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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
This reminds me of when Headfi went apeshit over a picture of Bangraman's Sony Qualias hooked up to an ipod Nano hahahaIzayoi said:
Izayoi said:
Ive had old ESW9s paired with both an iPhone and also a desktop setup with an E7/ E9 combo and, yknow, they didnt sound like shit from the iPhone. they sounded better with an amp but they were done justice from the iPhone.
its one thing to be focused on supreme audio reproduction while seated at a desk or chair at home but when running around outside and dealing with external sound factors while traveling on trines or planes, SQ isnt going to be number one priority for lots of people - including those who put effort into their home setups like myself.
besides, anyone who has an iPhone or iPod and wants to bump up the sound has the benefit of using a cheap, easy to find LOD from Fiio and an amp to get a nice audio boost for cans that need it.
FLACis the only format of note that it doesnt support (as you can actually buy music in FLAC from some sites). the other formats it supports are not what I would consider proprietary to Apple with the exception of FLAC replacement ALAC. AAC is just mp4 and everyone knows mp3.
and, besides, format support did not seem to be what you were implying when you stated the ESW9 deserved better than an iPod.
and, besides, format support did not seem to be what you were implying when you stated the ESW9 deserved better than an iPod.
I'm in the market for a pair of over the ear closed headphones and possibly a set of earphones. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD-280's that I really like but now want a 2nd pair. I'll be using them at work off a Lenovo laptop so the source isn't the best. I listen to bands like the Decemberist, the National, and Foals. The 280's have been great especially since they are under $100. The only issue is that the padding makes noise sometimes. Besides comfort and sound quality the other thing that is important is isolation. I don't want my co-workers to hear my music. I'm willing to spend up to $200 but would rather stick around $100. Any reason to get something besides another pair of 280's?
As for earphones are any of the recommended really good at blocking sound out? I have a pair of Bose(received as a gift) in ear and they don't seem to keep any sound out. They are also uncomfortable. I really will only use these 5-10 times a year for flying as I don't like to carry my headphones and I'm worried about them getting damaged.
As for earphones are any of the recommended really good at blocking sound out? I have a pair of Bose(received as a gift) in ear and they don't seem to keep any sound out. They are also uncomfortable. I really will only use these 5-10 times a year for flying as I don't like to carry my headphones and I'm worried about them getting damaged.
GAF I need help -
I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650s. So far I love the sound. I currently run them through my laptop- a Sony Vaio, just about the only thing that'll drive them decently. I used to own a Cowon D2 and it didn't do a half bad job either.
I now own a Samsung Galaxy S, and to be quite frank, it can't do shit.
What are my options for portable amplification that can do these puppies justice under 200
? I would like to run these puppies through my Phone, but with proper amplification so they sound good.
Head-Fi is of zero help. Everytime someone suggests a Fio E11 or a CMOY, they are laughed at.
I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650s. So far I love the sound. I currently run them through my laptop- a Sony Vaio, just about the only thing that'll drive them decently. I used to own a Cowon D2 and it didn't do a half bad job either.
I now own a Samsung Galaxy S, and to be quite frank, it can't do shit.
What are my options for portable amplification that can do these puppies justice under 200
? I would like to run these puppies through my Phone, but with proper amplification so they sound good.Head-Fi is of zero help. Everytime someone suggests a Fio E11 or a CMOY, they are laughed at.
thuway said:GAF I need help -
I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650s. So far I love the sound. I currently run them through my laptop- a Sony Vaio, just about the only thing that'll drive them decently. I used to own a Cowon D2 and it didn't do a half bad job either.
I now own a Samsung Galaxy S, and to be quite frank, it can't do shit.
What are my options for portable amplification that can do these puppies justice under 200
Head-Fi is of zero help. Everytime someone suggests a Fio E11 or a CMOY, they are laughed at.
I would say it's not even worth it, just buy another pair of more portable friendly headphones. I mean, shit, I would never take ~300 cans outside.
I'm looking to buy Ultrasones for a friend and noticed the HFI-780 @ $160, down from $192 yesterday. I think my friend prefers more bass than what the 780 seemingly offer, so I'm stuck thinking between the 780 and 580. Any ideas?
Also, just letting anyone else interested in the 780 know about the sale.
Also, just letting anyone else interested in the 780 know about the sale.
That's true. I still stand by that statement though. There are other products out there that have higher quality DACs and can produce a better signal than the iPod, and if you're going to be pairing expensive headphones with something it seems like kind of a waste to pair them with the iPod. That's just me, though. I know not everyone is concerned solely with sound quality.LCfiner said:
opticalmace
Member
Well it's like running a race car on 87 unleaded. If I were you I would save up some money for an integrated amp/DAC for home use (not portable), and just get some nice IEMs for day to day (Shure S4).thuway said:GAF I need help -
I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650s. So far I love the sound. I currently run them through my laptop- a Sony Vaio, just about the only thing that'll drive them decently. I used to own a Cowon D2 and it didn't do a half bad job either.
I now own a Samsung Galaxy S, and to be quite frank, it can't do shit.
What are my options for portable amplification that can do these puppies justice under 200
Head-Fi is of zero help. Everytime someone suggests a Fio E11 or a CMOY, they are laughed at.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
What is everyone's opinion on the new fiio line of tiny amps? Specifically the E6 which is set to launch at the end of the month (it's out but it's just this IEM bundle another company has and fiio is giving them some exclusivity time)?
Here's the link to the product page!
It basically APPEARS to be a mini E5 with slightly updated specs. Sure it's no E7, but from what I can tell googling around it's going for only like $30.
Here's the link to the product page!
It basically APPEARS to be a mini E5 with slightly updated specs. Sure it's no E7, but from what I can tell googling around it's going for only like $30.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
ravien56 said:
The fiiO E7 listed in the OP is $94 on Amazon right now.
opticalmace said:
This. I have the 650's also and they need a pretty hefty Amp to drive them, even the E7/E9 combo is a little lean for getting the full potential out of the headphones. Plus, nothing beats a good pair of IEMs for on the go use. As much as I love my 650's, my Shure SE210's are my workhouse headphones, would be lost without them.
ravien56 said:
Is tat like the E3 or whatever? If there is one that works with the iPhone, I would imagine it would provide better sound, as digital > analog. Not sure how much of a difference it would make if you are using an amp as well though.
If you're asking if you NEED a lod cable to use the E7, the answer is no.
ravien56 said:No shipping to Canada
FYI,
headphonebar.com is Canadian and ships within canada. might be cheaper and faster than ebay. they sell the E7, E11, the new E6 and Fiios cheap and effective Line Out Dock cables.
edit: I have not bought from them but Ive visited their site. I dont want to give the wrong impression.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
LCfiner said:
Thanks for the info! I actually found a thread over at HeadFi that gave me some useful info as one poster got the amp early to review. Review isn't up yet, but general impressions are it's a step up from the E5, and shares a little more backbone with the E7. I don't expect anything life changing, but it's good news none the less.
This is especially cause its hard to tell a difference between the E5 and E6 based on specs, and the thread noted as such, but said the specs are slightly deceiving.
PS: I mainly want it to use with my smart phone. Though if I had it in my bag I'd probably use it with my CR-48 and my Vita when I get one too!
PS: I 2nd going with Headphonebar!
Dreams-Visions
Member
that will power the HD650? The E7+E9 can do it. But you'll get a better experience from the NuForce Icon HDP. Costs more, sounds better. Go with what you're willing to pay.ravien56 said:
edit: fixed the Icon's name. the HDP is a DAC+Amp with more inputs than a regular Icon. but it's not cheap. Regular Icon is fantastic if you don't need the dac capabilities.
The T1's really are near sonic balance perfection for me. I've never had to EQ a phone or IEM so little as I have with these. The balance is almost, almost perfect. I increase EQ ever so slightly in the lower frequencies to add some bass quantity and decrease at 128hz ever so slightly to add some weight to the vocals and a teeny bit more clarity, but besides these very minor changes (that are not required at all, rather just personal taste), it's pretty much flawless.
I'm sure with a better amp it would be even better. SR-71A does valiantly, but I doubt the cans would say no to more power.
If I was forced to note possible improvements for these cans, I'd ask for just a bit more thickness in vocals, more bass quantity and just slightly less sharp high's, but it's the closest thing to a perfectly balanced can I've personally heard. I am by nature a bass junky, so some of you might not want any more bass. Also, a wider soundstage couldn't be bad, not that they aren't wide enough, but I do love a spacious stage!
.
I'm sure with a better amp it would be even better. SR-71A does valiantly, but I doubt the cans would say no to more power.
If I was forced to note possible improvements for these cans, I'd ask for just a bit more thickness in vocals, more bass quantity and just slightly less sharp high's, but it's the closest thing to a perfectly balanced can I've personally heard. I am by nature a bass junky, so some of you might not want any more bass. Also, a wider soundstage couldn't be bad, not that they aren't wide enough, but I do love a spacious stage!
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Pachterballs
Banned
Are the beats by Dr Dre brand headphones anygood? I'm beginning to see them just about everywhere but they're $300...
What does GAF think of this with the HD650s?
http://headphonia.com/The-Arrow-Amp:::1012.html?XTCsid=ca650eae23ef461944f1346f4dd06725
http://headphonia.com/The-Arrow-Amp:::1012.html?XTCsid=ca650eae23ef461944f1346f4dd06725
chrisisawesome
Member
Pachterballs said:
I have a pair of beyerdynamic DT990's, AKG K240s, Monster Turbines and Astro A30's. I just got a set of Beats solo HD just because I was curious, they look good, and I wanted something with Control Talk. The solo HD's are wayyy overpriced at $250 for the quality in sound you are getting. You are better off getting the A30's or Monster turbines for 1/2 the cost. They have a lotttttt of bass and is good for only certain types of music (rap/hip-hop). Otherwise dont even bother with them. For the price you can get such better sound quality (DT990's, DT880's, DT770's, sennheiser HD25, audio technica M50, astro A30, the Astro Mixamp+headset COMBO etc...)
edit: btw, I got the beats solo hd for $130+tax (friend who works for em) they're worth it at that price...but even then :S
CrunchyFrog
Member
I've taken a glance at the suggestions in the OP, but frankly it's all greek to me. Which set of IEM's would give the best performance per buck for <$100? I wouldn't say I'm a huge glutton for audio quality, but I can definitely tell the difference between your average 128 kbps mp3 and a proper lossless flac. Comfortability and durability would be nice as well, but I ultimately bow to the supreme wisdom of Audiophile-GAF. I listen to all kinds of music, from techno to jazz to classical, so a good balance is preferred. Additionally, if I can get a better deal on headphones at the same price I'd be open to that as well so long as it's fairly portable.
LCfiner said:I know FR graphs dont tell the whole story but this comparison of the monster solo vs the venerable sennhesier HD25-1 portable (decent choice for portable use) says a lot about what the Beats emphasize (hint: THUD, THUD bass)
As far as graphs go, that's a pretty poor frequency graph for the Beats. Potentially grossly over emphasised bass and muddiness with recessed higher end and poor detailing. Obviously though you are right, graphs don't tell the whole story. HD25-1's graph looks infinitely more promising and better balanced.
CrunchyFrog said:
Klipsch S4s can be had for $60-$70 and they're actually my workhorse phones now for electronic and hip-hop. My SR225s are amazing for rock/indie but bass heavy stuff is kinda weak through them so I use the S4s which are actually surprisingly solid all-around (for the price).
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