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++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 1745

post #26161 of 28882
3/17/13 at 1:51pm

Hey Guys I'm looking to buy a new pair of full sized headphones, I'm currently toying with the idea of wireless headphones but don't really want to sacrifice the sound quality for the sake of not having a wire, I'd prefer closed back headphones and decent isolation, the headphones would be used exclusively for listening to music and my music taste is pretty diverse budget is around £130, and the source would be an android phone... Any Ideas?

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post #26162 of 28882
3/17/13 at 2:01pm

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and I am in need of some advice about my situation.

 

I am planning to sell my hi-fi system to step to a headphone rig. This due to several reasons, one being spending all day away from home, on trains or at the university and one other the bad listening environment conditions. 

I'm posting both here both in portable amps thread, since I need advice for both. I don't know if this is right, but I don't know how to do otherwise. I've already read the guidelines. 

 

The matter is that I need something that should be used mostly outdoor, but, since I'm not going to keep both my hi-fi and the headphones, it should be a good replacement for my hi-fi: so, I need to choose a pair of headphones, and for the rest of the rig, since I'm using my iphone as a portable source (192+ kbps AAC), I'm thinking about an iphone lod, a portable amp, plus a full size headphone amp to use at home (lossless quality), if it's worth it within the budget. I have a valab NOS dac and a M2tech HiFace as a source at home, I don't know if I should replace or keep them. I'm searching for a good compromise outdoor and a good solution indoor, considering I will be outdoor the most of the time. It would be good to have a portable amp which would be right for both the purposes, but I'd prefer not to go around with too much expansive stuff with me, so I'm planning to spend (taking into account the secondhand market) about 250€ (about 330$) for the headphones, 120€ (160$) for the portable amp, plus something like 200€ (260$) for a full-size amp (but only if it's worth to buy it). Single item budget is flexible, but overall budget is not.

 

For what concerns the sound, I'm extremely ecletic, I listen to everything from classical to jazz, from the worst dance music to heavy metal, from progressive ambient to psychedelic rock / folk, so I need something versatile. Anyway, I'd like to have a deep but clear bass, but with possibly realistic trebles, and a strong temper.

Again, I need my headphones to be sturdy: since I'm spending money for something I'll be using all day long everyday, I don't want them to brake in a couple of weeks.

 

Can anyone help me? What do you think about this?

Thanks in advance!

 

P.S. sorry if my english was bad, I hope I have been clear enough. Thank you again for the support.

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post #26163 of 28882
3/17/13 at 2:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by roguegeek View Post

  • What's your budget?
  • Where/how do you plan on using these can?
  • What are your isolation needs? Open or closed cans?
  • What kind of music do you listen to and what's the format/bit rate?
  • What source device will it be coming from and what amp, if any, will you be using?
  • Do you know what kind of signature you're trying to find?
$600 budget
Not sure about isolation. Semi important but not that big a deal. Closed cans that completely cover my ears is a necessity
I listen to lots of rap some other house/trance stuff. Source will be an iPhone or tablet device. Playing back Mp3 (not entirely sure). Most of my music is streaming or downloaded from Amazon (90% is downloaded)
I will use an amp if needed

Looking for low bass and good mids. I do not like piercing highs

Thanks in advance!

Comfort is key. Wood is preferred

Been looking D2000/5000 and the w1000x
Edited by Dhcg86 - 3/17/13 at 2:35pm
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post #26164 of 28882
3/17/13 at 2:34pm

Looking to pick up a pair of headphones and amp

So far i've looked into 598's, ATH- m50's, ATH A900x's,ATH  A900's, SRH840's, DT 990's and DT 770's and ATH AD900x's

 

 

What's your budget? ~300-400 euros total
Where/how do you plan on using these can? Gaming,Music,Movies and they will be worn only at home.
What are your isolation needs? Open or closed cans?Open, they will be worn for long periods of time.
What kind of music do you listen to and what's the format/bit rate?, Listening to jazz,hip hop,electronic,trance,eurobeat, pop and rock (i listen to anything i come accross really) FLAC and mp3 320kbps 
What source device will it be coming from and what amp, if any, will you be using? Xonar dx > the amp i am recommended > the headphones 
Do you know what kind of signature you're trying to find?An Accurate sound stage with a good balance between everything else
 
I am currently leaning towards picking up the AD900x's since they improve on all of the previous versions faults and seem like a very nice pair of open cans, i have no idea what amp to use though so any input on that would be great, thanks.
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post #26165 of 28882
3/17/13 at 2:36pm
Are open headphones significantly more comfortable??

I'm going to wear mine 6hrs at a time
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post #26166 of 28882
3/17/13 at 2:46pm

I've been on the search for a kick-ass pair of cans good for use inside or in a coffee shop. I listen to a LOT of metal, and tend to like it loud, so while I would prefer open construction for my own comfort, it might not be great for those around me. My ears are fairly sensitive, so something too tight or hot will be problematic. 

 

Thanks to a very helpful individual here, I think I've narrowed it down to either the Sennheiser Momentums or the AKH 267 Tiestos. 

 

Anyone have any thoughts?

 
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post #26167 of 28882
3/17/13 at 2:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by roguegeek View Post


Quote:
Originally Posted by KG Jag View Post

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by roguegeek View Post

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by KG Jag View Post


Sony MDR 7520.

 

More so than the SRH940? How do they compare?


The 7520 is built better and is much more efficient.

 

Isn't it just the same thing as the Z1000? They're both pretty neutral?


Don't have or have heard the Z1000.  The 7520 is a true higher end studio can--so very neutral.  It's bass is better--more prevalent and extended-- than the 940, but has less sound stage.  The MDR 75210 has smaller ear cups, which may present an issue for some.

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post #26168 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by roguegeek View Post

Open almost always wins out closed at the same price point. I think I prefer my AD700 sonically to anything else I've purchased so far and those were far less than anything else. I agree with your assessment of the 1R, although they absolutely have their place in my arsenal. Let's go back to basics...

  • What's your budget?
  • Where/how do you plan on using these can?
  • What are your isolation needs? Open or closed cans?
  • What kind of music do you listen to and what's the format/bit rate?
  • What source device will it be coming from and what amp, if any, will you be using?
  • Do you know what kind of signature you're trying to find?

$300
Home use, gaming
Don't need isolation, open
Mainly r&b, rock, pop, hip hop, little classical; bit rate: between 270 and 320 kb/s
May get fiio e11, but as of now, out of a galaxy MP3 player or iPod touch
Grado'ish, but less in your face, and closer to the sennheiser sig, satisfying bass

Thanks!
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post #26169 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by msnoopy View Post

Hi.

 

I'm looking for work headphones. Price up to 150$. They must be closed because i'm not alone in the office. 

 

Listening classic rock, blues, pop, classic. 

 

ath m50

 

Shure SRH840

?

?

 

Tnx


Add the KRK KNS 8400 for consideration.

 

Take the M50 off your list.  It's recessed mids don't go well with your music.

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post #26170 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:16pm

What's your budget?

    ~USD$200, but can stretch it to ~$300 if need be...

 

Where/how do you plan on using these cans?

    Office mainly.

 

What are your isolation needs? Open or closed cans?

  • In terms of Isolation... Hmm must not be completely noise isolating as I need to hear my colleagues when they need to get my   attention and such. Also would prefer for them not to hear my music, as it is a distraction to some...
  • Also what is the difference between open and closed cans? I can't get my head around the idea still haha

 

What kind of music do you listen to and what's the format/bit rate?

  •  DnB, Dubstep, Christian Rock/ Metal...
  •  Format/ Bit Rate: 192+ AAC typically.

 

What source device will it be coming from and what amp, if any, will you be using?

    iPhone 5. (0.83 Ohm Impedance) and sometimes the laptop I work from...

 

Do you know what kind of signature you're trying to find?

    Just want a clear set of cans that have a great soundstage, that allow me to listen to the whole track and don't favour one element over the other. But also have great bass, I can always turn it down via EQ.

 

Any additional comments?

  • Don't think I want an amp at the moment. So I want some headphones that are fairly easy to drive considering the iPhone puts out less than one ohm...
  • Also want some good looking cans... Really like the styling of the V-Moda M100's if someone could justify these would suit my needs and would be the best buy in my situation.

 

Thanks in advance for all the help and thoughts,

s0up2up

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post #26171 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sosrah View Post

Hi ,i'm looking for a new headphone: i listen mainly to rock from '70 to modern and after a lot of readings ( unfortunately here i don't have the opportunity to listen before buying) , i come to an end that HifiMan He-500 and Beyerdynamic T1 would suit my tastes ( i hope i'm right).

At the moment i have a Little Dot MKV, do you think could be a good match for these headphones now or should i have to consider immediatly another amplifier like Violectric V200?

For reference, usually i listen to b&w 803 driven by Nad S300 plugged to Cambridge Audio 840C.

Regards, Filippo


I suggest that you post your question on the appreciation thread for each can.  While I have both of those cans, I don't have any significant experience with either amp--regardless of the can plugged into it.

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post #26172 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by s0up2up View Post

What's your budget?
    ~USD$200, but can stretch it to ~$300 if need be...

Where/how do you plan on using these cans?
    Office mainly.

What are your isolation needs? Open or closed cans?
  • In terms of Isolation... Hmm must not be completely noise isolating as I need to hear my colleagues when they need to get my   attention and such. Also would prefer for them not to hear my music, as it is a distraction to some...
  • Also what is the difference between open and closed cans? I can't get my head around the idea still haha

What kind of music do you listen to and what's the format/bit rate?
  •  DnB, Dubstep, Christian Rock/ Metal...
  •  Format/ Bit Rate: 192+ AAC typically.

What source device will it be coming from and what amp, if any, will you be using?
    iPhone 5. (0.83 Ohm Impedance) and sometimes the laptop I work from...

Do you know what kind of signature you're trying to find?
    Just want a clear set of cans that have a great soundstage, that allow me to listen to the whole track and don't favour one element over the other. But also have great bass, I can always turn it down via EQ.

Any additional comments?
  • Don't think I want an amp at the moment. So I want some headphones that are fairly easy to drive considering the iPhone puts out less than one ohm...
  • Also want some good looking cans... Really like the styling of the V-Moda M100's if someone could justify these would suit my needs and would be the best buy in my situation.

Thanks in advance for all the help and thoughts,
s0up2up

I don't even think you can hear others, but others can't hear your music in any can. Only thing I can think that can somewhat do that is the fidelio l1.

If you want open consider:
Sennheiser HD598/558
MDR MA900
ATH AD900
Grado sr225i

If you want closed, and you probably won't hear anything outside of the cans:
Sennheiser Momentum
MDR 1R
DT770
ATH A900x
AKG K550

Open cans are well... Open, and usually sound more preferable. They have a better soundstage, better depth, and sound more airy, more natural but they won't have the bass of a closed can.

Closed cans are optimal for portable reasons, and for bassy and electronic music. Overall, they aren't really comparable to open cans in the same price range. Except for some grados.
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post #26173 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkang View Post

Hello,

 

I am looking to buy a new set of headphones and would appreciate any advice.

 

I own a Grado SR-80i and bought an AKG K701 as an upgrade. Unfortunatly, I like my Grado's better then the AKGs. While I enjoy the AKG's increase in detail, the Grado's sound more involved which I like more. The AKGs seem a little too distant if that makes any sense, and the soundstage is almost too big. I will probably sell these.

 

I also demoed some Sennheiser Momentums and while they sounded really good (once again I liked the increase in detail) I thought there was a bit too much bass, and the bass wasn't as punchy as the Grados. The music also seemed a little darker(?), which I have mixed feelings about (depends on the song).

 

Regarding my musical choices, I listen to a pretty devierse mix. Rock, J-pop, and soundtracks make up the majority. Classical, Opera, and Jazz are a close second. I also listen to some electronica, indie, and R&B. I am willing to spend up to $500 (but prefer cheaper). Either that or everyone can tell me I've reached audio perfection and to save my money.

 

Thanks for any advice you can provide.


HD 600 or Grado RS 2i.

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post #26174 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:49pm

What's your budget?


 150$ - 170$ max

Where/how do you plan on using these cans?


Home, school, train :- everywhere, pretty much.

What are your isolation needs? Open or closed cans?

I want good isolation because as stated I'll be wearing almost everywhere. 

 

Closed is preferred.

What kind of music do you listen to and what's the format/bit rate?

 

 DnB, Indie rock, pop, rap, classical piano and guitar music etc... I listen to almost everything


What source device will it be coming from and what amp, if any, will you be using?


Ipod nano 7th generation, Macbook Pro, Zoom G7.1ut Guitar pre amp
 

Do you know what kind of signature you're trying to find?


I'm a basshead.. to an extent. Clean vocals and instrument seperation is also important to me
 

Any additional comments?

 

Well, I'd like a pair of good looking headphones. I had the AKG K167s before and I didn't like them at all, so I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from recommending headphones with similar sound signatures.

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post #26175 of 28882
3/17/13 at 3:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kl237 View Post

OK, figured this is the appropriate spot to place this post. 

 

LOOKING FOR ADVICE --new to the headphone world, I'm looking for one pair of headphones that I will keep until they break. 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Opinions from a non-audiophile, this review is reflective of my personal tastes which is different from everyone else's. 

 

So I went to the high end audio shop and tested out these headphones, all connected to a high quality amp simultaneously so you can easily switch between headphones instantaneously. I tested them out with alternative/classic/modern rock, and hip hop on a number of songs. There were about 20 other headphones but I wasn't interested in listening to them. 

 

Sennheiser HD650

Sennheiser HD700

Sennheiser HD800

Sennheiser HD598

Sennheiser HD280

AKG Q701 Quincy Jones

Beats by Dre

Beats by Dre Pro

Grado PS1000

Grado PS500

Grado GS1000

Grado RS2i

Grado RS325is

 

This is the order I liked them in: 

 

PS500

HD700/800

------------------------ (this signifies large jump in how much I liked the headphones).

RS2i

RS325is

PS1000 

GS1000

HD650

HD598

Q701

Beats

 

 

There's two profound things that I gathered after listening: 1. The grado PS500/RS2/325is clarity of treble/highs is ridiculously good by a large margin compared to the rest. 2. The HD700/800 vocals sound like the person singing is standing right there next to you. 

 

So this is what I realized: Music is about how it makes you feel. I didn't enjoy listening to music from the HD650s any more than I would listening to regular iPhone buds even though everyone loves them here. I just think they sound plain and boring. I have no idea how else to describe it. I understand now what people say when they mean the sound is "fun". The Grado PS500s were on a completely different level than all the other ones mentioned. Even compared to the RS2/PS1000 I felt they were very entertaining. The details on the highs and how you can hear every little guitar lick was incredible, plus the lows really captured that "warm room filling sound" I was looking for. I feel that the PS500's blew everything else minus the HD700/800s out of the water. On the flip side, the HD700/800s realistic sounding voices felt like you were standing in the recording studio. However, I noticed the highs were muffled and muted. The highs didn't sound anything like the PS500s and it felt there was a good chunk of music missing that the Grados were playing.

 

I found the HD650s and HD598 had a very similar sound, but it was not one that I liked, it was kind of dull and boring. I don't know how to describe it. The Q701 sounded thin which I did not like. The Beats were horrible --I thought people here were over exaggerating to prove a point, but they really are junk. 325iS sounded like the bass was missing, I did not like that. The PS1000 I disliked a lot, I'd rather have the 325iS over these --they sounded so different compared to the other Grados (it's as if an entirely different company made them). RS2s were great, just wish they had more low end like the PS500s, otherwise similar sounding, but much less bass.

 

 

CONCLUSION: At $650 the PS500s I felt were the best, the only concern I had was that the sound was too bright, and that anything over an hour of listening would start to become tiring. The HD700s at $1100 were the second best, but I didn't like that the highs are completely missing that the Grados had, but I now understand what "flat" means when referring to sound. Also, I understand why you can listen to music for hours on these whereas you can't on the PS500s.

 

VERDICT: Why would I consider buying anything else than the PS500? I can use all of these headphones at home, however the rest of these headphones are too big to walk with outside, and require an amp. Whereas the PS500s can be taken anywhere, hooked up to my iphone, and I won't look silly walking around with them with an amp in my pants. lol

 


QUESTIONS FOR EVERYONE HERE:

 

1. Can you guys point out which headphones have a very similar sound to the PS500s? DON'T ANSWER THIS QUESTION if you haven't heard the PS500s. The RS2/325/PS1000 don't sound like this headphone and you wouldn't understand what I mean if you haven't listened to it. 

 

2. If I could create the "perfect" headphones for MYSELF, I would take the PS500, add the vocal quality from the HD700, and turn down the treble just a tad. Does a headphone out there exist like this?????

 

3. Any advice/tips of which headphones I should listen to before I commit to buying a pair? This will be my only pair of headphones, and I plan on keeping these headphones until they break (which means over 10 years).

 

 

Thanks again guys for the help. Don't take any negative comments I made above personally because I'm just a beginner with a very particular preference of sound. I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE!!!!!

 

I look forward to hearing what recommendations you guys have or advice/tips. I plan on giving the Hifiman HE400/HE500s a listen tomorrow at another store since David recommended them. 


The HE 500 are the clear choice.  However, the slightly bassy tilt of the PS500 may be your sound signature preference. 

 

The HD 700 & 800 are much more expensive than the rest.  The HD 800 are much better, but may be too bright for you.

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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]