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

S

Shiroi-San

Member
Just got a pair of the new Bluebuds X from Jaybird today, and they have been awesome so far. They are a little pricy, but they are the best sounding Bluetooth earbuds I've tried that are also sweat resistant for the gym.
 
B

Betta Lines

Member
InfiniteNine said:
Well hi everyone, I'm looking for something to replace the only headphones I've tried that don't hurt my ears which is the Koss PortaPro:
41uU2Y-j%2BdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Was talking to a friend about getting replacements for $100 or under since these don't seem to last long for me and they don't make a model with a higher build quality. I want to use them mostly for home and for on the bus but the comfort issue makes me hesitant to order anything.

My friend suggested these:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00198BY48/?tag=neogaf0e-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G3LCQC/?tag=neogaf0e-20

and I was looking for opinions or alternatives that I know are comfortable for sure. Thank you!
Click to expand...
I don't find Grados very comfortable. I have the Alessandro MS1, which is effectively a modified SR60i (and apparently superior to an SR80i although I've never had the chance to compare them side by side), and I absolutely love the sound they make but I can't wear them for more than an hour without wanting to take them off.
 
A

AKingNamedPaul

I am Homie
My $250 phiatons broke while I was at work a week ago. In the market for some headphones, not sure which to try this time. I listen to music on my headphones, sometimes skating, sometimes working, most of the time just walking or hanging out in the cafeteria. Price is not really an issue, but I don't want to spend more than I have to, since i'm not an audio engineer or anything. Preferably something that looks nice, since I pride myself on my style. I DO LOVE FINE QUALITY SOUND THOUGH.


Any suggestions audiophile gaf?
 
H

HiResDes

Member
FootNinja said:
My $250 phiatons broke while I was at work a week ago. In the market for some headphones, not sure which to try this time. I listen to music on my headphones, sometimes skating, sometimes working, most of the time just walking or hanging out in the cafeteria. Price is not really an issue, but I don't want to spend more than I have to, since i'm not an audio engineer or anything. Preferably something that looks nice, since I pride myself on my style. I DO LOVE FINE QUALITY SOUND THOUGH.


Any suggestions audiophile gaf?
Click to expand...

AKG K167 or Soundmagic HP100
 
J

jbpaz

Member
I currently have the Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones and I'm looking to upgrade them to the Audio Technica ATHM50s. Suggestions? Thoughts? I listen to mainly Metalcore, rock, and some acoustics.

Edit: Budget is $100. Could be a bit over.
 
P

Presco

Member
Anybody have any experience with the JVC HA-S500? Seem to be flavour of the month over at head-fi and some of the reviews seem too good to be true. Better than the M80 and comparable to the HD-25 at a fraction of the price? Surely impossible. My curiosity got the better of me and I asked a friend who is visiting family in Japan if he could bring a pair back with him. Looking forward to trying them out in a few weeks.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Alucrid said:
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.
Click to expand...

.
 
M

mkenyon

Banned
What earphones under $150 deliver the best bass?

*EDIT* And for further requirements, are also at least good in the other departments.
 
K

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
mkenyon said:
What earphones under $150 deliver the best bass?

*EDIT* And for further requirements, are also at least good in the other departments.
Click to expand...

For clarification, do you want quantity or quality for the bass? With that price range, you pretty much get one or the other.
 
oktarb

oktarb

Member
anyone recommend a set of headphone that I can use to listen to my TV with this criteria:

1) Support at least 2 headphone - two people can listen at the same time (same show of course)
2) Wireless
3) less than $200 would be nice
 
M

mkenyon

Banned
Kipp said:
For clarification, do you want quantity or quality for the bass? With that price range, you pretty much get one or the other.
Click to expand...
I already have a really nice set of cans for music listening as well as some proper monitors for home music blaring (ah the joys of rural life). These will be used in these three capacities (in order of most frequent to least frequent), all on my Samsung Note with either lossless or super high bitrate music.

1. Working out at the gym/long bike rides. I more frequently run with my dog, so this is like 2-3 times a week for about an hour.

2. Listening while working on and modding computers (in ears do double duty as earplugs while cutting/grinding metal).

3. Podcasts while at work.

4. Vita on long car trips.

The music I listen to is a really huge range of stuff. However, with listening to more electronica/dubstep/that sort of stuff in the past few years, I found my previous earphones doing this duty (which I'm 90% sure were Shure Scl2's) really lacked on bass even when used through my NuForce uDAC2. So, just wanting to get something that does a bit better there.

If I need to spend more than $150 to get there, I'm definitely willing to think about it.

*edit*
I suppose I didn't directly answer your question, and that is because I don't really know the answer. I do want more punch, but I don't want it to be shitty punch.
 
R

RumblingRosco

Member
GAF, headphone newbie here. I've had a pair of Grado SR80i for about 2 years now and I've loved the shit out of them; they're, so far, my only foray into "good" headphones. I am now looking into getting an amp to improve the overall experience, but I'm wondering if it is non-worthwhile to get an amp specifically to use with a pair of ~$80 headphones, or if it'd be better to instead buy a nicer pear of headphones and then later on get an amp?

So, to summarize: Are there any worthwhile recommendations for an amp to use with my Grado SR80i headphones in the $100-$225 price range? Any help/suggestions are appreciated. The Little Dot MK line seems perhaps worthwhile? I'll only be using the headphones at home with my computer so portability is a non-factor.
 
V

VALIS

Member
Last thing I need is another pair of headphones but my wife and others keep asking me what I want for Xmas and I can't help always go back to headphones.

I have
Denon HD-5000
AKG K701
Vsonic GR07 (iem)

Used to have
Senn HD600 (one ear stopped working)
Shure 535 (iem, accidentally dropped 'em and crushed 'em)

Funny, it's the two broken ones I like/miss the most.

Really eying the Westone 4s, Senn IE80s and the Grado RS2is, but I'm open to all sorts of suggestions. Price range $800 or less (I'd be buying this partially, my wife isn't spending that much on me!). I like headphones sounding a little warm and sweet like tube amps. Sources are a desktop and laptop computer, both a tube DAC/amp and a solid state Fiio.
 
R

RumblingRosco

Member
Surface of Me said:
Sup NeoGAF, I was thinking of getting some good headphones for X-Mas, but I really don't know where to begin. I've heard Sennheiser is good and that I should stay away from Beats and Bose, my budget is around $200. Any suggestions?

Just browsing the Seinnheiser website these seem pretty cool: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/audio-headphones-circumaural-headphones_504628
Click to expand...

Grado and Sennheiser are generally both regarded as good brands in that price range. You might want to consider the Grado SR125i.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
mkenyon said:
Earphones :p
Click to expand...
Xears Pro or Velodyne Vpulse

Surface of Me said:
Sup NeoGAF, I was thinking of getting some good headphones for X-Mas, but I really don't know where to begin. I've heard Sennheiser is good and that I should stay away from Beats and Bose, my budget is around $200. Any suggestions?

Just browsing the Seinnheiser website these seem pretty cool: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/audio-headphones-circumaural-headphones_504628
Click to expand...

Soundmagic HP100 or the AKG K167

VALIS said:
Last thing I need is another pair of headphones but my wife and others keep asking me what I want for Xmas and I can't help always go back to headphones.

I have
Denon HD-5000
AKG K701
Vsonic GR07 (iem)

Used to have
Senn HD600 (one ear stopped working)
Shure 535 (iem, accidentally dropped 'em and crushed 'em)

Funny, it's the two broken ones I like/miss the most.

Really eying the Westone 4s, Senn IE80s and the Grado RS2is, but I'm open to all sorts of suggestions. Price range $800 or less (I'd be buying this partially, my wife isn't spending that much on me!). I like headphones sounding a little warm and sweet like tube amps. Sources are a desktop and laptop computer, both a tube DAC/amp and a solid state Fiio.
Click to expand...

I'd definitely consider waiting out for the new Hifiman IEMs and also maybe considering the HE-400 to save money
 
V

VALIS

Member
HiResDes said:
also maybe considering the HE-400 to save money
Click to expand...

Nice recommendation! I really like what I'm reading about them. Warm sound, oversized design, two characteristics I like. I have Hifiman's tube amp/DAC and it's been a pretty good value. Probably no reason to go for the HE-500 since I'd be driving them with my Fiio E7 or aforementioned Hifiman tube amp, right? Sounds like it needs a heavyweight amp.
 
J

jbpaz

Member
Hey HiRes, I have a question for you. You seem to always recommend the Soundmagic HP100 or the AKG K167. Which is the better purchase of the two?
 
dead monkey uk

dead monkey uk

Member
Thought this thread needed some more photos. I have just bought some Philips Fidelio X1 as a Christmas present, to myself :). First set of open headphones, looking forward to getting them next week. They have been getting some great reviews and look amazing.

philipsx1r2k2y.jpeg


philipsx1yqu2a.jpeg

They must be good, look how happy she is :)
 
H

HiResDes

Member
jbpaz said:
Hey HiRes, I have a question for you. You seem to always recommend the Soundmagic HP100 or the AKG K167. Which is the better purchase of the two?
Click to expand...
Though they are both comfortable, the HP100 are some of the most comfortable closed cans ive ever had on. They also fold up to make them more ergonomical. The AKGs have slightly better bass in terms of speed clarity and impact so id give them an edge in sound.
 
A

accx

Member
Hi all. Got a couple of questions for ya regarding connection issues.

Some details;
I have got a Sennheiser PC360 headset for gaming. Standard 3,5mm plugs as expected.
I also have the NI Komplete Audio 6 as an external sound card.
I also have a pair of krk rokit rp5.

My issues:
Considering spacing regarding the speakers. I tend to get this wow feeling when they have no wall against them, but it would prove to be hard to place them anywhere else. I was building my own desktop stands but i'm now considering if i should just get floor stands instead. This would probably help with placement and positioning but i wonder if it's worth it?
They do seem to shine when having the whole apartment free while i'm sittings against the wall. I'm currently moving so thats why.

To the real issue.
I want to utilize the various inputs that my external sound card have, and just using a 3,5mm to tele plug adapter works just peachy.
When it comes to my microphone on the headset it fails. I've tried all the inputs but always fails.
Do i need a special 3,5mm -> tele plug for it to work? i read somewhere that the mic needs 5 volt or something?
I have phantom power on my external card but i haven't tried it yet cause i'm scared it'll fry my headset or something.

I hope it's just a matter of getting another specialized adapter.

Thanks!
 
F

Fjordson

Member
Searched the thread for impressions of these and just saw one post saying that people shouldn't bother without a decent amp. True or false?

Just want something decent to use with my computer (music and occasional gaming) been going back and forth on countless pairs over the last few weeks. Friend recommended the AKG's to me, said he's had them for almost a year and loves their sound and comfort. But I sure as hell don't have any sort of headphone amp.

edit: Almost forgot, was also recommended these since I mentioned I'm trying to stay around $100. Not that it matters, but I do kinda dig the purple color on the Audio Technica pair :lol
 
dead monkey uk

dead monkey uk

Member
edit: Almost forgot said:
these[/url] since I mentioned I'm trying to stay around $100. Not that it matters, but I do kinda dig the purple color on the Audio Technica pair :lol
Click to expand...

A lot of people recommend these for gaming, for the money I do not think you could do much better. They are also easy to drive, so can be run straight from your PC. One thing to note though is they are open style headphones, so will leak sound.
 
B

bedlamite

Member
Got that headphone buying itch again, picked up a pair of the new Earsuits from Audio-Technica

200012.jpg


The more expensive ES700s have the same mirror finish on the cups as the older ES7s, it looks nice but they smudge way too easily. Sound-quality wise, the ES500s are a lot bassier than the ES7s, bordering on muddy
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Twenty7KVN said:
Hey guys i'm looking to buy my mom a pair of on ear headphones for Christmas.And because she's my mom she doesn't want me to spend to much,so we agreed on a limit of $50.I was looking at these http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SYZ3G4/?tag=neogaf0e-20 are they any good? Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...

Do they have to be on ear?

If not check out the DT 235

and if so

These are better
QualityPixel said:
What does $500 can GAF think of these?
Ultrasone Pro 750 for $160

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003USCCFA/?tag=neogaf0e-20

520155pro_750_02.jpg


My Sennheiser HD555's are showing their age. I'll post a pict of my ghetto mods/fixes later today.
Click to expand...

I don't know about those when the Beyerdynamic Custom One and AKG K167 are around the same price
 
Q

QualityPixel

Banned
HiResDes said:
I don't know about those when the Beyerdynamic Custom One and AKG K167 are around the same price
Click to expand...

I did some reading up on the Beyerdynamic Custom One's and I like what I'm reading. The reviews I found only talked about music, but I also use my headphones for games and movies. How well do they work for those kinds of applications?

Edit: Here is what my Sennheiser's looks like now. Considering their age I would say they are doing pretty well. I wouldn't be looking for new headphones, but they are starting to buzz with deep base and rumbling. I've replaced the wire that goes over the top, zip tied the head pad in place, and fixed the side piece you can see the cracks on with Bondo and super glue.

ghetto-hd555.jpg
 
P

Phloxy

Member
Hey gaf, looking for comfy inner ear headphones. My lady likes to listen to podcasts while she is working, so the comfort is key. Any decent ones that won't break the bank? Have about 50 to 150 to spend.
 
F

Fjordson

Member
dead monkey uk said:
A lot of people recommend these for gaming, for the money I do not think you could do much better. They are also easy to drive, so can be run straight from your PC. One thing to note though is they are open style headphones, so will leak sound.
Click to expand...
Nice. Guess I'll look towards those then.

And yeah, I'm cool with some sound leaking. I prefer the feel of open headphones to closed ones and they'll be pretty much exclusively used at home.
 
L

LCfiner

Member
Phloxy said:
Hey gaf, looking for comfy inner ear headphones. My lady likes to listen to podcasts while she is working, so the comfort is key. Any decent ones that won't break the bank? Have about 50 to 150 to spend.
Click to expand...

It's real hard to recommend IEMs based on comfort as ears are so different. The most comfortable ones I used were the smallest - the Grado GR8 but those are over your budget.

I did find the Westone brand of IEMs fit snugly and comfortably in my ears. They were unobtrusive and had a nice, light cable. The UM1 is in your price range for $110.
 
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