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[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Sounds awesome and thanks again. Any other MD owners, please feel free to chime in as well.

Also, still need advice for a portable amp to drive the MDs if I do get them. Upgrading from a Fiio E6.

Thanks all!

I'm sure LCFiner and Dreams can provide some impressions too. There're a few MD owners on here. As LC would put it - the MDs are very good phones by any metric really, they aren't top of the line in any area, but they punch above their weight and you'll have to spend quite a bit more (like on a Stax SR 007/009 rig) to really put them in their place. As for an amp, I'm sure the Leckerton UHA-6S MK II will do it. I really liked that amp since it has a completely black background and it's very small. Kinda pricey though at $280. Leckerton gives you a generous return period to try it at least

 

[LCfiner]

yup. what he said

I think the Mad Dogs are a bonkers bargain and incredible headphones. They don't have the biggest soundstage and aren't as effortless and clear as a stax headphone but - man... I've heard 1000 dollar phones that are less accurate and more distorted. (cough GS1000 cough)

but they're not efficient and they need power. so you would need a good portable amp to make them sing.

 

[K.Jack]

yup. what he said

I think the Mad Dogs are a bonkers bargain and incredible headphones. They don't have the biggest soundstage and aren't as effortless and clear as a stax headphone but - man... I've heard 1000 dollar phones that are less accurate and more distorted. (cough GS1000 cough)

but they're not efficient and they need power. so you would need a good portable amp to make them sing.

Does the FiiO E17 push enough juice for the MDs?

 

[LCfiner]

on paper yes. it should be around 150 to 200 mW at 50 ohm for the E17. I remember an old post or page from MrSpeakers recommending 160 mW minimum (he said 80 mW per channel).

 

[Auron_Kale]

Thanks everyone for the ideas, at least now I can budget cans + amp if I do go for the MDs.

 

[K.Jack]

I might get some Dogs. I dunno. Need to make decisions about new open cans and IEMs first.

 

[BigEvilTurtle]

Hey everyone, I'm new here and generally new to headphones in general. I'd like for you guys to suggest a pair of headphones to me.

I'd like:

• 7.1 surround sound
• Extreme comfort
• Clear sound
• Noise cancelling
• Affordable for someone with an average income

Furthermore, I'm a gamer and a music composer. Composing is difficult without a good set of headphones, and I'd like to be immersed while gaming. Any help is much appreciated, so thanks in advance!

 

[UrbanRats]

Get these...They are pretty much the best headphones in the price range, the clamping force might be a little strong at first but you can stretch them by putting them around a volleyball or basketball.

Thanks Des, made the order!

 

[HiResDes]

I might get some Dogs. I dunno. Need to make decisions about new open cans and IEMs first.

Just go up the Hifiman chain instead.

 

[Stumpokapow]

I had Sennheiser HD 205s. I liked them, although they hurt my head after a while so I'd like headphones with less clamping or a lower weight. Now they're broken. I want a replacement that's no more expensive (so we're talking $50-80 is around the range).

Here are my wants:
- Closed cans with a good ability to block out external noise
- Less clamping / lower weight than the 205s
- Available in Canada; amazon.com / futureshop.ca / ncix.com <-- in stock at one of those three places
- It would be nice if the cable was detachable and/or if the default cable was fairly long.

Am I better off getting another pair of the 205s? I don't care about the brand, but just checking Sennheiser, it looks like the 202 II is a step down price-wise and a little lighter while still being closed. The 429 seems to be a step up price-wise. But I can't really tell what the actual difference between all sorts of brands and models will be on the factors I care about.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Just go up the Hifiman chain instead.

Knowing his affinity for the HiFiMan sound, I'd suggest saving the extra $100 and springing for the LFF Paradox instead. It's only a $100 more than the HE-400 yet it's much more comparable to (and by most accounts, better than) the HE-500

 

[HiResDes]

I had Sennheiser HD 205s. I liked them, although they hurt my head after a while so I'd like headphones with less clamping or a lower weight. Now they're broken. I want a replacement that's no more expensive (so we're talking $50-80 is around the range).

Here are my wants:
- Closed cans with a good ability to block out external noise
- Less clamping / lower weight than the 205s
- Available in Canada; amazon.com / futureshop.ca / ncix.com <-- in stock at one of those three places
- It would be nice if the cable was detachable and/or if the default cable was fairly long.

Am I better off getting another pair of the 205s? I don't care about the brand, but just checking Sennheiser, it looks like the 202 II is a step down price-wise and a little lighter while still being closed. The 429 seems to be a step up price-wise. But I can't really tell what the actual difference between all sorts of brands and models will be on the factors I care about.

Canadian prices are ridiculous, only other good set I could find within the price range were the Audio Technica M30s, which weight slightly more than your 205s, but I pretty much guarantee they'll be a lot comfier.

 

[Xdye7]

Found an interesting article about sound quality. It's quite lengthy, but well worth the read in my opinion.

http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html

 

[Shambles]

Not at all, actually. Triple flanges can suppress up to 32 decibels. I use custom iems when I fly and they block out all engine noise while music is playing. Had similar experiences back when I was using the Etymotic Er-6. However, tri flanges and complys aren't for everyone. If your dad can't stand having things in his ears, it's probably best to stick with noise canceling phones. I'm not sure whether the Bose QC15 are still the best in this regard. They certainly do negate engine noise and are quite comfy to boot but they don't function at all unless you've got a fresh set of batteries in them. Those go for $300 though. Taking a look at Tyll's recommendations...

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/comparative-review-high-end-noise-canceling-headphones-page-3

I guess the best option would be the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B, which can go for as low as $100-150

Thanks for the advise. I forwarded him that webpage. Currently he's using some low end IEMs so he's not objected to the design. What IEMs do you use when flying? I'm interested in giving them a look as well.

Found an interesting article about sound quality. It's quite lengthy, but well worth the read in my opinion.

http://people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html

Good link. I read through the whole thing and although I still don't understand some specifics I know I don't have to worry about any of that jazz.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Thanks for the advise. I forwarded him that webpage. Currently he's using some low end IEMs so he's not objected to the design. What IEMs do you use when flying? I'm interested in giving them a look as well.

I use customs. The Westone ES5. It's pretty damn pricey. There are a number of IEMs on the horizon utilizing new and interesting tech that are likely to give it a run for its money SQ-wise at half the cost though (Cardas Ear Mirror, Aurisonics ASG-2, Ocharaku Flat-4). And you can usually score a good deal on customs so long as you buy used and use a secondary remolding company (expect to pay at least $400 when all is done though unless you go with a pair of phones from an upstart like Cosmic Ears which has very affordable pricing)

As for affordable IEMs within the $100-200 range... The Meelec A161, Rockit R50, JVC FXT90 are all excellent phones SQ wise. I can't comment on the level of noise suppression however since that varies from phone to phone. For maximum noise suppression, you'll have to use triple flange tips. Maybe Des can comment on the A161 with Tri tips. Generally speaking, the Etymotic line are the kings of noise suppression but a completely flat and neutral presentation is likely an acquired taste and they will lay bare all the deficiencies in your recordings

 

[HiResDes]

I use MEElectronic bi-flanges with my A161 and Fischer Silver Bullets and those go deep enough to suppress noise on an adequate level on planes for me.

 

[darkblade77]

Canadian prices are ridiculous, only other good set I could find within the price range were the Audio Technica M30s, which weight slightly more than your 205s, but I pretty much guarantee they'll be a lot comfier.

I'm getting some M30s in today as a short-term replacement to my Sennheiser 202s(I wanted to go up a price tier or two in quality, but ended up putting the $$ towards other things) myself. Glad to hear that they are comfy!

 

[NervousXtian]

Alright, I can't find any of these to demo locally.. so Amazon will be where I buy.

Des and co... which of these:

AKG K167 ($145)
Beyerdynamics COPs ($159)
Audio Technica Ath-M50 ($109)
House of Marley Exodus ($116)

 

[HiResDes]

K167 or Exodus

 

[NervousXtian]

K167 or Exodus

Sway me one way.. I have no way to listen to them. Reviews tend to be all over.

 

[HiResDes]

If you have a huge head and really big ears neither are going to very comfortable. I think the K167 sound the best, but I prefer a slight V sound frequency.

 

[NervousXtian]

If you have a huge head and really big ears neither are going to very comfortable.

I have neither of those things. Normal size head, small ears.

 

[itwasTuesday]

Well they came last week.
About 10 hours of pink noise, 50 of game/movie/voice/work.

Pretty comfortable, but leave hot spots on your head.
Not sure how long the elastic strings for the headband adjustment will last.

Still playing with dac/amp eq settings.

How do you like them though? Use in gaming?

Yes, but they do have less bass than my other headphones, which I find fun in games and movies. But on vocal/acoustic music they do shine.

 

[equippedwithtowel]

I had Sennheiser HD 205s. I liked them, although they hurt my head after a while so I'd like headphones with less clamping or a lower weight. Now they're broken. I want a replacement that's no more expensive (so we're talking $50-80 is around the range).

Here are my wants:
- Closed cans with a good ability to block out external noise
- Less clamping / lower weight than the 205s
- Available in Canada; amazon.com / futureshop.ca / ncix.com <-- in stock at one of those three places
- It would be nice if the cable was detachable and/or if the default cable was fairly long.

Am I better off getting another pair of the 205s? I don't care about the brand, but just checking Sennheiser, it looks like the 202 II is a step down price-wise and a little lighter while still being closed. The 429 seems to be a step up price-wise. But I can't really tell what the actual difference between all sorts of brands and models will be on the factors I care about.

I've found that brick and mortar is inexplicably cheaper in Canada if you wait for a sale. The Source is pretty good for these, I got a pair of 419s for $60 last year.

 

[NervousXtian]

If you have a huge head and really big ears neither are going to very comfortable. I think the K167 sound the best, but I prefer a slight V sound frequency.

Just toss this in the mix, BuyDig has the Audio-Technica ATH-A900X for $165 right now.

 

[HiResDes]

Just toss this in the mix, BuyDig has the Audio-Technica ATH-A900X for $165 right now.

Man I might go with those then, unless portability is a concern or you prefer a V sound frequency. The A900X have far superior mids, but I still like the bass on the AKG K167 much more.

Well they came last week.
About 10 hours of pink noise, 50 of game/movie/voice/work.

Pretty comfortable, but leave hot spots on your head.
Not sure how long the elastic strings for the headband adjustment will last.

Still playing with dac/amp eq settings.



Yes, but they do have less bass than my other headphones, which I find fun in games and movies. But on vocal/acoustic music they do shine.

You aren't going to EQ in much bass, and take not that these are warmer than the 702s you wanted, which have even less bass slightly.

 

[Geneijin]

The A900x for $165. So, so tempting.

Edit: I see they were mentioned earlier. Well then, I would suggest them too if you don't want the bass from the AKG K167 for your music.

 

[itwasTuesday]

You aren't going to EQ in much bass, and take not that these are warmer than the 702s you wanted, which have even less bass slightly.

Yeah your right, I didn't mean it to sound like I was trying to add bass to them.

 

[Dynamite Ringo Matsuri]

Flat-4s are in. I am very impressed so far. In terms of transparency, microdetails, timbre, dynamics, and soundstage/imaging, I don't think I've heard a more capable phone. And man that bass is stupid good

 

[Young Magus]

I'm enjoying my KRK KNS-8400 headphones, but the cord is too long for my taste. Are there any good-short cords out there?

 

[lastflowers]

I wish they made IEMs with durability in mind. Other than my ER4Ps, IEMs just get destroyed after a year or so.

Thank god for Monster's lifetime warrenty on my Miles Davis Trumpets. After just a year those 300$ would have been thrown down the drain. Those IEMs are amazing, too.

 

[K.Jack]

I love getting new toys in the mail.

Wow the fit on the RE-400s is incredible, just with the stock tips. Haven't tried out the double flange set, because the basic tips are so comfortable. The fit is certainly better than any of HFM's previous IEMs.

Impressions forthcoming.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Hey experts.

I need a recommendation. I'm looking for closed headphones, noise canceling if possible. I mainly use them at home for listening to music generally on my iPod. I'd like something comfortable with good sound. I don't really care how they look. I'm looking to spend around $150. I could go as high as $200 which I know isn't too high. I don't have much experience with this. My last (also my first decent pair) headphones just wore out on me. They were Bose which I had paid around the same amount for years ago. Is there better out there? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[WoodWERD]

I was just combing the thread for IEM reviews and came back across the Atrio M5 MG7s. I actually had them in my cart back when the 50% off deal was posted (Aug of last year) and never pulled the trigger. I just tried the coupon code (CostProg50%) out of curiosity and it worked, so I bit. Will report back once I get em!

 

[HiResDes]

Hey experts.

I need a recommendation. I'm looking for closed headphones, noise canceling if possible. I mainly use them at home for listening to music generally on my iPod. I'd like something comfortable with good sound. I don't really care how they look. I'm looking to spend around $150. I could go as high as $200 which I know isn't too high. I don't have much experience with this. My last (also my first decent pair) headphones just wore out on me. They were Bose which I had paid around the same amount for years ago. Is there better out there? Any help would be appreciated.

What kind of music do you listen to?

 

[Jarlaxle]

What kind of music do you listen to?

Primarily rock. Progressive, indie,and alternative. I probably don't need something that handles a ton of bass.

 

[robox]

Here are my wants:
- Available in Canada; amazon.com / futureshop.ca / ncix.com <-- in stock at one of those three places

i also suggest looking through music shops:
http://www.tomleemusic.ca/
http://www.long-mcquade.com/

 

[HiResDes]

Primarily rock. Progressive, indie,and alternative. I probably don't need something that handles a ton of bass.

I would highly suggest the Soundmagic HP100

 

[Jarlaxle]

I would highly suggest the Soundmagic HP100

That was one of the sets I was looking at. I just bought it. Looking really forward to listening with them. Thanks for the help Des.

 

[HiResDes]

Hope you really enjoy them, looking forward to hearing your impressions either way, though I'm fairly confident you will enjoy them...Just make sure you use them with well-recorded music.

 

[Ceej]

Contemplating a new set of cans... found the Denon AH-D600s for a good price. I currently have Sennheiser HD439s (these are my "go" phones) the Shure SRH840s (broken, held together with rubber bands, rarely used) the Sennheiser PC350 Xense (My gaming headset) and my main music phones are the SRH940 (cracking...) Think it's time for something fun sounding.

I like my 940s and all but they just always seem to sound wrong to me unless it's something acoustic or classical. I listen to pretty much all genres but rap and video game music are my most common and rap just doesn't work on these.

I was a little unsure before writing this post, but the more I write the more I feel confident about getting them... any thoughts? I vaguely remember trying them (and 5 others) at Magnolia, these and the momentum were the two I liked, but I liked these better.

 

[IceCold]

Hey guys, do you think the fiio e10 Olympus would improve the sound of the ath-m50 and Klispch pro media 2.1 speakers? Currently I'm using them with a thinkpad which aren't know for the multimedia prowess.

 

[Blades64]

I have a request if it canbe fulfilled. I listen to Hip Hop music...a lot. So naturally I want me some bass.

For under $25, what's the best pair of earbuds I can find? I know it's cheap but I'm on a tight budget right now. I will buy some better ones once I get extra cash.

 

[HiResDes]

I have a request if it canbe fulfilled. I listen to Hip Hop music...a lot. So naturally I want me some bass.

For under $25, what's the best pair of earbuds I can find? I know it's cheap but I'm on a tight budget right now. I will buy some better ones once I get extra cash.

Monoprice 8320 but they are a bit uncomfortable. If you step it up ten bucks you can get the amazing Soundmagic E10. Do that.

Hey guys, do you think the fiio e10 Olympus would improve the sound of the ath-m50 and Klispch pro media 2.1 speakers? Currently I'm using them with a thinkpad which aren't know for the multimedia prowess.

Might help the M50 a bit, but not the speakers.

 

[Gila]

I would highly suggest the Soundmagic HP100

Would these be similar to the AiAiAi TMA-1's.

You recommended me these some time ago and they were fantastic but due to finances I had to sell them. Now I'm returning back and was 90% sure of getting the TMA-1's, but I wouldn't mind trying something comparable.

I listen to Hip-Hop, RnB and Electronic aside from what Jarlaxle listens too. So I might need more bass than him

 

[CoffeeJanitor]

So I'm in the market for some phones again...Portable ones. I'm looking for some actual cans, not earbuds.

I've been researching a ton, but it seems like every time I find a pair that is in the price range I would like (50-75 bucks) and has nice sound quality, either the impedence is very high or the cord is like 9 feet long. My last pair of headphones were K81DJ's, and while they had pretty decent sound and were relatively durable, dealing with the cord was a bitch. I had one of those cord wrapper things but it didn't always work right.

Anyways, does anyone have any suggestions on good portable phones? Right now I'm looking at maybe the Grade SR80i's (cord is long, though) or maybe just some PX100's. I would love high sound quality but that doesn't seem to come with portability all that often.

Thanks

 

[IceCold]

Monoprice 8320 but they are a bit uncomfortable. If you step it up ten bucks you can get the amazing Soundmagic E10. Do that.

Might help the M50 a bit, but not the speakers.

I figured that the on board sound card is crap that using a dac would help. But one of the main reasons I want it is because the control pod of my pro medias is kinda messed up. The first problem is that if I plug my head phones to it, the sound will come of the speakers and the head phones. The other is that when turning the knob there's a bit of static and at a low volume the sound only comes out of one speaker. I checked online and have a hard time finding a place to a buy a new one (I saw some for repairs but there's no guarantee that my issues will be fixed). So instead of trying to find a way to fix/repair it, I figured that I could use the fiio e10 to replace it (I'm not even sure if that's possible). Plus I bet it has a better amp than the one in the control pod so that's a plus.

 

[NervousXtian]

Des,

So I sort of took some of your earlier advice and grabbed a set of those Tony Bennett Koss (PRO DJ100 rebadged) from Tuesday Morning for $50. They sound alright, build quality seems really damn good, and detachable cord is a plus. Did have to crank up my iPhone 4 pretty high in volume to get them loud enough though.

I also ordered a pair of V-Moda LP's from that Amazon deal for $80 to see how they sound.

I'll return the one I don't like, or both depending on if these Koss's grow on me.

The LP's are arriving tomorrow so I'll give it a few days to see how I like them.

If I don't like either, time to step up the the K167's it seems.

 

[HiResDes]

Oh out of an iPod is a no-no for the Koss, they need juice. If you're looking for bass you're gonna like the LPs, but the Koss do everything else better.

 

[HiResDes]

Would these be similar to the AiAiAi TMA-1's.

You recommended me these some time ago and they were fantastic but due to finances I had to sell them. Now I'm returning back and was 90% sure of getting the TMA-1's, but I wouldn't mind trying something comparable.

I listen to Hip-Hop, RnB and Electronic aside from what Jarlaxle listens too. So I might need more bass than him

No they are not at all similar, the TMA-1's are definitely better for Hip-Hop and Electronic, as they are a bit dark in terms of night extending very far in the upper midrange and treble range whereas the HP100 are rather bright having great upper mids and treble. The TMA-1s also have more bass quantity.