Earpods are actually pretty surprisingly good. Huge turnaround from the old buds - specifically due to the soundstage.
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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
- Thread starter HiResDes
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Got the Shakes
Member
Thanks. The other IEM's that popped up on my radar in the $100-$120 range are the HiFiMAN RE-400's. Head-Fi seems to really like them and I couldn't find any comparisons with the VC1000's. If you were choosing between the two for my wide array of music, which would you go with?
VC1000
I'm not just about the sound, though. I'm about the quality. I know the original ear buds from apple didn't have the best quality.
Edit: I forgot to mention, I also need a pair with an in line mic.
Splash Wave
Member
Thank you for this. The problem is that I generally use my IEMs at the gym, that means I need it fucking loud for a number of reasons. Are there any equalizer apps in particular that you recommend?
And yeah, the JVCs, even when the highs don't sound particularly pleasing to me, I can never say that I don't hear excellent detail. They're allowing me to hear details I had never heard until purchasing them.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
I use Equalizer from the App Store which is a parametric EQ that is pretty damn flexible. There's another great one as well, but I can't seem to recall it at the moment. But yeah, find a song that sets you off and try cutting some at 3 kHz., 4-5 kHz. and 7-10 kHz. and see how that affects the tonal balance. Chances are it's something in that range that you're sensitive to.
Anyhow, that aside, I just got the FX850 in yesterday, and apart from the crazily, hilarious boosted low end, they are some seriously impressive phones. I'll have some more to say about them in a bit, but suffice to say, if you're not averse to trying out James444's simple vent mod, or futzing around in EQ, it's a stellar phone, and in most aspects, especially tonally, one of the very best I've heard.
nhlducks35
Member
Here are some pics I took at the SoCal Head-Fi Meet
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhlducks35/sets/72157642773230473/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhlducks35/sets/72157642773230473/
Yeah for the sound signature they are, just more airy sounding obviously and my current cans feel really light on my head and don't seem to generate as much heat in general.
I actually came here to post a great deal, the great little AMP/DAC unit Aune T1 is in sale for $129.99 right now on massdrop
That's where I bought my Aune T1. I think it was $119.99 when I bought it though. The drop before mine was $109.99 so it seems to be going up in price over time. It's still a good price regardless.
Once in a while I see they have the Darkvoice 336SE on for $220. I'm always tempted to buy it. I bet it pairs nicely with the Aune T1.
Once in a while I see they have the Darkvoice 336SE on for $220. I'm always tempted to buy it. I bet it pairs nicely with the Aune T1.
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Mad Dogs came in. Real early impressions.
1) Holy shit these are comfy, but I have a tiny baby head and had to transfer the headband pad from my Senn 555s once again, but I also need this pad for my Grados, so I need to figure out some kind of solution for both. Anyone know such pads for sale individually? I just need it to fit square while also centered, but the band is too big for that, just like with the Grados. I hear people complain about Senns being to small all the time, but hey man, there are people like me in the world!
2) These take a lot more juice to drive than my Grado 325is.
3) Their sound is so alive. Detail and textures are completely insane and separation is great. Bass is just as present but with more space and it doesn't swallow anything up. Makes the Grados seem downright mushy in comparison, but bear in mind I was using quarter cut softies to mellow out their sibilance, which mellowed and warmed them out in general, while making them way more intimate.
4) They suck at low volumes compared to the Grados, as expected of closed vs open. They kind of create a contained area, and if you don't fill that with enough sound it is replaced with a kind of pressure and all the sounds that do come through feel suppressed. It's like hearing the echo of the outside world in a cup. However, you don't have to push them to damaging levels to cure that, which is good.
5) So far definitely best suited to R&B, but M.I.A. was pretty amazing on them.
Okay that was a fun 30mins but now I need to get ready for work.
1) Holy shit these are comfy, but I have a tiny baby head and had to transfer the headband pad from my Senn 555s once again, but I also need this pad for my Grados, so I need to figure out some kind of solution for both. Anyone know such pads for sale individually? I just need it to fit square while also centered, but the band is too big for that, just like with the Grados. I hear people complain about Senns being to small all the time, but hey man, there are people like me in the world!
2) These take a lot more juice to drive than my Grado 325is.
3) Their sound is so alive. Detail and textures are completely insane and separation is great. Bass is just as present but with more space and it doesn't swallow anything up. Makes the Grados seem downright mushy in comparison, but bear in mind I was using quarter cut softies to mellow out their sibilance, which mellowed and warmed them out in general, while making them way more intimate.
4) They suck at low volumes compared to the Grados, as expected of closed vs open. They kind of create a contained area, and if you don't fill that with enough sound it is replaced with a kind of pressure and all the sounds that do come through feel suppressed. It's like hearing the echo of the outside world in a cup. However, you don't have to push them to damaging levels to cure that, which is good.
5) So far definitely best suited to R&B, but M.I.A. was pretty amazing on them.
Okay that was a fun 30mins but now I need to get ready for work.
Splash Wave
Member
I sincerely appreciate the recommendation, but jeeeesus the Equalizer UI is awful. I can't figure out how to do anything.
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Well I am from the ghetto so I solved my headband problem in ghetto fashion with strips of felt. Maybe I'll order a replacement headband cushion for some other headphones, but I'm not sure which to go for. Anyone know what headphones have a nice, thick, firm headband cushion? It needs to remain an inch thick when resting on my head for these headphone to fit right.
Edit: Got em warmed up and tested them with a serious test: Buena Vista Social Club
They are good. These cans. So good.
They really do take a lot of juice tho. Mind your amp.
Edit: Got em warmed up and tested them with a serious test: Buena Vista Social Club
They are good. These cans. So good.
They really do take a lot of juice tho. Mind your amp.
ThoseDeafMutes
Member
Sup phoneGAF.
Since I'm no-longer a penniless uni student I decided to think about getting a decent pair of headphones to game with. I don't have a particular budget in mind, but I'm not about to blow 200 dollars on one without a really, really good reason. I'm located in Australia, and I'm after a comfortable set with good sound quality.
Since I'm no-longer a penniless uni student I decided to think about getting a decent pair of headphones to game with. I don't have a particular budget in mind, but I'm not about to blow 200 dollars on one without a really, really good reason. I'm located in Australia, and I'm after a comfortable set with good sound quality.
What are you after? Clean, neutral sounding headphones, or headphones that accentuates a certain feature of the music?
ThoseDeafMutes
Member
Neutral I guess. Never thought about it.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
So I have the V-Moda M80's and like them a lot, but am thinking of getting some over-ear headphones since these hurt my ears after a while, should I go with the V-Moda Crossfade LP2? Or another brand?
mr stroke
Member
I would go with a different brand, all the V-Moda's I have tried have the "clamping feel" after a couple hours.
My ubiquitous suggestion in a case where people want to step up their headphone game up to about 200$ is always the Beyerdynamic DT880. There are some versions around, but 250 ohm or 32 ohm should be fine. The difference is kind of around the fact that higher input impedance, which is what this denotes, can result in better detail, but this is kind of a thing of the past, since drivers used to be heavier back then. At any rate, there's not that much difference between them, so if you are looking to use them a lot with your iPhone or the like, you might want to go 32 ohm, since they'll require a bit less juice, which would mean that your iPhone could play louder with them.
Why spend that much money on a pair? The money you drop on these will buy you near unrivaled sound. The Beyerdynamics are revered for their neutral frequency curve. It has a controlled bass that sits nice with the rest of the mix, and doesn't bludgeon the rest of the song like some headphones tend to do. The amount of detail you'll pick out with these, though, that's where the real difference starts. You'll feel immersed in the music, as details you had no idea existed flows around you. It'll feel more like you're having music directly infused into your head. You'll swear to never use other headphones again, because it makes things sound like mud in comparison. It's definitely stepping into a new world of audio. I've owned two pairs, and I use them for gaming, watching movies and series, listening to music - basically everything. An example I use to explain the details in these is with the song The Outer Banks by The Album Leaf. When the song's really going, there's one electronic beat and one drum beat going. The electronic beat's snare sample is quite different from the real drum snare. The way these two beats play together is great, so only once every two bar does the snare hits come at the same time.
Right now I'm listening to The Outer Banks with my iPhone buds. It's like two walls of sound stacked against my ears. The frequency curve is not that bad, despite the bass being a bit too much. These earplugs definitely have something going for them. Now I'm switching over to the headphones. It's just a different world. It's no longer like there's just a wall of sound at each ear, it's like there's depth, like there's a worm-hole inside of each earphone cup that means the sound can extend far back. The details in the highs live in the foreground, protruding the mix in a way that's pleasant. The biggest difference, however, is with the beat. Before, when the two snares would hit at the same time, you'd just hear one sound. With these, you can clearly distinguish the two snares.
I own a pair of +1,000$ headphones. They're the next step past this, and they're something else to behold, but instead using my dt880 is always a very valid option. You get extremely close to that quality with these.
EDIT: They're semi-closed, so some sound will leak out
Hi Guys 
I'm on the market for a new round of audio devices.
Currently considering the four following devices : AKG 551, AKG 845BT, Sennheiser Momentum Over Ear and Focal Spirit One.
I'm looking for a semi-bassy sound, in a (very) closed headset ( that's a really important point, since I'm very often listening to sound near my sleeping wife ).
Just discovered the AKG 845BT, and it's currently mid-price on Amazon, so I've nearly pulled the trigger earlier. The idea of a BT device with a cable if needed is quite appealing I must say.
Any hints of advice on those headsets ? ( Or other, if I'm missing some ? )
I'm on the market for a new round of audio devices.
Currently considering the four following devices : AKG 551, AKG 845BT, Sennheiser Momentum Over Ear and Focal Spirit One.
I'm looking for a semi-bassy sound, in a (very) closed headset ( that's a really important point, since I'm very often listening to sound near my sleeping wife ).
Just discovered the AKG 845BT, and it's currently mid-price on Amazon, so I've nearly pulled the trigger earlier. The idea of a BT device with a cable if needed is quite appealing I must say.
Any hints of advice on those headsets ? ( Or other, if I'm missing some ? )
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
Des you recommended my M80's.
Any suggestions for over-ear headphones under $200?
I also have a hard time to determine if I could use a DAC on either an iPhone5 or a Vita. My guess would be no since there is no way to interface them with a DAC in usb ? So if I buy a amp/dac combo such as the Fiio E7 i'll only be able to use the DAC part on PC and the rest will only be the amp ?
Is it worth it just for this or should I go for a DAC-less model ?
Is it worth it just for this or should I go for a DAC-less model ?
If you want a good neutral closed set for cheap go with either the Gemini HSR-1000 or the Jaycar Premium headphones which are a rebrand of the excellent sounding Brainwavz HM5. If you want open headphones the Takstar HI-2050 or Pioneer Sea 1000 would be great choices that won't break the bank.
Creative Aurvana Live 2 or Soundmagic HP100
None of those except the Momentum are very bassy... So that would be my choice. You might also want to consider Nad-VISO HP50Hi Guys
I'm on the market for a new round of audio devices.
Currently considering the four following devices : AKG 551, AKG 845BT, Sennheiser Momentum Over Ear and Focal Spirit One.
I'm looking for a semi-bassy sound, in a (very) closed headset ( that's a really important point, since I'm very often listening to sound near my sleeping wife ).
Just discovered the AKG 845BT, and it's currently mid-price on Amazon, so I've nearly pulled the trigger earlier. The idea of a BT device with a cable if needed is quite appealing I must say.
Any hints of advice on those headsets ? ( Or other, if I'm missing some ? )
I'm not looking for a Beats-level bass, but I like my music a bit punchy.
Could that be compensated by the use of an amp such as a Fiio E6, who has integrated EQ modes ?
Not really. The classics have punchy bass, but I'd consider the AKG K545 over the other models you specified because of their slightly elevated bass response. Momentum have a good amount of bass but I wouldn't call it punchy, while their Amperior cousins are basically the model for punchy bass. You should also consider the NADVISO HP50.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
Thanks. So if I up it to $300 the V-Modas are the best buy?
No over ear Momentums, Nad Viso hp50, focal point classics, and AKG K545 are all a bit more refined in ways.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
Cool. Out of those 4 which do you primarily suggest for everyday music listening?
Not exactly. There's also the KEF M500 and Sennheiser Momentum.
edit: beaten as usual
That's really really tough depends on what you want and what you're going to be listening to
These are great too - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFUE7S6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Any idea if the wired mode of the K545 is really equivalent to the wired mode of, say, a K551 ? It's the real thing, and not a backup solution with lowest fidelity ?
I was quite interested in the momentum, but i need a really closed headset with as little sound as possible going out, and the on ear are not really my cup of tea.
But that design though ...
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Guys I don't know what to do...
These Mad Dogs are basically just what I wanted in terms of sound, but I had to construct a ghetto headband cushion using felt strips to get them to fit right, and even as it is, the leather headbands grip and press too hard on the earpiece of my glasses, so it not only pushes them into my head but pushes them around.
It'll be a $30 restocking fee plus shipping to return them, which is annoying, but it is a risk I knowingly took. I just shouldn't be putting up with such comfort issues on a $300 pair of headphones, especially since I'm probably going with plastic frames for my next pair of glasses which will be even thicker and thus more uncomfortable (which I know from using my sunglasses now) Or alternatively, if any of you don't have a small head or wear glasses, and want some Mad Dogs for $250, let me know real quick.
So... I'll have to return these probably tomorrow, but what do I get instead? Anything of comparable sound in closed cans with foam or velour cushions that won't grip my glasses like this? Especially something that will have a smaller fit, unlike both these and my Grados? Don't European and Japanese manufacturers generally have smaller fitting cans? So I may avoid V-Modas... I don't knowwww....
These Mad Dogs are basically just what I wanted in terms of sound, but I had to construct a ghetto headband cushion using felt strips to get them to fit right, and even as it is, the leather headbands grip and press too hard on the earpiece of my glasses, so it not only pushes them into my head but pushes them around.
It'll be a $30 restocking fee plus shipping to return them, which is annoying, but it is a risk I knowingly took. I just shouldn't be putting up with such comfort issues on a $300 pair of headphones, especially since I'm probably going with plastic frames for my next pair of glasses which will be even thicker and thus more uncomfortable (which I know from using my sunglasses now) Or alternatively, if any of you don't have a small head or wear glasses, and want some Mad Dogs for $250, let me know real quick.
So... I'll have to return these probably tomorrow, but what do I get instead? Anything of comparable sound in closed cans with foam or velour cushions that won't grip my glasses like this? Especially something that will have a smaller fit, unlike both these and my Grados? Don't European and Japanese manufacturers generally have smaller fitting cans? So I may avoid V-Modas... I don't knowwww....
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
I listen to a lot of hip hop primarily, but I will venture into some rock and stuff from time to time.
Thanks for the recommendations all. Now I have to decide between them.
Sorry I thought you were talking about the K845, my bad.
And as you guessed, I was talking about them for the Wired/BT modes.
For the momentum, yes they already are on my shortlist
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
They are really comfortable without my glasses. But they smash my glasses into my head and also grip to them so they pull back or forward, and sometimes the inside of the cup catches the very tip of the back of the earpiece instead of laying on top of it, and that pushes them forward. It's just an unfortunate fit and I'll need something with a little more give that doesn't grip. For instance, the velour on my 555s never gave me problems, nor the foam on my Grados. It's sad since it really was the closed sound I was looking for, distinct in the right ways for my Grados to still offer a significantly separate experience that serves different purposes (mostly rock and indie).
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
I really like the look of those focal classics. $350 though. Hmmmmmm.
Ask K. Jack how hip hop plays on his Momentums
Dice
Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Dunno if you caught it, but for this short window of time I'm open to selling my Mad Dogs for $250 and whatever shipping is, since I'll be losing $40 to return them anyway, I may as well pass savings on to others if they are interested. I think they're brilliant for hiphop, though in a specific way. They really catch the music and the vocals are strong, but they are more distanced (compared to my very immediate-sounding Grados). It's similar to listening in a really good car system. So if you prefer it rougher sounding like the guy is rapping in your ear, it won't do. But if you prefer it like the dude is standing a couple feet away, they are good for that. Also brilliant for R&B and electronic. Though if you wear glasses and/or find yourself always adjusting headphones to the smallest setting I wouldn't recommend them.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
What replaced the Sennheiser HD595's? The 598's? They any good? Amazon has the 598's for $183 right now.
Deadly Cyclone
Pride of Iowa State
Hmm. Ok. I'll stick to the recommendations from you all.
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