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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
jackissocool
Member
Cool! I was between those and the Sony ones for around the same price but I wanted some actual knowledgeable recommendations.
Let's face facts and consider that you might be a basshead, which isn't anything to be ashamed of.
The TMA-1 are pretty bassy headphones with rolled off treble. Therefore you might be able to save money in this venture if you're just looking for basshead headphones.
M-Audio Q40
Audio Technica WS99
Munitio Pro40
Creative Aurvana Live 2
sony xb500
AE 51st Studio Headphones
... I'd be inclined to go with the Creative Aurvana Live 2 out of those if you want so keep the budget down unless you have a decent amp then grab the Q40. If you have about $200 grab the WS99 and also some HM5 replacement pads to replace the awful stock ones and you have an amazing bass heavy headphone.
Wow so Alpha Dogs are pretty epic
I can feel what they mean when they describe them as 'fast'.
On DT770's a fast and heavy bassline track and it sounds like the notes are running together, like a bunch of ripples interfering. The sound is much more discrete on the Alphas and you get more distinction because the headphone is keeping up. So i would say the bass is better in that sense.
They are definitely flatter than the 770's ( I had the 250Ohm so they were flat compared to the basshead 80ohm versions) but im liking the hi end clarity.
Had to go to the hi gain setting on the E09K. After source side is upgraded Ill give further impressions
I can feel what they mean when they describe them as 'fast'.
On DT770's a fast and heavy bassline track and it sounds like the notes are running together, like a bunch of ripples interfering. The sound is much more discrete on the Alphas and you get more distinction because the headphone is keeping up. So i would say the bass is better in that sense.
They are definitely flatter than the 770's ( I had the 250Ohm so they were flat compared to the basshead 80ohm versions) but im liking the hi end clarity.
Had to go to the hi gain setting on the E09K. After source side is upgraded Ill give further impressions
I think I may be, but I like turning up the volume as well with little to no distortion. And thanks for the reply, going to research all of these.
I was thinking of just grabbing the tma1 studios. I love the sound of the regulars but I dont know if I can justify that price.
These look very interesting:
Pros: Comfort, overall sound quality, isolation
Cons: Build quality, build design, sub-bass, congestion
Style: Circumaural full-sized headphones
Tonal Balance: Mild v-shape with rolled off sub-bass. Strives for neutrality.
Listening Set-Up: Musicbee (Wasapi) -> Oppo HA-1
Cost at time of Review: ~$170 US
FULL REVIEW HERE
...For those looking for a closed version of the AD700, these could be really big for gaming.
Pros: Comfort, overall sound quality, isolation
Cons: Build quality, build design, sub-bass, congestion
Style: Circumaural full-sized headphones
Tonal Balance: Mild v-shape with rolled off sub-bass. Strives for neutrality.
Listening Set-Up: Musicbee (Wasapi) -> Oppo HA-1
Cost at time of Review: ~$170 US
FULL REVIEW HERE
...For those looking for a closed version of the AD700, these could be really big for gaming.
I'm looking to upgrade my current system
On PC
Sound Blaster Zx (hoping to use this as a DSP for movies/games)
Audinst HUD-MX1 (looking to upgrade this)
* I'm currently using the "What U Hear" to output any DSP-processed sound via my Audinst. It serves as a great hardware control knob as well (better than the ACM I hope)
Audio Gear
Headphones - Philips Fidelio X1 (love them!)
Speakers - AE AegoM 2.1 (currently connected to the Audinst HUD-MX1)
What I'm considering
Schiit Stack (Modi + Magni) and maybe a Schiit SYS as well so I can connect the ASTRO Mixamp Pro (for my PS4) to it.
* not sure whether this is more of a horizontal upgrade than vertical.
alternatively, Creative Sound Blaster X7 (when it's out)
* it will serve as an All-In-One solution to my PC + Console needs
any thoughts?
On PC
Sound Blaster Zx (hoping to use this as a DSP for movies/games)
Audinst HUD-MX1 (looking to upgrade this)
* I'm currently using the "What U Hear" to output any DSP-processed sound via my Audinst. It serves as a great hardware control knob as well (better than the ACM I hope)
Audio Gear
Headphones - Philips Fidelio X1 (love them!)
Speakers - AE AegoM 2.1 (currently connected to the Audinst HUD-MX1)
What I'm considering
Schiit Stack (Modi + Magni) and maybe a Schiit SYS as well so I can connect the ASTRO Mixamp Pro (for my PS4) to it.
* not sure whether this is more of a horizontal upgrade than vertical.
alternatively, Creative Sound Blaster X7 (when it's out)
* it will serve as an All-In-One solution to my PC + Console needs
any thoughts?
any recommendations for earphones with mic for around $70?
i had the sony ex450 japan model, but lost them. i'm tempted to grab another pair.
my only complaint about them is that they're too bassy. but my phone history has gotten progressively bassier (mee m9 -> mee m11 -> sony ex450) and all the other phones i've tried have been even bassier than this.
having the mic is key, for phone use.
i had the sony ex450 japan model, but lost them. i'm tempted to grab another pair.
my only complaint about them is that they're too bassy. but my phone history has gotten progressively bassier (mee m9 -> mee m11 -> sony ex450) and all the other phones i've tried have been even bassier than this.
having the mic is key, for phone use.
Or you could just save some money and grab a pair of DELTA, which are good all arounders
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2459ZO/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Or if you want something bassier cop the duo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D4MPZLK/?tag=neogaf0e-20
If you don't care about bass at all and just want something with great clarity check out the A151
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OBZ2XQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20
ElectricKaibutsu
Member
Nice. I like the design.These look very interesting:
Pros: Comfort, overall sound quality, isolation
Cons: Build quality, build design, sub-bass, congestion
Style: Circumaural full-sized headphones
Tonal Balance: Mild v-shape with rolled off sub-bass. Strives for neutrality.
Listening Set-Up: Musicbee (Wasapi) -> Oppo HA-1
Cost at time of Review: ~$170 US
FULL REVIEW HERE
...For those looking for a closed version of the AD700, these could be really big for gaming.
Don't just look at active noise canceling headphones for air travel. I use a pair of Sennheiser HD25-I closed back, and the isolation works really well on long flights. Both plane noise and squawking children fade away even with low volume of music.
Nicely drivable from an ipod/iphone and comfortable for hours. They are indestructible
You can find them well under $200
I've only ever seen one other person using them on a plane though.
You speak the truth, these also have good isolation if you're looking for an over ear set
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093PVTPS/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Is this good? It looks really nice physically, something I want to put on my head..
Yo, I just updated the PC thread so I figured I'd give another run by of the audio stuff again real quick in here. LMK if any suggestions!
These headphones are mainly chosen for positional quality. No budget headsets since most are poor. I suggest going with a 3.5mm mic and Xonar DGX if needed instead.
- For audio equipment, also check out Headphone GAF
- Mad Lust Envy's Gaming Headphone Guide
[HEADSETS]
$80 - Func HS-260
$250/300 - Sennheiser 350 SE / 363D - 363D are open ear, include virtual 7.1 DAC, and are USB.
[HEADPHONES]$45 - Superlux HD668B
$75 - Creative Aurvana Live!
$150 - BD DT990 250 Ohm Pro
$250 - AKG Q701
[MICS]$50 - Antlion ModMic 4.0 (Detachable magnetic clip on your headphones, great quality)
$3 - DX Clip-on mic (2-6 Week shipping)
Phat Michael
Banned
Hi guys
Havent visited this thread for a while but am looking to upgrade my headphones and possibly amp.
Current Setup
- CEntrance Dacmini
- Audio Technica ATH-A900 OR Sennheiser HD800
- Colorfly Classic
Looking for feedback on:
- Oppo HA-1
- Oppo PM-2
- Audeze LCD 3
Am happy with the colorfly right now, doesnt need an upgrade. Am not happy with the Audiotechnicas - the Oppo PM2 for $700 seems really good value as it is essentially the PM1s ($1,100) without the frills, but the same sound.
Will my CEntrance be enough to run this or should i be looking at another DAC/Headphone Amp?
Feedback Welcome.
Havent visited this thread for a while but am looking to upgrade my headphones and possibly amp.
Current Setup
- CEntrance Dacmini
- Audio Technica ATH-A900 OR Sennheiser HD800
- Colorfly Classic
Looking for feedback on:
- Oppo HA-1
- Oppo PM-2
- Audeze LCD 3
Am happy with the colorfly right now, doesnt need an upgrade. Am not happy with the Audiotechnicas - the Oppo PM2 for $700 seems really good value as it is essentially the PM1s ($1,100) without the frills, but the same sound.
Will my CEntrance be enough to run this or should i be looking at another DAC/Headphone Amp?
Feedback Welcome.
Fidelio X1 with a boom mic are the new hotness. I'd also suggest the Takstar TS671 when amped, which sound very similar to AD700. And I'd look into those Rock Jaw Acero, which could be very useful for those looking for closed headphones with big soundstage. The NVX XPT100 might also be a good suggestion as they are closed with a fairly wide soundstage and detachable cable so they could potentially be used with a boom mic. Oh and finally the Creative Aurvana Live 2 come in the form of a headset and would make a good fun set.
Gah. First I visited the vinyl thread and spent $40 on the Tron Legacy soundtrack that I don't need, and now you force me to buy these. Enough!
Good deal at that price for sure though I'd still be inclined to pick up the JVC S680s instead, which I think are an absolute steal in the realm.
I have no need for any more headphones. Got a soft spot for old Harman / Kardon products (I have a lovely HK825 and HK870 pre amp and power amp at home).
I might give them to my daughter as a present and her first decent pair of headphones
Phat Michael
Banned
Cheers mate.leaning more towards the oppo because it has reviewed very well and is well priced. I also have an oppo 105 bd player and phone so it'd be cool to keep it in the family!
Clear vs clear I don't know. Honestly a cheap Zalman is clear enough unless you plan on recording songs with it.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
I'd wait it out for the PM-3 or the Sony Z-7. They're both likely going to be priced more competitively than the PM-2 and either phone will likely give the PM-2 a run for its money. I was looking into the PM-1 earlier, but it seems as though the PM-2 is practically the same thing with some concessions to build quality if Tyll's review is to be believed.
Not sure I'd bother with the LCD-3 either. Last I checked, there seemed to be some real issues in consistency with the LCD-3. Not sure if Audeze ever ironed that out, but that coupled with the sheer weight of the phone makes it pretty unappealing IMO
just got another set of ASTRO Mixamp Pro 2013 and Boompro to test
- the issues remain, the voice commands are not recognized at all as the PS4 will say the voice is too loud when I've already adjusted the mic volume to its lowest
- the Boompro works fine (voice commands get recognized) when plugged directly to the DS4
I'm at this point where I'm inclined to just return the Mixamp and do without it until the Creative Sound Blaster X7 come out and I buy one (use my Fidelio X1 normally for now or go back to my PULSE Elite Wireless if I really desire that surround sound).
oh well - decisions
- the issues remain, the voice commands are not recognized at all as the PS4 will say the voice is too loud when I've already adjusted the mic volume to its lowest
- the Boompro works fine (voice commands get recognized) when plugged directly to the DS4
I'm at this point where I'm inclined to just return the Mixamp and do without it until the Creative Sound Blaster X7 come out and I buy one (use my Fidelio X1 normally for now or go back to my PULSE Elite Wireless if I really desire that surround sound).
oh well - decisions
The LCD 3 issues were ironed out relatively soon after launch. no consistency issues after a few months. it seemed very long at the time but its been a few years no with no issues of bad drivers.
Recently, in the last few moths, they have modified the LCD2 and lCD3 with some waveguide tech that increases soundstage but slightly reduces bass response below 30 Hz. So these newer revisions will sound slightly different than the older ones.
That said, I dont think I would recommend the LCD 3 to anyone because they are $2000 and I dont think they justify that price over the LCD 2 at 1K - even taking into account how diminishing returns usually work. I dont think I would recommend any headphone over $1000 (except possibly the HD800) to anyone unless they had already tried out a few top headphones at 600 or 700 and knew they wanted to move up.
Aren't the Slants and Alpha Prime supposed to be contenders as well.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Thanks for chipping in. I just remember there being issues with consistency from when they released and people saying to stay away like the plague. I think the waveguide tech is that new "Fazor" mod I keep hearing about? I don't really follow Audezes all that much. And yeah, diminishing returns is insane with headphones, DACs, DAPs, amps etc. After going thru my fair share of stuff, I think I'm just following all the new developments/picking up gear out of sheer habit. My current go to is the FAD LAB I. It's the most satisfying phone to me at the moment; I plug it straight into an iPhone 6 and I'm good to go, but I paid out the nose for it.
I've talked to Muppetface about both the Slants and the Enigma when LFF was preparing to launch. She said the Slants were ridiculously competitive with stuff in the higher brackets but that LFF couldn't make the cups disappear no matter what. You always hear the T50 enclosure, which is something that's hampered Dan Clark of Mr. Speakers as well. She told me the Enigma was a very seductive sounding phone but that it wasn't worth the asking price relative to other phones in its bracket. The SUJI finish on the cups is gorgeous though.
I don't know much about the Alpha Prime since it was just announced. Seems like it's playing with the big boys at $1k, so it'd be better damned good. Both phones (Slant and AP) lean toward neutrality though, so unless Phat Michael is into that, the Z-7/PM-3 will likely be more up his alley since he's heard the PM-1 and likes it. I'm kinda itching to check out the Z-7 myself, but I'm just waiting on some more impressions. I love the design and super low weight of the phone, but I'm kinda concerned about the tonal balance being too dark.
mr stroke
Member
every time these come up on Flash Deal, I add them to cart then change my mind cause of the clamping fit in reviews :\
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
I recently bought Tomscy's FIBASS. He's taken some really gorgeous pics of it over the years:
www.head-fi.org/content/type/61/id/1204516/
And of course I'm subbed to the FAD thread mostly to ogle Woodcans' awesome photos. Only thing is that the stainless steel and titanium is a serious scratch and fingerprint magnet and FAD likes to make some seriously questionable decisions in regard to cabling. Still, Takai made some of the most artistically interesting and emotionally charged phones IMO. Really huge loss for the audio world
Cheers
I'm having issues with the Boompro though
the first one was faulty - gave me static shocks when plugged into the mixamp
the second one was okay
but both were excessively loud when connected to the mixamp - resulting in Voice commands not being recognised..
tried another to Mixamp - same issue :/
Phat Michael
Banned
The PM3 is portable and im using these for home (I have no doubt i will probably get the PM3 if it reviews well for my portable system or for travel.
In other news, i just ordered this:
and this
Hopefully comes soon because oppo digital have a problem having people with different billing/shipping addresses.
Amp will come next.
If you can avoid active noise cancelling definitely do that instead and look into some well isolating headphones without it...They'll sound much better and have a better price to performance value.
Check out the NVX XPT100
Trojita
Rapid Response Threadmaker
So the HD598's I use to play FFXIV, listen to music, and hear people in mumble aren't wowing me anymore. I don't know what it is.
I would have really liked to have gotten a D5000/D7000 when they were on sale before they sold out.. They seem like those perfect mythological headphones I'll never get to hear.
I would have really liked to have gotten a D5000/D7000 when they were on sale before they sold out.. They seem like those perfect mythological headphones I'll never get to hear.
They were like the closed answer to the HD650, but even better in terms of subbass. I wanted some as well, but not paying out the ass for them. I think you should check out the new HE-400i if you're looking to level up...Those might be my next pair.
m-duo looks good. my history with meelec continues. should arrive next week.
My M50s broke, are the M40xs the new hotness or should I just get another pair of M50s? Is the Xonar DG/X still the go to cheap card or is there something superior? Also, I need a mic for my PS3/4 so I was thinking about these. Out of curiosity, how much would the drop in audio quality be when compared to the M50s?
Probably not too noticeable honestly to the average person. Also they make M50x, M40's are the budget studio phone that retain the clarity of the M50 without the added bass and warmth.
This little bad boy could be huge for the entry/budget audiophile.
Thanks for the recommendations. One more question, if I wanted to spend a bit more to up my phone game what would you recommend? When I was looking into my m50s my only real requirement was something that could handle bass well so I got recommended m50s with a fiio e7.(e7 later broke) My first choice was the Beyerdynamic DT 770 pros but they were out of my price range. Is there now something better out there or is it still good to pick them up?
Edit: Pretty much looking for some closed headphones that handles bass well for at home use. My budget is around $200.
Union Carbine
Member
Any thoughts on the Fiio E17 Alpen for office and iPhone use? It would be my first foray into the amp/DAC universe. Any other suggestions (would like to stay under $250) for something I can use with my iPhone (5) and PC/Mac are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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