• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

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

H

HiResDes

Member
If you're willing to sacrifice a little mid-range and are going to be amping the Fischer FA-011s are great...And there's a no revision coming out in a week that has me wanting to possibly sell my current ones.

Also this new site called topdogheadphones has them and a bunch of awesome shit....Incredible new site.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
While browsing NoisyMotel I noticed a slew of new intriguing products that don't seem to be getting much attention anywhere such as:

  • Fischer Audio FA-003Ti



    Noisymotel said:
    The Fischer Audio FA-003Ti headphones have been upgraded to include new titanium drivers and a new headband design (images coming soon). The FA-003Ti provides great comfort levels, detailed sound with excellent instrument separation, these headphones punch well above their weight. Highly recommended!

    Part of the Fischer Audio Master series, the FA-003Ti is a premium, great sounding closed headphone that provides great comfort levels. Included is a protective storage case and a set of velour earpads as an alternative to the normal pleather pads.

    Technical Specs:

    Frequency range: 10 - 26000 Hz
    Sensitivity: 101 dB
    Impedance: 64 Ohm
    Maximum Power Input: 500 mW
    Set: additional cushions, 6.3mm jack adapter, storage case


    The FA-003Ti can also be optionally customised with a set of hand-crafted wooden earcups, transforming them into a FA-002W headphone.
    Click to expand...


  • FiiO D03K TAISHAN Optical-Coaxial DAC

    Noisymotel said:
    The FiiO D03K TAISHAN is a digital audio analog converter, supporting up to 192KHz/24bit which can transfer digital audio (optical/coaxial) to two channel audio output. Suitable for use with TV's, CD/DVD players with coaxial or optical digital output.

    Please note, the D03K TAISHAN only supports PCM format, and not Dolby Digital or DTS formats. If Dolby Digital and DTS are required, then the FiiO D07 is required instead.

    Not recommended for use directly with headphones.
    Click to expand...




  • Beyerdynamic T90

    Noisymotel said:
    The T90 from Beyerdynamic is an extremely comfortable and well-built headphone. The open design offers a spacial sound, a nicely balanced and detailed sound. Featuring Beyer's Tesla technology to help improve the efficiency of the drivers. Amplification is required for best performance.

    The T90 is the first high-end headphones with a completely open design utilizing our revolutionary Tesla technology. Only headphones of this kind can bring across the feeling of closeness and transparency - nothing stands between sound enthusiasts and their music. The perfect music experience in undisturbed surroundings. With the T 90 being tuned to spontaneous listening enjoyment, the music fan can immediately immerse himself in the sound.

    The T90 combines the neutral analytic sound of the Tesla transducer with a full, warm timbre and a joy of playing that brings pleasure with it from the very first note. The T 90 not only stands out due to its high level of sound quality but also from its elegant appearance. The velvet materials used on the headband and ear pads ensure endless listening pleasure and wearing comfort.
    Click to expand...



  • FiiO E07K ANDES Portable USB DAC Headphone Amplifier
    [URL="http://www.noisymotel.com/product.asp?ProductID=458"][/URL]
    Noisymotel said:
    The E07K ANDES is the successor to the E7, with updated 24/96 USB DAC and a powerful headphone amp. With a host of new features including gain selection, hold key and independent bass and treble adjustments.

    The FiiO ANDES (E07K) is the updated version of E7. It can bring you to experience the high quality acoustics playback. Lossless music format (96 KHz/24 Bit) contains details that ordinary CD (44.1 KHz/16 Bit) does not embody. On the basis of former E7, ANDES (E07K) added some functions which include right & left channel balance settings, bass and treble adjustment, line output, gain selection and hold key.
    Click to expand...


  • Aune T1 24-bit Tube USB DAC Headphone Amp 6922EH Tube


    Noisymotel said:
    The Aune T1 is a visually stunning, and well built 24-bit USB DAC and headphone amp capable of driving both demanding and low impedance headphones. The performance of the T1 with the 6922EH Electro Harmonix (Made in Russia) tube is simply amazing!
    Click to expand...

Edit: I'm going to sell my Hifiman EF2A and pick up the Aune T1.
 
S

Stellactic

Member
A pair of Aftershock Bluez just dropped off at my door that I had ordered a month ago. It was a good wait, but absolutely worth it. These things have a surprising amount of sound quality for what they do. Instead of fitting in your ear they rest on the bone right beside your ear and play sound through that bone. They are completely bluetooth with no wires except to charge them through USB. What is most strange is feeling them vibrate with a base heavy song. I'm listening to Come Together by The Beatles and I can feel each pluck of base guitar. I'll be using these for my morning runs around the neighborhood.

aftershokz-bluez-open-ear-headphone.jpg
 
G

Geneijin

Member
Please note, the D03K TAISHAN only supports PCM format, and not Dolby Digital or DTS formats. If Dolby Digital and DTS are required, then the FiiO D07 is required instead.
Click to expand...
Whoa, since when!?

I may have to pick up one if the price is right.

Edit: Oh $50? I'll have to check up some reviews.
 
R

RapidCancel

Member
Haven't been reading up on news or anything related with headphones for a while to find out that the Denon AH-D2000's are discontinued. Really wanted them badly awhile back and now I'm kicking myself for not getting them. Is there still any place to get them or any other alternatives similar?
 
G

Geneijin

Member
HiResDes said:
Bam
Click to expand...
Many thanks.

It's about time really someone did. I've avoided suggesting any mixamps for the longest time. Now if only the Fiio E10 were still $60, they would pair nicely with the Fiio D07 for a 'cheap' gaming setup (very loose meaning of cheap).

Edit: That someone released a DD/DTS DAC at that price point for clarification. It always bothered me there was a lack of it in that price range.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
RapidCancel said:
Haven't been reading up on news or anything related with headphones for a while to find out that the Denon AH-D2000's are discontinued. Really wanted them badly awhile back and now I'm kicking myself for not getting them. Is there still any place to get them or any other alternatives similar?
Click to expand...

Fischer FA-011s are fairly similar.
 
G

Geneijin

Member
Dice said:
Looks like a possible solution for Necrovex, depending on whether or not his TV has an optical out.
Click to expand...
Yet they say
The FiiO D03K TAISHAN is a digital audio analog converter, supporting up to 192KHz/24bit which can transfer digital audio (optical/coaxial) to two channel audio output. Suitable for use with TV's, CD/DVD players with coaxial or optical digital output.

Please note, the D03K TAISHAN only supports PCM format, and not Dolby Digital or DTS formats. If Dolby Digital and DTS are required, then the FiiO D07 is required instead.

Not recommended for use directly with headphones.
Click to expand...
Perhaps due to the insufficient volume levels that be reached by the Fiio D03K only?

Necrovex would be better off doing something similar that I'm considering, which is getting the FiiO D07 (similar price + DD/DTS conversion) and pairing it with a desktop headphone amp like the FiiO E9 (not recommending this pair).
 
B

bedlamite

Member
I had the feeling it'd be a bad idea coming into this thread. Perfectly happy with my M-Stage but I'm now looking this Aune tube amp thingamajig
 
M

Messofanego

Banned
Sorry if this has been asked a million times, recommendations for best earphones/ear buds?

5 choices maximum and should be able to be bought on Amazon UK or any website in UK.
 
L

ledman

Member
I using a Sony MDR-XB21EX/BQU right now:
SONY-MDR-XB21EX-BQU.jpg


I thinking about buying a Klipsch - Image S4, is this a good idea? or there is better earbuds under $100 right now on the market?
 
R

RapidCancel

Member
HiResDes said:
Fischer FA-011s are fairly similar.
Click to expand...

Thanks, do you know any place that sells it? Kind of having trouble finding them.

Also tried contacting Lawton Audio about the AH-D2000, but it looks like they'll only sell it with their packages. Way more than I could afford, sadly.
 
M

Messofanego

Banned
Ok, so here are my choices:

Shure SE215 (£75)
shure_se215-cl.jpg


Bose SIE2i (£89)
1114791_sa.jpg;canvasHeight=500;canvasWidth=500


Bowers and Wilkin C5 (£130)
94%7Cb29ef8%7C4451_-DSC4172s.jpg


Which one of them has the best cable, comfort, and doesn't bleed as much noise to the outside public?
 
1

1871

Member
Messofanego said:
Ok, so here are my choices:

Shure SE215 (£75)
shure_se215-cl.jpg


Bose SIE2i (£89)
1114791_sa.jpg;canvasHeight=500;canvasWidth=500


Bowers and Wilkin C5 (£130)
94%7Cb29ef8%7C4451_-DSC4172s.jpg


Which one of them has the best cable, comfort, and doesn't bleed as much noise to the outside public?
Click to expand...

I've had the Shure SE215 and the B&W C5. As far as sound is concerned, I took just as much pleasure with either two, but I LOVE the way the C5 feels. It's really cool how the cable fits inside your ear. Big fan. I use those currently.

The SE215 cable is really prone to be cut open without you knowing how. It happened to me twice.
 
M

Messofanego

Banned
1871 said:
I've had the Shure SE215 and the B&W C5. As far as sound is concerned, I took just as much pleasure with either two, but I LOVE the way the C5 feels. It's really cool how the cable fits inside your ear. Big fan. I use those currently.

The SE215 cable is really prone to be cut open without you knowing how. It happened to me twice.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that helps greatly. I do really like that design.
 
H

HammerOfThor

Member
I'm sure this has been asked before but it's not the easiest to read all the posts.

What would you guys recommend for a mid level pair for someone who mostly listens to rock/metal? I'd prefer something that if a cranked up the volume everyone around me won't hear it(so no open, I guess?).
 
K

Keldor

Member
HammerOfThor said:
I'm sure this has been asked before but it's not the easiest to read all the posts.

What would you guys recommend for a mid level pair for someone who mostly listens to rock/metal? I'd prefer something that if a cranked up the volume everyone around me won't hear it(so no open, I guess?).
Click to expand...
Not sure what your budget is but for around $200, the Sennheiser HD-25 II is perfect for rock/metal. Soundstage is a little small becuase they are closed but this is made up for by the crisp highs and just the right amount of bass for rock and metal. You'd have to crank it up to ear damaging levels for anyone around you to be able to hear. These are also some of, if not the most durable set of cans around.
 
S

Septimius

Junior Member
HiResDes said:
While browsing NoisyMotel I noticed a slew of new intriguing products that don't seem to be getting much attention anywhere such as:

Click to expand...
 
G

Geneijin

Member
Septimius said:
Why not ditch the Fiio D03K/D07 and the Fiio E07 and just go E17? It has optical and is awesome.
Click to expand...
The FiiO E17 only accepts PCM like the FiiO D03K, and it costs 3 times more than the FiiO D03K. The FiiO D07 accepts DD and DTS unlike the other two, but like the FiiO D03K, it's only a DAC. Both the FiiO D03K and Fiio D07 are cheaper alternatives than getting the FiiO E17, and the price difference can be invested in a different headphone amp. I would almost agree the FiiO E07 is redundant compared to the E17, but that would depend on if they improved the FiiO E7's DAC in the FiiO E07 revision, which was my main complaint in the FiiO E7/E9 combo that was popular years ago. I haven't yet looked into the FiiO E07.
 
T

Tekniqs

Member
Baconsaurus Rex said:
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.
Click to expand...

I have a portable amp that I used to use with ipod that I don't use anymore... i believe it's called a mini3 amp..PM me if you're interested

anyhoo, on topic, how much would it cost me to get a custom shell for my triple fi 10s?
 
T

Tekniqs

Member
MarzipaNMOS said:
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.
Click to expand...

had this set before, they definitely don't need or benefit from amping. just my personal opinion though
 
I

itwasTuesday

He wasn't alone.
Okay, AKG K702 have been sitting in my amazon cart for a month now.
I think its time to push the button, plus it'll be a tax write off.... next year.
 
D

Dreams-Visions

Member
Someone recommend me a reasonably priced amp that's better than my Nuforce IconHDP. I'd like to drive my Mad Dogs and HE5's without turning the amp up to 85%.

Solid state or tube is fine.
 
I

itwasTuesday

He wasn't alone.
HiResDes said:
Why not grab the Q701 instead?...They definitely are better suited for a wide genre of music.
Click to expand...

I have read, and maybe you can comment on this, the q701s lean more towards warm base and smaller soundstage than the k702s. While the k702s would sound nicer with mid-high acoustic, jazz & vocal after break-in.
 
L

LCfiner

Member
I had the Schiit Lyr and Mad Dogs for a little while and can recommend that combo. Tons of power, great sound and under 500 bucks. Plus sound can be tuned a bit with tubes if you are so inclined.

I didn't hear the Mad dogs with a lot of desktop amps. For solid state, I only used them with the impossible to find Amphora and the $1K Burson Soloist. Sounded good on the soloist but the Lyr was about the same to my ears.
 
M

-Mikey-

Member
Do these two make a good combo: M-Audio Q40 & FiiO E07K?

I have very little 96KHz tunes, but I now want to hear all of the fine details that I can.

I'm pretty new to higher grade headphones and amps in general.

Will these headphones be fine for the loseless format or is that what the amp is for? Is the FiiO E07K a good fit for the Q40s?
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Dreams-Visions said:
Someone recommend me a reasonably priced amp that's better than my Nuforce IconHDP. I'd like to drive my Mad Dogs and HE5's without turning the amp up to 85%.

Solid state or tube is fine.
Click to expand...

Check out that Aune T1 it has a built in DAC.

-Mikey- said:
Do these two make a good combo: M-Audio Q40 & FiiO E07K?

I have very little 96KHz tunes, but I now want to hear all of the fine details that I can.

I'm pretty new to higher grade headphones and amps in general.

Will these headphones be fine for the loseless format or is that what the amp is for? Is the FiiO E07K a good fit for the Q40s?
Click to expand...

Yes.
itwasTuesday said:
I have read, and maybe you can comment on this, the q701s lean more towards warm base and smaller soundstage than the k702s. While the k702s would sound nicer with mid-high acoustic, jazz & vocal after break-in.
Click to expand...
Q701 don't sacrifice much sound stage and I think sound better with jazz for the most part.
 
P

Presco

Member
Dreams-Visions said:
According to the OP of the thread at HeadFi, it wasn't really recommended for low-impedance cans. I didn't read into the thread any further than that, though.
Click to expand...

I've seen it recommended for the k550 in the head-fi thread. I've been considering picking it up for a couple of weeks now.
 
V

Vanillalite

Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Honestly call me crazy, but if they improved the DAC quality & amp quality + the added features Fii0 is pimp'n I'd see no reason for most people to go with anything but the new Fii0 E07K. It's like they ganked all of the features of their higher end stuff and put it in their lower model.

Granted this is provided they improved the amp quality.
 
K

Konosuke

Member
I currently have the ZX-300, I've been looking to the ZX-600 and ZX-500 but I don't know if they'll be a worthy upgrade.

The ZX-500 really look cheap, which kinda puts me off. I also haven't looked at any other brands, so i'm pretty clueless. A little help here?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

The Official Headphone Thread 2.5: We're Making WAVs and Catching FLAC
186 187 188 189 190
9K
1M
Chittagong replied
  • Locked
Recommendations for PORTABLE Headphones
4
1K
nhlducks35 replied
"I Need a New PC!" 2017 The Ryzing of Kaby Lake and NVMwhee!
236 237 238 239 240
12K
1M
DGrayson replied
  • Locked
"I Need a New PC!" 2016 Plus Ultra! HBM2, VR, 144Hz, and 4K for all!
401 402 403 404 405
20K
2M
GreenTornadoX replied
  • Locked
What kind of headphones do you use?
2 3 4
166
11K
hsin replied
Top Bottom