Quote:

Originally Posted by PanamaHat 


On ears with mid centric sound sig? Look no further than the V-moda m-80 or the Beyer dt1350. Problem with the akg k550 is that they don't seal well. I experienced this for myself when I kept having to hold them in place so that the rear part would seal. They're also quite big for portable use

Yeah, not really looking for on-ears. I'm thinking I'll stick with IEMs and either keep or trade the HD25s I have.

Hello again 

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcesZ 

Hello fellow Head-Fi'ers, I need a recommendation for new HP's. 

Budget is around 100-120$, maybe even up to 150$ if there is something worthwhile fitting my requirements.

I'll be using them with my iAudio/Cowon J3 loaded with MP3's (not planning on using FLAC on this device if that matters), currently without any amp/DAC*, mostly on the bus to and from work so closed phones only for me. I rather avoid the annoying bus engine noise as much as possible ^^

My last.fm profile so you can get an idea of what I'm listening to: http://www.last.fm/user/n00bzZy/library

Or if you're too lazy for that- it's mostly Heavy/Thrash/Progressive/Symphonic/Power Metal, less of other sub-genres and some Hard Rock :P

I also live in quite a warm and very humid area, so preferably not anything similar to the M50's as far as ear-pads go.

As for the sound signature I'm looking for, that's pretty much the only thing I'm unsure of. Basically I like a balanced sound, with a slight emphasis on the bass (I'm also a beginning bassist so I like to hear bass lines as clear as possible without it pounding my brain). 

There are a couple of problems though- I live in Israel so the selection is relatively limited (wouldn't mind ordering from abroad if shipping costs aren't high). The second problem is there aren't really any shops here with listening stations to test phones, so I'll be making my buying decision based on reviews and recommendations here.

 

*I'm also considering an amp or DAC (or a combo) to complement the J3 along with the chosen phones, if there's any point in getting one with this combo and the fact I'll be listening to MP3's only on it. I guess I could spend another 50-100$ on one.

 

As always, I'm pretty sure I forgot something so if any extra info is needed to help me make a good decision I'll gladly provide it.

 

Thanks in advance :)

 

P.S.

I'm not very good with head-fi terminology, so bear with me :P

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcesZ 

Hello again 

Overall, Ultrasone headphones handle metal incredibly well, and considering your budget, the Ultrasone HFI-580 would fit your criteria nicely, or the Ultrasone HFI-780 for a more balanced sounding set with slightly less bass emphasis.

As far as I can see both are unavailable here. Anyway, according to the specs on Ultrasone's webiste the HFI-580 has a 3m cable, so that's not an option (it's also the main reason I don't use my M50's out of the house other than the ear-pads). As far as the HFI-780 goes, the price is over my budget, at least when checking on Amazon and that's not considering possible shipping costs. Thanks for the recommendations anyway.

Quote: 

Originally Posted by Roller 

 

Overall, Ultrasone headphones handle metal incredibly well, and considering your budget, the Ultrasone HFI-580 would fit your criteria nicely, or the Ultrasone HFI-780 for a more balanced sounding set with slightly less bass emphasis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcesZ 

As far as I can see both are unavailable here. Anyway, according to the specs on Ultrasone's webiste the HFI-580 has a 3m cable, so that's not an option (it's also the main reason I don't use my M50's out of the house other than the ear-pads). As far as the HFI-780 goes, the price is over my budget, at least when checking on Amazon and that's not considering possible shipping costs. Thanks for the recommendations anyway.

Alternatively, the Ultrasone DJ1 (the HFI-580 counterpart with slightly higher SPL) comes with a coiled cable which is more portable than the HFI-580's straight cable, and still within your budget.

Junior head-fi-er reporting. I'm looking for a bit of education, beyond "I'm looking at this, and this. What's best!" My Sennheiser 202's have been my true introduction to something that doesn't sound like absolute tin - Sad, I know. The other sad thing is, although I know they sound a whole heck of a lot better than prior sets, is exactly what they do better. To begin using audio terms, I'd called the 202HD's warm and weighty compared to anything I've had before, but let me know if that's pure rubbish being written in words. I'm a lover of bass, and love to hear it come through in bands like Rainbow, Alice in Chains, and especially - especially Primus. Bass being completely lost in a mix in the complete background is practically saddening to me (Metallica! >:E ) though I wouldn't completely have bass completely dominate a soundtrack. I'm not the greatest fan of a lot of electronic music, though I do love the Crystal Method, Daft Punk, and Goldfish for whatever reason. (Goldfish feels like a jazz band working with electronic instruments.)

Given that, I literally have no idea what good mids or highs sound like. I've listened to tutorials, but my own knowledge is just limited. I'd like to rectify that by learning in what ways the 202's are limited or deficient at, and where to go to from there in an upgraded set. Now, I'm not going to go above $100, and you'd be hard-pressed to push me above $75. The one caveat? I work at Best Buy, and the employee discount is absolutely ridiculous. Certain phones like the Sennheiser 428 and 439 cost about what 202's go for on Amazon, for example. You could throw out names of other sets, and I will take a conscious look, but you'd be even better served throwing out names that Best Buy -would- sell. (Sony, Klipsch, Sennheiser, as opposed to Beyerdynamic or Grado, unfortunately.)

Hope this isn't a terrible post. Thanks for any help.

EDIT: No, I will not divulge prices, or buy things for you. Pre-emptive, rather than reactive.

Okay guys, I'm looking for the best headphones 500 dollars or under with a warm bass response. I currently own a pair of AKG K550s and the bass response is sorely lacking. I'm looking for something more fun and well rounded that allows me to enjoy low end without cranking up the volume. 

I'm willing to consider closed or open cans. Although closed would be preferable. I also want something that can be driven by a small portable amp or no amp at all. 

I've had my eye on the Grados. But I don't know whether or not there is a significant improvement in sound between cans like the 225 and the RS 2i. 

Any suggestions? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mafia1245 

complete newbie here when it comes to headphones. Looking to upgrade from the pair apple give you and have tried beats for a while (30 mins) and found them way to bass heavy for me. I have been reading forums and other sites and think i have it down to 3 but not sure which would be best. From what i have read lots of people praise sennheiser headphones but every pair that i see look like crap (i know this shouldn't matter but quality design factors in for me).

 

1.Grado SR80i

2.RHA SA950i

3.AKG K240 studio

 

 

Music genres: I'd say 80% pop/indie rock (killers/shins/hold steady/decemberist/awolnation/neon indian), 15% oldies/rock 60's-80's like Paul Simon/janis joplin. 10% hiphop (jayz eminem  No classical or metal.

Portable: yes (airplaine and biking/walking). will be used with iPhone 95% of the time (inline mic for calls would be great)

Price range: 150, but really trying for under 100. 

Amped: i dont know what that means but probably no if its paired with iPhone.

Headphone preference: over the ears. I am not an audiophile by any means. I want to listen and enjoy the music, apple earbuds dont really bother me but i want to get something a bit better and i know beats are not for me either. Thanks

I have done some more hunting and eliminated the Grado's (based on so many comfort and sound leakage reviews -- since i will be wearing these for a min of 1hr at a time) and the AKG's. However, I have added a 2 more also. So this is where i stand

1. RHA SA950i ($60)

2. Phillips SHL5605GY/28 CitiScape Downtown ($50)

3. Monoprice 8323 ($23)

Of these three which do you think is the best ?? Thanks for the help

Should i go for the AKG Q701 instead of the AD-900? 

I listen mainly to classical music, i also listen to anything else that isn't called rap or techno. I want a big soundstage as well as comfort. I have the opportunity to get the akg q701 for only 20$ more than the AD-900. Is this a good upgrade?

Also they must be able to be driven by the E11 wich i know the AD-900 can. But i don't know about the Q701.

Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ren19 

Should i go for the AKG Q701 instead of the AD-900? 

 

I listen mainly to classical music, i also listen to anything else that isn't called rap or techno. I want a big soundstage as well as comfort. I have the opportunity to get the akg q701 for only 20$ more than the AD-900. Is this a good upgrade?

 

Also they must be able to be driven by the E11 wich i know the AD-900 can. But i don't know about the Q701.

 

Thank you.

The Q701 is supposed to have a massive soundstage, so I'd go with that

Newbie here who needs some advice...

I currently have a Creative X-Fi Titanium from 2007 as my current soundcard (no headphone amp). I have this paired with the craptastic Razer Carcharias Gaming Headset and needless to say I am sick of it.

So, I am shopping around for a new high end headset, one that is preferably under $300. I use my headset for 60% music and 40% gaming. Can anyone reccommend a good headset that has a built in microphone (preferably) that meet my needs? FYI, the music I listen to is mostly electronic and sometimes I listen to the occassional rock song. As for games, I play all types except for racing. Any one care to make a reccomendation? Thanks!

P.S. Yes, I looked through the guide, but was unable to draw any real conclusions.

FWIW this is the type of music I listen to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP2VdbpzMXw

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mods12 

Quote:

Originally Posted by derbigpr 

HD598's have far better vocals and mids in general, its not even comparable. They sound much fuller and more realistic. They also have better imaging and soundstage. DT990's will have slightly more bass and sharper highs. IMHO I'd take the 598's any day. For any purpose.

How would you compare the hifi 2400 and the 598s

The 598 is far better for vocals.  The 2400 is a bassy, fun slam can.

Hi everyone,

I've always enjoyed higher end audio equipment however I've never had the opportunity to really buy something for myself. About a year ago, I received a pair of Beats by Dr.Dre (studio). I knew these were not considered to be great, however, they were an unreturnable gift so I thought I'd try to make it work.

I've put maybe 20 hours on them in a year. I just don't like the way they sound.

Pros:

1. Construction feels fairly solid.

Cons:

1. Too much/unclear bass.

2. No mids/mids distorted from bass

3. Highs are lacking. I can best describe it like I'm wearing a bag over my head.

My music preferences are mainly EDM (Electrohouse, House, Dubstep, Beatport top 100 type stuff).

I've tried to do a fair amount of research and I think I've narrowed it down a little however I don't know what option is best for me. There is absolutely NO chance of me getting to any store that has high end headphones to try before I buy. The closest store with any variety of headphones is over 3 hours away.

• Ultrasone Pro 900
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
• Denon D2000 (I can't find these anywhere for a reasonable price)

I'm pretty certain that I've settled on a Fiio E11 headphone amp as I'll mainly be using my ipod and PC with Creative XFI Titanium HD. The Fiio amp cuts into the budget by about $50.

So total budget after the E11 is ~$350-375

Any direction in the matter would be great. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ren19 

Should i go for the AKG Q701 instead of the AD-900? 

 

I listen mainly to classical music, i also listen to anything else that isn't called rap or techno. I want a big soundstage as well as comfort. I have the opportunity to get the akg q701 for only 20$ more than the AD-900. Is this a good upgrade?

 

Also they must be able to be driven by the E11 wich i know the AD-900 can. But i don't know about the Q701.

 

Thank you.

Can't speak to the amp issue, but the Q701 is the better choice, especially if sound stage is important.  The AD-900 is quite good as well and requires no amp.