I considered this same issue about a month ago when I returned to working out in the gym. I am happy with my Shure SE530's (been using them for a few years now) but just wasn't going to wear those at the gym and sweat all over them. So, I initially compromised and tried using the headphones that...

For some, the music that was current when this thread was created might qualify as classic rock.

Quote: So you are saying there are thousands of studies that have proven that inducing certain frequencies in brain waves cause specific feelings/responses in test subjects?  Further, they have proven it isn't the other way around -- i.e. inducing specific feelings/responses in test...

Quote: I did read that article carefully actually and I did not think he was disputing in it that binaural beats have an effect on people.  Maybe you could cite specific examples of what you object to?  I thought he had a very balanced, objective look at them and drew no hard conclusions...

Quote: i've been hearing about binaural beats recently, because of the news about kids supposedly using them as a kind of drug.  So, this thread looked to be interesting.  I must say I don't understand why you have such a hostile attitude to the others posting here.  I have not seen any...

Quote: What non-Apple mp3 player are you considering?  Depending on what you buy, you could install Rockbox to replace the original firmware.  Then you could play your AAC files on your new device.   Edit:  guess I should have read Head Injury's reply to the end!

MusicMania,  be careful with how the word "quality" is used in this discussion.  Your OP asked about the varying quality of mp3 files and whether CDs had similar varying quality.  In that context, you were asking about the quality of the encoding.  CDs have only one quality "level" - Redbook --...

One that I think sounds very good:   Supertramp -- Crime of the Century

Another one who started with e2cs.  I enjoyed them for 2+ years I used them.  I think you can just about kill yourself with indecision worrying whether there is something out there that sounds better.  Of course there is.  But I would just listen to them and see how you like the sound.

85% Ogg Vorbis -Q6, 15% FLAC.

Eyes closed so I can concentrate entirely on the music is my favorite way, but your other choices are also fine for me.  I voted Eyes Closed.   Curious why you posted this in the Sound Science forum though...

  Quote: I agree it would be out of line to tell someone what they hear.  However, I think you misinterpret the intent of those comments.  More often than not they are telling you why you hear what you hear.  That is different and is not out of line.  Some say they hear a difference in...

Quote: Actually, through scientific methods, we can prove whether or not you can perceive a difference via auditory cues alone between two cables.  As it stands, with the attempts made thus far, there has been a remarkable dearth of evidence that anyone truly can hear such differences. ...

Quote: x2!  Not a comment about other IEMs, but I can say the SE530s have been a joy with instrumental music (acoustic and electric).

  Quote:   Feelings hurt?  If so, it wasn't my intent.   I was just clarifying the bolded bit below. Quote:   His comments were generic to to all HDMI cables.  However, I agree with you that I would take his comments with a grain of salt simply because he is a Monster employee...

You want a guarantee?  I don't think anyone can give you a 100% guarantee except the seller.  I'd say it is extremely unlikely at this point though.  They'd have to sell you phones that are over 2 years old to have a chance at getting the old cables.  Are these new in package?  If you can get...

Quote: Actually, he didn't really talk much about Monster cables.  He also didn't explain how a Monster cable addresses the potential timing and resistance issues he described.  And, he gave no information as to whether those issues are likely to be significant with any given HDMI cable.  

Quote: Looking at both images at the same time, you concluded you preferred  B.  Say I am the image store and you choose to buy B to take home and enjoy.  You pay the money and I slip B into the sack and off you go.  At home, you take it out.  As it happens, I accidentally gave you A. ...

  Quote:   You make valid points about a basis other than sound for selecting an amp.  Features, reliability, cost, appearance are all good reasons to select one amp over another.  

Quote: Originally Posted by BIG POPPA Shike, the way you argue everything you just may not have a fun time with this hobby? Let go and enjoy. Quote: Originally Posted by BIG POPPA I understand that but dissecting someones thread over and over come on? No similar...

Quote: Originally Posted by BIG POPPA All those articles look like a boot camp for noob's? What do you mean?

I think when people compare one piece of equipment to another (say this headphone to that one), they are saying which one they prefer. Why they prefer one over another is a different question and I don't think everyone will answer that the same.

Quote: Originally Posted by Uncle Erik I've been repeatedly spinning "Black Foliage" by the Olivia Tremor Control. Wow. It's a hell of an album. But it's not that accessible. One of the band members said it takes around 50 listens to sink in. He's about right. However, I'd...

Quote: Originally Posted by LeeMark You know the thought "flashed" through me, but I wanted the capacity and convenience. Call me a luddite. I may try this one day just to compare the sounds, however. Not sure if you know that Rockbox will work on your 5.5 Gen. Just an FYI, in...

Quote: Originally Posted by JeFFz i have no idea how to fit these triple flanges into my ear lol. the two sizes provided by monster doesn't seem to go right into my ear canal It's true they can be tricky to insert. I couldn't get them in right either the first time I tried them...