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

[QUOTE=ifaux;51240853]i currently have a normal modi 2, is there any reason i'd want to look into upgrading to an uber?[/QUOTE] [del]New Modi 2u's are stuck in limbo because the newer modi multibit uses the same multibit tech as the more expensive Bifrost Multi-bit at a fraction of the price. ($250 modi vs $600 bifrost) It might be worth grabbing B-stock Modi 2's for because of that low price though.[/del] Actually, now that Modi 2U's ship with the AKM 4490 DAC (Same DAC as Bifrost Uber) the Modi 2u is a fantastic option at that price point. Disregard above statement. [editline]21st October 2016[/editline] [QUOTE=ifaux;51239790] what kind of mod would improve the 650s? this[/QUOTE] Something like [url=http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/sennheiser-hd650-love-appreciation-thread.44/]this[/url] with a little bit of spin. They really open up the sound stage and clarity whilst tightening up bass response and depth. But it's a "you'll need to hear it to believe" it kinda thing. when you do consider modding, throw me a pm.

Apologies for this being off topic, but I couldn't seem to find a general Audio thread. I'm thinking about buying some 5.1 Surround speakers (just the speakers) - 5x141W and 1x145W Sub but they don't come with any inbuilt amp or anything and i'm just wondering what additional equipment i'm going to need to hook them up to my PC?

I need a shit pair of headphones for my phone as my others broke recently. What would you recommend?

[QUOTE=Dorkslayz;51246394]Apologies for this being off topic, but I couldn't seem to find a general Audio thread. I'm thinking about buying some 5.1 Surround speakers (just the speakers) - 5x141W and 1x145W Sub but they don't come with any inbuilt amp or anything and i'm just wondering what additional equipment i'm going to need to hook them up to my PC?[/QUOTE] You're going to need a receiver capable of 5.1

[QUOTE=Dorkslayz;51246394]Apologies for this being off topic, but I couldn't seem to find a general Audio thread. I'm thinking about buying some 5.1 Surround speakers (just the speakers) - 5x141W and 1x145W Sub but they don't come with any inbuilt amp or anything and i'm just wondering what additional equipment i'm going to need to hook them up to my PC?[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Levelog;51246628]You're going to need a receiver capable of 5.1[/QUOTE] Depending on what audio output jack you have on your computer and which receiver you get, You'll also need a [del]1/8" to RCA connector[/del] a sound card capable of outputting multiple channels, a lot of speaker wire (16 gauge is good) a pair of wire strippers, and optionally, a ton of banana plugs. Which speakers and sub do you have in mind btw? [editline]22nd October 2016[/editline] [QUOTE=windows098;51246426]I need a shit pair of headphones for my phone as my others broke recently. What would you recommend?[/QUOTE] If you can do clip on, Koss KCS 75's, if you don't like clip-ons, buy [url=http://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-mini-stereo-lightweight-headphones-with-4-ft-cord--240-015]this headphone[/url], throw the drivers away, and mount the KCS 75's onto them. Best $25 you'll ever spend on headphones.

Anyone have experience with the Shure se215's?

My 10 minute demo with them left me wanting more bass, but the fit and isolation were good.

[QUOTE=Loriborn;51247145]Anyone have experience with the Shure se215's?[/QUOTE] i was consdering 215s for a pair of iems for when i'm on the go but based on ^^^^ wanting more bass 315s may be the way to go i've been without my gear for a week and am finally back to actually listening to music as opposed to playing music. feels godly

[QUOTE=ifaux;51247637]i was consdering 215s for a pair of iems for when i'm on the go but based on ^^^^ wanting more bass 315s may be the way to go i've been without my gear for a week and am finally back to actually listening to music as opposed to playing music. feels godly[/QUOTE] I've read that the 215s are more bass heavy whereas the 315s are way more crisp and neutral, actually.

[QUOTE=Loriborn;51247980]I've read that the 215s are more bass heavy whereas the 315s are way more crisp and neutral, actually.[/QUOTE] No, 215's are pretty light on the bass. I also found the treble on my 215 LE's rather piercing as well, ended up having to replace them.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51246680]Depending on what audio output jack you have on your computer and which receiver you get, You'll also need a 1/8" to RCA connector, a lot of speaker wire (16 gauge is good) a pair of wire strippers, and optionally, a ton of banana plugs. Which speakers and sub do you have in mind btw?[/QUOTE] They're speakers from a LG 5.1 Surround Setup (without the controller/amp unit), model is HT806PH I believe ([URL="http://www.lg.com/pe/products/documents/HT806PH%20home%20theater.pdf"]manual[/URL], spec sheet is at the end). On my PC i've got 6 outputs and I can specify via Realtek the type of output (sub, front left, etc) - can you recommend a receiver or will any do? Cheers!

My mistake about the 1/8" to RCA, that's 2ch and you don't need that. Consider a receiver that has multiple hdmi inputs and connect one to your gpu, then plug pretty much everything else with hdmi into the receiver. If you can't rock hdmi for whatever reason, spdif/optical works, but it's not as "flexible" as hdmi. If you're on a budget, Goodwill is a good place to find used receivers. I picked up an onkyo 7.2ch for $50 at goodwill and I usually see one to two receivers every time I go.

Hi I've lurked this thread for some time and decided to enter the world of headphones with an HD 598 on the way, so now I guess I'll ask those who own this what kind of amp works best for $50 or less. I've always bought headsets cause they're "easy" but my last Logitech buy was a fucking disaster and I'm gonna treat myself right from now on regarding tech stuff. Got a Ducky keyboard to replace my aging membrane, Klipsch desk speakers to replace my age Boston Acoustic 2003 speakers. I'm going full erection from now on.

[QUOTE=Da Big Man;51249739]Hi I've lurked this thread for some time and decided to enter the world of headphones with an HD 598 on the way, so now I guess I'll ask those who own this what kind of amp works best for $50 or less. I've always bought headsets cause they're "easy" but my last Logitech buy was a fucking disaster and I'm gonna treat myself right from now on regarding tech stuff. Got a Ducky keyboard to replace my aging membrane, Klipsch desk speakers to replace my age Boston Acoustic 2003 speakers. I'm going full erection from now on.[/QUOTE] I know you said $50 but you could get a Magni 2 for $99. And then eventually a Modi 2 for $99 when you have the money and pretty much be set for audio life.

my biggest problem with the dt770s is how clarity is lacking when listening to anything that isn't hip hop or bass oriented, vocals get lost in the instrumentation way too quickly. i take it this wouldn't be a problem with the 650s

[QUOTE=Da Big Man;51249739]Hi I've lurked this thread for some time and decided to enter the world of headphones with an HD 598 on the way, so now I guess I'll ask those who own this what kind of amp works best for $50 or less. I've always bought headsets cause they're "easy" but my last Logitech buy was a fucking disaster and I'm gonna treat myself right from now on regarding tech stuff. Got a Ducky keyboard to replace my aging membrane, Klipsch desk speakers to replace my age Boston Acoustic 2003 speakers. I'm going full erection from now on.[/QUOTE] With the Hd598's, you don't really need a dac or amp unless: 1) Your source is absolute garbage, audible snow, static, emi, not loud enough at max volume, audible clipping etc. 2) You're planning for the long haul and you want to shell out big bucks on the Hd6x0, ZMF Eikon, He-6, Focal Elear in the future. So relax and hold onto your wallet while there's still money in it. The hd598's are an excellent choice whilst not "needing" a dedicated dac/amp. [QUOTE=ifaux;51250130]my biggest problem with the dt770s is how clarity is lacking when listening to anything that isn't hip hop or bass oriented, vocals get lost in the instrumentation way too quickly. i take it this wouldn't be a problem with the 650s[/QUOTE] Gotta hear them to believe!

Alrighty, I read up that might be the case but I suppose I'll save up for now. Thanks anywho!

Talking about a burning ferocity in my wallet, I just ordered the Schiit Jotunheim. Ships in about a week, so I have plenty of anticipation to build up!

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51251709]Talking about a burning ferocity in my wallet, I just ordered the Schiit Jotunheim. Ships in about a week, so I have plenty of anticipation to build up![/QUOTE] ah man thats exciting. i look forward to finally getting my hands on my near endgame or actual end game stuff ^^ after i pick up my 650 and ldmk3 i'm probably going to look into a higher-end v-shaped/bass oriented headphone (any suggestions? dt1770p?) and then an endgame dac/amp combo (probably picking up a few others over time just for the hobby..)

Thanks for all the help you've given me so far guys, much appreciated. Last question I promise (probably) Say I pickup a second hand 5.1 receiver from Ebay or w/e - what wattage do I get? According to the datasheet each speaker has an input power of 141W with a "Max Input Power" of 282W so am I able to get a receiver that's 100W per channel? Will that be decent enough? Also I've noticed on the outputs of some receivers they have connectors that lock the wire in place ([URL="http://www.todayshomeowner.com/images/article/home-theater-installation-10.jpg"]example[/URL]) where others just have regular RCA connectors - what's the difference between the two? I've noticed some receivers have a single plug for the sub too - what's this about?

[QUOTE=Dorkslayz;51252598]Thanks for all the help you've given me so far guys, much appreciated. Last question I promise (probably) Say I pickup a second hand 5.1 receiver from Ebay or w/e - what wattage do I get? According to the datasheet each speaker has an input power of 141W with a "Max Input Power" of 282W so am I able to get a receiver that's 100W per channel? Will that be decent enough? Also I've noticed on the outputs of some receivers they have connectors that lock the wire in place ([URL="http://www.todayshomeowner.com/images/article/home-theater-installation-10.jpg"]example[/URL]) where others just have regular RCA connectors - what's the difference between the two? I've noticed some receivers have a single plug for the sub too - what's this about?[/QUOTE] Judging from the pictures, I wouldn't imagine the LG HT806PH needs too much power based on each unit's driver size along with their relatively low impedance value (3 ohms). I'd say something in the neighborhood of 70-100W would easily push each speaker to ear-bleeding levels. The connectors that lock wires in place are alligator clip-on speaker taps and they're fiddly at best. If you can get them, 5-way binding posts are top because they accept the superior banana plug. The single plug for the sub is the coaxial sub output. This cable is meant for powered subs, pretty much sub woofers that have their own separate power amp. I'm pretty sure your sub is passive, so you shouldn't worry about this for now.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51253332]Judging from the pictures, I wouldn't imagine the LG HT806PH needs too much power based on each unit's driver size along with their relatively low impedance value (3 ohms). I'd say something in the neighborhood of 70-100W would easily push each speaker to ear-bleeding levels. The connectors that lock wires in place are alligator clip-on speaker taps and they're fiddly at best. If you can get them, 5-way binding posts are top because they accept the superior banana plug. The single plug for the sub is the coaxial sub output. This cable is meant for powered subs, pretty much sub woofers that have their own separate power amp. I'm pretty sure your sub is passive, so you shouldn't worry about this for now.[/QUOTE] Cheers! I'm bidding on a used ONKYO HT-R380 at the moment but the only thing i'm still confused about is speaker impedance, the amp is rated for 6 to 18 ohm but the speakers are 3 ohm - will this be an issue?

Not AFAIK. You'll probably get some distortion or unlikely damage on the high end, but who the fuck actually maxes out their stereo system.

Holy fuck these 598s rock your socks off, I can't imagine what even better cans sound like

i should probably just wait for black friday but im about to buy hd650s. convince me to wait please dont convince me to wait

Wait

So in about a month I'm thinking of picking up some AKG K7XX's, a Magni 2 Uber, and a Modi Multi Bit. I want some big upgrades from my O2/ODAC and 598's, and I used to have a pair of Q701's but they shit out on me for some reason so I kinda know what to expect from the K7XX's. Good idea or best idea?

Probably second best idea. More than good.

And if the 7XX's are not around for whatever reason I'm thinking of getting the Cascadia Talos' instead. Different kind of headphone, yeah, but read they're pretty great and will take advantage of the Uber power.

[QUOTE=Levelog;51266391]Wait[/QUOTE] i bought them i hope they dont get discounted more than 60