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

Trojita

Trojita

Rapid Response Threadmaker
Oh wow when I made my first post about wanting to get the AD900x's but waiting for them to get released here for a possibly cheaper price, I didn't realize no one posted them in here to begin with when they were announced.

For those that were concerned about the unique look of the AD700's, the AD700's successor the AD700x takes on a more practical appearance.

LL
Click to expand...

The AD900 successor the AD900x

LL
Click to expand...

The AD2000x
LL
Click to expand...

There is also an AD500x and an AD1000x.
 
The Hermit

The Hermit

Member
I bough a V-MODA from amazon can't wait to use it :)

Considering how much headphones cost here in Brasil, I can consider this 100US a great purchase.
 
Neko Mimi Mode

Neko Mimi Mode

Member
outunderthestars said:
OK, dumb question:

What makes a set of "studio monitor" headphones different than a normal set?
Click to expand...

Nothing really, it's buzz words used to make you think the headphones are so revealing that they could be used by professionals for studio monitoring/mixing/remastering.
they can't

I'm looking for a comfortable set of closed ear headphones for listening with an iphone or ipod classic: Looking in the $100 ish range

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50's grabbed my attention thus far. Other suggestions?

musically I tend towards ambient, drone, etc. Music like this:
Click to expand...

M50s are a bit harsh for ambient/drone, too much attack in the treble and not enough warmth in the mids. Get a pair of V-MODA M80s instead.
 
Synless

Synless

Member
ATH M50 limited edition ordered, Senn 598's to follow in a month or so unless something better comes up. What portable amp should I order?
 
O

outunderthestars

Banned
Hix said:
Nothing really, it's buzz words used to make you think the headphones are so revealing that they could be used by professionals for studio monitoring/mixing/remastering.
they can't



M50s are a bit harsh for ambient/drone, too much attack in the treble and not enough warmth in the mids. Get a pair of V-MODA M80s instead.
Click to expand...

Never heard of V-moda, but the reviews are kind of awesome! Is there a big difference between the M80's and the Crossfade LP?
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Trojita said:
Oh wow when I made my first post about wanting to get the AD900x's but waiting for them to get released here for a possibly cheaper price, I didn't realize no one posted them in here to begin with when they were announced.

For those that were concerned about the unique look of the AD700's, the AD700's successor the AD700x takes on a more practical appearance.



The AD900 successor the AD900x



The AD2000x


There is also an AD500x and an AD1000x.
Click to expand...

Those look amazing, so the AD2000X are going to be the new flagships?

outunderthestars said:
OK, dumb question:

What makes a set of "studio monitor" headphones different than a normal set?

I'm looking for a comfortable set of closed ear headphones for listening with an iphone or ipod classic: Looking in the $100 ish range


The Audio-Technica ATH-M50's grabbed my attention thus far. Other suggestions?

musically I tend towards ambient, drone, etc. Music like this:
Click to expand...

Studio monitors supposedly sport a more neutral sound and good clarity, while DJ headphones amp the bass and are more likely to sport a V curve in terms of sound.


If you can stand on-ear headphones the House of Marley Exodus and V-Moda M80 might be good as well. The TMA-1 are also very good for electronic music specifically. I would also recommend the Ultrasone HFI-580, but the clamp on them is quite tight and you'd have to be willing to stretch them out a bit to make them more comfortable.

britt0n said:
Quick question. I'm thinking of getting a pair of sennheiser momentum or vmoda m100 cans. I'm excited to listen to my favorite albums with some real headphones, but will these be ok to listen to other things as well? They will always be in my backpack, would they sound good for movies as well as gaming?
Click to expand...

Yes! Especially the M100.
 
Synless

Synless

Member
Are those for comparison? Why did they go with such a ridiculous cord on the LE's? I almost wanna cancel and go white because of that.

Edit, switched to the white ones. That cord was too ridiculous, though I prefer the overall build quality of the LE's.
 
R

RoninChaos

Member
A friend is getting rid of her sennheiser hd380 pros cause she doesnt use them. I'm using some m50s right now and I think the price might be too good to pass up. Anybody used the hd380s before?
 
F

Felix Lighter

Member
I just broke my Audio Technica ATH-AD700s. I took them off a little too aggressively, I guess. I'm looking at the list of recommended headphones in the OP and I see that they are listed. I'm looking to spend in the $100 range and their main purpose is PC gaming. Should I just buy another pair of the Audio Technica ATH-AD700 or is there another pair I should consider. Any help would be appreciated.
 
A

Accoun

Member
Bought SoundMagic P30 since they were 60% off (Polish store, only in-store purchase). From a quick listen, those sound pretty good for the price. Hopefully later they'll get better...

Also, finally got some headphones for outside again. Never really liked IEMs, so I'd say I spent a bit too much time with them... :)
 
F

Felix Lighter

Member
Looking over the last few pages of the thread, the ATH-AD700s are still considered quality at their price, so I guess I'll just replace my broken pair with the same model.

Oh man, I bought my ATH-AD700s at a pretty good discount in 2010 ($89). $110 at newegg is my best bet. It sucks to pay $20 more 3 years later but its my fault for not being more careful, I guess.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Felix Lighter said:
Looking over the last few pages of the thread, the ATH-AD700s are still considered quality at their price, so I guess I'll just replace my broken pair with the same model.

Oh man, I bought my ATH-AD700s at a pretty good discount in 2010 ($89). $110 at newegg is my best bet. It sucks to pay $20 more 3 years later but its my fault for not being more careful, I guess.
Click to expand...

Check out the ATH-TAD500 instead. Although you might miss that massive soundstage.
 
F

Felix Lighter

Member
Thanks for the tip. I saw those mentioned a few times but already placed my order, which has shipped. I guess I was a little to antsy to wait for advice.
 
S

spadge

Member
Finally got myself a pair of k550's this morning.
plEvGvtl.jpg

oO6fRwyl.jpg
Click to expand...
From top to bottom:
AKG K701
AKG K550
Grado SR-80

And I also have a pair of (pre-logitech) Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5's not in the picture.

I think I can admit that I have a problem.
 
Synless

Synless

Member
Got my M50's today, in pretty happy with them though they don't sound exactly what I hoped they would. I have another pair of headphones that I use for gaming, the Pulse Elite headset by Sony and they are not too far off from those sound wise. They are a million times better than my old Sony headphones I replaced them with though. I am not looking for a place to get a good headphone stand as I am slowly accumulating headphones. I searched on Amazon and didn't see anything I was crazy for, is there any place else?
 
P

Presco

Member
spadge said:
Finally got myself a pair of k550's this morning.
Click to expand...

Ordered a pair today myself. Been debating for a while between these and the DT 880 Premium 250 Ohm. Ultimately decided on the 550's because while I would prefer an open set, these will be used in the office as well. Seems like these are as close to an open sound that I'll get in a closed headphone.

For any Canadians, for like the only time ever, a decent headphone is markedly cheaper up here than on US Amazon. The 550's can be had for $199 from axemusic.
 
S

spadge

Member
Presco said:
Ordered a pair today myself. Been debating for a while between these and the DT 880 Premium 250 Ohm. Ultimately decided on the 550's because while I would prefer an open set, these will be used in the office as well. Seems like these are as close to an open sound that I'll get in a closed headphone.

For any Canadians, for like the only time ever, a decent headphone is markedly cheaper up here than on US Amazon. The 550's can be had for $199 from axemusic.
Click to expand...

I got the K550's for the times when the K701's are just impractical. The seal on them is great, people can only just hear what i'm listening to if they're right next to me. I do a lot of listening to music on the train and when working at uni, and they should be great for that. The low impedance means i don't have to lug an amp around either.

Just listened to the M.O.O.N. EP with these, I'm blown away by how good they are.
 
Synless

Synless

Member
I was wondering if someone with some M50's could look at something for me. I was listening to some music and in the left cup I thought I was occasionally hearing distortion, now I am certain I am. I was looking for some music on iTunes and the album A State of Trance 2012 by Armin van Buurin, if you listen to the song "When the Sun (Eximinds Remix Edit) I can hear it immediately in the sample, on the left side.

Edit: nevermind, I tried a friends headphones today and his had the same thing, it's static/distortion coming from the music.
 
C

cloud_sleep

Member
Just got my new phones - Sennheiser HD600s, which I'm running through a Little Dot MKIII tube amp. I'm chuffed to bits so far with their sound. I'm now working through my favourite tracks and I'm hearing new details and textures. One of the things I love about getting new audio kit is it how often it leads to the 'rediscovery' of one's collection. I also can't wait to use the HD600s with a bluray movie.
 
L

LCfiner

Member
I'm trying a new pair of IEMs for work (getting tired of using larger on-ears at the office).

The Heir 4.ai. These are pretty sweet. very nicely balanced sound. lots of details and texture. I would expect nothing less for the price ($400). They don't have head shaking bass as you can get from a few larger over ear headphones but what's there is solid when the song calls for it.

Mids are a tiny bit forward, giving a bit of a boost to vocals. it's subtle but adds a bit of energy to some tracks.

I've only had them for a day but I really like them so far and think they'll replace my Sennhesier Momentum when out of the house. I also like how tiny they are and the tip selection that lets me get a comfortable fit. There's a set of really small double flange tips that don't extend as far outward as most tips so they fit well in my tiny ear canals - good seal without sticking in too deep. (I seriously have to use XXS or XS tips anytime I've used IEMs) I've never seen these types of shallow double flange tips before.
 
S

Snkfanatic

Banned
Looking for suggestions. I want to replace an old pair of sony in ear earphones I use for jogging. Looking for something with great bass as I mostly listen to hip hop while working out. Would love to stay below 50. My main issue with my current in ears is the constant fiddling with them keeping them in the correct position in my ear while jogging. If they move the sound quality goes to hell and it gets annoying constantly adjusting them.

Thumbing through the thread the Brainwavz M5s have my interest. Thoughts on these?
 
S

swordfishtrombones

Member
Snkfanatic said:
Looking for suggestions. I want to replace an old pair of sony in ear earphones I use for jogging. Looking for something with great bass as I mostly listen to hip hop while working out. Would love to stay below 50. My main issue with my current in ears is the constant fiddling with them keeping them in the correct position in my ear while jogging. If they move the sound quality goes to hell and it gets annoying constantly adjusting them.

Thumbing through the thread the Brainwavz M5s have my interest. Thoughts on these?
Click to expand...

I have no experience with the M5s, but have you considered the Earpods? It's all a matter of preference and ear shape, but they stay firmly in my ears when I go out running. I contrast to in-ears, they are not microphonic (I can't imaging running with my CX300's). They also don't isolate significantly, so you can still hear traffic. Bass is excellent and sound quality is quite good for the 30 bucks.
 
D

dmshaposv

Member
Whats the consensus on the fancy sennheiser momentum/amperior phones? Also what abt the sony mdr 1r?

I wore the sony mdr 1r and god they were super comfy!

Would they be good for basic sound monitoring/ easy listening use? Many pros use some version of the sony mdrs ( the old black bulky ones). V6 i think they are called.
 
G

Got the Shakes

Member
A quick question about portable amps and DACs. I was looking to buy an amp for my iPhone 5 because when I'm in my car I sometimes use my iPhone through the aux jack on my radio. The trouble is that I have to turn the volume way up on my radio and iPhone to even be able to hear it. I figured a portable headphone amp would help with that. I also listen to music on my MacBook Pro with a pair of CAL! and I'm thinking about getting a pair of UE 6000. Instead of getting just a headphone amp, should I get a DAC so that way I have the best of both worlds? I could amp my phone in my car with it and then have a DAC to use with my MacBook, or should I save a little money and just get an amp? Would a DAC like the Fiio E7K or E17 even make a noticable difference on my Mac with the cans I'd be using, or should I just go with an amp like the Fiio E11 to get some extra volume with my car stereo and save some cash?
 
G

Geoff9920

Member
Geoff9920 said:
Well, after a bit of deliberation I pulled the trigger and picked up...

Hifiman HE-500
Schiit Asgard
Schiit Bifrost

... to use for Music / Gaming on my PC. Oh God what have I done. :p
Click to expand...
I just got everything delivered and set up over lunch today. I only had time to check out one song (Chris Isaak) prior to heading back into work, but my god these are good. I still feel guilty for paying this much for headphone equipment, but these are significantly clearer than my 595's. It's astounding.
 
S

Stellactic

Member
I need a little help. I love running with music but all my earbud cords end up wearing out after constant use and movement. I'm looking for a set that are either quality and will handle some wear and tear, or perhaps bluetooth so there is no cord to worry about.

My current Sennheiser are beginning to cut on and off with cord movement. I'm going to have to retire them for inside use.
 
G

Geoff9920

Member
Stellactic said:
I need a little help. I love running with music but all my earbud cords end up wearing out after constant use and movement. I'm looking for a set that are either quality and will handle some wear and tear, or perhaps bluetooth so there is no cord to worry about.

My current Sennheiser are beginning to cut on and off with cord movement. I'm going to have to retire them for inside use.
Click to expand...
Price range? You might want to consider an IEM with a removable cable. The Shure SE215's have a removable cable that you could just replace as needed, but they're a $100.
 
shira

shira

Member
shira said:
Been rocking these for a while now.
Impressions
+ music can get intensely loud
+ bass is actual vibrations
+ charge actually lasts 12h, with 20h standby - left em on overnight
+ cheap
+ nothing in your ear (no bacteria build up/no cleaning required)
- sound leakage
Click to expand...

shira said:
aftershokz-earphones-5-537x402.jpg


Got me some aftershokz.
Bone conduction cans
The bass is vibration, but if they don't ruin my eardrums why not. These are safer than regular cans amirite?
Click to expand...
A month later I can safely say these are without a doubt the best and most comfortable lightweight cans ever. You can wear them all day and night no problems with bacterial buildup or overheating.

Weigh next to nothing and best bass/weight ratio for behind the ears running cans.
 
S

Stellactic

Member
Geoff9920 said:
Price range? You might want to consider an IEM with a removable cable. The Shure SE215's have a removable cable that you could just replace as needed, but they're a $100.
Click to expand...
I'd say $100 is fine, but I've never had a good experience with earphone quality. I'm not willing to put out money for something that's going to break. Sound quality isn't of my highest concern. I'd rather have something good to run with that has a high quality audio jack.

Do you have any experience with bluetooth earphones?
 
P

Presco

Member
Geoff9920 said:
Price range? You might want to consider an IEM with a removable cable. The Shure SE215's have a removable cable that you could just replace as needed, but they're a $100.
Click to expand...

I second this recommendation. I use a set of 215's exclusively for the gym and running. They've seen heavy use for over a year and are still perfect. Two year warranty, cord that is built like a tank, and replaceable cables.
 
P

params7

Banned
So I'm buying the Q701 for gaming with Astro Mixamp 2013. What's a good amplifier to get for outside use? I haven't researched much, but anything good and really portable which I can connect between my Droid Bionic and the Q701?
 
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