++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ i.e. Don't start a new thread: ask for advice... - Page 439

Well, i'm so confused. Everyone offers me exact model which aren't in any local store. More variants of headphones like ath-m50/shure 440/ultrasone hfi-580. You guys are really awesome, helping random ppl over internet :D

Second time around, decided not to get a closed portable last time I asked for advice (due to lack of options in my price range).

So I've decided to just get a closed full-size.

My tastes in music are mostly punk, but I have a soft spot for bass.

Mids are a must, lows are definitely more important than highs for me.

In order of importance, I'd rank:

1. Comfort

2. Sound quality

3. Price

4. Durability

5. Looks

I've looked into the ATH-M50 and Shure 840, but I'd like something $150 or under. Suggestions?

Please and thank you. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dahlia 

Hi, I'm looking for an all round headphone for gaming and music(rock, instrumentals, classical, hip hip, some rap, country, basically a bit of everything).  Should have good aesthetics and portable enough to move around.  I'm kind of a beginner so I don't think I will be getting an amp unless i can get a cheap one and they make the sound quality a lot better.  I'm still deciding if they should be open or closed since I haven't fully grasped the concept of soundstage yet.  Budget is around $100 - $150ish.  Thanks in advance!

If going portable, then you'll want a closed headphone to provide isolation otherwise you won't be able to hear your music and/or you'll disturb other people around you.

Some nice stylish portable cans:

Pioneer HDJ-500 - bassy

Phiaton MS300 - more neutral

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProcessJunkie 

So guys, i got my first pair of cans, a pair of SR60i, and i'm wondering whats my next step should be. A DAC or a Amp? 

I listen to music mainly in my pc, as i got a 8gb ipod and i can really carry around that much music.

I don't have many options here where i live, and i can't buy from other countries, i don't have a credit card.

 

Check out your local music store; they should have some products available. Try something like a Behringer UCA202 which is fairly cheap and acts as a combo usb dac/amp. 
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan1121 

hi there, am deciding between the ultrasone dj1's and the hfi-580's, how much difference is there, and would I need a portable amp for either as I would only be driving it from my ipod classic. Also are they as uncomfortable as everyone says ?

As far as I know, they're essentially the same except for the packaging and accessories. Neither really needs amping, but you can always add one down the road. Comfort is difficult to gauge for someone else; there's really only one way to know for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by goblin 

 Looking at the beyer Dynamics DT 990 pro and Senn HD 598's

 Listen to all types of music except rap and new country.music.

 

 Like RR but lean more towards Accostic instruments, so I would lean for a headphone that that does better in this area.

 

 It is over 100 miles to the nearest audio store that I could audition them at,.so that is a problem.

 

 I currently use Senn 280 pros, listen to cans only on my PC.  Have a Nuforce Icon Udac 2 hooked up.

 

 Was wondering about the soundstage of the DT 990 as compared to 598's.

 

The HD598 will serve you a little better and are easier to amp. If you're considering Beyers, the DT880 is a better allrounder. I don't really like the Beyers for soundstage personally, and think the Senns do it better. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texpect 

Well, I prefer pretty much everything. But if I have to say something, I'll say dubstep, metal, rock etc.. And I actually play FPS games too on PS3.. But I have some headphones for that already.. So some all-around headphones might be great! 

 

The popular M50 would be a safe bet for your budget and genres.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tefloon 

Since I seem to have been lost in the shuffle...

 

 

I have a $300-ish budget and am looking for a headphone with little to no harshness in the treble, very good speed, and neutral sound. Bass should be tight and present but not forward or obtrusive. I'm currently looking at the Beyer DT880, Sony MDR-SA5000, and AKG K701/702.  Are there any options I've missed, and what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?

I could have sworn I answered this one before...

DT880: better balance than the 770 and 990, needs amping, strong bass, "warm" sound

K701: better high end than the DT880, less low end, "cool" sound, also needs amping

I haven't heard the SA5000, so no opinion here.

If you're affected by harsh treble, the DT880 would be the better option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khaine775 

Ok, so I've now finally got a pair of Beyerdynamics DT880 600ohm and a Fiio E9, but when I plug it into my PC (out from my soundcard to the line in on the Fiio) and plug the DT880 into the 6.35mm jack something a little odd happens. When comparing the sound to my Sennheiser PC360, I must admit that I was expecting a bigger difference. Sure, there IS a difference, but it's not big to be honest. 

 

Am I doing anything wrong? Have I, with this setup, reached the limit of what kind of audio quality my PC can output?

 

The PC360 is no slouch; it should be able to hold its own against the DT880. A dac might be good to remove your sound processing from the noisy internal processor and power supply. As a whole though, welcome to the unfortunate world of diminishing returns. You might have to start scraping the $1k threshold for your next fix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grybpjovys 

Well, i'm so confused. Everyone offers me exact model which aren't in any local store. More variants of headphones like ath-m50/shure 440/ultrasone hfi-580. You guys are really awesome, helping random ppl over internet :D

Try your local music/guitar center. There should be a good selection of Sennheisers, Beyerdynamic, Shure, Pioneer, and Fostex to choose from, and probably many others. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguinz 

Second time around, decided not to get a closed portable last time I asked for advice (due to lack of options in my price range).

 

So I've decided to just get a closed full-size.

My tastes in music are mostly punk, but I have a soft spot for bass.

Mids are a must, lows are definitely more important than highs for me.

 

In order of importance, I'd rank:

 

1. Comfort

2. Sound quality

3. Price

4. Durability

5. Looks

 

I've looked into the ATH-M50 and Shure 840, but I'd like something $150 or under. Suggestions?

 

Please and thank you. :)

Both of those are under $150 on sale; you just have to catch the sales. Also consider the M-Audio Q40 which is similar to the 840 with a sloped bass end. The Sennheiser HD380 is also good, and you an find sale/refurb ones for under $100.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amalith 

 

Hi, I've been lurking these forums for a bit now, and I think I've made a decision on which headphones to buy, I just have a few questions about it. I mainly listen to alt-rock, but I also listen to techno and will be gaming with these headphones. I want to spend less than $100, for using both on the go from my Zune, and from my laptop. I won't be buying an amp just yet. And I want closed back, more to keep my music in, than to keep outside noise out. 

 

Anyway, I think I want a Shure srh440. The problem is that people say it has recessed bass. I listen right now with my cheap JVC marshmallows, which people say has fairly good base for it's size and price. Will there be less bass in the shures? Because that would probably be too little for me. Also, how common are fakes? I know Amazon is an authorized retailer for shure, but does that mean I can trust their third party merchants? The deal's gone, but they were selling for $60-something for a bit, which is considerably lower than I've seen elsewhere.

Are you a competitive FPS gamer? Because this determines if you can have pronounced bass or not. 

The Shure 440 is a solid headphone with good bass. It just doesn't have exaggerated bass like many other headphones. It's pretty solid down to 60Hz, and tapers off from there. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grybpjovys 

Well, i'm so confused. Everyone offers me exact model which aren't in any local store. More variants of headphones like ath-m50/shure 440/ultrasone hfi-580. You guys are really awesome, helping random ppl over internet :D

i know what it is here in belgium the music stores don't have a lot of headphone model ...

Ok, thanks Armaegis

I bought two phones recently, an senn CX500(in-ear) and a AtH-A700.

Recently a friend have been presenting me with many bands that I didn't knew(e.g. Dream Theater) and so my musical taste now includes a bit o metal, in adition to classical, classical rock, dance(zouk, latin, etc), jazz, bossa, new age, pop, a bit of everything.

Comparing the sound of the two, i think i noticed a diference on the bass of the two. What i think i heard is that the bass of the A700 is more 'detailed' but the bass of the CX500 is more "present". I don't know the reason, so i wanted to know if anyone have any idea of why is that.

Also, i'm comparing the CX500 on the sansa fuze with the A700 on the PC, for example, Dream Theater on flac. When i put both on the sansa, i think that this effect is minimized, this meaning that the bass on the A700@sansa is ?stronger?.

On both highs and mid i think that the a700 is better than the CX500, but this bass thing that made me wonder what was going on.

For reference, i'm using onboard audio of my crosshair IV formula, this meaning Via HD audio, which i think is not too diferent from realtek. All this are my impressions, i may be wrong so i wanted to ask you people who certantly know more than me.

About budget, i don't know what to answer because i don't understand what exactly is the problem, or even if there is a problem at all. Since i bought them recently, i don't want to go for another headphone, at least not know, if this is the case. If the case is an amp, sound card or something else, well, i only have to understand which would be the case

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armaegis 

You can find a used Denon D2000 within budget which should suit you nicely.

Well with the uDac2 I'm left with only about $125. A used D2000 goes for about $230 on amazon, is there a cheaper counterpart? Or maybe a better value DAC/Amp?

Looking for a pair of close/open headphone

Price range : Below $100

Noise leakage: Fairly okay, something like the M50s

Comfort: Tried on the M50s, too heavy and big, prefer something comfortable like the Bose AE1/AE2

Usage: Most of the time on my iphone (wont be using any amps)

Genre: Not an issue but listen to rock/jazz/instrumental/pop

Advice plsss, thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhelsas 

Ok, thanks Armaegis

 

I bought two phones recently, an senn CX500(in-ear) and a AtH-A700.

Recently a friend have been presenting me with many bands that I didn't knew(e.g. Dream Theater) and so my musical taste now includes a bit o metal, in adition to classical, classical rock, dance(zouk, latin, etc), jazz, bossa, new age, pop, a bit of everything.

 

Comparing the sound of the two, i think i noticed a diference on the bass of the two. What i think i heard is that the bass of the A700 is more 'detailed' but the bass of the CX500 is more "present". I don't know the reason, so i wanted to know if anyone have any idea of why is that.

Also, i'm comparing the CX500 on the sansa fuze with the A700 on the PC, for example, Dream Theater on flac. When i put both on the sansa, i think that this effect is minimized, this meaning that the bass on the A700@sansa is ?stronger?.

On both highs and mid i think that the a700 is better than the CX500, but this bass thing that made me wonder what was going on.

 

For reference, i'm using onboard audio of my crosshair IV formula, this meaning Via HD audio, which i think is not too diferent from realtek. All this are my impressions, i may be wrong so i wanted to ask you people who certantly know more than me.

 

About budget, i don't know what to answer because i don't understand what exactly is the problem, or even if there is a problem at all. Since i bought them recently, i don't want to go for another headphone, at least not know, if this is the case. If the case is an amp, sound card or something else, well, i only have to understand which would be the case

I've never heard the CX500 so I can't really quantify any of those sound differences for you. In a general sense though, many things contribute to different sounds. There's the raw frequency response, as well as the headphone impedance and phase curves which form a somewhat complex reaction with the amp output impedance which could easily account for different sounds. 

As for your other questions... well to be honest I'm having trouble figuring out what you're asking. Are you asking which headphone to keep? Or are you asking about getting an amp?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahalo 

Well with the uDac2 I'm left with only about $125. A used D2000 goes for about $230 on amazon, is there a cheaper counterpart? Or maybe a better value DAC/Amp?

 

FiiO e7 is about $90, iBasso DB-Zero is $110, Behringer UCA202 is $30, Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro $25, etc.

Or just don't bother with an amp yet, get the headphones first and enjoy. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiophilenewb 

Looking for a pair of close/open headphone

 

Price range : Below $100

 

Noise leakage: Fairly okay, something like the M50s

 

Comfort: Tried on the M50s, too heavy and big, prefer something comfortable like the Bose AE1/AE2

 

Usage: Most of the time on my iphone (wont be using any amps)

 

Genre: Not an issue but listen to rock/jazz/instrumental/pop

 

Advice plsss, thanks.

how about a Sennheiser PX200-ii

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering picking up a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-770 250 ohm pros. I have a few questions first.

First, is the bass at all overbearing? I like deep bass (I listen to a lot of bass driven Electronic music), but in some headphones it hurts my ears.

Second, can I run them through my iPod/computer without an amplifier? My friend has 250 ohm 880s, and I like how they sound without an amplifier. I'm just unsure of if there are other variables involved besides impedance.

Lastly, do they have a wide sound-stage? This is probably one of the most important characteristics for me. I've never had a decent pair of headphones with a wide sound-stage, and there's something really intriguing and psychedelic about it. I'm just concerned because I keep reading that closed-back headphones tend to have smaller sound-stages than open-back counterparts.

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amiller1121 

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering picking up a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-770 250 ohm pros. I have a few questions first.

First, is the bass at all overbearing? I like deep bass (I listen to a lot of bass driven Electronic music), but in some headphones it hurts my ears.

Second, can I run them through my iPod/computer without an amplifier? My friend has 250 ohm 880s, and I like how they sound without an amplifier. I'm just unsure of if there are other variables involved besides impedance.

Lastly, do they have a wide sound-stage? This is probably one of the most important characteristics for me. I've never had a decent pair of headphones with a wide sound-stage, and there's something really intriguing and psychedelic about it. I'm just concerned because I keep reading that closed-back headphones tend to have smaller sound-stages than open-back counterparts.

Thanks

I own the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80-Ohm and DT-770 Pro 250-Ohm.

The 250-OHM version does not have overbearing bass.

The 80-Ohm version is the one with more bass.

With my Xonar DX sound card, I have to max all volume controls just to get the 250-Ohm cans to 3/10 volume.

You can all ways get the DT-770 Pro 80-Ohms, I hear lots of good things said about it's sound stage.

I'm not really a sound stage expert.
 

Hey everyone!

It's that time again, the time when I'm looking for a new pair of headphones! So far, I'm kind of stuck on Beyerdynamic DT-990, or the Hifi-Man HE-300. I've heard lots of good things about the He-300's, and that I wouldn't need an amp for them to use with my iPod/Laptop. On the other hand, I want the best of the best, so if I got the Beyerdynamic's, I would want the 600Ohm version which would require serious amping. So here are some questions that I would love to have answered;

1) What actually IS the difference between the different impedance of the 990's? The trebles, mids, lows? And what set is better?
2) What PORTABLE amp is the best to drive the 600Ohm cans (If they were the ones I would get) My budget is roughly $400 (maybe a tid-bit more, for now, for the amp and headphones).
3) Are these 2 cans the best way to go? Any suggestions? (Types of music I like are down below).

So the ultimate question you're asking is, "What type of music do you like?!?!" And the answer is, almost everything; Dubstep/Techno (Deadmau5, Skrillex, etc), Rap (Eminem, etc), Rock (Marianas Trench, etc), Pop/Hip-hop (Names of artists escape me at the moment, sorry, it's 1:00AM here!, And Country (Lady Antabellum, etc). No Jazz or Classical stuff is about it. So I hope I get a few reply's and suggestions for amps and headphones!

Just a few reminders - THE AMP HAS TO BE PORTABLE, since I'll be using the headphones with my iPod mostly. And MY BUDGET IS $400, AMP INCLUDED.

Thanks,
Ethan.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amiller1121 

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering picking up a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-770 250 ohm pros. I have a few questions first.

First, is the bass at all overbearing? I like deep bass (I listen to a lot of bass driven Electronic music), but in some headphones it hurts my ears.

Second, can I run them through my iPod/computer without an amplifier? My friend has 250 ohm 880s, and I like how they sound without an amplifier. I'm just unsure of if there are other variables involved besides impedance.

Lastly, do they have a wide sound-stage? This is probably one of the most important characteristics for me. I've never had a decent pair of headphones with a wide sound-stage, and there's something really intriguing and psychedelic about it. I'm just concerned because I keep reading that closed-back headphones tend to have smaller sound-stages than open-back counterparts.

Thanks

The DT770 does not really have much of a soundstage. If you like the DT880, why not get that one? Or even the DT990 would be better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilariousguys 

Hey everyone!

It's that time again, the time when I'm looking for a new pair of headphones! So far, I'm kind of stuck on Beyerdynamic DT-990, or the Hifi-Man HE-300. I've heard lots of good things about the He-300's, and that I wouldn't need an amp for them to use with my iPod/Laptop. On the other hand, I want the best of the best, so if I got the Beyerdynamic's, I would want the 600Ohm version which would require serious amping. So here are some questions that I would love to have answered;

1) What actually IS the difference between the different impedance of the 990's? The trebles, mids, lows? And what set is better?
2) What PORTABLE amp is the best to drive the 600Ohm cans (If they were the ones I would get) My budget is roughly $400 (maybe a tid-bit more, for now, for the amp and headphones).
3) Are these 2 cans the best way to go? Any suggestions? (Types of music I like are down below).

So the ultimate question you're asking is, "What type of music do you like?!?!" And the answer is, almost everything; Dubstep/Techno (Deadmau5, Skrillex, etc), Rap (Eminem, etc), Rock (Marianas Trench, etc), Pop/Hip-hop (Names of artists escape me at the moment, sorry, it's 1:00AM here!, And Country (Lady Antabellum, etc). No Jazz or Classical stuff is about it. So I hope I get a few reply's and suggestions for amps and headphones!

Just a few reminders - THE AMP HAS TO BE PORTABLE, since I'll be using the headphones with my iPod mostly. And MY BUDGET IS $400, AMP INCLUDED.

Thanks,
Ethan.

 

In the very first post of this thread there's a link to a comparison of the various DT models and their different impedances. I've never heard the HE-300 so I'm no help there, but I don't really consider the DT990 that great as an all-rounder. The DT880 is better suited there. But even then, I think they sound better with tube amps which aren't really portable.

I was wondering what headphones would fit my situation the best.  I walk a ton in between classes so I need a pair that don't look completely ridiculous and are comfortable.  I live in a dorm so having noise cancellation is a huge plus.  Noise leakage also is a concern.  I will be playing my music through my LG Optimus M, Laptop and Guitar Amp.  I listen to Rock, Metal, Electronic, Trance, Drum n Bass and Dubstep.  My budget is under $200.  

Here are the headphones that I've read good reviews of:

ATH-900

ATH-M50

ATH-PRO700MK2 

Sennheiser-PXC450

I care mostly about the sound quality, noise cancellation/leakage and comfort in that order.  There are plenty of other headphones in my price range so if someone has any experience with which of the ones I listed or didn't are superior, your advice would be much appreciated.

Music genres: Pretty much everything. Not gonna lie. Heavy rap - dubstep - indie pop - electronica - classical music - rock - heavy rock - funk

Portable: I just want good quality.

Price range:  Total budget is $100 usd.

Amped: Probably not.

Closed/Open: Closed.

Looks: As long as they aren't ugly :)