Mini Guide for Buying a Headphone

I'm so glad you put up this 'mini guide' and I absolutely agree with your point about comfort.

I'm trying to get some new headphones right now, and am looking for the most comfortable pair for less than $200, without sacrificing SQ.

What are your thoughts on the M50 in terms of comfort?  I heard they can be a bit tight, but loosen up if you stretch them a bit.  Still, if you know of any very comfortable cans out there in my price range, please do let me know!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeng8 

I'm so glad you put up this 'mini guide' and I absolutely agree with your point about comfort.

I'm trying to get some new headphones right now, and am looking for the most comfortable pair for less than $200, without sacrificing SQ.

What are your thoughts on the M50 in terms of comfort?  I heard they can be a bit tight, but loosen up if you stretch them a bit.  Still, if you know of any very comfortable cans out there in my price range, please do let me know!

 

Thanks!

After over 1300 hours now on my M50, they still hurt after about half an hour. If comfort is important, get a Fischer Audio FA-003. After stretching them over something, it's like wearing clouds.
 

Goodness, I hadn't even heard of the FA-003 until you recc'ed it.  I looked up reviews and it seems like most people are absolutely satisfied with the comfort.  It certainly looks like it too, with those huge earmuff-like cups!  I wonder if Audio Technica ATH AD700 can beat FA-003 in terms of comfort...

And it's almost exactly what I wanted...closed cans with great soundstage and fairly nice isolation, from what I've read.  I will definitely look into these!

Any idea where I can get them though?  It doesn't look like Amazon carries them, and I'm not familiar with any other reliable sellers.

Thanks so much!

Schiit Asgard = $250

HRT Music Streamer II DAC = $150

Total = $400.  You won't do much better for $400.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by shlok1993 

Hey guys, I am going to get a set of hd650 and dt880 pro 600 ohm headphones, could you suggest a good desktop amp dac combo for them, preferably under 400 usd???? Help will be appreciated

What stores carry D7000's and HD 650's?

The best Ive found around me was Guitar Center where I heard M50's and some beyerdynamics before I bought my DT770's

Any idea where I can get FA-003?  I checked Frogbeats (out of stock) and Amazon (doesn't carry).

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Oh, I just saw that gd-audiobase sells them for $155, so I guess the question now is if that's a good price?

Thanks again!

jeng8  Did you see this thread about the FA-003, Brainwavz HM5 and Lindy headphones?  They seem to be the same headphone.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/591028/on-the-hm5-fa-003-lindy-hi-fi-thing

The Brainwavz is currently out of stock at Amazon, and MP4Nation won't be shipping any out till next month. 

Lindy (UK) has their version in stock.  http://www.lindy.co.uk/premium-hi-fi-headphones/20378.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeng8 

Any idea where I can get FA-003?  I checked Frogbeats (out of stock) and Amazon (doesn't carry).

Thanks in advance!

 

Edit: Oh, I just saw that gd-audiobase sells them for $155, so I guess the question now is if that's a good price?

Thanks again!

Both LINDY and Brainwavz make a version of the headphone (the Premium Hi-Fi and the HM5, respectively), and both are cheaper. However, they all seem to be out of stock everywhere at the moment, and you may have to just order and wait for stock to come back in.

Thank you to both Kerry and ssrock!  I looked up reviews on both the Hi-Fi and HM5 and it seems you're quite right about them being the same as FA-003.  I'm 95% sure I'm going to get these for myself now...just have to find the right place/time.  Looks like the Hi-Fi is in stock at least.  So excited, thanks so much!

Edit: Oh look, the HM5's on preorder too, I forgot.  Looks like they're all around $120 give or take 10.

Do you guys think an amp is necessary with the FA-003/Hi-Fi/HM5?  I think I've decided to go with the HM5, and there are 3 options for amps:

http://mp4nation.net/catalog/brainwavz-hm5-studio-monitor-headphones-preorder-p-663.html

I think I read that someone (ssrock, maybe it was you) recommend the FiiO E6 at one point...so I guess my question is if an amp is needed, and if so, what would you recommend at a relatively cheap price?

Thanks (again)!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeng8 

Do you guys think an amp is necessary with the FA-003/Hi-Fi/HM5?  I think I've decided to go with the HM5, and there are 3 options for amps:

 

http://mp4nation.net/catalog/brainwavz-hm5-studio-monitor-headphones-preorder-p-663.html

 

I think I read that someone (ssrock, maybe it was you) recommend the FiiO E6 at one point...so I guess my question is if an amp is needed, and if so, what would you recommend at a relatively cheap price?

 

Thanks (again)!

While not absolutely necessary, an amp will really make the FA-003/HM5/Premium Hi-Fi shine. I personally use my JDS Labs CMoyBB 2.03 or Headroom Bithead, and prefer the CMoy. However, the FiiO E10 is quite well-regarded (while I cannot personally comment on it as I've not owned it). If you really want to make the cans sound sweet, Fischer Audio offers a specialized amp, the Mystify, which pairs exceedingly well with the FA-003. However, I doubt you want a $280 amp, so I'd personally recommend the CMoyBB. If you can only choose off the list you've provided, go E10. If you're on a budget, the E6 will do just fine, if not to bring out the absolute best of the can.