing it you have some tilt adjustment. Then that polymer band is attached to a metal bar, which allows for vertical adjustment.
That bar essentially screws in to the polymer band, but it's not terribly secure. The grooves are at a very diagonal angle rather than being a more horizontal spiral, and I think that plus the weight of the cups plus the tension from the twisted cord makes them eventually wiggle their way out.
Once this happens they can easily be screwed back in, and it's a very precise fit, however, it is loose. The only way I have figured to get them to stay back in when you do this is to use superglue... but even that doesn't hold forever. It's just the shitty design of the grooves and/or fastening method in general that means they will eventually work themselves out again at some point.
So the combination of these three issues means I would not recommend them. Obviously, if you're dropping a few hundreds dollars on some headphones, you're a person who will use them a lot and want them to hold up a long time. Using these a lot is uncomfortable and they don't hold up in this one way. Get some lighter, more comfortable headphones with a smarter headband design.
fierrotlepou
Member
What would you guys recommend for $150 headphones?
I'd like to be able to wear them to go outside, for gaming/music inside, ...
Thanks in advance!
I'd like to be able to wear them to go outside, for gaming/music inside, ...
Thanks in advance!
What kind of music do you listen to? If you want something bassy, but still pretty well rounded, the Ultrasone HFI-580's are pretty much king of the ~$150 price point.
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Update: I sent Grado an email and they said they will send me replacement gimbals. I assume these will be the same plastic ones, but hopefully they will hold out until I can get THESE BAD BOYS:
http://www.martincustomaudio.com/p/sale-aluminum-gimbals-rodblocks.html
So beautiful...
http://www.martincustomaudio.com/p/sale-aluminum-gimbals-rodblocks.html
So beautiful...
Dear GAF, beings of infinite knowledge:
I have about 200$ to spend on headphones which I will use mainly to play games and watch movies at home. I will not be using them in public transportation.
I do not really mind if they're open or closed, I just want them to be over the ear.
Would the Sennheiser HD 558 be a good choice ? They seem *really* comfortable.
What are the benefits of having an amp also ? (FIIO E10 for example)
Much appreciated !
I have about 200$ to spend on headphones which I will use mainly to play games and watch movies at home. I will not be using them in public transportation.
I do not really mind if they're open or closed, I just want them to be over the ear.
Would the Sennheiser HD 558 be a good choice ? They seem *really* comfortable.
What are the benefits of having an amp also ? (FIIO E10 for example)
Much appreciated !
I'd recommend the Fischer Audio FA011s over those Senns, but you'd definitely need a pretty good amp to really hear them close to their potential...Also GDaudiobase takes forever, and Frogbeats seems to be out of stock.
Thanks ! They sure look nice, and are less expensive than the Senns. Are they as comfortable ? I have pretty big ears, I fear the ear pieces might be a tad too small.
Would you recommend any amp in particular ?
Yes they are very comfortable. I'm using a Hifiman EF2A, but I'd recommend starting out with something cheap like the E10 and if need be you can always get the E9 later to dock it into. If you have the extra money the NFB amp in the OP will setup you for anything if you'd ever feel like upgrading in the future.
Alright so I did what most of you guys recommend not doing and bought some Beat by Dres ._. I know, I know I'm horrible but I honestly really love the design and couldn't say no to the purple HD Solos. I've had them for about a week and I'm liking them so far but I noticed today that they kind of squeak? I think it's from the two sides where they fold into each other but I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed this? I love some of the bigger cans but I use these heavily when playing portable games and at work and unfortunately other choices just aren't as convenient.
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