++ FULL-SIZE HEADPHONE RECOMMENDATIONS THREAD++ CLOSED: Please post a thread in the Introductions, Help and Advice forum
Feb 17, 2013 at 4:42 PM Post #24,901 of 29,490
@  KG Jag: As it seems youre quite an expert on Hifiman I would like to ask you: how dificult are the Hifiman HE-500 to dirve?
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 4:44 PM Post #24,902 of 29,490
Quote:
Except that its more than double his budget.

hmm
triportsad.gif
.. wasnt aware how much they are right now.. but still much less than the t5p
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:11 PM Post #24,903 of 29,490
Quote:
@  KG Jag: As it seems youre quite an expert on Hifiman I would like to ask you: how dificult are the Hifiman HE-500 to dirve?


More difficult than average to drive due to their low sensitivity rating.  On the low end, the original Schiit Asgard drives them.  The new Asgard (the "2") that is about to be shipped is said to have more power.  This may help:
 
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hifiman4/1.html
 
See also:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559437/amp-recommendations-for-hifiman-he-500
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:15 PM Post #24,904 of 29,490
Quote:
More difficult than average to drive due to their low sensitivity rating.  On the low end, the original Schiit Asgard drives them.  The new Asgard (the "2") that is about to be shipped is said to have more power.  This may help:
 
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hifiman4/1.html
 
See also:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559437/amp-recommendations-for-hifiman-he-500

Thx!
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:16 PM Post #24,905 of 29,490
Quote:
Hi, I'd like a recommendation for portable headphones under $150.
 
My current headphones are a 4-ish year old Sennheiser HD-595s (the earcups cracked and chipped off between the two "n"s, but they still work) and a Hifiman HE-400 that I got as a Christmas gift last year 
size]
. I'm using them with an O2/ODAC combo and appreciate both pairs. My music tastes are pretty wide ranging, although I primarily listen to Kpop (which the 595's are great with) and a lot of electronic music (which I found the better bass on the HE-400 to be perfect for).
 
I'm looking for portable, ideally closed, headphones under $150 (could possibly stretch to $200) that work well without amplification but also would do well when plugged in to the O2/ODAC. Important factors would be comfort (I have a relatively big head), durability (I live in upstate NY, and I would like to be able to wear it outside in the cold and snow), and headphones that work well with any genre (i.e. not lacking in bass, mids, or treble). A carrying case would be nice too, as I will be primarily using this outside of my room.
 
I have looked at the V-moda M80, Phiaton MS-400, Ultrasone HFI-580, Denon AH-D1100, Beyerdynamic T50P/DT 1350, and Sennheiser Amperior/Momentum. Unfortunately, the Beyer and the Senns both exceed my budget.


The best in the neutral zone (sans Romulians) is the Sennheiser HD25-1 II, which are right at $200 absent a special deal.
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:19 PM Post #24,906 of 29,490
Quote:
More difficult than average to drive due to their low sensitivity rating.  On the low end, the original Schiit Asgard drives them.  The new Asgard (the "2") that is about to be shipped is said to have more power.  This may help:
 
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hifiman4/1.html
 
See also:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559437/amp-recommendations-for-hifiman-he-500

Any chance HE500s can run off an E17 portable? I'm definitely seeing conflicting info on that one... 
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:20 PM Post #24,907 of 29,490
Quote:
Quote:
More difficult than average to drive due to their low sensitivity rating.  On the low end, the original Schiit Asgard drives them.  The new Asgard (the "2") that is about to be shipped is said to have more power.  This may help:
 
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hifiman4/1.html
 
See also:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559437/amp-recommendations-for-hifiman-he-500

Thx!


You bet.  FYI Schiit says that their new $99 Magni drives them too.  See:
 
http://schiit.com/schiit-faq/about-magni/
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:24 PM Post #24,908 of 29,490
Quote:
Quote:
More difficult than average to drive due to their low sensitivity rating.  On the low end, the original Schiit Asgard drives them.  The new Asgard (the "2") that is about to be shipped is said to have more power.  This may help:
 
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hifiman4/1.html
 
See also:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/559437/amp-recommendations-for-hifiman-he-500

Any chance HE500s can run off an E17 portable? I'm definitely seeing conflicting info on that one... 


I doubt it, but I am not the guy to ask with regard to most things pertaining to portable amps.
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:26 PM Post #24,909 of 29,490
Looking for closed back, over ear, passive isolating headphones for home and travel. I take several long flights a year and need something comfortable with good isolation. Budget is 100-200. Priorities are comfort, isolation/sound (tied), and portability. I want something that sounds great at home but will work on flights and with airline movies and traveling with MP3s.
 
I've been thinking of VModa LP2, Phiaton MS400, Beyerdynamic custom1 or DT70, or M50s, but am open for suggestion. I'd like the best bang for the buck. The DT770s seem to get great reviews for comfort and sound, but not sure about driving 80ohm with Nokia 920 or airline movies. Hate to have to invest and carry an amp in addition to headphones.
 
I've recently tried Blaupunkt Comfort 112 noise cancelation which I thought had awful sound even after burning them in and sub par noise canceling. That is scaring me from active noise canceling headphones at this price point.
 
Also tried AKG k451 based on recommendation, but don't think supraaural will provide the isolation I'd like.
 
Your advice is appreciated.
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:35 PM Post #24,910 of 29,490
Quote:
Looking for closed back, over ear, passive isolating headphones for home and travel. I take several long flights a year and need something comfortable with good isolation. Budget is 100-200. Priorities are comfort, isolation/sound (tied), and portability. I want something that sounds great at home but will work on flights and with airline movies and traveling with MP3s.
 
I've been thinking of VModa LP2, Phiaton MS400, Beyerdynamic custom1 or DT70, or M50s, but am open for suggestion. I'd like the best bang for the buck. The DT770s seem to get great reviews for comfort and sound, but not sure about driving 80ohm with Nokia 920 or airline movies. Hate to have to invest and carry an amp in addition to headphones.
 
I've recently tried Blaupunkt Comfort 112 noise cancelation which I thought had awful sound even after burning them in and sub par noise canceling. That is scaring me from active noise canceling headphones at this price point.
 
Also tried AKG k451 based on recommendation, but don't think supraaural will provide the isolation I'd like.
 
Your advice is appreciated.

Check out Soundmagic HP100's. I've had them and they isolate pretty well - I think it's about 23 db. Plus they sound great for their price.
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 5:35 PM Post #24,911 of 29,490
Quote:
Looking for closed back, over ear, passive isolating headphones for home and travel. I take several long flights a year and need something comfortable with good isolation. Budget is 100-200. Priorities are comfort, isolation/sound (tied), and portability. I want something that sounds great at home but will work on flights and with airline movies and traveling with MP3s.
 
I've been thinking of VModa LP2, Phiaton MS400, Beyerdynamic custom1 or DT70, or M50s, but am open for suggestion. I'd like the best bang for the buck. The DT770s seem to get great reviews for comfort and sound, but not sure about driving 80ohm with Nokia 920 or airline movies. Hate to have to invest and carry an amp in addition to headphones.
 
I've recently tried Blaupunkt Comfort 112 noise cancelation which I thought had awful sound even after burning them in and sub par noise canceling. That is scaring me from active noise canceling headphones at this price point.
 
Also tried AKG k451 based on recommendation, but don't think supraaural will provide the isolation I'd like.
 
Your advice is appreciated.


The UE6000 may be your best and most versatile choice within your budget.  See:
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/surprisingly-good-logitec-ue6000-and-ue9000
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 7:02 PM Post #24,913 of 29,490
Quote:
Quote:
You bet.  FYI Schiit says that their new $99 Magni drives them too.  See:
 
http://schiit.com/schiit-faq/about-magni/

How do you guys think this would compare to the FiiO E9K? Price is about the same... 


Sorry--except for iPhone connection cables. I have never owned any FiiO products.
 
My gut tells me than FiiO amps and the HE 500 are not in the same class of products.
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 7:42 PM Post #24,914 of 29,490
Hey guys, I just found out about this place while doing some research on headphones. Let me start off by saying I am a complete noob when it comes to audio. I currently own the Sennheiser's 555s (my first headphones). I've had them for about 3 years now and they have been great. I especially loved how comfortable they were. But now it is time for a change. I feel as if they are not as clear and crisp as I would like and the bass is a little bit on the low side.
 
 
What I listen to: (Mostly Female Artists)
Alternative, Rock, Dream/J/Pop, Electronica, Anime Soundtracks, Dub/Chillstep and Ambient.
 
 
What I am looking for:
I am looking fora pair of over the ear cans that are open back and have an overall more crisp/clear sound with a tab bit more bass than my 555s. They need to be comfortable because I wear them 80% of the time while sitting at my computer. My 555s started cracking after a year of use and I take good care of my stuff, so I need my new cans to be durable. Sound leaking isn't really a problem for me to a certain degree. I do talk to people on skype while gaming and I don't want my game sound leaking out into my mic. I do live in a pretty quite place, so sound leaking in isn't much of a problem.
 
My budget is $200 ~ $300. Maybe up to $350. I currently do not own a AMP or DAC but I'm open for suggestions.
 
Feb 17, 2013 at 7:54 PM Post #24,915 of 29,490
Quote:
Hey guys, I just found out about this place while doing some research on headphones. Let me start off by saying I am a complete noob when it comes to audio. I currently own the Sennheiser's 555s (my first headphones). I've had them for about 3 years now and they have been great. I especially loved how comfortable they were. But now it is time for a change. I feel as if they are not as clear and crisp as I would like and the bass is a little bit on the low side.
 
 
What I listen to: (Mostly Female Artists)
Alternative, Rock, Dream/J/Pop, Electronica, Anime Soundtracks, Dub/Chillstep and Ambient.
 
 
What I am looking for:
I am looking fora pair of over the ear cans that are open back and have an overall more crisp/clear sound with a tab bit more bass than my 555s. They need to be comfortable because I wear them 80% of the time while sitting at my computer. My 555s started cracking after a year of use and I take good care of my stuff, so I need my new cans to be durable. Sound leaking isn't really a problem for me to a certain degree. I do talk to people on skype while gaming and I don't want my game sound leaking out into my mic. I do live in a pretty quite place, so sound leaking in isn't much of a problem.
 
My budget is $200 ~ $300. Maybe up to $350. I currently do not own a AMP or DAC but I'm open for suggestions.


Sounds like you like the Senns and have got some great usage out of them?  Next logical step would be going up to the 558 or 598.
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-558-Headphones/dp/B004FEEY9A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361148826&sr=8-1&keywords=hd+558
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-598-Headphones-Accents/dp/B0042A8CW2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361148826&sr=8-2&keywords=hd+558
 

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