++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ CLOSED: Please post a thread in the Introductions, Help and Advice forum
May 30, 2011 at 1:50 PM Post #4,277 of 29,490
I've actually heard the same, and it's been on my shortlist for quite some time. The primary reason I haven't decided is that I'm waiting for Schiit Audio to release its DAC. 
 
Quote:
^^ i've read that the yulong d100 is an EXCELLENT dac while also including a pretty decent amp. something i will try myself once i get a pair of d7000's.



 
 
May 30, 2011 at 1:59 PM Post #4,278 of 29,490
If you are willing to buy used, that opens a huge possibility. SRH840 is not a pair of bad headphones at all. Although I would prefer just one pair of higher end headphones, instead of multiple of lower end ones. However, if you don't have a pair of portable headphones, do get a pair suitable for portable use and one for home use at least.

I have used the SRH840 as portable for a year or so, but it is extremely heavy and the cable is... heavy as well. Not to say they are huge on the head, but the build quality is great, you can hurt someone just by hitting them with the SRH840.
 
May 30, 2011 at 2:03 PM Post #4,279 of 29,490
I'm looking to buy headphones as well as a DAC/Amp/Soundcard bundle that will fulfill my computer listening needs. I game alot on my computer, as well as listening to music.
The music I primarily listen to is Techno and Trance, and some Power Metal on the side. I need strong and well defined bass, the highs can't be piercing, and the middle area I'm unsure of.
My price range is 350-700$ and I'd prefer to keep it lower unless it made a significant difference.
The Headphones I am interested are the Sennheiser HD 650 and Sony MDR-SA5000. As far as the rest goes, I have no idea.


I recommend you cross the SA5000 off your list, the treble is rather hot on them and the bass on them while very tight, control and very fast, there is simply not much bass.
 
May 30, 2011 at 2:13 PM Post #4,280 of 29,490


Quote:
Hi, I was about to start a new thread before I came upon this one.
 
I'm looking for some good comfortable open or semi open headphones for mostly gaming purposes with some music listening in the ~$150 price range. I want them to be comfortable for extended hours of use while gaming but also not have to sacrifice performance with music to achieve that. Right now, I'm looking into the Beyerdynamic DT440 but I've also seen the Sennheiser HD555/595's and AKG K240 mentioned too.
 
Which would be the best for my needs? Not interested in a dedicated headphone amp btw.. I will be using this from an asus xonar dg soundcard with a built in headphone amp.


Here's a gaming headphone review thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/534479/mad-lust-envy-aka-shin-cz-s-guide-to-headphone-gaming-particularly-with-dolby-headphone#post_7208658
 
The Audio Technica AD700 is one of the most highly recommended gaming headphones within your budget, having excellent soundstage and positioning. The 555 are also a solid choice. I wouldn't do the K240 without an amp.
 
Quote:
Hi all as I'm new to this forum please move this if I have posted in the wrong section.

I am looking for some advice on purchasing a new pair of headphones mainly to be used while commuting on bus/train and for use with my iPhone 4.
I have read some reviews already so please forgive me for mentioning them again but the headphones I have been looking at are the beats by dre solo hds. The main reason for my choice is not the marketing but the factthey come with the control talk cable.
I have always used the headphones that come with my mp3 devices, but recently bought the apple in ear headphones, these were a step up from the standard apple buds and have go me interested I n better audio quality.
I am not an audiophile so I am not looking at top of the range cans.
If there is a better alternative to the solo hds what are they? Again my main consideration will be having volume and track control on the headphones as well as a mic to take calls.
Thank you for any advice in advance
Rgds


You'll want something with a high degree of noise isolation, otherwise you'll just be cranking up the music and that's fighting noise with more noise which will be detrimental to your hearing over the long term. IEMs are probably the best way to go, but I'm not familiar with those so I can't help you there.
 
Headphones with good passive isolation (but no microphone):
Sennheiser HD280 and 380, HD25-1-ii, B&W P5, Beyerdynamic DT770 (with gel pads if you can get them)
 
Some options with microphone:
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/headset.php
I've listened to the Solo before, and quite honestly they were one of the worst headphones I have ever tried. I feel that it would not be much of an exaggeration to say everything on that list is probably better than the Solo.
 
Quote:
The Phiaton MS 400 is only $162 on Amazon. Is this really the best headphone I could get for my range?
By portable I mean that they will fit into my computer bag or backpack in the case they come in. My dad has a pair of Bose QC15 (along with everything else Bose has ever made) and I could easily tote those around in their semi-hard case. The P5s caught my eye, has everything I'm looking for but all the reviews I have read says the highs has a weird sound to them.
By bass heavy I don't want the bass to overpower as in my bro's Beats Solo HD 
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, and my Senn IE7 have too much bass after 24 hours of burn in (and counting). I just don't want something like the Etys I've heard are so great because they have no bass. I typically find the circumaural headphones to be more comfortable than the supraaural. Are there any around ear headphones that are semi-portable for my price range? I can spend up to $450 if need be but I don't want to if there is a suitable phone for less.
 
 
Based on this quote I found and my musical taste which headphone should I get.  The music I listen to falls into which of these categories. Note I really like the way the P5s look, super sexy, and I am also going to purchase a Zepplin Mini (unless convinced otherwise) and I love the iPod control on the cable on my Skullcandy 50/50 (noob) and would love to have that on the P5.
 
Just talking so much I got myself to love the P5 and would I like the sound quality based on my music preferences? Also I am typically happy with everything I purchased and easily amused but I like to know I am getting a good deal and when I get ripped off I know.
 
Sorry I am rambling now please help...


The MS400 does fold up nicely and comes with a hard case. It has a nice deep lush bottom end to satisfy bass lovers. Even smaller is the MS300, which doesn't have quite as much bass but trades the rumble for a bit more edge and detail.
 
The P5 wasn't totally my cup of tea in terms of sound signature, but it has *fantastic* isolation and comfort which really makes a huge difference when it comes to enjoying your music. I didn't find the highs weird, I just felt the sound was maybe too... I'm not sure... mellow? Good mids, lows and highs a bit laid back.
 


Quote:
I'm looking to buy headphones as well as a DAC/Amp/Soundcard bundle that will fulfill my computer listening needs. I game alot on my computer, as well as listening to music.
The music I primarily listen to is Techno and Trance, and some Power Metal on the side. I need strong and well defined bass, the highs can't be piercing, and the middle area I'm unsure of.
My price range is 350-700$ and I'd prefer to keep it lower unless it made a significant difference.
The Headphones I am interested are the Sennheiser HD 650 and Sony MDR-SA5000. As far as the rest goes, I have no idea.



Here's a gaming headphone review thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/534479/mad-lust-envy-aka-shin-cz-s-guide-to-headphone-gaming-particularly-with-dolby-headphone#post_7208658

The Senn PC360 seems to be the most highly regarded one in the group. There's also the PC350 if you're looking for a closed version, which will trade some of the soundstaging for better bass.
 
I haven't heard the SA5000, but from reviews I've read it seems it would make a good gaming headphone. Lighter on the bass, which is good because you don't want heavy bass obscuring your midrange details. Sound is apparently very sharp and distinct, which some criticize as making the music feel dry, but if you're a competitive gamer this will be an asset.


Quote:
hi...
I have a few headphones with me, all IEMs, all sennheiser's, but my favourite was my IE8, and I love it so much.
about 2 months ago I lost my IE8 when I was camping and now I'm searching for a new pair of headphone that is BETTER THAN my IE8.
Can you give me a recommendation of which headphone I should buy.
 
It doesn't have to be Sennheiser, im looking for the best available on the market. Bose, AKG, Grado, anything.
IEM is OK, but I prefer it to be on-ear or around-ear design, and closed-back so it wont disturb other people.
 
I'm listening to wide variety of genres. I like the sound to be detail, crisp. Clear instrument separation. Deep Strong Bass but not sacrifice the mids, and a big wide deep soundstage.
the point is I want it to be BETTER THAN my IE8.
I'm using this headphone with my iPod Classic, flat EQ, and All the files are in Apple Loseless format.
I wear my headphone at home, at college, when traveling, everywhere actually so the styling is also important. I don't want an ugly-looking headphone... hehehe
but still, Sound Quality is number One...
I'm willing to spend up to $450 for this headphone...
 
please help me...
Big Thanks for your help :)



I've never heard the IE8, but I'll do my best to recommend something that fulfills all the other criteria. You want/need:
- good detail, separation, strong bass, good mids (so a fairly balanced sound)
- plays well to all genres
- wide soundstage
- good style
- closed/isolation
- if you're carrying it everywhere, it will need portability and durability
 
Now out of all these, the most difficult to fit in is good soundstage, since good staging and closed headphones typically do not go that well together
 
Some recommendations...
- Pioneers HDJ-2000: a DJ headphones that's not as bass/treble heavy as others, superb construction/durability and good looks, very good isolation
- B&W P5: great looks, excellent isolation and comfort
- Ultrasone HFi-680: sturdy Ultrasone build, S-Logic has a funny way of creating soundstage
- Beyerdynamic: custom make one (the 770 would be the closed model) ... http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/manufaktur.html
 
May 30, 2011 at 2:32 PM Post #4,282 of 29,490


Quote:
I made a thread about choosing a pair of headphones, and eventually ended up buying the Denon AH-D2000s. Unfortunately, that didn't end well for me, and I want to try again. I realized that for the price I payed for my Denons, ($275) I can get a used pair of Shure SRH840s and a used Senn HD598. That sounded like a fun thing to try. One open, one closed.  But maybe I would benefit more from getting one, expensive pair of headphones? What would you say? If so, which headphones?
 
Essentials:
Music Taste: Rock, Electronica, Mashups
Budget: Around $275
Amping: Fiio E7 that I will buying soon (the money is separate from the headphone budget)
Source: HTC HD2 and Laptop
What I want in a set of cans: 
  1. At least decent bass
  2. Very good build quality. After what happened to my Denons, I'm not going to buy headphones that have known problems with build quality.
 


Personally, I would have more fun with two headphones. If splitting the budget for two headphones, the Shure and Senn are nice choices as both are great all-rounders. If you want to differentiate further, maybe consider something like a Beyer DT770 (used) or Sony XB500/700 for the closed side, and a Grado for the open.
 
 
 
 
May 30, 2011 at 3:19 PM Post #4,283 of 29,490


Quote:
I'm looking to buy headphones as well as a DAC/Amp/Soundcard bundle that will fulfill my computer listening needs. I game alot on my computer, as well as listening to music.
The music I primarily listen to is Techno and Trance, and some Power Metal on the side. I need strong and well defined bass, the highs can't be piercing, and the middle area I'm unsure of.
My price range is 350-700$ and I'd prefer to keep it lower unless it made a significant difference.
The Headphones I am interested are the Sennheiser HD 650 and Sony MDR-SA5000 Denon AH-D5000. As far as the rest goes, I have no idea.

I have taken your advice and removed the SA5Ks, but I'll add the Denon D5000's on the list. Also a local store is selling a pair of Dynamic DT-880's (250 Ohm) brand new for 120$. I know they violate my requirements slightly, but at this price are they not worth trying out anyways?(most of the one's I see in the listings are asking for more used)
 
 
 
May 30, 2011 at 3:52 PM Post #4,285 of 29,490
All the Beyers need a bit more grunt behind them, but as long as you're not pushing to really loud levels the e7 should be fine.
 
May 30, 2011 at 3:54 PM Post #4,286 of 29,490
I'm looking to get some new headphones, so this thread comes in handy.
 
-------------------
My budget is $150-200.
-------------------
 
Main purposes will be:
 
-General music listening (I listen to alternative rock bands such as radiohead, muse, elbow; some indie rock, acoustic singer-songwriter type of music, and a bit of jazz).
 
-Monitoring my recordings, and to a lesser degree, gaming. (I play acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and usually experiment quite a bit with effects).
 
I'll also be doing a bit of gaming with them, but it's not one of the main things I'll be using them for.
 
-------------------
 
I don't have an amp, though I've been told to get this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=140555025447&si=l5YecEPyk6X5LLkwHP1IOE2F4xk%253D&viewitem=
 
-------------------
 
The options that I have seen are:
 
Shure SRH 840 ($143 right now in amazon)
Audio Technica ATHM50 ($159)
Sennheiser HD 595 ($149)
 
I'm open to other suggestions. Also, I'd prefer closed cans, because I listen to most of my music while on the bus, or late at night with my family sleeping, but open cans are not out of the question.
 
Thanks in advance!
 
May 30, 2011 at 4:08 PM Post #4,287 of 29,490
I'm looking at buying a new pair this week.
 
Currently, I only own the Sennheiser HD-600's. I've tried Grados SR-225is & AKG-702s. And ultimately, I ended up going with the Sennheiser HD-600s. And I love them. But I can't help but feel like they are missing some punch. And, I just want to expand my choices for listening to music. 

Currently, I'm torn between the Denon AH-D2000 and the Sennheiser HD-650s. My fear with the 650 is that they will sound too much like the 600's. And I won't notice enough, to justify paying for them. Whereas I feel if I go with a new brand, such as Denon, it might offer me a new flavor/style. I know I'm not giving you guys a lot to go off of. I'm somewhat of a Noob, that is trying to figure this out myself. Any advice would be kindly appreciated. :)
 
May 30, 2011 at 4:55 PM Post #4,288 of 29,490


Quote:
I'm looking to get some new headphones, so this thread comes in handy.
 
-------------------
My budget is $150-200.
-------------------
 
Main purposes will be:
 
-General music listening (I listen to alternative rock bands such as radiohead, muse, elbow; some indie rock, acoustic singer-songwriter type of music, and a bit of jazz).
 
-Monitoring my recordings, and to a lesser degree, gaming. (I play acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and usually experiment quite a bit with effects).
 
I'll also be doing a bit of gaming with them, but it's not one of the main things I'll be using them for.
 
-------------------
 
I don't have an amp, though I've been told to get this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=140555025447&si=l5YecEPyk6X5LLkwHP1IOE2F4xk%253D&viewitem=
 
-------------------
 
The options that I have seen are:
 
Shure SRH 840 ($143 right now in amazon)
Audio Technica ATHM50 ($159)
Sennheiser HD 595 ($149)
 
I'm open to other suggestions. Also, I'd prefer closed cans, because I listen to most of my music while on the bus, or late at night with my family sleeping, but open cans are not out of the question.
 
Thanks in advance!


I don't have personal experience with them, so take this with a grain of salt, but if you're willing to go open, the Senn HD598 would be great for your requirements, from the fairly significant research I've done on them.
 
 
May 30, 2011 at 5:09 PM Post #4,290 of 29,490


Quote:
 
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The Beyers really appeal to me because they look great and seem to have great built quality. I while ago I was into the DT880s, and researched them heavily. Apparently they are very difficult to drive, and a Fiio E7 wouldn't be enough. For some reason I then assumed that all Beyers are hard to drive, but maybe I'm wrong. How well would the DT770s do with an E7?
[/size]




 


I've driven my DT880 adequately with a portable amp.  They scale well, but they're not hard to drive.  I need to qualify that I listen at low levels, so if you listen loud, YMMV.
 
 

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