++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1673

Originally Posted by RedStag 

Hi all,

 

I flipped through the last 10 or so pages of this thread but didn't see something specific to my needs, so figured I'd post.

 

Looking for headphones for use on my high-end gaming rig, and also suggestions on sound card vs. amp/DAC.

 

I prefer an immersive gaming experience, and do not require competitive positioning. I need headphones so I don't disturb my neighbors/roommate at night (NYC apartment building), but don't mind sound leakage at all as the walls are thick enough for that. As such, I've been enticed by open-backed headphones with the promise of a vast soundstage, but worry about the trade-off of bass that seems to come with it. Ideally I'm looking for something that retails for around $200 on Amazon, has an excellent, open soundstage, and doesn't sacrifice too much bass so when I blow things up, I really enjoy the experience.

 

So far I'm just completely stuck deciding between the following 5 cans: Beyerdynamic dt770 or dt990, Seinheiser HD 558 or HD 598, or maybe the AKG K702. Please let me know your thoughts on these or even if there is a pair I haven't considered.

 

For now, these would be plugged in to my motherboard's onboard sound, but I just know I will end up getting a sound card eventually (being a PC enthusiast, similar to an audio enthusiast, can be an addicting and expensive hobby!). Seems to me that the only two real options are the XONAR DX, Essence STX, or the SB Titanium HD, and I'm leaning towards the SB. Does it make sense to do this, or rather get an amp/DAC instead? Or will I need both a sound card AND amp to really power a nice pair of cans? Keep in mind I have absolutely zero portibility needs - these are specifically for my desktop computer.

 

Thanks for the help and I look forward to your input!

 

P.S. - Being a lurker on these forumns can make you pretentious about audio quality very quickly!  After just a few days of browsing, I find it impossible to ride the NYC subway anymore without scoffing at anyone using Beats or, even worse, default iPhone earbuds

Originally Posted by pro1137 

I'm simply looking for something that sounds similar to the DT770 Pro, but is more portable, and is good for all types of music.
Budget is around $200
Didn't like Custom One Pro.
I have a cMoy BB V2.03

Originally Posted by FlobHobNob 

Get the dt770's my friend. They will not disappoint! 

Originally Posted by wredj10 

Looking for closed full size headphones for comfort reasons, though will consider smaller portable headphones

 

looking emphasized bass, headphones good with dance , electronic, pop, rock, etc

 

Looking at a price of around 200 - 500 USD
 

considering:

 

Beyerdynamic Custom Pro 1, Beyerdynamic DT 770,

AKG K550

audio technica pro700

fischer audio FA-011

Denon D400/D600

D2000/5000 (Less due to price increase)

Logitech UE6000

Sony XB900/X series (best buy model ) Build quality didn't seem great

Sony XB1000

Ultrasone Pro900

 

 

Originally Posted by Parsons 

Hi I'm new to this.. Hope I'm at the wright place but am in need of help fixing my Sons headphones. They r Beats by Dr. Dre, black with red letter 'b' on both sides. Came with a red aux cord that connects to the left side. My problem is the slot that the red aux cord connects into on the headphones has been pushed into the ear piece . How can I take this apart ..or do I need a pro to do this an fix it?
Apologises if I've posted this in the wrong place... Never used these forums before.

Originally Posted by Morpheas 

I'd love to push them more, they are the 250 Ohm pro version.

 

I'm doubting the E7+E9 is doing a good job, but I suppose i don't know if I should have something better for a sound card/DAC/amp etc

Originally Posted by ngynaq 

...

 

It seems like as I move up I get diminishing returns. If we imagine sound quality vs cost as a graph, I want to hit that point where I still get significant gains from my money just before the plateau occurs. I don't want to spend hundreds more for a very "small" improvement in quality that could be due to placebo or simply psychological compensation.

 

I'm also skeptical about "burn-in". I feel like it plays on "cognitive dissonance" - like you simply adapt and make do with what you purchased and enjoy it more (a well-studied and documented phenomenon). Having said all that, I'm still seeking opinion but what I'm really asking is what would you recommend that's significantly better and cost-effective - or are my Shure 840s already the plateau?

 

 

Originally Posted by docfletch 

Hi, I'm new here. I have heard the Sennheiser  HD 558 and I liked the sound of these open backed phones. I would like to know how much more a step up to the hd 598 would buy me. I am also curious to know more about the closed back Sennheiser Momentum model. This is because I do not plan to use an amp. At least not for a while. I plan on using a headphone for music of all types as well as listening to movies shown on the Kindle Fire HD 8.9". How much air and stage will I give up with the Momentum? I am well versed in audio with speakers but I am out of my element with phones. I am over 60 so my hearing is not what it was. There are a few holes in my hearing so I'm hoping my mind will fill in the gaps. :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.

Originally Posted by eucariote 

 

imo there are three headphones plateaus above the SRH840.  $250: SR225/DT880  $400: HD600  $700: HE500  They really tower over other headphones in their price range.  Beyond HE500 your price/quality graph flattens pretty steeply..

 

edit: oops, KG Jag said the same thing a couple of pages back.  Looks like we're in agreement. 

Originally Posted by Lorspeaker 

 

these are open cans....