Headphone Buying Megathread/Guide V4 - Come here for all your audio needs! (New Threads are not need - Hardware & Software

Bought myself a pair of Sennheiser 598's for X-mas. I'm not an audiophile by any definition and I definitely don't know the technical stuff but wow these are very enjoyable headphones. My only other audio device (other than my speakers) is a Steelseries Siberia V2 headset which I bought simply because I lacked headphones and a mic. For one, the Sennheisers feel a lot more solid, less clunky, and lighter, as they should, being at least twice the price of the Siberias. They don't fit on my small-ish head as well as the Siberias but that's simply because the Siberias have that ridiculous looking fit-your-head frame thing on top of them, but it's pretty rendered unnoticeable because of how light the Sennheisers are. They don't move at all on my head. Finding the perfect spot for my ears can be tricky but when you get it right it feels like there's nothing on your head. I should've bought these from the start. Now I just need a desktop mic, lol

Got a pair of HD 518's for Christmas! They sound goshdang amazing. A little more inclined towards the bass, but really clear and nice sound.

[QUOTE=Kylel999;49400718]Bought myself a pair of Sennheiser 598's for X-mas. I'm not an audiophile by any definition and I definitely don't know the technical stuff but wow these are very enjoyable headphones. My only other audio device (other than my speakers) is a Steelseries Siberia V2 headset which I bought simply because I lacked headphones and a mic. For one, the Sennheisers feel a lot more solid, less clunky, and lighter, as they should, being at least twice the price of the Siberias. They don't fit on my small-ish head as well as the Siberias but that's simply because the Siberias have that ridiculous looking fit-your-head frame thing on top of them, but it's pretty rendered unnoticeable because of how light the Sennheisers are. They don't move at all on my head. Finding the perfect spot for my ears can be tricky but when you get it right it feels like there's nothing on your head. I should've bought these from the start. Now I just need a desktop mic, lol[/QUOTE] What do you think about the sound quality? Was it a big step forward coming from your Siberia's?

[QUOTE=Kylel999;49400718]Bought myself a pair of Sennheiser 598's for X-mas. I'm not an audiophile by any definition and I definitely don't know the technical stuff but wow these are very enjoyable headphones. My only other audio device (other than my speakers) is a Steelseries Siberia V2 headset which I bought simply because I lacked headphones and a mic. For one, the Sennheisers feel a lot more solid, less clunky, and lighter, as they should, being at least twice the price of the Siberias. They don't fit on my small-ish head as well as the Siberias but that's simply because the Siberias have that ridiculous looking fit-your-head frame thing on top of them, but it's pretty rendered unnoticeable because of how light the Sennheisers are. They don't move at all on my head. Finding the perfect spot for my ears can be tricky but when you get it right it feels like there's nothing on your head. I should've bought these from the start. Now I just need a desktop mic, lol[/QUOTE] You could go the VModa BoomPro route I did on the last page, it's probably the nicest mic I've ever used. Everything comes through nice and clear with it, although it can pick up really loud noises from open headphones.

[B]Budget:[/B] ~$100 USD [B]eBay:[/B] No [B]Country:[/B] Australia [B]Isolation:[/B] Whatever's best for Gaming [B]Purpose:[/B] Gaming on PC, Music, TV and (Occasionally) Movies [B]Music Tastes:[/B] 60s Rock (pretty much all subgenres from Folk Rock to Heavy Metal), 70s/80s New Wave, 80s/90s Hip-Hop/G-Funk [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] A crappy headset and crappy earbuds with non-existent bass [B]Comments:[/B] I have psoriasis on my scalp so I'd prefer a material that doesn't get gunky too easily. I have a relatively small head. I like lots of bass but I don't like it to overpower the vocals, guitar, etc too much. I'd prefer it if I didn't have to use an amp. I have no idea what i'm doing

[QUOTE=redBadger;49400591][url]http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/2cfdf61e2e35cc75/index.html[/url] How's this [editline]27th December 2015[/editline] I mean I already know the answer but I just want to hear other opinions[/QUOTE] I know it's a bit of a risk, but I've had very good luck with buying headphones from amazon warehouse. If you're willing to try it, you can get quite a bit further with that kind of money. I just bought a pair $230 sony wireless phones for $110. I get them tomorrow and I'll let you know how they are if you're interested.

So I couldn't wait much longer for the SHP9500's and ordered the HD 518, together with a 1,2m replacement cable from eBay that fits onto the 518. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, when I hopefully get them.

[B]Budget:[/B] $130 or less [B]eBay: [/B] Yes [B]Country:[/B] United States [B]Isolation:[/B] Room Use, no one else will be around [B]Purpose:[/B] Music and Games (Mostly for Teamspeak) [B]Music Tastes:[/B] Classical, Rock, Hip-Hop, Metal, Taylor Swift [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] BOSE Soundlink BT, SHURE 215 IEM [B]Comments:[/B] Looking to attach the V-MODA Headphone Mic into the headphones I get, so it needs to have 3.5 mm detachable. Mostly using this for music, so a good sounding, neutral headphone is what I'm looking for. Not much of a basshead, but I do enjoy a bit of bass to add to the listening experience.

[QUOTE=SGTSpartans;49413481][B]Budget:[/B] $130 or less [B]eBay: [/B] Yes [B]Country:[/B] United States [B]Isolation:[/B] Enough for Library Studying [B]Purpose:[/B] Music and Games (Mostly for Teamspeak) [B]Music Tastes:[/B] Classical, Rock, Hip-Hop, Metal, Taylor Swift [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] BOSE Soundlink BT, SHURE 215 IEM [B]Comments:[/B] Looking to attach the V-MODA Headphone Mic into the headphones I get, so it needs to have 3.5 mm detachable. Mostly using this for music, so a good sounding, neutral headphone is what I'm looking for. Not much of a basshead, but I do enjoy a bit of bass to add to the listening experience.[/QUOTE] [url=http://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-HM9-Hi-Fi-Isolating-Headphones/dp/B00ENZRS76]Brainwavz Hm9[/url], currently $90 on amazon so still under $130 with the vmoda boom pro. Good solid bass. A little heavy, nice isolation. But they might be a tad dark.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49413631][url=http://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-HM9-Hi-Fi-Isolating-Headphones/dp/B00ENZRS76]Brainwavz Hm9[/url], currently $90 on amazon so still under $130 with the vmoda boom pro. Good solid bass. A little heavy, nice isolation. But they might be a tad dark.[/QUOTE] Hi! Thanks for the quick response - I looked into them and they're great for the price, but I feel like I am paying a bit more for the isolation/portability built into them, and I have that with my BOSE Soundlink ( might not be the best, but its got great sound isolation) Would you have a suggestion for something that I could use without the need for isolation? I looked into the Audio Technica MH40x but I don't believe they'll play nice with the V-MODA.

[QUOTE=Tobin;49404288][B]Budget:[/B] ~$100 USD [B]eBay:[/B] No [B]Country:[/B] Australia [B]Isolation:[/B] Whatever's best for Gaming [B]Purpose:[/B] Gaming on PC, Music, TV and (Occasionally) Movies [B]Music Tastes:[/B] 60s Rock (pretty much all subgenres from Folk Rock to Heavy Metal), 70s/80s New Wave, 80s/90s Hip-Hop/G-Funk [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] A crappy headset and crappy earbuds with non-existent bass [B]Comments:[/B] I have psoriasis on my scalp so I'd prefer a material that doesn't get gunky too easily. I have a relatively small head. I like lots of bass but I don't like it to overpower the vocals, guitar, etc too much. I'd prefer it if I didn't have to use an amp. I have no idea what i'm doing[/QUOTE] I might be going out on a limb here, but check out the [url=https://www.storedj.com.au/products/AUD-ATHM40X]Audio technica M40x[/url]. It's the neutral sibling of the M50x and can be had for around $130 AUD or $94 usd. I'm not sure how psoriasis reacts with pleather, (I'm sure you can answer that better than I can) but pleather can be cleaned pretty easily with a damp towel. The cans themselves have great isolation and a tight clamp, which you can lax by stretching them out for a bit. Hope this helps! [editline]29th December 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=SGTSpartans;49413895]Hi! Thanks for the quick response - I looked into them and they're great for the price, but I feel like I am paying a bit more for the isolation/portability built into them, and I have that with my BOSE Soundlink ( might not be the best, but its got great sound isolation) Would you have a suggestion for something that I could use without the need for isolation? I looked into the Audio Technica MH40x but I don't believe they'll play nice with the V-MODA.[/QUOTE] If you still want the vmoda and don't need the isolation, I'd recommend open cans like the SHP9500 or do what slayer3032 did and mod a pair of sennheiser 5xx's to accept standard 3.5mm

Got the Audio Technica M40xs for christmas. Kinda miss how good IEMs are at isolation and they are a bit uncomfortable for long periods of time but I'm sure it's just because I haven't worn over ear headphones for a decade and my ears aren't used to having anything on them as it's getting better each day. Since the sound output is above and right of my head the coiled cable gets in the way so it's mildly annoying having the 3m cable laying half on the floor. The Zalman clip on microphone seems to be really good at picking up keyboards and not very good at picking up voices though.

[QUOTE=helifreak;49416552]Got the Audio Technica M40xs for christmas. Kinda miss how good IEMs are at isolation and they are a bit uncomfortable for long periods of time but I'm sure it's just because I haven't worn over ear headphones for a decade and my ears aren't used to having anything on them as it's getting better each day. Since the sound output is above and right of my head the coiled cable gets in the way so it's mildly annoying having the 3m cable laying half on the floor. The Zalman clip on microphone seems to be really good at picking up keyboards and not very good at picking up voices though.[/QUOTE] If comfort is an issue, check out [url=http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-hm5-spare-earpad-1-pair]Brainwavz HM5 pads[/url]. They're a lot more plush than the standard pads, cost around $15usd, and I'm pretty sure MP4 Nation ships to australia. You can help reduce clampiness by mounting them on a shoe box overnight to stretch them out. And with regards to the cable length, you can 3-string braid the long cable to a size you see fit.

Alright so after another couple weeks of confliction I finally pulled the trigger on the H.earons/MDR100AP's, and my plan was to plug them into the dongle thing that originally came with my G430's because of Logitech's EQ. Problem is, the audio when using the dongle seems to not work properly (MP3's playing shit quality, etc.). Is there a way to make it comply properly or do I just have to use my front audio ports? Or is there an EQ I can download or something? I ask this because front ports give no bass at all. [editline]30th December 2015[/editline] I don't need to buy an AMP now do I? [editline]30th December 2015[/editline] Oh Realtek Audio manager has an EQ, cool.

So I got a pair of DT990, 250 ohm black edition. Anyone have a suggestion for a DAC around $90-$120? I currently have a UDAC-2 but there is some slight static.

[QUOTE=Zerokateo;49420373]So I got a pair of DT990, 250 ohm black edition. Anyone have a suggestion for a DAC around $90-$120? I currently have a UDAC-2 but there is some slight static.[/QUOTE] If you stretch your budget a tiny bit, a B-stock Schiit modi 2 uber can be had for $140.

[t]http://i.imgur.com/lPCASfl.jpg[/t] I demo'd these a couple hours ago.... I'm weak... very weak.

The first noble gas on the Periodic Table + iiii x 100 = ???? If you were hoping on dunking some planar cans, now's the chance. He400i's with screw-on connectors for $260 [url]http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_100841_Mystery-Bag-Bonus-Buy.html[/url] Or you can get the HE400i (With screw-on connectors) and Sennheiser Urbanite/fiio X1 for $300 [url]http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_95601_HIFIMAN-HE-400i.html[/url] (NOTE: Highly recommended to have an amplifier to get the most out of the He400i)

I wish I could demo headphones but it's impossible for me in this country

[B]Budget: [/B]Somewhere around $100 NZD or less if possible (Could go a little over) [B]eBay:[/B] Not too sure... [B]Country:[/B] New Zealand [B]Isolation:[/B] Prefer closed but open if it fits with the budget. [B]Purpose:[/B] Gaming & Music [B]Music Tastes:[/B] Many types of Metal Genres and a little synthwave [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Microsoft LX 3000 (broke), Logitech G35's and G930's (Both equally fucking terrible, the 930's left ear cuts out and the surround is gimmicky, the G35's right ear broke) [B]Comments:[/B] Anything that's better than Logitech's terrible headsets which have terrible support also.

[QUOTE=sheridanm;49437222][B]Budget: [/B]Somewhere around $100 NZD or less if possible (Could go a little over) [B]eBay:[/B] Not too sure... [B]Country:[/B] New Zealand [B]Isolation:[/B] Prefer closed but open if it fits with the budget. [B]Purpose:[/B] Gaming & Music [B]Music Tastes:[/B] Many types of Metal Genres and a little synthwave [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Microsoft LX 3000 (broke), Logitech G35's and G930's (Both equally fucking terrible, the 930's left ear cuts out and the surround is gimmicky, the G35's right ear broke) [B]Comments:[/B] Anything that's better than Logitech's terrible headsets which have terrible support also.[/QUOTE] Are you looking for a headset specifically or just some really nice headphones? These headphones immediately came to mind. Closed cans: [url=http://snw.co.nz/?cms_do=sale&sale_do=sale_show_one_product&product_id=245]Takstar Pro 80's[/url] $70 NZ Open cans: [url=http://snw.co.nz/?cms_do=sale&sale_do=sale_show_one_product&product_id=97]Takstar hi2050[/url] $70 NZ Along with [url=http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-hm5-thick-memory-foam-earpad-suitable-for-large-over-the-ear-headphones-1pc]Hm5 pleather pads[/url] $22 USD, the pads have free world shipping. [editline]when[/editline]

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49437622]Are you looking for a headset specifically or just some really nice headphones? These headphones immediately came to mind. Closed cans: [url=http://snw.co.nz/?cms_do=sale&sale_do=sale_show_one_product&product_id=245]Takstar Pro 80's[/url] $70 NZ Open cans: [url=http://snw.co.nz/?cms_do=sale&sale_do=sale_show_one_product&product_id=97]Takstar hi2050[/url] $70 NZ Along with [url=http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-hm5-thick-memory-foam-earpad-suitable-for-large-over-the-ear-headphones-1pc]Hm5 pleather pads[/url] $22 USD, the pads have free world shipping. [editline]when[/editline][/QUOTE] That's perfect, thanks man. I can always use my desktop mic (doesn't really matter to me)

Bought the set of headphones recommended at the top of the OP with some christmas cash I got and because they were on sale for like $30. Definitely digging this way more than I thought and it makes me think I might grab something more robust down the line.

Just ordered a pair of Sennheiser hd650's with the intent of selling my beloved Ad900x's to a friend. It's been a long run, but it's finally time to retire these bad boys.

[QUOTE=Fish_poke;49441027]Bought the set of headphones recommended at the top of the OP with some christmas cash I got and because they were on sale for like $30. Definitely digging this way more than I thought and it makes me think I might grab something more robust down the line.[/QUOTE] What did you get? Always nice to hear opinions on products.

Are [url=http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-RPHJE120K-In-Ear-Headphone-Black/dp/B003EM8008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424871583&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+headphones]these[/url] good enough for a gym headphone? I'm not looking for top quality since my budgets less than 15 dollars for something I'll be bringing to the gym, but I don't want it to be utter garbage either

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49444563]Just ordered a pair of Sennheiser hd650's with the intent of selling my beloved Ad900x's to a friend. It's been a long run, but it's finally time to retire these bad boys.[/QUOTE] Enjoy them dude. They are a classic and I really envy them. They'll sound awesome with your Gustard H10. Also you can try out [url=http://superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/sennheiser-hd650-love.44/]these mods[/url] to improve the sound. They'll still sound great unmodded though.

[QUOTE=Havolis;49447710]Enjoy them dude. They are a classic and I really envy them. They'll sound awesome with your Gustard H10. Also you can try out [url=http://superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/sennheiser-hd650-love.44/]these mods[/url] to improve the sound. They'll still sound great unmodded though.[/QUOTE] I'll definitely try these mods out after giving them a good week listen. I can't wait to pit them against the ZMF omni's when those finally arrive.

Been using my akg y50s for quite some time, they're really great but I think my cable decided to off itself, I can see some damage on the ends and a lot of audio issues appeard, do you guys know about any good 3.5mm -> 2.5mm audio cables? The entire industry around audio cables is waiting for my uninformed purchase, the range of prices and quality is insane

Different lengths available in the drop down menu: [url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Replacement-upgrade-Cable-For-AKG-Y45BT-Y50-Y40-Y55-K845BT-K840KL-headphones-/201195269395[/url] I picked up cables from this seller off amazon for my sennheiser momentums. They're clothed, heavy duty, tangle free, and equipped with a large strain relief on the 3.5mm end. The 3.5mm lead takes a 6.3mm screw-on which is included, but it makes the 3.5mm lead itself pretty large. The cable is pretty weighty due to its relative thickness, and microphonics are good as long as you're not running. Decent for portable use, 3.5mm still huge though. Free world shipping from china.