-
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
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
MDSLKTR
Member
Thanks I was already leaning more towards the 598 because of the price.
Can't seem to find those in canada :/
Hey guys I'd appreciate some quick advice on headphones. I need something for the PC and PS4. Reading through this thread It sound like open headphones are generally better for games, especially for FPS games.
People keep recommending soundcards with some good headphones, but I'm on a laptop so I can't change the soundcard, so do the open headphones still sound great without a good soundcard?
My budget is $200, I got the pulse elite yesterday and they do sound good but if for the same price I could get something better I'd prefer that.
Any recommendations from the link below would be great
http://ncix.ca/products/?minorcatid=1318&po=1&ps=
Thanks
People keep recommending soundcards with some good headphones, but I'm on a laptop so I can't change the soundcard, so do the open headphones still sound great without a good soundcard?
My budget is $200, I got the pulse elite yesterday and they do sound good but if for the same price I could get something better I'd prefer that.
Any recommendations from the link below would be great
http://ncix.ca/products/?minorcatid=1318&po=1&ps=
Thanks
PodcastFips
Member
Long story short:
I tested two headphones, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro and the Soundmagic HP 100. I ordered both from Amazon.de and tested them for a few days, and decided I wanted to get the Soundmagic. I sent both back though, because the Soundmagic were 210€ while I saw them for about 160-170€ on other websites.
Last week I ordered them from merlin.pl. They did not seem to be "unknown", about 70k likes on Facebook and I thought "hey, they look legit, go for it" (160€
. Today they arrived and they were obviously faked. Jack for the cable on the right and not on the left, no genuine product sticker, several things in the packaging were missing and so on.
I hate myself now. And I'm worried I won't get my money back. Learned my lesson.
Now I'll be getting them from advancedmp3players.co.uk as they are a trusted by Soundmagic. Please let it be an original product.
In general, the HP100 sound AWESOME. No joke, they are from China and you won't find them in any store, but they really sound magnificent for their price. They beat the Beyerdynamics by a huge margin.
Really recommend those to anyone who is looking for a decent headphone for about 200€. But do yourself a favor and order them from Amazon to test them, just to be on the safe side.
I tested two headphones, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro and the Soundmagic HP 100. I ordered both from Amazon.de and tested them for a few days, and decided I wanted to get the Soundmagic. I sent both back though, because the Soundmagic were 210€ while I saw them for about 160-170€ on other websites.
Last week I ordered them from merlin.pl. They did not seem to be "unknown", about 70k likes on Facebook and I thought "hey, they look legit, go for it" (160€
. Today they arrived and they were obviously faked. Jack for the cable on the right and not on the left, no genuine product sticker, several things in the packaging were missing and so on.I hate myself now. And I'm worried I won't get my money back. Learned my lesson.
Now I'll be getting them from advancedmp3players.co.uk as they are a trusted by Soundmagic. Please let it be an original product.
In general, the HP100 sound AWESOME. No joke, they are from China and you won't find them in any store, but they really sound magnificent for their price. They beat the Beyerdynamics by a huge margin.
Really recommend those to anyone who is looking for a decent headphone for about 200€. But do yourself a favor and order them from Amazon to test them, just to be on the safe side.
See You Next Wednesday
Banned
It's not really advancement in headphone technology as much as china brute forcing cheap manufacturing.
Is there any Chinese cheap brute forcing equivalent to $500-$800 headphones.
Would definite drop over a hundred if these exist.
China's gone through an incredible audio thing in the past few years. Individuals have been creating home-grown 'phones that hang with the best of the best, and some of the amplifiers are just brilliant sounding for the prices they're being sold at. However, we're still talking $300+ for the good shit here.
See:
http://www.yulongaudio.com/en/index.asp
I also think http://hifiman.com develops a lot of products within China.
A Sentient Keyboard
Member
Could I get some recommendations for decent headphones? I know little about audio, so help would be much appreciated.
Relevant info:
-I plan to use them on my PC, mostly for games and movies.
-My budget is about 60-100.
-I won't be traveling with them, so portability (or looks) won't matter.
-My room is pretty quiet, so sound isolation is not a necessity.
-I don't need a mic, no headset.
-If possible, I'd like a good quality bass.
-The cable needs to be at least 1 meter, and have a 3.5mm jack.
Recommend multiple headphones if possible, as some headphones are not available in the Netherlands, and prices are sometimes a little off compared to the MSRP.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: actually, here is a list of available headphones that fit my criteria, with prices. Do any of them jump out as a great deal?
Relevant info:
-I plan to use them on my PC, mostly for games and movies.
-My budget is about 60-100.
-I won't be traveling with them, so portability (or looks) won't matter.
-My room is pretty quiet, so sound isolation is not a necessity.
-I don't need a mic, no headset.
-If possible, I'd like a good quality bass.
-The cable needs to be at least 1 meter, and have a 3.5mm jack.
Recommend multiple headphones if possible, as some headphones are not available in the Netherlands, and prices are sometimes a little off compared to the MSRP.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: actually, here is a list of available headphones that fit my criteria, with prices. Do any of them jump out as a great deal?
Sennheiser PX100 maybe.
Long story short:
I tested two headphones, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro and the Soundmagic HP 100. I ordered both from Amazon.de and tested them for a few days, and decided I wanted to get the Soundmagic. I sent both back though, because the Soundmagic were 210€ while I saw them for about 160-170€ on other websites.
Last week I ordered them from merlin.pl. They did not seem to be "unknown", about 70k likes on Facebook and I thought "hey, they look legit, go for it" (160€
I hate myself now. And I'm worried I won't get my money back. Learned my lesson.
Now I'll be getting them from advancedmp3players.co.uk as they are a trusted by Soundmagic. Please let it be an original product.
In general, the HP100 sound AWESOME. No joke, they are from China and you won't find them in any store, but they really sound magnificent for their price. They beat the Beyerdynamics by a huge margin.
Really recommend those to anyone who is looking for a decent headphone for about 200€. But do yourself a favor and order them from Amazon to test them, just to be on the safe side.
I think it's in the top three best closed headphones under $250.
Sony MDRMA900
Sutton Dagger
Member
Hi everyone, first post in this thread. I've never been into the audio side of my gaming hobby, as such I know very little about decent headphones, I'm wondering if I can get some guidance? Here is some info to narrow down my optimal pair:
I live in Australia so price and availability could be an issue.
Wanted for gaming, mainly on PC but It also has to be compatible with the PS4.
Not overly fussed about attached microphone as I'm mainly into single player but if it comes with one and it doesn't effect sound quality then it's not an issue.
I play games (even Pc) on my TV and sit around 2m away. Wireless might be best?
Budget... Anywhere up to $350 Aud.
Looking forward to seeing what some of GAF's audiophiles come up with. Cheers.
I live in Australia so price and availability could be an issue.
Wanted for gaming, mainly on PC but It also has to be compatible with the PS4.
Not overly fussed about attached microphone as I'm mainly into single player but if it comes with one and it doesn't effect sound quality then it's not an issue.
I play games (even Pc) on my TV and sit around 2m away. Wireless might be best?
Budget... Anywhere up to $350 Aud.
Looking forward to seeing what some of GAF's audiophiles come up with. Cheers.
My ATH-AD900's are falling apart
Thinking of replacing them with some Alessandro ms-2's
I don't know anything about ps4 compatibility, but try http://headphones.com.au/, they're a great perth company that do free postage to anywhere in aus and they pretty much have the best prices around.
Their forum is also real helpful if you need recommendations or have questions.
They also take returns if you don't like the headphones.
Thinking of replacing them with some Alessandro ms-2's
I don't know anything about ps4 compatibility, but try http://headphones.com.au/, they're a great perth company that do free postage to anywhere in aus and they pretty much have the best prices around.
Their forum is also real helpful if you need recommendations or have questions.
They also take returns if you don't like the headphones.
CrackPebbles
Member
My prodj100s broke need something around 100-150 with, preferably with a detachable cord. Any opinions on V-MODA Crossfade?
need something around 100-150 with, preferably with a detachable cord. Any opinions on V-MODA Crossfade?I remember AKG DJ phones isolating well (unless I remember wrong, lol). They were clamping hard though, so there were people that didn't like it for longer listening. They were pretty bassy as well.
If you want isolation, IEMs might be a better bet (for some reason I can't stand them myself, though - so it depens).
Long story short:
I tested two headphones, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro and the Soundmagic HP 100. I ordered both from Amazon.de and tested them for a few days, and decided I wanted to get the Soundmagic. I sent both back though, because the Soundmagic were 210€ while I saw them for about 160-170€ on other websites.
Last week I ordered them from merlin.pl. They did not seem to be "unknown", about 70k likes on Facebook and I thought "hey, they look legit, go for it" (160€
I hate myself now. And I'm worried I won't get my money back. Learned my lesson.
Now I'll be getting them from advancedmp3players.co.uk as they are a trusted by Soundmagic. Please let it be an original product.
I would be surprised if they were fakes. Merlin is a huge e-store here in Poland, perhaps the biggest one.
Don't take my words for granted (I may remember wrong), but you may have gotten the first version (there already have been two newer revisions, so I guess yours has been lying in the warehouse for a good while).
I think they changed the side of the cable in mk. 2 and it's the only external difference - mk. 2 and mk. 3 are the same on the outside.Guess it's better to buy in actual music-related store, they'll probably know what they are selling you.
I guess you aren't from Poland (judging by your profile), but mp3store.pl belong to the same company that is the official Polish importer for Soundmagic
and AFAIK they don't even have the two earlier versions in store.
[EDIT]
Oops, double post. Sorry...
My prodj100s broke
M-80s and M-100s are great, the rest are quite mediocre.
...M-Audio Q40 have a detachable cable and are great, but sound better amped.
Witchfinder General
punched Wheelchair Mike
Been playing around with the Sennheiser IE800 in-ear monitors. I have to say they sound really stunning used with my Headamp Pico. Punchy, detailed with amazing separation and speed. My only real criticism is that they are very unforgiving of source material and really, really don't like compressed recordings.
Also, I'm thinking of selling my Manley Labs 300B reference pre/headphone amp. I doubt it but is anyone interested?
Also, I'm thinking of selling my Manley Labs 300B reference pre/headphone amp. I doubt it but is anyone interested?
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Hifiman's stuff, though from what I've heard the build quality can be... dodgy. Also apparently somewhat uncomfortable to some.
Best is so subjective. What are you into? What kind of music do you listen to? Do you want something bassy or neutral?
These seem to be the best in that price range that don't require an amp, but after reading some reviews i'm worried that the treble is subdued and they lack clarity/detail comparatively to other models in that range. Would you still recommend the Sony's if I already had a decent amp?
Whoever says there is a lack of clarity needs to have their ears examined...Yes I would still recommend with a good amp, but if you're a real treble head then maybe the DT880 or Soundmagic HP200 or AKG Q701 would be better.
Here's a useful thread for you: http://www.head-fi.org/t/666324/beyerdinamic-dt880-vs-sony-mdr-ma900-two-nights-impressions
twinturbo2
butthurt Heat fan
I think I'll hold off until the Polk Audio 4Shot headphones come out. Those won't break the bank at $160, and they have an Xbox One adapter bundled in. I should have my X1 by the time these come out, so I should be good.
http://www.polkaudio.com/products/4shot
Is this a good idea?
http://www.polkaudio.com/products/4shot
Is this a good idea?
twinturbo2
butthurt Heat fan
Just asking.
Bubble Metropolis
Member
I've recently taken up running, and I obviously can't use my ATH-m50s for that (maybe I have an unusually smooth head, I dunno. Ten feet of cord makes it difficult too)) and the buds that came with the iPhone 5 are really showing their flaws now that I'm using them for extended periods of time. So, I'm in the market for some new IEMs.
Based on the information here, I'm looking at the Brainwavz B2 or Sony XBA-3 (something in that <$150 price range, ideally). I really do listen to a wide range of music, so I'm not sure what I would need: hip hop; electro; jazz; folk; static-y, harsh metal and punk music, etc. The last one in that list can make high trebles painful, though. Heavy bass isn't really my thing either, though.
Is there anything in particular someone would recommend? I can definitely wait 'til BF if there's a hint of any deals going on.
Based on the information here, I'm looking at the Brainwavz B2 or Sony XBA-3 (something in that <$150 price range, ideally). I really do listen to a wide range of music, so I'm not sure what I would need: hip hop; electro; jazz; folk; static-y, harsh metal and punk music, etc. The last one in that list can make high trebles painful, though. Heavy bass isn't really my thing either, though.
Is there anything in particular someone would recommend? I can definitely wait 'til BF if there's a hint of any deals going on.
Around that price I'd recommend the HD-25II or the ATH-M50 because they are good value in that price range, but it really comes down to the kind of music you listen to.
See, running will probably fuck up every IEM you try. I would shop around for Adidas branded headphones, which should resist sweat, or even the JayBird BT IEMs, whose lack of cables might prove useful when running.
All I will say is that the audio community has a perverse love for treble impact, unnatural as it may be.
A good neutral speaker has no notable treble detail because no instrument has noteable treble detail. It's high, it's maybe even aetheric (glass organ, chimes) but the thing the headphile community covets have nothing to do with natural audio repro. People complain about Sennheiser when they sound almost the most natural of all of the bunch.
Buy them on return policy and try them.
edit: ATH M-50s treble is really really awful. I don't think I have ever heard anything where the treble integrates so badly and sticks out so sharply.
I remember there was a topic a while back, but do "5.1/7.1 surround sound" headphones actually produce a surround sound effect?
Is there a noticeable difference between simulated surround sound headphones and actual surround sound headphones?
If surround sound headphones actually do produce a genuine surround effect then continue... if not we are done with this line of questioning.
I have ~$250 to spend on a pair of headphones.
Priority #1 is great sound.
Priority #2 is a good, real, surround sound effect
Priority #2.5 optical in on the base as oppose to USB so I can avoid PS4 incompatibility
Priority #3 it would be great if they were good for games and music
Priority #4 is if they are a gaming headset the mic HAS to be either discrete or removable. No mic is best.
Priority #5 it would be nice if they did not look ridiculous (LEDs, bright colors, etc)
Priority #6 wireless would be nice, but is not absolutely required.
So GAF, suggestions?
Is there a noticeable difference between simulated surround sound headphones and actual surround sound headphones?
If surround sound headphones actually do produce a genuine surround effect then continue... if not we are done with this line of questioning.
I have ~$250 to spend on a pair of headphones.
Priority #1 is great sound.
Priority #2 is a good, real, surround sound effect
Priority #2.5 optical in on the base as oppose to USB so I can avoid PS4 incompatibility
Priority #3 it would be great if they were good for games and music
Priority #4 is if they are a gaming headset the mic HAS to be either discrete or removable. No mic is best.
Priority #5 it would be nice if they did not look ridiculous (LEDs, bright colors, etc)
Priority #6 wireless would be nice, but is not absolutely required.
So GAF, suggestions?
No the other ranges of the headphone are good, but yeah the peakiness of the treble is definitely kind of noticeable once you've heard something more natural sounding.
Is noise isolation a priority?
Is noise isolation a priority?
Nope.
Indoor use only. I have four really nice speakers (2x Klipsch bookshelf and 2x Athena towers). I use the Athenas in stereo but they are so loud they disturb my roommates and even my neighbors. I do not have the money to buy a high end sub and center speaker to match them... so my next best option is a good pair of headphones.
Bob Dobalina
Member
I'm looking for a pair of closed over the ear headphones, are Sony MDR-XB400s a good buy for $36 shipped or is there a better choice in that price range?
I want ATH-M50s but for casual listening indoors and outdoors at school and home I feel like I can find better things to spend that $64 on until I am a little better off financially. Any chance M50s will see decent discounts on black Friday or do they move units regardless?
I want ATH-M50s but for casual listening indoors and outdoors at school and home I feel like I can find better things to spend that $64 on until I am a little better off financially. Any chance M50s will see decent discounts on black Friday or do they move units regardless?
Bob Dobalina
Member
These look like a winner, really appreciate the suggestion man.
Mostly neutral, but yea I ended up going with Sennheiser HD 280 pro. I have been using Noontec Zoro's for the past year but they recently broke
98% of "I'm looking for closed headphones at a low price" can be solved by purchasing the Sony MDR-7506. They used to cost a lot more than they do now (Around $80) and have absolutely legendary sound quality.
I've worked in 3D for years, and spent a decent chunk of that time in live / post production; you won't see any headphone more frequently in the professional world. There's a really good reason for this: These headphones cannot be killed. Rain, snow, humidity, being stepped on, whatever. They're invincible, and even if something DOES break, you can order any individual replacement part directly from Sony. The packaging includes an assembly guide for just this purpose.
The Sony MDR V6 is the "consumer" version of the same phone, but they don't sound quite as good. Less sweet midrange, a little too much bass.
Either way, they're a million years better than any modern Sony headphone. And I've tried most of them.
I've worked in 3D for years, and spent a decent chunk of that time in live / post production; you won't see any headphone more frequently in the professional world. There's a really good reason for this: These headphones cannot be killed. Rain, snow, humidity, being stepped on, whatever. They're invincible, and even if something DOES break, you can order any individual replacement part directly from Sony. The packaging includes an assembly guide for just this purpose.
The Sony MDR V6 is the "consumer" version of the same phone, but they don't sound quite as good. Less sweet midrange, a little too much bass.
Either way, they're a million years better than any modern Sony headphone. And I've tried most of them.
CountBlack
Member
I recently got the ATH-M50. Really like them so far. They sound really balanced in sound, not as much bass as I wanted though.
Then again, I don't really have another pair of headphones to compare them too. Just wish I would've read more opinions on them before pulling the trigger. Whatever though, I'm liking them so far.
Also finding them a lot more comfortable than the last pair of Beats I had.
Then again, I don't really have another pair of headphones to compare them too. Just wish I would've read more opinions on them before pulling the trigger. Whatever though, I'm liking them so far.
Also finding them a lot more comfortable than the last pair of Beats I had.
No problem man
While they're still a good value they have a shit ton of competition even at the $50 range nowadays.
If you're into neutral headphones I think the HM5 rebrands are pretty much the very best value and compare favorable with headphones over $100 including the 280 Pro. If you want to check them out even though you've already bought the Sony's here's where you can buy them: http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=1015#4
There are certainly a lot of competitors in the price range, but I don't think anything bests it for neutrality and texture at even double the price. There's a very good reason we use them in production so primarily. Especially given that they're a closed headphone, which tends to be too bassy.
Awesome!!AKG K812 Pro:
- Impedance: 36 ohms
- Efficiency: 110dB/mW
- 53mm transducer
- 1.5 Tesla magnet system
- Open-Back
- 5 to 54000 Hz
- 110 dB SPL/V
- Input Power 300 mW
- Detachable cable
- Cable Length 3m
- Net Weight 390g
*sees price*
F U C K Y O U, A K G ! ! !
I came in here to ask about headphones for under 60.00 with good bass but not over inducing like Beats. I just ordered these after reading in here and the reviews. Plus for 50% off the price seems like a steal. I hope these work out for me.
Hello headphone-gaf.
Relative of mine is in a need of noice cancelling headphones for her upcoming flight to New Zealand.
What she's looking forward with the headphones are:
- Comfortable to wear. Even for long periods of time.
- Great battery life.
- Great noice cancelling.
- iPhone compability. (Though, this seems like its given nowadays.)
What they will be used to listen to: audio books and mostly classical.
We've been eyeing the Sennheiser PXC 310's which go for 200 around here, but many reviews have raved about Bose Quietcomfort 15's. All though, those retail for 280, which is quite bit more than the Senn's. Both of us have no real knowledge about noice cancelling headphones and are wondering if the Bose's cans are worth the extra 80.
Anyone here with either of the cans that could help us out. Cheers!
Relative of mine is in a need of noice cancelling headphones for her upcoming flight to New Zealand.
What she's looking forward with the headphones are:
- Comfortable to wear. Even for long periods of time.
- Great battery life.
- Great noice cancelling.
- iPhone compability. (Though, this seems like its given nowadays.)
What they will be used to listen to: audio books and mostly classical.
We've been eyeing the Sennheiser PXC 310's which go for 200 around here, but many reviews have raved about Bose Quietcomfort 15's. All though, those retail for 280, which is quite bit more than the Senn's. Both of us have no real knowledge about noice cancelling headphones and are wondering if the Bose's cans are worth the extra 80.
Anyone here with either of the cans that could help us out. Cheers!
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Just got the following from a friend (ShotgunShane) at HF:
Best part? The Sony MH1 (NOT the MH1C!) is only $20 on Amazon
Best part? The Sony MH1 (NOT the MH1C!) is only $20 on Amazon
Similar threads
- Locked