Quote:

Originally Posted by stefanhartman 

Hi,

I'm on the verge of taking the plunge and buying myself a Beyerdynamic DT880/600. I am 99% (without auditioning) sure this is the best purchase.

I listen mainly to EDM, some Jazz, Tango, Classical - mostly lossless.

I currently own Sennheiser HD202 and I am desperately craving something with more detail and that is more open. The HD202 just sounds closed (since they are) and it makes some detail disappear.

My priorities are:

 - Transparency/Clarity/Detail (and no grain/noise)

 - Instrument separation / soundstage

 - Neutrality

 - Build quality

 

I'm in the UK and don't have a lot of options in the price class:

Senn HD600

Beyer DT880

AKG K701

 

I've read many comparisons and seems that dt88 is the best fit, however, I also read at THE BATTLE OF FLAGSHIPS that it lacks detail/transparency, is not noise free and the soundstage is inaccurate - exactly the opposite of what I want. Are those comments only as compared to the most high end ones?

I am really hoping for a noticeable upgrade. I've tried Yamaha HPH-200 and they're a big improvement but I my ears tell me that there is still a bit to improve on.

 

For amp/dac I'd use the E10 at first then upgrade later. I'm convinced the E10 will work at least temporarily based on others' comments.

Based on what you say that you want, the AKG is the best choice, although I would go with the Q701.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DL88 

Hi guys, 

 

Long time reader of the forums but first time poster, apologies for asking questions as soon as I sign up!

I currently own a pair of Sony MDR v6 and some Sony MDR-XB700. I enjoy both pairs of headphones and have never had any problem with either, typically I'll use the v6's for when I'm trying to not disturb anybody in my house, as the XB700's are very leaky (I'm not sure if they are open backed but either way they are very loud to listen to in company!).

 

I'd like to take a 'step-up' in headphones and was wondering if this was actually possible on a budget of around £200? I have the caveat of having to buy them from Amazon.co.uk (gift card) so unfortunately some of the suggestions I have already read in this thread aren't a possibility as they aren't stocked by Amazon.

 

Generally I listen to RnB, Pop and a bit of Rock. I like to feel the bass in the music but think I'd be happy to take a step away from the sometimes overpowering sound of the XB700's. I don't have a good audio set up, typically I listen to 320kbps MP3's on an iPod or iPhone so I really need some headphones that are going to be reasonably easy to drive. 

 

I've had a look around (based on what I can get from Amazon) and believe my best options - although you guys may not agree - are:

 

AKG K701 (although I believe these may be hard to drive off an iPod?)
AKG K240
Beyerdynamic DT250
Beyerdynamic DT 990 (these are smack bang at the top of my budget!)

Sennheiser HD25-1 II
Sennheiser HD 598

AKG K550
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro - 250 OHM

 

Sorry for listing so many, these are just the ones I've seen mentioned before and are in my price range and available on Amazon. 

 

If anybody could give me any kind of guidance on whether any of these headphones will show a decent improvement compared to what I have currently I would be massively grateful!

Thanks. 
 

From an unamped i-device, I's go with the Sennheiser HD25-1 II, on condition that a neutral headphone is what you want.

Hi folks,

After doing a few hours of reading online I found this forum and thought you might be able to shed some light. In short I'm looking for a pair of headphones that would be great at separating front and back audio. I've been getting into CounterStrike and currently use Sennheiser HD 280 PROs --- while they work great for the most part I have lots of trouble distinguishing front and back while playing. Is there anyone out there who can recommend some around-the-ear headphones that could fit this role? Less than $200 and comfort are a focus for me. Someone recommended the Sennheiser HD 558's but I'm not sure why. I do know the HD 555's are comfortable as heck though.

Along the same lines if someone could properly explain (or link to an explanation) on how it's possible to do front/back audio over just a stereo (and not a 5.1 or greater) headset I'd really be curious to understand how it works. As I mentioned above I tried doing some research earlier but all I found was a lot of conflicting opinion which just left me more or less confused.

Thanks in advance for any response!

Edit: In some additional reading I've heard the ATH-AD700's have really good "sound stage"/positioning. Not sure if anyone can comment to that. They seem to be on sale for a steal at $99 on Amazon too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamijoIsMyHero 

Are you a sunbro?

Get the custom ones, I am getting them for the same things you are looking for

Haha yup, back when I played I was a sunlight spear maniac with an arsenal of lightning weaps, haven't really played that much since aota came out, glad to see people still play heavily though! I might have to check it out and see what they changed, and get lagstabbed until my delicious tears are flowing.

As for the Beyer COP vs V-MODA LP2s, would you say its definitely worth sending back my LP2s to get them?

Also, as for amps, which one pairs nicely with the Beyer COPs? Looking to keep them in the house mainly but want a punch when I hook them into smartphones.

Music: Rock, electronic, anything that the HD 598 is weak in.

Headphones I am looking at: Ultrasone HFI-780, Beyerdynamic DT 770, Grado SR225i

I own the ATH-M50, but my HD 598 destroys everything the M50s can play, even in bass-ier music.

out of the follow headphones which would anyone recommend or if you have other recommendations please say

i listen to mostly metal and rock..i do alot of walking so they have to be good on the go and have to be comfortable of course so please let me know if i need to replace the pads and with what i rather buy pads to have even if i dont find them to be needed

i have meelectronics m9 iem now that are cheap but pretty good for the money

i would like to spend as little as possible for the value but if something is a little over 100 i wont rule it out in hopes of getting a good deal so if you can maybe put in order by what you say would be priority

V-Moda Crossfade LP

Audio-Technica M-50 or M30

Creative Aurvana Live

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubleTwo 

 

 

Haha yup, back when I played I was a sunlight spear maniac with an arsenal of lightning weaps, haven't really played that much since aota came out, glad to see people still play heavily though! I might have to check it out and see what they changed, and get lagstabbed until my delicious tears are flowing.

 

 

 

As for the Beyer COP vs V-MODA LP2s, would you say its definitely worth sending back my LP2s to get them?

 

Also, as for amps, which one pairs nicely with the Beyer COPs? Looking to keep them in the house mainly but want a punch when I hook them into smartphones.

ahh good days of being a noob, lightning everything made your character into such a badass, I play on the PC now so barely any problems with lagstabs

depends heavily on your music preference, I am using mine for hip-hop and felt the mids were better than LP2 so that's my turning point, I also auditioned shure 840 but build was better in COP so I went with those, I don't think you will like these with treble heavy music

Now I auditioned the COPs with a sony walkman and they sound fine and don't plan on adding an amp portably but as a home amp, I am using the Schiit Magni for all my headphones, honestly though, I wouldn't worry about an amp until you heard them yourself and work out a better source first

So Im in the market for a nice pair of noise canceling headphones. After about a month of research, Ive narrowed it down to the AKG K 495 NC and the Sennheiser PXC 450. I listen to mostly hip hop, dubstep and like headphones to hit when needed but also not overdo it like any and all Beats products. I need noise canceling because as a med student, I need quiet to study in loud places such as coffee shops. So between the two, which one should I get? budget is max $400. Any other recommendations anyone can give? I dont want Bose or Beats, it seems like everyone has those nowadays and for the amount of money, I feel like theyre better options. Thanks in advance! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sycho 

Music: Rock, electronic, anything that the HD 598 is weak in.

Headphones I am looking at: Ultrasone HFI-780, Beyerdynamic DT 770, Grado SR225i

 

I own the ATH-M50, but my HD 598 destroys everything the M50s can play, even in bass-ier music.

Get open headphones unless you need the isolation, they're generally much better than similarly priced closed headphones.  So I'd steer towards DT880/990 instead of 770.  Grados also have a very different signature than the Senns and are quite enjoyable- SR225 are fun but the woodies have smoother treble and more substantive bass (HF-1/RS-1).  

Quote:

Originally Posted by sashraf15 

So Im in the market for a nice pair of noise canceling headphones. After about a month of research, Ive narrowed it down to the AKG K 495 NC and the Sennheiser PXC 450. I listen to mostly hip hop, dubstep and like headphones to hit when needed but also not overdo it like any and all Beats products. I need noise canceling because as a med student, I need quiet to study in loud places such as coffee shops. So between the two, which one should I get? budget is max $400. Any other recommendations anyone can give? I dont want Bose or Beats, it seems like everyone has those nowadays and for the amount of money, I feel like theyre better options. Thanks in advance! 

I'd avoid noise canceling headphones, they don't really stack up against audiophile headphones (e.g., the PXC450 lose all their bass with nc on).  Some closed headphones have very good isolation (hd-25 for example) or if you find them comfortable, iems can give near-perfect sound and isolation.  I spend time in libraries and always use SE535, with godly results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sycho 

Music: Rock, electronic, anything that the HD 598 is weak in.

Headphones I am looking at: Ultrasone HFI-780, Beyerdynamic DT 770, Grado SR225i

 

I own the ATH-M50, but my HD 598 destroys everything the M50s can play, even in bass-ier music.

Ultrasone for a strong bass signature;

or

Grado for mid-centric pleasure and the Grado (SR) "wall of sound".

You pick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eucariote 

 

I'd avoid noise canceling headphones, they don't really stack up against audiophile headphones (e.g., the PXC450 lose all their bass with nc on).  Some closed headphones have very good isolation (hd-25 for example) or if you find them comfortable, iems can give near-perfect sound and isolation.  I spend time in libraries and always use SE535, with godly results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sashraf15 

So Im in the market for a nice pair of noise canceling headphones. After about a month of research, Ive narrowed it down to the AKG K 495 NC and the Sennheiser PXC 450. I listen to mostly hip hop, dubstep and like headphones to hit when needed but also not overdo it like any and all Beats products. I need noise canceling because as a med student, I need quiet to study in loud places such as coffee shops. So between the two, which one should I get? budget is max $400. Any other recommendations anyone can give? I dont want Bose or Beats, it seems like everyone has those nowadays and for the amount of money, I feel like theyre better options. Thanks in advance! 

the akg recieves a bass boost with the NC on and while off, roughy 80% of noise is gone just by putting them on, I just don't think they are worth 300 since with the NC on, only like 85% of noise is gone plus a small "nnnnnnnnn" sound, they were brilliant when I worked in engineering labs (very very loud kids) and isolation is insanely good, and I mean insane

Quote:

Originally Posted by itza2mer 

Was thinking of buying a portable amp for my Grado 60i phones, now leaning toward a vintage amp/receiver. Any recommendations for a vintage amp/receiver that match up with great with Grado cans would be welcome. Need to keep the price in the $100 bucks range tops.

Thanks

With SR series people generally look for tube amps for a lush sound and softer treble.  For $100 I found that the uDAC dac/amp has a warm sound that works surprisingly well with Grados.  Not sure if you need something for home or portable use, but it does have a dac so could be a good all-in-one for use out a computer or via rca outputs to any stereo receiver that you may be to steal from an older relative.

Hey guys,

Im very new to this and I apologize in advance for this somewhat long series of questions. 

Let me start out by saying that I am in no way shape or form an audiophile.  However, I do appreciate and love great sounding music, and am lucky enough to have come across some extra money to spend on things like this.

My current audio product collection includes:

Audio Engine 5 speakers

Bower and Wilkins P5's

Monster Inspiration Active Noise Canceling

Bose QC 15

Atrio M5

I listen to a wide variety of music, but mostly Electronic Music (house, trance, etc), hip hop, but also soft rock, (counting crows, mumford and sons)

I really appreciate anyone who will take the time to help me out, and I apologize in advance for any incorrect terminology.

I am seeking help in regards to:

A set of noise canceling headphones:

Budget: $350

I travel alot and would like noise canceling headphones.  I recently bought the Bose QC15's and I am extremely disappointed with the sound quality.  I am looking for a pair with acceptable noise canceling, but with better overall sound quality and better soundstage.  If this cannot be achieved through noise canceling models, I would be open to noise isolating models (closedback for traveling) if the sound quality is superb.

A set of headphones for at home use

Budget: $250

When working at home, I love getting enveloped into my music, so great soundstage is preferable, which would most likely lead me to an open backed phone?.  I mostly would use this for soft rock (mumford and sons) but if it has adequate  bass to deal with my affinity for electronic music, that would be great.  I have a very basic understanding of amplification, but if needed/recommended, I would purchase one of the Fiios Portable amps to power these headphones.  My source will be my iPhone, but am open to any other suggestions regarding improving this setup.

IEM's with overall good sound quality/fun sound

Budget: $250

A good soundstage is preferred and it would be great if these fones could be used without an amplifier.  I am currently looking at the Klipsch X10, are these recommended?

Thank you for your time!!

- Nick

I often see this comment by a lot of people around here "they sound good for closed cans".  Is it that Open Headphones usually have better sound quality or sound better than Closed Headphones?