Author Topic: Headphone Thread. (Read 1312738 times)

Forin · « **Reply #900 on:** Wed, 01 February 2012, 19:28:46 »

My headphones are Audio Technica ATH-AD700.

At first I was blown away, since these are my first better headphones, but after some time I agree that they could have better bass and color is terrible.

I think that I need to upgrade to ATH-AD900.

lorem3k · « **Reply #901 on:** Wed, 01 February 2012, 21:45:41 »

I have a Matrix Mini-i as my DAC/amp and Senn HD25-1 IIs. For portable use I have an iPod Classic.

Quote from: Forin;505736

My headphones are Audio Technica ATH-AD700.
At first I was blown away, since these are my first better headphones, but after some time I agree that they could have better bass and color is terrible.
I think that I need to upgrade to ATH-AD900.

If you're looking for better bass, don't look to the AD series at all, apparently the bass is pretty much the same on almost all of them.

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #902 on:** Wed, 01 February 2012, 21:49:43 »

Right now I have Audio Technica M50s, and they're great.

This looks like a pretty large thread for headphones, so if you guys want to all there is to know about sound equipment, head over to http://www.head-fi.org where the audio enthusiasts hangs out.

laffindude · « **Reply #903 on:** Wed, 01 February 2012, 22:18:41 »

I honestly haven't heard a set of Audio Technicas that's worth the price range they're selling at.

Forin · « **Reply #904 on:** Thu, 02 February 2012, 03:15:24 »

I noticed that, but I've listened to ATH-AD900 and they are adequate IMO for my taste. I'm not looking for bass-only headphones.

Beside I love how comfortable their headphones are.

Yes they are overpriced.

Quote from: lorem3k;505890

If you're looking for better bass, don't look to the AD series at all, apparently the bass is pretty much the same on almost all of them.

laffindude · « **Reply #905 on:** Thu, 02 February 2012, 03:38:16 »

That depends on the genre you listen to of course. The one note bass isn't too noticeable in things with electronic beats. They do well with female vocals especially. Plus they look cool while out and about. Have you seen how dorky HD25-1's are? They're worse when on your head. Amperior here I come.

mkawa · « **Reply #906 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 00:59:14 »

i've been rocking a various combinations of:

usb -> amb y1 -> {meta42, amb mini3} -> {hd600, alessandro ms1, ety er6, ety hf2} for about 10 years

feel free to shoot me any questions about the components

i also recently fixed up some rotted out infiniti ref1 bookshelves and paired them with a lepai tripath amp if you want to know about that.

Namkung · « **Reply #907 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 04:14:50 »

Looking to purchase HD 598.
I plan on using it for listening to music on my computer (FLAC files) most of the time and maybe sometimes on my ipod .
Listening to mostly classical piano / soprano-pop crossovers like sarah brightman and the likes +_+.
Was wondering if getting a D/A converter might be worth it and if so how is HRT music streamer 2? I have heard that is pretty good

zirb · « **Reply #908 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 08:18:18 »

I can only speak for the HD598. I've tried several available headphones in some local stores here and the HD558/HD598 where the most comfortable from the beginning. I ended up buying the HD558 because they where on offer (120€) and the difference between those two was not too huge.

Can't tell how much of a difference an D/A would make.

laffindude · « **Reply #909 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 08:27:23 »

and 558 is not too high on the ladder for bang for buck either.

mkawa · « **Reply #910 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 10:21:31 »

for computer listening, imo a D/A (even a relatively cheap usb audio device) is a must-have just because of the high noise floor from EMI inside the machine. the exception to this is apple products, which are pretty well thought out.

mkawa · « **Reply #911 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 10:30:55 »

well for whatever reason their d/a pathway is usually pretty clean

IPT · « **Reply #912 on:** Wed, 08 February 2012, 12:24:35 »

Quote from: laffindude;505927

I honestly haven't heard a set of Audio Technicas that's worth the price range they're selling at.

AD700's are only about $70-80 bucks, i dunno what other headphone offers that great of a sound stage at that price

I myself bought them as my 1st "audiophile class" headphone, I now have the AKG K701

minnus · « **Reply #913 on:** Thu, 09 February 2012, 18:51:47 »

I have the 595 and 650. Comfort-wise, I prefer the 595.

Bertross · « **Reply #914 on:** Thu, 09 February 2012, 22:16:32 »

I use Beyerdynamics DT880 250Ohm on my Asus STX, freaking awesome!

jonnybastard · « **Reply #915 on:** Thu, 09 February 2012, 22:37:21 »

Quote from: Bertross;510732

I use Beyerdynamics DT880 250Ohm on my Asus STX, freaking awesome!

Recently upgraded to a pair of those myself, definately a cut above the AD700's I was rocking previously. What amp are you using out of curiosity?

Pred · « **Reply #916 on:** Fri, 10 February 2012, 02:32:14 »

I obtained about a year ago a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-A500s off craigslist for 10 bucks, which was a steal.

The guy thought that the thing was broken, and so wanted to get rid of it for some money. I got it, then looked to see if it really was broken. After some further inspection, I saw that the gold connecting piece had broken, with a bend in it and some connection issues on the inside. I went to a nearby radioshack and bought a new connector piece, and now these headphones work like new.

I LOVe these headphones, they sound incredible, though they do feel kind of flimsy.

Forin · « **Reply #917 on:** Fri, 10 February 2012, 04:20:16 »

Had AD900 were for $160-180 I would already have one.

Quote from: projectD;509322

AD700's are only about $70-80 bucks, i dunno what other headphone offers that great of a sound stage at that price

I myself bought them as my 1st "audiophile class" headphone, I now have the AKG K701

Quote

I honestly haven't heard a set of Audio Technicas that's worth the price range they're selling at.

Roguemaster8 · « **Reply #918 on:** Fri, 10 February 2012, 05:10:04 »

Nothing fancy, just a Sennheiser HD 428 I've been using for over a year now.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 39985[/ATTACH]

Plugged into the front of my computer for enchanting on board audio sound.

Mysteric · « **Reply #919 on:** Fri, 10 February 2012, 10:07:47 »

I'm going to buy the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohms soon.

Scottyyy · « **Reply #920 on:** Fri, 10 February 2012, 18:35:51 »

Quote from: Mackem;511002

I'm going to buy the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohms soon.

I hope you like bass

I used to be a pretty big headphone fan. Tried all kinds of headphones, but once I settled my setup I stopped following. I'm pretty sure I'll never change from my Denon D5000s. They are perfect for me.

Bertross · « **Reply #921 on:** Sat, 11 February 2012, 03:52:05 »

Quote from: jonnybastard;510749

Recently upgraded to a pair of those myself, definately a cut above the AD700's I was rocking previously. What amp are you using out of curiosity?

Just using High Gain on the STX, if i was going to amp them i would go DAC Magic for sure. I find the STX good enough for my gaming needs.

boredgunner · « **Reply #922 on:** Sun, 12 February 2012, 15:53:38 »

Here's mine - Cooler Master Storm Sirus. It does everything I want a pair of headphones to do and then some. I use it in USB mode so I can use the control console.

FKSSR · « **Reply #923 on:** Mon, 13 February 2012, 10:21:04 »

I bought an ASUS Xonar DG sound card and a pair of Corsair HS1A headphones. I really like the combo. THe headphones are comfortable, and they feel very solid (more solid than the SteelSeries 5HV2 that I replaced). The mic quality is also great, which is important for my MP gaming.

The reason I didn't buy the USB version is because I wanted my speakers to also benefit from a higher quality soundcard than built-in.

laffindude · « **Reply #924 on:** Mon, 13 February 2012, 13:56:54 »

Friends don't let friends use Asus soundcard. Horrible drivers.
http://brainbit.wordpress.com/category/articles/

FKSSR · « **Reply #925 on:** Mon, 13 February 2012, 14:46:40 »

Quote from: laffindude;513372

Friends don't let friends use Asus soundcard. Horrible drivers.
http://brainbit.wordpress.com/category/articles/

Thanks for posting that! I will check my latency when I'm at home. I haven't had any issues, but maybe I just haven't noticed them. I only heard good things about Xonar DG before I bought it, but that doesn't always mean there are no issues...

laffindude · « **Reply #926 on:** Tue, 14 February 2012, 05:17:34 »

Not sure if you noticed, there are DPC optimized driver at that website. That was the point of me posting the link ;o

FKSSR · « **Reply #927 on:** Tue, 14 February 2012, 10:08:01 »

Quote from: laffindude;513997

Not sure if you noticed, there are DPC optimized driver at that website. That was the point of me posting the link ;o

I didn't have time to do much with it last night, but I'm going to install the Uni drivers this afternoon.

Thanks!!

db_Iodine · « **Reply #928 on:** Tue, 14 February 2012, 10:32:07 »

This thread needs more pictures of good DAC+AMP+headphone combos. This is what I've been using for the past two years or so.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40477[/ATTACH]

ironman31 · « **Reply #929 on:** Tue, 14 February 2012, 22:47:23 »

Quote from: db_Iodine;514172

This thread needs more pictures of good DAC+AMP+headphone combos. This is what I've been using for the past two years or so.

db_Iodine · « **Reply #930 on:** Wed, 15 February 2012, 07:50:52 »

Man, that makes me a bit envious.

I've been thinking of buying a pair of closed headphones to pair with my K701. Been thinking about Beyerdynamic DT770's and a few Ultrasone models. Any suggestions on which would be the best bang for buck? With Ultrasone I'm most afraid of the bass, and that it's going to be a bit too much for my taste.

ironman31 · « **Reply #931 on:** Wed, 15 February 2012, 08:43:27 »

I cant really recommend much. Ive only owned a couple of grados and the lcd2s. Ive never had a chance to go to a meet or anything

Ragnorock · « **Reply #932 on:** Wed, 15 February 2012, 09:18:04 »

Quote from: db_Iodine;514172

This thread needs more pictures of good DAC+AMP+headphone combos. This is what I've been using for the past two years or so.

Okay.

AKG K701 and 271 mk IIs with a Woo Audio 6SE, using both an EML 5U4G/Tung Sol 6SN7GT combo and a Sophia/Sylvania set of tubes. Both sound incredible. Oddly enough, and its probably because the 701s are more broken in, but right now the 271s do not have as much bass, something that is really odd considering that the 701s have a false reputation for being light on the bass. Hook them up to a proper amp though, and its there in abundance. The 271s don't lack for detail though, and the efficiency is much better. I was actually surprised by how much detail they actually show, but I suppose that's because its basically the same driver as the 240 just with a closed back. I bought the 271s to combat the plague of Beats by Dre headphones all over the WSU campus. They cost less than the beats over the ear cans by $75 to $275 and sound phenomenally better.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40592[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40593[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40594[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40595[/ATTACH] [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40596[/ATTACH]
Obligatory overall shot you've all probably seen by now.
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 40597[/ATTACH]

Scottyyy · « **Reply #933 on:** Wed, 15 February 2012, 21:23:45 »

Quote from: Ragnorock;515115

Okay.

AKG K701 and 271 mk IIs with a Woo Audio 6SE, using both an EML 5U4G/Tung Sol 6SN7GT combo and a Sophia/Sylvania set of tubes. Both sound incredible. Oddly enough, and its probably because the 701s are more broken in, but right now the 271s do not have as much bass, something that is really odd considering that the 701s have a false reputation for being light on the bass. Hook them up to a proper amp though, and its there in abundance. The 271s don't lack for detail though, and the efficiency is much better. I was actually surprised by how much detail they actually show, but I suppose that's because its basically the same driver as the 240 just with a closed back. I bought the 271s to combat the plague of Beats by Dre headphones all over the WSU campus. They cost less than the beats over the ear cans by $75 to $275 and sound phenomenally better.
(Attachment Link) 40592[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 40593[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 40594[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 40595[/ATTACH] (Attachment Link) 40596[/ATTACH]
Obligatory overall shot you've all probably seen by now.
(Attachment Link) 40597[/ATTACH]

Looks amazing. Tube amps are so pretty. :3

I had a Darkvoice 332 for a while, and it was really awesome. But like with most expensive things I own I end up selling them to buy different things. :/

Ragnorock · « **Reply #934 on:** Wed, 15 February 2012, 21:25:41 »

Thanks man. I feel you but I have no intentions of selling it.

jonnybastard · « **Reply #935 on:** Wed, 15 February 2012, 22:53:53 »

Loving those tube amps, nice lookin dog too

db_Iodine · « **Reply #936 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 09:39:45 »

Quote from: Ragnorock;515115

I bought the 271s to combat the plague of Beats by Dre headphones all over the WSU campus. They cost less than the beats over the ear cans by $75 to $275 and sound phenomenally better.

I've seen a lot of Beats by Dre's here in Finland as well. I haven't actually seen any real reviews of those headphones nor have I ever listened to them, so I can't fully judge them but I would estimate they're not good enough to justify the price.

Great pictures and lovely tubes, btw.

Ragnorock · « **Reply #937 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 11:08:16 »

They're exactly what you would expect headphones branded by a washed up rap singer would be. Retarded amounts of bass with 0 attention to clarity, distortion removal, tonal balance, detail, or soundstage. They are the high price equivalent to $.02 Apple earbuds used only for a fashion statement by those that don't know anything about headphones other than "It makes the music come out" ... well some of it at least.

noGG · « **Reply #938 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 14:28:25 »

Beats are the headphones for people that pretend they care/know about sound quality but are actually talking out of their ass. I'll stick with my ATH-M50's. I'd much rather have headphones that let me hear aspects of a song that I didn't know where there before than ones that simply make everything loud. I honestly don't see why anyone in their right mind would buy a pair of Beats when there's obviously headphones for half the price the sound EXACTLY THE SAME.

wongster · « **Reply #939 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 14:28:45 »

Quote from: db_Iodine;515051

I've been thinking of buying a pair of closed headphones to pair with my K701. Been thinking about Beyerdynamic DT770's and a few Ultrasone models. Any suggestions on which would be the best bang for buck? With Ultrasone I'm most afraid of the bass, and that it's going to be a bit too much for my taste.

Disclaimer: I am not an audiophile, nor do I own much audio equipment. I don't know that much about audio, but I'll give you my impressions of my Ultrasone headphone.

I have an Ultrasone PRO550, which is a pretty fantastic headphone in my opinion. I would definitely be careful of getting Ultrasones though, some people like really them, and some really don't. They excel with electronica music; because of that, the bass may be too much for you. The bass is not overpowering for me; it provides a very nice thump and I would classify it as a "fun" headphone because I like some bass in my music and games. It has a really nice airy soundstage for closed back headphones.

I think the PRO550 was a good buy. It all depends on what you will be listening to because different headphones suit different people. For bassier music, the PRO550 will be hard to beat at it's price range (I got it at $150 on Amazon. edit: wow it's now at $200. Yikes!). If you tend to listen to classical music, something like the Sennheiser 595 or something like that would be better. I hope that helps!

dirge · « **Reply #940 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 14:44:32 »

I use an old pair of grado s80's. my walking around I use weston um2's.

noGG · « **Reply #941 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 15:20:38 »

How are the Weston UM2's? I've been thinking about investing in a pair when I start DJ'ing for people other than my roommates to save my hearing in the long run, but I'm a real stickler for sound quality. Mainly interested in how accurate they are and how comfortable they are to wear over an extended period of time.

dirge · « **Reply #942 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 15:48:26 »

I love them noGG, worn on the train for an hour there and back a day. Al Green to Green Day, sounds great to me, not as tiring as the Grado 80's not as harsh either. For what I have to compare them with is limited, I'm very happy with my purchase, 4 yeasr or so later. The price of the tips has gone up some mind.

Collective · « **Reply #943 on:** Thu, 16 February 2012, 16:48:43 »

Iodine, I find myself in the same position as you, I have k701s and I was also thinking about buying another headphone to have as a second reference. I think the Beyerdynamics look more comfortable and more like the K701 style than the Ultrasones, but also the frequency response is very similar to the AKGs at least according to the frequency graphs at headphone.com. Anyways, no matter your choice, if you really think there is too much bass you can always put on some equalization. I use foobar2000 with the winamp dsp bridge and use the Electri-q posihfopit free parametric equalizer through that. Lots of people talk about each headphone's frequency response signature like you're committed to it but you're not, I think you are more committed to the stereo imaging, fit, and appearance, so just don't worry about it I'm sure you'll make a good choice. It might be worth it to just get something like a refurbished HD 280 for a closed phone so you can buy some other open phones haha. I personally don't know whether to get HD 555, HD 558, or a KRK 10S subwoofer.

db_Iodine · « **Reply #944 on:** Fri, 17 February 2012, 05:03:49 »

Quote from: wongster;516277

Disclaimer: I am not an audiophile, nor do I own much audio equipment. I don't know that much about audio, but I'll give you my impressions of my Ultrasone headphone.

I have an Ultrasone PRO550, which is a pretty fantastic headphone in my opinion. I would definitely be careful of getting Ultrasones though, some people like really them, and some really don't. They excel with electronica music; because of that, the bass may be too much for you. The bass is not overpowering for me; it provides a very nice thump and I would classify it as a "fun" headphone because I like some bass in my music and games. It has a really nice airy soundstage for closed back headphones.

I think the PRO550 was a good buy. It all depends on what you will be listening to because different headphones suit different people. For bassier music, the PRO550 will be hard to beat at it's price range (I got it at $150 on Amazon. edit: wow it's now at $200. Yikes!). If you tend to listen to classical music, something like the Sennheiser 595 or something like that would be better. I hope that helps!

The Pro 550 would be in the same price range as the DT 770, but I was actually thinking of going up to Pro 750. Perhaps I'll just take a plunge and try the Pro 750 out and if I for some reason don't like them, I can always return them.

Index · « **Reply #945 on:** Fri, 17 February 2012, 11:37:56 »

Just ordered a new portable headphone amp! I'm so excited!!! Getting the PA2V2 from Gary.

I also plan to get the new Limited Edition DT 770 Pros. Might also get the TMA-1's for portable use.

laffindude · « **Reply #946 on:** Fri, 17 February 2012, 11:58:25 »

DT770 Pro limited edition use the 32ohm drivers. Make sure you know what you're getting into. The drivers sound very different (in a bad way) compared to the 250 and 600ohm version.

wongster · « **Reply #947 on:** Fri, 17 February 2012, 13:07:17 »

Quote from: db_Iodine;516869

The Pro 550 would be in the same price range as the DT 770, but I was actually thinking of going up to Pro 750. Perhaps I'll just take a plunge and try the Pro 750 out and if I for some reason don't like them, I can always return them.

Oh, okay. I've heard good things about the Pro 750 as well, and just like you said you can return them if they don't work for you.

Good luck!

Index · « **Reply #948 on:** Fri, 17 February 2012, 13:18:26 »

http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-impedance

Just because a pair of headphones has a lower impedance, doesn't mean it's better. It all depends on your setup.

Surly73 · « **Reply #949 on:** Tue, 21 February 2012, 17:33:21 »

Quote from: laffindude;513372

Friends don't let friends use Asus soundcard. Horrible drivers.
http://brainbit.wordpress.com/category/articles/

I thought that was the common wisdom for anything from Creative. It seems that EVERYONE has horrible drivers.

News:

Author Topic: Headphone Thread. (Read 1312738 times)