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The Official Headphone Thread 2.5: We're Making WAVs and Catching FLAC
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
Xander51
Member
Xander51
Member
Has anyone tried the Beoplay H6 (2nd gen) ?
Until your post, I did not even know they were a thing! I'll have to look into them more, although they sit at the upper end of the price I'm usually willing to pay. They look stylish though.
Flying Toaster
Member
They are nice but in that price email range you could go custom boutique.
So I just bought the Creative Sound BlasterX G5 from Best Buy for $75 because it was half price and I had $30 worth of certificates to get rid of. I got it because I want better sound from my games on PC and PS4.
I haven't opened it yet so I have a few days to return it. I wanted to do a little research first, so I find my way over to you all and had no idea this rabbit hole went as far down as it does.
I'd love some advice. I play on PC and PS4. I already have the Gold headset. I only have a monoprice set of headphones. What should I do?
I haven't opened it yet so I have a few days to return it. I wanted to do a little research first, so I find my way over to you all and had no idea this rabbit hole went as far down as it does.
I'd love some advice. I play on PC and PS4. I already have the Gold headset. I only have a monoprice set of headphones. What should I do?
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Advice for what?
I am not fond of customs. Too much hassle.
Advice on what I should do if I'd like to get better sound out of my PC. Should I stay with the Creative Sound BlasterX G5 and my monoprice headset? Should I get something else entirely? I am very new to this and would like someone to point me in the right direction. Thanks!
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Probably better headphones.
The soundblaster is probably fine if you stick with the normal stereo output and none of the 7.1 enchancements.
The soundblaster is probably fine if you stick with the normal stereo output and none of the 7.1 enchancements.
s-bojan
Banned
I have 2 setups:
home (schiit 2 uber stack + fidelio x2)
portable (iphone 6s + dunu2000j)
I am really liking my gear, but as I will upgrade to iphone 7/8, I started thinking about replacing schiit with Chord Mojo.
Is that wise, or should I invest my money into a better headphones. If so, which one
?
home (schiit 2 uber stack + fidelio x2)
portable (iphone 6s + dunu2000j)
I am really liking my gear, but as I will upgrade to iphone 7/8, I started thinking about replacing schiit with Chord Mojo.
Is that wise, or should I invest my money into a better headphones. If so, which one
?Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
If you want to invest in better headphones you'd have to get Bluetooth ones or ones with a lightning connector in that case.
The mojo is super nice, and i use it for my commute everyday, but it's still too big to be used comfortably that frequently on my commute so i bought a dragonfly Red instead because i also don't want to worry about carrying another device that requires charge other than my phone.
Great now though using it as a desktop and home transportable rig (use it at my computer desk, and then i can carry it to my couch/bed and use it there too)
The mojo is super nice, and i use it for my commute everyday, but it's still too big to be used comfortably that frequently on my commute so i bought a dragonfly Red instead because i also don't want to worry about carrying another device that requires charge other than my phone.
Great now though using it as a desktop and home transportable rig (use it at my computer desk, and then i can carry it to my couch/bed and use it there too)
Why are you upgrading at all? Also I most definitely wouldn't buy the mojo if you have the stack if that's even much of an upgrade you won't hear the difference with the already efficient X2.I have 2 setups:
home (schiit 2 uber stack + fidelio x2)
portable (iphone 6s + dunu2000j)
I am really liking my gear, but as I will upgrade to iphone 7/8, I started thinking about replacing schiit with Chord Mojo.
Is that wise, or should I invest my money into a better headphones. If so, which one
I have 2 setups:
home (schiit 2 uber stack + fidelio x2)
portable (iphone 6s + dunu2000j)
I am really liking my gear, but as I will upgrade to iphone 7/8, I started thinking about replacing schiit with Chord Mojo.
Is that wise, or should I invest my money into a better headphones. If so, which one
Why upgrade either, the gear or the headphones? I mean, if there isn't anything in that list with which you're unhappy, what's the point?
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
If you want an upgrade in terms of quality in components though, while i haven't heard the m&m stack i can definitely vouch that the mojo is on par with the jotunheim.
Xander51
Member
Y...you mean the new Solo 3's? They're completely identical to the Solo 2 Wireless except with a new bluetooth chip and better battery life. If you already own the earlier ones you can 100 percent skip them.
I have $50 of Apple Store credit. I'm willing to spend additional cash, but I'm wondering if they sell any decent quality wireless over the ear or on ear (basically just not in ear) headphones? Ideally not over $200. If not, do decent wireless headphones exist in that range from other outlets? I got an iPhone 7 recently and that's the straw that broke the camel's back in the decision to go wireless. Thanks in advance!
Athreous
Member
Guys, I'm looking for a good budget wireless headphone for under 60$ to talk with my friends while playing some games...
There are cheap versions for 25$, but they don't have mics I think...
Do you guys recommend any good weiress one?
Atm I'm using a Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
There are cheap versions for 25$, but they don't have mics I think...
Do you guys recommend any good weiress one?
Atm I'm using a Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
Not sure about the US, but over here Apple is selling B&W headphones. And the P5/P7 are excellent wireless headphones. Though both above budget. But it's worth it.
DarkChronic
Member
Hi all,
Hoping this is the right place to ask this:
Recently received some new DT 990s for gaming purposes and I'm really enjoying them so far.
I have them plugged into a Yamaha receiver where both my PS4 and PC are connected via HDMI.
I've noticed when things are quiet that I'm getting a low buzz/humming noise coming from the headphones. The humming/buzz DOES change in volume when I raise/lower the volume, and it goes away completely when I hit mute.
It's not TOO bad when I'm playing a game, because it's fairly drowned out, but it is definitely a bit noticeable during quiet scenes.
Is this what they call "noise floor"? Something that is normal? Or is there a way I can minimize this a bit?
Hoping this is the right place to ask this:
Recently received some new DT 990s for gaming purposes and I'm really enjoying them so far.
I have them plugged into a Yamaha receiver where both my PS4 and PC are connected via HDMI.
I've noticed when things are quiet that I'm getting a low buzz/humming noise coming from the headphones. The humming/buzz DOES change in volume when I raise/lower the volume, and it goes away completely when I hit mute.
It's not TOO bad when I'm playing a game, because it's fairly drowned out, but it is definitely a bit noticeable during quiet scenes.
Is this what they call "noise floor"? Something that is normal? Or is there a way I can minimize this a bit?
Have you tried plugging them into something else, to see if the noise persists?
Awesome, thanks for the suggestion! I think I can justify spending the little bit extra for something quality.
Huh.
I needed comfortable in ear phones for watching and listening in bed. Finally ended up with Bose soundsports (come at me) and not only are they the comfiest I've worn, they have the best bass. They blow my ultimate ears and shures away.
I'd never have tried em except for the gel ear insert thingy.
I needed comfortable in ear phones for watching and listening in bed. Finally ended up with Bose soundsports (come at me) and not only are they the comfiest I've worn, they have the best bass. They blow my ultimate ears and shures away.
I'd never have tried em except for the gel ear insert thingy.
Sounds like an interference issue or a ground loop to me.
Easiest way to confirm this is to move the receiver to another power socket by itself and hook only your mobile phone to it. If the buzzing isn't an issue/as much of an issue, its a ground loop or interference issue. If its the same, its probably a problem with the amp (noise floor as you state).
There's nothing fundamentally wrong with Bose products. Its a stupid audiophile opinion people parrot around. They're expensive but they don't sound terrible, the warranty is nice, and they're not ergonomically challenged. Egonomics can actually impact sounds quality significantly when it comes to headphones.
Though I am curious what Ultimate Ears and Shure earphones you're talking about. Bose products aren't really kicking in the bass department so what you describe seems like an eartip seal issue.
Se315s and ue900s (former I am guessing because I'm in the basement and they're in the office but I'm almost certain.) and Absolutely it's fit and seal related. I should have stressed that but the drivers themselves are excellent. Deep and thumpy but still lovely and clear, I noticed it especially in bass solos on Robert Palmers heavy nova album (porn for bass guitarists imo)
I owned a pair of QC35s for a few months. Really great ANC can, and I wouldn't even consider it expensive, considering it's class-leading ANC performance. Super comfortable too, basically a winner in all aspects except audio. They don't sound bad, unfortunately their audio signature is so middle-of-the-road it's almost boring. Obviously a major factor, maybe even a dealbreaker if you're any kind of audiophile. Certainly was for me, in the end I sold them off and picked up the new Sony MDR-1000xs.
So yeah, the idea that Bose stuff is always overpriced, or sounds bad, isn't always true. Much like how Beats is always shit (Solo 2s disproved that).
So yeah, the idea that Bose stuff is always overpriced, or sounds bad, isn't always true. Much like how Beats is always shit (Solo 2s disproved that).
DarkChronic
Member
The noise persists across all inputs and different devices, PC/PS4. I'm also hearing it with different headphones.
I'll give this a try. From the research I've done, it appears ground loop noise does NOT change with volume, for the most part, no? Because currently the volume DOES affect the noise.
Yet they were so poor sounding, that you sold them for something else?
A tad hyperbolic, perhaps?
I never said they were bad sounding, and I've certainly listened to worse headphones that cost more (Beyer T90s, for one).
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Bose never really sound bad. Warm, kinda inoffensive sound, not amazing but it's alright. You buy it for the isolation.
This has been my experience. I've definitely heard some muddiness in a great deal of their shit too.
Xander51
Member
Yes, Bose is best at comfort and isolation. The QC 25 and 35 have both served me well for my time working in places like coffee shops. Their sound is laid back and inoffensive, like wearing a warm blanket. Not quite as crisp or detailed as the competition, but still very listenable.
DarkChronic
Member
OK. So this is interesting.
Hooked up my phone to the receiver, and the "volume" levels seem to be extremely different than when I have my PS4/PC hooked up.
On the phone, "comfortable" listening levels is around -30 - -25 decibel level. If I pause the music and raise the db level to 0, I can hear the buzz.
However, when I'm playing PC/PS4, comfortable listening level is around -15 - -10. Since it's closer to 0/max volume, I can hear that buzz.
Why are the volumes "different" for these two things? Audio is completely out of my realm - hope what I'm asking makes sense. Is it because I have the phone plugged in via USB, and the other two via HDMI? Does the HDMI draw more "power" and thus require more volume?
This has to confirm that the buzz I'm hearing is indeed noise floor, yes?
Hmm, could it be the HDMI cable?
Ace Harding
Member
So I just got my first pair of decent headphones - nothing fancy - NVX XPT100's. In the past I've only had IEMs - generally the best I can find for under $100 based on recommendations I find here and on Reddit.
I'm finding they sound really, really good for certain albums - just enough bass, solid sub-bass when present, really warm and clear mids, and decent highs. Vocals tend to be really strong, same with brass instruments and distorted guitars. I feel like I'm hearing actual soundstage for the first time as well - much better separation and a sense of space than in the IEMs I've been using.
But on a lot of songs, they sound pretty flat. I don't think of myself as a "bass head" or anything, but I like to be able to feel the fullness of a kick drum when its there.
I get that these headphones are known to be flat, and that's generally OK. I like warm mids and do not like overpowering bass. But why do some songs seem perfectly mixed with the right amount of bass while others are underwhelmingly flat when that's not the case using IEMs for the same songs? Do these need to be amplified more? I'm just plugging them into my PC or iPhone.
I'm finding they sound really, really good for certain albums - just enough bass, solid sub-bass when present, really warm and clear mids, and decent highs. Vocals tend to be really strong, same with brass instruments and distorted guitars. I feel like I'm hearing actual soundstage for the first time as well - much better separation and a sense of space than in the IEMs I've been using.
But on a lot of songs, they sound pretty flat. I don't think of myself as a "bass head" or anything, but I like to be able to feel the fullness of a kick drum when its there.
I get that these headphones are known to be flat, and that's generally OK. I like warm mids and do not like overpowering bass. But why do some songs seem perfectly mixed with the right amount of bass while others are underwhelmingly flat when that's not the case using IEMs for the same songs? Do these need to be amplified more? I'm just plugging them into my PC or iPhone.
DarkChronic
Member
Don't think so. I've tried various ones (the one that came with the PS4, the Wii U, and separate Monster HDMI cable I have).
All of them, and the USB cable, produce the same "buzz" that increases with volume.
When I unplug the HDMI/input in question, the buzz goes away, but it cuts out my source, if that means anything.
DarkChronic
Member
I just bought some ferrite beads off Amazon to clip on to my HDMI cables. Looks like I'm getting HDMI/USB signal noise and apparently these can help:
http://www.techhive.com/article/306...noises-from-your-audio-and-video-systems.html
Anyone have experience with them? Wasting my money or is there a shot of these actually damping the hum a bit?
http://www.techhive.com/article/306...noises-from-your-audio-and-video-systems.html
Anyone have experience with them? Wasting my money or is there a shot of these actually damping the hum a bit?
Xander51
Member
I dig your name and avatar.
I don't think the XPT100's are known for being hard to drive. So amplification shouldn't be an issue.
Properly-sealed IEM's are always going to have an easier time delivering punchy bass than an over-ear headphone. So, I think that what you're hearing is just a combination of the way things are mixed in your music plus your brain not yet adjusting to the new cans. If your brain is used to a punchier headphone, and you then listen to a flatter one, it's going to sound even more bass-light than it actually is.
There's an outside chance the pads are not sealing right on your head. So you could check for that too.
If you give yourself a few days of listening to just the XPT100 and nothing else, I'd wager that the IEM's will sound overly boomy by comparison.
This is why the headphone rabbit hole is so easy to go down. Once you're buying models generally accepted as "Good," it becomes about "different" instead of "better". Different headphones are better suited to different songs/types of sound. It's kind of a crazy nightmare, but it's the nature of the beast.
Hello!
I'm trying to figure out where to start,
I have Gamecom 780 which while they are not bad, they are shitty gaming headset.
I wanna go deeper.
Here are my options, forget the budget, I wanna buy in black friday on amazon, I hopefully don't wanna waste more than 150€...but it all depends if it justifies and the promotion I get.
I want open back headphones, over the ear, 70% gaming and 30% music.
Here are the options they seem to fit best, ignoring budget:
Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones - Black
Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro-250
Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium Headphones, Black~
What is to note is that I will be buying the DAC/AMP
FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black)
This is my first setup for real headphones experience.
I hope you can help me decide.
Obviously you guys will think the Fidelio x2 is the best, but it's way more expensive than the other 3 options.
So, if fidelio x2 goes on a good sale, I will pick it.
If not, I gotta choose between 598 or Audio technica ad700x
Now which one is the best recommended?
Any other options you would recommend?
Thanks.
Edit: last but not least, any recommended mic set for these headphones?
I'm trying to figure out where to start,
I have Gamecom 780 which while they are not bad, they are shitty gaming headset.
I wanna go deeper.
Here are my options, forget the budget, I wanna buy in black friday on amazon, I hopefully don't wanna waste more than 150€...but it all depends if it justifies and the promotion I get.
I want open back headphones, over the ear, 70% gaming and 30% music.
Here are the options they seem to fit best, ignoring budget:
Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones - Black
Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT-990-Pro-250
Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium Headphones, Black~
What is to note is that I will be buying the DAC/AMP
FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black)
This is my first setup for real headphones experience.
I hope you can help me decide.
Obviously you guys will think the Fidelio x2 is the best, but it's way more expensive than the other 3 options.
So, if fidelio x2 goes on a good sale, I will pick it.
If not, I gotta choose between 598 or Audio technica ad700x
Now which one is the best recommended?
Any other options you would recommend?
Thanks.
Edit: last but not least, any recommended mic set for these headphones?
Hey folks! I'm starting to look into a new headphone setup and will primarily be using these for gaming. My criteria are that they be really, really comfortable on my head (I'm really sensitive to pressure on my upper jaw area) and that they have good sound quality / a good sound stage.
My budget will be $300.
I've zeroed in on the DT990's from a review I read at headfi but I am in no hurry and could end up with something completely different. I'm also considering the fact that I may need or want a desktop Amp for best sound and am trying to leave room in the budget for that.
Right now I'm using an Asus Z170 Pro Gaming mobo with the 8 channel SupremeFX chip and the optical audio output to my Onkyo receiver.
Suggestions? And should I plan on a desktop Amp for the best sound since I am trying to get a decent headset this time around or is it not needed?
My budget will be $300.
I've zeroed in on the DT990's from a review I read at headfi but I am in no hurry and could end up with something completely different. I'm also considering the fact that I may need or want a desktop Amp for best sound and am trying to leave room in the budget for that.
Right now I'm using an Asus Z170 Pro Gaming mobo with the 8 channel SupremeFX chip and the optical audio output to my Onkyo receiver.
Suggestions? And should I plan on a desktop Amp for the best sound since I am trying to get a decent headset this time around or is it not needed?
Thanks for the recommendation. I noticed in one of the reviews on Head-fi that the very wide soundstage was praised on the k7xx series and that made them great for gaming and that they seemed to be very comfortable for most users. I think I might give them a whirl.
One question though, if I'm outputting from my PC to my home stereo receiver (in this case an Onkyo TX-NR525) then I shouldn't need any other amp, right? The reviews for the k7xx said that they were fairly picky about their sound source and needed a good amp for best sound. I just want to make sure that I am doing them justice.