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So, I've been considering my next pair of headphones (I'll be stepping up from the M50s).
How does the ATH-W1000x compare to the HD 800, LCD2, and T1 in terms of soundstage and lows/mids/highs?
How does it compare to the M50 in terms of isolation?
I'm looking for the best closed headphones I can get for < $600, and I've seen a lot of good things about the ATH-W1000x.
I'll be using them with an mp3 player and possibly a laptop.
I don't need them for gaming.
If it requires an amp, that's fine, but I just want to find the best closed pair I get get for below $600 (portable use, I suppose).
I already carry my M50 with me, so size isn't an issue.
You can't get the HD800/LCD2/T1 for under $600, so let's just cut that out of consideration. They're all open anyways, so will not isolate as well as the M50. The full sized winged audio technicas all have below average isolation. They are also terrible for portable use as they are not very stable on the head and are not that durable.
If you're looking for a step up from the M50, maybe consider the Shure 940, Senn HD25-1-ii, Beyer DT1350, Pioneer HDJ-2000.
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M-Audio Q40 looks very good so I think I will buy them
But is my motherboards integrated soundcard enough for them?
It should be fine, though a dedicated sound card or usb sound card would be a noticeable improvement.
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Mmmm... not many people here in Hawaii have them. But in anycase what would be a cheap amp/dac that I could run from my laptop? I run mostly lossless. =)
HotAudio DacDestroyer or BitPerfect
FiiO E7
iBasso D2
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Sorry, didn't see this thread, so I will repost in here...
i've been doing a lot of research on decent headphones for a good price.
what I was/am looking for:
closed, around ear
hi-fidelity
ergonomics
affordability
I've come down to 2 options:
the Sennheiser hd280 (65-80$) OR
the Sennheiser hd438. (70-85$)
They both have good reviews and recommendations.
These headphones seemed to both be balanced in high sound quality, minimal sound leak, slightly bassy, and comfort.
I listen to a lot of electronica (trance, techno etc), listen to ambient/soft music, play computer games, and also listen to listen to binaural beats so the frequency sensitivity is important to me too.
could someone who has experienced using both headphones please give me a contrast on both? If i had to pick between the two which would i pick?
product information:
hd280:
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/media/productDownloads/productSheets/HD280PRO_ProductSheet.pdf
hd438:
http://www.sennheiserusa.com/media/productDownloads/productSheets/HD438_ProductSheet.pdf
THANKS!!
The HD280 have far better durability and isolation, and also fold up for portability purposes. The HD438 has better soundstage and less clamp, but rolls off a bit in the lows and highs.
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Alright, I've narrowed it down to the Audio Technca ATH-AD700 and the Audio Technca ATH M50's.. I'm leading toward the M50's right now. Anyone have any input on this? Looks don't bother me - and I won't be using these for gaming, just music and probably just the occasional movie or tv show. I also don't know if I should lean toward Open or Closed headphones, any advice on this? Closed seems better because of noise reduction etc and if I DO take these headphones on a airplane etc (which would probably be rare), it'd be nice to have I think. I've read a lot of reviews about both of these recently and they both seem to have pretty positive reviews overall.
I appreciate all the help so far, thanks guys.
The M50's are popular and will probably suit you better. The AD700 are not portable at all and don't isolate.
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I have several questions, please help.
I really need some help here. My 10 year old Grado 225's have developed a static noise problem in the left ear when I move around the the cable brushes against me. I suspect a problem with the cables (but not sure).
1) I don't know if my headphones are in warranty or how to have them repaired. Can they be repaired and would the cost of repairs exceed the cost of a new pair of headphones?
2) Where can I have them repaired if they can be worked on? I am not willing to learn how to solder just to do this myself on something this expensive for my first time.
Next up:
I've been looking for an upgrade/replacement for these headphones for a while now. Assuming the worst case scenario and the cost of repairs exceeds the $224 cost of a new pair of SR225i's:
1) What can I get that is considered an upgrade in sound from these headphones?
2) I like the sound of these headphones, but I've felt that the sound was lacking something for a while now, but every time I look at the $500 or cheaper headphones, the only ones that that have any bass are the really cheap ones like the 225 series or the SR80's. Are there any good headphones that have a clear sound-stage, with enough bass for classic/acoustic/rock and electronic music, without sounding muddy or without having the high fatigue that Grado's seem to have in long listening sessions?
I'm open to suggestions. I would prefer under $400. I like open cans, but am willing to consider closed if I can avoid sweaty ears. I have an amp that is impedance matched for my Grado 225's. I listen to mostly digital music of various genres including Dance, Rock, various electronic, acoustic, and vocals.
After 10 years the cables are probably shot on one or both sides, most likely where they enter the cup. If you're able to use a soldering iron, you can just fix them on your own. Take the cups apart (a quick forum or google search will yield several pages and even videos), detach the wires, snip off a couple inches, strip off the ends to expose some wire, tie a knot, resolder, done.
For new headphones, there are many options... though finding the one that matches your preferences, well that's always the trick isn't it? Sennheiser are good all-rounders, although if you are accustomed to the Grado sound you might find them a bit muffled sounding. The AKG K701/K702/Q701 might be worth looking into. You might also consider an Ultrasone like the HFI2400 or Pro2900. In your price range, you're also within reach of the HE-4 orthodynamic.
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Unfortunately, they are not available here locally and I have to order them online. :[
Can you tell us what you do have avaiilable in your area? Comfort is almost impossible to determine for other people, which is why I suggest trying out some headphones locally. At least try some within the same brand before ordering the more expensive ones online.
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Hey guys, I was directed here from google. I am not an audiophile but I do appreciate the highest sound quality. I currently have a new job where I work from home, so I'll be doing more music listening than ever (from laptop/phone), pretty much all day. I want to invest in a good pair of headphones with a budget of $100. I am not specifically interested in one particular quality, just an overall best total package of comfort, sound, style, durability, etc. I mostly listen to hip hop and appreciate a good bass but by no means do i want a bass monster at all. I prefer a more balanced sound. I am currently looking at the Sony mdr-zx700, and since im pretty clueless when it comes to headphones I know you guys would do me a favor and give a thumbs up to these (for my needs) or steer me in the right direction. Much appreciated, thank you.
The ZX700 is reviewing quite well and I'm sure will serve you well.