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Sony XB500 vs. Brainwavz HM3?

post #1 of 8
12/4/11 at 10:00pm
Thread Starter 

Hey guys,

 

I'm fairly new to this whole world of headphones and all that jazz but I've been doing quite a bit of research lately. I want to purchase a pair of headphones under $100 that... 1: Looks good 2: Has nice bass 3: Comfortable. 

 I've narrowed it down to two headphones in particular, the Brainwavz HM3 (new) and the Sony XB500. Both headphones receive 4-5 star rating from all the reviews I've seen but the HM3 has only been out for a few months. I am not interested in purchasing an amp and I want something I can take on the go. I listen to, Hip-hop (rap), Electro-Techno-- Whatever you call it and a little bit of Pop. 

A quick response will be appreciated! Thanks so much!! (:

 

  Hala

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post #2 of 8
12/4/11 at 10:00pm
Thread Starter 

Hey guys,

 

I'm fairly new to this whole world of headphones and all that jazz but I've been doing quite a bit of research lately. I want to purchase a pair of headphones under $100 that... 1: Looks good 2: Has nice bass 3: Comfortable. 

 I've narrowed it down to two headphones in particular, the Brainwavz HM3 (new) and the Sony XB500. Both headphones receive 4-5 star rating from all the reviews I've seen but the HM3 has only been out for a few months. I am not interested in purchasing an amp and I want something I can take on the go. I listen to, Hip-hop (rap), Electro-Techno-- Whatever you call it and a little bit of Pop. 

A quick response will be appreciated! Thanks so much!! (:

 

  Hala

Reply
post #3 of 8
12/4/11 at 11:18pm

They have very different frequency response curves. XB500 is for bassheads whilst HM3 is not as bass-centric.

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post #4 of 8
12/5/11 at 2:31am
All right I post about this a lot.

XB500 is good for one thing and one thing only in my opinion. and that's mainstream hip hop. Like... 50 Cent and Lil Wayne and whatever...

This is because the instruments and mids + trebles dont really matter that much, the beat makes the song, so you want a lot of impact and punch.

As an owner of the XB700s if you listen to electronica and require some level of clarity in the other frequencies mids/highs then I suggest a 700 instead. The XB500 does not work well with electronic IMO because electronic tends to have a constant kick drum at some BPM e.g. 140 which means you will hear 140 loud THUMPS in a minute that will distort the rest of the spectrum and make the music muddy.
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post #5 of 8
12/5/11 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the replies guys, :)

 

Well I pretty much listed what I listen to mostly... Some hip-hop, mainstream stuff (lady gaga) and some electro (Skrillex).

 

For the kind of music I listen to, what would u guys recommend? THX

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post #6 of 8
12/5/11 at 8:38pm
I would still recommend the XB700 but if you can only afford the XB500 its good enough for your needs. Never heard of the HM3. If it's possible at all I would try these headphones out first before buying.

If you're traveling a lot the XB500 might also be a better choice.

But I always recommend IEMs for on the go listening because they are just lightyears ahead in convenience with not a significant loss in quality.
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post #7 of 8
12/5/11 at 9:24pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks guys,

OK.. Basically I lost interest in the HM3s. I tried out a pair of XB500 and I absolutely LOVED them. Also, I've been doing some research and the Koss Pro DJ100 caught my eye. In my opinion, they look fantastic and are getting really good reviews. 

 

 

So basically, this has more or less become a Sony XB500 vs Koss DJ Pro 100. Please lemme know your thoughts!

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post #8 of 8
12/6/11 at 5:21am

Are you aware that the Brainwavz HM3 are most likely the same as the Fischers FA-004?

The FA-004 seems to be pretty well liked. A fun and full range sound.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/485660/review-fischer-audios-fa-004/90

 

I believe that tdockweiler (the DJ100 guru) does not recommend the Koss without an amp.

I have read it on some thread here.


Edited by kAbUZi - 12/6/11 at 5:24am
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