++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1459

Originally Posted by francisw19 

Greetings everyone,

 

I'd like to get some recommendations for some full-size headphones.  I'm very new to the audiophile and headphone world...I apologize in advance if I get a few things wrong, but I'm willing to learn. :)

 

I'm a PC audio kind of guy - currently, I run an Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card with a Sennheiser PC-350 headset.  I'm a 50/50 split between gaming (non-competitive/casual) and music.  For music, I use Foobar2000 and my collection is a mix of FLAC (44.1 kHz/16-bit ripped from my CDs) and MP3 (mostly 320kbps but a few lower bit-rates in there that I'm working on replacing).  Regarding my preferred genres, I usually listen to Alternative Rock, Classic Rock, Easy Listening, Folk, World/New Wave, and a bit of Country sometimes (please don't hate me ;) ).

 

I'm not interested in replacing my sound card as I'm very pleased with it and I don't have any problems with it.  Doing a bit of reading around here, it seems like it should be quite capable for someone like me just getting into the audiophile scene.  But, what I really want to change is my headset - I'm content with the PC-350's for gaming (although I'll fully admit I have nothing to compare them to) but I just HATE these for music.  They sound very "closed in"...it's like I'm in a very small room.  The sound stage (I think that's what you call it) feels very small.  With that, I think I'm looking for "Open Back" headphones.  Regarding the sound quality of the PC-350's, I've had to EQ them because the most obvious issue to me was the bass was quite lacking.  Again, with nothing else to compare to, I can't comment well on the sound quality for the rest of the audio spectrum.  I'd like to say I'm reasonably satisfied with it, but somehow I think there is room for improvement.  I hope this makes sense - I suppose it's kinda difficult to describe sound.  :)

 

So, I think there may be two approaches here - 1) I keep the PC-350's for gaming and get a new set of headphones geared for music, or 2) Get a set of headphones that is better both at gaming and music and replace the PC-350's altogether.  Something I should note is I don't actually use the mic on the PC-350's since I don't game on-line.  Also, these will be for home-use only...some day I'll look in to a different set for on the road.

 

Regarding my budget, I'd like to keep it under $350-$400 CAD.  If it makes a difference with availability, I'm in Canada.

 

Any advice and recommendations is much appreciated.  Thanks in advance. :)

Originally Posted by wiggin 

Honestly I don't really know what level of 'abuse' will cause the cracking.  I generally don't do awful things to expensive purchases, but I'm also not going to treat it with kid gloves.  There's a thread on this forum with a lot of pretty scary horror stories about the cracking.

 

Is there something with similar sound/comfort to the Shures in the approximate price range I'm looking for?  I saw some people suggest the Beyer T70Ps, but that's a bit pricey and I really hated the comfort of the (admittedly cheaper) Beyers I tried on at the store.

Originally Posted by mylesyc 

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me the detailed pros and cons of the headphones, or any others you can recommend.

 

From reading (correct me I am wrong) the main cons would be

 

sennheiser - lack of bass

audio-technica - sweaty on your ears, uncomfortable at first

V-MODA - I actually know very little about.

 

I listen to a lot of music as I mentioned, but also watch a lot of films and tv shows etc with headphones as I am often up late and I feel you can hear things just easier with them.

 

I do listen to quite a lot of hip hop, but I really do have a lot of variety in my music. I am not planning on getting an amp at the moment unless you recommend I should.

 

I am sorry if this question has been asked a million times.

 

I would realllllly appreciate any advice you could give me.

 

Thanks again! 

Originally Posted by viralcow 

 

No worries, asking questions is certainly welcome here.

 

All those three headphones are highly regarded on the forums, so I'm sure you will enjoy whichever one you decide to get.

 

The biggest difference between the three (you probably knew this already) is that the HD598 are open-back, so they will leak sound quite a bit. Because of their huge circumaural earpads they will be significantly more comfortable than the other two. Also, the HD598 will be the hardest to drive of the three, and it would be better plugging them into a portable amp or at least a PC/Mac instead of an iphone.

 

Sound-wise they are one of the most impressive I've heard for $250. I'm sure you've read the many positive reviews of them on Head-fi and elsewhere. I would consider these to be in a whole different class than the M50S. But considering your favorite genre is hip hop, you might be disappointed in the lack of bass.

 

The M50s are closed-back/on-ear headphones. As you've noted, the M50 gets uncomfortable after 2-3 hours. Not the most comfortable headphone. As for the sound, it has good bass extension. Unfortunately, I found the M50 to have recessed mids and a lack of detail/sparkle in the highs. Soundstage isn't very good either, considering their closed design. A decent all-rounder, but nothing impressive here. They are built like tanks, though.

 

I can't comment on the M80, because I haven't heard them. But they're very well-regarded here, and I'm sure someone else can fill you in.

 

Hope this helps, and good luck with your search.

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Don't know your sound card (so I'll make the safest assumption that it provides limited, if any, amplification) and will make the more dubious assumption that Canadian prices are roughly the same as in the US.  All that said--take a look at the Senn HD 598 or Audio Technica ATH-AD1000.

 

With good amplification the Beyer DT 880 (+/- Pro) in the 250 and/or 600 Ohm versions come into the picture.

Originally Posted by mylesyc 

Hello all from across the pond!

 

I am Myles from England. I decided to register and ask my questions (hope that is okay) as you guys are the only website anyone ever recommends me to use.

 

It is near Christmas. I am very into music, all sorts of music really. I am currently using the Bose OE headphones. They have served me well but have become tattered. For Christmas I am going to be getting a new pair of headphones. My budget I guess in dollars would be around $200. I have looked around and I think I need to decide between

 

Sennheiser HD 598

 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50S

 

or V-MODA-Crossfade-M80

 

Of course if you feel there are other headphones better suited please say so.

 

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me the detailed pros and cons of the headphones, or any others you can recommend.

 

From reading (correct me I am wrong) the main cons would be

 

sennheiser - lack of bass

audio-technica - sweaty on your ears, uncomfortable at first

V-MODA - I actually know very little about.

 

I listen to a lot of music as I mentioned, but also watch a lot of films and tv shows etc with headphones as I am often up late and I feel you can hear things just easier with them.

 

I do listen to quite a lot of hip hop, but I really do have a lot of variety in my music. I am not planning on getting an amp at the moment unless you recommend I should.

 

I am sorry if this question has been asked a million times.

 

I would realllllly appreciate any advice you could give me.

 

Thanks again! 

Originally Posted by dg17 

So I picked up a pair of ath m50s and I thought the highs were a little to much for me...maybe too crisp. The mids were recessed and I had to make an effort to follow lyrics and the bass was kinda boomy and actually didn't handle the lower end all that well (it didn't distort but it was softer).

So I'm looking for something with good deep bass with out sacrificing mids and highs. I also think I prefer slightly softer highs. I will be running these unamped off of my laptop or iPod.

KG Jag, you recommended the shure srh 840s. How is the bass on those? Do you recommend anything else? I have slightly redefined what I am looking for. I also looked at the sennheiser hd 419s but I have read that there are better options in the $50-$200 range.

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

There are a number of very good cans in the $100 +/- price range.  The closed CAL!, KRK KNS 6400 & Sony MDR-ZX700;  semi-open AKG K 240 Studio; and open Senn HD 518 (if you can stretch to $130).  However, it is especially important to know your sound signature preference and how (and with what) you will be using these cans before deciding.

Originally Posted by JonATL 


Well I am looking for better SQ in general, I plan to listen to these through my laptop and also iPhone. I didn't know AKG's were under $70, interesting. Ele 18$ DAC, no amp as of yet, music preferences would be classic rock Beatles Who Rolling Stones bob Dylan etc. new electronic music, maybe even house techno. Something I haven't got in to much but would be willing is classical music. Also I am messing this multiquoye functionality up from my iPhone.
Jon

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

Check out the Takstar Pro 80s, sold in the USA under the name Gemini HSR-1000, mine arrived yesterday, so far a really good value that costs under $70.

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Are you OK with open cans (they leak sound)?

 

What equipment will be powering these cans?  Will you be using an amp?

 

What is the format of your music and other sounds you will putting into these cans?

 

Describe the sound signature that you are seeking?

 

If you don't know your preferred sound signature (and even if you do), what genres of music do you plan to run through these cans?

 

Do you plan to use them outside your home?  If so, in what way & with what equipment?

Originally Posted by JonATL 

 

 

 

KG JAG, would what I am looking for change your recommendations?

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

The 840 has a mid bass hump that puts it a bit above neutral, but not into even basshead lite territory.  It also has slightly recessed highs, which it appears you will like.