Headphone Buying Megathread/Guide V4 - Come here for all your audio needs! (New Threads are not need
4,875 replies, posted
[QUOTE=PredGD;50248093]whats a good soundcard? usually I wouldn't buy that kinda stuff as I find it unnecessary, but the in built audio on my motherboard is quite wonky. as described in my last post on this page, it doesn't understand the concept of splitting stereo audio into two mono channels which leaves me with an amp I can't use.[/QUOTE]
Why not just get a DAC? You're going to get less for your money with a soundcard because you're paying for the DAC and AMP in there, but you alright have an amp.
[QUOTE=Levelog;50248439]Why not just get a DAC? You're going to get less for your money with a soundcard because you're paying for the DAC and AMP in there, but you alright have an amp.[/QUOTE]
that's a much better idea. when using a DAC, will the in built sound card work in conjunction with it in any way or will it effectively be replaced 100%? if the in built solution gets 100% replaced then I'll go shop a DAC, I don't trust this motherboard at all to handle my audio
[editline]3rd May 2016[/editline]
I've heard that DACs have their own personal signature sounds which might work better if paired with a amp that takes more advantage of this. with that in mind, what would be a suitable DAC to go along with my Schiit Asgard 2 and HD650? I'd really prefer if the DAC in question is sold in Norway, international shipping is no bueno.
[editline]3rd May 2016[/editline]
opinions of Henry Audio? a norwegian DAC which is apparently pretty good. it also looks like they've put some effort into Linux support (not sure how Linux tackles DACs in general, but I imagine quite badly) which is also a plus.
[QUOTE=PredGD;50248682]that's a much better idea. when using a DAC, will the in built sound card work in conjunction with it in any way or will it effectively be replaced 100%? if the in built solution gets 100% replaced then I'll go shop a DAC, I don't trust this motherboard at all to handle my audio
[editline]3rd May 2016[/editline]
I've heard that DACs have their own personal signature sounds which might work better if paired with a amp that takes more advantage of this. with that in mind, what would be a suitable DAC to go along with my Schiit Asgard 2 and HD650? I'd really prefer if the DAC in question is sold in Norway, international shipping is no bueno.
[editline]3rd May 2016[/editline]
opinions of Henry Audio? a norwegian DAC which is apparently pretty good. it also looks like they've put some effort into Linux support (not sure how Linux tackles DACs in general, but I imagine quite badly) which is also a plus.[/QUOTE]
A DAC completely bypasses the internal soundcard. Its just the digital signal from your computer. If you're looking for cheaper I'd normally go with a schiit modi 2. Never heard of Henry audio though. I've also not had many issues with DACs in Fedora.
So a while ago on a recommendation from a friend I bought a pair of these
[url]https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00HVLUR86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/url]
For a few months they were great but then they started causing me pain almost as soon as I would put them on my head. I've tried multiple solutions to make them more comfortable but none of them have completely eliminated the pain, so I've decided to look into buying a new pair of headphones.
Various purchasing notes:
I'm looking to spend about 100 dollars, maybe a little more if needed.
Primary use for the headphones is gaming
I might want open back headphones because there are many times where I need to hear audio from outside the headphones
I need something that can be easily bought in Canada
Friend suggested I go for this kind of band since it might hurt my head less.
[img]http://puu.sh/oJxAp/b529fbd1c9.jpg[/img]
So does anyone have any suggestions?
What exactly hurt on the ATH's? Will help us know what to recommend as far as shape. The band only? The cups? Just the pressure?
[QUOTE=Levelog;50276429]What exactly hurt on the ATH's? Will help us know what to recommend as far as shape. The band only? The cups? Just the pressure?[/QUOTE]
When I wear them I get pain on the inside of my ears. I also get some pain where the band is and around the outside of myears.
So yeah, probably a band more like the design you posted, and low clamping pressure. I'm not too sure on these things but I'm sure Kangaroo or Havolis will pop in here and give you a good recommendation.
[QUOTE=Lucinice;50276228]
[img]http://puu.sh/oJxAp/b529fbd1c9.jpg[/img]
So does anyone have any suggestions?[/QUOTE]
I have headphones like this and I'd recommend you get something with a cussion, this doesn't hurt me much but if you are sensitive you really want a very wide headband with something soft
[QUOTE=LennyPenny;50277552]I have headphones like this and I'd recommend you get something with a cussion, this doesn't hurt me much but if you are sensitive you really want a very wide headband with something soft[/QUOTE]
If you guys think that would work better I'm all for it
Just order somewhere you can easily send stuff back to and order something new, sadly you can't really test things like this in a store
[QUOTE=Lucinice;50276228]So a while ago on a recommendation from a friend I bought a pair of these
[url]https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00HVLUR86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/url]
For a few months they were great but then they started causing me pain almost as soon as I would put them on my head. I've tried multiple solutions to make them more comfortable but none of them have completely eliminated the pain, so I've decided to look into buying a new pair of headphones.
Various purchasing notes:
I'm looking to spend about 100 dollars, maybe a little more if needed.
Primary use for the headphones is gaming
I might want open back headphones because there are many times where I need to hear audio from outside the headphones
I need something that can be easily bought in Canada
Friend suggested I go for this kind of band since it might hurt my head less.
[img]http://puu.sh/oJxAp/b529fbd1c9.jpg[/img]
So does anyone have any suggestions?[/QUOTE]
HD558's are really hard to complain about, SHP9500's are extremely open to the point I've heard someone screaming on teamspeak through mine downstairs before. The earpads are extremely shallow and wide though and definitely don't conform around your ears remotely as well as the Sennheiser's but they make up for that by being comfortable and airy.
Canadian dollars seem to be worth 1/2 a USD now since apparently the $100 558's are $200 up there, I'd try to get someone to grab something on sale and ship it up to you since it seems that you'll save a significant amount on some things even if you paid the taxes.
[QUOTE=Lucinice;50276228]So a while ago on a recommendation from a friend I bought a pair of these
[url]https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00HVLUR86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/url]
For a few months they were great but then they started causing me pain almost as soon as I would put them on my head. I've tried multiple solutions to make them more comfortable but none of them have completely eliminated the pain, so I've decided to look into buying a new pair of headphones.
Various purchasing notes:
I'm looking to spend about 100 dollars, maybe a little more if needed.
Primary use for the headphones is gaming
I might want open back headphones because there are many times where I need to hear audio from outside the headphones
I need something that can be easily bought in Canada
Friend suggested I go for this kind of band since it might hurt my head less.
[img]http://puu.sh/oJxAp/b529fbd1c9.jpg[/img]
So does anyone have any suggestions?[/QUOTE]
If you want an open headphone, you can get the Sennheiser HD 558 which is super comfortable and sounds pretty good. Your other option is the Audio-Technica AD500x/AD700x/AD900x (pick the one you can afford), it sounds very good as well but if you can I recommend trying them out first cause the headband doesn't work for everyone.
Earbuds, what about them? I need a new pair and my price range is ~50$, though what I really want to know is which brands I should stay away/close from. Thanks!
A friend told me that the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones are pretty good. Is this true? I cant afford something over 70 dollars because I spent most of my $ on a microphone
[QUOTE=Shaohs;50308922]A friend told me that the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones are pretty good. Is this true? I cant afford something over 70 dollars because I spent most of my $ on a microphone[/QUOTE]
I'd grab some sennheiser HD 518's over those personally
do alternatives to the Apple Earpods exist? by that I mean the shape of the buds themselves, never seen anything else with that shape. my current pair of those just kicked the bucket after 4 years, the wire to the right earbud got severed somewhere in the cable. really not a fan of any of the other shapes, only had good experiences with Apple's earbuds.
I was thinking about buying a new pair of headphones.
[B]Budget:[/B] 100€
[B]Country:[/B] Germany
[B]Isolation:[/B] Closed > open
[B]Purpose:[/B] Using them at home on a desktop PC (without amp) and on-the-go via an android smartphone. (Thus shouldn't be too big)
[B]Music Tastes: [/B] Breakcore, hardcore, speedcore, electronic music, EDM, trap, cloud rap, basically anything electronic with a lot of bass.
[B]Previous Experiences/Comments:[/B]
I used to have the Sony MDR-XB500 and the Sennheiser HD 439.
I really loved the Sony ones for their over-the-top bass enhancement, their comfortability (ear-pads felt like cushions) and the great build quality (they felt incredibly durable)
The Sennheiser were great, too. I really liked how clear the sound was overall. I really digged the velour ear-pads and the small bass enhancement was good. The detachable cable surely was a winner, I, however, really disliked that there wasn't really any pressure on my ears. They were really open and sat very loosely on my head. I really liked that about the Sony MDR-XB500 - the kind of vacuum they created inside the ear-pads.
In my short list I have:
- AKG Y55 (tried them out at a local shop. Really like the sound, the enhanced bass and the vacuum-effect they create. They are, however, on-ear. I don't really seem to mind on-ear headphones, but I am afraid that they might start to become uncomfortable to wear if one was to wear them for several hours)
- Audio Technica ATH-M30x/M40x
- Teufel Massive
- Teufel Aureol Real
I haven't tried out the others yet, since I haven't been able to find them at any store near-by.
[QUOTE=Ripmax;50212099]For around that price range there is the Superlux HD681 if you don't need sound isolation.
[url]http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Superlux-HD681B-Professional-Monitor-DJ-Studio-Hi-Fi-Headphone-Semi-open-Black-/161930905778?hash=item25b3d588b2:g:qmIAAOSwo3pWgQrD[/url]
Reviews if you're interested: [url]http://www.head-fi.org/products/superlux-hd-681[/url][/QUOTE]
Well my headphones arrived today and they are sounding great, thanks for the advice guys!
Budget: <=150€
eBay: No thanks
Country: Finland
Isolation: Circumaural
Purpose: Music, gaming, VOIP
Music Tastes: Classic Rock, Metal
Previous Experiences: Philips SBC HP800, Koss Plug, Sony XDR MD100, various cheap in-ear headphones and on-ear cheap headsets.
Comments: I want to stop using headsets and try something better. I've received many opinions but they don't really have any actual content to them except "these are gud, buy these :DD." Asus Xonar DGX and an Antlion ModMic 4.0 Muted Uni-directional should be arriving soon[SUP]TM[/SUP]
Device: Mic Pre-Amp
Budget: looking around 150 euro, including shipping. if a decent amp is more expensive then we can go higher tho
eBay: sure, if legit seller
Country: Netherlands
Comment: I'm experimenting with building my own microphone from old headset drivers. It seems to work well so far, only the output volume is very low (as expected with a big diaphragm), and amplifying with my onboard sound card adds tons of noise.
So I'm looking for a decent microphone pre-amp, preferably not too expensive as it's just for experimenting. Priority is as little noise as possible and preservation of bass.
Before I continue, let me say that I'm aware that there's a stigma with gaming headsets and such. But anyway, my G430's finally bit the dust (audio was performing really quietly after reinstalling Windows and one of the ear cups broke) and I'm looking for another good headset. Normally I'd go for a Headphone + Mic combo but with my current headphones I'm having trouble getting games to sound good. I can almost but there's still a mix between good, bassy noises and others being tinny. I've tried fiddling with the EQ (Realtek Audio Manger) but just can't do it.
So, any reccomendations for a gaming headset with onboard soundcard that's got good bass for around the $250AUD max mark?
Thanks!
I just got the SteelSeries Siberia 800 wireless head set and Xbox One wireless controller for couch gaming. My aim was to not have to buy a console (last console I had was Xbox 360) and just use my computer for games. So far so good it's nice to be completely wireless control wise. Does anyone else have the Siberia 800 wireless head set? So far it's awesome. They really sold me on the interchangeable Li batteries.
No hate or anything, but that post sounded really... [I]scripted.[/I]
[QUOTE=Luxuria;50373134]No hate or anything, but that post sounded really... [I]scripted.[/I][/QUOTE]
I think my posts out before I type them... Big deal lmfao. All the other head sets that are wireless are a joke just wanted to know if there were any other steel series Siberia owners.
I've been regretting my Corsair Raptor HS40s for about a year now, and as the ear rests are beginning to fall to pieces, I feel I've gotten my worth out of them and it's time for a new pair.
Budget: $125, hard limit
Country: US
Isolation: Closed-Back, Circumaural ( I need to make sure not much sound leaks out, nor in, and I greatly prefer them to surround my ears)
Purpose: They'll be used for everything, but mostly for 2-4 hour sessions of listening to music.
Music Tastes: Synthwave, Witch-House, occasionally Rock/Hip-Hop
Previous Experiences: I had a great pair of noise canceling Audio-Technicas for a time, but they were a hand-me-down and the noise canceling switch begin to fall apart soon after I received them. That was an issue with that particular model, but overall, I loved that pair. The audio quality was excellent.
Comments: I'm very seriously considering getting a pair of ATH-M50x headphones. Also up for debate are the ATH-M40x. I absolutely want something with a detachable cable after so many pairs that broke because of one. I'll purchase a mic at a later date, it's not very important to me.
I'm looking for a good set of headphones that works well with integrated computer output.
Budget: Any, I want to see any recommendation
eBay: No
Country: US
Isolation: Doesn't matter
Purpose: Movies and Games, be able to reproduce the output given to it as true as possible
Music Tastes: All
Circumaural
Thank you!
[t]http://foxcock.me/web/dump/Phone%20Camera/Camera/IMG_20160525_234515076.jpg[/t]
I've had this [url=http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Siberia-Full-Size-Gaming-Headset/dp/B003N636VI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8]Steelseries Siberia V2[/url] headset for around three years. I have enjoyed the sound quality a lot. I was replacing a shitty USB logitech headset at the time, that had fallen apart because [I]the cord would relentlessly twist itself until it finally broke itself[/I].
My current Steelseries (using proper audio ports and not the usb shite) has a very fluid cable that appears incapable of becoming twisted.
[B]Problem:[/B] See how the cable thins out near the end? Something has finally gone wrong here, probably a result of it getting pulled at a 90 degree angle from time to time. The left audio channel keeps cutting out unless I angle the wire just right.
Can anyone recommend similar quality headphones with a fluid cable that perhaps don't thin out like that? I paid 60 or 70$ for them at the time. Additionally, I had to really break in these headphones; the silly "one size fits all" stretch band was pointless since these were a little small for me at the top wireframe.
[editline]26th May 2016[/editline]
I don't need the shitty built in microphone
I am working at a place with loud machinery, (Not jackhammer loud mind you, just workshop stuff), and I am wondering what solutions are available for blocking out the noise / making it safe for my ears, plus allowing me to listen to my music? My current earbud headphones are half dead after an accidental laundry cycle, which is why I need new ones anyways. I definitely want a pause button near near the ear piece so I can pause and skip without taking out my phone, but the volume control is optional.
I am working so I can spend money, but I don't want anything TOO overpriced. Midrange would be nice.
[QUOTE=Zenreon117;50399591]I am working at a place with loud machinery, (Not jackhammer loud mind you, just workshop stuff), and I am wondering what solutions are available for blocking out the noise / making it safe for my ears, plus allowing me to listen to my music? My current earbud headphones are half dead after an accidental laundry cycle, which is why I need new ones anyways. I definitely want a pause button near near the ear piece so I can pause and skip without taking out my phone, but the volume control is optional.
I am working so I can spend money, but I don't want anything TOO overpriced. Midrange would be nice.[/QUOTE]
[url]http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_EU/PPE_SafetySolutions_EU/Safety/Product_Catalogue/~/3M-PELTOR-FM-Radio-Headsets?N=7576577+3294361712+3294857473&rt=rud[/url]
It has a 3.5mm cable plug, you just need a male-to-male 3.5mm cord.
So i received my hd558, wanted to test out the open back capacity
Found this
[video=youtube;OR_sk6UiCKw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR_sk6UiCKw[/video]
This gave me back chill.
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