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[Baconsaurus Rex]

Just received my AD700's and they weigh next to nothing. I'm really liking it thus far, they're my first audiophile cans. I'm currently listening to music on my pc and I was wondering what the best set up would be in regards to amplifier etc. I'll mainly be listening to music from my pc but I also have a record player I plan to start using. I have no idea what I am looking for, I just need an amp that I can connect my pc, record player and headphones to. The record player has the old red, white and ground cable.

I'm just looking for something small and cheap that will get the job done.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

V-MODA sent me a pair of M-100's earlier this week to review. Have to say, I'm pretty impressed. They sent me some M-80's awhile back and I liked them quite a bit, but the sound is very rich on the 100's for sure. Looking forward to trying them out some more.

 

[HiResDes]

I am looking for some recommendations for headphones in the £100 range. I prefer clarity over bass. I have been looking at the Grado SR80i, but am not sure if they are the best for the price.

KRK KNS8400 would be perfect for you.

 

[pax217]

Just received my AD700's and they weigh next to nothing. I'm really liking it thus far, they're my first audiophile cans. I'm currently listening to music on my pc and I was wondering what the best set up would be in regards to amplifier etc. I'll mainly be listening to music from my pc but I also have a record player I plan to start using. I have no idea what I am looking for, I just need an amp that I can connect my pc, record player and headphones to. The record player has the old red, white and ground cable.

I'm just looking for something small and cheap that will get the job done.

How much is "cheap"?

KRK KNS8400 would be perfect for you.

Those are 50% more than the SR80i...?

 

[crimsondynamics]

I am looking for some recommendations for headphones in the £100 range. I prefer clarity over bass. I have been looking at the Grado SR80i, but am not sure if they are the best for the price.

I assume you are living in the UK? Aren't there headphone shops there that let you try headphones on before making a purchase?

I've found that going to specialist shops and spending an hour or so comparing headphones is much better than any advice. Sound preferences is highly subjective and the type of device you will listen music on influences the sound output of the headphones, not to mention the type of music you listen to.

If you can, go with the device you will listen with and the music you will listen to.

 

[HiResDes]

How much is "cheap"?



Those are 50% more than the SR80i...?

Hmm...You're right the'yve shot up in price, the Kam Hp1 would be a better deal.

 

[Young Magus]

KRK KNS8400 would be perfect for you.

Yes they are, have my pair on right now and enjoying them.

 

[aktham]

I'm looking for some recommendations. I mostly listen rap/hip hop from iphone/ipod touch. I will also be playing games at night (3DS/Vita) and PC games with a receiver. I do prefer that they don't leak sound and block outside noise (for when I travel). I would like to keep the price around 100 bucks. I don't mind waiting for a sale.

I already have Sennhieser 555s and the 280 Pro. I love my 280 pro and keep it at work. I hear that the ATH-M50s are basically a better 280 pro. Are the ATH-M50s right for me?

 

[Zutroy]

I'm looking for a fairly cheap set of headphone to buy today. I found the AKG K451s for £50 which seems pretty good review wise.

Any reason why I shouldn't get these, or any alternatives for that price that I should check out while at the shops?

 

[HiResDes]

I'm looking for some recommendations. I mostly listen rap/hip hop from iphone/ipod touch. I will also be playing games at night (3DS/Vita) and PC games with a receiver. I do prefer that they don't leak sound and block outside noise (for when I travel). I would like to keep the price around 100 bucks. I don't mind waiting for a sale.

I already have Sennhieser 555s and the 280 Pro. I love my 280 pro and keep it at work. I hear that the ATH-M50s are basically a better 280 pro. Are the ATH-M50s right for me?

I would save up for something like the Logitech UE6000 or if you're going to be amping them the M-Audio Q40 would be a great choice. I don't think the M50's are a real upgrade from the 280 pro.

I'm looking for a fairly cheap set of headphone to buy today. I found the AKG K451s for £50 which seems pretty good review wise.

Any reason why I shouldn't get these, or any alternatives for that price that I should check out while at the shops?

I thought they sounded a bit muffled, and found the treble to be quite veiled.

 

[aktham]

I would save up for something like the Logitech UE6000 or if you're going to be amping them the M-Audio Q40 would be a great choice. I don't think the M50's are a real upgrade from the 280 pro.

I keep the 280 Pro at work. I need an extra pair for the house/travel. I might swap the M50 with the 280 pro for those applications. The UE6000 seems interesting and looks stylish, but cost double what I want to pay...

 

[HiResDes]

Consider the M-Audio Q40 as well, with a small portable amp.

 

[SnakeXs]

Any notes on AKG K-240s?

 

[HiResDes]

Any notes on AKG K-240s?

Good all-around headphones that I don't recommend much anymore because they're no longer a great value. I think the Samson SR850 are just as good.

 

[Baconsaurus Rex]

How much is "cheap"?

Oh, I'm sorry. I know you can easily be put back hundreds or even thousands of dollars but I'm not looking to spend more on an amp than on my cans. That would be less than €100. No idea if such a thing is even possible though.

 

[cloud_sleep]

I've worked my way up the chain (all the way up to STAX) and honestly, I still think the best headphones I've ever owned were $300 HD-600s.

I've recently acquired a pair of HD600s and can't imagine needing to upgrade unless I decide to spend some serious money on upgrading my whole system. I amp them from a Little Dot MKIII tube amp and they sound amazing. The only other headphone I may consider getting is one with a really deep (but not muddy) bass for listening to movies with. For music, however, I'm sticking with the HD600s.

Can anyone recommend a closed fullsize set of cans that excel at deep bass, for use with movies? They would need to run well from a low/mid-end receiver. £100-£200 budget.

 

[HiResDes]

M-Audio Q40

Oh, I'm sorry. I know you can easily be put back hundreds or even thousands of dollars but I'm not looking to spend more on an amp than on my cans. That would be less than €100. No idea if such a thing is even possible though.

OP is your friend

 

[ValleyJoe]

I'd suggest the AKG Q702, HE-400's, and especially the Sennheiser 650 if you have the budget. The only closed cans I might consider would be the Mag Dogs.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm still undecided at this point. Somehow I got in my head that I could score the hd650s for around $370 new off Amazon, but when I check now the cheapest new set I can find is around $450. That's a bit more than I wan't to spend considering I would still need an amp to really make them shine. Right now I'm leaning toward the hd600s and an o2 amp, but Im very intrigued by the HE-400s since they supposedly perform quite well without an amp and they apparently have very nice bass performance. The Fidelios look good too. I'm also considering getting the hd598s for 200 and just calling it a day. Does anybody know how the 598s would perform with an amplifier? I could buy the 598s with the o2/odac combo unit, or a set of hd600s and wait on the amp for a while. Decisions, decisions. Do the 600s completey outclass the 598s if they are both being amplified? I'm a total headphone noob and I don't think it will take much to make me happy but I just want to get my best bang for the buck. Thanks again to everyone who gave suggestions!

 

[SnakeXs]

Good all-around headphones that I don't recommend much anymore because they're no longer a great value. I think the Samson SR850 are just as good.

Even if the 240s are just $70?

 

[HiResDes]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm still undecided at this point. Somehow I got in my head that I could score the hd650s for around $370 new off Amazon, but when I check now the cheapest new set I can find is around $450. That's a bit more than I wan't to spend considering I would still need an amp to really make them shine. Right now I'm leaning toward the hd600s and an o2 amp, but Im very intrigued by the HE-400s since they supposedly perform quite well without an amp and they apparently have very nice bass performance. The Fidelios look good too. I'm also considering getting the hd598s for 200 and just calling it a day. Does anybody know how the 598s would perform with an amplifier? I could buy the 598s with the o2/odac combo unit, or a set of hd600s and wait on the amp for a while. Decisions, decisions. Do the 600s completey outclass the 598s if they are both being amplified? I'm a total headphone noob and I don't think it will take much to make me happy but I just want to get my best bang for the buck. Thanks again to everyone who gave suggestions!

HD598 sport a sound signature are closer to HD650's then the 600s, but are significantly inferior to both when amped. I'd really consider the Mad Dogs if you're not opposed to closed cans.

I think the Mad Dogs and my Fischer FA-011s are the best bang for the buck when amped...I didn't suggest the Fischer's though because they're not very detail oriented and I got the feeling that's what you were looking for. No one is going to believe me, but I think the FA-011 are similar to the HD650, but the Fischer's add a bit of bass detail in exchange for a slight loss in the midrange.

Even if the 240s are just $70?

Yeah I like the Samson SR850 more, and the Jaycar HM5 Rebrands are also better at that sound signature.

 

[ValleyJoe]

HD598 sport a sound signature are closer to HD650's then the 600s, but are significantly inferior to both when amped. I'd really consider the Mad Dogs if you're not opposed to closed cans.

I think the Mad Dogs and my Fischer FA-011s are the best bang for the buck when amped...I didn't suggest the Fischer's though because they're not very detail oriented and I got the feeling that's what you were looking for. No one is going to believe me, but I think the FA-011 are similar to the HD650, but the Fischer's add a bit of bass detail in exchange for a slight loss in the midrange.

Thanks for the reply Des. I just went and had a look at the Mad Dogs and they look really good. Going to read up on them a bit, but I may have a new front runner in my search. Any idea how they perform without an amplifier? I will be picking up a dedicated headphone amp eventually, but perhaps not for a couple months. I'm mainly using my Nexus 7 as a source right now for evening music listening and movie watching. I know my Anthem MRX will drive them just fine, but it's rare that I can boot my girlfriend off the TV, so I'm relegated to watching stuff on the tablet most of the time. Leaning towards the o2/odac combo for an amp, but I'm open to suggestions on those too.

 

[lastflowers]

I just got the mad dogs this week, and they are a definite bump up from my 770s

 

[Necrovex]

I am looking for a headset for my consoles: PS3, 360, Wii U, and eventually the new consoles. Can anyone recommend something good and affordable (the max being $150) that would work for all of my systems?

 

[lolmoose]

Here's another recommendation post!

I'm currently in the market for a decent pair of headphones. I will use them mostly for gaming, and music. I listen to metal primarily (Dream Theater, Black Dhalia Murder, Periphery, All Shall Perish) and the occasional Rush, Pink Floyd, and whatnot. I will also use them to hook up to my guitar amp (Peavey Vypyr.)

I've been reading about the AD700's and they seem promising. My budget is around $100 and will be using my.motherboard.

 

[Vox-Pop]

Sound isn't coming out from my MTH-50s left speaker. What should I do?

Audio Technica's warranty policy looks like a pain? I've had them for about a year. Should I contact amazon instead?

 

[t-ramp]

Sound isn't cmming out from my MTH-50s left speaker. What should I do?

Audio Technica's warranty policy looks like a pain? I've had them for about a year. Should I contact amazon instead?

I doubt Amazon could do anything for you. I'd guess going through AT or attempting a repair yourself or by a third party would be the only options.

 

[Irnbru]

So, Ive lost my triple fi's once again, what are some good comparable in ears for around 100, that I can also use for the gym, not really sure what to go with

 

[Got the Shakes]

This sounds like quite a bold claim, doesn't it? http://www.zagg.com/community/blog/zr-six-guaranteed-to-be-the-best-sounding-earbuds-you%E2%80%99ve-ever-used-or-your-money-back-now-available-for-59-99/

 

[LCfiner]

well, those aren't what I call earbuds. those are IEMs. there are incredible IEMs out there if you're willing to pay. I doubt these will sound better than stuff like the Heor 4.ai, Westone W4 or the UE900...

I assume the money back marketing push is aimed at people who have only heard older apple earbuds (the new earpods aren't bad) or even cheaper pack ins

 

[Severely Beardy]

Still rocking a pair of Shure SE102's from about 4 years ago, while out and about. Great sound, especially since I got them for £30.

I've had some Grado 325is' for about a year now. Best set of cans I've owned. Extremely bright until broken in, but after that. Heaven.

 

[pax217]

I feel like I'm high every time I look at Des' avatar.

I assume the money back marketing push is aimed at people who have only heard older apple earbuds (the new earpods aren't bad) or even cheaper pack ins

Safe to assume. Pretty much all IEM/"earbud" marketing is pushed toward that now.

I am looking for a headset for my consoles: PS3, 360, Wii U, and eventually the new consoles. Can anyone recommend something good and affordable (the max being $150) that would work for all of my systems?

How are you going to have these cans hooked up to your consoles? Through a receiver? TV? Proper headphone amp?

Sound isn't coming out from my MTH-50s left speaker. What should I do?

Audio Technica's warranty policy looks like a pain? I've had them for about a year. Should I contact amazon instead?

Worst Amazon can say is "no." But that's probably what they'll say. If all else fails go ahead and pop them open and at a look at the connection to the driver, there's a chance that's what it is.

 

[MarzipaNMOS]

So I just bought a pair of AD700s (that hopefully arrive tomorrow), and I was wondering, should I be using them with an amp for my laptop/PC? I do have a FiiO E7 I bought from a friend who owns a ton of gear, just wondering if it'll improve the experience when using with my AD700s, since a lot of places say the AD700s don't "need" an amp/DAC.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

well, those aren't what I call earbuds. those are IEMs. there are incredible IEMs out there if you're willing to pay. I doubt these will sound better than stuff like the Heor 4.ai, Westone W4 or the UE900...

I assume the money back marketing push is aimed at people who have only heard older apple earbuds (the new earpods aren't bad) or even cheaper pack ins

I just recently put up a WTB ad on HF to try and score a pair of FitEar To Go! 334's. Some of the guys in the 334 thread say they're a really sizable increase in fidelity over the W4 and even the ES5, a couple of people have likened their transparency to the SR-009. I wanna see for myself whether that's true. Aurisonics' ASG-2 is close to dropping too, so it'd be nice to have the two to compare. I've also been really interested in the weird hybrid stuff like the 1Plus2, and the Ocharaku Flat-4 recently, not to mention Cardas' oft delayed Ear Mirror... there's just so much stuff that's out and coming out that its crazy

 

[Vox-Pop]

I decided to send them to AT repair center. My warranty still works but I have to pay for shipping. I opened them up and everything looks ok, hopefully they don't void my warranty. It must be a bad wire. Shipping is cheaper than buying a new pair anyways.

 

[BolognaSoup]

Sound isn't coming out from my MTH-50s left speaker. What should I do?

Audio Technica's warranty policy looks like a pain? I've had them for about a year. Should I contact amazon instead?

They are very easy to take apart yourself. You could check inside to see if a solder connection broke loose or something. Check out this thread for some pics of the inside (scroll down).

You basically just pull the pad off very easily and it's a few screws.

 

[ValleyJoe]

Well, after much deliberation I went ahead and ordered a set of Mad Dogs with the new Alpha pads along with a Schiit Magni/Modi combo. Now I guess I just have to root my Nexus 7 and install one of the kernels that enable USB audio out. Is anyone here running an external DAC with a tablet of some sort? I'm wondering if I can buy a powered usb hub and essentially plug both the nexus 7 and DAC into it, charging both while sending audio from the nexus into the DAC. I'm really hoping that is possible. I'm thinking I may end up having to drag out my laptop as a source if that method doesn't work. I can't wait to get my new toys. Thanks to everyone who made suggestions!

 

[Presco]

Well, after much deliberation I went ahead and ordered a set of Mad Dogs with the new Alpha pads along with a Schiit Magni/Modi combo. Now I guess I just have to root my Nexus 7 and install one of the kernels that enable USB audio out. Is anyone here running an external DAC with a tablet of some sort? I'm wondering if I can buy a powered usb hub and essentially plug both the nexus 7 and DAC into it, charging both while sending audio from the nexus into the DAC. I'm really hoping that is possible. I'm thinking I may end up having to drag out my laptop as a source if that method doesn't work. I can't wait to get my new toys. Thanks to everyone who made suggestions!

Seems strange to buy a dedicated desktop setup for use with only a portable device. That dac / amp combo is small so it's not like it would difficult to move them around but the fact that they're 2 discrete pieces would annoy me.

Also, the only input on the modi is usb I believe. I'm not even sure it will work independent of a PC.

 

[ValleyJoe]

Seems strange to buy a dedicated desktop setup for use with only a portable device. That dac / amp combo is small so it's not like it would difficult to move them around but the fact that they're 2 discrete pieces would annoy me.

Also, the only input on the modi is usb I believe. I'm not even sure it will work independent of a PC.

I had considered the exact same thing Presco, but after reading about some of the succeses people were having using usb DAC's with the Nexus 7 after installing either the Trinity or Timur Kernel, I decided to take a shot in the dark and place the order. I'm not really using the nexus as a portable device anyway. I just use it for watching movies and listening to music in bed without waking up the baby. I figured since they are only 99 bucks a piece, I'm not out that much if it doesn't work. I do have a laptop that I can switch to if I can't get it working. I haven't seen anybody report that they have the modi working with the nexus yet, but I also haven't seen anyone report that it doesn't work, so I'm kind of in uncharted waters. If it doesn't, I'll either return the DAC and keep the amp, or just switch to my laptop for my late night movie and music listening. I'll report my findings when the stuff arrives.

 

[Necrovex]

How are you going to have these cans hooked up to your consoles? Through a receiver? TV? Proper headphone amp?

I was planning to use my television, though now that you mention the headphone amp, it certainly wouldn't hurt getting one of those as well. Any recommendations?

 

[Dreams-Visions]

Got the new pads for my Mad Dogs today.

Glorious upgrade is glorious.

 

[Irnbru]

Got the new pads for my Mad Dogs today.

Glorious upgrade is glorious.

Awww shiiet, gotta drop another 80 on my dogs? Worth It?

Also got some vr07s for the bday, get em this weekend yay! Hopefully they are good

 

[1stStrike]

So, my HiFiMan tube amp is about to get thrown out the Window. It's making these horrible screeching sounds randomly, to the point of where I had to just unhook it and hook my headphones directly up to my soundcard. This seems to be a common problem with these, so I seem to be another case of getting screwed over by this.

I guess I'll have to see about getting another solid state amp and not dicking around with tubes. Was nice while it lasted =\

 

[Dreams-Visions]

Awww shiiet, gotta drop another 80 on my dogs? Worth It?

Also got some vr07s for the bday, get em this weekend yay! Hopefully they are good

Yes, they are good. They perform exactly as described:

The Alpha Pad delivers (from their marketing material):

• An incredibly natural, clear, and balanced sound
• A much wider, deeper and more “infinite” soundstage more typically associated with open phones
• More linear overall response that’s more articulate and punchy at the bottom, and airier at the top
• More detail, clarity and presence in the mids, especially at lower volume levels
• An even MORE comfortable experience (really)
• Better aesthetics and a nicer grade of leather
• Much improved low-level information retrieval
• Higher efficiency; about 2dB, for a better experience on iPads, iPods, etc
• Increased bass speed and clarity
• Lower distortion across the spectrum (more than 5dB)

I can't really add anything else to this. I definitely appreciate the upgrade to the entire range of bass. The pads themselves are almost as good as my D7000 pads. That is to say, exceptionally comfortable. I've worn them for the last several hours and am extremely pleased. I had pretty much given up on the hope that I'd find a pair of cans as comfortable as my D7000's. These are as close as I've worn with these pads.

I don't know about "infinite soundstage", and I also can't that I don't need to turn up the volume just about as loud as I did without these pads, but the improvements in the mids and lows made them more than worth it given the genres of music I listen to.

I'm glad I jumped on them when I got the initial discount offer in my inbox recently. Whether they are "$80 good" is, I'd say, a matter of the type of music you listen to and how much disposable cash you have. I'd buy them for $80, but my jazz/r&b/pop/hip-hop really get a boost from the mid and low bumps. If Classical and Opera were my musics of choice, I would pass.

So, my HiFiMan tube amp is about to get thrown out the Window. It's making these horrible screeching sounds randomly, to the point of where I had to just unhook it and hook my headphones directly up to my soundcard. This seems to be a common problem with these, so I seem to be another case of getting screwed over by this.

I guess I'll have to see about getting another solid state amp and not dicking around with tubes. Was nice while it lasted =\

Sorry to hear. Do let us know what solid state you end up with. I'd like to provide more power to my Mad Dogs and HE5's.

 

[Irnbru]

.

You sold me. Next month I'll be upgrading. Getting this and the new Schiit combo along with it to update my old e10. This month is car audio and IEM month ( I hope the 07s are at least comparable to my triple fi 10s, going to have to wait on those till black friday). Thanks for the review. I definitely heard the difference switching to the lamb pads, and most of all in the comfort department, I can't even imagine it getting better then it already is. And more soundstange is something I can't wait for most of all.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Yes, they are good. They perform exactly as described:

I was talking to LC about these Alpha pads, I'm still undecided on them. How long was the turn around time from sending them in?

 

[Fracas]

Bought the Monoprice MHP-839's a couple days ago, just got to test them out.

Not bad at all! I'm no audiophile, but they sound great, especially for the price. Dat bass.

 

[HurricaneJesus]

The left speaker on my Grado SR-125'S C cut out due to mishandling over the years, and I was really bummed out. No soldering iron, no wire strippers, no heat gun.


Frustrated, I figured out a plan. I boiled the kettle and used steam to loosen the glue, opened it up, stripped the wires with a knife, used epoxy to fix the break, electrical taped it back up, works perfect.


Didn't realize how important my headphones are to me.

 

[Dice]

Didn't realize how important my headphones are to me.

When the gimbals on my headphones broke while I was broke I was like NOOOOOOOOOO but then they just mailed me replacement gimbals no charge. I mean, I had cheap backup heaphones but yeah I didn't realize how important the beautiful sound was to me. These things are my babies.

 

[Trojita]

So I'm mildly interested in a pair of headphones that would be noticeably better than my Sennheiser 598HD's. I wanted to get those D5000's, but they are impossible to get now. I'd also like the headphones to be comfortable

I have to sacrifice bass for soundstage and soundstage for bass correct?

Can someone name a good headphone in either category, or one that is good at both if one exists?

 

[LCfiner]

So I'm mildly interested in a pair of headphones that would be noticeably better than my Sennheiser 598HD's. I wanted to get those D5000's, but they are impossible to get now. I'd also like the headphones to be comfortable

I have to sacrifice bass for soundstage and soundstage for bass correct?

Can someone name a good headphone in either category, or one that is good at both if one exists?

The sacrifice will be small if you go up to some pretty high end stuff. at the midrange market, the sacrifice is more obvious, yes. at least in my experience.

So, as an example, the old Denon D7000 has a very nice soundstage and powerful bass. I was not as big a fan of the D5000 as the bass was just too much.

Something you might want to consider since the D5000 and D7000 are out of production is a Lawton Audio MD2000 or MD5000 model. I think they still have D5000 and D2000 in stock to make their modified versions.

I owned a used MD5000 once and it was very good. they put damping material inside the wood cups to make the bass less resonant and then they replace the leather pads with thicker ones. The result is a larger sounding soundstage and more controlled bass (but still more powerful than most other headphones).

don't bother with their expensive cable upgrades or the fancy woods if you don't want. the key is the cup damping and the bigger pads.

aside from that option, there's the Audeze LCD2. those are heavy headphones and need a strong amplifier but they have truly incredible, clean, strong bass. soundstage is a bit narrow compared to other $1K headphones but is still very good.

The Fostex TH900 is crazy expensive at $2K but there's a lower end model coming out called the TH600 that supposedly keeps the general character of the sound of the TH900 (it's a more refined D7000 sound) but isn't quite as fast or free of distortion. that one is about $900 or 1K, I think.

I'll also reiterate the recommendation for the Mad Dogs headphones. they don't have the same bass impact as the Audeze or Denon cans and the soundstage is a bit smaller but... it's incredibly fast and clean with excellent bass response and a very good soundtsage for a closed can. needs powerful amplification to sound its best but, at around $300 bucks, you'll have some money left for a good amp to make it shine.