The Q701 are excellent headphones (I've had them) but they do not sound like the D7000 at all. the bass response is pretty much the exact opposite between these two headphones. You might still like them, but they're pretty different from your old Denons
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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
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The Q701 are excellent headphones (I've had them) but they do not sound like the D7000 at all. the bass response is pretty much the exact opposite between these two headphones. You might still like them, but they're pretty different from your old Denons
Theonik
Member
Quoting for new page.
KoruptData
Member
So, I received an early Christmas present this year from my wife. Sennheiser hd25 adidas version and im in love. This is my 1st pair of quality headphones and im amazed how great music can sound with a quality set of cans. While I didn't use this thread to help me pick these out, I have read a good portion and noticed these are brought up from time to time but not really anybody getting them. Price to high? Something better for the price?
AKG Q701 since they can be had for a little over 250 U.S. and the JDS Cmoy would be a good portable choice
I haven't heard the DT880, but I definitely prefer the K701 to the HD650. Personal preference though. HD650 are very warm, with a slightly recessed midrange. K701 are very open and airy, with a bit of an upper midrange bump, which can make certain sibilant recordings pretty grating. On pristine recordings, the K701 sound phenomenal.
Any advice on really good headphones for piano listening? My dad wants to buy a pair of AKG K702 for his digital piano as he really likes mine, but I feel that's rather overkill and there may be cheaper and possibly more comfortable options available. I've wondered about the Audio Technica AD700, though I'm afraid the lack of bass might make the lower range sound rather thin. I'm not sure if they're as bass-less as people imply, or if it's more of a K701/K702 situation where the bass feels very accurate, simply not overpowering.
Any advice on really good headphones for piano listening? My dad wants to buy a pair of AKG K702 for his digital piano as he really likes mine, but I feel that's rather overkill and there may be cheaper and possibly more comfortable options available. I've wondered about the Audio Technica AD700, though I'm afraid the lack of bass might make the lower range sound rather thin. I'm not sure if they're as bass-less as people imply, or if it's more of a K701/K702 situation where the bass feels very accurate, simply not overpowering.
Canis lupus
Member
The 3 headphones you mentioned are the (old) reference trios. I have the DT880s so I'll recommend them to you, they sound like a fucking theatre!
The cord on my SR80's has finally given up after some patch work last year so I'll be re-cabling them. How can I make a y splitter on the new cable (pic) thats were the original fault occurred so I want the new one to be more sturdy.
Also, is there anything in the 100-150 range with comparable sound quality to the SR80 but more comfortable, I wouldn't mind getting new set of cans and keeping the Grados as back ups.
Also, is there anything in the 100-150 range with comparable sound quality to the SR80 but more comfortable, I wouldn't mind getting new set of cans and keeping the Grados as back ups.
Well yeah if he's entirely happy with the sound signature the HD650 would be the next step...though they're a fair bit warmer, aren't they?
Ive only heard the 600 and they werent too warm
I feel the HD600 are quite warm, and from what I understand of the HD650, they're a fair bit warmer (some users prefer the HD600 as a result).
In any case, if auditioning these headphones is at all a possibility, I recommend that.
Sadly, I'm out of luck as far as auditioning goes. The headphone marketplace around Ottawa sucks.
Ah, thanks for the tip. I'll stop by B&H to see if they've got a headphones section this weekend. The M50s arrived today so a live comparison would be nice.
I enjoyed the bass on the XB500s but I'm not a crazy basshead, so a slight dropoff there for improved sound quality period is a fine trade, from my perspective.
Kinky John
Member
If you can afford it just go for the HD598 for peace of mind. The consensus seems to be that they're a little better than the HD558.... whether your ears will notice the difference though is another thing altogether.
To answer your first question - yes! I'm happy with my 558's; very comfy and sound good to me. I don't have them hooked up to anything fancy (Creative Sound Blaster Z) but my ears are happy enough.Out of curiosity, is there a headphone that is known to be very forgiving? AKA a headphone to listen to bad recordings with? This wouldn't be instead of whichever headphones I end up getting, by the way. Just curious.
For example, I love the Mountain Goats and they have a lot of lo-fi stuff like this. Is there a headphone which is known to excel at making that kind of thing more pleasant to listen to? I'd imagine it would be a very dark headphone with really muddy highs or something.
Edit: I suppose my current headphones would work pretty well for this if I just EQ the highs down. They've already got the "muddy" part down pat
Second Edit: Just for fun, I hit auto-equalizer on one of those Mountain Goats songs on Foobar. Sure enough, this is the result. Haha
For example, I love the Mountain Goats and they have a lot of lo-fi stuff like this. Is there a headphone which is known to excel at making that kind of thing more pleasant to listen to? I'd imagine it would be a very dark headphone with really muddy highs or something.
Edit: I suppose my current headphones would work pretty well for this if I just EQ the highs down. They've already got the "muddy" part down pat
Second Edit: Just for fun, I hit auto-equalizer on one of those Mountain Goats songs on Foobar. Sure enough, this is the result. Haha
Just picked up the MEElectronics A161P on Amazon for only $69.99. It looks like there is a lightning deal right now if any of you guys are looking.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083E5GUE/?tag=neogaf0e-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083E5GUE/?tag=neogaf0e-20
This is a steal!
BolognaSoup
Member
I have the AD700 and I feel they are better with pure piano music than anything else. Something like McCoy Tyner's Soliloquy sounds wonderful on them.
KoruptData
Member
When you do the quality test on this page, he says "parasitic buzz" and my new HD25's play like a high pulsing noise leading into the bass. Is that what hes talking about?
http://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php
http://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php
Don't buy a K701 if you listen to pop, RnB, Dub Step, Hip Hop or anything bass reliant. They are definitely top heavy cans. For classical, instrumental etc, they're amazing and hyper detailed. Denons by contrast are quite bass boomy. My pick of that bunch would be the DT880s. Or the HD650 if you want a more laid back or slightly darker sound.
But honestly, the best value combination are some modded Fostex T50RP's. Supreme sound quality at insane value for money.
But honestly, the best value combination are some modded Fostex T50RP's. Supreme sound quality at insane value for money.
Canis lupus
Member
The DT880s are definetly not bass heavy, the impac is actually weak, they sound natural.
davidcotton
Member
Once again the uk gets stiffed, same headphone same price : £69.99!
opticalmace
Member
So my DAC can take USB or optical input. Is there a reason to use one over the other?
I agree, but they still have more bass than say, the K701. If you want to keep some of the house Beyer sound (quite detailed but still natural), but want a touch more bass, go for the DT990 Pro instead of the DT880.
Canis lupus
Member
Or the 600ohm version of DT880
I love the reviews of 880, people criticize the sound of being too sharp and accurate.
I've been looking into getting new headphones. I'll likely be using it at home for my PC/console gaming and music. My quality expectations probably aren't that high given how complacent I've been with cheap gaming-brand headsets, and a set of KSC75's. I listen to mostly pop and video game music, which I guess includes rock, instrumental, electronic...
So I would prioritize closed-back, and being comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Portability could be nice isn't a deal breaker. $200 CAD is probably as much I want to go on my first try.
Does anybody have any opinions on the following, or possibly other recommendations?
AKG-K271 MKII
ATH-M50S
DT770 80ohm
So I would prioritize closed-back, and being comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Portability could be nice isn't a deal breaker. $200 CAD is probably as much I want to go on my first try.
Does anybody have any opinions on the following, or possibly other recommendations?
AKG-K271 MKII
ATH-M50S
DT770 80ohm
Ooh, I've heard all of those.
The M50s aren't even within the same league as the other two, so you can scratch those off.
The DT770 Pros are a really nice headphone. Well rounded, with a little extra bass. Their isolation is very good, and they're among the most comfortable headphones on the market. They basically do everything the M50s do, but drastically better.
The K271s are sort of the opposite of the DT770 Pros. Where the Beyers slant toward the bass, the K271s slant toward the highs. The mids are quite a bit better on these, so it makes them better for vocal-centric music. Comfort is a little weaker than the Beyers, but the isolation is a little better.
Both are relatively easy to drive, but benefit from a dedicated amp.
Also, as far as portability goes, I'd give a slight nod to the AKGs, since they have a removable cable. They're both very big headphones, so they aren't totally ideal for portable use.
KoruptData
Member
Looks like they have to go back, my gaming headset is playing bass better than the HD25s right now. I dont know what happened, its just like they quit being awesome. I wasn't doing anything strenuous with them. Maybe just a lemon. Its like anything under a certain bass frequency plays a loud pulsing sound instead of clean crisp note.
Theonik
Member
I should note I can't use US deals so the price I'd pay for the Q701 is almost the same as the HD650. K701 are cheaper (used to be an even better deal than that too, not anymore) but I've been hearing a very mixed opinions about them. Had I not lost the 555s I'd be more keen on them. (I listen to the kind of music they are good at but they seem to be fairly one trick-ponies so when I initially was considering them they were meant to complement my other phones. The comments here seem to confirm what I've been hearing.
Unfortunately I can't audition any of them either so pretty much have to rely on forum posts and reviews blindly and on that note how good is this comparison?
Also what about the amplification question? I heard the HD650s scale a lot with better amping so will the NFB11.32 be able to properly drive them? What about the 600ohm DT880? And on that note what's the difference between the 250ohm 880 Pro and regular 600ohm 880 as I understand the former has a lighter diaphragm but what does it mean in terms of sound?
Choosing is really hard because I'm hearing lots of mixed response from either camp while I need new phones ASAP and it's a lot of money to throw around D:
Some DACs are limited to 16-bit on USB. It depends on the DAC. That said save for movies that use 24-bit, your CDs are 16-bit anyway (you can get 24-bit content online), and whether you will notice is also debatable.
MH1Cs have landed in Cali, now to travel across the US. :\
I need em, RE0s have horrible microphonics.
Oh, they're back up on Amazon with prime shipping. Just ordered a pair with local express delivery so they'll get here tomorrow. I'll just throw the other pair at my brother for christmas then I guess.
JVCs are growing on me as well. Love the low end.
I need em, RE0s have horrible microphonics.
Oh, they're back up on Amazon with prime shipping. Just ordered a pair with local express delivery so they'll get here tomorrow. I'll just throw the other pair at my brother for christmas then I guess.
JVCs are growing on me as well. Love the low end.
Does anyone have suggestions for a <$100 headphone that is great for hip-hop, pop, and dance music (think bass heavy). I got a pair of Panasonic RP-HTF600-S a few months ago to see if I liked headphones (only used IEMs before), and while they're fantastic for $25, they sparkle a lot on highs, particularly with the volume up. Also, they don't quite have the bass impact that IEMs do, probably due to their soundstage.
Basically I want really punchy low end with cleaner highs. I'd be willing to go a little above $100 if there's a big difference, but I got the impression that basshead phones are fairly easy to get on a budget.
Basically I want really punchy low end with cleaner highs. I'd be willing to go a little above $100 if there's a big difference, but I got the impression that basshead phones are fairly easy to get on a budget.
I call for HeadphoneGAF's help again. Previously I've been steered in the right direction however I want to make sure that things are solid before proceeding.
So, I have this tv. In the product description we see this:
I want to be able to listen to them through these. They come with 3.5mm and analog stereo inputs.
Problem: I need to go from digital 5.1 to either analog or 3.5mm stereo.
I've previously been told that I cannot use a cheaper digital convertor as they only handle 2.1 and instead need a 5.1 convertor that can downgrade to stereo outputs. Otherwise, there will just be static. Sure, I'm Google searching "5.1 digital output to analog/RCA/3.5mm convertor" with decent results; I come here for the possibility someone is running a similar setup or familiar with one.
The aforementioned previous help lead to an Amazon review which suggests the GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder. So I'm wanting to make sure this is a solid deal or if there are possibly better ones/options out there.
So, I have this tv. In the product description we see this:
I want to be able to listen to them through these. They come with 3.5mm and analog stereo inputs.
Problem: I need to go from digital 5.1 to either analog or 3.5mm stereo.
I've previously been told that I cannot use a cheaper digital convertor as they only handle 2.1 and instead need a 5.1 convertor that can downgrade to stereo outputs. Otherwise, there will just be static. Sure, I'm Google searching "5.1 digital output to analog/RCA/3.5mm convertor" with decent results; I come here for the possibility someone is running a similar setup or familiar with one.
The aforementioned previous help lead to an Amazon review which suggests the GefenTV Digital Audio Decoder. So I'm wanting to make sure this is a solid deal or if there are possibly better ones/options out there.
You want something like this
http://www.turtlebeach.com/product-detail/dolby-processor-accessories/ear-force-dss2/33
Some type of optical to headphone converter with HRTF or downmix capabilities.
BolognaSoup
Member
Just ordered the HE-400 from HeadRoom. Very excited. May first biggish upgrade since getting the AD700 (for gaming) and M50 (for work) a few years ago. These will stay home for music and gaming.
You want something like this
http://www.turtlebeach.com/product-detail/dolby-processor-accessories/ear-force-dss2/33
Some type of optical to headphone converter with HRTF or downmix capabilities.
Thanks! Searching for this and similar thanks to your description is leading to much better results. Curious if I don't use the USB if I can still get passthrough of the sound. Without it, I have the TV volume and the headphone volume. Don't think I really need the amplification from this device. Do you know by chance if the 'hrtf or downmix' functions without the power source?
I just ordered some HE-400s from HeadRoom today as well! I'm upgrading from a cheap pair of Sony noise cancelling headphones. So excited.
It needs power, I would imagine all devices that do this conversion do considering it requires a DSP. You can always buy a USB<->AC power brick though.
Neko Mimi Mode
Member
You want M-Audio Studiophile Q40s. A bit over your budget (cheapest one on Amazon there is $115, but I'm sure you can get them cheaper elsewhere).
You're also going to need an amp for them to get the most out of them though, so budget that in too. They are totally worth it though. Best sub-$200 basshead cans and not by a small margin.
opticalmace
Member
Thanks. Would the optical connection be affected by dust or anything?
In case you didn't notice, that Sennheiser phone comes with a free $25 gift card apparently. If only the HD598 came with a $50 gift card instead of $30...
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
A couple of guys with the Sony MH1C might be able to chime in but I think that phone has a flat cable, which should be tangle resistant. Best cable I've had for that purpose was the cloth sheathed DDM cable, but the trade off was that the cable was also highly microphonic. Westone elite series cables are very supple and resist kinking but even those aren't immune to tangling. I dunno, point being, I think every cable has its share of issues no matter what the price point or material.
BolognaSoup
Member
Did you talk to Jorge? Cool guy.
Very likely. I don't think I ever got the name of the guy I spoke to, but he was indeed a very nice guy.
Theonik
Member
Connectors should come with covers to prevent dust from getting in. Generally dust isn't too much of a problem if you use them normally. (it doesn't really get into the connections that much)
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