Headphone Thread.

[Badwrench]

Re-sleeved my Ath-ad500's with some violet mdpc-x and added a Rean 3.5mm plug.  Shortened the cable about a foot.  Doing my Ha-Rx500's tonight and am gonna shorten those about 4ft (cable is 10ft long). 

(Attachment Link)

Wooo. I would definitely like to get mine threaded and shortened like yours Badwrench 

May I ask how you managed to shorten it?
Here's mine sitting on my lamp.

It's not hard to do.  There are a few good tutorials on Youtube and Head-fi about changing out the jack.  Sleeving is pretty standard (google: Lutro Sleeving Tutorial  ).  I only took a couple feet off my AT's, but the HARX's I have lost at least 5 ft. 

Here is the best place to get the 3.5mm jack:  http://www.daleproaudio.com/c-671-35mm.aspx?ManID=214&pagesize=20&sortEntity=7.  Any of the Stereo jacks will work fine. 

[Ekruceal]

I own a pair of AKG K-702's, and Sony MDR-V6's.

[compgeke]

My really super high end headphones!



Honestly, I"ve had these 4 three years or so, the tape is to keep the wire in place so my right channel works, I've already cut and resoldered once, cable got another short. Not really going to bother again.  However, for $25 they sound pretty good, but I'm also driving them through a Kenwood KR-4070.

Anyone know if the ATH-M30 is any good?

[Moosecraft]

I have no idea on how the M30's sound, but in general I tend to steer away from fullsize headphones costing less than a Filco since cheaper IEM's are way better value for money at that pricepoint.

[CalmB4tehPwn]

I'm thinking about recabling my ATH-AD900s. I love these things so much. Once they were broken in, they warmed up really nicely and I couldn't ask for a better set of headphones. Picked up a modmic for it as well, and I'd like to cable them together. I've just never done it before, so I'm concerned about getting started.

[tribade]

I'm getting some Grado GS1000s on Saturday!  I'm so excited.  Now I have to look into some Amp/DAC combos.  I'm thinking a bifrost/asgard 2 combo. 

[GeekMark2]

Anyone own some Sony headphones? ZX300 or maybe MDR- XB400? Just wondering what the sound is like...I need some new ones, but can't decide which ones to get! 

[JPG]

Hey II saw the SoundMAGIC HP100 Headphones on Massdrop and I am very tempted and there seems to be a lot of good reviews on them but I am n00b with headphones and never had good ones so I would like to have some feedback on them. I would mainly use them with my computer either to watch videos, listen to music and play games.

 

[tjcaustin]

Hey II saw the SoundMAGIC HP100 Headphones on Massdrop and I am very tempted and there seems to be a lot of good reviews on them but I am n00b with headphones and never had good ones so I would like to have some feedback on them. I would mainly use them with my computer either to watch videos, listen to music and play games.

They're alright, but for the same price you can pick up the audio technica ATH-M50s, which are stellar, Grado SR80i, which are great, but less isolation being open back or Fostek t50RP

[demik]

need IEM under 100 kthx

looking at Shure SE215, any other suggestions? I know this is the headphone thread but im a rebel and post where i want.

[tjcaustin]

need EIM under 100 kthx

looking at Shure SE215, any other suggestions? I know this is the headphone thread but im a rebel and post where i want.

Get them.  They're good, esp for that price

[keymaster]

Before I refer to a messy HiFi thread, I'm wondering if anyone here knows how do a cable mod on the ATH-M50. The thread on HiFi is a bit unorganize and unclear.

A link would be much appreciated. 

[tjcaustin]

Before I refer to a messy HiFi thread, I'm wondering if anyone here knows how do a cable mod on the ATH-M50. The thread on HiFi is a bit unorganize and unclear.

A link would be much appreciated. 

Show Image

Have a video -

[keymaster]

Before I refer to a messy HiFi thread, I'm wondering if anyone here knows how do a cable mod on the ATH-M50. The thread on HiFi is a bit unorganize and unclear.

A link would be much appreciated. 

Show Image

Have a video -

Thank you. It looks like there are many tutorials on youtube now.

[tjcaustin]

I've spent way too long trying to find a new pair of headphones just for lols, but I think I'm going to pick up a pair of ath-a900x and probably a pair of mad dog t50rp (thanks to binge's audtion) and see where things fall.

[Moosecraft]

need IEM under 100 kthx

looking at Shure SE215, any other suggestions? I know this is the headphone thread but im a rebel and post where i want.

Klipsch X10 at slightly above, otherwise Hifiman he-400.

[MTManiac]

ATH M50 with an E5 amp
nothing too crazy, but a great sound stage and I like it

[Binge]

I've spent way too long trying to find a new pair of headphones just for lols, but I think I'm going to pick up a pair of ath-a900x and probably a pair of mad dog t50rp (thanks to binge's audtion) and see where things fall.

No problem man.  Mr. Speakers has been more than open to communication so let him know if something is "amiss" with his tuning.  The output of those orthodynamic drivers are nothing to scoff at with his doctoring of the dampening materials and custom ear-cushions.  Serious bang for decent buck.

[NamelessPFG]

My wallet really hates me for this, but...



Gotta say, this stock-condition SR-Lambda is quite the improvement over the "beater" Lambda with rebuilt drivers I've had for the last two years.

I don't notice a dramatic improvement using the SRM-T1 in place of that receiver and the SRD-7/SB, but I suppose it's to be expected. The biggest changes in sound quality tend to happen with the headphones themselves, not the amps.

[noisyturtle]

My wallet really hates me for this, but...

Show Image

Gotta say, this stock-condition SR-Lambda is quite the improvement over the "beater" Lambda with rebuilt drivers I've had for the last two years.

I don't notice a dramatic improvement using the SRM-T1 in place of that receiver and the SRD-7/SB, but I suppose it's to be expected. The biggest changes in sound quality tend to happen with the headphones themselves, not the amps.

Ohh that's a nice electrostatic Stax setup there.

[tobr1an]

What do you guys think of the HE400 on massdrop?

[tjcaustin]

If you can't afford the (in my view) better deal on the he-500, get them.

I'm in for the he-500 because of the $120 off.  I'll probably sell my he-400 to help pay for them later

[PointyFox]

My wallet really hates me for this, but...

Show Image

Gotta say, this stock-condition SR-Lambda is quite the improvement over the "beater" Lambda with rebuilt drivers I've had for the last two years.

I don't notice a dramatic improvement using the SRM-T1 in place of that receiver and the SRD-7/SB, but I suppose it's to be expected. The biggest changes in sound quality tend to happen with the headphones themselves, not the amps.

My friend picked up a pair of those plus amp at a garage sale for $6.  I hate him.   :))
Though now I have Sennheiser HD600s which are slightly better overall.  I still payed way more than $6 for them though.

[Moosecraft]

I auditioned the HE-400 before and even though I loved the sound but I couldn't keep them because of their weight. But I wear my headphones atleast 4 hours at a time thats why I need lighter phones.

[NamelessPFG]

My wallet really hates me for this, but...

Show Image

Gotta say, this stock-condition SR-Lambda is quite the improvement over the "beater" Lambda with rebuilt drivers I've had for the last two years.

I don't notice a dramatic improvement using the SRM-T1 in place of that receiver and the SRD-7/SB, but I suppose it's to be expected. The biggest changes in sound quality tend to happen with the headphones themselves, not the amps.

My friend picked up a pair of those plus amp at a garage sale for $6.  I hate him.   :))
Though now I have Sennheiser HD600s which are slightly better overall.  I still payed way more than $6 for them though.

An entire Stax system-with direct-drive amp-for $6? Lucky son of a...

As for the HD600s being better, I'm quite skeptical of that claim, but a lot of this stuff's down to personal preference...plus I've never heard an HD600. Or any other Sennheiser set, for that matter. (But I'd love to audition that modified Unipolar 2000 set that's got a Head-Fi thread, along with the famed Orpheus systems.)

All I know is that I didn't like the HE-400 or SR-202 all that much by comparison due to their inferior midrange reproduction. I don't like my vocals raspy and recessed.

[tjcaustin]

I got two of the four pair of headphones I wanted to audition today.

ATH-A900x - A nice sound with a good, warm, curve to them.  My big head takes to the slightly loose feeling fit alright as they don't shimmy around as much as it feels like they should.  Overall, a good isolation to them as well, but it feels like it's wanting more power than I have at this moment. (I have a Schiit Asgard 2 on the way to pair with the X3 I got on Massdrop earlier this month)

AKG K701 - No question that these are some of the most detailed speakers I've put over my ears.  I'd go so far as to say they're within the realm of my JH13pros, but they're being repaired so I can't do a direct A/B currently.  As far as signature goes, they're a little brighter than the ATH with a nice initial bass hit, but there's no resonance (which I like a lot).  They're comfortable as well, but maybe not the same kind of comfort I've had in headphones before.  They definitely want more power than I have available right now and they're the main reason I decided to get a headphone amp and specifically the one I chose, so that opinion may change in a month or so when I get the amp up and running.

I'll post more once I get my jh13s back from repair, my grado sr225i finished with the cup mods I'm doing and also when I have the HE400s and HE500s as well.

I plan to only keep 3 pair of the 6 I have or will have, so expect the ones I decide I can live without to pop up here for sale at a good price around October - November.

[do_Og@n]

AKG K702: Absolutely awesome headphones! I'm only pushing sound out of a Creative Fatal1ty card. Not the best sound output but it works for now.

Sony MDR-V6: For only $75 I've been impressed with this set. They have good range while still keeping a solid base. A good starter headphone for anyone. My only gripe about this set is they get a little sweaty after an hour of use.

Next in line I am hoping to get a pair of Sennheiser HD650's. If I can find them for the right price.

[tjcaustin]

AKG K702: Absolutely awesome headphones! I'm only pushing sound out of a Creative Fatal1ty card. Not the best sound output but it works for now.

Sony MDR-V6: For only $75 I've been impressed with this set. They have good range while still keeping a solid base. A good starter headphone for anyone. My only gripe about this set is they get a little sweaty after an hour of use.

Next in line I am hoping to get a pair of Sennheiser HD650's. If I can find them for the right price.

The k701 and 702 are real similar.  I love the detail of mine, but yeah, it wants a lot of power, but I hear the Asgard 2 gives it all it needs.

[Sniping]

HE-400 on massdrop? Where?

[tjcaustin]

HE-400 on massdrop? Where?

You missed out, they sold out in less than an hour last night.

[Sniping]

How was the pricing?

[tjcaustin]

Good, the he400 were $330 and the he500 were $580 (the better deal IMO)

[PointyFox]

My wallet really hates me for this, but...

Show Image

Gotta say, this stock-condition SR-Lambda is quite the improvement over the "beater" Lambda with rebuilt drivers I've had for the last two years.

I don't notice a dramatic improvement using the SRM-T1 in place of that receiver and the SRD-7/SB, but I suppose it's to be expected. The biggest changes in sound quality tend to happen with the headphones themselves, not the amps.

My friend picked up a pair of those plus amp at a garage sale for $6.  I hate him.   :))
Though now I have Sennheiser HD600s which are slightly better overall.  I still payed way more than $6 for them though.

An entire Stax system-with direct-drive amp-for $6? Lucky son of a...

As for the HD600s being better, I'm quite skeptical of that claim, but a lot of this stuff's down to personal preference...plus I've never heard an HD600. Or any other Sennheiser set, for that matter. (But I'd love to audition that modified Unipolar 2000 set that's got a Head-Fi thread, along with the famed Orpheus systems.)

All I know is that I didn't like the HE-400 or SR-202 all that much by comparison due to their inferior midrange reproduction. I don't like my vocals raspy and recessed.

Yep.  The Sennheiser HD600 is better than any other full sized headphones around the same price.  The SR-Lambda has better transparency and speed, but has very weak bass presence compared to the HD600.  I went on a quest a few years ago to find the best affordable headphone and spent $1k + on headphones A-Bing them along with a sound engineer, and I'm quite sure of what I heard.  We both concluded that while the HD600 isn't the best in class for anything in particular, they're excellent in that they don't have any problems that the other headphones had, such as Beyerdynamics having a spike in the frequency response in the 8-8.5 kHz range, which is responsible for overemphasizing the 's' sound and producing too much sibilance.  I haven't tried any planarmagnetic headphones though, so I can't compare any of those.  I point everyone to this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-58-headphones-compared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13 because I agree 100% with all the reviews of all the headphones I've listened to, including the order he ranked them in.

[damorgue]

Yay, the parts to my o2+odac have arrived. Damn it looks fine. It was smaller than I thought though, which I suppose isn't a bad thing.

[Moosecraft]

My wallet really hates me for this, but...

Show Image

Gotta say, this stock-condition SR-Lambda is quite the improvement over the "beater" Lambda with rebuilt drivers I've had for the last two years.

I don't notice a dramatic improvement using the SRM-T1 in place of that receiver and the SRD-7/SB, but I suppose it's to be expected. The biggest changes in sound quality tend to happen with the headphones themselves, not the amps.

My friend picked up a pair of those plus amp at a garage sale for $6.  I hate him.   :))
Though now I have Sennheiser HD600s which are slightly better overall.  I still payed way more than $6 for them though.

An entire Stax system-with direct-drive amp-for $6? Lucky son of a...

As for the HD600s being better, I'm quite skeptical of that claim, but a lot of this stuff's down to personal preference...plus I've never heard an HD600. Or any other Sennheiser set, for that matter. (But I'd love to audition that modified Unipolar 2000 set that's got a Head-Fi thread, along with the famed Orpheus systems.)

All I know is that I didn't like the HE-400 or SR-202 all that much by comparison due to their inferior midrange reproduction. I don't like my vocals raspy and recessed.

Yep.  The Sennheiser HD600 is better than any other full sized headphones around the same price.  The SR-Lambda has better transparency and speed, but has very weak bass presence compared to the HD600.  I went on a quest a few years ago to find the best affordable headphone and spent $1k + on headphones A-Bing them along with a sound engineer, and I'm quite sure of what I heard.  We both concluded that while the HD600 isn't the best in class for anything in particular, they're excellent in that they don't have any problems that the other headphones had, such as Beyerdynamics having a spike in the frequency response in the 8-8.5 kHz range, which is responsible for overemphasizing the 's' sound and producing too much sibilance.  I haven't tried any planarmagnetic headphones though, so I can't compare any of those.  I point everyone to this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-58-headphones-compared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13 because I agree 100% with all the reviews of all the headphones I've listened to, including the order he ranked them in.

Tbh I prefer the Fidelio X1 over the HD600

[Moosecraft]

Yay, the parts to my o2+odac have arrived. Damn it looks fine. It was smaller than I thought though, which I suppose isn't a bad thing.

I have the combo and I like it a lot.

[ynrozturk]

 I kind of have a headphone fetish.

I currently own a pair of Shure e2, e3, e5 and se215K's (for the gym)

Those are the in ears. For studio work I own a pair of AKG K551 and K702's. For office work I use a pair of Urbanears Zinken.

[Thimplum]

*pops knuckes*

It's time for me to put you guys to shame.

I'm using my motherboard's onboard audio, with a pair of audio-technica ATH-M20s. The plastic inside the headband has snapped and the right side started falling out, so now they're duct taped.



#LIKEABOSS

[Feign]

I kind of have a headphone fetish.

I currently own a pair of Shure e2, e3, e5 and se215K's (for the gym)

Those are the in ears. For studio work I own a pair of AKG K551 and K702's. For office work I use a pair of Urbanears Zinken.

I have AKG k701s which i believe are essentially identical to the k702s. I have been looking at getting the k550s. Do you think it would be worth it? How do they compare? It'd be nice to have the same sound quality with the benefits of closed  system and better build quality. Any comfort issues?

[do_Og@n]

*pops knuckes*

It's time for me to put you guys to shame.

I'm using my motherboard's onboard audio, with a pair of audio-technica ATH-M20s. The plastic inside the headband has snapped and the right side started falling out, so now they're duct taped.

#LIKEABOSS

Riggin at it's best. Saves money for more keyboards or keyboard accessories!!!

[damorgue]

Yay, the parts to my o2+odac have arrived. Damn it looks fine. It was smaller than I thought though, which I suppose isn't a bad thing.

I have the combo and I like it a lot.

Finished it just now. I am comparing to my old Essence STX atm, which I intend to sell shortly.

[noisyturtle]

what's great about the O2 is that it's not picky like many high end amps, and can make almost any set of cans sound better.

[Binge]

AKG K702: Absolutely awesome headphones! I'm only pushing sound out of a Creative Fatal1ty card. Not the best sound output but it works for now.

Sony MDR-V6: For only $75 I've been impressed with this set. They have good range while still keeping a solid base. A good starter headphone for anyone. My only gripe about this set is they get a little sweaty after an hour of use.

Next in line I am hoping to get a pair of Sennheiser HD650's. If I can find them for the right price.

MDR-V6 - First mod to make on this headset is to use a velour replacement pads.  Super easy, super comfy.

[Moosecraft]

what's great about the O2 is that it's not picky like many high end amps, and can make almost any set of cans sound better.

Well it's a clean source of power atleast, not all headphones benefit that much from power.

[do_Og@n]

AKG K702: Absolutely awesome headphones! I'm only pushing sound out of a Creative Fatal1ty card. Not the best sound output but it works for now.

Sony MDR-V6: For only $75 I've been impressed with this set. They have good range while still keeping a solid base. A good starter headphone for anyone. My only gripe about this set is they get a little sweaty after an hour of use.

Next in line I am hoping to get a pair of Sennheiser HD650's. If I can find them for the right price.

MDR-V6 - First mod to make on this headset is to use a velour replacement pads.  Super easy, super comfy.

Good to know....I'll have to google that.

[tjcaustin]

Got my cheap HE400s in the mail today and I've been listening to them for the entirety of the time I've opened the box (~3 hours).  I don't have any amplified power for them, but even with my SGS4, the clarity, impact and overall signature are fantastic.  Right now, they're my favorite headphone (again, that will probably change when I get my jh13s back to do an A/B).  Whenever I can make a decision on an amp (leaning Asgard 2), I plan to redemo everything to see how amplification changes my opinions. 

I've heard that the k701 responds well to power and gets a little more umph to the low end to go along with the great detail, so I'm excited to keep on with this.  I do think the first casulty in my headphone war is going to be the ath-a900x, though.  It's lacking a bit of detail in comparison to the others and while more impacting unamped in comparison to the akg and louder unamped than the he400s, the sound is a lot brighter and harsh than I remember after listening to them in direct comparison with the he400s.

[JPG]

I order my first pair of better quality headphones on massdrop (soundmagic HP100). Can't wait to try something worth more than 20$.

Then I will have the hard choice to decide if I should ask an amp and or dac for Xmas 

I have been looking at the O2 and it seems quite nice for the price, but I am confused on how much adding the ODAC to it would change that much. Anyone know how much of a difference the o2 + odac would make versus a simple o2?

Anyway, quite excited!

[damorgue]

I have been looking at the O2 and it seems quite nice for the price, but I am confused on how much adding the ODAC to it would change that much. Anyone know how much of a difference the o2 + odac would make versus a simple o2?

How big of difference it would make depends on what DAC you would otherwise be using if you didn't use the Objective DAC.

[Moosecraft]

I order my first pair of better quality headphones on massdrop (soundmagic HP100). Can't wait to try something worth more than 20$.

Then I will have the hard choice to decide if I should ask an amp and or dac for Xmas 

I have been looking at the O2 and it seems quite nice for the price, but I am confused on how much adding the ODAC to it would change that much. Anyone know how much of a difference the o2 + odac would make versus a simple o2?

Anyway, quite excited!

Depends on your source, might be huge upgrade or very small.

[tjcaustin]

As another note, if you wanted something that looked better as a stack (assuming you didn't want to DIY) and is a little cheaper overall, look at the magni/modi amp/dac stack from Schiit.  If I didn't have the x3 and IEMs, I'd have already got that instead of waffling about the extra price for the asgard 2 (it has a basic gain control).