++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1677

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlobHobNob 

Are there any closed cans under 400 that excel in treble and mid range. I already have a bass heavy can so I'm looking for something to compliment it. My only requirements are that it's closed and some what portable. I've looked and I havn't found hardly any closed headphones around the 400 dollar mark. If anyone would like to help I'd greatly appreciate it.

Shure SRH 940.

       Hey guys, this is my first post on the forum; after browsing for a few months I decided to finally create an account...

Anyway, I need advice on what headphones to buy. I'm looking for an upgrade from my XB500's (which I love, and imo were great for the price). I'm pretty much a basshead, although I enjoy a wide assortment of music so I would appreciate cleaner mids and highs too. Lately I've been listening to soundtracks from video games such as Halo, but also Dubstep and assorted bass-heavy electronic music as well as rock. I find the thing that hits me the hardest are the low-mid sections in orchestras, and I'd love to retain how great they sound. I listen to music through my iPhone unamped, and the files are mostly 320kbps and some lossless.

I've been narrowing down my options for the past few weeks, and one that keeps reappearing is the Ultrasone Pro 900. On one thread, I read that these cans combined with a Fiio E11 would be a basshead's dream. At first I was sure they were the ones, but then I noticed some people complaining about the bright highs and my ears are quite sensitive to high frequencies. I was also wondering if they would be done justice unamped, or if an amp is necessary... The main thing I want to know is if I'll be satisfied with the Pro 900's and if they're a good choice for me in their price range. I'd hate to waste money on shipping if I returned them...

Another option I've been considering is the Pro700mk2's, which apparently deliver the bass. I think, though, I'd be willing to spend more on an upgrade, and these only sound like a marginal step up from my headphones. If these actually have a crazy amount of bass, though, I'll consider getting them just for fun.

Thanks guys, Jake   

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddyxm 

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

Nice budget! You could get some HE400s for $399.00 and Modi Magni combo from Schiit. for $200.00 and you'd have a couple hundred bucks left over to buy some music. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by eucariote 

 

Most Beyerdynamics are terribly shrill and bright in the 5-15kHz range where most people experience tinnitus, I'd avoid those.  As a general rule, spend more on the headphone than the amp for the best sound quality.  HD600 have a wonderful, gentle non-fatiguing sound that is unmatched by any other headphone under $500 imo.  A simple, neutral solid state amp will do nicely (e.g. O2), avoid a tube amp, it will make their sound too soft & syrupy.

Thanks!

Guess I will try and find a good Senn retailer in my area and give them a listen and feel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzot 

 

Also, how much isolation do the DT 880s give? I know this is a dumb question, but seeing as they are semi open, I'm curious how easy normally audible noises from my neighbors will be with these on. Any unwanted noises were completely inaudible with the ATH m50s on

 

 

Thanks!

That's hard for anyone from outside to give anything approaching a definitive answer.  The M50 is closed, but does not isolate very well for a closed can.  You can expect that the semi-open DT 880 to isolate even less.  However, the specific level and type of noises from your neighbors is unknown to us, as is the volume at which you play your cans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Shure SRH 940.

That's  what I was thinking  about, I was just  wondering if there was anything else. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

The 598 is considered to be very comfortable by most.  The DT 880 is also, but the cups are too small for some.  The Pro has a firmer clamp, which might or might not be a issue for you.

 

Again the amp/dac needs to be matched to your headphone for the best results, and your situation might not be typical.  I am an amp only guy, as I listen mostly to CD's amd vinyl.  So others, perhaps in the computer audio section of the forum might provide helpful advice with regard t o the dac side of the equation.

 

You don't include your location with your posts.  However, most large and many medium sized cites--and even some smaller ones--have one or more higher end audio stores that can help.

 

Most people (and your mileage may vary) would probably find the Senns already discussed, the 1440, the HE 400 and closed Shure SRH 940 to be smooth on the ears.

Thanks for the reply! I will find the Senn Lineup and pickup the pair that will be best.

Based on responses from others I may look close at the appropriate JDS O2 amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlobHobNob 

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag 

Shure SRH 940.

That's  what I was thinking  about, I was just  wondering if there was anything else. 

With the Denon D5000 gone, there's not much else left.  You might want to check out the Audio Technica ATH-W1000x "Grandioso", but the Shure does mids and treble better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxgolf 

I messed up and posted this in the wrong place so I will try here hoping not to be barging in on someone. I just picked up a JDS o2 amp and now am looking for some cans that will play well with it. I enjoy classical, country rock, and some pop. I do not consider myself a base head but of course want the natural low end as recorded at least. Crystal clear percussion and female voices are dope for me. I live in a rural area with zero opportunity to demo anything that is not at best buy. As reference, my westone 3's are decent but I am ready for more. I would appreciate opinions on which way to go:
Senn.650
Senn.600
He-400
He-500
Grado-ps500
Grado-Rs1i

All are within budget but I want to use the JDSo2 and of course bang for the buck is always better than less bang for the buck.
Thank You for your time,
Greg

The HE 500 and is the best on the list. 

The O2 will drive them according to the fellow who designed it.   Can't tell you much more than that, as I have no ear time on the O2 and only read about on numerous occasions.

Seeking Headphone Recommendations

Hello all,

New user here but I've been lurking the boards for over a month or so now.  I'm looking to upgrade my headphones, which won't be too hard considering I'm using HD280's currently.  I've had the 280s for a few years.  They've served their purpose, but I have been rather disappointed by them overall (small soundstage, very little bass, requires an amp to get to levels I would consider loud).

Preferences:

I will be primarily using these for gaming and music (about 60-70% gaming, rest music).  I play various types of games, usually one at a time for a few months.  Currently I'm mostly into FPS's (BF3).

As for music, I tend to listen to a lot of electronica, folksy stuff, post-rock, and any combination of those.  I also listen to a good amount of experimental stuff.  Some of my favorites sounds (when played through good equipment...) is deep, very synthesized, low Hz bass notes.  Not punchy stuff like dubstep (actually kind of hate dubstep), but bass notes that get dragged out with minimal attacks and resonate a bit (e.g. DJ Trentemoller).

Current Equipment:

My desktop PC has a Creative Sound Blaster Z.  This has a pretty solid HP amp within it and great fidelity.  My current HD280s have to be set at some of the lowest settings for non-ear-shattering volume levels.

 I do have a low end, but decent, 5.1 system (JVC TH-G31) hooked up to my PC also (through SPDIF), so I tend to use that when I want to watch movies or listen to music while I'm moving around.  These headphones will be used solely when I'm sitting down at my computer (or my work computer, potentially).  

Features Sought (in order of priority):

1. Quality Bass.  I'm not a bass-head, but I thoroughly enjoy very full, smooth sounding bass (some of my favorite sounds are found in down-tempo electronica, e.g. Trentemoller for a quick example)
2. Great Soundstage.  Mainly for gaming purposes, e.g. excellent positional cues.
3. Comfort. Could be wearing these anywhere from 1-5 hours at a time.  Would like to be able to achieve the 'forgot they're on' comfort level.
4. Would highly prefer closed headphones, but I understand it's hard to come by closed 'phones that offer a large soundstage. Sound-leakage reduction is a bonus where possible.
5. Drive-able without amp. I wouldn't be taking these out much, but I would like to use them at work occasionally and would prefer not to have to lug around an amp when I do so.  They will be plugged into my soundcard at home, so that's not an issue overall.

Budget and Current Considerations:

My budget for some new headphones is up to $300, but will only hit the higher end of this if it's absolutely favorable to do so.  I would like to stick around the $200 mark realistically.

Some headphones I've been eyeing thus far are as follows:

• AKG Q701 (refurbished or used)
• Beyerdynamic DT 990
• Sennheisser HD 598
• Logitech UE6000
• Buying two sets: AKG A(D)700 (for gaming) and ATH M50s for music

So, there you have it.  Any input/opinions would be highly appreciated!

Thanks,

-robeot

Honestly, all I'm looking for is a pair of cans with good sound isolation. That's all. Which headphones block out sound the best? Obviously must be closed back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxgolf 

I messed up and posted this in the wrong place so I will try here hoping not to be barging in on someone. I just picked up a JDS o2 amp and now am looking for some cans that will play well with it. I enjoy classical, country rock, and some pop. I do not consider myself a base head but of course want the natural low end as recorded at least. Crystal clear percussion and female voices are dope for me. I live in a rural area with zero opportunity to demo anything that is not at best buy. As reference, my westone 3's are decent but I am ready for more. I would appreciate opinions on which way to go:
Senn.650
Senn.600
He-400
He-500
Grado-ps500
Grado-Rs1i

All are within budget but I want to use the JDSo2 and of course bang for the buck is always better than less bang for the buck.
Thank You for your time,
Greg

HE500 all the way.  I've owned or heard all the headphones on your list except for Grado ps500 and HE500 are a league above, the other ones aren't even close.  O2 is a capable little amp, it'll do great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by goatmilk 

Honestly, all I'm looking for is a pair of cans with good sound isolation. That's all. Which headphones block out sound the best? Obviously must be closed back.

Unless someone out there has heard them all, that's a tall order.

The Sennheiser Momentum is one that isolates well.  In a shootout of portable cans, the on ear Beyer DT 1350 grabbed the top rating overall and a maximum "10" rating in isolation.  See:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-107-portable-headphones-reviewed-astrotec-as-100hd-as-200hd-added-12-02-12#post_5828504

Quote:

Originally Posted by goatmilk 

Honestly, all I'm looking for is a pair of cans with good sound isolation. That's all. Which headphones block out sound the best? Obviously must be closed back.

UE6000 have active noise cancellation and sound pretty good if you don't mind the strong bass.  Q15 have even more bass and lots of treble which makes them sound a little shouty.  SRH840, DT770 & M25 have ok isolation but the latter two don't sound very good imo.  Good iems can give you near-perfect sound and isolation.