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[HiResDes]

The AKG K167 Tiesto is out guys!!!

Got 20 minutes with the 2 smaller models: AKG K67 and AKG K167.

Both were brand new and not burned-in playing lossless files non-amped from an iPod Touch 4G, so take this into consideration.

The short version is that I'm impressed with the build quality and sound of both, isolation is also good, specially the K167, both are easy to drive, no problems playing loud using iPod only.

They have the same sound signature, a little dark with rolled off highs, but not too dark for my taste smily_headphones1.gif

The K67 is definately much smaller than K167, the sound is good, nice extension at both ends, the bass is boosted a little, but I'm sure many will like that, for me personally I think it's a little too much. The K67 is an on-ear design and the fit is tight, I would definately recommend that you try them before buy.

The K167 is worth the extra price, much more comfortable, the headphone is bigger but still foldable, and the sound is improved in all areas, the sound is more neutral, the bass is just right, very deep but controlled and not boosted, I would say the bass is better than my Denon AH-D2000, the sound is darker than my Denon's, but it's a fair trade, since many recordings are just a tad too bright and this compensates for that, unlike the K67, the K167 doesn't sound like a DJ headphone at all, I've tried classical, jazz, rock, pop, and it played everything very well, really among the best closed can I've heard, imagine my Denons with an improved bass and a darker sound signature, that would be a way to describe the K167.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

hey headfone gaf

which color will induce the most enjoyable sonic frequencies? gun metallic or carbon black?

thxx

What's your source going to be?

 

[Alucrid]

What's your source going to be?

Laptop or ipod touch.

 

[HiResDes]

Gun Metallic all day

 

[Alucrid]

Gun Metallic all day

Well good, cause that's the one I opened up lol.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Laptop or ipod touch.

Oh my condolences, wasn't aware I was dealing with poors, moving along then

Stealth edit: impressions plz

 

[Alucrid]

Oh my condolences, wasn't aware I was dealing with poors, moving along then

Stealth edit: impressions plz

Build - Feels nice and sturdy for collapsible headphones. I'd say I have a head on the larger side and they don't clamp tight enough to be uncomfortable, but still enough that they don't feel like they'll fall off. They're more over the ear than under the ear for me as well. Haven't really tested isolation or leakage though, so can't speak on that. The cord is thick, really thick, feels more like a USB cable than headphone cords.

Sound - Highs are nice, not too fatiguing, clean and clear. Mids are pretty well defined, very lush, lows are really nice, good extension and impact, much better than the M50s I had. I'm sure there's more detailed views on Head-fi somewhere.

For $50 is pretty easy to say that these are great phones. Don't need any amping either. I could try it with my dac or preamp but they're like...five feet that way. Too far.

I think I've been using IEMs and speakers for too long though as the sound seems...a bit airy? Almost distant maybe. I had that feeling with the 555s/650s too though, maybe it's just me and headphones. I might try different ear pads to see if I can't alleviate this, or give it time to see if it goes away. Still though, for the price I paid I can't really complain if these are the headphones I have to go to when I need or want to use cans instead of IEMs.

Edit: I'd like to add extra emphasis that the lows are really nice. That sub bass. I'm almost 100% sure that my issues with the headphones are just ones that I have with headphones regardless. I guess I just prefer the presentation of IEMs more.

Maybe I should take Head-fi's advice and do burn in. I mean, these shits are carbon nanotubes. That's like, the shit can be a space elevator. Or something.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Lol, carbon nanotubes would be used in that proposed space elevator. Interesting. Yeah, the use of exotic tech always intrigues me, like when Sony uses Biocellulose or nanotechnology for their diaphragms. And JVC uses wood soaked in sake or something for the FX700. Really curious about the planar tech in the upcoming V Sonics too. Sounds like the JVCs perform very well for the price

 

[TCRS]

Thinking of buying these

Sony MDRZX300B

to replace my Koss PortaPro headphones (which broke yesterday after three years of service - thank you). They look fine to me. The alternative is

Sennheiser 201

what do you think guys? I use them for music and movies. I don't really want to pay more, the Koss headphones were just fine and delivered excellent sound me thinks.

 

[Geneijin]

I think I've been using IEMs and speakers for too long though as the sound seems...a bit airy? Almost distant maybe. I had that feeling with the 555s/650s too though, maybe it's just me and headphones. I might try different ear pads to see if I can't alleviate this, or give it time to see if it goes away. Still though, for the price I paid I can't really complain if these are the headphones I have to go to when I need or want to use cans instead of IEMs.

Sounds like you're not a fan of that type of soundstage.

Also, where did you buy your S500? Curious where's the cheapest place to get them.

 

[Alucrid]

Sounds like you're not a fan of that type of soundstage.

Also, where did you buy your S500? Curious where's the cheapest place to get them.

Yeah. I just bought them on ebay, $50 + shipping.

 

[Geneijin]

Yeah. I just bought them on ebay, $50 + shipping.

Thank you.

 

[Mistle]

V-Moda M-80s arrived. Been listening for about an hour and wow, I already love them. The punchy bass and slightly forward mids are just perfect, along with the smoothed out treble. This is my kind of sound signature!

The clamp on my ears is pretty tight however, though apparently after a few days they shape better and are really comfortable. Hopefully this is so because it could become painful after long sessions. But yeah, should be fine once they settle in.

+1 to V-Moda for the box design too haha. Really classy. Even had a ceremonial cutting of red ribbon!

 

[3N16MA]

Thinking of buying these

Sony MDRZX300B

to replace my Koss PortaPro headphones (which broke yesterday after three years of service - thank you). They look fine to me. The alternative is

Sennheiser 201

what do you think guys? I use them for music and movies. I don't really want to pay more, the Koss headphones were just fine and delivered excellent sound me thinks.

Some other options:

Koss KSC75 Same drivers as the PortaPro and dirt cheap. Some prefer them to the PortaPro.

Sennheiser PX 100-ll If you're willing to spend a bit more these offer great sound for a good price and are extremely light/comfortable. They also fold which makes the very compact and easy to travel with.

 

[The Big Rig]

V-Moda M-80s arrived. Been listening for about an hour and wow, I already love them. The punchy bass and slightly forward mids are just perfect, along with the smoothed out treble. This is my kind of sound signature!

The clamp on my ears is pretty tight however, though apparently after a few days they shape better and are really comfortable. Hopefully this is so because it could become painful after long sessions. But yeah, should be fine once they settle in.

+1 to V-Moda for the box design too haha. Really classy. Even had a ceremonial cutting of red ribbon!

Welcome to the club. The band can bend, and if you hold the slight bend, you can lessen the clamping.

 

[Meatfist]

I've been running my ATH-700's through an E7 for my PC music/gaming needs, but i'm interested in using these headphones for my 360 and I don't see many solutions. I was originally thinking of getting an astro mixamp, but it seems like they don't sell them by themselves anymore :/

any ideas?

 

[HiResDes]

Thinking of buying these

Sony MDRZX300B

to replace my Koss PortaPro headphones (which broke yesterday after three years of service - thank you). They look fine to me. The alternative is

Sennheiser 201

what do you think guys? I use them for music and movies. I don't really want to pay more, the Koss headphones were just fine and delivered excellent sound me thinks.

Cop some Superlux 681 for $30 and be a very happy camper

 

[OdysseusVA]

I've been running my ATH-700's through an E7 for my PC music/gaming needs, but i'm interested in using these headphones for my 360 and I don't see many solutions. I was originally thinking of getting an astro mixamp, but it seems like they don't sell them by themselves anymore :/

any ideas?

You could use the analog cables and a adapter to work with that E7.

 

[choodi]

Do we have a hifi components/speaker/amplifier recommendations thread?

 

[polyh3dron]

So I'm gonna be buying myself the Sony-MDR-1RBT headphones. Probably the best bluetooth headphones out there as far as I'm concerned and the leather pads are apparently very very comfortable..

I'll be getting the black version though.

dat leather... hnnnng

 

[Randy Monk]

hey headfone gaf

which color will induce the most enjoyable sonic frequencies? gun metallic or carbon black?

thxx

Just started reading this thread and your post had me searching for reviews.

This thread on Head-fi is at 200 pages! http://www.head-fi.org/t/621063/the-new-jvc-ha-s500-40mm-carbon-nanotubes

Went on ebay and bought a gunmetal too.

I have a Grado SR60 and ATH AD-700. Looking forward to listening to a different sound signature.

 

[TCRS]

Cop some Superlux 681 for $30 and be a very happy camper

Daymn, they're even cheaper than the Sony headphones and are supposed to be better. Never heard of them before though. Should I buy the 681B (B apparently stand for better bass, don't know)?

http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_hd681_b.htm

 

[HiResDes]

Daymn, they're even cheaper than the Sony headphones and are supposed to be better. Never heard of them before though. Should I buy the 681B (B apparently stand for better bass, don't know)?

http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_hd681_b.htm

Just more bass, the regular version is my favorite, but if you like your headphones to be bass heavy then sure.

 

[ShinobiFist]

So I'm gonna be buying myself the Sony-MDR-1RBT headphones. Probably the best bluetooth headphones out there as far as I'm concerned and the leather pads are apparently very very comfortable..

I'll be getting the black version though.

dat leather... hnnnng

Props. let me know how you like the comfort. Getting one in a few. SONY all day.

 

[PflargBlarg]

Do we have a hifi components/speaker/amplifier recommendations thread?

There was a thread just like this one for that sort of stuff but I'm thinking it probably died. Headphones are just a lot more popular these days I suppose.

 

[1stStrike]

Received the GE tubes today for my Hi-Fi Man EF2A. They're a little on the short side, as they barely come out of the two holes where they're inserted, but they work just fine with no issues thus far.

I've noticed a slight improvement in the sound, but nothing huge and probably unnoticeable to a lot of people so I'd say they're an optional upgrade for people with this dac/amp combo.

 

[3N16MA]

Sennheiser HD 25-1 ll were $106 at Amazon. Price has since gone back up but hopefully a sign of some good deals during BF.

 

[The Big Rig]

Sennheiser HD 25-1 ll were $106 at Amazon. Price has since gone back up but hopefully a sign of some good deals during BF.

Just a word of caution. Sennheiser is pretty specific towards where exactly you purchased their stuff from regarding their warranty. If you care about having a warranty, buy from one of their approved vendors. I got burnt on some IEM's a while back.

 

[3N16MA]

Just a word of caution. Sennheiser is pretty specific towards where exactly you purchased their stuff from regarding their warranty. If you care about having a warranty, buy from one of their approved vendors. I got burnt on some IEM's a while back.

They were sold and shipped directly from Amazon. I did not bite considering they don't have the sound signature I prefer.

 

[Ace Harding]

Well shit. The left side of my Klipsch S4's just stopped working. Can anyone recommend a good set of in-ears at around the $100 price point (lower would be great)? Controls on the wires with a mic a definite plus, but not required.

Anything better than the S4's, or should I just get another pair of those?

I tend to be rough on these - will take better care of my next pair.

 

[HiResDes]

Well shit. The left side of my Klipsch S4's just stopped working. Can anyone recommend a good set of in-ears at around the $100 price point (lower would be great)? Controls on the wires with a mic a definite plus, but not required.

Anything better than the S4's, or should I just get another pair of those?

I tend to rough on these - will take better care of my next pair.

MEElectronics A161p if you want to spend close to your max or Brainwavz M5 if you
want something cheaper

 

[Ace Harding]

MEElectronics A161p if you want to spend close to your max or Brainwavz M5 if you
want something cheaper

Cool, thanks. Haven't heard of these but appear to be good reviews of both.

The Brainwavs M5 are $45 on Amazon right now, which seems like a great deal if the quality is decent. I only use these with an iPhone on the go so I like high quality sound but don't need anything crazy. I am looking to buy a "real" pair of phones sometime in the next few months so saving a few bucks here seems like a good idea.

 

[HiResDes]

Cool, thanks. Haven't heard of these but appear to be good reviews of both.

The Brainwavs M5 are $45 on Amazon right now, which seems like a great deal if the quality is decent. I only use these with an iPhone on the go so I like high quality sound but don't need anything crazy. I am looking to buy a "real" pair of phones sometime in the next few months so saving a few bucks here seems like a good idea.

Make no mistakes about it they are "real phones"

 

[LCfiner]

Oh man... those Sony MDR-1R look nice. And they're over-ear, which is good for me. and I'm reading some good impressions of the sound.

Man, I'll need to demo these sometime this winter. Gotta see how they compare against the Momentum.

 

[HiResDes]

No one else is excited to check out the Tiesto's?

 

[Ace Harding]

Make no mistakes about it they are "real phones"

Oh I believe it - I just mean some big old cans and an amp for home listening in hi fi.

Edit: just ordered the M5's with the in-line mic/controls. Is there any disadvantage to getting the the mic/control version? Dumb question possibly, but can it affect the sound? Another part to possibly fail?

 

[HiResDes]

Oh I believe it - I just mean some big old cans and an amp for home listening in hi fi.

Edit: just ordered the M5's with the in-line mic/controls. Is there any disadvantage to getting the the mic/control version? Dumb question possibly, but can it affect the sound? Another part to possibly fail?

No you're fine

 

[dyna-soar]

I am looking into buying some new headphones here soon, budget of around $120-$130, primary usage will be music, death metal, hip hop, classic rock, just about everything excluding country, I've been looking at the audio technica m50's. Just wanted to get some knowledgeable input as to what would be good and if the m50 model would be overkill for what I am doing or if there is something better out there in that price range, amazon is my preferred choice of my purchase if possible.

 

[HiResDes]

I am looking into buying some new headphones here soon, budget of around $120-$130, primary usage will be music, death metal, hip hop, classic rock, just about everything excluding country, I've been looking at the audio technica m50's. Just wanted to get some knowledgeable input as to what would be good and if the m50 model would be overkill for what I am doing or if there is something better out there in that price range, amazon is my preferred choice of my purchase if possible.

Requirements? Closed or open? Do they need to be portable? Do you have an amp?

 

[metsallica]

Anyone test / own the Sennheiser Amperiors? Thinking about replacing my aging PXC 450s, would love some thoughts!

 

[HiResDes]

So I've been using a pair of Sennhesier Momentums for work or about a week (and a little at home) and they're pretty awesome. Very easy to drive and with a very clean sound. good imaging and clarity. a little bass heavy but I'd guess it's just about 2-3 dB boost from around 100 Hz down. it's not an obnoxious boost and the bass itself sounds clean. I don't think there's a lot of distortion there. I guess we'll find out when they take measurements of these. There's no glare or sibilance either which I'm happy about.

So the sound is a bit dark and warm but it doesn't sound muddy at all. And they are so comfortable! they sit on the ear but you can adjust the clamping force easily and the leather is very soft and comfy.

Compared to other 200 to 350 dollar portables that I've tried, these are probably my favorites.

Some might prefer the more neutral sound of the DT1350, but I found that getting proper fit with those was impossible so they sounded hollow most of the time. And even when they did fit right, I felt basically zero bass impact.

The Amperior has a more lively treble/ upper mids that can be more engaging with rock but I found they added a bit of glare with female vocals which I didn't like (based only on in-store demo).

The regular HD25 had too much of a V-shaped FR plus grain and sibilance. And the fit was very tight.

The B&W P5 just sound mushy and slow compared to these.

It's been a long time since I heard the ESW9 but I think these have a bit more neutral response. a little more treble, a little less mid-bass hump.

The imaging with the momentum is really good - the placement of singers and instruments is done really well. Compared to full size cans like the Mad Dogs or Q701, the soundstage isn't large but it seems about as precise with placement of sounds within the space. The sound is clean, clean, clean. I can't hear any grain in the sound. Very nice.

the mad dogs will stay at home as my desk cans as I don't want to bother with a portable amp anymore. Momentum are my work cans for the forseeable future. the difference in sound between the Momentum straight from an iphone 5 and from the ODAC/ Amphora setup was minimal - a bit stronger bass and cleaner highs from the desk setup.

I'll be selling my other headphones (Q701, Symphones Magnum) to keep the collection small and manageable.

.

 

[dyna-soar]

Requirements? Closed or open? Do they need to be portable? Do you have an amp?

Sorry, should have been more specific, prefer closed, portability doesn't matter, I don't have an amp.

 

[HiResDes]

Sorry, should have been more specific, prefer closed, portability doesn't matter, I don't have an amp.

JVC HA-S500

 

[dyna-soar]

JVC HA-S500

Dang, appears they all ship from Japan, don't suppose there would be an american counterpart?

 

[HiResDes]

Dang, appears they all ship from Japan, don't suppose there would be an american counterpart?

Noontec Zoro's then

 

[dyna-soar]

Noontec Zoro's then

Those look fantastic Des, I will be picking these up as soon as I can. I don't want it to sound as if my original response about importing from Japan seemed ungrateful, I recently picked up a pair of Yuin PK3's, and those are fantastic so I owe a lot to this thread in terms of quality, the reason I was griping about importing is because I am super impatient and don't like to wait for anything, really. Also just wanted to say thank you for all this thread does in terms of advice and purchase help also.

 

[HiResDes]

Oh trust me I understand, I own a lot of Fischer Audio products and I had to wait at least a month for every one. It was painful each time

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

For those looking new cans, it might not be a bad idea to hold off till Black Friday (week). I'm trying failing to go cold turkey on headphone buying, but that doesn't mean everyone else should too.

Oh trust me I understand, I own a lot of Fischer Audio products and I had to wait at least a month for every one. It was painful each time

Same, the Scott Pilgrim style kills me inside. Like the Radius IEMs I'm waiting on from Japan at the minute. Fischer Audio waits are even worse.

 

[metsallica]

.

Thanks Des (and LCfiner)! Hadn't considered the Momentums, though I mostly listen to rock (more specifically metal) so the Amperiors may be the better choice for me. Time to audition, I s'pose!

 

[polyh3dron]

No one else is excited to check out the Tiesto's?

Those are some sexy looking cans.

But they're AKGs and I've never listened to an AKG headphone I've liked.