Headphone Thread.

[Tarzan]

NAD HP50
Focal Spirit One S
Focal Spirit Professional

All in the 200 - 300 range.

Wasn't a fan of the focal headphones but the HP50 is a beast for the price!
[/quote]

Thanks for the tips!  I've seen the Focal headphones but never had a chance to listen to them.  Looks like there's at least one retailer in the area that has them in stock.  I wasn't aware NAD made headphones, but I've been a fan of their hifi gear for years. 

[Tarzan]

I've been following this thread off and on for a while, wanted to see what people are recommending lately for close-back headphones?  I have the Mad Dogs at home, and I think they are superb for movies and gaming, but a bit bulky to schlep back and forth to work.  Currently at work I listen to music using ATH-M50s driven by a Little Dot  amp (and a Fiio for DAC), which were a nice upgrade when I got them, but now I'd like to try something different. 

Looking at closed-back to block out some background noise in the office (and to keep from over-sharing...).  I've tried the HD598s, which were really comfortable but were also quite transparent to background chatter.  I'm not a fan of headphones that accentuate upper ranges, as I find sibilance really annoying.  Also not looking for artificially boosted bass, from the headphones I've tried I tend to like a flatter response, it sounds more natural to my ears.

Any low- to mid-priced recommendations?

IEMS.  Never heard a closed-back headphone I liked.  The ViSang IEMs are nice.  I had a ViSang R02 that I got for $23 shipped that sounds equivalent to like $250 headphones.

I've tried various brands of noise-isolating IEMs, haven't found many that I liked.  But that's a price-point that's hard to pass up!

[sobe]

Beyer DT990 600ohm, Creative Aurvana Live!, and Sennie HD600 are my primary sets for the time being. House fire took out my Beyer T90 and WooAudio WA7 Fireflies

Cannot speak highly enough about any of the 3 I still have though, hopefully in the future I can pick up a pair of Sennie HD800 and a proper amp to match it.

[GL1TCH3D]

Beyer DT990 600ohm, Creative Aurvana Live!, and Sennie HD600 are my primary sets for the time being. House fire took out my Beyer T90 and WooAudio WA7 Fireflies

Cannot speak highly enough about any of the 3 I still have though, hopefully in the future I can pick up a pair of Sennie HD800 and a proper amp to match it.

Amp matching cvan be hard! Though my favorite setup with the HD800 was the ipod digital out to Cypher labs algorhythm solo (first version) with O2 amp and HD800.
The treble was splendid and extremely well extended. Sounded liquidy and golden while keeping the high resolution hd800 sound that they're known for.

Though I've never tried it with >2k amps (some of which I keep getting told work extremely well with the HD800)

Though lately I've been liking the TH900 a lot but I find they need a bit of EQ.

Anyway, good luck on the audio journey to finding what pleases you most!

[sobe]

Yea, I would have loved to have heard them on my WooAudio WA7 for testing, but from my research prior have pointed me to the Eddie Current Balancing Act, DNA Stratus, and of course the Liquid Glass.

Don't have the money atm to jump through another expensive pair of cans, much less another pricey amp. I kinda figured the $1,000 spent for the WA7 was going to be my "sweet spot" of where I was staying with amp.... But apparently the house wiring said no to that (unrelated to the amp )

[GL1TCH3D]

Yea, I would have loved to have heard them on my WooAudio WA7 for testing, but from my research prior have pointed me to the Eddie Current Balancing Act, DNA Stratus, and of course the Liquid Glass.

Don't have the money atm to jump through another expensive pair of cans, much less another pricey amp. I kinda figured the $1,000 spent for the WA7 was going to be my "sweet spot" of where I was staying with amp.... But apparently the house wiring said no to that (unrelated to the amp )

Actually I very much detested the WA7 fireflies with almost everything I tried it with. It's very harsh in the treble ...

[tjcaustin]

Yea, I would have loved to have heard them on my WooAudio WA7 for testing, but from my research prior have pointed me to the Eddie Current Balancing Act, DNA Stratus, and of course the Liquid Glass.

Don't have the money atm to jump through another expensive pair of cans, much less another pricey amp. I kinda figured the $1,000 spent for the WA7 was going to be my "sweet spot" of where I was staying with amp.... But apparently the house wiring said no to that (unrelated to the amp )

Now you can get an oppo ha-1 instead.

[sobe]

Yea, I would have loved to have heard them on my WooAudio WA7 for testing, but from my research prior have pointed me to the Eddie Current Balancing Act, DNA Stratus, and of course the Liquid Glass.

Don't have the money atm to jump through another expensive pair of cans, much less another pricey amp. I kinda figured the $1,000 spent for the WA7 was going to be my "sweet spot" of where I was staying with amp.... But apparently the house wiring said no to that (unrelated to the amp )

Actually I very much detested the WA7 fireflies with almost everything I tried it with. It's very harsh in the treble ...

They seemed to mate well with my Beyer T90's as a match made in heaven

Now you can get an oppo ha-1 instead.

We'll see how soon it is before I repurchase those T90's or wait further for the HD800's.

[pichu23]

no love for the bose sound true over ears ? =(

[hwood34]

Just got my Yuin PK3 from massdrop. Especially for the price, they have pretty solid sound

[Matter]

You guys need to try the Earsonics S-EM6.

Its incredible!

Currently using it and have tried most if not all of Earsonics line and I can say this is the best to date with its clarity and 3d imaging wise.

[byker]

Started listening to my Se535s a lot since I have gotten them. Simply amazing! 

[GL1TCH3D]

Started listening to my Se535s a lot since I have gotten them. Simply amazing! 

All the sibilance though T.T

Though I'll admit those mids... Damn those mids. I still miss them

On the upside I'll hopefully be grabbing myself a pair of the to be released Noble K10 universal

[byker]

Started listening to my Se535s a lot since I have gotten them. Simply amazing! 

All the sibilance though T.T

Though I'll admit those mids... Damn those mids. I still miss them

On the upside I'll hopefully be grabbing myself a pair of the to be released Noble K10 universal

Yeah the sibilance does catch me off guard sometimes.. But the mids and lows are amazing! (In my experience )

[GL1TCH3D]

Started listening to my Se535s a lot since I have gotten them. Simply amazing! 

All the sibilance though T.T

Though I'll admit those mids... Damn those mids. I still miss them

On the upside I'll hopefully be grabbing myself a pair of the to be released Noble K10 universal

Yeah the sibilance does catch me off guard sometimes.. But the mids and lows are amazing! (In my experience )

If it wasn't for the sibilance I'd still have a pair of 535s in my inventory. Unfortunately the next step up (where this is addressed as well as adding more extension to both ends) is the 846 at $900 which is triple the price.

Not to mention the 846 didn't fit well in my ears.

[byker]

Started listening to my Se535s a lot since I have gotten them. Simply amazing! 

All the sibilance though T.T

Though I'll admit those mids... Damn those mids. I still miss them

On the upside I'll hopefully be grabbing myself a pair of the to be released Noble K10 universal

Yeah the sibilance does catch me off guard sometimes.. But the mids and lows are amazing! (In my experience )

If it wasn't for the sibilance I'd still have a pair of 535s in my inventory. Unfortunately the next step up (where this is addressed as well as adding more extension to both ends) is the 846 at $900 which is triple the price.

Not to mention the 846 didn't fit well in my ears.

Yeah, the 535s weren't really on my radar, but I managed to grab them at a killer price. For what I want they will definitely do the trick!

[sobe]

no love for the bose sound true over ears ? =(

Only Bose that I've seen worth anything was the QC15. But I'd rather have a pair of CAL! or NVX XPT100 for less than half the cost.

[hwood34]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

[Binge]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

[hwood34]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

[Binge]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

To boldly go where no other ears have gone. xD

[hwood34]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

To boldly go where no other ears have gone. xD

I might even buy a headphone amp, I'm feeling crazy . Just make sure to bring some sound stuff to keycon east so i can have another hobby to throw money at

[byker]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

To boldly go where no other ears have gone. xD

I might even buy a headphone amp, I'm feeling crazy . Just make sure to bring some sound stuff to keycon east so i can have another hobby to throw money at

Money and keyboards go hand in hand! 

[GL1TCH3D]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

To boldly go where no other ears have gone. xD

I might even buy a headphone amp, I'm feeling crazy . Just make sure to bring some sound stuff to keycon east so i can have another hobby to throw money at

Money and keyboards go hand in hand! 

But you need to get open backed headphones otherwise you won't get the audible feedback!

[byker]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

To boldly go where no other ears have gone. xD

I might even buy a headphone amp, I'm feeling crazy . Just make sure to bring some sound stuff to keycon east so i can have another hobby to throw money at

Money and keyboards go hand in hand! 

But you need to get open backed headphones otherwise you won't get the audible feedback!

Don't you mean a variety of headphones?? 

[GL1TCH3D]

Bought some cheap af Yuin PK3 off massdrop, sound was fine but hated they weren't in ear, so i got in on the ostry KC06A drop. It may not seem like much to you guys, but those are probably the most expensive headphones I have (besides my Siberias )

woody, come up to harrisburg area and I'll give you a tour of some sweet cans.

The trek in search of high fidelity

To boldly go where no other ears have gone. xD

I might even buy a headphone amp, I'm feeling crazy . Just make sure to bring some sound stuff to keycon east so i can have another hobby to throw money at

Money and keyboards go hand in hand! 

But you need to get open backed headphones otherwise you won't get the audible feedback!

Don't you mean a variety of headphones?? 

True true. You need at least the Sony R10, Stax sr009 and HD800.

[Binge]

What collection is complete without some Floats, right?

[GL1TCH3D]

What collection is complete without some Floats, right?

I need some more float in my life



Who can say no to such sexiness

[radio_killah]

Just found this thread  I am a regular over at headfi but would love to join the conversation here too! Anyone care to update me on current topics?

[byker]

The topic is really whatever you please! What kind of headphones do you have, and what you have bought recently are the main things I would say.

What do you listen through rk?

[GL1TCH3D]

Just found this thread  I am a regular over at headfi but would love to join the conversation here too! Anyone care to update me on current topics?

The topic right now is about what are must have headphones in an almost budget less collection?

We're saying the jecklin floats pictures above

[radio_killah]

The topic is really whatever you please! What kind of headphones do you have, and what you have bought recently are the main things I would say.

What do you listen through rk?

Well currently I have the HD598s and the beyer T90s. I actually recently sold my odac, vali, asgard 2, and sys preamp to buy the centrance dacmini on massdrop. I am still waiting for it in the mail though.. Previously though I also had the DT770s and am currently looking for a new closed back headphone 

[hwood34]

Would anone here recommend the Grado SR80e?

[CPTBadAss]

I have the grado sr80i and if they're anything like the e,  I'd be into them

[davkol]

Would anone here recommend the Grado SR80e?

Love&hate thing. Try some grados first to get some idea about the signature; I like them for certain genres like death metal. Beware that comfort is awful for most people though. L-cushion ear pads and beyerish cushion headband wrap help tremendously. Also, I consider detacheable cable mod pretty much necessary, because cans rotate freely and tend to twist the cable.

[byker]

Would anone here recommend the Grado SR80e?

I am not a big fan of my Grado 80s, I modded them a bit and improved the sound, but the overall signatures is very high, and they are extremely uncomfortable. After moving on to my DT990s, I have never worn them again! 

[tjcaustin]

Would anone here recommend the Grado SR80e?

Dey a'iight for rock/metal.  IF you're ok with an on-ear headphone, like rock/metal more than anything else and can risk discomfort, get them.  They're inexpensive and resell well.

If no to any of those, look at something like the ath-m50, creative aurvana live! or t50rp.

[GL1TCH3D]

Would anone here recommend the Grado SR80e?

Dey a'iight for rock/metal.  IF you're ok with an on-ear headphone, like rock/metal more than anything else and can risk discomfort, get them.  They're inexpensive and resell well.

If no to any of those, look at something like the ath-m50, creative aurvana live! or t50rp.

T50rp requires mods (though with mods you can get some really solid results and through mods have it more tuned to your tastes) =[

Koss KSC75 is an amazing piece and I can't believe they don't use these drivers for other things.

Grado is love and hate as stated above. Very unique signature which tends to emphasize a lot of frequencies around rock so they come alive more. I'm generally okay with the grado sound for lower end especially but they're uncomfortable for me.

[hwood34]

Also looking at the DT 990's, but one of the comm on things I saw in reviews was a bit needing the right amp?

[tjcaustin]

Also looking at the DT 990's, but one of the comm on things I saw in reviews was a bit needing the right amp?

Depends on which version you get.  What's the budget you're wanting to be in?

[davkol]

Also looking at the DT 990's, but one of the comm on things I saw in reviews was a bit needing the right amp?

It depends on what version you'd get. I have the vintage 600Ω (modern DT880 is based on it) and it's obviously very different from the modern 32Ω.

[hwood34]

Also looking at the DT 990's, but one of the comm on things I saw in reviews was a bit needing the right amp?

Depends on which version you get.  What's the budget you're wanting to be in?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DT990Pro?adpos=1o1&creative=55678058761&device=t&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjw5NihBRCZmdLkuuTHyWYSJACtCY0J_1zdKRfAS3KIyQll3-T1EtkAJi6KwktbT1u2JnXUfxoCRxDw_wcB

[tjcaustin]

If you're willing to spend up to $250, look at the focal spirit professional/classic, nad hp50, akg k545/550 and hd558, too.

Also, if it's what you like the sound of, you could find hd600/650 used in that range, too. 

I guess you're looking specifically for open headphones?

[hwood34]

If you're willing to spend up to $250, look at the focal spirit professional/classic, nad hp50, akg k545/550 and hd558, too.

Also, if it's what you like the sound of, you could find hd600/650 used in that range, too. 

I guess you're looking specifically for open headphones?

well, at this point I'm just kinda looking around at a bunch of different headphones. My price range is around the low $200s. Since I'm gonna be using them home mostly, noise isolation isn't really important for me so yeah open would be best. I mostly listen to metal, which leads me to grados, but I also listen to a little rap and electronic. Also could use some recommendations on amps. I was looking at these: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/musiland-monitor-02us-dragon-dac-amp?s=amp

[tjcaustin]

If you're willing to spend up to $250, look at the focal spirit professional/classic, nad hp50, akg k545/550 and hd558, too.

Also, if it's what you like the sound of, you could find hd600/650 used in that range, too. 

I guess you're looking specifically for open headphones?

well, at this point I'm just kinda looking around at a bunch of different headphones. My price range is around the low $200s. Since I'm gonna be using them home mostly, noise isolation isn't really important for me so yeah open would be best. I mostly listen to metal, which leads me to grados, but I also listen to a little rap and electronic. Also could use some recommendations on amps. I was looking at these: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/musiland-monitor-02us-dragon-dac-amp?s=amp

You might like a modded pair of t50rp, then.  I have a pair I'm thinking about selling if you want to hear more about them.  I have a pair of modded k712pro, too, but I don't think they're the best with rock/rap/electronic

[CPTBadAss]

I highly recommend the Schiit Magni and Vali in terms of amps hwood34.




I know it's a potato but I'm fairly sure my new audio setup is doing it right.

Sony Walkman -> Fiio e06 -> JHAudio JH5 CIEMs.

[Sifo]

rip in peace



and a recording set up for fun

fact: googly eyes add to the fidelity of the interface

[sobe]

Also looking at the DT 990's, but one of the comm on things I saw in reviews was a bit needing the right amp?

DT990's are some of my favorites, especially for gaming/allaround pc use

You just have to understand that the highs can be a bit harsh for some people, I say some loosely though.

I've mated the 990 600ohm with Schiit Magni/Modi stack without issue which brought them out a bit compared to the amp on the sound card. I really enjoyed them when testing with the WooAudio WA7 as well.

[Freebird]

Hi guys, hopefully someone can give me some help as you lot seem to be massively into your audio setups!

I have some Sennheiser HD555's and PC350SE's that I use (mainly the PC350SE's as I am generally gaming a lot). Would an amp/DAC be something I should think about buying to get the most out of these cans or is it not really going to make a vast difference?

I would like to enhance my audio experience but if a dac/amp isn't going to really do much, then I guess new higher end cans is where I should be looking to invest?

Cheers in advance

[radio_killah]

With the headphones you are using you would benefit from an amp and dac but I would say only slightly but either way in most cases a separate external amp and dac will help.

What amp/dac you pair your headphones with does matter since some combos just work well with each other, which could help with things like clarity and soundstage.

But my suggestion would be to research and amp/dac combo that could work for a lot of headphones so that when you upgrade(if you ever do) you will be able to enhance your experience.

I mean it also depends on how much you are trying to spend.

Something like the Schiit stack and the o2 combo are good starting points both being around $200-$250 new.