nekroseven
Member
Just ordered HD650 from Amazon Germany! Keep my solid state or go OTL?
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The Official Headphone Thread 2.5: We're Making WAVs and Catching FLAC
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
hello, headphoneGAF. i had a pretty big revelation today. mainly, that anyone who ever said audio-technicas don't benefit at all from amplification are full of shit. 
i'm a huge, shameless audio-technica fan, which are typically extremely low impedance and my cans of choice have been the ath-ad900 for a long time. my pair broke after about 8 years (of pretty rough treatment unfortunately) a few months back, and last week i replaced them with the new ad900x. i never really considered amplification before but i really noticed a difference between running them between my receiver and my external usb soundblaster, which supposedly has a "pretty decent" amp built in. i honestly didn't like the sound i was getting out of either so i decided to go all out and get something nice. eventually settled on the schiit magni 2 uber as it seemed like the best match for these cans, especially because of the gain switch.
holy crap. i really wish i did this sooner because this thing is freaking magical. i mean, clearly the ATs need no amplification for volume, that was never the issue. but the clarity, separation and damping are miles beyond what i've ever heard before. i'm just super happy with it. my only complaint is that it seems to be very bright and analytical, and combined with the already bright audio-technicas makes for some pretty harsh sound sometimes. i'm hoping it will mellow out more as they both break in.
here's a crappy cell phone pic with terrible lighting. sorry for not dusting first
i'm a huge, shameless audio-technica fan, which are typically extremely low impedance and my cans of choice have been the ath-ad900 for a long time. my pair broke after about 8 years (of pretty rough treatment unfortunately) a few months back, and last week i replaced them with the new ad900x. i never really considered amplification before but i really noticed a difference between running them between my receiver and my external usb soundblaster, which supposedly has a "pretty decent" amp built in. i honestly didn't like the sound i was getting out of either so i decided to go all out and get something nice. eventually settled on the schiit magni 2 uber as it seemed like the best match for these cans, especially because of the gain switch.
holy crap. i really wish i did this sooner because this thing is freaking magical. i mean, clearly the ATs need no amplification for volume, that was never the issue. but the clarity, separation and damping are miles beyond what i've ever heard before. i'm just super happy with it. my only complaint is that it seems to be very bright and analytical, and combined with the already bright audio-technicas makes for some pretty harsh sound sometimes. i'm hoping it will mellow out more as they both break in.
here's a crappy cell phone pic with terrible lighting. sorry for not dusting first
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Apparently the new Audio techinca r70x are considered to be pretty warm by audio techinca standards.
Solid state amps don't break in, and I would argue that headphones don't break in either. You'll probably get used to the signature though.
Solid state amps don't break in, and I would argue that headphones don't break in either. You'll probably get used to the signature though.
yeah, i figured as much about the amp. i have nothing to support an argument for headphone break in, but i definitely noticed a change for the better in them over the past week. they were -extremely- harsh out of the box. almost painfully so.
ClayKavalier
Banned
This may be off-topic, but I made a thread on Gaming side and didn't get much advice.
I want to get a pair of wireless headphones that will hook up to both an Xbox One and PS4, so ideally I'll just have to flip a switch on a base or something to swap between them. So basically they need at least two optical ins. I don't have a receiver, which may complicate things.
Thanks!
I want to get a pair of wireless headphones that will hook up to both an Xbox One and PS4, so ideally I'll just have to flip a switch on a base or something to swap between them. So basically they need at least two optical ins. I don't have a receiver, which may complicate things.
Thanks!
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Our brains are incredibly adaptable, and also not very adaptable. It can't adapt to fast changes but give it time and it'll adjust. You notice it when you have 2 headphones that you like with completely different sound signatures. They will sound offputting if you switch them up constantly. I tried it with my K551 and Momentums. Going from the K551 the momentums will sound boomy and muddy, and going from my momentums the K551 will sound thin and shrill.
I'm curious if you have revised Angie/ R2Pro comparisons? Is it mostly a flavour difference (stronger mids on Angie, for example) or does Angie pull away in other areas?
I'm still loving the R2Pro. I got a Geek out V2 yesterday and the R2Pro sound excellent out of it. there's some more bite and dynamic contrast compared to regular headphone output (or the old dragnonfly v1.2)
I'm still loving the R2Pro. I got a Geek out V2 yesterday and the R2Pro sound excellent out of it. there's some more bite and dynamic contrast compared to regular headphone output (or the old dragnonfly v1.2)
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Oh nice on the Go V2! How did you score one of those? I've been wanting a Go V2+ for connecting to the iPhone. My main rig for IEM listening is the Go 450 -> Leckerton UHA 6S MK II. Going to replace the Leck with the Cavalli Liquid Carbon after it ships. Tho I'm toyin with the idea of maybe replacing the Carbon with the Cavalli portable instead.
I did plug in the Angie last night to have a go at the R2 briefly but will have to do more comparative listening since the R2s been getting the lion's share of attention being the new toy and all.
To be fair though, the R2Pro does sound a bit veiled compared to stuff like Stax, UERM, Angie. What it makes up for in return is that its tone is pretty spot on. The UERM and Angie don't feel as convincing to me on classical/solo piano. There's something to weight, resonance and dynamics that I don't really feel BAs can fully nail. It's why I've always kept around a good dynamic driver based phone for those occasions. (If you like solo piano, classical or jazz or what have you, a modded FX850 is pretty much untouchable.)
BAs are pretty awesome for distortion guitar and cymbals though. Speaking of which I got SGS' DUNU D2KJ in yesterday. Incredibly clear sounding phone, but also way bright even after applying James' bluetac mod. I can't listen to hotter recordings on this. Stuff like tenor vocals and crash cymbals are just piercing at louder volumes. But man, it really does sound amazing for distorted electric guitar. That nasally squeal on pinched harmonics, that airy and incisive tone? Just nasty.
Bass is also top tier to me. It's incredibly tight, and has excellent extension, impact and speed. I think it's technically, the most impressive bass I've heard to date, narrowly edging out the R2Pro's, but it doesn't always come across as sounding "right" due to sounding leaner and sort of truncated on decay.
That aside, I just don't find this phone to be tonally unconvincing, as its brightness, even after the mod, just sounds unnatural to me. That and the overall sound is just too thin and at lower volumes, I just find myself wishing I could dial up the volume to fill out the sound. It just feels like it lacks body to its notes which hurts transparency and presence to me.
I did plug in the Angie last night to have a go at the R2 briefly but will have to do more comparative listening since the R2s been getting the lion's share of attention being the new toy and all.
To be fair though, the R2Pro does sound a bit veiled compared to stuff like Stax, UERM, Angie. What it makes up for in return is that its tone is pretty spot on. The UERM and Angie don't feel as convincing to me on classical/solo piano. There's something to weight, resonance and dynamics that I don't really feel BAs can fully nail. It's why I've always kept around a good dynamic driver based phone for those occasions. (If you like solo piano, classical or jazz or what have you, a modded FX850 is pretty much untouchable.)
BAs are pretty awesome for distortion guitar and cymbals though. Speaking of which I got SGS' DUNU D2KJ in yesterday. Incredibly clear sounding phone, but also way bright even after applying James' bluetac mod. I can't listen to hotter recordings on this. Stuff like tenor vocals and crash cymbals are just piercing at louder volumes. But man, it really does sound amazing for distorted electric guitar. That nasally squeal on pinched harmonics, that airy and incisive tone? Just nasty.
Bass is also top tier to me. It's incredibly tight, and has excellent extension, impact and speed. I think it's technically, the most impressive bass I've heard to date, narrowly edging out the R2Pro's, but it doesn't always come across as sounding "right" due to sounding leaner and sort of truncated on decay.
That aside, I just don't find this phone to be tonally unconvincing, as its brightness, even after the mod, just sounds unnatural to me. That and the overall sound is just too thin and at lower volumes, I just find myself wishing I could dial up the volume to fill out the sound. It just feels like it lacks body to its notes which hurts transparency and presence to me.
The GO V2 was for sale at a canadian online headphone store. they had in store that was going to be used for a demo but they instead shipped it out to me.
that casing does look cheap bu the sound is, so far, very impressive.
thanks for the brief thoughts between R2pro and Angie. having owned some stax and other high end cans, I know what you mean about ultimate transparency. the r2pro seems just a bit thicker. like one extra pane of glass between you and the music compared to super TOTL cans.
that casing does look cheap bu the sound is, so far, very impressive.
thanks for the brief thoughts between R2pro and Angie. having owned some stax and other high end cans, I know what you mean about ultimate transparency. the r2pro seems just a bit thicker. like one extra pane of glass between you and the music compared to super TOTL cans.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
Bingo. You have to sort of pick and choose between your priorities. Is it ultimate clarity that you value or is it tonal accuracy? Stuff like the Angie just has that... distinct feeling of "presence" due to how insanely clear and effortless it sounds. The R2Pro does manage that on occasion, but it's not as pronounced as with the Angie. You can make the R2Pro sound closer by tip rolling of course. I'm having great success with the K3003 tips coupled with the teabag filter mod to smooth out the sibilance region. It just sounds noticeably airier, less bass boosted, and brighter.
You can get a pair of those from Harmon, just write their CS section and ask to order a set of K3003 replacement tips. Took me a long while to get mine, due to them out of stock, but that was quite some time ago. The silicon tips that come with the Dunu 2000J are also very similar. I'm not sure whether they sell those separately, but worth looking as well if you're curious.
Pioneer HDJ 2000 are on sale for $140,I always liked these cans and they're surprisingly neutral despite the DJ moniker albeit with a real treble roll off on the top end. Still their quite durable and offers a great value at that price.
http://slickdeals.net/share/android_app/fp/160299
http://slickdeals.net/share/android_app/fp/160299
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Man, is there any rationality to own something like this, other than having way too much money for your own good?
http://www.addictedtoaudio.com.au/product/light-harmonic-da-vinci-dsd-dual-dac-usb-silver
http://www.addictedtoaudio.com.au/product/light-harmonic-da-vinci-dsd-dual-dac-usb-silver
there is nothing rational about expensive cables. Welcome to audiophile bullshit. The high end analog cables offer pretty much nothing of value over regular cables - unless you wanted to use a very particular amp or have issues with weight or aesthetics of a stock cable.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
That's not a cable though. That's a 60k dac/amp. AUD, tbf.
Mostly stumbled into it looking at the geek out amp from the same company which actually seems like a good quality product at a reasonable price.
Mostly stumbled into it looking at the geek out amp from the same company which actually seems like a good quality product at a reasonable price.
lol, I'm sorry. I saw light harmonics and sliver and was intoo much of a rush to answer properly.
in any case, no. 60K for a DAC is ridiculous.
I use the ATH-ADX700 now for pretty much everything, mostly gaming. I have used gaming headsets for a long time, but finally i figured it out. Gaming headsets are all about marketing.
The adx700 sound amazing when playing games due to the large soundstage. I also bought a ModMic, not a very elegant solution but it suffices.
Comfort wise its ok. I used a G4ME zero headset before and my ears got hot after a while. Because the adx700 is open air, i dont have that problem anymore.
The adx700 sound amazing when playing games due to the large soundstage. I also bought a ModMic, not a very elegant solution but it suffices.
Comfort wise its ok. I used a G4ME zero headset before and my ears got hot after a while. Because the adx700 is open air, i dont have that problem anymore.
So I'm sick of using $20 headphones, and was looking to upgrade to a serious pair.
I'm looking for headphones that are ~$100 or less. Nothing from Bose, and certainly no Beats. On-ear or Over-ear, and something that is at least decently portable, though having to fold isn't necessarily a requirement. Something that provides a good sound-to-price ratio would be great. I've had my heart set on the Sennheiser Momentum On-Ears (Amazon Link) for quite awhile now, but I was wondering if there were any good alternatives while I wait for the price to drop to ~$80 again. Has anyone had any good experiences with Sennheisers? Are there any good alternatives?
I'm looking for headphones that are ~$100 or less. Nothing from Bose, and certainly no Beats. On-ear or Over-ear, and something that is at least decently portable, though having to fold isn't necessarily a requirement. Something that provides a good sound-to-price ratio would be great. I've had my heart set on the Sennheiser Momentum On-Ears (Amazon Link) for quite awhile now, but I was wondering if there were any good alternatives while I wait for the price to drop to ~$80 again. Has anyone had any good experiences with Sennheisers? Are there any good alternatives?
If you can afford just a little more than $100, the Audio Technica M50X are the best headphones you can get for that price.
And they have an amazing sound-to-price ratio.
Are they decently portable, as in, can they fit in a backpack well enough? I was planning on using them while walking between classes.
Yes, you can fold them and put them in a little pouch they provide when you buy them.
http://kenrockwell.com/audio/audio-technica/ath-m50/D3S_7762-1200.jpg
I'd also like to recommend the JVC S500, they cost about 30 bucks are portable and sound just as good as the M50s in some regards though they don't isolate as well and aren't as comfortable for long sessions.
If you want something with a really good sound-to-price ratio you could give the AKG K518LE a try. They're also quite a bit cheaper than 100$.
super-famicom
Member
I have those, great portables. And yes, they are not comfy for 2+ hour sessions.
The Pioneer HDJ 2000 are also a great pick up on sale for $140.
Got some ASTRO A50 Wireless for 130 thanks to a deal in a local store. Was kinda reluctant to drop so much money on a headset. They replaced my Logitech G430s.
On initial setup I was super disappointed as the quality was awful and there was static. Then I realised I had to change default windows playback to optical audio instead of the headset and the quality improved massively. It's actually amazing. Crystal clear.
Probably the best method I've ever used to hear music/games
On initial setup I was super disappointed as the quality was awful and there was static. Then I realised I had to change default windows playback to optical audio instead of the headset and the quality improved massively. It's actually amazing. Crystal clear.
Probably the best method I've ever used to hear music/games
opticalmace
Member
Can you use a desktop (headphone) amp to drive a bookshelf speaker? I have a Headroom Micro Dac and Amp.
They are a couple of old PSB 30R speakers. Can't really find any specs but they have 6.5" drivers I believe.
They are a couple of old PSB 30R speakers. Can't really find any specs but they have 6.5" drivers I believe.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Unless you're talking about active speakers I doubt it. Bookshelf speakers take input from bare wire, banana plugs or spades, and I don't think I've ever seen those inputs on desktop dac/amps.
opticalmace
Member
Getting some connectors isn't much of a problem, just wondering if my amp would have enough power for them. The manual doesn't specify the specific output unfortunately.
Just get a little Topping T21 it'll power them just fine.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Can passive speakers be connected with RCA now?
l remember stripping bare wire for my Paradigm Titans.
l remember stripping bare wire for my Paradigm Titans.
br0ken_shad0w
Member
Thank god, I wanted to get the T1, but lack of detachable cables for its price was a bit ridiculous.
Not all but newer models do have RCA output if not the poster might need to invest in a legitimate receiver.
opticalmace
Member
Test it with a different device, e.g. phone, mp3 player, etc.
Hip Hop
Member
ClayKavalier
Banned
What would you guys recommend for ~$150 headphones between Sennheiser 598 and AKG 550? Any others I should consider? I listen to rap, jazz, and classical mostly.
Baron Von Beans
Member
Late to replying to everyone, but thank you so much for the suggestions with IEM. I haven't had much time (still) to do much research, but I feel I have enough to at least get started at looking.
Chittagong
Gold Member
Slightly off topic. After my recent intro to expensive headphones, I ordered today a... Devialet Phantom
*ducks*
*ducks*
Bloodember
Member
The Audio Technica M50x or the SoundMagic HP150 are good choices as well.
Just matters what you listen too and what kind of sound signature you want.
I'd recommend the AKG K553 over the 598 for those genres. AKG K612 Pro and the Soundmagic HP150 are also solid choices.
ClayKavalier
Banned
Two recommendations for the HP510, haven't heard of that brand but I'll check it out.
Are the 553 a different headphone? From what I understand the 550 and 551 are the same exact the latter has phone controls.
More fun with Stax energizers
I've had this Decware SE-84 tube amp kicking around for ages. It's only about 2-3W (generously rated at 5W) and don't really have any speakers that do it justice. It's a SET amp that has a reputation for great sound, but not a lot of guts. Should be perfect.
I've had this Decware SE-84 tube amp kicking around for ages. It's only about 2-3W (generously rated at 5W) and don't really have any speakers that do it justice. It's a SET amp that has a reputation for great sound, but not a lot of guts. Should be perfect.
The build quality and pads seal better on the 553 from what I've heard.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
It's all the same drivers. Slightly different housing, though from what I've understood the 553 was made just so they can make it cheaper by moving their manufacturing to china. It's the reason why their headphones have been dropping pretty frequently on massdrop.