[retrodebate]

Any help? I do want to purchase soon.
 
Quote:

What good headphones are there for the itouch? If there are any threads or sites with info comparing or listing good headphones for personal mp3 use, can someone post a link?  I have read hundreds of reviews, and nothing tickles my fancy.  No price cap, I'm willing to spend for a good match.  Right now I am leaning towards the Senn HD 558/PXC 450.. but I don't like the input jack.
 
I'm looking for:
Over the ear headphones
Noise Canceling
3.5mm input, similar to the Senn HD 600
Not only for monitoring.. I listen to mp3's and movies, no audio editing.
Prefer soft headphone lining, like the Sennheiser's 598
Closed dynamic models

 

 

[Armaegis]

Quote:

 

Spoiler: What%20I%20wrote%20ealier

 
Hello, I wanted to ask all of you for advice, which is obvious. Normally I do that by researching sites like this/amazon/youtube for reviews, but I can't really see my next headphones very clearly as I saw my previous headphones.
 
My first audiophile's headphones were Koss PortaPro, which I liked very much, but they simply broke. I wanted something new, so I did my research and decided on Sennheiser HD205 which were good, but not that good as they broke too, so I disassembled them (that was fun). My next headphones were AKG K450 which were awesome - I never heard a better bass sound, but the cable broke (I don't have luck with cables, don't I?) and I repaired it myself. I sold them because they didn't do good with sound isolation, and I really wanted overear-cup headphones. So I started searching again, and found Sennheisers HD448, which have very high notes. They were good, although the bass wasn't as good as AKG's and they were extremely bad with my ipod. They made (that's what Google translator said) grunt bass noise, but they did good connected to a PC. Sadly, I needed money so I sold them and my ipod (I'm not a fan of apple in the first place) and I plan on something that will play closely/better than AKG's, will be over ear, noise cancelling and the design  close to my thought-of's. I play music mainly on my computer, but I also use them outside, for example connected to a phone. I'm also desperate since I'm using Sony Ericsson's earphones.
 
I would go like a stupid for Beats Studio, but since I had them on my head (3 friends from class have them) I say "What is this" to them. Something that bad yet it needs batteries. Cables are nice though...
 
 
My "thought of" list:
 
Sennheiser HD215
Shure SRH440
Shure SRH550 DJ
Teufel Aureol Massive
Beyerdynamic DTX 910

 
 
I read good things and bad things about them (well, not about BD's and Teufel's since no one tested them here, only at amazon). So I wanted to ask you: Which?
 
Also tell me if you have something to add to this list.
 
 
I listen to: Hip Hop, Rock, Dubstep, Trance, Electronic, Reggae, some classics.
Mainly Lossless quality, also vinyl lover.
 
Please help me choose, I really want to choose carefully!
 

 
 

Sorry, the price for them is more than £100, I can't go more than £70 :/
 
 

I say go for the Shure 440, and maybe get some 840 pads down the line.
 


Quote:

What good headphones are there for the itouch? If there are any threads or sites with info comparing or listing good headphones for personal mp3 use, can someone post a link?  I have read hundreds of reviews, and nothing tickles my fancy.  No price cap, I'm willing to spend for a good match.  Right now I am leaning towards the Senn HD 558/PXC 450.. but I don't like the input jack.
 
I'm looking for:
Over the ear headphones
Noise Canceling
3.5mm input, similar to the Senn HD 600
Not only for monitoring.. I listen to mp3's and movies, no audio editing.
Prefer soft headphone lining, like the Sennheiser's 598
Closed dynamic models

Do you want active noise cancelling or passive? (the former requires batteries and is almost always more expensive).
 
Scratch the 558 off your list since it is an open headphone and will leak a lot of sound. If you like the PXC450 but can do without the active noise cancellation, consider the HD380.
 


Quote:

Thanks, do you think it's maybe worth investing a little more in the the dt 990 premium version?
Also why are the dt-880 250Ohm about a third more expensive than the dt-990Ohm? From what I understand the dt880 are slightly worse. 

Not really much difference between the premium and pro aside from the premium having lower clamping force and nicer enclosure.
 
Price wise, well they tend to go all over the place sometimes. I've seen the pro models go for as low as $150 at times.
 
Quote:

This is my first time really doing my homework before buying headphones - my Sennheiser HD 202 (first version) died on me recently. They were my favorites since a pair of Philips something or others I had back in high school.
 
Basically, the replacements I need will be used for music, movies, and games, but given my taste in the latter two, whatever works best for the first should be just fine for me (I don't particularly care about surround or sound stage).
 
Points:
-Taste in music is a little of everything, but typically ends up being first and foremost rock
-Given the above, if I were alright with spending more and could use open phones, I'd probably get a Grados SR60i or SR80i
-On that note, MUST be closed - got people I don't want to bother
-I'm loathe to spend above $50 right now (if I must push it, I don't want to go much past that at all)
-That also means I'd rather not have something that requires an amp
 
From all of that, I had determined JVC HA-RX700 would do me well, but when seeing it talked about here in the past, it was referred to as being about $35. I can't find it for that online at all, the closest after shipping putting it at about $42 with the average being around $50. I figured, if I'm going to end up spending that much more than what people were saying it was good for in its price range, shouldn't I be looking for something of the same type at that higher price but better?
 
That's pretty much where I am right now, and I've exhausted myself over this, so I'd appreciate any help at all. So in short, does anyone either know a place to get the RX700 for less that I'm somehow not seeing, or know of any better alternatives for $50?

Take a look at Joker's massive portables review thread linked in the first post of this thread. There are a ton of options there in the budget range.
 


Quote:

 
I've been seriously considering getting an Astro mixamp 5.8 and a nice set of headphones (up to $550).  I don't have a lot of experience in high end headphones, but I have owned Westone UM1's and currently have a set of Westone 3's.  In addition I have also looked into purchasing a portable headphone amp  (emmeline p-51 mustang for example), but I always seem to have other things that are more important to spend my money on.
 
This is my current receiver:
http://nadelectronics.com/products/av-receivers/T-747-A/V-Surround-Sound-Receiver
 
In addition I have a PS3 to play games such as modern warfare/bioshock/MK9, and I use PS3 media server to stream music from my laptop.  I am also moving all of my movies and music to an eternal harddrive enclosed in a thermaltake case that will run through my oppo bdp93 http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-93/ via Esata.
 
Musically I mainly listen to electronica, industrial, rock, metal, mixed in with some Madonna, Roger Waters, Floyd, Beck, Phish
 
Now...for the future.
 
My current budget is around 350$, but I may have a way to get a pair of $550 headphones at the same cost so I need a few opinions at both price levels.
 
I plan on using a clip on mic for gaming rather than getting the beyerdynamic mmx300.
 
I would like to be able to listen to movies, and music with the astro mixamp while doing other projects in the house, but if I can't get the most out of the headphones because of the limitations of the Mixamp (which I have read in a few threads) I would much rather have it wired to my NAD reciever.  I will more likely be stationary, but the idea of moving around the house while listening to music is a plus.
 
The ability to produce positional effects will also be important for Ps3 gaming, and computer gaming (Counter-strike Source)
 
The reason for the title of this thread is that I want these headphones to be able to handle the explosion at the end of the song.  I have the album via vinyl rip and the Gold cd pressing in FLAC.
 
I would prefer that the sound not leak from the headphones so I don't disturb others if I use them in public or around family members, but if that will degrade the audio quality i'm willing to be "forever alone"
 
Someone please point me in a few directions.  If there are some reviews/websites that people have used to make a decision I would love to see them.
 
***one of the other reasons that I would prefer to go wireless is that I have two 100 lb. dobermans that get to running around downstairs where the home theater is and I don't want them running through the cord that is extended from the reciever, thereby damaging the wired connections.  I know that some have detachable cables (that could be replace) but I'm leery of possible problems with loose attachment/connection***
 
 
 

Beyer DT770 - basically the MMX300 without the mic and much cheaper
Beyer also makes wireless systems, but they are quite expensive
Senn RS170 - their closed wireless home model


Quote:

Looking at the HD 600 (old) and 650 (new), and leaning to the latter. I'll be using it 99% for classical music. If anyone has experience with both of these headphones and with actual live music to compare it to, I would appreciate your input; the decision is driving me nuts.

I honestly did not hear a huge difference between the 600 and 650. I would personally go with the 600 (or even the 580 which is basically the same thing but with a plastic grill).
 

 
Quote:

I'm buying some headphones for my girlfriend and was about to settle on the Soul by Ludacris SL300 since it seems to be well suited to the music she listens to, and perhaps most importable, look fashionable which will appeal to her. (And yes, I know there are better headphone choices out there sound quality wise, but I'm making a choice based on fashion here)
 
I was about to pull the trigger on these, but then saw some reviews for the Fanny Wangs. The design of them look fashionable as well, and arguably better than the Soul SL300s.  
 
I tried searching for reviews of the Fanny Wang "Over Ear DJ" and "Over Ear ANC" (active noise cancelling) but couldn't find any. Only reviews are for the lowest model, the "On Ear".
 
Anyone have thoughts on these 2 Fanny Wang models?

For fashionable stuff, I'd recommend perhaps the Phiaton models or maybe the B&W P5.
 

 

[con100]

Hello, I would like to get a good pair of headphones. Ever since I got my first iPod I have always had earbuds. But I would like some over the ear headphones. Right now I'm interested in the Beats Solo HD but I don't know any other brands. When I go to Best Buy to look at them the Beats are the only ones that catch my eye. I really like the style of them and the sound isn't to bad either. Are there any other headphones you guys can recommend me that look good? I want something with a good bass but not to overwhelming and something that can fold to make them smaller like the Beats. I also don't want anything bulky and don't want to spend more then $200.

 

[SkinnyPuppy]

Quote:

Hello, I would like to get a good pair of headphones. Ever since I got my first iPod I have always had earbuds. But I would like some over the ear headphones. Right now I'm interested in the Beats Solo HD but I don't know any other brands. When I go to Best Buy to look at them the Beats are the only ones that catch my eye. I really like the style of them and the sound isn't to bad either. Are there any other headphones you guys can recommend me that look good? I want something with a good bass but not to overwhelming and something that can fold to make them smaller like the Beats. I also don't want anything bulky and don't want to spend more then $200.

Vmoda M-80
Sennheiser HD25-1 ii
 
those are the 2 that come to mind.

 

[ThusWeHave]

 
Hi all,
 
I discovered this site looking for some headphones last month, and I've been very impressed with how helpful and knowledgeable the community is.  Head-Fi is an awesome resource.  Now I'm searching for a set of headphones for my girlfriend for Christmas with these qualities:
 
1) Music genres:  While she listens to most genres, her favorite is modern R&B (Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Usher, etc.), so I'd like the cans to excel at R&B.
 
2) Comfort:  If the headphones are uncomfortable, I think she will shy away from them, even if the sound quality is good.
 
3) Source:  The headphones must sound good when driven by an iPod touch or nano.  No amp.
 
4) Appearance:  I have a pair of Panasonic RP-HTF600s (which I learned about from this site), and she described them as "too big".  I do want to stick with headphones instead of IEMs, but if anything small-ish exists and sounds good, that might work out well.  (I understand that this might not be possible; I'll list this criterion as slightly less important than the above.)
 
My budget is $60.  I looked through |joker|'s review thread, and some possibilities include the Maxell DHP-II, MEElectronics HT-21, Beyerdynamic DT235,  Pioneer SE-MJ5...I'm not limited to a choice from among these; I'm sure I've overlooked or not stumbled upon other good options.
 
So, what would the experts recommend?  
 
Thanks!

 

[eucariote]

Quote:

Any help? I do want to purchase soon.
 
 

SRH940.  Best closed headphone under $500.  They'll be ok out an ipod but you might consider a portable amp.  Imo the best option straight out an ipod for sound isolation and no-compromise sound while not looking like a huge dork/NASA employee are iems (e.g. SE535).

 

[DarkDreth]

Basically, I am looking for a Christmas gift for myself and I need a new pair of headphones.
 
 
1) Music genres:  I listen to Alternative rock, hip hop, and some techno. 
 
2) Comfort:  Important, but not overly.
 
3) Source:  iPod Nano/ PC
 
 
I was looking at some Beats by Dre and I think they are too expensive for what they do. I was hoping for a cheaper alternative that does the job. I would like to keep it around $60-$180. 

 

[Armaegis]

Quote:

 
Hi all,
 
I discovered this site looking for some headphones last month, and I've been very impressed with how helpful and knowledgeable the community is.  Head-Fi is an awesome resource.  Now I'm searching for a set of headphones for my girlfriend for Christmas with these qualities:
 
1) Music genres:  While she listens to most genres, her favorite is modern R&B (Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Usher, etc.), so I'd like the cans to excel at R&B.
 
2) Comfort:  If the headphones are uncomfortable, I think she will shy away from them, even if the sound quality is good.
 
3) Source:  The headphones must sound good when driven by an iPod touch or nano.  No amp.
 
4) Appearance:  I have a pair of Panasonic RP-HTF600s (which I learned about from this site), and she described them as "too big".  I do want to stick with headphones instead of IEMs, but if anything small-ish exists and sounds good, that might work out well.  (I understand that this might not be possible; I'll list this criterion as slightly less important than the above.)
 
My budget is $60.  I looked through |joker|'s review thread, and some possibilities include the Maxell DHP-II, MEElectronics HT-21, Beyerdynamic DT235,  Pioneer SE-MJ5...I'm not limited to a choice from among these; I'm sure I've overlooked or not stumbled upon other good options.
 
So, what would the experts recommend?  
 
Thanks!

Senn PX200-ii - good sound, portable, small in size, reasonably comfortable


Quote:

Basically, I am looking for a Christmas gift for myself and I need a new pair of headphones.
 
 
1) Music genres:  I listen to Alternative rock, hip hop, and some techno. 
 
2) Comfort:  Important, but not overly.
 
3) Source:  iPod Nano/ PC
 
 
I was looking at some Beats by Dre and I think they are too expensive for what they do. I was hoping for a cheaper alternative that does the job. I would like to keep it around $60-$180. 

Senn HD25
Audio Technica M50
Shure 840
Audio Technica Pro700mk2
Ultrasone HFi580
 

 

[TheStobe]

Hello, I recently bought a pair of Audio Technical ATH-M50S for $125. But I've been thinking of returning them and getting something better for around $150. I was thinking the Ultrasone HFI-580 or Audio Technical ATHPRO700MKII. They are both near $150.

I will mainly use these for home and school use. So portability isn't too much of a problem, but I want at least a pouch to carry them and be able to fold them up. Also, be able to put them around my neck and walk around without much discomfort. Also, I don't want them to look ugly, just some appeal to wear around in public.

I mainly listen to mainstream music such as hiphop and some pop. But I also listen to a lot of dubstep and house music from Flux Pavillion and Deadmau5, for example. Also, some occasional soft music like Jason Mraz and Train. I liked the sound of the M50S, so something like that, but more bass and greater mids.

Comfort wise, the M50S were nice, soft and comfortable, but got hot after awhile, espicially when walking. I would like something near comfort, or even better.

I am hopefully going to get a Fiio E5 soon. It doesn't matter if an amp will benefit the headphone much. My main source will be my PC's built in sound card, an iPod Touch 2g, and an iPod Nano 6g.

I am planning on going to Guitar Center Saturday and seeing what they have on display and trying various headphones out.

So which headphone would be better? Or should I just keep the M50S? I am willing to spend the extra for the 580s and Pro700MKII. Is there any other choices available? Detachable cable would be nice. My limit is $150. Thanks in advance for you LR help.

So my main question is, Is it worth the hassle and extra money to get the 580s or Pro700MKIIs over the M50S? Remember I got them for $125...

Other choices:
Shure SRH840
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
(Yes I did write all of this out from my phone.)

 

[SanjiWatsuki]

Keep the M50S. Neither of those headphones you're thinking about really beat it in terms of quality. If you're really interested in the HFI-580, wait for the Ultrasone Alienware to get back in stock. It's the same headphone with a different moniker for $75. The HFI-580 has a tighter bass but you can expect your highs to be more out of control. The HFI-580, personally, I believe would be a sidegrade or downgrade for these reasons, especially since it can be found so much cheaper than the M50. If you're completely set on a tight bass, though, the Ultrasone at $75 wouldn't be a bad investment. The HFI-580s can be an upgrade, but only if you like their sound signature better. 
 
The ATH PRO700 MKII has more bass quantity, but less articulation on most of the sound frequencies is the consensus. It's not an upgrade, more of a sidegrade.
 
To truly upgrade forwards from the M50, you'll probably have to put more money onto the table. The M50 at $125 is a pretty decent value.
 
Quote:

Hello, I recently bought a pair of Audio Technical ATH-M50S for $125. But I've been thinking of returning them and getting something better for around $150. I was thinking the Ultrasone HFI-580 or Audio Technical ATHPRO700MKII. They are both near $150.
I will mainly use these for home and school use. So portability isn't too much of a problem, but I want at least a pouch to carry them and be able to fold them up. Also, be able to put them around my neck and walk around without much discomfort. Also, I don't want them to look ugly, just some appeal to wear around in public.
I mainly listen to mainstream music such as hiphop and some pop. But I also listen to a lot of dubstep and house music from Flux Pavillion and Deadmau5, for example. Also, some occasional soft music like Jason Mraz and Train. I liked the sound of the M50S, so something like that, but more bass and greater mids.
Comfort wise, the M50S were nice, soft and comfortable, but got hot after awhile, espicially when walking. I would like something near comfort, or even better.
I am hopefully going to get a Fiio E5 soon. It doesn't matter if an amp will benefit the headphone much. My main source will be my PC's built in sound card, an iPod Touch 2g, and an iPod Nano 6g.
I am planning on going to Guitar Center Saturday and seeing what they have on display and trying various headphones out.
So which headphone would be better? Or should I just keep the M50S? I am willing to spend the extra for the 580s and Pro700MKII. Is there any other choices available? Detachable cable would be nice. My limit is $150. Thanks in advance for you LR help.
So my main question is, Is it worth the hassle and extra money to get the 580s or Pro700MKIIs over the M50S? Remember I got them for $125...
Other choices:
Shure SRH840
Ultrasone DJ1 Pro
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
(Yes I did write all of this out from my phone.)

 

 

[biggerliz]

Best HP without any additional gear (no AMP, DAC, etc.) Price not an issue, but you can include within ranges that would be appreciated
 
100-200
200-300
300-350

 

[AValidName]

Do the Senns HD 598s leak a whole bunch?  They can't be as bad as Grado's, but they may not isolate enough for use with a somewhat-but-not-very loud computer?  They dropped down in price on amazon about 30 bucks.

 

[linuxid10t]

Nope, just as bad as Grados.
 
Quote:

Do the Senns HD 598s leak a whole bunch?  They can't be as bad as Grado's, but they may not isolate enough for use with a somewhat-but-not-very loud computer?  They dropped down in price on amazon about 30 bucks.

 

 

[SanjiWatsuki]

To use InnerFidelity numbers, the Grados isolate about -1dB. The 598s isolate about -3dB. It's so close I'd say they're just as bad.
 
Quote:

Nope, just as bad as Grados.
 


 

 

 

[Armaegis]

 
Quote:

Best HP without any additional gear (no AMP, DAC, etc.) Price not an issue, but you can include within ranges that would be appreciated
 
100-200
200-300
300-350

Do you expect to get any sort of meaningful answer just asking for "the best"?...
 
Heck, just go to the first post of this thread and find the link to Joker's big review compilation. Scroll down to his chart and pick from the top of the list there. 
 

 
Quote:

Do the Senns HD 598s leak a whole bunch?  They can't be as bad as Grado's, but they may not isolate enough for use with a somewhat-but-not-very loud computer?  They dropped down in price on amazon about 30 bucks.

Yes they leak, though maybe not quite as bad as grados (which sometimes feel louder on the outside than in). If the only noise you're worried about is a computer though, I don't think it'll be a problem. If there are other people in the room though, it might bother them.