Headphone Thread.

[linziyi]

The HD650 is supposely more "coloured" while the HD600 is more neutral from what I've heard

[Binge]

Conclusion

The headphoens I sampled this time are all without proper amplifications, for the source I used is merely a tablet (not to mention wire and DAC, which I have no idea how they affect the sound). I am planning to attend the next head-fi meetup in NY, looking forward to test some other headphone and make my final decision of buying one!

ALWAYS have a proper source.  Most of the headphones you reviewed will have lacking bass response and unreliable treble due to the source being underpowered.  An ipad would be unable to power any of the headphones in your review other than the FA-003Ti

[PointyFox]

The HD650 is supposely more "coloured" while the HD600 is more neutral from what I've heard

It is.  Very slightly though.  The HD650 has slightly less treble than neutral and slightly more bass than the HD600, in terms of volume.  I picked the HD600 over the HD650 because cymbals ..ahem.. "piatti sospeso" in particular sounded more lifelike to me on them.

[ComradeSniper]

Got these a few days ago but just got around to taking pics 






Very pleased with the sound on these. The HE-400s are a little heavy but still very comfortable, and the drivers don't touch my ears at all.

Once I get a little more cash I'll add a Modi and some Mimic cables to the setup.

[antCB]

home:
Speakers : Creative Inspire P380 (2.1);
HeadPhones : Superlux HD681

onthego: Razer Electra (has 2 wires, 1 of them with built-in mic for mobile phones/Macs !)

Superlux HD681

Razer Electra


None are attached to an AMP/fancy sound card ; straight into onboard card.
Both headsets were cheap and brand new, the superlux's were 10€ (12$/13$) me and a bunch of friends decided to buy them so we got a bulk order discount. Bought the electras because I really liked how they looked and they cost me 15€ or 20€ (18$~24$) after I cashed-in a discount on a recently purchased laptop (buy laptop, get 30% of its price in discount, something like that)

[filphil]

Got these a few days ago but just got around to taking pics 

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Very pleased with the sound on these. The HE-400s are a little heavy but still very comfortable, and the drivers don't touch my ears at all.

Once I get a little more cash I'll add a Modi and some Mimic cables to the setup.

How's that combo working for you?  I was thinking of picking those two up if massdrop ever gets the he-400 back up.

[ComradeSniper]

Got these a few days ago but just got around to taking pics 

Show Image

Show Image

Very pleased with the sound on these. The HE-400s are a little heavy but still very comfortable, and the drivers don't touch my ears at all.

Once I get a little more cash I'll add a Modi and some Mimic cables to the setup.

How's that combo working for you?  I was thinking of picking those two up if massdrop ever gets the he-400 back up.

I don't have much else in the way of high quality audio gear to compare them to, but as far as fit and function they're absolutely great. I have no problem with wearing the headphones all day. I think it's a great combo, especially for the price.

[missalaire]

Looks like Feenix finally unveiled their new audiophile level Aria headphones.

http://www.feenixcollection.com/aria.html

$349 pre-order

[JPG]

Looks like Feenix finally unveiled their new audiophile level Aria headphones.

http://www.feenixcollection.com/aria.html

$349 pre-order

They look nice on paper!

[Binge]

They is fischers!

fenix,

Driver unit: 50mm Impedance: 64 ohm Sensitivity: 101dB Frequency Response: 10Hz~26KHz Weight: 370g

fischer fa-003ti

Frequency range: 10-26000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 64 Ohm
Driver: 50mm

weight: 370g

[missalaire]

They is fischers!

fenix,

Driver unit: 50mm Impedance: 64 ohm Sensitivity: 101dB Frequency Response: 10Hz~26KHz Weight: 370g

fischer fa-003ti

Frequency range: 10-26000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 64 Ohm
Driver: 50mm

weight: 370g

Huh? Is that a good thing?

[Binge]

They is fischers!

fenix,

Driver unit: 50mm Impedance: 64 ohm Sensitivity: 101dB Frequency Response: 10Hz~26KHz Weight: 370g

fischer fa-003ti

Frequency range: 10-26000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 64 Ohm
Driver: 50mm

weight: 370g

Huh? Is that a good thing?

generally? but it's uhm... much more expensive than a fischer.

[Larken]

the general design does resemble that of the fischer, but doesn't the 003ti use 42mm drivers?

[Binge]

the general design does resemble that of the fischer, but doesn't the 003ti use 42mm drivers?

I am seeing 42mm official on their site.  So my memory must be a little bad.

[Larken]

the general design does resemble that of the fischer, but doesn't the 003ti use 42mm drivers?

I am seeing 42mm official on their site.  So my memory must be a little bad.

I don't think you're too far off though. It does resemble a custom tuned fischer 003 in many aspects, which is not a bad thing. That price tag, however.... 

[Novus]

USB adapter and 6.3mm Stereo jack adapter included



349 bucks and it's still using a 1/8 jack.
That's a bit of a tell tale sign that it's way overpriced ... I mean aside from it being a fischer.

[Binge]

USB adapter and 6.3mm Stereo jack adapter included



349 bucks and it's still using a 1/8 jack.
That's a bit of a tell tale sign that it's way overpriced ... I mean aside from it being a fischer.

I'm only suspecting it of being a fischer.

The jack is not a bad size :-/

I see an alu band, wood cups, and a well spec'ed driver.  I'd just want to see measurements.

Definitely would not buy without seeing measurements/review/listening.

[Bullveyr]

They have the same OEM supplier (Yoga) but these are different headphones: Aria = Yoga CD-2500

[Novus]

Prelude

So I found myself mysteriously drawn into the headphone business a couple months ago, and got myself a first pair of "decent" fullsize headphone according to a head-fi-er's advice --- the fischer fa-003 --- it was praised for its unmatched neutrality and soundstage at its price level. However I was quite disapointed by the sound it produced, so I went on and did some research online, reading reviews, surfing reddits... Eventually I realised that my ears are the most reliable advicer I can ever have, so I decided to sample some headphones.

 

I went to B&H 9th avenue in Mannhattan following other people's suggestions, with a pair of ears long wanted to experience the "hifi" sound, I begun my jounery...

 

Music

Baptised by classical music through all my life, and being a piano player myself, my ears just cannot bear the noise and disturbance created by pop music, so my catagory is very limited, but I am hoping to enjoy some ragtime or jazz later on. The tracks I used in this sampling are: BWV 537-Bach, La Campanella-Liszt, Pastorale-Beethoven, Nocturnes Op.9 No.1-Chopin. All flac 690Kbps, source from a nexus 10.

 

HD 600

One of the most praised headphone from what I read, my expectation for this one is huge, and ready to be blown away by it. The comforte is unparalled, the headband so light and the velorpads so soft that I hardly feel it on my head, and the open back design makes my ears feel so fresh after so many years behind the closed back headphones. The organ works from Bach sounds very nice but I think a little more bass would be perfect. The Liszt etude is my track to test the treble, it sounds a little bit dull compare to a real piano, which has a very clear, bell-like sound. It is the symphony by Beethoven really pulls this headphone apart from the others. The different instruments are extremely distinguishable and clear, and I can clearly hear the notes from the drums and double basses in the right wing compare to a sea of bassy vibration produced by my previous headphones. Overall the headphone is great, but I expected a lot more imaging from a open back headphone.

 

AKG 701

The AKG 701 called to my attention for its supreme soundstage mentioned by numerous people. While the soundstage is much, much bigger than that of the HD 600, I find its sound signature much to my disliking, too "spiky" for classical music in my opinion, maybe good for more modern musics.

 

HD 800

The model they had in store is broken, the wire connected to the right driver is exposed and disjointed, but it doesn't stop me from realising its glory---OMG THE SOUNDSTAGE IS AMMMMMMMAAAAAZZINNNGGGG!!!!!!!!! It has got almost double the soundstage of the AKG 701 and the sound of the HD 600, but much more lucid, penatrative, and crystalline. The trebles are exactly what I want them to be, and the bass is just the right amount --- warm, but not muddy. I can only imagine the sound coming out of this with proper amplification and properly working wires.

 

DT 990 pro

I heard mixed review about this one, my brother says it is too "soft", and some people says it is not very good. It is bigger than what I've thought, but very comfortable nontheless. Listening to the Beethoven symphony, I discovered that the instruments are less separable than the HD 600, everything kind of all jumbled up together. Bass is adequate compare to the ones I heard before, and treble not as clear as the HD 600. However the soundstage is greater than that of the HD 600, considering it it being a third of the HD 600's, I still think this is a good deal.

 

HE 400

I sampled this one in another store as the B&H doesn't have an opened one. It is not as heavy as people on the Internet described it to be, in fact, it is almost the same as any other headphones for me. The first thing that caught my attention is the bass. It is very different from the other headphones, quite difficult to describe using the "sound dictionary" I have right now. I find the treble very unlikable for the musics I listen to, too low to even call it "treble" in my point of view. The soundstage is quite limited from what I heard, but a little more open than that of the HD 600. All in all, not a headphone for me.

 

Conclusion

The headphoens I sampled this time are all without proper amplifications, for the source I used is merely a tablet (not to mention wire and DAC, which I have no idea how they affect the sound). I am planning to attend the next head-fi meetup in NY, looking forward to test some other headphone and make my final decision of buying one!

 

P.S. Please excuse me of any misuse of terminology and point out the areas I can improve on, it is a new field I am stepping in and need quite a lot guidance, thanks very much for reading!

Oh hey cool, I went to this B&H last time I was in NY! It took me a while to realize this was the same B&H that I see online so frequently.

That's an interesting review.
Opposite of what I expected.
Since you're not using a proper source, I expected you to be underwhelmed by the "better" headphones because, if anything you can draw out more from lower end cans then you can from higher end cans with a naked setup. I've always been an advocate that higher end cans always require an equally as nice setup to bring out the full fidelity of the sound and are quite underwhelming when not properly sourced and amped - so it's very nice to hear when somebody says otherwise.

[Rena]

I'm noticing many mentions of the HD600 in this thread. How do they compare to the DT-770? Because that's what I use now and I'm really considering getting the HD600 although I don't know if I could justify $350 on another pair of headphones, which is ironic considering how much I've spent on keyboards.

I'm assuming the sound signature is completely different, or something.

[LONGZILLA]

I'm noticing many mentions of the HD600 in this thread. How do they compare to the DT-770? Because that's what I use now and I'm really considering getting the HD600 although I don't know if I could justify $350 on another pair of headphones, which is ironic considering how much I've spent on keyboards.

I'm assuming the sound signature is completely different, or something.

PROBLEM SOLVER! Sell keyboards. Buy headphones. I kid

Don't own either but I have the HD598s, a having set of open-canned headphones is refreshing change of pace.

[demik]

I'm noticing many mentions of the HD600 in this thread. How do they compare to the DT-770? Because that's what I use now and I'm really considering getting the HD600 although I don't know if I could justify $350 on another pair of headphones, which is ironic considering how much I've spent on keyboards.

I'm assuming the sound signature is completely different, or something.

im sure pointyfox will tell you how the HD600 are the second coming of w/e god you believe in and will cure world hunger.

[LONGZILLA]

I'm noticing many mentions of the HD600 in this thread. How do they compare to the DT-770? Because that's what I use now and I'm really considering getting the HD600 although I don't know if I could justify $350 on another pair of headphones, which is ironic considering how much I've spent on keyboards.

I'm assuming the sound signature is completely different, or something.

im sure pointyfox will tell you how the HD600 are the second coming of w/e god you believe in and will cure world hunger.

What about aids?

[linziyi]

They is fischers!

fenix,

Driver unit: 50mm Impedance: 64 ohm Sensitivity: 101dB Frequency Response: 10Hz~26KHz Weight: 370g

fischer fa-003ti

Frequency range: 10-26000 Hz
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Impedance: 64 Ohm
Driver: 50mm

weight: 370g

Huh? Is that a good thing?

generally? but it's uhm... much more expensive than a fischer.

:| I got mine for $80 shipping from Australia...

[CPTBadAss]

Next level travel setup:
Zune 120
Fiio e06
JH5 CIEM

[tjcaustin]

Next level travel setup:
Zune 120
Fiio e06
JH5 CIEM

Didn't like anything enough to get over the 06?

[CPTBadAss]

I'm once again thinking about snagging an e17. E11 is a good value but I'm worried about the build quality. But I wanna check out an e12 and other options before I pull the trigger. The e06 will be my trusty sidekick for now XD

[tjcaustin]

I'm once again thinking about snagging an e17. E11 is a good value but I'm worried about the build quality. But I wanna check out an e12 and other options before I pull the trigger. The e06 will be my trusty sidekick for now XD

I think, if you like the sound of the zune, you should get an e12

[Binge]

Holy giant CPTBadAssEars

YOU HAVE ENORMOUS IEMS!

[Coreda]

Next level travel setup:

The Metroid of IEMs

[linziyi]

So I got a offer for AD900x for $140 shipped, should I buy it or save for DT880 (used)? I only listen to classical music and people says they are quite good for that genre.

[tjcaustin]

That's a good price, I'd get them for that.

[katushkin]

I'm hoping this package with a customs charge I'm picking up in the morning is my ATH M50s from Massdrop. Although with the shipping and this BS from HMRC, I haven't actually saved myself any money.

[katushkin]

It was! They are so awesome looking, and thank's to Margo, I have found out that the 45mm jack unscrews to reveal a 3.5mm jack super happy!

[LechnerDE]

Sorry, I haven't read through this huge thread so I'll just ask directly:

Are the Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 600ohm good headphones for 240$ or can I get something similar for less? I mainly need headphoes for gaming and listening to some music while browsing the Internet.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/beyerdynamic-dt990?mode=guest_open&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Massdrop%20-%20Master&utm_campaign=Product%20Announcement%202014-02-28&utm_content=Final

[davkol]

Add some big bucks for an amp, if you don't have one yet.

[LechnerDE]

Add some big bucks for an amp, if you don't have one yet.

No, I don't have one. Any recommendations?

[davkol]

Nope. Maybe someone else would chime in. I'm just pointing out that DT 990 (especially high-impedance) need amplification. For example, HD 5x8 are much easier to drive.

[Binge]

I am the broken record.

http://www.amazon.com/NVX-Over-Ear-Headphones-ComfortMax-Cushions/dp/B0093PVTPS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393859601&sr=8-1&keywords=nvx+xpt100

http://www.jaycar.co.uk/productView.asp?ID=AA2065&form=CAT2&SUBCATID=1015#4

Same headphone

[linziyi]

I think you can get an used DT990 on headfi for about $170 or less.

[PointyFox]

Add some big bucks for an amp, if you don't have one yet.

No, I don't have one. Any recommendations?

Sound Blaster Live Value.  Costs like $0.50 and drives my HD600s just as well as the $600 HEED CanAmp and nearly as well as my $180 Xonar Essense STX card and $900+ improved Earmax Pro.

[delobe]

Sennheiser 558, very comfortable. Hifiman RE-400 iems.

[Moosecraft]

Sennheiser 558, very comfortable. Hifiman RE-400 iems.

The RE-400 are magical for the price in my opinion.

[jwaz]

People rockin' the HE-400s: what are you driving them with, if anything?

[delobe]

Sennheiser 558, very comfortable. Hifiman RE-400 iems.

The RE-400 are magical for the price in my opinion.

Very true, even if it is an annoying glimpse into high end. I don't appreciate them enough because I haven't tried other iem's at that price point and beyond. But a solid choice and minimal aluminium construction

[AKIMbO]

People rockin' the HE-400s: what are you driving them with, if anything?

Schiit vali/modi stack....sounds good, a little sibilant, hella uncomfortable compared to my Beyer DT 990 premium 600ohm.

[jwaz]

People rockin' the HE-400s: what are you driving them with, if anything?

Schiit vali/modi stack....sounds good, a little sibilant, hella uncomfortable compared to my Beyer DT 990 premium 600ohm.

Yeah, they're pretty goddamn heavy and don't really hold a candle to my HD-600s in terms of comfort either.

[AKIMbO]

People rockin' the HE-400s: what are you driving them with, if anything?

Schiit vali/modi stack....sounds good, a little sibilant, hella uncomfortable compared to my Beyer DT 990 premium 600ohm.

Yeah, they're pretty goddamn heavy and don't really hold a candle to my HD-600s in terms of comfort either.

I've even got the Beyer headband on the HE-400 and it's still crazy uncomfortable.  I'm hoping velour pads will make the HE's a little more like the DT's...but it's probably a lost cause.  Anyways, I'm looking to step-up to some Fostex TH600.  I heard the Denon D700's at B&H in Manhattan a few years back and loved them. 

[demik]

People rockin' the HE-400s: what are you driving them with, if anything?

Schiit vali/modi stack....sounds good, a little sibilant, hella uncomfortable compared to my Beyer DT 990 premium 600ohm.

Yeah, they're pretty goddamn heavy and don't really hold a candle to my HD-600s in terms of comfort either.

woman

[Dude]

I'm so excited.  My Project Ember tube amp comes tomorrow (I'll be pairing with my Mad Dogs), and my Bottlehead Crack comes Tuesday (I'll be pairing with my HD 650's).  I've read that these are both ~10 hour builds, so next week / weekend will be busy!