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[deoee]

This is the road to madness that ends with trying to discern differences where there are none and spending too much money and storage space on hi-res files you don't need.

Sometimes Apple Music encodes sound a little bit different because of the Mastered for iTunes program, but you'd have to be a dog to notice a difference between the two services on highest quality.

Did you try it?

I was thinking the same but I can't say that the differences are only heard by dogs.
Had a few friends take a listen on good eq and they all could tell that they sound different and which one sounds better.

I don't know if it's every song but most things I listen too have huge differences

 

[Blitzhex]

Monitor Audios are good. I was looking at the Platinum PL 200 II or 300 II to purchase recently, but their distribution/dealership situation in America is dire.

Don't actually shove them against the walls. Create an equilateral triangle with you as the vertex. Leave at least one foot of space behind them, and try to leave 3 to 4 feet of space on the sides. At least 6.5 feet between.

Sit at your listening position and play around with toe-ing in, ie, angling the speaker slightly towards your listening position. See what's sounds best, most focused. Try some acoustic tracks with good vocals.

edit: also, since you went for the Marantz, I get an idea of your budget. If possible, return and go for either the Elac or the Nuprime. Even though 8 ohms, the MA speakers you bought will play nicer with more power. Also speakers need time to break in, don't panic if they don't sound good out of the box.

Thanks for the suggestions, going to look into getting the elac and nuprime. The are just what I'm looking for in an amp. PL IIs are crazy tier though.

 

[PhaZZe]

Im very newbie about sound system and headphones, right now im using a cooler master sirus 5.1 i know i know "gaming".
Any good suggestions under 120 usd, and how can i make it with mic if they dont have one, i just want quality sound for gaming and music, thanks!

 

[Xander51]

Im very newbie about sound system and headphones, right now im using a cooler master sirus 5.1 i know i know "gaming".
Any good suggestions under 120 usd, and how can i make it with mic if they dont have one, i just want quality sound for gaming and music, thanks!

At that price, I'd pick up a HyperX Cloud II/CloudX. Great headphones and an okay mic for $99. Get the Cloud II if you need a USB sound card and the CloudX if you want a hard case included.

 

[matmanx1]

Hifiman HE-400S and Audioquest Nighthawk's both arrived today. I've really only spent a little time with the 400S but so far I really like it. This one has a grille mod done really tastefully by the previous owner and the Focus - A pads and is extremely comfortable to me.

These really sound good on the few songs I have listened to thus far. Much more neutral and balanced than the fun but peaky Fischer Audio fa-011's that I have been using lately. More to come later.

 

[Tommy DJ]

Some other people might suggest NAD but I have no experience with that.

NAD isn't great. Ignoring subjective opinions with regards to sound, the design with a lot of them are both inadequate and insufficient. The older designs, who aren't using practically straight-from-the-shelf Hypex modules, get ridiculously hot and often fail because of the heat.

NAD's greatest achievement is probably the NAD 3020. Besides that...I dunno, they're just sort of there. Middling sound, still fairly high prices, and not terribly good design if longevity is a concern.

Did you try it?

I was thinking the same but I can't say that the differences are only heard by dogs.
Had a few friends take a listen on good eq and they all could tell that they sound different and which one sounds better.

I don't know if it's every song but most things I listen too have huge differences

I can't listen to it but you are correct that there are differences in steaming services.

But most of these differences are the fact the two files are actually completely different. They're either not the same masters or manipulated to roll off/brick wall frequencies past a certain point.

I know that Spotify used to brick wall frequencies past 15khz for some songs, to help the consumer stay within their mobile data limits presumably. Dunno if they still do it now.

 

[Tommy DJ]

Double post

 

[K.Jack]

Did you try it?

I was thinking the same but I can't say that the differences are only heard by dogs.
Had a few friends take a listen on good eq and they all could tell that they sound different and which one sounds better.

I don't know if it's every song but most things I listen too have huge differences

Without it being a blind test, it's not an objective comparison.

 

[CrashPrime]

For someone who likes the shape size and feel of the Phillips SHP9500 what are a similar pair of closed back cans that offer good value and comfort? I'd like some isolation so people dont need to hear my music.

I have JVC SZ2000 for bass shenanigans but they are huge.

 

[Fox1304]

Thumbs up for B&O customer service!
They're sending me a new H7 unit, mine was faulty. Disgnostic made in about 2h, shipped in 4. Feels good to have some serious service once in a while.

 

[deoee]

Without it being a blind test, it's not an objective comparison.

It was a blind test I didn't state which one was better, just asked them, if they hear any differences.

I'm not trying to make the devil out of Spotify here, but people could at least try. If it's just the mastering that's different than no one can blame Spotify for getting shit masters. But if Spotify itself does something I'm really surprised no one is talking about this :-D

 

[disillusion386]

Does anybody have any suggestions on portable headphones for traveling? I was looking at the M50x because it's foldable, has detachable cables, and well-reviewed. Then I started doing a bit more research, and a lot of people, including on here, think they're overrated.

Any other suggestions? I think my only requirements for this pair is that they're closed (no need to be noise-canceling) and can easily be brought on planes, trains, etc. I also wouldn't mind paying a bit more if that will get me better sound quality, but definitely can't spend above $250. Just for reference, I have the Sennheiser HD598 for gaming and at-home music listening, which I'm loving.

 

[matmanx1]

Thumbs up for B&O customer service!
They're sending me a new H7 unit, mine was faulty. Disgnostic made in about 2h, shipped in 4. Feels good to have some serious service once in a while.

Good on them. That''s exactly how it should be done.

And I'll also take this chance to say that I am extremely impressed with the Hifiman 400S. I wore it for several hours last night for both gaming and music listening and it was super comfortable and sounded fantastic out my Lyr 2 with LISST. It has the best and most detailed mids of any headphone that I have yet tried including the Sony MDR-MA900, Fostex TH-X00 and the Audioquest Nighthawk all of which cost the same or substantially more money.

And speaking of the Nighthawk, I requested a return on it after about 30 minutes of listening. The bass isn't as good as the Fischer Audio fa-011 and the mids are pushed back beyond what I find acceptable. The Nighthawk is "famous" for being a smooth, non fatiguing headphone and for being extremely comfortable and while I agree with the "smooth" label I actually thought the HE-400S was more comfortable.

The Nighthawk isn't bad by any means and I can see some folks being happy with it. But with the fa-011's being a lot more fun (and a heck of a lot cheaper) and the 400S being so good as an all arounder it just doesn't have a place in my stable.

 

[deoee]

Does anybody have any suggestions on portable headphones for traveling? I was looking at the M50x because it's foldable, has detachable cables, and well-reviewed. Then I started doing a bit more research, and a lot of people, including on here, think they're overrated.

Any other suggestions? I think my only requirements for this pair is that they're closed (no need to be noise-canceling) and can easily be brought on planes, trains, etc. I also wouldn't mind paying a bit more if that will get me better sound quality, but definitely can't spend above $250. Just for reference, I have the Sennheiser HD598 for gaming and at-home music listening, which I'm loving.

I love my Sennheiser HD 8 DJ (7 are the same but use other materials iirc)

 

[disillusion386]

I love my Sennheiser HD 8 DJ (7 are the same but use other materials iirc)

Thanks, I just looked them up. The 8s are for sure outside my price range, but the 7s are reasonable. The cables are a bit long though, and I was thinking of wearing them while traveling. Do the cables have the same proprietary plug Sennheiser uses?

How's the sound quality overall? Also, the specs say it has 95 ohms of impedance. Would I need a portable amp?

 

[deoee]

Thanks, I just looked them up. The 8s are for sure outside my price range, but the 7s are reasonable. The cables are a bit long though, and I was thinking of wearing them while traveling. Do the cables have the same proprietary plug Sennheiser uses?

How's the sound quality overall? Also, the specs say it has 95 ohms of impedance. Would I need a portable amp?

You can get a shorter cable for around 10€ on amazon or ebay (http://www.ebay.de/itm/281368921510...49&var=580399248297&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT)
I found the coiled one too heavy for the range I use it in and the straight one is too long.

I made a write up in this sound once but in case you can't find it I wrote some impressions over here:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/832970/dec...o-x2-sennheiser-hd8-dj-and-beyerdynamic-dt770

I'm really really impressed by the headphones, they make my Sennheiser HD 598 sound.. well.. shitty in comparison.

You might want to upgrade to an AMP at some point but I can listen to the headphones with okayish quality on my Oneplus X without an AMP.

Would love to give you more info if you need it


Edit: Btw. I'm looking to sell my Sennheiser HD 598 for ~115€, if anyone here is interested send me a PM

 

[disillusion386]

You can get a shorter cable for around 10€ on amazon or ebay (http://www.ebay.de/itm/281368921510...49&var=580399248297&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT)
I found the coiled one too heavy for the range I use it in and the straight one is too long.

I made a write up in this sound once but in case you can't find it I wrote some impressions over here:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/832970/dec...o-x2-sennheiser-hd8-dj-and-beyerdynamic-dt770

I'm really really impressed by the headphones, they make my Sennheiser HD 598 sound.. well.. shitty in comparison.

You might want to upgrade to an AMP at some point but I can listen to the headphones with okayish quality on my Oneplus X without an AMP.

Would love to give you more info if you need it


Edit: Btw. I'm looking to sell my Sennheiser HD 598 for ~115€, if anyone here is interested send me a PM

Thanks, I appreciate it. I have a DAC/amp at home so the pair I'm looking for would mostly be plugged in directly to my phone. Also, is it wrong that I don't like how they look? It's probably dumb, but I guess I'm going for a more discreet look.

I searched around a bit more, and the Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 and Sony MDR-1A keep popping up. You wouldn't happen to have any thoughts on those?

 

[deoee]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I have a DAC/amp at home so the pair I'm looking for would mostly be plugged in directly to my phone. Also, is it wrong that I don't like how they look? It's probably dumb, but I guess I'm going for a more discreet look.

I searched around a bit more, and the Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 and Sony MDR-1A keep popping up. You wouldn't happen to have any thoughts on those?

I dunno, you wear them on your head so you don't see them + the HD 8 is sturdy as hell.

I doubt you will find anything more durable than this headphone

For me they look different and sleek but by all means - I wouldn't write any headphone off just because they look different (hi STAX!)

Sadly I have not tried neither of then

 

[HiResDes]

Those are all good headphones man, the DJ 7 definitely a notch below though. I'd also throw in the Momentum Over Ears 2.0 and KEF M500 (Even though they're on-ear they're super comfortable)

 

[deoee]

Those are all good headphones man, the DJ 7 definitely a notch below though. I'd also throw in the Momentum Over Ears 2.0 and KEF M500 (Even though they're on-ear they're super comfortable)

How come? I'm curious

Also have you considered IEMs?

 

[disillusion386]

Those are all good headphones man, the DJ 7 definitely a notch below though. I'd also throw in the Momentum Over Ears 2.0 and KEF M500 (Even though they're on-ear they're super comfortable)

For the bolded, you were referring to just the DJ 8s, right? Or the MSR7s and MDR-1As as well?

I'll look into the other two pairs, but they look to be on the top end/outside of my price range at the moment.

How come? I'm curious

Also have you considered IEMs?

I have not, but would be open to them.

 

[HiResDes]

How come? I'm curious

Also have you considered IEMs?

I haven't heard the HD DJ8, only the 7 but if it is anything like its lower tiered brother than it is just so overly warm that vocals just kind of meandered along and any sort of upper range clarity seemed lost to me. I don't have the best ears but even the bass which seemed really fun at first didn't seem to offer any depth in terms of linearity and sub bass layers. If a headphone is basically gonna sport a basshead signature it should get that right first and foremost.

I would still probably favor the other headphones unless the DJ 8 sounded a lot different.

 

[deoee]

I haven't heard the HD DJ8, only the 7 but if it is anything like its lower tiered brother than it is just so overly warm that vocals just kind of meandered along and any sort of upper range clarity seemed lost to me. I don't have the best ears but even the bass which seemed really fun at first didn't seem to offer any depth in terms of linearity and sub bass layers. If a headphone is basically gonna sport a basshead signature it should get that right first and foremost.

I would still probably favor the other headphones unless the DJ 8 sounded a lot different.

Ah yes. This sounds like my first impressions of the headphones. The middles seem a bit muffled at first but I got used to it and helped it by equalizing a tiny bit.

Treble is super clean but taken back a bit by Design. Again, equalizing helps!

But I have to say the bass is superb. Im using them on a E17+E09k, maybe that's a difference?

 

[deoee]

For the bolded, you were referring to just the DJ 8s, right? Or the MSR7s and MDR-1As as well?

I'll look into the other two pairs, but they look to be on the top end/outside of my price range at the moment.



I have not, but would be open to them.

With IEMs you will have super portability and sound. I only own the Creative triple.fi 10

 

[Xander51]

Did you try it?

I was thinking the same but I can't say that the differences are only heard by dogs.
Had a few friends take a listen on good eq and they all could tell that they sound different and which one sounds better.

I don't know if it's every song but most things I listen too have huge differences

Oh yes. I've tried it. I've done extensive listening tests on Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Play Music. I even had Tidal for a while.

I find that they all have pretty good compression quality and it all comes down to the masters. The differences I've heard in Apple Music files I've always attributed to the Mastered for iTunes program. Apple's been on a quest for a couple of years to get their own source files that are mixed specifically to work well with their encoder, and to provide possible lossless support in the future.

I wasn't necessarily disagreeing with you, just wanted to make sure you didn't go too far down the path of encoder insanity, like I did once in my life, haha.

 

[K.Jack]

I am interested in this new CDQ tier that Spotify is about to roll out.

 

[Very Berry Sunday]

Are there Monoprice headphones worth getting compared to competitors?

 

[deoee]

Hifiman HE 400i, yay or nay?

 

[jongkookie]

Got a pair of Soundmagic E80S' today and goddamn... these sound fncking amazing.

I mainly bought this for work(video editing interviews) so I need a neutral sounding headphone and since I'd be using it for 8 hours straight, I needed the durability and comfort. But man, I did not expect it to sound this good.

I actually kinda feel like these blow away my Sony MDR-V6's which I've had for more than 5 years now.

On that note, what is the logical upgrade from the MDR-V6's?

 

[matmanx1]

Hifiman HE 400i, yay or nay?

Much different beast than the 400S that I am using and harder to drive. A lot of people really like the 400 and 400i but you will probably want to do your homework before purchasing to make sure you know what you are getting in to.

I will say that I am totally loving the 400S though. Great, great headphone.

 

[deoee]

Much different beast than the 400S that I am using and harder to drive. A lot of people really like the 400 and 400i but you will probably want to do your homework before purchasing to make sure you know what you are getting in to.

I will say that I am totally loving the 400S though. Great, great headphone.

Yeah I've read up on pretty much every aspect of them and from a sound perspective the 400i seem to be more to my likings. People tend to say they even sound great-ish out of an iPhone and I personally am using a Fiio e17 and e09k combo so I think I should be fine

I will give them a yay and I'm super exicted to get my first planar magnetic headphones ._.

 

[HiResDes]

Got a pair of Soundmagic E80S' today and goddamn... these sound fncking amazing.

I mainly bought this for work(video editing interviews) so I need a neutral sounding headphone and since I'd be using it for 8 hours straight, I needed the durability and comfort. But man, I did not expect it to sound this good.

I actually kinda feel like these blow away my Sony MDR-V6's which I've had for more than 5 years now.
On that note, what is the logical upgrade from the MDR-V6's?

A lot of things would be an upgrade honestly. Focal Listen would probably be my pick. I could also name some cheaper headphones but I'm not sure of your budget.

 

[ty_hot]

Summer is coming and with it my ears will start to sweat with my Backbeat Pro... Any in ear recommendation up to 50 euros? Not Bluetooth because in ears have terrible battery life. I will be powering them with my phone (op3t).

 

[jongkookie]

A lot of things would be an upgrade honestly. Focal Listen would probably be my pick. I could also name some cheaper headphones but I'm not sure of your budget.

Heh I figured.

I've stuck with the MDR-V6 due to the nature of what I do and it just doesn't make sense to use a bass-heavy headphone or whatever to mix sound for music and videos.

Budget wise, $250 is the sweet spot. I can go up to $300 but it has to be truly exceptional at that price.

I don't use any DAC's for my headphones too since I use a recording interface(Audiobox USB) to listen to music on my PC.

Also this doesn't have to be portable either since I have no intention of taking it out of my house but it does have to be comfortable coz I tend to use them for hours.

What else do you need to know?

 

[HiResDes]

Heh I figured.

I've stuck with the MDR-V6 due to the nature of what I do and it just doesn't make sense to use a bass-heavy headphone or whatever to mix sound for music and videos.

Budget wise, $250 is the sweet spot. I can go up to $300 but it has to be truly exceptional at that price.

I don't use any DAC's for my headphones too since I use a recording interface(Audiobox USB) to listen to music on my PC.

Also this doesn't have to be portable either since I have no intention of taking it out of my house but it does have to be comfortable coz I tend to use them for hours.

What else do you need to know?

That's it, well id also consider the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0,Sony MDR-1A,Audio Technica MSR7, AKG K553, Fostex T50 MK3, Shure SRH840, NAD Viso HP50, just kind of depends how far from neutral you want to venture.

 

[SumGamer]

Anybody know how I can fix my headphone? It sounds just fine but the leather and sponge is loosening.

https://imgur.com/gallery/bpF9J

 

[matmanx1]

Yeah I've read up on pretty much every aspect of them and from a sound perspective the 400i seem to be more to my likings. People tend to say they even sound great-ish out of an iPhone and I personally am using a Fiio e17 and e09k combo so I think I should be fine

I will give them a yay and I'm super exicted to get my first planar magnetic headphones ._.

Good deal. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I am enjoying the 400S. It's taken over "daily driver" duty for me until such time as ZMF finishes my Eikon and is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Haloid1177]

Going on vacation this week and decided to grab a pair of Sony 1000x to try. Gotta admit, just the little I spent playing around with them today, I'm really impressed. Noise canceling is great, the feature set is helpful and just cool tech overall, and the construction feels way more premium than my QC-35s. Excited to spend more time with them.

 

[deoee]

Good deal. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I am enjoying the 400S. It's taken over "daily driver" duty for me until such time as ZMF finishes my Eikon and is exactly what I was looking for.

Yes I'm really excited to listen to them.

Have heard SO many good things and I want to experience them.

 

[Tommy DJ]

Anybody know how I can fix my headphone? It sounds just fine but the leather and sponge is loosening.

https://imgur.com/gallery/bpF9J

Just get replacement pads like so. Most pads are replaceable and attach via some form of friction. For the few that aren't (goddamn Audeze), you can affix them to the earcups via double sided sticky tape.

Quality and make can matter but I doubt its something worth obsessing over in the case of the Steelseries Siberia.

 

[Sesuadra]

sooo, my uncle wants new headphones and he asked me to help him out. he is 77 years old and only uses them at home.

He lives alone, so open headphones would be good, especially for summer when it's getting really warm. they also need to be super comfy and loud, because he loves to listen to kraftwerk and he likes his kraftwerk loud. .

shouldn't be over 200€

currently my favourites are either the
beyerdynamics DT990
or
Sennheiser HD599

but before I tell him that, I thought I'd ask you all if you got anymore suggestions?

 

[Antiwhippy]

Probably the DT990's, I would worry about listening to those loud but at that age his hearing is probably shot at that upper registry.

You might want to look at the fischer FA-011 and the Philips fidelio X2 but I dunno if they're at your price range.

 

[hank_tree]

Can anyone recommend a decent earpod alternative that doesn't require placing a plastic thing into your ear canal? Basically something similar to earpods but maybe better in price/ durability.

 

[Xander51]

Can anyone recommend a decent earpod alternative that doesn't require placing a plastic thing into your ear canal? Basically something similar to earpods but maybe better in price/ durability.

You want IEM's...but you don't want them to go in your ear? Or are you okay with on-ear/over-ear recommendations?

If you're looking for something cheaper than ear pods, there's lots of good budget IEMs out there, but if you don't want to put plastic in your ear I can't help you.

 

[Tonza]

I've been thinking of getting a pair of bluetooth headphones to combine my RS170 and MDR-1A to a headphone I can use at home and at work. (I'll still keep both probably)

I'd like the bluetooth headphones to be a bit brighter than the 1A's. (and I also have the Philips X1's which are a warm pair as well)
The new Beoplay H4's look really interesting. (though warm/bassy as well) There's only a handful of impressions but most seem positive and the cans are pretty light.

Any other contenders around the same price? I don't really need NC so I haven't really considered Bose ones.

 

[hank_tree]

You want IEM's...but you don't want them to go in your ear? Or are you okay with on-ear/over-ear recommendations?

If you're looking for something cheaper than ear pods, there's lots of good budget IEMs out there, but if you don't want to put plastic in your ear I can't help you.

Sorry maybe I wasn't clear. I want something like the apple earpods. Not with the squishy plastic bit you get on Sound isolating headphones etc.

Over ear/ On ear isn't a goer. I'm just curious if there's something like the apple earpods that people would recommend over them basically.

 

[Xander51]

Sorry maybe I wasn't clear. I want something like the apple earpods. Not with the squishy plastic bit you get on Sound isolating headphones etc.

Over ear/ On ear isn't a goer. I'm just curious if there's something like the apple earpods that people would recommend over them basically.

Ah gotcha! You want ear buds that sit in your outer ear without insertion! I too have problems with IEMs so I sympathize.

The ear bud non IEM market is not that big. Maybe try the Amazon Premium Headphones that used to come bundled with the fire phone? They're only 15 bucks right now. But not all the control buttons will work since it's designed around the android plug standard.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HX0SRXW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

For this type of ear bud I've never found anything as comfy or okay-sounding as the ear pods, and just resolved to buy new ear pods any time mine broke. I've found the LIghtning ear pods hold up a little bit better than the old ones did, but if you're rough on them, ear buds are probably going to break every 6 months/year regardless of who made them.

 

[deoee]

Sorry maybe I wasn't clear. I want something like the apple earpods. Not with the squishy plastic bit you get on Sound isolating headphones etc.

Over ear/ On ear isn't a goer. I'm just curious if there's something like the apple earpods that people would recommend over them basically.

As I have no experience with earbuds, maybe you could try out this rankings:

http://www.head-fi.org/products/category/earbuds

 

[HiResDes]

I'd recommend the monk plus - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5RBJCH/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Xander51]

Sorry maybe I wasn't clear. I want something like the apple earpods. Not with the squishy plastic bit you get on Sound isolating headphones etc.

Over ear/ On ear isn't a goer. I'm just curious if there's something like the apple earpods that people would recommend over them basically.

I'd recommend the monk plus - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5RBJCH/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Oh hey! I completely forgot about those. I agree with Des. Can't beat the value there.