Headphone Thread.

[Binge]

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!

I'm sorta curious (as that's REALLY expensive), why did you get both?

[Dude]

I'm sorta curious (as that's REALLY expensive), why did you get both?

I'm building 2 setups.  The 650's are at home, since I have no problem with a nice open headphone.  The Mad Dogs are for work, since I need a closed headphone so I don't disturb others.

As far as why those 2 amps, the Crack is supposed to be incredible with the 650's, so I had to get it.  That amp won't work at all for the Mad Dogs though, since it's an OTL amp & the Mad Dogs are 32 ohm.  I've heard good things about the Project Ember (And it's not too crazy expensive), which is why I decided to give it a shot.

[Binge]

I'm sorta curious (as that's REALLY expensive), why did you get both?

I'm building 2 setups.  The 650's are at home, since I have no problem with a nice open headphone.  The Mad Dogs are for work, since I need a closed headphone so I don't disturb others.

As far as why those 2 amps, the Crack is supposed to be incredible with the 650's, so I had to get it.  That amp won't work at all for the Mad Dogs though, since it's an OTL amp & the Mad Dogs are 32 ohm.  I've heard good things about the Project Ember (And it's not too crazy expensive), which is why I decided to give it a shot.

Ah, I don't see an issue really, but I liked hearing the Mad Dogs on Crack xD.  It's a decent amp indeed.

FYI Impedance: 50 ohm for the Mad Dog T50RP drivers

[ricercar]

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

HE400 < Self-built O2 < iPod Mini (128 Gig modded, x2, because it takes over 200 GB for my entire library in lossless format).

[Sniping]

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

HE400 < Self-built O2 < iPod Mini (128 Gig modded, x2, because it takes over 200 GB for my entire library in lossless format).

Audio-GD NFB-10, overkill but it's great.

[tjcaustin]

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

HE400 < Self-built O2 < iPod Mini (128 Gig modded, x2, because it takes over 200 GB for my entire library in lossless format).

Audio-GD NFB-10, overkill but it's great.

I'll be getting one of these to try in the next day or two.  Too bad I just got rid of my he400s.  Oh well, I'm sure it'll rock my k712s/545/lcd2s

[Sinzz]

Hi guys!

Currently looking into getting my first set of decent cans, but I'm stuck deciding between 3 greatly reviewed headphones. My budget is also roughly $150.

These are the three contenders right now:

• Sony MDR7506
• Onkyo ES-FC300
• ATH-M50 or the m50x

What I know is that all three of these are superb headphones but each one has it's differences; Sony seems to produce the best sound, Onkyo has the best looks, and AudioTechnica has the "best of both worlds."

I know that the most popular one seems to be the m50's or at least from browsing the web. But I wanted to get the opinions of my fellow GHers to see what the pro's and cons are.

[tjcaustin]

Another option would be to keep an eye on amazon for a pair of k550/551s.  I've seen as low as 120 for a pair, right now, lowest is about 150 through amazon warehouse.  I think they're a better option than the three listed and much more comfortable.

Also, about $50 more gets you he-300s, if you want something open backed.  I still prefer the k55x, though.  Super comfy, easy to mod, good looking.

[blackbox]

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.

I would also recommend schiit headphone amplifiers. I have a dt770 on an schiit Asgard 2. Really solid construction and good sound.

[davkol]

Enjoying #vintage AKGK240M (plugged into C&C BH). \m/

[blackbox]

recently bought an presonus hp4 so that people can use the home cinema when its late.



http://www.presonus.com/products/hp4

[Tarzan]

recently bought an presonus hp4 so that people can use the home cinema when its late.

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http://www.presonus.com/products/hp4

Very nice!  I'm a big fan of the Presonus gear, I've got a Central Station as a desktop headphone amp for when I want to switch back to digital.  Super clear sound.

[blackbox]

recently bought an presonus hp4 so that people can use the home cinema when its late.

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http://www.presonus.com/products/hp4

Very nice!  I'm a big fan of the Presonus gear, I've got a Central Station as a desktop headphone amp for when I want to switch back to digital.  Super clear sound.

Nice! Do you have some kind of home studio? That isnt exactly a typical thing to have in your home.

[Tarzan]

Nice! Do you have some kind of home studio? That isnt exactly a typical thing to have in your home.

Not a home studio, but I do have a regular online game session with my friends in Texas, so I have a desk mike, a small mixer, and some other random gear.  I actually got the Presonus based on reviews on the Head-fi.org forums, used units aren't too pricy on ebay.  They got a bad rep for having bad power supplies, but I cobbled together a 3-into-1 PS that should outlast me.   

When I was looking into digital audio options I also picked up a Behringer DEQ2496, which has a nice range of digital EQ tools.  Since I am partially deaf in one ear (I can't hear upper registers very well), I use the equalizer to shape the audio feed before sending it to the Presonus for the headphone amp.

And then I got a tube amp and dedicated DAC, so I guess I've gone a bit overboard for desktop audio.      

[blackbox]

Nice! Do you have some kind of home studio? That isnt exactly a typical thing to have in your home.

Not a home studio, but I do have a regular online game session with my friends in Texas, so I have a desk mike, a small mixer, and some other random gear.  I actually got the Presonus based on reviews on the Head-fi.org forums, used units aren't too pricy on ebay.  They got a bad rep for having bad power supplies, but I cobbled together a 3-into-1 PS that should outlast me.   

When I was looking into digital audio options I also picked up a Behringer DEQ2496, which has a nice range of digital EQ tools.  Since I am partially deaf in one ear (I can't hear upper registers very well), I use the equalizer to shape the audio feed before sending it to the Presonus for the headphone amp.

And then I got a tube amp and dedicated DAC, so I guess I've gone a bit overboard for desktop audio.   

Nice! what dac and tube amp are you using?

[Tarzan]

Nice! what dac and tube amp are you using?

The DAC is a Meier Audio StageDAC, and the amplifier is the Darkvoice 336SE.  Very enjoyable, probably end-game for my audio needs.

(And not technically headphone-specific, so I'll refrain from getting too far off-topic!    )

[Zombly]

Debating which headphones to get ~100 for pc gaming, I use a clip on mic so a microphone isn't necessary I wanted to purchase the pro monitor headphones from Jaycar, but their site doesn't like my computer? I e-mailed them about my order saying I would purchase it if they could just do it up on my account for me properly, however no e-mail back in over 2 weeks so I gave up on them for the moment.

Any other ideas?

[Tarzan]

Debating which headphones to get ~100 for pc gaming, I use a clip on mic so a microphone isn't necessary I wanted to purchase the pro monitor headphones from Jaycar, but their site doesn't like my computer? I e-mailed them about my order saying I would purchase it if they could just do it up on my account for me properly, however no e-mail back in over 2 weeks so I gave up on them for the moment.

Any other ideas?

I've been very happy with the ATH M50's, those seem to be running around $120 (I got them on a X-Mas sale for $99).  Conversely, I'd steer clear of the Turtle Beach offerings, my son got a pair as a gift and neither of us were impressed.  Sound is really tubby, accentuating the bass but poor mid and high-range quality.

If you're open to trying some IEMs, I can unreservedly recommend the MEElectronics Sport-Fi M6 In-Ear Headphones.  I got a pair of these to use while jogging, and I have to say they're so comfortable I find myself listening to them during throughout the day as well.  And the price can't be beat; $18.99 at Amazon.   

[Zombly]

Debating which headphones to get ~100 for pc gaming, I use a clip on mic so a microphone isn't necessary I wanted to purchase the pro monitor headphones from Jaycar, but their site doesn't like my computer? I e-mailed them about my order saying I would purchase it if they could just do it up on my account for me properly, however no e-mail back in over 2 weeks so I gave up on them for the moment.

Any other ideas?

I've been very happy with the ATH M50's, those seem to be running around $120 (I got them on a X-Mas sale for $99).  Conversely, I'd steer clear of the Turtle Beach offerings, my son got a pair as a gift and neither of us were impressed.  Sound is really tubby, accentuating the bass but poor mid and high-range quality.

If you're open to trying some IEMs, I can unreservedly recommend the MEElectronics Sport-Fi M6 In-Ear Headphones.  I got a pair of these to use while jogging, and I have to say they're so comfortable I find myself listening to them during throughout the day as well.  And the price can't be beat; $18.99 at Amazon.   

Thanks I'll look into them, for earbuds I need to keep the sound out a bit more as my girlfriend is the only reason I'm thinking about headphones I'm not 100% convinced, as we may be moving and maybe my computer setup can just be put in a different spot, just when I'm on skype gaming with friends tends to get noisy..

I have been looking at the m50's there around ~150 in Canada, but maybe I'll just wait for a sale, I appreciate the information.

[VesperSAINT]

Nothing too fancy like you guys, but I finally got my Audio Technica ATH-AD900X! Compared to my ATH-A900X, the openness is so airy. Love it! Only other pair of open headphones I had to compare was my Koss Ksc75. Now to burn them in slowly and over time

Will upload photos when opportunity arises.

[Binge]

Nothing too fancy like you guys, but I finally got my Audio Technica ATH-AD900X! Compared to my ATH-A900X, the openness is so airy. Love it! Only other pair of open headphones I had to compare was my Koss Ksc75. Now to burn them in slowly and over time

Will upload photos when opportunity arises.

Please take photos and don't claim burn-in exists!  If anything it's mentally adjusting to the headphones.

[Freebird]

I have recently since got some PC350SE's for gaming, I think for a gaming headset they are awesome, such a joy to use compared the the Astro A40's I used to have.

[VesperSAINT]

Nothing too fancy like you guys, but I finally got my Audio Technica ATH-AD900X! Compared to my ATH-A900X, the openness is so airy. Love it! Only other pair of open headphones I had to compare was my Koss Ksc75. Now to burn them in slowly and over time

Will upload photos when opportunity arises.

Please take photos and don't claim burn-in exists!  If anything it's mentally adjusting to the headphones.

Will do, good sir. These are absolutely one of the most beautiful pair of headphones I've owned and just overall! I want to get some good shots of this baby girl.

Not sure if burn-in is entirely true but what you say makes sense too! My ears definitely need to adjust, having come from mainly closed headphones.

[Binge]

beautiful pair of headphones

I don't care what people say... I do sometimes care about what my audio equipment looks like.

[PointyFox]

beautiful pair of headphones

I don't care what people say... I do sometimes care about what my audio equipment looks like.

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Looks like larvae in the first picture.





¡Delicioso!

inb4 GrubPhonz or GrubBudz.

[Binge]

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Looks like larvae in the first picture.

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¡Delicioso!

inb4 GrubPhonz or GrubBudz.

[PointyFox]

 )

[tjcaustin]

Dat ear canal...

[domoaligato]

AudioTechnica ATH-AD700 Fiio E11 and a Antilion Modmic 3.0 connected to a soundblaster z

[Dubsgalore]

Still in love with my Mad dogs and Aune T1

[suby4me]

using ATH - AD700 and Soundmagic HP100 with bravo 3 and Aune T1

[VesperSAINT]

beautiful pair of headphones

I don't care what people say... I do sometimes care about what my audio equipment looks like.

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Dood, those look sweet! I definitely want to try something like those out sometime.

I really want to take pictures of my ATH-AD900X but can't until end of this month bc out of town. Sound great? Awesome! Look great too?! Even more awesome.

[davkol]

I really, really wanted to abandon this hobby, but... I've gone crazy with headphones recently. I'd been kinda settled on HD 565 Ovation with beyer-like headband cushion (because comfort), HD 25-13 with rockboxed Sansa Clip Zip for portable use and HD 250 Linear II plugged into C&C BH for actual listening sessions. Now, I have

• vintage AKG K240M,
• Sennheiser PC320 in the mail,
• the original old Beyerdynamic DT990 in the mail,
• recently received Superlux HD668B and a modded Fostex T20RP Mk. II.

The fostex has awfully veiled... actually everything but bass—and some people seem to like it. That one was a mistake.

I heard lots of good things about superlux, thus I wanted to try one. For the price, it's a beast. And DAT BASE. It's probably the most powerful bass I've heard in a pair of headphones, while not sacrificing everything else. Much more powerful than HD 250 Linear II (!!!), although not nearly as delicate, but that's to be expected.

Ummm, I just want Sennheiser to support the HD 250 line once again; especially fix the cable. -_-

[linziyi]

I am looking into some IEMs recently, only listen to classical music. Price range $100~200 Any suggestions?

[Pacifist]

looking for some headphones, mainly classical with some electronic. Sub 100 perferably

Also need a cheap DAC to go with it

[anoxy]

I am looking into some IEMs recently, only listen to classical music. Price range $100~200 Any suggestions?

Only listen to classical music? Etymotic ER4.

[domoaligato]

looking for some headphones, mainly classical with some electronic. Sub 100 perferably

Also need a cheap DAC to go with it

audiotechnica ath-m50's are on massdrop quite often in the price range your discussing.

[Pacifist]

looking for some headphones, mainly classical with some electronic. Sub 100 perferably

Also need a cheap DAC to go with it

audiotechnica ath-m50's are on massdrop quite often in the price range your discussing.

Ended up getting a hd595 from classifieds for $45. Now just need a DAC

[linziyi]

I am looking into some IEMs recently, only listen to classical music. Price range $100~200 Any suggestions?

Only listen to classical music? Etymotic ER4.

Ｈow about HF5, how are they compare to ER4?

[boost]

Got a pair of S4's and had ATH900x. looking for IEM with more than neutral bass...Thinking IE8

[sacratoy]

My Beoplay H6 headset. I have a Schiit Stack (Magni;Modi) on the way. I have all that posted once they arrive.

[Binge]

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My Beoplay H6 headset. I have a Schiit Stack (Magni;Modi) on the way. I have all that posted once they arrive.

How is the comfort and weight with that headset?

[UnlikeAny]

Koss PortaPros, but my goal is to get Audio-Technica AD700x so I could have a wallhack for my ears.

[Pacifist]

Need a cheap dac to go with a sennheiser hd595, preferably under $75

[jwaz]

Need a cheap dac to go with a sennheiser hd595, preferably under $75

for the money just spend a little more and grab an odac.

[Pacifist]

Need a cheap dac to go with a sennheiser hd595, preferably under $75

for the money just spend a little more and grab an odac.

What's the difference? I'm an audiophile noob

[Binge]

Need a cheap dac to go with a sennheiser hd595, preferably under $75

for the money just spend a little more and grab an odac.

What's the difference? I'm an audiophile noob

the difference in what?  You also need a headphone amplifier to go with your DAC.  DACs produce a line level output and the signal needs to be further amplified.

the odac is not much more expensive than $75 and it has benchmark level performance.  That's why he suggested it to you.  Go do some research.

[blackbox]

Need a cheap dac to go with a sennheiser hd595, preferably under $75

for the money just spend a little more and grab an odac.

What's the difference? I'm an audiophile noob

the difference in what?  You also need a headphone amplifier to go with your DAC.  DACs produce a line level output and the signal needs to be further amplified.

the odac is not much more expensive than $75 and it has benchmark level performance.  That's why he suggested it to you.  Go do some research.

Hello pacifist. I think you wonderd what the difference between an DAC and an ODAC is. DAC is a digital to analog converter and the ODAC is a product from mayflower electronics consisting of a dac and a headphone amplifier in one box. Sorry if I missinterpreted your answer.

[JPG]

Need a cheap dac to go with a sennheiser hd595, preferably under $75

for the money just spend a little more and grab an odac.

What's the difference? I'm an audiophile noob

I am a n00b myself, but from my little experience, I would suggest to not buy a dac until you have the money to buy a decent one that you will keep. While a DAC is important to improve your sound, if you are on a budget I would recommend to go one step at a time. I was able to use my DT 880 600 ohm directly from my motherboard at home until I got a Aune T1 and even if I agree that the sound improved when I used the Aune, it was still a good sound out of the motherboard and we are talking of a 600 ohm headphones. At job I have 32 ohms headphones and I use my laptop for it and I must agree that the soundcard of the laptop seems lesser than the one in my motherboard at home, yet I very rarely suffer heavily from it (except some songs where I can hear a click sound).


Just my own experience on it.

[Binge]

Hello pacifist. I think you wonderd what the difference between an DAC and an ODAC is. DAC is a digital to analog converter and the ODAC is a product from mayflower electronics consisting of a dac and a headphone amplifier in one box. Sorry if I missinterpreted your answer.

blackbox, I would refrain from telling pacifist so much without having all of your facts straight.  He will gladly use your information as fact instead of doing his own research.

Mayflower electronics is one of the MANY small businesses who use NwAvGuy's ODAC design.

The ODAC is known as the objective digital to analog converter.  It does not contain a combo amplifier.

The combo amplifier and ODAC is called an O2 + ODAC combo.

The same device can be purchased from a number of small electronics companies, most notably JDS labs.