Headphone Thread.

[GL1TCH3D]

Just had to put £600 aside for my house for the first time, it's going to be a while before I can afford my Vali and Modi, so a long time before I can use my 990s

Try building something simple in the meantime? =P

If you need some quick juice you could make a cmoy amp for almost nothing.


_----------------

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

[katushkin]

Just had to put £600 aside for my house for the first time, it's going to be a while before I can afford my Vali and Modi, so a long time before I can use my 990s

Try building something simple in the meantime? =P

If you need some quick juice you could make a cmoy amp for almost nothing.


_----------------

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

I did buy a little amp off mkawa a while ago, it was a community designed one, and it's only like 100mm/60mm. Can't remember for the life of me what it's called and it's at home so I can't get the name off it. I guess I could use it in the mean time.

[ttzhou]

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

it's the internet. hell, it's reddit. i wouldn't take their BMing to heart, nor see it as indicative of that subreddit as a whole.

[Binge]

Just had to put £600 aside for my house for the first time, it's going to be a while before I can afford my Vali and Modi, so a long time before I can use my 990s

Try building something simple in the meantime? =P

If you need some quick juice you could make a cmoy amp for almost nothing.


_----------------

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

For when you want headphone opinions based on cost:performance ratios as deranged dogma - /r/headphones

[GL1TCH3D]

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

it's the internet. hell, it's reddit. i wouldn't take their BMing to heart, nor see it as indicative of that subreddit as a whole.

It's that a lot of these comments are delusional or completely ignorant. Basing their own opinion of a product from someone else's opinion who had 10 seconds with it and has no comparison for headphones.

Or they've convinced themselves of the opposite so they can rationalize the purchase. The number of times I've heard of "X headphones being the TOTL killer" is insane.

I recently got to audition the SA5000 from Sony which is supposed to be an HD800 killer and it was not even a contest. The only thing I'd say is maybe the sa5000 had a sweeter treble but the rest of the frequency range was far too lacking in quality.

Ugh

Sorry for the rant. Just annoyed by rampant ignorance.

[tjcaustin]

Just had to put £600 aside for my house for the first time, it's going to be a while before I can afford my Vali and Modi, so a long time before I can use my 990s

Try building something simple in the meantime? =P

If you need some quick juice you could make a cmoy amp for almost nothing.


_----------------

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

How dare you speak against the groupthink and anti-hype hype.

[ttzhou]

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

it's the internet. hell, it's reddit. i wouldn't take their BMing to heart, nor see it as indicative of that subreddit as a whole.

It's that a lot of these comments are delusional or completely ignorant. Basing their own opinion of a product from someone else's opinion who had 10 seconds with it and has no comparison for headphones.

Or they've convinced themselves of the opposite so they can rationalize the purchase. The number of times I've heard of "X headphones being the TOTL killer" is insane.

I recently got to audition the SA5000 from Sony which is supposed to be an HD800 killer and it was not even a contest. The only thing I'd say is maybe the sa5000 had a sweeter treble but the rest of the frequency range was far too lacking in quality.

Ugh

Sorry for the rant. Just annoyed by rampant ignorance.

The same can be said of head-fi. I actually think /r/headphones is better in this respect.

At the end of the day, it's just a guy/girl taking advantage of anonymity to act like an ass to overcome other shortcomings in their life. I find that this mindset helps me get over this stuff.

[GL1TCH3D]

It's a sad day when I get BMed for saying the Shure 940 has bad bass response and the Hd700 has crappy treble spikes.

Guess it's a good time to leave /r/headphones

it's the internet. hell, it's reddit. i wouldn't take their BMing to heart, nor see it as indicative of that subreddit as a whole.

It's that a lot of these comments are delusional or completely ignorant. Basing their own opinion of a product from someone else's opinion who had 10 seconds with it and has no comparison for headphones.

Or they've convinced themselves of the opposite so they can rationalize the purchase. The number of times I've heard of "X headphones being the TOTL killer" is insane.

I recently got to audition the SA5000 from Sony which is supposed to be an HD800 killer and it was not even a contest. The only thing I'd say is maybe the sa5000 had a sweeter treble but the rest of the frequency range was far too lacking in quality.

Ugh

Sorry for the rant. Just annoyed by rampant ignorance.

The same can be said of head-fi. I actually think /r/headphones is better in this respect.

At the end of the day, it's just a guy/girl taking advantage of anonymity to act like an ass to overcome other shortcomings in their life. I find that this mindset helps me get over this stuff.

I tend to ignore the big circle jerk threads in headfi.

All those "appreciation" threads.

I'll just join in on discussion threads and such.

There's also a huge elitist mindset among a portion of the members there.

Discussing the AK240 with other owners they don't even see the AK240 as "high end" anymore because the 380 is out...

Weird to see this kind of classification but then again, I bought Alpha Dogs as budget headphones at some point...

On /r/headphones I really don't see any elitism. Most members there seem to just own a a few headphones, if even, and base all their knowledge of other headphones on reviews =\

[ttzhou]

On /r/headphones I really don't see any elitism. Most members there seem to just own a a few headphones, if even, and base all their knowledge of other headphones on reviews =\

It's why I use /r/headphones, there tends to be a bit more of an objective approach to things. Although, IMO, at times it still falls victim to "hero" worship, where a bunch of members will become sycophants and blindly defend the views of well established members with strong opinions, and downvote you if you go against it.

Usually if I want good info or reviews I stick to YouTube videos or try changstar once in a while.

[GL1TCH3D]

On /r/headphones I really don't see any elitism. Most members there seem to just own a a few headphones, if even, and base all their knowledge of other headphones on reviews =\

It's why I use /r/headphones, there tends to be a bit more of an objective approach to things. Although, IMO, at times it still falls victim to "hero" worship, where a bunch of members will become sycophants and blindly defend the views of well established members with strong opinions, and downvote you if you go against it.

Usually if I want good info or reviews I stick to YouTube videos or try changstar once in a while.

Luckily for me I've tried almost every headphones that I'll ever consider getting through owning them, friends owning them or from the show that passes through once a year.

Only missing a couple like the unicorn rarity headphones (R10, Orpheus and L3000) and very new headphones (Hifiman HE1000 and Ether)

[Findecanor]

I bought the Shure SRH840 today. Subjectively, they sound much better than the Audio-Technica M40x ... but they should at twice the price.
Still apprehensive, and can't... stop... reading... more headphone reviews. Gah, I hope I won't starting going through headphones now the way I have gone through keyboards.

[ttzhou]

IEMs under < $200 are so hard to pick... so many choices.

Anyone know of a good IEM ~150-200 range that has great midrange vocals, but does not skimp on treble or sub-bass? Neutral mid-bass is fine with me (HD650 satisfies me for that) but I'm specifically looking for good vocals and good extension. For reference, I think Shure SE215 is not detailed and *too* bassy.

[Axollott]

IEMs under < $200 are so hard to pick... so many choices.

Anyone know of a good IEM ~150-200 range that has great midrange vocals, but does not skimp on treble or sub-bass? Neutral mid-bass is fine with me (HD650 satisfies me for that) but I'm specifically looking for good vocals and good extension. For reference, I think Shure SE215 is not detailed and *too* bassy.

I think the Sony BHA-3 fits in your description. It has been replaced for newer models but I remember you could still buy them form the US Sony shop website.

[ttzhou]

IEMs under < $200 are so hard to pick... so many choices.

Anyone know of a good IEM ~150-200 range that has great midrange vocals, but does not skimp on treble or sub-bass? Neutral mid-bass is fine with me (HD650 satisfies me for that) but I'm specifically looking for good vocals and good extension. For reference, I think Shure SE215 is not detailed and *too* bassy.

I think the Sony BHA-3 fits in your description. It has been replaced for newer models but I remember you could still buy them form the US Sony shop website.

tanks! will take a look at some reviews 

[tjcaustin]

Has anyone spent any time with the newer denon mm400 or the blue mo-fi?  Looking at them or the momentum m2 or mdr-1a.

[Ryukuxyz]

Not over-ears, but I bought a pair of Sony XBA-H1 earphones a few days back.  Got em for 40 bucks refurbished at Amazon.  Really really impressed with the sound quality, especially for $40.  Would recommend to people looking to pick up cheap earbuds.

[ttzhou]

Would recommend to people looking to pick up cheap earbuds in-ear monitors.

Sorry, not calling you out directly, I'm just a bit pedantic when it comes to the difference in meaning.

[Axollott]

IEMs under < $200 are so hard to pick... so many choices.

Anyone know of a good IEM ~150-200 range that has great midrange vocals, but does not skimp on treble or sub-bass? Neutral mid-bass is fine with me (HD650 satisfies me for that) but I'm specifically looking for good vocals and good extension. For reference, I think Shure SE215 is not detailed and *too* bassy.

I think the Sony BHA-3 fits in your description. It has been replaced for newer models but I remember you could still buy them form the US Sony shop website.

tanks! will take a look at some reviews 

Sorry, it's XBA-3. My bad.

[radio_killah]

I have finally decided that I am happy with what I have lol no more searching for that constant upgrade.

[Binge]

I have finally decided that I am happy with what I have lol no more searching for that constant upgrade.

It is a relieving feeling.  Happened when I got my K10s and then hit me again when the 560s came out.

[tjcaustin]

Tried the blue mo-fi at fry's today.  I think I'm gunna be happy back in mid-fi for a while.

[radio_killah]

I have finally decided that I am happy with what I have lol no more searching for that constant upgrade.

It is a relieving feeling.  Happened when I got my K10s and then hit me again when the 560s came out.

Yeah the only thing that could potentially tempt me is a portable amp for my se846. I am learning to appreciate the HD650 WA7 pairing so much more.

[byker]

I have finally decided that I am happy with what I have lol no more searching for that constant upgrade.

It is a relieving feeling.  Happened when I got my K10s and then hit me again when the 560s came out.

Damn you binge!!!!    You have my endgame iems and headphones!!  )

[genkidama]

Am I right here for asking about a headphones/headsets I bought?

If yes:
I recently bought the A151P 2nd Gen from MEEElectronics and am wondering right now. When I listen to mp3's and flac's I hear a static "noise", but only in-between songs or if the song itself is slow. When I hit the stop button the noise is also cancelled or rather just gone. Do I hit the play button again I can hear the noise again. If I'm correct I think the static noise varies in regard to the songs' sound. So if the sound goes up the static noise gets up as well (alhtough not as much as you might think).
Is this normal?

For comparison I have a very old pair of (I think) Bose SoundTrue On-Ear headphones (they're like 4yrs old) and with them I didn't hear such a static noise (also tested with mp3 and flac files).

I only hear the static noise with the A151P when the songs quieter or when the songs are changing. I guess the other times the song just lays their sound over the static noise.

[GL1TCH3D]

Am I right here for asking about a headphones/headsets I bought?

If yes:
I recently bought the A151P 2nd Gen from MEEElectronics and am wondering right now. When I listen to mp3's and flac's I hear a static "noise", but only in-between songs or if the song itself is slow. When I hit the stop button the noise is also cancelled or rather just gone. Do I hit the play button again I can hear the noise again. If I'm correct I think the static noise varies in regard to the songs' sound. So if the sound goes up the static noise gets up as well (alhtough not as much as you might think).
Is this normal?

For comparison I have a very old pair of (I think) Bose SoundTrue On-Ear headphones (they're like 4yrs old) and with them I didn't hear such a static noise (also tested with mp3 and flac files).

I only hear the static noise with the A151P when the songs quieter or when the songs are changing. I guess the other times the song just lays their sound over the static noise.

Sounds like hiss from your music player.

Even my Nobles have that static when being used on my phone.

[genkidama]

Sounds like hiss from your music player.

Even my Nobles have that static when being used on my phone.

With Nobles you mean the company where you can get amplifiers and stuff?
So it's more of a phone issue then a headphone issue?

Is there something I could do to improve it?

[trizkut]

If I'm correct I think the static noise varies in regard to the songs' sound. So if the sound goes up the static noise gets up as well (alhtough not as much as you might think).
Is this normal?

For comparison I have a very old pair of (I think) Bose SoundTrue On-Ear headphones (they're like 4yrs old) and with them I didn't hear such a static noise (also tested with mp3 and flac files).

I only hear the static noise with the A151P when the songs quieter or when the songs are changing. I guess the other times the song just lays their sound over the static noise.

Good headphones do a great job of discerning ****, whether it is poor mastering or a noisy output signal.

[GL1TCH3D]

Sounds like hiss from your music player.

Even my Nobles have that static when being used on my phone.

With Nobles you mean the company where you can get amplifiers and stuff?
So it's more of a phone issue then a headphone issue?

Is there something I could do to improve it?

No, the company that makes the custom IEMs

[tjcaustin]

Sounds like hiss from your music player.

Even my Nobles have that static when being used on my phone.

With Nobles you mean the company where you can get amplifiers and stuff?
So it's more of a phone issue then a headphone issue?

Is there something I could do to improve it?

Yes, spend all your time looking for a source with a low enough noise floor as to not produce static in your sensitive headphones.

[GL1TCH3D]

Sounds like hiss from your music player.

Even my Nobles have that static when being used on my phone.

With Nobles you mean the company where you can get amplifiers and stuff?
So it's more of a phone issue then a headphone issue?

Is there something I could do to improve it?

Yes, spend all your time looking for a source with a low enough noise floor as to not produce static in your sensitive headphones.

In simple terms, get a higher quality source.

[Binge]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

[trizkut]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

[Binge]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

[ttzhou]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

It's quite cost-effective as well, it can run fullsize cans to ear-splitting volume levels, driving my HD650 quite well. (I'm of the school that I don't really notice much in the way of amplifier differences - if it drives it loud enough, I'm happy).

[trizkut]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

[Binge]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

[trizkut]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

Good to know.  Thanks for the tip 

[ttzhou]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

wait, you can customize c5ds gain? i thought that was only o2+odac combo. can't find the customization option on their site for the c5d...

[Binge]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

wait, you can customize c5ds gain? i thought that was only o2+odac combo. can't find the customization option on their site for the c5d...

You have to e-mail them.  They told me it can be programmed in before they ship it out.

[missalaire]

3 months of Tidal for free:

http://go.tidal.com/us/reg/US2000/usTIDAL6VBk4gGTICJIMMY/PREMIUM

[GL1TCH3D]

3 months of Tidal for free:

http://go.tidal.com/us/reg/US2000/usTIDAL6VBk4gGTICJIMMY/PREMIUM

They give a free 3 months online but I go see them at a show (or at least someone they're partnering with) and they only give me a card for 1 month

[ttzhou]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

wait, you can customize c5ds gain? i thought that was only o2+odac combo. can't find the customization option on their site for the c5d...

You have to e-mail them.  They told me it can be programmed in before they ship it out.

darn; ah well, 2.3x seems plenty fine for noise floor anyway.

[Binge]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

wait, you can customize c5ds gain? i thought that was only o2+odac combo. can't find the customization option on their site for the c5d...

You have to e-mail them.  They told me it can be programmed in before they ship it out.

darn; ah well, 2.3x seems plenty fine for noise floor anyway.

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

[ttzhou]

JDS Labs C5D is great for IEMs so long as you match the gain to the IEM. 

I really want to jump on the C5/C5D, but a part of me is still wondering if Robert is going to come through with the Arrow 5TX

Dunno who this Robert is but unless it's like... THE BEST DEAL EVER I'd just grab a C5D.  It's fantastic.  No ragrats.

Okay, I'll bite when my next paycheck clears.  )  RIP new DAP fund

I've given up on DAPs.  The x5 is affordable, but for the cost of a C5D and a single phone app... I can listen to great quality music.

Just remember when you order to request the gain reduced on it's normal setting so it is IEM friendly and then to have the gain boost set to 1x.

wait, you can customize c5ds gain? i thought that was only o2+odac combo. can't find the customization option on their site for the c5d...

You have to e-mail them.  They told me it can be programmed in before they ship it out.

darn; ah well, 2.3x seems plenty fine for noise floor anyway.

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

[Binge]

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

The K10s have ridiculous sensitivity.

[byker]

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

The K10s have ridiculous sensitivity.

Binge, did you ever get a chance to try any cheaper IEMs that you could compare to the k10s? Currently have shure se535s and was wondering about some of the cheaper noble options..

[radio_killah]

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

The K10s have ridiculous sensitivity.

Binge, did you ever get a chance to try any cheaper IEMs that you could compare to the k10s? Currently have shure se535s and was wondering about some of the cheaper noble options..

Just save up and go full blownsies

[GL1TCH3D]

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

The K10s have ridiculous sensitivity.

Binge, did you ever get a chance to try any cheaper IEMs that you could compare to the k10s? Currently have shure se535s and was wondering about some of the cheaper noble options..

>has tried 535s and owns the K10
>doesn't get asked

 

[Binge]

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

The K10s have ridiculous sensitivity.

Binge, did you ever get a chance to try any cheaper IEMs that you could compare to the k10s? Currently have shure se535s and was wondering about some of the cheaper noble options..

My ears and universal iems do not mix.  I went custom to overcome my tiny tiny tiny ear canals.  Going that route I went full retard.  No regrets B-)

Glitched will have better input.

[GL1TCH3D]

It's silent as can be, the issue is that if you use IEMs you'll blow your ears out with the standard 2.3x gain.

i use mine with iems. no problem at all...

The K10s have ridiculous sensitivity.

Binge, did you ever get a chance to try any cheaper IEMs that you could compare to the k10s? Currently have shure se535s and was wondering about some of the cheaper noble options..

My ears and universal iems do not mix.  I went custom to overcome my tiny tiny tiny ear canals.  Going that route I went full retard.  No regrets B-)

Glitched will have better input.

I know exactly how you feel about the Custom art though.

That's quite a bit of money that you'll never get back on art that you don't even see while you're listening to them