Bloodember
Member
Awesome, would like to hear your impressions of it.
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The Official Headphone Thread 2.5: We're Making WAVs and Catching FLAC
- Thread starter HiResDes
- Start date
nuclearaddict
Banned
German Maestro GMP 8.35D
I've owned these headphones for about a year now. They are INCREDIBLE.
I've owned these headphones for about a year now. They are INCREDIBLE.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Good headphones for sure, but a bit uncomfortable for me personally.
The Lamonster
Member
Okay there are far too many dac/amp solutions out there.
These are the current products I'm considering for my Fidelio X2, to be used with a desktop PC and sometimes carried upstairs and plugged into PS4 via optical:
-Schiit Magni 2+Modi 2 Uber ($250)
-Creative Sound Blaster E5/G5 ($200)
-Creative Sound Blaster X7 ($400)
-Aune X1S ($250)
-Leckerton UHA-6S Mk II ($290)
(JDS Labs O2+ODAC does not have optical in)
Anyone have any experience with one or more of these products being used with X2s?
These are the current products I'm considering for my Fidelio X2, to be used with a desktop PC and sometimes carried upstairs and plugged into PS4 via optical:
-Schiit Magni 2+Modi 2 Uber ($250)
-Creative Sound Blaster E5/G5 ($200)
-Creative Sound Blaster X7 ($400)
-Aune X1S ($250)
-Leckerton UHA-6S Mk II ($290)
(JDS Labs O2+ODAC does not have optical in)
Anyone have any experience with one or more of these products being used with X2s?
Do you know where I could find more information on the different opamps offered? Just curious to see the differences now
Chance Hale
Member
Does anyone have the Jaybird X2's or other BT models? Want to get some bluetooth headphones given I keep fucking up the ones I buy for running due to how I tuck the cord I imagine, right ear always ends up becoming nearly mute.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
1st impressions of the xduoo x2.
It's so tiny. Awesome.
Why is the screen basically like a mirror? Great if you want to check if you have anything stuck to your teeth, not so much for outdoor readability.
Edit: holy shit at the buttons.
They're so loud and clicky that I feel self conscious using them.
It's so tiny. Awesome.
Why is the screen basically like a mirror? Great if you want to check if you have anything stuck to your teeth, not so much for outdoor readability.
Edit: holy shit at the buttons.
They're so loud and clicky that I feel self conscious using them.
SolarMystic
Member
Okay there are far too many dac/amp solutions out there.
These are the current products I'm considering for my Fidelio X2, to be used with a desktop PC and sometimes carried upstairs and plugged into PS4 via optical:
-Schiit Magni 2+Modi 2 Uber ($250)
-Creative Sound Blaster E5/G5 ($200)
-Creative Sound Blaster X7 ($400)
-Aune X1S ($250)
-Leckerton UHA-6S Mk II ($290)
(JDS Labs O2+ODAC does not have optical in)
Anyone have any experience with one or more of these products being used with X2s?
Do you know where I could find more information on the different opamps offered? Just curious to see the differences now
I personally liked my X2 with a Modi/Magni 2 Uber stack, but I thought it was a bit overkill. Alas not as many cheaper options that have optical inputs though for gaming purposes.
Aune has been said to pair well with the X2. If your looking at a Schiit stack, also consider the Vali instead of the Magni. It's a hybrid micro tube amp, and tubey sounds pair well with the X2.
If you only need the optical input, I think Schiit makes a cheaper Modi with ONLY optical inputs, or at least they used too.
EDIT: As far as finding further information, I'd recommend visiting head-fi.org. There is probably an impressions thread for each product your considering. If you post there just make sure you outline a price range, as they can get a little too excited with the recommendations haha
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Just be sure to take everything at head fi with a massive grain of salt.
You opt to go really cheap and just get like a FiiO D3 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009346RSS/?tag=neogaf0e-20Okay there are far too many dac/amp solutions out there.
These are the current products I'm considering for my Fidelio X2, to be used with a desktop PC and sometimes carried upstairs and plugged into PS4 via optical:
-Schiit Magni 2+Modi 2 Uber ($250)
-Creative Sound Blaster E5/G5 ($200)
-Creative Sound Blaster X7 ($400)
-Aune X1S ($250)
-Leckerton UHA-6S Mk II ($290)
(JDS Labs O2+ODAC does not have optical in)
Anyone have any experience with one or more of these products being used with X2s?
Do you know where I could find more information on the different opamps offered? Just curious to see the differences now
j0hnny_385
Member
nvm
The problem with Head-Fi is that they always get caught up by the hype despite the fact its nearly always manipulated and manufactured. Which is why the site is really popular with manufacturers because they always get away with posting literal bullshit (goddamn those Audeze dB compressed graphs).
Look at the Audeze EL-8 for the perfect example. The most insane hype train for a mediocre at best product.
Look at the Audeze EL-8 for the perfect example. The most insane hype train for a mediocre at best product.
Oveja Negra
Member
It this your opinion only or can you provide more reviews where people states the same?
I'm curious to read more about this cause I'm planning to buy that model (it will be my first Audeze). So... I'd like to know, if what you say is true, for that amount of money what would be your choice?
Regards.
The Lamonster
Member
I have been talking to the guys on Head Fi. There is a ton of information out there!
And yeah, I do.
wow! something else to consider.
I'm seeing a lot of this on the Aune X1S preview thread.
***
So here's where I'm at right now - the Schiit stack is looking like my best bet and there are a ton of positive impressions out there about pairing it with the X2. HOWEVER, I am torn between the Vali and the Magni 2. Headphone Guru has some extremely positive Vali+X2 impressions, but then if you go to a site like Audiobot9000 and pair the two together, it shows a damping factor of 4.6 and warns, "headphones with higher impedances may be a better fit for this amp." I'm also hesitant about the microphonic "ting" noise that occurs when you first plug in the headphones or tap the box. And some users have commented that X2's bass on the Vali sounds "uncontrolled" compared to the Magni 2.
But then you read the Headphone Guru review and they mention the X2's bass sounding "more emphasized, but more rounded and fleshed out. It extends a hint deeper with more body," and the treble "a more fluid, and organic tone to it’s sound, extending to it’s treble presentation. The treble is still quite lively on the X2, but there is an extra hint of smoothness, and less aggressiveness when paired with the Vali," --which is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.
gah, this is way harder than choosing the actual headphones...
The Lamonster
Member
Somewhere I read that warm headphones are better matched with neutral amps, and vice versa...but then I hear the (occasionally) harsh treble on the X2 and it makes me want to pair them with something warm!
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
You also have to remember, sound signature is affected by the headphones but the thing that influences a recording the most is still the way it's mastered and mixed.
There will be sibilance in some recordings. Over compensating for it might make other recordings too lush then.
There will be sibilance in some recordings. Over compensating for it might make other recordings too lush then.
There aren't many (any?) proper reviews on the internet of the Audeze EL-8 that aren't basically paid impressions. If you want to find negative impressions, google "Audeze EL-8 harsh" because that's the key complaint.
If you're going to buy one, I'd buy the open. The closed is absolutely dire where its veiled, claustrophobic, lacking that really good Audeze bass and just sounds harsh in the treble. The open version, being open, is better in this regard but isn't close to being worth $1,000 AUD.
When talking "expensive portable" headphones, I'd take any of the recent Sony's or the Oppo PM3 over them. They sound better and they're cheaper. If I wanted flagship portable gear, I'd ignore headphones and go straight to IEMs. "Portable" headphones right now just aren't good enough to be honest and not even really that portable due to weight, fragility, size and cost. I don't really use a lot of IEMs so can't help you but there's a lot of people in this thread that have a lot of experience with high end IEMs that can help you there.
Refer to Innerfidelity's measurements for the EL-8 open variant. Look at that huge void around 8khz with that distortion. A nasty combination of problems that you can't solve.
Oveja Negra
Member
Thanks. I'll do more research before pulling the trigger.
And no, I don't want anything portable. I already have 4 IEMs for that. I just wanted an Audeze only because I always hear great comments about them, but it's not like I need one.
Currently, I own these ones...
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50.
- Koss Pro4AA.
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700.
- Denon AHD2000.
- B&W P7.
That's why I asked if you can suggest me something that it's better than the EL-8 at a similar price (or lower). That Oppo looks great, I've forgotten about it, thanks for the heads up
Bloodember
Member
If your looking for planar headphones you may want to look at the HiFiMan planar headphones also.
Oveja Negra
Member
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Alright, here are my preliminary impressions of using the xduoo x2.
Firstly, the cons, and in comparison to the fiio x3, what you're missing by not paying the extra 150:
- super clunky ui. Why do you need to go through another menu just to go to your song files? Also it's probably the best they can do with the small screen and button controls but it takes me forever to scroll through my entire library.
- speaking of buttons, super clicky and loud to the point where I feel self conscious using it in public, also you need to be super deliberate with your presses or it won't register.
- no gapless. This is very nearly a deal breaker for me.
- the way it organises files is sheer insanity. You only sort the files through the date added onto the sd card? What?
- suuuuuuuuper slow fast forwarding. Basically makes it impossible for podcast listeners unless you're the type to listen all in one go (which thankfully I am)
- whose idea is it too give the screen a mirror polish and make it basically impossible to read in sunlight
- super picky about tags. Any player that doesn't let me immediately listen to FNM's angel dust is very close to being on my shitlist.
Now onto why this is worth your $50:
+ super small. I actually didn't realise how much I missed small players like the clips I used to own. Makes it far more usable in a portable context where I'm carrying a large smartphone around too.
+ build feels very good. Not as good as the x3, but there's a solidity to the headphone jack inspires confidence that the clip+ never gave me. Who knows how it'll be in a year, but I'm impressed so far.
+ sound quality is pretty damn good. The only really noticeable thing I can discern in comparison is that it allows some of the sibilance of some tracks through whereas the x3 is good at smoothing it out, but otherwise, pretty damn close. Maybe slightly better separation on the x3, but that might just be my head.
+ drives my aurisonic asg2.5 pretty damn well. Dunno how it'll do with the more sensitive multiple BA iems, but there's no hiss for me.
So far, I'd say it's a pretty quirky player with a lot of caveats but otherwise it's a pretty good parred down dap for your money.
Firstly, the cons, and in comparison to the fiio x3, what you're missing by not paying the extra 150:
- super clunky ui. Why do you need to go through another menu just to go to your song files? Also it's probably the best they can do with the small screen and button controls but it takes me forever to scroll through my entire library.
- speaking of buttons, super clicky and loud to the point where I feel self conscious using it in public, also you need to be super deliberate with your presses or it won't register.
- no gapless. This is very nearly a deal breaker for me.
- the way it organises files is sheer insanity. You only sort the files through the date added onto the sd card? What?
- suuuuuuuuper slow fast forwarding. Basically makes it impossible for podcast listeners unless you're the type to listen all in one go (which thankfully I am)
- whose idea is it too give the screen a mirror polish and make it basically impossible to read in sunlight
- super picky about tags. Any player that doesn't let me immediately listen to FNM's angel dust is very close to being on my shitlist.
Now onto why this is worth your $50:
+ super small. I actually didn't realise how much I missed small players like the clips I used to own. Makes it far more usable in a portable context where I'm carrying a large smartphone around too.
+ build feels very good. Not as good as the x3, but there's a solidity to the headphone jack inspires confidence that the clip+ never gave me. Who knows how it'll be in a year, but I'm impressed so far.
+ sound quality is pretty damn good. The only really noticeable thing I can discern in comparison is that it allows some of the sibilance of some tracks through whereas the x3 is good at smoothing it out, but otherwise, pretty damn close. Maybe slightly better separation on the x3, but that might just be my head.
+ drives my aurisonic asg2.5 pretty damn well. Dunno how it'll do with the more sensitive multiple BA iems, but there's no hiss for me.
So far, I'd say it's a pretty quirky player with a lot of caveats but otherwise it's a pretty good parred down dap for your money.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
I have had a couple of rockboxed clip+s but they died fairly quickly plus I want to try something new. This seems considerably more sturdy than the clip+.
Plus apparently the new model clips aren't as good as the +, not to mention the clip+ going up in price due to being discontinued I think?
Fwiw I did love the clip+ when u had it.
Plus apparently the new model clips aren't as good as the +, not to mention the clip+ going up in price due to being discontinued I think?
Fwiw I did love the clip+ when u had it.
Just get a schiit Fulla.
Thanks!
Could you tell me little bit about them that would sway me either way towards a pair? I checked a couple of pages back where you posted pro/con tidbits regarding a few headphones and that would be really helpful for me!
Just so i know what would be the difference regarding the suggestions you posted. I'll read up as well but your input is always invaluable!
Oh, and which one of those would be considered "sturdiest" as far as IEM's go? I'm terrible at keeping my iem last.
I also had this idea that maybe you could help me with?
I was thinking of making a "preferred iems at $50" considering the different soundstages so i could take a look at each.
Like
Bass heavy:
Neutral:
Treble heavy:
Or if anyone else in the thread could chime in.
Markitron
Is currently staging a hunger strike outside Gearbox HQ while trying to hate them to death
Hi Guys,
I need two new sets of headphones and this looks like a good place to ask for suggestions. The first set would be for my iphone, I recently got the Apple Watch so I don't need the built-in remote from the earpods anymore, is there a good alternative to these for around $60?
The second set is for my PC, and I'm looking for something larger with some decent sound for around $100. This would mostly be for music etc, not for gaming. I would be connecting these to my Yamaha receiver, which is hooked up to my PC via HDMI.
Thanks.
I need two new sets of headphones and this looks like a good place to ask for suggestions. The first set would be for my iphone, I recently got the Apple Watch so I don't need the built-in remote from the earpods anymore, is there a good alternative to these for around $60?
The second set is for my PC, and I'm looking for something larger with some decent sound for around $100. This would mostly be for music etc, not for gaming. I would be connecting these to my Yamaha receiver, which is hooked up to my PC via HDMI.
Thanks.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
You might also want to give the Trinity hyperions a look. Planning on getting one myself. Just $40 USD on amazon and it's very well received. Looks much better built than most of the iems in this price bracket.
Edit: this is to accx
Edit: this is to accx
Thanks! will do. I'm leaning towards Ostry KC06 or Soundmagic E80. I usually go for iem's with detailed treble and looking at head-fi reviews these seem to fit the bill. But i'll check out the Trinitys as well
Edit:
the Trinity Hyperion looks interesting.. but sadly i'm having trouble finding them available in EU.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Hmm, really? They are UK based and sell from their site. Is the UK considered a different market in the eu?
Oh you're absolutely right. I just found them sold out on their site and i kinda need a pair asap since mine are gone. They do have the ones with the remote in stock which is something i actually really want. Thanks!
Will wait 'til HiResDes chimes in on my previous post but i might go with those hyperions.
j0hnny_385
Member
Are ATH-M50X good for gaming (PC & consoles)? I don't care that much about virtual 7.1 surround, etc.
Or is there something better in that price range? <100 GBP?
Or is there something better in that price range? <100 GBP?
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Well I went and bought the hyperions.
Should be fun to play around with.
Should be fun to play around with.
In order of greatest to least, out of the ones I'd recommend checking out:
Durability: Fidue A65, Soundmagic E80, Bette 1+1, Ostry KC06, Fisher Consonance, VSD3
Bassiest: Fischer Consonance, Vsonic VSD3, Bette 1+1, E80, Fidue A65, Ostry KC06
Most Treble: Soundmagic E80, Bette 1+1, VSD3, Ostry KC06,Consonance, A65
Best Midrange: Fidue A65, Ostry KC06, Soundmagic E80, Bette 1+1, Consonance, VSD3
Neutrality: Fidue A65, Bette 1+1, Ostry KC06, Soundmagic E80, Consonance, VSD3
Biggest Soundstage: Fidue A65, Ostry KC06, VSD3, Bette 1+1, Consonance
I don't want you to dissuade from possibly missing out on a tremendous deal, but I'd be just a tad bit weary about the Hyperions considering they're so new, many of the reviews hint at them having really harsh treble peaks but kind of brush it aside like it's not a big deal, and various members posting in the big Hyperion thread not only received a bunch of free demo units but seem to have had direct input in the making of them. Still with the build quality looking so solid they might be worth a try.
Dynamite Ringo Matsuri
Member
I honestly think a lot of HFiers likely have hearing damage which is why they're able to brush off treble peaks/harsh treble with IEMs and especially since IEMs sit in such close proximity to your ear drums. Beyond inducing glare/fatigue, treble peaks just don't sound right most of the time since they introduce artifacts like sibilance to the mix and color the tone of vocals/instruments
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Eh, I've been through the HD25s. I'll be the judge of the hyperion's harsh treble.
I do quite like the more laidback treble of the ASG 2.5 though.
Generally I find treble forward phones to be something that is more pleasant to listen to in low volumes, which is nice for certain situations.
I do quite like the more laidback treble of the ASG 2.5 though.
Generally I find treble forward phones to be something that is more pleasant to listen to in low volumes, which is nice for certain situations.
Hanging out for the new Beyer T1s. Slightly more warmth and a detachable cable is exactly what I was looking for, and it's good to see they've kept it around the $1k price point. It's absurd how $1000 is relatively cheap now for an audiophile grade headphone - the prices are becoming obscene.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
There's a new one?
Oveja Negra
Member
If it helps, I own the ATH-M50 and they sound damn great. Super pristine sound (they're comfortable too, which is a big plus when gaming).
I don't know if there's something better at that price, maybe HiResDes can give you a recommendation
They're already out, the MK3 version I mean.If it helps, I own the ATH-M50 and they sound damn great. Super pristine sound (they're comfortable too, which is a big plus when gaming).
I don't know if there's something better at that price, maybe HiResDes can give you a recommendation
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Is that what the MrSpeaker ethers are based on?
No the Ethers are Mr. Speakers first original driver. The rest of Mr. Speakers line is based on the Fostex MK 2. The MK3 features the same driver but essentially the popular DIY mods have been implemented for the masses at a much more reasonable price than say the Alpha Dogs.
Thanks. I'll do more research before pulling the trigger.
And no, I don't want anything portable. I already have 4 IEMs for that. I just wanted an Audeze only because I always hear great comments about them, but it's not like I need one.
Currently, I own these ones...
That's why I asked if you can suggest me something that it's better than the EL-8 at a similar price (or lower). That Oppo looks great, I've forgotten about it, thanks for the heads up
As stated, Hifiman is a good option if planars are desired. I think they generally provide better products than Audeze at a much lower price. What you lose out on is bass quality but that's about it.
Within a similar price range (around $700 USD lets say), good options include:
- Focal Spirit Pros
- Philips X2
- Sennheiser HD600/650
- Beyerdynamic DT880 250+ohm
- Enigma Paradox/Slant
- Hifiman HE-560 (maybe when they're on special?)
- Hifiman HE-400S
- Oppo PM3.
- Imported Stax 2170 headphone/energizer combo from Japan.
- Koss ESP950 when they go on special on Amazon for $600. Decent combo, comes with energizer and lifetime warranty.
They're all better headphones than the Audeze EL-8 by a mile in my opinion and most are far cheaper as well or come with extras like an amplifier. Heck, I don't think the Audeze EL-8 is better than anything you currently own to be honest, it really isn't good.
To be honest, Audeze headphones are only good for their bass (which the EL-8 doesn't have)...their asking prices are always stupid for headphones that roll off the treble so heavily and suffer from problems that shouldn't be a problem for $2,000 headphones like channel imbalance. The outside presentation is always pretty good but the attention to detail in places that matter is insultingly lacking.
Antiwhippy
the holder of the trombone
Ah, didn't know that he moved on from the fostex drivers.