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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
Dreams-Visions
Member
I've had a 2010 and a 2011 MBP. and to you I say, "hardly".poweld said:
They're okay, but the more sensitive your cans, the more obvious the E7 upgrade is. I pretty much refuse to listen to music out of my MBP without either my E7 or Icon HDP hooked up to it. they provide louder, cleaner and fuller sound without the hiss.
HD 555s, and I cannot tell any difference between the computer and the E7. What's worse, my purpose was to give a better amp to my 5.1 receiver and I've found out that the FiiO sounds no better than my receiver either.HiResDes said:
Dreams-Visions said:
That's the only thing I've noticed. There was a very minimal hiss at 40% volume and it's gone with the FiiO, but that's hardly worth 70
Bass Boster is not that good either, it introduces distortion even at "1" setting
Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but so far the E7 is pretty useless for me.
Dreams-Visions
Member
certainly a function of how clean and clear you want your music to be.Chao said:
that's a function of the limitations on your cans. Not sure which you have, but neither my Denon D7000s nor my ATH-M50's sound distorted with the bass boost engaged. It's a welcome compliment.Chao said:
but all of these "upgrades" and "enhancements" are going to be subject to what your equipment needs to sound better. Every can needs something different. Yours may need something different to sound their best. Nothing wrong with that. Just be sure to spend a few days with it before decided what to do next.
Really? I sold off my 2009 MBP a while back, but I do recall that the audio out on it was quite good relative to what you see coming out of most integrated PC motherboards.Dreams-Visions said:
Granted, I still used my USB DAC in conjunction with my headphone amp, but by no means would I call the chip on the MBP sub-par.
I wish I knew of this thread a few days ago!
I'm going to sound like a complete and utter noob but... I'm currently using some Sennheiser CX300 II's with my iPod. But I wanted some headphones and yesterday I bought some Koss PortoPro's with the Fiio E5 amp and a Fiio line out cable for use with the iPod in quiet places and my laptop. Will I notice a big difference?
I will be looking to buy some REAL headphones in the near future for use with the laptop and occasionally iPod, so I shall be back then.
I'm going to sound like a complete and utter noob but... I'm currently using some Sennheiser CX300 II's with my iPod. But I wanted some headphones and yesterday I bought some Koss PortoPro's with the Fiio E5 amp and a Fiio line out cable for use with the iPod in quiet places and my laptop. Will I notice a big difference?
I will be looking to buy some REAL headphones in the near future for use with the laptop and occasionally iPod, so I shall be back then.
Looking at the OP again, why isn't there a high-mid tier, and a high-tier? Was there a reason for this that I missed? Granted - I know most posters probably aren't looking for high tier phones, but it'd be useful for education and/or awareness of what models are out there, and at what approximate price points.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
That's definitely something to consider, but most of the users who pass through this thread are merely looking for entry level phones and high tier phones have to take into account source, DACs, amps, power supplies, tube and op amp rolling, interconnects... It's quite a rabbit hole, and anyone who graduates from this thread to higher end gear would do well to register at headfi.org as they are collectively, a far more knowledgeable source of info than the few enthusiasts we have in this thread.Extollere said:
PflargBlarg
Member
-COOLIO- said:
You will never find anything here in regular stores. They'll have Bose, Skullcandy, and Beats probably and that's it. You have to go to a specialty store (which might not exist anywhere near you) or buy online. Them's the breaks.
That's surprising.Chao said:
With my E7 + TMA-1s, I can set the EQ to level 3, which produces a RIDICULOUS amount of bass, and there is zero distortion. Even if I put the E7's volume into the 40s.
The cans will literally be bouncing off of my ears, but the bass quality remains as clean as can be.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri said:
Pretty much this. Chances are if you're looking for higher end gear you'll either 1) know what you want or 2) realize this probably isn't the best place to ask (despite some people like swoon having great set ups) and would look elsewhere for info.
This E7 thing is starting to sound better... the day after. Is that even possible? Bass Boost distortion is gone, or at least I'm not noticing any trace of it today. It also sounds somewhat "cleaner", I don't know how to describe it.
I also did the 595 mod on the 555s after that, I was all worried because I didn't want to destroy them but it was so fucking easy. There's a slight difference in quality, but hey.
Jett, you should give it a try too.
I also did the 595 mod on the 555s after that, I was all worried because I didn't want to destroy them but it was so fucking easy. There's a slight difference in quality, but hey.
Jett, you should give it a try too.
sankt-Antonio
:^)--?-<
Chao said:
if your amp (looks like a sony) is near your pc/"place to listen music to" just buy a toslink cable PC => HT amp and your good to go.
Genesis Knight
Member
I'm about to buy a pair of Tritton AX Pros. Hope I'm not making a mistake as that's all the money I've got in the budget for this. ($500 cans I wish.)
New update on the E7 thing. I'm trying to connect it to my receiver to get the best sound possible out of PS3 games, movies and such... BUT there's a problem.
As I said, the distortion dissapeared from my computer even with heavy bass EQ. But that's trough USB, if I want to connect the device to my receiver the only option is the mini jack aux IN on the E7. This is what's producing the shitty noise. I've tried to connect the PS3 directly through RCA to minijack and from the receiver RCA outputs. Still noise.
My receiver doesn't have any other matching outputs, the E7 only has iphone dock, USB (which works great on my computer) and the shitty jack I wish it was analog/digital like the one on the Macbooks.
I know, my fault for believing the jack in would be enough. Now I'm just trying to know if there's any kind of toslink -> mini USB / toslink -> apple dock kind of adapter. My computer is not an option since is not around the receiver/console.
As I said, the distortion dissapeared from my computer even with heavy bass EQ. But that's trough USB, if I want to connect the device to my receiver the only option is the mini jack aux IN on the E7. This is what's producing the shitty noise. I've tried to connect the PS3 directly through RCA to minijack and from the receiver RCA outputs. Still noise.
My receiver doesn't have any other matching outputs, the E7 only has iphone dock, USB (which works great on my computer) and the shitty jack I wish it was analog/digital like the one on the Macbooks.
I know, my fault for believing the jack in would be enough. Now I'm just trying to know if there's any kind of toslink -> mini USB / toslink -> apple dock kind of adapter. My computer is not an option since is not around the receiver/console.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Cheap components in receivers will yield audible distortion if the jacks aren't properly shielded from interference. This occurs in some USB ports as well since they are outputting electrical signals. Also, if your DAC has a poor signal to noise ratio, you'll hear hiss when nothing is playing, and the noise floor may obscure details in audio recordings, which is why people often say that they're hearing things they've never noticed when upgrading componets, it just results in a cleaner signal. If you output through optical Toslink, you'll be outputting a bitperfect signal that won't be subjected to noise since it's not based on an electrical signal, so see if that's an option for you.Chao said:
Edit: they do make Optical/USB converters, so look into those.
Ecto311
Member
I bet it has been posted before but anyone try this setup?
http://doesitpew.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-hifi-orthodynamic-portable.html
Link tells how to DIY HiFi Orthodynamic Portable Headphones (aka Ribbon Driver Headphones) - doesn't sound hard - if its worth the time.
http://doesitpew.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-hifi-orthodynamic-portable.html
Link tells how to DIY HiFi Orthodynamic Portable Headphones (aka Ribbon Driver Headphones) - doesn't sound hard - if its worth the time.
I'm back to my shit headphones, after a week of use the Sennhesier HD555 is physically hurting my fucking face. It's also literally digging my glasses into the sides of my head. I don't know if this is something you get used to or what the fuck. I'm not even remotely a big guy.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
They're likely a dozen country miles away from a pair of HE6s o LCD2s but I'm very interested in how they sound since she does seem to know her hifi.Ecto311 said:
Dreams-Visions
Member
If you're using the E5 *while plugged into USB power* you will hear noise.Ashhong said:
I assume they will loosen over time?jett said:
HiResDes said:
Yeah - but, all of the photos in the headliner of the post are high-tier phones, and the title of thread is $500 cans on... lol, but anyways I see your point, and I suppose it's true that people who want those things will seek out information on head-fi or other sources.
poweld said:
Hrmm I remember reading somewhere on head-fi from some users that the 595s did have the padding...
http://mikebeauchamp.com/misc/sennheiser-hd-555-to-hd-595-mod/
But it appears you are indeed right.
Recommendation post:
This is likely different than many requests, but I'm currently in the market for headphones where my main concerns are, in order:
1. Size - Large (fit my large head)
2. Comfort - A joy to wear
3. Heat - Does not burn my ears off
4. Price - Under $70
5. Audio Quality
I don't want to offend anyone in this thread, but fantastic sound quality just isn't overly important to me. Hearing is far and away my worst sense, try as I may I just can't tell the difference between music / sound qualities on my friends more expensive audio equipment. I don't listen to music, these will primarily be for moderate gaming, skype (have separate mic) and other PC applications. So, I'd like a recommendation on your most comfortable cans with temperature and price in mind.
This is likely different than many requests, but I'm currently in the market for headphones where my main concerns are, in order:
1. Size - Large (fit my large head)
2. Comfort - A joy to wear
3. Heat - Does not burn my ears off
4. Price - Under $70
5. Audio Quality
I don't want to offend anyone in this thread, but fantastic sound quality just isn't overly important to me. Hearing is far and away my worst sense, try as I may I just can't tell the difference between music / sound qualities on my friends more expensive audio equipment. I don't listen to music, these will primarily be for moderate gaming, skype (have separate mic) and other PC applications. So, I'd like a recommendation on your most comfortable cans with temperature and price in mind.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
High end iems by nature of their smaller size, are always going to be more fragile than hi end headphones. They should ideally be treated like a precision instrument, which, they are. Take good care of your stuff and so long as it doesn't suffer from an egregious flaw in its design, it will reward you for years to come.-COOLIO- said:
The draw is obviously portability, and hi end sound without the need for amplifiers, although some iems will benefit from amplification. IEMs in general will also not be able to compete with full sized phones in the same price range since their drivers are much smaller and therefore limited in performance in one way or another. Although IEMs will be less expensive in the long haul since they aren't as source dependent in order to reach their full potential. Matching components for a hi end set of phones can be very difficult and comes down to trial and error unless others (read: headfi) can provide you with a reference point.
I got my HDP today. Anything to consider? (a specefic EQ or something.) I have a Denon 2000.
Also, what's the process here; do I max its volume, and then control it from my iMac volume buttons, or is it the other way around, as in maxing the iMac volume and keeping the HDP at any desired level from its volume knob?
Also, what's the process here; do I max its volume, and then control it from my iMac volume buttons, or is it the other way around, as in maxing the iMac volume and keeping the HDP at any desired level from its volume knob?
Beef said:
Are you willing to pay $90? - if so, then http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=ad700&x=0&y=0 is the best option given your list. I was pretty much in the same boat as you are. Very happy.
This is my issue. I do want to see what's out there, besides my RE-ZERO (not RE0), but I'm afraid to lose their incredible level of detail.Gabyskra said:
My most recent IEM history was Head-Direct RE2 -> RE-ZERO, so I've grown accustomed to the Head-Direct/HiFiMAN sound.
I'm very likely to just make the jump to the HiFiMAN RE262, when I feel the itch to pick up a new IEM. It's basically everything I love in the RE-ZERO, while adding everything it's missing.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
In that price bracket? Nothing really compares really if you're looking for the same sound signature. You can go up in price by 50 bucks to get the Fischer DBA-02s which carry the same neutral analytical sound signature but are of a better build quality and offer even better sound. They are likely the best phones you can buy for the money at the moment if what you are seeking above all else is detail and neutrality.Gabyskra said:
No prob man.-COOLIO- said:
As a former owner of the 262s, I can assure you that they are incredibly good sounding phones, just be wary of their build issue. I had a pair that shorted out on the left channel within one week of owning it. It's not an isolated incident since others have experienced the same issue. The production model may have ironed that out since I owned an preproduction set.K.Jack said:
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