Headphone Buying Megathread/Guide V4 - Come here for all your audio needs! (New Threads are not need
4,875 replies, posted
I bought a pair of Sennheiser HD 202's because they were insanely cheap locally.
After that I passed it through my bass amp to my computer on the low output jack and I have a headphone output that I hooked up with the 3.5mm to 6.35mm plug it comes with, which is awesome. I don't even need an external DAC AMP (my favorite music sounds orgasmic).
It certainly beats the quality of the terrible gaming headsets I've had through the years and I can adjust the treble and bass to my hearts content.
Although I do need to set it to a certain point and the volume on the amp has to be below 5 for the best results.
So, today I realized I was using shit all wrong. In my Realtek audio manager I've been tasking my headphones as, well, headphones. Today I decided to task them as speakers and they sound a lot more neutral and immediate. I guess headphones applies some sort of equalization to it, and speakers are more neutral.
I think headphone mode applies crossfeed in order to simulate a speaker environment.
H.earon's have been serving me beautifully for both gaming and music, but I still haven't picked up a microphone. What's the recommendation for a fairly standard, not too pricey external microphone to use alongside headphones? The antlion seems to be the only one that fits my needs.
[QUOTE=Luxuria;49590124]H.earon's have been serving me beautifully for both gaming and music, but I still haven't picked up a microphone. What's the recommendation for a fairly standard, not too pricey external microphone to use alongside headphones? The antlion seems to be the only one that fits my needs.[/QUOTE]
If you're alright with a desktop mic the Samson Go Mic is a good choice.
Is the ModMic 4.0 worth buying? It's currently available on MassDrop for a low price. [url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/antlion-modmic-4[/url]
I'm currently using this three dollar mic solution, which works but it's not the greatest.
[t]http://i.imgur.com/FDKeNvN.png[/t]
edit: Accidentally bought it, unfortunately they only had the omnidirectional version and they ship very late. but whatever
Hey everyone, my headset broke today and I'm looking for a cheap replacement.
I previously had some [url=http://www.trust.com/en/product/16533-5-1-surround-usb-headset]random 5.1 USB headset[/url] that doesn't even have a name.
All I really need it for is playing Counter Strike. Anything that allows me to hear where footsteps are coming from.
After looking around a little, it seems that people generally advice against headsets, so without any idea what to look out for I picked out the following 2 things:
[url=http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B002GHIPYI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_1&smid=ARWFG41TXG1LU]Superlux HD681[/url]
[url=http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00029MTMQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_2&smid=A1YJU9RIMEUNF2]Zalman ZM-MIC1 Microphone[/url]
Is this a good choice? Should I maybe get the [url=http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B003JOETX8?keywords=hd668&qid=1453596453&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1]HD668B[/url] instead?
HD668B's are a much more common recommendation.
Well, I have a similar situation to Maurice. I'm currently using an Asus Vulcan ANC, and the seams on the padding have started coming apart, and I haven't found anything online that offers a solution for it.
Are the HD668B the best headphones for that sort of price? I was looking for something up to about £50, but there's no point in spending that much if the HD668B are better.
I'm a little concerned about the size/shape of the pads, though. It took me a while to find headphones with pads that weren't too small/the wrong shape, and the Vulcan's pads are pretty much the right size/shape for me. The Vulcan pads are about 4.2 inches by 3.2 inches on the outside, and 2.7 inches by 1.5 inches on the inside. I've struggled to find anything that covers this for the HD668B, so can anyone help out with this?
Additionally, is it worth getting a ModMic at some point in the future? I prefer that style of mic over a desk mic or something like the Zalman one that was linked (though that's mostly due to me assuming that it wouldn't be able to pick up my whispering that well), and the ModMic seems like a good solution, though it is a bit expensive.
still on the lookout for some nice open headphones considering what was suggested isn't available in Norway.
My HM5s arrived today, from a quick 5 minute session with them on the padding seems fine with my glasses frame. Sick. Everything sounds somewhat airy at the moment, though I am coming from open, on ear headphones. This is my first full, around ear closed set. I'm hoping to adjust to it.
The build quality seems pretty tight from my look around the set. And apparently there are pimpability options. Time to find gaudy shells!
[QUOTE=PredGD;49603089]still on the lookout for some nice open headphones considering what was suggested isn't available in Norway.[/QUOTE]
Have you considered Sennheiser [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-HD-600-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H]Hd600[/url]/[url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00004SY4H&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1M2HXPNMB0G79E8JMZMX]Hd650's[/url]? The Hd600 is the more neutral of the two, with the 650 taking a smoother and warmer approach, while both cans require a dac/amp to sound their best (They scale with gear exceptionally well). They're still a great headphone without proper ampage. They're both open cans btw.
I own a modded Hd650 myself and it's probably the best headphone I've heard so far.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49603473]Have you considered Sennheiser [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-HD-600-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H]Hd600[/url]/[url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00004SY4H&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1M2HXPNMB0G79E8JMZMX]Hd650's[/url]? The Hd600 is the more neutral of the two, with the 650 taking a smoother and warmer approach, while both cans require a dac/amp to sound their best (They scale with gear exceptionally well). They're still a great headphone without proper ampage. They're both open cans btw.
I own an Hd650 myself and it's probably the best headphone I've heard so far. (Modded Hd650's)[/QUOTE]
I actually did, but I was a little set back by how old they were, particularly the HD600 which came out in 1995 from what I could tell. I suppose there hasn't been that many technological breakthroughs when thinking of audio equipment, making the HD600 a solid choice even 21 years after its release?
[QUOTE=PredGD;49603509]I actually did, but I was a little set back by how old they were, particularly the HD600 which came out in 1995 from what I could tell. I suppose there hasn't been that many technological breakthroughs when thinking of audio equipment, making the HD600 a solid choice even 21 years after its release?[/QUOTE]
Sennheiser have performed small updates to the drivers of the hd6x0 without press release throughout the years, [url=http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/very-important-sennheiser-hd-580-hd-600-and-hd-650#Av5IXqtHO21QZo8S.97]inner fidelity[/url] has an interesting article about it. And if you prefer a bassier signature, the hd650 seems like the stronger choice. (It's also more recent of the two, it was released in 2003 and is still in production)
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[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49603535]Sennheiser have performed small updates to the drivers of the hd6x0 without press release throughout the years, [url=http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/very-important-sennheiser-hd-580-hd-600-and-hd-650#Av5IXqtHO21QZo8S.97]inner fidelity[/url] has an interesting article about it. And if you prefer a bassier signature, the hd650 seems like the stronger choice. (It's also more recent of the two, it was released in 2003 and is still in production)
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Changed link to full article[/QUOTE]
I think I'll settle with the HD650, but they have an ohm of 300. do I need an amp to run this set at its best? if so, how much money should I expect to sink into an amp and whats a good desktop amp?
[QUOTE=PredGD;49603688]I think I'll settle with the HD650, but they have an ohm of 300. do I need an amp to run this set at its best? if so, how much money should I expect to sink into an amp and whats a good desktop amp?[/QUOTE]
A schiit magni/vali 2 should power them easily. But I've read about the hd650 having some amazing synergy with the garage 1217 sunrise III (schiit vali 2 and sunrise III are tube amps) Another good budget choice is the O2 amp.
I personally use a gustard h10 to power mine. And I'm considering the sunrise III in the future for that tubey goodness.
[editline]when[/editline]
The hd650 sounds great off my phone too, but they really open up when hooked it to a dedicated power source.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Beyerdynamic DTX 102 iE? They are on sale for $40, thinking about grabbing a pair. (Currently using Symphonized NRG 2.0, which I like)
Along with some Comply foam tips.
So I'm strongly considering the 650s. How much of a difference are they compared to some modded fostex or hyperx headphones? Enough to warrant £220 or so?
Also, what amp/dac should I get to compliment it?
I have an Astro Mixamp, but it's more for my PS4 so I'm not too sure with amps, etc
[QUOTE=Mr. Agree;49627802]So I'm strongly considering the 650s. How much of a difference are they compared to some modded fostex or hyperx headphones? Enough to warrant £220 or so?
Also, what amp/dac should I get to compliment it?
I have an Astro Mixamp, but it's more for my PS4 so I'm not too sure with amps, etc[/QUOTE]
Is it worth dropping £220 on new sound? For me, the Hd650 was a nice warm signature, coupled with gently rolling highs that eased their way into a full, controlled bass and subbass. But after modding, they're a completely different animal. if you're curious about the mods and enjoy a good read, there's a lot of documentation on the [url=http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/sennheiser-hd650-love-appreciation-thread.44/]SBAF[/url] thread.
For amps and dacs, the Hd650 scales exceptionally well with dedicated gear. Some great amp pairings are the Schiit Vali 2 / Magni 2, Bottlehead Crack + Speedball (High output Impedance), and the Garage 1217 Sunrise III. For dacs, the Modi 2 is hard to beat.
From a budgeting standpoint, the hd650 is a forgiving headphone and will still perform pretty well w/o an amp, but you'd want to grab an amp asap to power them properly. Then you can grab the dac down the line when you feel it's worth it.
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bought the HD650, woo. can't wait until it arrives. I'm not really able to find an amp to go with it, none of what I've been recommended in this thread is available here in Norway.
if anyone fancies reading norwegian or is able to translate somehow, could someone tell me of a good amp that's actually available in Norway? there's a nice website that matches prices and so on with a lot of stores so this can be used to see if it's available in Norway.
[url]http://www.prisjakt.no/[/url]
[editline]29th January 2016[/editline]
Schiit Audio Asgard? it costs as much as the headphones, shit, but it seems like a decent choice?
[QUOTE=PredGD;49630830]bought the HD650, woo. can't wait until it arrives. I'm not really able to find an amp to go with it, none of what I've been recommended in this thread is available here in Norway.
if anyone fancies reading norwegian or is able to translate somehow, could someone tell me of a good amp that's actually available in Norway? there's a nice website that matches prices and so on with a lot of stores so this can be used to see if it's available in Norway.
[url]http://www.prisjakt.no/[/url]
[editline]29th January 2016[/editline]
Schiit Audio Asgard? it costs as much as the headphones, shit, but it seems like a decent choice?[/QUOTE]
Schiit Asgard and Asgard 2 are also good choices for the Hd650. Asgard 2 has an input gain switch for sensitive IEMS and rca outs to hook to powered monitors.
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Here's a schiit distributor for [url=http://www.duet.no/produktkategori/head-fi/hodetelefonforsterker/page/2/]Norway[/url]
And another Eu distributor, shipped from [url=http://www.schiit-europe.com/index.php/producten.html?cat=17]the Netherlands[/url], Magni 2 or Vali 2 would be my takeaway from this distributor, they can easily power the entire spectrum of headphones. (Save for the He-6)
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49631631]Schiit Asgard and Asgard 2 are also good choices for the Hd650. Asgard 2 has an input gain switch for sensitive IEMS and rca outs to hook to powered monitors.
[editline]when[/editline]
Here's a schiit distributor for [url=http://www.duet.no/produktkategori/head-fi/hodetelefonforsterker/page/2/]Norway[/url]
And another Eu distributor, shipped from [url=http://www.schiit-europe.com/index.php/producten.html?cat=17]the Netherlands[/url][/QUOTE]
its crazy expensive, I wasn't actually expecting to have to spend another $340 just to complete the system. it's weird to think that my 780Ti brand new cost less than this and that's a lot of money. does an amp really make that big of a difference?
It depends on the headphone really, the Hd650 still sounds great out of my phone and straight out of my computer. A dedicated amp is just the next step up.
I think I'll wait with the amp for now and see how they do out of the box, surely they can't be worse than my DT770 Pro 80ohms with no amp? I'm a little worried about volume in general as there are times where I can listen to these headphones at the max volume. it's not comfortable unless I'm in the mood and I can't do it for very long, but if the max volume isn't loud enough to be uncomfortable does that mean I might have some issues driving this set at 300ohms? eh, I suppose I'll wait and see. if its really that bad I suppose I can just toss aside some cash for an amp and it's fixed in a few days
Typically, a headphone that isn't being driven properly will still reach listenable volumes, what does suffer is the high and low end. Those frequency bands require a healthy amount of power to create their intended sound and if they don't receive enough power, they will clip and sound distorted. This issue does not manifest in the Hd650 as much because they're technically a very efficient headphone at 103dB/mW.
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yeah, listening to the Hd650 still sounds amaze-balls from onboard. The bass is just a tad less unrefined.
[QUOTE][B]Budget[/B]:£60-£120
[B]eBay:[/B] Would prefer Amazon
[B]Country:[/B]UK
[B]Isolation:[/B]Doesn't really matter as long they're comfortable.
[B]Purpose: [/B]A little of everything, gaming, listening to music, watching movies etc etc..
[B]Music Tastes[/B]:Drum and Bass but typically any sort of music in general.
[B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Headsets such as the Corsair Vengeance 1300 + 1500, Logitech G930 7.1 Wireless Gaming Headset and the most resent HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset.
[B]Comments:[/B] As you can see here from my previous experience have all been with headsets and I'm sick of them breaking on me. So this time I'm looking for a good pair of headphones and a mic to go along with it since i use Skype a lot at home. The main selling point for me would be the ability to change the cables on the headphones since all of my previous sets broke due to the cable being bent too much or just with poor quality headset builds. I admit I'm a bit clueless on headphones in general and would like some advice on what to get. Thanks! :)[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=X-JIDE;49632699]Budget:£60-£120
eBay: Would prefer Amazon
Country:UK
Isolation:Doesn't really matter as long they're comfortable.
Purpose: A little of everything, gaming, listening to music, watching movies etc etc..
Music Tastes:Drum and Bass but typically any sort of music in general.
Previous Experiences: Headsets such as the Corsair Vengeance 1300 + 1500, Logitech G930 7.1 Wireless Gaming Headset and the most resent HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset.
Comments: As you can see here from my previous experience have all been with headsets and I'm sick of them breaking on me. So this time I'm looking for a good pair of headphones and a mic to go along with it since i use Skype a lot at home. The main selling point for me would be the ability to change the cables on the headphones since all of my previous sets broke due to the cable being bent too much or just with poor quality headset builds. I admit I'm a bit clueless on headphones in general and would like some advice on what to get. Thanks! :)[/QUOTE]
[url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-SHP9500-headphones-Black-Circumaural-Head-band/dp/B00ENMK1DW]Shp9500[/url] + [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/V-MODA-BoomPro-Gaming-Headphone-Microphone-Black/dp/B00BJ17WKK/ref=pd_sim_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41WfbQw%2Bp8L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1DQYA4SMRHPNXE8436CX]Vmoda boom pro[/url] is right up your alley for great sound with detachable mic.
Budget: Up to or around $100
eBay: Sure
Country: US
Isolation: Open back would be nice just so I can hear other people, but it's not an important factor.
Purpose: Everything really, but I guess music is the big one.
Music Tastes: Power metal, electronic, classic rock
Previous Experiences: Some shitty headsets, Phillips-O'neill TR-55LX, Sony studio monitors, and my old faithful Sony DR-ZX701.
Comments: I wear headphones a lot, like most of the time I'm awake, a lot. And I guess I just have big ears or maybe they just sit weird on my head, but there's 2 places on my ears that are pressing up against the hard plastic inside the cups. So I'm looking for something with some deep cups and/or some cushy ass pads. I've tried stuffing mine with some cotton, but it keeps slipping out and isn't that effective. Thanks in advance.
Would it be possible to install one of those headset mics onto a HD518 without modding it to remove that lock? I don't exactly feel comfortable modding them.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;49635540][url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-SHP9500-headphones-Black-Circumaural-Head-band/dp/B00ENMK1DW]Shp9500[/url] + [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/V-MODA-BoomPro-Gaming-Headphone-Microphone-Black/dp/B00BJ17WKK/ref=pd_sim_147_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41WfbQw%2Bp8L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1DQYA4SMRHPNXE8436CX]Vmoda boom pro[/url] is right up your alley for great sound with detachable mic.[/QUOTE]
Cool,will check them out and make a decision. Thanks again.
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