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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread

I'm looking for portable headphones (no IEMs, period) to replace the KSC75s I lost recently. I want them to be RELATIVELY portable, especially if they fold up in some way, have flat/velour cups instead of pleather, decent isolation, and prominent but balanced bass. I'd prefer something better than PortaPros. Budget is $50.
 

zeeaykay

Member
Hey! Thinksound has 20% off your total order today, forcing me to make a decision. I've been looking at the MS01s and TS02s-- the microphone isn't much of a factor for me.

If price wasn't a factor, which do you think is better? I would think the MS01s are better, but a lot of reviews I've read have mentioned that the highs can be a bit "harsh". Since these will be my primary headphones (for use with my HTC 8X phone and zune) I am a bit worried about listeners fatigue.

Many people say the MS01 are warm, but that the TS02 are smoother with less detail. I like detail in my music, but I'm worried it could be tiring to listen to. I'm sure I'm over reacting as these reviews have to be as detailed as possible.

Does anyone have experience with both of these?
 
For £150, is there anything better than Sennheiser RS170 for a set of wireless headphones? Looking for a pair to use at my flat, rather than use outside. Though I think I read that they've got a jack to wire it up for use outside?
 

Palabrah

Member
guys!

Klipsch s4s (inner ear ) are 50% off at 39.99$. seriously some of the best IEM ive ever owned

lightening deal on amazon right now
 
VSonic's VC02 is looking really interesting. It packs a microdriver and looks like it's got a modular design so cable replacement is possible. Pretty awesome feature to have when phones costing 10-30 times as much don't always have a replaceable cable. The GR08 can't come soon enough
 

HiResDes

Member
VSonic's VC02 is looking really interesting. It packs a microdriver and looks like it's got a modular design so cable replacement is possible. Pretty awesome feature to have when phones costing 10-30 times as much don't always have a replaceable cable. The GR08 can't come soon enough
Pics, on the phone, I wanna hear the bass edition of the GR07
 
Pics, on the phone, I wanna hear the bass edition of the GR07
716452


Cost is about $41 after currency exchange. It looks sort of similar to the ety hf5? Didn't know there was a bass edition of the GR07 coming. Can't imagine it'll have much heft to the bass, but they'll probably be pretty punchy. My bets are on the GR08, two BAs and a dynamic driver are the current hotness. Would be interesting to hear how they stack up to the K3003
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
A couple questions:

Is this deal worth it? http://www.adorama.com/FIE10.html
Or would I wish I spent that money on a higher quality amp? (I currently have no amp)

My current headphones have an impedance of 100 ohms. If I got that amp (or any amp), would I notice a significant improvement? Or are these headphones a low enough impedance that an amp wouldn't significantly improve them?
 

LCfiner

Member
that's a good amp/DAC. I've used it before

100 ohm is relatively high for modern headphones. so it'll likely improve a bit from a dedicated amp instead of a headphone out of a laptop. most headphones these days are 32 ohm. there are a couple high end ones that are 300.

you called it an amp but note that it's a DAC and amp. so you connect it via USB cable and it replaces the internal sound card. then it amps the analog signal that it has produced.
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
that's a good amp/DAC. I've used it before

100 ohm is relatively high for modern headphones. so it'll likely improve a bit from a dedicated amp instead of a headphone out of a laptop. most headphones these days are 32 ohm. there are a couple high end ones that are 300.

you called it an amp but note that it's a DAC and amp. so you connect it via USB cable and it replaces the internal sound card. then it amps the analog signal that it has produced.

Thanks for the advice.


As someone who already struggles with making decisions, considering buying headphone stuff is hell. So many options...
 

ty_hot

Member
Just wondering if the wireless Sennheiser RS120 is good for its price
I found one for 48 euros (if my memory is still working)
 

NaM

Does not have twelve inches...
So I'm going for the Sennheiser HD-205. I can get them at a good price and I don't have many options really. Does anyone have this model or had issues with it? Any input is appreciated.
 

Shuusui

Member
Looking to buy myself an early x-mas present - my Beyerdynamic DT-235s broke recently and I'm looking for a new pair, but I have a little more to spend.

I mostly use these at work and at home, so comfort and a decent soundstage are important. I'm looking at the Sennheiser HD 598 currently, but wanted to ask you chaps for your weigh-in.

Distinct appearance is important to me - not out of being superficial, but because my old white DT-235s have kind of become what I'm known for at work. I think these fit the bill, but I'm not sure if I have better options in this price range.

sennheiser_hd558_598_06.jpg


Please advise! The only other option I can think of is the Grado SR 225i but the reviews for it don't seem to be quite so glowing.
 

LCfiner

Member
598 are a good choice in that price range. the grados don't have a large soundstage or are as comfortable.

please note if you use them at work that they are open phones so people around you will hear what you're hearing. might not be what you want (or them)
 

Shuusui

Member
598 are a good choice in that price range. the grados don't have a large soundstage or are as comfortable.

please note if you use them at work that they are open phones so people around you will hear what you're hearing. might not be what you want (or them)

Yikes, that could get awkward. How about the Philips SHL5905GY/28 CitiScape Uptown Headphones? I've yet to see any out in the wild..
 
I need a new pair. Help me out. Hopefully buy them from Best Buy (get $50 back if spend $100), similar to Beats by Dre but better value (can wear walking to work, possibly gym etc.) and under $200. Any help?
 

SteveO409

Did you know Halo invented the FPS?
those are the whitest sennheisers hd 598 i seen in my life lol. I wish mine would look that bright. I have them on my head now and listening to Assassin's creed 2 Ezio family track...eargasm
 
So it looks like Sony doesn't sell the MDR-7506 model anymore. Mine got stolen from our office on Canadian Thanksgiving. Sucks, they were my favorite headphones of all time.

That said, the new Sony MDR-1 models are out. Anyone have experience with these? They sure are pricey!
 

NEO0MJ

Member
Gonna pick up some In ears and was wonder if it's worth paying the extra $50 for the VSonic GR07 over the Rockit R-50(I'm mostly leaning towards these) ? I listen mostly to rock but generally listen to everything. Any other suggestions are welcome.
 

Dice

Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
The shape-changing foam tips revealed why I had such trouble with IEMs and kind of still do even with foam tips. The top my ear canal is straight, but on the bottom it sweeps up, so perfectly cylindrical tips will always have too much pressure and also be misaligned.
 

HiResDes

Member
Gonna pick up some In ears and was wonder if it's worth paying the extra $50 for the VSonic GR07 over the Rockit R-50(I'm mostly leaning towards these) ? I listen mostly to rock but generally listen to everything. Any other suggestions are welcome.
R-50s are just as good though slightly different of course
 

HiResDes

Member
So has anyone read about the madness that is the Sony MH1 yet?

I will be ordering very soon to figure out if it is really the new budget king


Edit: To the guy looking for white headphones, AKG Q701 are also great
Edit 2: Astrotec AS200 are decent cheap closed portables that happen to be white.
 

Shuusui

Member
So has anyone read about the madness that is the Sony MH1 yet?

I will be ordering very soon to figure out if it is really the new budget king


Edit: To the guy looking for white headphones, AKG Q701 are also great
Edit 2: Astrotec AS200 are decent cheap closed portables that happen to be white.

The more I think about it, the more I think I'll just get another pair of DT-235s. They're much cheaper than when I originally purchased them and I'm used to the feel by now.
 

Zaptruder

Banned
So anyone had a look or tried out a pair of Logitech UE900s yet?

I'm in the market for a mid-high end set of IEMs, after the second pair of my Turbine Coppers conked out (the free replacement ones you get as 'life time replacement warranty').

The visual design is quite appealing to me, as are the accessories. Also like that it has detachable cables - but it's common at the high end price range, and should be expected from such expensive IEMs because that's the most common point of failure.

$400 is probably a bit too steep for me... but at the same time, I can't help but feel that if I get a $200 set now, that if and when those crap out, I'll be left in the same spot as I am now.

Alternatively, I've had a look at Sony MDR-EX600s, which are pretty decent with detachable cables... are those worth while?

I like a good bass with my headphones, but not ones that'll wash out the rest of the sound. I found the turbine coppers to be quite good in that regard, but would've preferred a smidge more volume on the low end.
 

muu

Member
If you're spending 500 you should plan on ponying up a little more and going for customs. No contest on fit and isolation. I got a jh16 and stopped dicking around with headphones, you could probably do the same with something half that price today, considering how much the competition has heated up in that space.

If you're not comfortable making that move yet, stick with the under 100 products and plan on using them as exercise sets when you get something much better.
 
I... Dunno bout $500 customs delivering the SQ of a pair of JH16s but you can definitely get really good SQ at that price point. 1964 Ears, DreamEarz, Unique Melody, Heir audio and a few of the Chinese manufacturers definitely have some solid options at around $400-500.

So anyone had a look or tried out a pair of Logitech UE900s yet?


Alternatively, I've had a look at Sony MDR-EX600s, which are pretty decent with detachable cables... are those worth while?

I like a good bass with my headphones, but not ones that'll wash out the rest of the sound. I found the turbine coppers to be quite good in that regard, but would've preferred a smidge more volume on the low end.

The 600s are great phones, but they're pretty neutral on bass. If the Coppers didn't do it for you, I doubt the 600s will satisfy you. The other thing is that they are currently discontinued, so you're not likely gonna find a cable for them these days.

I mention this a lot on here, but it's worth it to stick it out for the Aurisonics ASG-2. It's an upcoming custom IEM delivered in a universal fit package. It's packing a 15 mm dynamic driver and two proprietary balanced armatures. The dynamic driver will pound any BA set up, custom or not easily in the bass department, and the two BAs should easily handle any high frequencies you toss at it.

The other nice thing is that it's based on a modular design so it's easily repairable and upgradable, and the cable is just a Westone elite cable which is affordable and very durable as well as low on cable noise. It hasn't launched yet, but if I had to guess I'd say they're gonna clock in at $500 or so. Aurisonics president Dale Lott said they will do a one day pricing special on them soon, so I'd definitely wait it out in the event that you could score the ASG-2 for $400 or so.
 
I'm looking for portable headphones (no IEMs, period) to replace the KSC75s I lost recently. I want them to be RELATIVELY portable, especially if they fold up in some way, have flat/velour cups instead of pleather, decent isolation, and prominent but balanced bass. I'd prefer something better than PortaPros. Budget is $50.
Still need input. I also forgot the cords can't be 9-10 feet long, since they're portable.
 
I'm looking for portable headphones (no IEMs, period) to replace the KSC75s I lost recently. I want them to be RELATIVELY portable, especially if they fold up in some way, have flat/velour cups instead of pleather, decent isolation, and prominent but balanced bass. I'd prefer something better than PortaPros. Budget is $50.

You're asking for a lot for 50 bucks.

A few ideas that come to mind;

1. Koss Pro DJ100. Holy shit there's one refurbished at $35, that's a steal! These fold flat, have quite a punch in the bass and isolate quite well. The low price is off-set by the fact that, IMO, these need a portable amp (a cheap Fiio E5 would do) more than your average budget headphone.

2. Soundmagic P30. Welp, they are just in your budget and no more. They sound pretty good though not as good as the Koss. Warm and Sweet are the key words. Again these fold flat and have pretty good isolation. No amp required.

3. AKG K81DJ. Now this is more like it. I happen to be a pretty big AKG fan, so take any gushing you see me do about the brand with a grain of salt. That said, these are pretty good headphones, considering their vintage. They fold. They isolate better than the Soundmagic and Koss. Again warm and sweet/forward bass and mids, rolled off treble. Detail/Microdetail is behind the Koss, but then they are quite a bit cheaper. Bass might be a bit much depending on what you're looking for. No amp required.
 

clem84

Gold Member
Either of these would make an excellent choice, but I highly recommend also making an investment in a DAC/Amp to drive them. Even a relatively inexpensive Fiio E10 will make a huge difference to sound quality. You may want to factor that in or, it might make a good Xmas present request.
I'm sorry if this sounds like newbie question but I'm unfamiliar with headphones amps and I'm wondering how my setup would work.

That amplifier is PC only right? I plan on gaming in my living room on my 360 or PS3. So my headphones would be plugged in on my home theater sound receiver. Are there other models of amps that are meant to be used in situations like these? Would an amp even make a difference, like I said, if I am to plug my headphones in my sound receiver? I'm guessing that a decent sound receiver has enough power as it is so an amp wouldn't make much of a difference? Again sorry if this sounds like stupid question, I'm just trying to understand here.
 
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