++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1675

Hello everyone. Accidentally made a new post for this because me no do good. Rectifying that by placing it here instead.

I'm relatively new to the audiophile world, but have learned much from my short time here. The original reason I was brought here was to get the best audio setup on my PC for competitive gaming. I think I've achieved that. Started with the AD700 and X-Fi Titanium HD, then recently moved to the AKG K702 powered by the FiiO E09K. I couldn't be happier and now I'm thinking about grabbing a good pair of cans for general use. As much as I love (and I do mean LOVE) the AD700 and K702 for gaming, I'm not all that much of a fan of them for music and movies. The more I try out different headphones, the more my tastes are refining and here's what I've learned so far as well as some of the requirements I have for my next cans.

• I will mostly be using these in my office and, therefore, am looking for a closed-back headphone.
• I can power it with an amp and DAC if need be. Currently, I am using the FiiO E07K at work which seems to do quite well with my K702.
• I love the soundstage and airiness of the AD700 and K702.
• I don't like the polite of bass of the AD700 and, to a lesser extent, the K702 for music and movies.
• I like the bass from the DT 990 Pro, but don't consider myself a bass head.
• I'd like to spend no more than $300, but if there is something out there worth the price of admission, I'd consider it.
• My tastes in music and movies absolutely run the entire gamut. Looking for an all-arounder.
• It doesn't have to be portable, but I'd like to to be somewhat visually low key. This is a very low priority, though.

In general, I'm looking for a relatively airy, all-arounder, closed-back headphone that doesn't lack bass (but isn't bass heavy). I was going to start with the DT 770 Pro and go from there. I've also heard great things about the Denon D7000, but that's out of my price range for now. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts and see what you'd recommend.

Thanks! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intrinsion 

Hello, I'm looking for an entrance into the world of the audiophile and was wondering what would be best for me:

 

• Budget of around £250 ($380).
• I will mainly be listening to music and playing games, but will occasionally watch films.
• Genres I like include Rock, Electronic, Classical, Folk etc.
• I think I would prefer more neutral headphones with no emphasis on any particular frequency (so they are suitable for a wide variety of music genres and are closest to the true sound).
• The source will be lossless files on my PC.

 

I have looked at the Sennheiser HD600s and think they would be a good match, but they would consume the entire budget. My question is, should I get these headphones and run them from my motherboard for the time being until I can get an amp, or get cheaper headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50s and combine them with an amp?

 

I know that in order to get the most out of the HD600s, an amp is necessary, but will it be sufficient for the short term to run them from my motherboard? Also, it may be cheaper in the long term as I will be less inclined to upgrade to a new set of headphones.

 

Thanks for the help!

The HD 600 is an excellent choice, but needs an amp.

The M50 is a very bad choice.  With its "V" shaped EQ it is far from neutral and its mids are recessed.  Unlike the HD 600, it is a closed can that has a limited sound stage--which is not what you want for movies and gaming.

I assume that you know that open cans like the HD 600 leak sound and isolate poorly and that you are OK with that.

New here guys, first post.

Not a huge audiophile by any means, but I really do appreciate quality sound.

History: Bought a 5.1 HTIB when I went to college. Just upgraded to a 5.1 Definitive technology system (BP8040 towers, 8040 Center, 8040 surrounds). Really like the system, but I understand and can still identify better quality sound. Spent some time in Minnesota at the Bosch facility that produces the EV speakers that are used by the Dallas Cowboys, Kenney Chesney, etc. Was blown away by their quality.

Having said that, I'm looking to upgrade my desk setup. I'm currently using integrated audio from my motherboard and a Razer Carcharias headset since that's all I've needed until now.

Budget: Lets say $700 and I need a DAC and the headphones.

Music: 70's rock, 90's rock.

Things I've been looking at personally:

Sennheiser HD598

O2+ODAC

Schiit Magni/Modi

Quote:

Originally Posted by roguegeek 

Hello everyone. Accidentally made a new post for this because me no do good. Rectifying that by placing it here instead.

 

I'm relatively new to the audiophile world, but have learned much from my short time here. The original reason I was brought here was to get the best audio setup on my PC for competitive gaming. I think I've achieved that. Started with the AD700 and X-Fi Titanium HD, then recently moved to the AKG K702 powered by the FiiO E09K. I couldn't be happier and now I'm thinking about grabbing a good pair of cans for general use. As much as I love (and I do mean LOVE) the AD700 and K702 for gaming, I'm not all that much of a fan of them for music and movies. The more I try out different headphones, the more my tastes are refining and here's what I've learned so far as well as some of the requirements I have for my next cans.

 

• I will mostly be using these in my office and, therefore, am looking for a closed-back headphone.
• I can power it with an amp and DAC if need be. Currently, I am using the FiiO E07K at work which seems to do quite well with my K702.
• I love the soundstage and airiness of the AD700 and K702.
• I don't like the polite of bass of the AD700 and, to a lesser extent, the K702 for music and movies.
• I like the bass from the DT 990 Pro, but don't consider myself a bass head.
• I'd like to spend no more than $300, but if there is something out there worth the price of admission, I'd consider it.
• My tastes in music and movies absolutely run the entire gamut. Looking for an all-arounder.
• It doesn't have to be portable, but I'd like to to be somewhat visually low key. This is a very low priority, though.

 

In general, I'm looking for a relatively airy, all-arounder, closed-back headphone that doesn't lack bass (but isn't bass heavy). I was going to start with the DT 770 Pro and go from there. I've also heard great things about the Denon D7000, but that's out of my price range for now. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts and see what you'd recommend.

 

Thanks! 

That's a tough one.  Many good closed headphones with decent bass lack soundstage and sound closed-in.  Denon D5000 have both and are extremely good headphones, very close to D7000 imo (D7000 have *slightly* more forward mids and tighter bass but worse/sharper treble).  You might also consider D2000 if you can find them.  K550 also do both pretty well, but are a bit less refined to my ears.  DT770 also have both but the bass is excessive, sloppy and one-toned unless you seriously amplify them and their treble is far too sharp for my ears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wredj10 

 

Just so you know the the FA-011's are open.

Edit: Don't know why the quote doesn't work but they're still open:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by eucariote 

 

That's a tough one.  Many good closed headphones with decent bass lack soundstage and sound closed-in.  Denon D5000 have both and are extremely good headphones, very close to D7000 imo (D7000 have *slightly* more forward mids and tighter bass but worse/sharper treble).  You might also consider D2000 if you can find them.  K550 also do both pretty well, but are a bit less refined to my ears.  DT770 also have both but the bass is excessive, sloppy and one-toned unless you seriously amplify them and their treble is far too sharp for my ears.

Yeah, I know the closed-back is clashing with my want for an airy can. I'm not really asking for a closed-back can with the airiness of the K702. Rather, I think I'm asking for a closed headphone that is relatively airy. The D5000 is out of my budget for the time being. I've heard the K550 are rather airy for a closed-back set. That's one I will be looking into. That's a bit sad to hear about the DT770 because I've read the soundstage is quite nice on them.

Any other suggestions?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

The HD 600 is an excellent choice, but needs an amp.

 

The M50 is a very bad choice.  With its "V" shaped EQ it is far from neutral and its mids are recessed.  Unlike the HD 600, it is a closed can that has a limited sound stage--which is not what you want for movies and gaming.

 

I assume that you know that open cans like the HD 600 leak sound and isolate poorly and that you are OK with that.

I am OK with sound leakage as they are purely for home use. What amp would you recommend for both music and gaming? I've looked at sound cards like the Xonar Essence STX and the Sound Blaster Zx.

Thanks for the help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intrinsion 

I am OK with sound leakage as they are purely for home use. What amp would you recommend for both music and gaming? I've looked at sound cards like the Xonar Essence STX and the Sound Blaster Zx.

 

Thanks for the help.

Will you listen to your music from your PC? In that case with a good digital onboard soundcard, I dont think you will need an exterior amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intrinsion 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

The HD 600 is an excellent choice, but needs an amp.

 

The M50 is a very bad choice.  With its "V" shaped EQ it is far from neutral and its mids are recessed.  Unlike the HD 600, it is a closed can that has a limited sound stage--which is not what you want for movies and gaming.

 

I assume that you know that open cans like the HD 600 leak sound and isolate poorly and that you are OK with that.

I am OK with sound leakage as they are purely for home use. What amp would you recommend for both music and gaming? I've looked at sound cards like the Xonar Essence STX and the Sound Blaster Zx.

 

Thanks for the help.

My serious listening is to CD's and vinyl, so someone else, perhaps in the computer audio section of the forum, will have to help you with the selection of a sound card.

Hi!

Just want to ask what bluetooth headphones you can recommend.

Currently, I'm interested with Creative wp-450 and MEElectronics Air-Fi AF32.

My budget is $100 but if its worth the price no prob,

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleepcakez 

New here guys, first post.

Not a huge audiophile by any means, but I really do appreciate quality sound.

History: Bought a 5.1 HTIB when I went to college. Just upgraded to a 5.1 Definitive technology system (BP8040 towers, 8040 Center, 8040 surrounds). Really like the system, but I understand and can still identify better quality sound. Spent some time in Minnesota at the Bosch facility that produces the EV speakers that are used by the Dallas Cowboys, Kenney Chesney, etc. Was blown away by their quality.

 

Having said that, I'm looking to upgrade my desk setup. I'm currently using integrated audio from my motherboard and a Razer Carcharias headset since that's all I've needed until now.

 

Budget: Lets say $700 and I need a DAC and the headphones.

Music: 70's rock, 90's rock.

 

Things I've been looking at personally:

Sennheiser HD598

O2+ODAC

Schiit Magni/Modi

You're on the right track if you are seeking a neutral-ish rig that is good for your genres of music and most others (except for bass driven ones).

I am looking to replace some cans that have done me pretty good for about 6 years (Sony MDR's).

Budget: Up to $1000 - to include HPhones + DAC/AMP (if needed... which it likely will be)

Music: I listen to a wide variety of music with a combination of lossless and slight compression. In order of frequency; Alternative Rock and Metal, Techno/House/Dub/Dance, Trip Hop, Top 40, Jazz and Smooth Jazz (old and new), Classical, Theatrical Soundtracks, 60's - current Popular, Country, Big Band 30's-40's, Hymn and Choir, and even a Mozart Opera once in a while.

Movies: All types from DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming media, but with a focus on Action Adventure and Sci-Fi - Matrix and Star Wars to Phantom of the Opera

Games: PC big titles and PS3/PS4 - PC has SB PCIe 24 bit w/Platinum front of case Connection Bay - PS3/4 optical audio and HDMIv2/3

Interested In: Full-sized cans. Open or semi-open are fine. Sound isolation or canceling not needed. Good frequency response (roughly 15Hz-30kHz) with a THD less than .7db or so. Wired not wireless and with a minimum cord length (overall) of roughly 3m/10ft.

Sound: As my name suggests, I do suffer from moderate tinnitus, but it only becomes exacerbated with too much "schrill" or volume across extended periods. Unfortunately, I also suffer slight hearing impairment at some frequencies, but most notably in the audible range. Surprisingly though, I have a good ear for pitch/clarity when the sound is "delivered properly" to me.

I love my Music and Movies so having audio that "delivers properly" is important to me.

Lows - should be dynamic and punchy but not overwhelming and wild so as to drown out details of the upper frequencies.

Highs - can not be shrill, but need to be smooth and crisp

Mids - I prefer the "V" on music I listen to most frequently, so while I don't need exaggerated mids, they must be clean, smooth, and strong for the audible frequencies for me to enjoy dialogue and soft music at all volume ranges. This has been my biggest problem with the Sony's that are on the fritz, I frequently had to adjust volume down for the action, and up to hear talking with Movies.

Comfort: This is a big one for me as I frequently use them and across what can be very long periods (upwards of 12-16 hrs). I tend to run hot so generally prefer cloth/soft ear coverings that breath a little. Cans should have enough room for my whole med sized ears with minimal pressure, and be of a size small enough to accommodate my size 7-1/4 s-m head. I'm pushing 50 so my hair is thinning on top, so I don't care for the feel of hard plastic on my head. I must note that I detest both too much clamp or sweating in my ears. My typical environment is a nice comfy easy-chair.

I have been considering a bunch of choices, but depending on where I look, the ratings are all over the place. These will primarily be used for Music and Movies, and only used for PC gaming as I have a pretty good pair of Turtle Beach Earforce PX21s I use for PS3/4 gaming.

Here is my current short list and would love to hear from you folks on your recommendations -- particularly if I don't have one on my list a should have:

- Beyerdynamic DT 880 or 990 (250 ohm)

- Sennheiser HD 598 (specs look pretty close to the $$$ HD 600 and HD 650's)

- Audio-Technica ATH-M50 PSM

- Shure SRH1440

And which wired DAC/ Desk-top-amp would you want to pair with them?

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by roguegeek 

Hello everyone. Accidentally made a new post for this because me no do good. Rectifying that by placing it here instead.

 

I'm relatively new to the audiophile world, but have learned much from my short time here. The original reason I was brought here was to get the best audio setup on my PC for competitive gaming. I think I've achieved that. Started with the AD700 and X-Fi Titanium HD, then recently moved to the AKG K702 powered by the FiiO E09K. I couldn't be happier and now I'm thinking about grabbing a good pair of cans for general use. As much as I love (and I do mean LOVE) the AD700 and K702 for gaming, I'm not all that much of a fan of them for music and movies. The more I try out different headphones, the more my tastes are refining and here's what I've learned so far as well as some of the requirements I have for my next cans.

 

• I will mostly be using these in my office and, therefore, am looking for a closed-back headphone.
• I can power it with an amp and DAC if need be. Currently, I am using the FiiO E07K at work which seems to do quite well with my K702.
• I love the soundstage and airiness of the AD700 and K702.
• I don't like the polite of bass of the AD700 and, to a lesser extent, the K702 for music and movies.
• I like the bass from the DT 990 Pro, but don't consider myself a bass head.
• I'd like to spend no more than $300, but if there is something out there worth the price of admission, I'd consider it.
• My tastes in music and movies absolutely run the entire gamut. Looking for an all-arounder.
• It doesn't have to be portable, but I'd like to to be somewhat visually low key. This is a very low priority, though.

 

In general, I'm looking for a relatively airy, all-arounder, closed-back headphone that doesn't lack bass (but isn't bass heavy). I was going to start with the DT 770 Pro and go from there. I've also heard great things about the Denon D7000, but that's out of my price range for now. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts and see what you'd recommend.

 

Thanks! 

Here's the thing: if you like the sound signature of the DT 770 & 990, your right on the border of being a basshead lite.  Cans that are in that neighborhood are not airy (even relatively--when compared to neutral-ish and even near neutral-ish cans).  They are not good all-arounders--most have recessed mids and even those that don't have too much bass emphasis (perhaps another way to say recess mids & treble relative to bass) to be good with many/most genres.

Bottom line--you need to pick on which side of the divide you want to be.  With the Denons discontinued, there's really not much, if any, middle ground.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mifero766 

Hi!

 

Just want to ask what bluetooth headphones you can recommend.

 

Currently, I'm interested with Creative wp-450 and MEElectronics Air-Fi AF32.

 

My budget is $100 but if its worth the price no prob,

 

Thanks!

This section is for full sized headphones only.  There is a recommendations thread in the portable headphones, IEM section of the forum:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/596233/buying-portable-or-in-ear-headphones-seeking-guidance-dont-start-a-new-thread-ask-for-advice-here

Good day!

First time poster. I am very new to the audio scene and have been doing some research. Currently I am using cheap $20 headphones for music, movies and gaming on my PC.

Budget: Up to $500 for headphones and $300 for Amp/DAC

Will be used for: Music, Gaming, Movies

Listen to: All types of genres but mainly Classical, Pop, Rock, Country

Primary music preference: Classical and vocal music

Im not much into bass so something easy on my ears that will be smooth and crisp.

These will used at home on my PC.

I don't mind sound leaking. From reviews I've read, open-air has a more natural sound?

Thank you very much for your time!

-Reddy