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++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1645

post #24661 of 28985
2/13/13 at 4:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChackaYo View Post

Yo sup folks! looking to buy some new headphones over the internet and was hoping you folks could help me out since i really don't know enough to make solid decision :s.

 

What I'm looking for:

 

- Looking to spend $250-300

- Closed and Comfortable

- Strong build

 

Some songs to help out if you got the free time:

 

Lemon Jelly - Stay With You

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

Skream - Summer Dreams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJM96Y5EE3M

Dnell - This Thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATo3jKAKLLM

 

Thank you guys, I'm really hoping for a good 1st experience with some cans over $50!


Preferred sound signature?

 

Are you OK with open cans?  They leak sound and tend not to isolate well?

 

What equipment will be powering them?  Will you be using and amp?

 

Do you need them to be portable and/or intend to us them when out and about?

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post #24662 of 28985
2/13/13 at 4:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by xiaoipower View Post

Hi all,

 

My brother is after some headphones to use with his ipod and I have not kept up to date with the headphone market over the last few years so was hoping for some advice.

 

The budget would be a maximum of £300 and top priority would be:

 

1) Capable of being driven by ipod without sacrificing much sound quality

2) Soundstage

3) Isolation

 

I was hoping if someone could advise me on a few key issues:

 

a) I am not very knowledgeable as to to how easy this price range of headphones is to drive with a portable source like the ipod. Is it merely a case of how loud you can drive the headphones or do you also lose sound quality if you don't use an amp?

 

b) He doesn't intend to buy even a portable amp as it detracts from the ease of use and lightweight nature of the ipod - so is it even worth buying headphones at this price range - or does not using an amp essentially make £100 headphones indistinguishable from £300 ones?

 

If you guys could just suggest a few models - I will of course do the rest of the research myself - just needed some direction to look in.

 

Many thanks!

 

PS sound signature wise - he'd probably like something quite neutral with maybe a bit of added weight to the bass - in terms of impact but not boom - 


Have you checked the buying guides linked in the opening post of this thread--and especially those cans rated a "1"?

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post #24663 of 28985
2/13/13 at 4:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bagheera View Post

I would like to recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-A900X as a good contender for closed-back headphones in the $200-$300 price range. Very fun cans and good all-arounder; rich, full-bodied sound while still remaining very flat in the frequency response measurements. Will play anything you throw at it - music, games, movies - and impress.

Some people have said that the highs on these cans can be a little harsh though and Im really picky about the highs.

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post #24664 of 28985
2/13/13 at 6:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ramsrdebest View Post

Some people have said that the highs on these cans can be a little harsh though and Im really picky about the highs.

Some people's ears are also broken. ;) Do you know how many people said the A900X and K550 sound similar? These two cans sound like night and day.

 

The highs on A900X are NOT harsh in the slightest. I actually get more sibilance issue with K550 than A900X. The A900X is sparkly without sibilance - it's just perfect.  Part of the reason is because of how pronounced the mids are, as well as the upper-treble - it's balanced in such a way that they don't make the 7K-10K peak sound harsh.  The K550 on the other hand rolled off upper-treble too early and the mids are too recessed in comparison, which causes a very harsh upper-mids/lower-treble, where the peak is (especially because you have to turn up the volume with the K550 due to thin and relatively recessed mids).

 

Sibilance occurs mostly in the lower/mid-treble; the delayed treble roll-off on the A900X does not cause sibilance, it simply brings out a lot more details relative to the K550 (whose overall treble presentation I consider to be on the soft side). I think instruments sound a lot more textured and natural on the A900X.

 

Anyway, people's tastes differ and I am not you - so if you are curious I would recommend you go listen to a pair and see for yourself.


Edited by Bagheera - 2/13/13 at 6:18pm
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post #24665 of 28985
2/13/13 at 6:24pm

A900x,k550 ,m-100,yamaha pro500 are all good for what you want but I say look up A900x or Hm5

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post #24666 of 28985
2/13/13 at 6:48pm

Hi folks. I've been thinking of getting some new headphones. I got my first pair of not-stock-earphone set a few years ago after perusing this site for a while, and got some budget-y JVC M750s on the basis of some fairly positive opinions around this site. So far they have been excellent and head & shoulders above any really really cheap stuff I've had before.

 

But, now I'm thinking of getting something better. I was thinking of spending around $200. I've done enough reading on this site and others to have a general idea of the better ones around that price range, but that's not really my question. I'm wondering more if going from an approximately $60 dollar set of headphones to a $200 set will provide a noticeable enough difference to warrant that kind of investment. 

 

I would imagine that there will be an improvement, but I'm not entirely sure how much of an improvement there will be. Its somewhat hard to tell with all the reviews I've read because in most positive reviews one might read something like, "they sound great", which doesn't necessarily describe the magnitude of the greatness. And its quite clear the actual retail price of the product does not always equate to its quality relative to others. 

 

So, is an upgrade to that range worth it? For instance, perhaps a possible answer to this question could be, 'if your current headphones are working fine, then wait until they really start to fail, and then save up for a $400 pair instead'. Or, maybe its 'yes! You will notice a significant difference with that increase in quality, do it, do it now!'.

 

I've gone to a shop or two and listened to a few more expensive headphones, and I must admit I can't.... quite tell the difference. But, perhaps I'm not enough of a listener just yet to truly appreciate the subtleties. 

 

My sources for music are typically my compy, and various mp3 players.

 

Thanks!

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post #24667 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avenir View Post

Hi folks. I've been thinking of getting some new headphones. I got my first pair of not-stock-earphone set a few years ago after perusing this site for a while, and got some budget-y JVC M750s on the basis of some fairly positive opinions around this site. So far they have been excellent and head & shoulders above any really really cheap stuff I've had before.

 

But, now I'm thinking of getting something better. I was thinking of spending around $200. I've done enough reading on this site and others to have a general idea of the better ones around that price range, but that's not really my question. I'm wondering more if going from an approximately $60 dollar set of headphones to a $200 set will provide a noticeable enough difference to warrant that kind of investment. 

 

I would imagine that there will be an improvement, but I'm not entirely sure how much of an improvement there will be. Its somewhat hard to tell with all the reviews I've read because in most positive reviews one might read something like, "they sound great", which doesn't necessarily describe the magnitude of the greatness. And its quite clear the actual retail price of the product does not always equate to its quality relative to others. 

 

So, is an upgrade to that range worth it? For instance, perhaps a possible answer to this question could be, 'if your current headphones are working fine, then wait until they really start to fail, and then save up for a $400 pair instead'. Or, maybe its 'yes! You will notice a significant difference with that increase in quality, do it, do it now!'.

 

I've gone to a shop or two and listened to a few more expensive headphones, and I must admit I can't.... quite tell the difference. But, perhaps I'm not enough of a listener just yet to truly appreciate the subtleties. 

 

My sources for music are typically my compy, and various mp3 players.

 

Thanks!

You will definitely notice a difference in sound quality going form a $60 can to a $200 can. 

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post #24668 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RochRx7 View Post


Hey, no problem at all man.. I am going to try and audition some of those myself at my local audio store. Hopefully I can try most of them there (I've heard the P5's before I think..)  Thanks again.. this helped more than you know dude.

No problem, I'm glad I could help.

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post #24669 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KG Jag View Post


Grado SR 80i, Audio Technica ATH-AD700

 

Semi open: AKG 240 Studio, Superlux HD668B

After some more research based on your suggestions.  It seems the Alessandro MS-1 might be a little more well-rounded than the SR-80i.  I'm sure the Ad700 is more comfortable than either the MS-1 or the SR-80i.  So the question now becomes, is there a big enough difference in the sound qualities of the MS-1/SR80i and the AD700 to justify the MS-1/80i over the AD700?  In other words, is the bass so weak on the ad700 that I should really just suck it up and deal with the possibility of some discomfort from the MS-1/80i for the additional sound quality or will there be such a minor difference between the three that I should pick the most comforable (ad700)?

 

Thanks

Mike

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post #24670 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:12pm

Wow, you've replied to nearly all the requests. I'm very grateful for your response.

If there are no closed backs with a nice soundstage, then at least one with great isolation. I mean nearly no sound from outside can be heard once the headphones are on. Something with a good amount of clamp and that fits generally well.

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post #24671 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:23pm

Budget - ~$300

Source - Macbook, iPod (mainly), iPad

Requirements for Isolation - I do travel quite a bit and spend time in places like my college library

Preferred Type of Headphone - Big dude, looking for something comfortable in an over ear type of headphone.

Preferred Tonality - I like my bass, but do not have a refined audio pallet

Past headphones - POS cheapo earbuds

Preferred Music - Country, Rock, Rap, Dubstep

 

Basically I have tried reading through a lot of these forms to find someone who is looking for the same thing I am. Found some information but nothing concrete. Ive seen a lot of M50 suggestions for and against. Also a lot of HD598. As far as size and feel (not quality) i do like the feel of the Beats Pro and the Sony X10s that are common among the choices at best buy. I know these are not the best quality by any means.

Most likely my next job will require a lot of travel so noise reduction and isolation is a big plus for me. Also am looking for something that runs big as I am a big guy. Other than that I am open to suggestions and looking to learn.

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post #24672 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigTime55 View Post

Budget - ~$300

Source - Macbook, iPod (mainly), iPad

Requirements for Isolation - I do travel quite a bit and spend time in places like my college library

Preferred Type of Headphone - Big dude, looking for something comfortable in an over ear type of headphone.

Preferred Tonality - I like my bass, but do not have a refined audio pallet

Past headphones - POS cheapo earbuds

Preferred Music - Country, Rock, Rap, Dubstep

 

Basically I have tried reading through a lot of these forms to find someone who is looking for the same thing I am. Found some information but nothing concrete. Ive seen a lot of M50 suggestions for and against. Also a lot of HD598. As far as size and feel (not quality) i do like the feel of the Beats Pro and the Sony X10s that are common among the choices at best buy. I know these are not the best quality by any means.

Most likely my next job will require a lot of travel so noise reduction and isolation is a big plus for me. Also am looking for something that runs big as I am a big guy. Other than that I am open to suggestions and looking to learn.

What kind of sound signature are you after?

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post #24673 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigTime55 View Post

Budget - ~$300

Source - Macbook, iPod (mainly), iPad

Requirements for Isolation - I do travel quite a bit and spend time in places like my college library

Preferred Type of Headphone - Big dude, looking for something comfortable in an over ear type of headphone.

Preferred Tonality - I like my bass, but do not have a refined audio pallet

Past headphones - POS cheapo earbuds

Preferred Music - Country, Rock, Rap, Dubstep

 

Basically I have tried reading through a lot of these forms to find someone who is looking for the same thing I am. Found some information but nothing concrete. Ive seen a lot of M50 suggestions for and against. Also a lot of HD598. As far as size and feel (not quality) i do like the feel of the Beats Pro and the Sony X10s that are common among the choices at best buy. I know these are not the best quality by any means.

Most likely my next job will require a lot of travel so noise reduction and isolation is a big plus for me. Also am looking for something that runs big as I am a big guy. Other than that I am open to suggestions and looking to learn.


The M50 is a good place to "start" because it has the tendency to "wow!" people who are just entering the hi-fi world. It's got a bit of an U-shaped response; so heavy on bass and lots of details on the treble (some will find that bitey or sharp). They being so popular though, you can probably find them on display in a nearby store, so just go try them out and see if you like them.

 

For "refined" but still bassy headsets I see a lot of people recommending Denons. I am an Audio-Technica person myself - it's less bassy than the Denons, with more emphasis on the mid-range. If you can find an ATH-A900X on display, try them out. Can't hurt. :)

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post #24674 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avenir View Post

Hi folks. I've been thinking of getting some new headphones. I got my first pair of not-stock-earphone set a few years ago after perusing this site for a while, and got some budget-y JVC M750s on the basis of some fairly positive opinions around this site. So far they have been excellent and head & shoulders above any really really cheap stuff I've had before.

 

But, now I'm thinking of getting something better. I was thinking of spending around $200. I've done enough reading on this site and others to have a general idea of the better ones around that price range, but that's not really my question. I'm wondering more if going from an approximately $60 dollar set of headphones to a $200 set will provide a noticeable enough difference to warrant that kind of investment. 

 

I would imagine that there will be an improvement, but I'm not entirely sure how much of an improvement there will be. Its somewhat hard to tell with all the reviews I've read because in most positive reviews one might read something like, "they sound great", which doesn't necessarily describe the magnitude of the greatness. And its quite clear the actual retail price of the product does not always equate to its quality relative to others. 

 

So, is an upgrade to that range worth it? For instance, perhaps a possible answer to this question could be, 'if your current headphones are working fine, then wait until they really start to fail, and then save up for a $400 pair instead'. Or, maybe its 'yes! You will notice a significant difference with that increase in quality, do it, do it now!'.

 

I've gone to a shop or two and listened to a few more expensive headphones, and I must admit I can't.... quite tell the difference. But, perhaps I'm not enough of a listener just yet to truly appreciate the subtleties. 

 

My sources for music are typically my compy, and various mp3 players.

 

Thanks!

 

 

I used to be like you, I had my $100 ATH-M50s and I just never understood paying extra for marginal, unnoticeable improvements in audio quality in more expensive models, especially with diminishing returns. To me, there were good headphones and bad headphones. Bad headphones were beats and skullcandy... As long as you had a decent pair of cans, you didn't need to spend $500+ to enjoy your music. Even a $100 set of cans- and in your case, a $60 set of headphones- would do.

 

That is, until I heard the AH-D5000. They sounded so unbelievably good that I couldn't bring myself to say my M50s provided a satisfactory listening experience. And once you get over the hurdle of being unable to justify spending extra money on audio gear then it becomes less about the price tag and more about searching for a completely satisfactory sound- as elusive and ambiguous that is. If you think you have that with your $60 JVC's then your headphone journey can end there. For me the K701/K702 comes very close. Of course, that doesn't stop me from trying more higher-end models. If I experience the same thing with one of the $1000+ flagships then I wouldn't hesitate to save up for them.

 

TL;DR: There's refurbished Audio-Technica A900X's selling for $150. Grab'em. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ATHA900XRB


Edited by viralcow - 2/13/13 at 8:42pm
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post #24675 of 28985
2/13/13 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by viralcow View Post

 

 

I used to be like you, I had my $100 ATH-M50s and I just never understood paying extra for marginal, unnoticeable improvements in audio quality in more expensive models, especially with diminishing returns. To me, there were good headphones and bad headphones. Bad headphones were beats and skullcandy... As long as you had a decent pair of cans, you didn't need to spend $500+ to enjoy your music. Even a $100 set of cans- and in your case, a $60 set of headphones- would do.

 

That is, until I heard the AH-D5000. Then the K701. They sounded so unbelievably good that I couldn't bring myself to say my M50s provided a satisfactory listening experience. And once you get over the hurdle of being unable to justify spending extra money on audio gear then it becomes less about the price tag and more about searching for the completely satisfactory sound- as elusive and ambiguous that is.

 

TL;DR: There's refurbished Audio-Technica A900X's selling for $150. Grab'em. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ATHA900XRB

Definitely agree with this. 

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Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphones (full-size) › ++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice HERE! [Please read OP]