Headphone Thread.

[GL1TCH3D]

I need headphone therapy.  With HE400I on sale for $299 this week, and noble having a 20% sale this friday, I am having a hard time keeping my wallet whole.

You can always give me all your money and not have to worry about spending it on headphones

Then my wallet won't be whole AND I won't have nice headphones. 

Well, you can keep the wallet, just give me the money 

[GL1TCH3D]

Boop

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads%2Ffostex-th-x00-measurements-and-subjective-impressions.623%2F

[Rayoui]

Can someone reccomend a good headphone under 200$ i have tried grado sr80e and i dont really like i think because of the treble

Take a look at the Sennheiser HD598. I think they just came out with an all black version, too.

[missalaire]

I need headphone therapy.  With HE400I on sale for $299 this week, and noble having a 20% sale this friday, I am having a hard time keeping my wallet whole.

1964 ears is having a 20% off sale also and UE is offering the universal UE 900s free with any purchase of a UE Pro (excluding the UE4)

[Steezus]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

[GL1TCH3D]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

I want one so bad T.T

[keshley]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

I want one so bad T.T

Sigh. Decided to get them too.

[GL1TCH3D]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

I want one so bad T.T

Sigh. Decided to get them too.

STAHP. GIVE ME TIME TO SELL MY TOPRE

[mobbo]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

Ok I know next to nothing about headphones or the audiophile world, but I really like the look of those. Anyone know if these are worth the price compared to other cans in the $400 range?

Also, could anyone recommend a decent amp/DAC for them (if necessary)?

I'd like to treat my ears

[missalaire]

Audioengine is having a 20% sale on their site with code BF20 and offering a free 90 day subscription to Tidal ($60 value) with orders.

http://audioengineusa.com/

[radio_killah]

TH-X00 HYPE 

[cookiesowns]

I'm aboard the TH-X00 hype train too.

IEM's have spoiled me bad recently. My current headphone selection is boring as a result...

That said, anyone here have tried the Oppo HA-2? I want a better portable DAC/AMP than what I have now for the IEM's..

[keshley]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

I want one so bad T.T

Sigh. Decided to get them too.

STAHP. GIVE ME TIME TO SELL MY TOPRE

Only 142 left, going to make it? :O

[GL1TCH3D]

The Fostex AH-X00 are up on Massdrop, I got myself a pair. Only 1950 units and over half have been taken up so far.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/fostex-x-massdrop-th-x00

I want one so bad T.T

Sigh. Decided to get them too.

STAHP. GIVE ME TIME TO SELL MY TOPRE

Only 142 left, going to make it? :O

Nop, camera buyer dropped out and nobody bit for my HiPro board.

[mobbo]

I've asked around and I know a Fiio E10k will suffice for the TH-X00's.

How do the Fiio amps in the $150 range compare to the Audioengine D1 dac/amp? I would be willing to spend a little more for a decent desktop/speaker amp in case I want to pair it up with future purchases.

I guess my point is, I don't want just what's best for the TH-X00's but rather something that would be great further down the line as well, should I choose to purchase some higher end cans or speakers.

[bocahgundul]

Can someone reccomend a good headphone under 200$ i have tried grado sr80e and i dont really like i think because of the treble

Well for whatever reason, you don't like them so don't force it.

I like the AKG K551 but the bass isn't that great on it and the treble is still sharp with crappy sources.

The audio technica m50x shouldn't be sharp or peaky in the treble (at least not as much as grado)

somone said that the m50x are overrated that i should be off getting ath m40x

http://www.amazon.com/NVX-Over-Ear-Headphones-ComfortMax-Cushions/dp/B0093PVTPS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448380441&sr=8-1&keywords=nvx+xpt100

or these ^  they're amazing cans for sub $200

its closed back right? NVX XPT100 or HD 598 or AKG or ATH-AD series?

[Binge]

Can someone reccomend a good headphone under 200$ i have tried grado sr80e and i dont really like i think because of the treble

Well for whatever reason, you don't like them so don't force it.

I like the AKG K551 but the bass isn't that great on it and the treble is still sharp with crappy sources.

The audio technica m50x shouldn't be sharp or peaky in the treble (at least not as much as grado)

somone said that the m50x are overrated that i should be off getting ath m40x

http://www.amazon.com/NVX-Over-Ear-Headphones-ComfortMax-Cushions/dp/B0093PVTPS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448380441&sr=8-1&keywords=nvx+xpt100

or these ^  they're amazing cans for sub $200

its closed back right? NVX XPT100 or HD 598 or AKG or ATH-AD series?

It's closed back.  I recommend the XPT100s.

[cookiesowns]

I've asked around and I know a Fiio E10k will suffice for the TH-X00's.

How do the Fiio amps in the $150 range compare to the Audioengine D1 dac/amp? I would be willing to spend a little more for a decent desktop/speaker amp in case I want to pair it up with future purchases.

I guess my point is, I don't want just what's best for the TH-X00's but rather something that would be great further down the line as well, should I choose to purchase some higher end cans or speakers.

FiiO's amp based on the TI6120A aren't that bad... but if you ever try something higher grade you'll lust for more.

Honestly, given the reviews of the Oppo HA-2, I would probably start with that. Or a Schiit stack.

I just don't like FiiO's tendency to stick with TI solid state stuff.

I've replaced my E17 + E09K stack with a Uberfrost and Magni. Pairs quite well on the T90 and DT880. I use a creative E5 exclusively on the SE846's which is being replaced by the Oppo HA-2.

I'll give the TH-X00 when it comes in a try on all of them and let you know how I feel about how they pair on my setups?

[mobbo]

I've asked around and I know a Fiio E10k will suffice for the TH-X00's.

How do the Fiio amps in the $150 range compare to the Audioengine D1 dac/amp? I would be willing to spend a little more for a decent desktop/speaker amp in case I want to pair it up with future purchases.

I guess my point is, I don't want just what's best for the TH-X00's but rather something that would be great further down the line as well, should I choose to purchase some higher end cans or speakers.

FiiO's amp based on the TI6120A aren't that bad... but if you ever try something higher grade you'll lust for more.

Honestly, given the reviews of the Oppo HA-2, I would probably start with that. Or a Schiit stack.

I just don't like FiiO's tendency to stick with TI solid state stuff.

I've replaced my E17 + E09K stack with a Uberfrost and Magni. Pairs quite well on the T90 and DT880. I use a creative E5 exclusively on the SE846's which is being replaced by the Oppo HA-2.

I'll give the TH-X00 when it comes in a try on all of them and let you know how I feel about how they pair on my setups?

I'd appreciate that!

[PadawanGeek]

TH-X00 HYPE 

Yep, much like the Chord Mojo hype train that has been making its round.

Take a look at the Sennheiser HD598. I think they just came out with an all black version, too.

It looks great, should sound great as well......I had the HD555 with the foam mod to sound like the HD595 (the HD595 sounds quite similar to the HD598 I believe). One thing to be aware of though, many have complained that the Sennheiser authentication failed on many of these HD598 SE's, while some suspect that the cans are fake (not likely since the HD598 SE was launched about a month back) others have suggested that the suthentication failed because Sennheiser had not had the time to update their database on their website.....just thought I'd put this out here fyi.

[GL1TCH3D]

Got the Fiio X7

HYPE

[missalaire]

Got the Fiio X7

HYPE

From the Head-Fi tour? Or where? :O

[radio_killah]

I really want to try the Chord Mojo. Maybe it could replace my whole set up.  )

[ttzhou]

Something I have always wondered: how does the HD598 stack up the HD600 for classical music? I have a 598 and a 650, but have always wondered about the 600s. I figure there is no point for me to get the 600s if the 598s are good enough for classical, as that is the only genre I feel the 650s fall a bit short on.

[cookiesowns]

Hrm, so the HA-2 got here..

My suspicion and opinion about ESS dacs is actually confirmed. There's just a certain harshness to the highs that make it unbearable on some songs.

The Bifrost/Magni combo definitely sooths it out on these types of songs.

I'm loving it though, bass boost is so awesome on the T90s and SE846's. Noise floor is pretty good too.

[Bevo]

You're boosting the bass on the se846's? Crazy guy

I find the 846's sound great straight out of the source.

[keshley]

You're boosting the bass on the se846's? Crazy guy

I find the 846's sound great straight out of the source.

QFE

Its why I haven't replaced my WA6 yet. My HD650/WA6 combo was fantastic, but the 846s sound good without a stack in between. Which is why I've been having a hard time figuring what I do want. If I'm going to be spending the money, I want it to really bring out with the 846s are capable of.

[Bevo]

You're boosting the bass on the se846's? Crazy guy

I find the 846's sound great straight out of the source.

QFE

Its why I haven't replaced my WA6 yet. My HD650/WA6 combo was fantastic, but the 846s sound good without a stack in between. Which is why I've been having a hard time figuring what I do want. If I'm going to be spending the money, I want it to really bring out with the 846s are capable of.

I told myself i wouldn't get a portable setup but after getting the 846's and then later the AK Angie's, my desktop setup has been collecting dust. If you want the best out of the shure's i would recommend getting a nice portable player. You'll be dropping wads of cash though so not the smartest thing to do

[keshley]

The only 'portable' setup I need is for running, so my phone will do for that. I don't travel for work anymore, so an X5 or similar is no longer on the radar.

Otherwise, they're used at my desk at work, so a semi-portable stack, or a desk stack would be fine - it'll get plugged into my Surface for whatever media I decide to consume while I'm working.

[GL1TCH3D]

Something I have always wondered: how does the HD598 stack up the HD600 for classical music? I have a 598 and a 650, but have always wondered about the 600s. I figure there is no point for me to get the 600s if the 598s are good enough for classical, as that is the only genre I feel the 650s fall a bit short on.

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

[dan002]

Something I have always wondered: how does the HD598 stack up the HD600 for classical music? I have a 598 and a 650, but have always wondered about the 600s. I figure there is no point for me to get the 600s if the 598s are good enough for classical, as that is the only genre I feel the 650s fall a bit short on.

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

I'm not sure how the HD600's sound with classical music. However, jazz sounds incredible (Miles Davis vynil flac from archive.org). Using lyr with stock tubes and modi 2 

[GL1TCH3D]

Something I have always wondered: how does the HD598 stack up the HD600 for classical music? I have a 598 and a 650, but have always wondered about the 600s. I figure there is no point for me to get the 600s if the 598s are good enough for classical, as that is the only genre I feel the 650s fall a bit short on.

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

I'm not sure how the HD600's sound with classical music. However, jazz sounds incredible (Miles Davis vynil flac from archive.org). Using lyr with stock tubes and modi 2 

Maybe the tube amp helps since I've only heard it with SS amps.

Also the X7 is pretty damn good but I don't think it will replace my AK240

The X7 has a really black background and good balance across the board. It has good output, I can feel the lower end on my AKG K551, something the AK240 doesn't do as well.

However I think the mids sound a bit hollow and the treble is smoothed significantly. I'll do more listening to verify all this.

[ttzhou]

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

I tend to believe that as well, but head-fi and reddit would have you believe otherwise.

the senn HD6xx line was never meant to be "impressive", so I know what you mean. It's just a clean, smooth, relaxing sound.

[Binge]

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

I tend to believe that as well, but head-fi and reddit would have you believe otherwise.

the senn HD6xx line was never meant to be "impressive", so I know what you mean. It's just a clean, smooth, relaxing sound.

That's not true at all.  The 6XX line was meant to be reference studio headphones.  It became what you described due to driver/enclosure limitations.  The HD600s were the TOTL reference headphones since the 1990s until advancements in technology got greater response, sensitivity, and lower distortion in smaller drivers.

[cookiesowns]

You're boosting the bass on the se846's? Crazy guy

I find the 846's sound great straight out of the source.

Was just for "testing". But honestly, it sounded great. I accidentally left it on, after some while listening to the T90s. Thought it was just how it was.

The bass sounded _THAT_ good.

[mobbo]

Preview of my incoming amp :3

[keshley]

Preview of my incoming amp :3

Cute! I like it.

[ttzhou]

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

I tend to believe that as well, but head-fi and reddit would have you believe otherwise.

the senn HD6xx line was never meant to be "impressive", so I know what you mean. It's just a clean, smooth, relaxing sound.

That's not true at all.  The 6XX line was meant to be reference studio headphones.  It became what you described due to driver/enclosure limitations.  The HD600s were the TOTL reference headphones since the 1990s until advancements in technology got greater response, sensitivity, and lower distortion in smaller drivers.

I'm not quite sure what you are claiming to not be true, nor do I see how "reference studio headphones" is mutually exclusive to "clean, smooth, relaxing" sound.

[fuzzybaffy]

I thought the 600 was almost identical to the 598 in sound quality?

Only ever heard the 598 and 650 myself, neither of which were terribly impressive but maybe the sennheiser reps just picked really ****ty dac and amp combos for them

I tend to believe that as well, but head-fi and reddit would have you believe otherwise.

the senn HD6xx line was never meant to be "impressive", so I know what you mean. It's just a clean, smooth, relaxing sound.

That's not true at all.  The 6XX line was meant to be reference studio headphones.  It became what you described due to driver/enclosure limitations.  The HD600s were the TOTL reference headphones since the 1990s until advancements in technology got greater response, sensitivity, and lower distortion in smaller drivers.

I'm not quite sure what you are claiming to not be true, nor do I see how "reference studio headphones" is mutually exclusive to "clean, smooth, relaxing" sound.

I think he was referring to your "The HD6xx line was never meant to be "impressive"" comment. There definitely was not as many expensive headphones in the 90's as today, and the HD-600 was considered one of the best during its time. It was either the HD-600, or the $700 Grado RS-1's. And during its time... the HD-600 was quite revolutionary and "impressive" when it came to treble detail.

[byker]

Just bought a pair of Philips Fidelio X2s yesterday! Excited to see how they are compared to my current dt990 pros and se535s. I will post again once they have arrived.

[vegs]

I could use some input on my setup... I've had the Audio Technica ATH-M50 for a few years now, and I love them.

But close to a year ago I bought the AKG Q701 and a MonoPrice DAC / AMP on Massdrop. My problem is that I keep going back to the M50s. I find the Q701 lacking in both comfort and sound, but I'm starting to wonder if the problem is my dac/amp. Should I just accept that the AKGs aren't for me, or should I try with a different dac/amp?

[GL1TCH3D]

I could use some input on my setup... I've had the Audio Technica ATH-M50 for a few years now, and I love them.

But close to a year ago I bought the AKG Q701 and a MonoPrice DAC / AMP on Massdrop. My problem is that I keep going back to the M50s. I find the Q701 lacking in both comfort and sound, but I'm starting to wonder if the problem is my dac/amp. Should I just accept that the AKGs aren't for me, or should I try with a different dac/amp?

Don't force yourself to like a pair of headphones. I tried that with the Beyer T5p.

Q701 are very dry and bright. If it's not for you, it's not for you.

M50s are definitely not nearly as bright and if anything should be more neutral.

Try the NAD HP50 for something more fun and bass heavy. You should be able to get it used with the money from selling / returning the Q701

[vegs]

I could use some input on my setup... I've had the Audio Technica ATH-M50 for a few years now, and I love them.

But close to a year ago I bought the AKG Q701 and a MonoPrice DAC / AMP on Massdrop. My problem is that I keep going back to the M50s. I find the Q701 lacking in both comfort and sound, but I'm starting to wonder if the problem is my dac/amp. Should I just accept that the AKGs aren't for me, or should I try with a different dac/amp?

Don't force yourself to like a pair of headphones. I tried that with the Beyer T5p.

Q701 are very dry and bright. If it's not for you, it's not for you.

M50s are definitely not nearly as bright and if anything should be more neutral.

Try the NAD HP50 for something more fun and bass heavy. You should be able to get it used with the money from selling / returning the Q701

You're right. I'll definitely check those out. I was looking for something with a bit more bass, so they might fit me perfectly. Thanks

[GL1TCH3D]

Tried the HueStyle QP1R, the Fiio X7 and the AK240 side by side using the AKG K551

Damn is the HueStyle good.

Very smooth and sweet. Not too slow, not too fast.
The X7 is very neutral and electric-like. Very dark background. A bit V shaped.

AK240 is like listening to a higher end tube amp. Slightly laid back, very warm and inviting sound.

The X7 has some oddities in the sound. Besides being slightly V shaped, the mids are quite hollow.

[ttzhou]

I think he was referring to your "The HD6xx line was never meant to be "impressive"" comment. There definitely was not as many expensive headphones in the 90's as today, and the HD-600 was considered one of the best during its time. It was either the HD-600, or the $700 Grado RS-1's. And during its time... the HD-600 was quite revolutionary and "impressive" when it came to treble detail.

I put "impressive" in quotes to emphasize that the HD600 was not meant to impress people in the traditional sense, i.e. blow them away with a strong, exciting sound signature. It was meant to provide high fidelity audio reproduction, which means it does not have that "wow" factor unless you are a hardcore audiophile who specifically looks for neutral response.

It is an extremely good headphone, and a classic. But I don't think it's sound signature is "exciting" like say, something from the ATH line, or modern planars.

[raymogi]

I need a suggestion for over the ear headphones.

Been using this DITA in-ears for a while now, but mostly when I travel: http://www.ditaaudio.com/index.php/products/answer-truth-edition.html

I have since bought the Steelseries H wireless (which I thought I'm gonna use for gaming), but I don't game anymore now and also the Bose Soundlink wireless. They're good but compared to the DITAs they lack that oomph.

[GL1TCH3D]

I need a suggestion for over the ear headphones.

Been using this DITA in-ears for a while now, but mostly when I travel: http://www.ditaaudio.com/index.php/products/answer-truth-edition.html

I have since bought the Steelseries H wireless (which I thought I'm gonna use for gaming), but I don't game anymore now and also the Bose Soundlink wireless. They're good but compared to the DITAs they lack that oomph.

HE560?

[raymogi]

HE560?

Hmm I'll do some research on it. Certainly look the part.

[trenzafeeds]

Can anyone recommend like under $100 headphones that will be comfortable and the best quality for the price? I know that's kind of a tall order, but I don't know much about this stuff.

[GL1TCH3D]

Can anyone recommend like under $100 headphones that will be comfortable and the best quality for the price? I know that's kind of a tall order, but I don't know much about this stuff.

If it's strictly under $100 then there are a few choices. I think rebrands of the Fischer Audio FA-003 (?) Such as the brainwavs HM5.

Otherwise the M50x are always a classic that are good for the price range.