Headphone Thread.

[tjcaustin]

Got these cheap yesterday:

IMG_1924.jpg by tjcaustin, on Flickr

Parts are already ordered to repair, going to get the leather headband replaced with something topgrain, alpha pads and probably some nice black/white ebony wood cups, too.  Got some grados that I'm planning similar mods to, save ps earpads vs alphas.

[evolveS]

After a lot of waiting, I picked up a secondhand Sennheiser HD25-1 II.

They're very analytical (which I adore) and more revealing of source than the ATH-M50 or SR60i. They're also more comfortable that I'd expected.
I'm looking forward to swapping out the steel cable for a copper one to see if that will help tighten up the lower end.

[Binge]

After a lot of waiting, I picked up a secondhand Sennheiser HD25-1 II.

They're very analytical (which I adore) and more revealing of source than the ATH-M50 or SR60i. They're also more comfortable that I'd expected.
I'm looking forward to swapping out the steel cable for a copper one to see if that will help tighten up the lower end.

the fact that they use steel cables is horrific.  Probably copper plated

[evolveS]

After a lot of waiting, I picked up a secondhand Sennheiser HD25-1 II.

They're very analytical (which I adore) and more revealing of source than the ATH-M50 or SR60i. They're also more comfortable that I'd expected.
I'm looking forward to swapping out the steel cable for a copper one to see if that will help tighten up the lower end.

the fact that they use steel cables is horrific.  Probably copper plated

I'm pretty sure Sennheiser did this on other mid and upper-tier products of theirs, not cool at all. At least aftermarket cables are readily available and easy to install.

Another thing that surprised me was that the HD25s still have microphonics issues. They 'solved' this in the HD26, but I honestly didn't think this product line's design could get even less elegant..

[LONGZILLA]

Got these cheap yesterday:

Show Image

IMG_1924.jpg by tjcaustin, on Flickr

Parts are already ordered to repair, going to get the leather headband replaced with something topgrain, alpha pads and probably some nice black/white ebony wood cups, too.  Got some grados that I'm planning similar mods to, save ps earpads vs alphas.

Looks like a very involved project tjcaustin, should be fun. Are you going to keep a log of your progress by chance?

[tjcaustin]

Got these cheap yesterday:

Show Image

IMG_1924.jpg by tjcaustin, on Flickr

Parts are already ordered to repair, going to get the leather headband replaced with something topgrain, alpha pads and probably some nice black/white ebony wood cups, too.  Got some grados that I'm planning similar mods to, save ps earpads vs alphas.

Looks like a very involved project tjcaustin, should be fun. Are you going to keep a log of your progress by chance?

Yeah, I'll post pics as things come in.  Right now, I'm using the trashed stuff with the denons and just have a couple zip ties securing it while I wait for parts of all sorts.

I scored a pair of alpha pads for stupid cheap yesterday, so just need to have the dude at martin custom get back in touch about cup pricing before I get bored and buy lawton instead.

I wrapped my grado headband in leather with a felt padding, but I'm really not happy with how it looks.  I'll probably post a pic at some point of how it looks right now though.

[Grim Fandango]

I have not tried a ton of headphones, and I have not tried the very expensive ones (things get even more expensive than keyboards), but I have tried a decent amount over the years.

When it comes to bang for buck, and affordable performance my choices are:
-AKG K550 for a closed headphone. Manages to have a good soundstage and has a very "open headphone sound", not quite as boxed in, if that makes any sense. Like them better than some much more expensive closed headphones that I tried.

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-Audiotechnica ad700 for an open headphone. This headphone lack a bit of oomph (sorry for the lack of technical terms) but gives a very nice representation of depth and location of sound.

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If you have a small budget, I found the Sennheiser HD 518 pretty great value for money.

One headphone that I do not use anymore, but that has literally lasted me over a DECADE is the Sony MDR-V6. You can still buy it, and I think they did not even change the design. If good sound but most of all durability is what you are after, then I can vouch for these. The only thing you might want to replace after 5 years or so are the earcups (they are sold separately).

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Though there are quite a few brands that I have been hearing great things about, that I have not had the opportunity to try.

[tjcaustin]

The k550 is probably a top 5 headphone for me.  Classic look, good comfort, great sound.  Punches way above the price tag.  I wish I had kept them instead of getting the k545 (to be fair, the 545 sound a bit better to my ear), but the d2000 that I have are a great sidegrade to the 550s. 

I haven't personally used the mdr-v6, but they're pretty great as well.  I know a lot of studios use those in different parts of the recording process.

[davkol]

After a lot of waiting, I picked up a secondhand Sennheiser HD25-1 II.

They're very analytical (which I adore) and more revealing of source than the ATH-M50 or SR60i. They're also more comfortable that I'd expected.
I'm looking forward to swapping out the steel cable for a copper one to see if that will help tighten up the lower end.

the fact that they use steel cables is horrific.  Probably copper plated

I'm pretty sure Sennheiser did this on other mid and upper-tier products of theirs, not cool at all. At least aftermarket cables are readily available and easy to install.

Another thing that surprised me was that the HD25s still have microphonics issues. They 'solved' this in the HD26, but I honestly didn't think this product line's design could get even less elegant..

Never noticed that, and I go running with mine... although I have the 600- Ohm version, recabled as well.

[Protato_Tubby]

https://soundcloud.com/greg-tubby/ghetto-headset-microphone-test
This is the sound quality of the Mic on the  DIY Headset that I built.

[domoaligato]

I love my ad700's for csgo

[cbot]

I love my ad700's for csgo

How big are your ears and how comfortable are they?

[domoaligato]

my ears are not huge and it fits pretty well. I did need to bend the top to make it fit as I do not have a huge head.

[Flyersfan1]

Hey Guys!
I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed in this thread, but I was recently given a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 600 Ohm headphones by a relative of mine as a birthday gift, unfortunately I don't have any amp at the moment to properly run these beasts.  Would you guys have any recommendations for a good, but not too expensive amp I should look into? These are my first pair of high end headphones and I'm really excited to use them to their full potential!

[byker]

Hey Guys!
I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed in this thread, but I was recently given a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 600 Ohm headphones by a relative of mine as a birthday gift, unfortunately I don't have any amp at the moment to properly run these beasts.  Would you guys have any recommendations for a good, but not too expensive amp I should look into? These are my first pair of high end headphones and I'm really excited to use them to their full potential!

http://schiit.com/products/magni, aune T1, new monoprice amp.

[Flyersfan1]

Hey Guys!
I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed in this thread, but I was recently given a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 600 Ohm headphones by a relative of mine as a birthday gift, unfortunately I don't have any amp at the moment to properly run these beasts.  Would you guys have any recommendations for a good, but not too expensive amp I should look into? These are my first pair of high end headphones and I'm really excited to use them to their full potential!

http://schiit.com/products/magni, aune T1, new monoprice amp.

Thanks!! 

[byker]

Hey Guys!
I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed in this thread, but I was recently given a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 600 Ohm headphones by a relative of mine as a birthday gift, unfortunately I don't have any amp at the moment to properly run these beasts.  Would you guys have any recommendations for a good, but not too expensive amp I should look into? These are my first pair of high end headphones and I'm really excited to use them to their full potential!

http://schiit.com/products/magni, aune T1, new monoprice amp.

Thanks!! 

No worries. I have an Aune T1, and it works well with my DT990 Pros. The Aune and monoprice are both a DAC and AMP combined. The monoprice one is quite new, but I have heard good things about it. The schiit  seems to be popular choice, kinda like poker 2 of the audiophile world.

[domoaligato]

I love my schiit stack. modi optical + magni.


edit. for others wondering j play a lot of csgo with a soundblaster z toslink output to modi to magni to ad700's. perfect positional queues. I can hear through most of the maps

[Moosecraft]

With beyer anything I would prefer a Schiit Vali for a cheap really good option.

I've had the Hifiman HE-560 for the last week or so and they are really quite astounding. Airy like a good dynamic yet wonderfully layered and textured bass.

[blackbox]

With beyer anything I would prefer a Schiit Vali for a cheap really good option.

I've had the Hifiman HE-560 for the last week or so and they are really quite astounding. Airy like a good dynamic yet wonderfully layered and textured bass.

+1 here. Schiit makes some really good headphone amplifiers. Currently running my beyerdynamic T1's on my asgard 2. It sounds amazing. so if youre also after a dac, I would recommend modi + vali.

[tribade]

With beyer anything I would prefer a Schiit Vali for a cheap really good option.

I've had the Hifiman HE-560 for the last week or so and they are really quite astounding. Airy like a good dynamic yet wonderfully layered and textured bass.

Have you had a chance to listen to the HE-500s?  If so, do you think the 560 are worth the extra ~$300?

[RED-404]

This is my everyday setup. Shure SRH840, O2/ODAC, Antlion ModMic v4 and a Blue Yeti.
WOW I need to clean these things. 

Continues futile attempt at saving $$$ for a pair of HiFiMan - HE-400 headphones, spends it all on keyboard stuff...
I also have a set of Alessandro MS1i headphones by my bed.

[noisyturtle]

Holy ****. Your avatar is actually you!

[tjcaustin]

Just sold the dt880s, now I have money to buy either wood cups for my grados (to sell said grados) and d2ks or to buy a pair of he400i when they release this week.

[Moosecraft]

With beyer anything I would prefer a Schiit Vali for a cheap really good option.

I've had the Hifiman HE-560 for the last week or so and they are really quite astounding. Airy like a good dynamic yet wonderfully layered and textured bass.

Have you had a chance to listen to the HE-500s?  If so, do you think the 560 are worth the extra ~$300?

I have not owned them but listened to them quite extensively and for me they are worth it over the 500 for sure. The bass one the HE-500 is a lot more one-notish and treble wasnt as detailed and extended. The comfort is the main factor for me as I have a small head and find most planars pretty uncomfortable. I sold my LCD-2 because I could not wear them for longer periods of time and the HE-500 was in the same ballpark. The HE-560 is in another league in comfort.
Technically I find the HE-560 a step or two above the 500 but it is also a matter of sound signature. Some might prefer the 500 for its warmer sound.

[RED-404]

Holy ****. Your avatar is actually you!

I think I have heard this someplace before.

Holy ****, you actually look like your avatar.

[tribade]

With beyer anything I would prefer a Schiit Vali for a cheap really good option.

I've had the Hifiman HE-560 for the last week or so and they are really quite astounding. Airy like a good dynamic yet wonderfully layered and textured bass.

Have you had a chance to listen to the HE-500s?  If so, do you think the 560 are worth the extra ~$300?

I have not owned them but listened to them quite extensively and for me they are worth it over the 500 for sure. The bass one the HE-500 is a lot more one-notish and treble wasnt as detailed and extended. The comfort is the main factor for me as I have a small head and find most planars pretty uncomfortable. I sold my LCD-2 because I could not wear them for longer periods of time and the HE-500 was in the same ballpark. The HE-560 is in another league in comfort.
Technically I find the HE-560 a step or two above the 500 but it is also a matter of sound signature. Some might prefer the 500 for its warmer sound.

Thanks for your impressions! I'm looking into getting a pair and I'm polling people for short reviews haha. I'm pretty happy with my grados for now so I'll look for a used pair or wait for them to come down in price a little bit.

[LechnerDE]

Hey guys,

I need new headphones (mainly for gaming).

Would you recommend this offer or can I get something better for that money?

akg-q701

[vun]

Hey guys,

I need new headphones (mainly for gaming).

Would you recommend this offer or can I get something better for that money?

akg-q701

Considering you're in Europe I'm gonna guess those are three times more expensive for you if you want to buy them in Germany, so if you want the Q701s that's a fantastic deal. I got in on the last drop for them and I am loving them. Amazing headphones and great value at that price. Just be aware that the headband can get uncomfortable, so you might want to mod that in some way.

[GL1TCH3D]

Well currently I own the JH Roxanne Universal fit
(http://www.moon-audio.com/jh-audio-sirens-series-roxanne-universal-iem.html)
which I use for portable reasons.
To go with that I have an AK120 on the way (recently sold my Fiio X5)
(http://www.amazon.com/Astell-Kern-Mastering-Quality-Portable/dp/B00D648BDA)

At home I have a pair of Audio Technica W3000anv that I cherish as a beautiful piece that sounds absolutely magical on some parts but unfortunately to make funds for a Noble Kaiser 10 I've put these up for sale =(
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/3c552629c6cf881d/index.html

Previously owned headphones:
Philips Citiscape Downtown
Alpha Dogs
NAD Viso HP50
Fostex TH900
Chord And Major Rock
Stax SR407
Sennheiser HD700
Final Audio FI-BA-SS
Audio Technica ESW11LTD
Stax SR007mk2
Hifiman HE6
Sennheiser HD800
Shure SE535
Audeze LCD2r1
Beyerdynamic T5p
Shure SE425
AKG Q701
Sony XB500
Bowers and Wilkins P5
Grado SR325i
Sennheiser Momentum

And if I haven't owned it I probably demoed it at some point!

[tjcaustin]

Well currently I own the JH Roxanne Universal fit
(http://www.moon-audio.com/jh-audio-sirens-series-roxanne-universal-iem.html)
which I use for portable reasons.
To go with that I have an AK120 on the way (recently sold my Fiio X5)
(http://www.amazon.com/Astell-Kern-Mastering-Quality-Portable/dp/B00D648BDA)

At home I have a pair of Audio Technica W3000anv that I cherish as a beautiful piece that sounds absolutely magical on some parts but unfortunately to make funds for a Noble Kaiser 10 I've put these up for sale =(
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/3c552629c6cf881d/index.html

Previously owned headphones:
Philips Citiscape Downtown
Alpha Dogs
NAD Viso HP50
Fostex TH900
Chord And Major Rock
Stax SR407
Sennheiser HD700
Final Audio FI-BA-SS
Audio Technica ESW11LTD
Stax SR007mk2
Hifiman HE6
Sennheiser HD800
Shure SE535
Audeze LCD2r1
Beyerdynamic T5p
Shure SE425
AKG Q701
Sony XB500
Bowers and Wilkins P5
Grado SR325i
Sennheiser Momentum

And if I haven't owned it I probably demoed it at some point!

And I thought my list of owned headphones was impressive.

[byker]

How do you like the se425s? I am considering them as my next headphone purchase. Needed some nice IEMs for years now.

[GL1TCH3D]

How do you like the se425s? I am considering them as my next headphone purchase. Needed some nice IEMs for years now.

I thought the 535 was such a huge step up that it was worth it.
The 425 reminded me very much of the shure srh940 and I don't like that one at all. The 940 has almost no bass and is very much treble based. Not natural at all (which is something I aim for)
The 425 was not as bad but still similar in signature I'd say.
They were also extremely sibilant which is something I tend  to be sensitive to.
The 535 was a huge step up and a used pair can be found for just under $300 in great condition. You could always wipe the outer shell down with peroxide to kill of bacteria if that's something you're worried about.
The 535 had it's deficiencies but for $300 I think it's a good buy. The shure 846 is a very nice step up too and definitely deserving of flagship status. Unfortunately for people with small ears such as myself it just won't fit comfortably (I'm barely getting the Roxannes in)
Another note, I hated the fibass as well. Reminded me quite a bit of the 425. Tinny, bright

[demik]

any one looking for some mad dogs?

willing to trade for some DT 770s 250ohms

[vun]

My Q701s, I was worried they'd look too dull in black but they look quite nice



And my new headphone stand



I don't know if I dare put my Q701s or Beyer COPs on it because tension, so if anyone can give me some advice on that I'd appreciate it.

[GL1TCH3D]

My Q701s, I was worried they'd look too dull in black but they look quite nice

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And my new headphone stand

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I don't know if I dare put my Q701s or Beyer COPs on it because tension, so if anyone can give me some advice on that I'd appreciate it.

That stand looks great but like you said I'd rather not have it stretch out

[mashby]

I've owned a pair of Sony MDR-7506s for about 12 years and ignored most of the recent upsurge in headphone technology figuring that it was mostly hype. Then a friend of mine got a DAC off of Massdrop and I gave it a listen this weekend and was suitably impressed. So, I just bought a Schitt Magni/Modi stack and waiting for it to arrive.   )

I wouldn't call myself an audiophile by a long shot, but I do listen to a lot of music at the office so I figured it'd be a nice step up from the default audio out from my Macbook Air.

[GL1TCH3D]

I've owned a pair of Sony MDR-7506s for about 12 years and ignored most of the recent upsurge in headphone technology figuring that it was mostly hype. Then a friend of mine got a DAC off of Massdrop and I gave it a listen this weekend and was suitably impressed. So, I just bought a Schitt Magni/Modi stack and waiting for it to arrive.   )

I wouldn't call myself an audiophile by a long shot, but I do listen to a lot of music at the office so I figured it'd be a nice step up from the default audio out from my Macbook Air.

Upgrade those headphones along with them!

[tjcaustin]

I've owned a pair of Sony MDR-7506s for about 12 years and ignored most of the recent upsurge in headphone technology figuring that it was mostly hype. Then a friend of mine got a DAC off of Massdrop and I gave it a listen this weekend and was suitably impressed. So, I just bought a Schitt Magni/Modi stack and waiting for it to arrive.   )

I wouldn't call myself an audiophile by a long shot, but I do listen to a lot of music at the office so I figured it'd be a nice step up from the default audio out from my Macbook Air.

One of us, one of us.  Also, those V6s are still in production and fairly well regarded, too.  So high five on that.

[mashby]

One of us, one of us.  Also, those V6s are still in production and fairly well regarded, too.  So high five on that.

Thanks Klaxbro! I figure I'll upgrade at some point in the future, but they've been good cans for me.

However, when you come up to Nashville, feel free to school me on ways that I could improve my setup. 

[CPTBadAss]

However, when you come up to Nashville, feel free to school me on ways that I could improve my setup. 

Trust me, you'll upgrade after you check out the stuff we bring out

[tjcaustin]

One of us, one of us.  Also, those V6s are still in production and fairly well regarded, too.  So high five on that.

Thanks Klaxbro! I figure I'll upgrade at some point in the future, but they've been good cans for me.

However, when you come up to Nashville, feel free to school me on ways that I could improve my setup. 

I may only have one pair of headphones you can try at that point, weirdly enough (I'll still own 2 pair, but you can't wear my customs).  But yeah, I expect that to be a conversation while I swap my novatouch stems around.

[Binge]

these are pretty magical :d

[trizkut]

these are pretty magical :d

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ultra jelly  :p.  The packaging is pretty snazzy too.

[byker]

these are pretty magical :d

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Very nice!  :)

[Binge]

HiFiMan is on a roll.  I hope other companies start to notice and compete at this level. 

[GL1TCH3D]

Dang Binge, nice HE560s ;P

I'll just leave these here:







As for Hifiman... I've never actually been wowed by a set of planars regardless of the amps I've tried with them. The best ones I've heard were definitely the Abyss (those $5000 hunks of metal) but were incredibly uncomfortable and heavy.

I found electrostatics had a very unique feel to them when listening through a proper setup (though when I say that I mean setups that usually run $5000).

Since then I've been bouncing around dynamics

[tjcaustin]

I should take a pic of my current stuff...

[demik]

I should take a pic of my current stuff...

do it

[epzy]

I should take a pic of my current stuff...

do it

Don't tell him what to do.