• Headphone Buying Megathread/Guide V4 - Come here for all your audio needs! (New Threads are not need
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I'm looking for portable, closed and over the ear headphones, within normal price range. So far, my two choices are [B]Audio-Technica ATH-M20X[/B] and [B]AKG K52[/B]. Which one of these are better? Or maybe there's a better alternative similar in price? [t]http://music-shop.pl/pol_pl_AUDIO-TECHNICA-ATH-M20X-11415_2.jpg[/t] [t]http://media.guitarcenter.com/is/image/MMGS7/K52-Headphones/J28168000000000-00-500x500.jpg[/t]
[QUOTE=Levelog;51885870]Would one be a waste with my Shure's?[/QUOTE] Unless your phone is running out of space, or you want line/balanced outs, you'd have a better time upgrading your transducers rather than getting a dap. Me personally, the op3t's stock volume control is atrocious, the mediocre audio quality is immediately noticeable with the CA Orion, and I'm running out of space for music (110gb of flac). I don't mind carrying another phone sized brick around as well. @Joz, I can't say I'm familiar with those two models, but I'd recommend getting in-ear-monitors if you're comfortable using them and want isolation on the go. Something like the zero audio tenores or ostry kc06 are both midcentric starters that I hear a lot of good things about.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51885163]Mike Moffat (#2 at Schiit) leaked a operational (not-in-production yet) revision to the bifrost multibit, which means that my quest for the gumby is over. Well, at least until it goes into full product release and review and gumby 2.0 comes out or something crazy. With my 2ch done as well, I guess that just leaves getting a record player and new IEM's / DAP. It's all looking up and up.[/QUOTE] So I guess I should hold off on my Modi 2 Multibit quest?
[QUOTE=Steven :D;51888069]So I guess I should hold off on my Modi 2 Multibit quest?[/QUOTE] I think modi MB is still a really nice deal, but I would hold off any of the higher end DACs right now.
Are AKG M220's for 50 + 8.25 tax a good deal? I currently have Philips SHP9500.
If you're itching for the headphone grind, don't do side grades, it'll be easier on your wallet in the long run to save up for the hd600/650 / thx00 / OPPO pm3 / CA Orion / he500 / he6 plus a good amp/DAC and just endgame it. Or else you'll be stuck getting sidegrades forever and will never be satisfied.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51916927]If you're itching for the headphone grind, don't do side grades, it'll be easier on your wallet in the long run to save up for the hd600/650 / thx00 / OPPO pm3 / CA Orion / he500 / he6 plus a good amp/DAC and just endgame it. Or else you'll be stuck getting sidegrades forever and will never be satisfied.[/QUOTE] Alrighty, I'll first get dac/amp any recommendations for a solid simple one. I don't need anything amazing. Lol I'll start looking for headphones to save for aswell!
[QUOTE=Vexua;51917556]Alrighty, I'll first get dac/amp any recommendations for a solid simple one. I don't need anything amazing. Lol I'll start looking for headphones to save for aswell![/QUOTE] Modi 2 and Magni 2. Or just the Fulla 2 if you need something on the go.
[QUOTE=Steven :D;51917791]Modi 2 and Magni 2. Or just the Fulla 2 if you need something on the go.[/QUOTE] Thanks! I'll save for the Magni 2 + OPPO PM-3 Headphones.
[QUOTE=Vexua;51919472]Thanks! I'll save for the Magni 2 + OPPO PM-3 Headphones.[/QUOTE] I know a few people who've phoned oppo about B-stock Pm3's for around $320 rather than the full $390 brand new. One nice way to save some money.
I bought a pair of Bose QC35s the other day. Highly recommend them, they're excellent.
[QUOTE=Bengley;51921146]I bought a pair of Bose QC35s the other day. Highly recommend them, they're excellent.[/QUOTE] Tried my friend's, found they lack clarity on the high end. Sound canceling is good though. Would recommend Senn 558s or B&W P7s (Just got mine, they're amazing)
Speakers are basically headphones right? I am looking at Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s and am wondering if the Audioengine A2+s are worth the extra $100 I would mostly use them for music when I don't feel like wearing my HD598's. As for music taste: [url]https://www.last.fm/user/fngreggie[/url]
[QUOTE=Rika-chan;51944646]Speakers are basically headphones right? I am looking at Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s and am wondering if the Audioengine A2+s are worth the extra $100 I would mostly use them for music when I don't feel like wearing my HD598's. As for music taste: [url]https://www.last.fm/user/fngreggie[/url][/QUOTE] At that price, you can get the jbl lsr305's as active monitors or the philharmonic Affordable Accuracy's as passive monitors. Flat frequency responses down to all the way down to 30-40hz and the AA's 6.5" woofers can throw some serious volume.
[QUOTE=Rika-chan;51944646]Speakers are basically headphones right? I am looking at Klipsch ProMedia 2.1s and am wondering if the Audioengine A2+s are worth the extra $100 I would mostly use them for music when I don't feel like wearing my HD598's. As for music taste: [url]https://www.last.fm/user/fngreggie[/url][/QUOTE] For the price of the A2+s you could get the alternatives Kangaroo posted which are pretty much all a nice quality boost. I'd like to add another option to the list: A pair of [url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWRDU14]Alesis Elevate 6[/url].
Biggest problem is a lack of space [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/ElVOinM.jpg[/IMG] Picture is a bit old and I would say I have a little less space than that even now as I got a new monitor and moved that one to the desk on the left.
In Florida for about 2 weeks so shopping stuff, I want to replace my ath m50s cause cord is super long but don't want to just buy a m50s, any good ones for metal music mainly for 200$+
If you like the m50's, the m50x's feature a detachable cord and some improved tuning. You can usually get them under $100 online. If you want a warmer, more laid back signature and you don't require isolation, the hd598 is another solid option.
I'm tired of supergluing my broken ass IEM's together and they don't propperly seat in my ears either as a result so I'm looking for a new pair. Budget: 150 USD is my max eBay: no Country: US Isolation: idc Purpose: I'd like to use them while lifting or running, so they'll have to be sturdy and fit properly so they don't fall out. My current pair are over the ears so I don't care much if they happen to be like that. Music Tastes: Rap, I like strong low ends but I don't want to sacrifice that for vocal clarity and the high end. Previous Experiences: MA450i, Random shit Sony stuff. I've never splurged on IEM's despite having a pair of ATH-AD900, AH-D2000's and an o2 ODAC so my needs for quality are pretty high.
[QUOTE=Lone Wolf807;51960063]I'm tired of supergluing my broken ass IEM's together and they don't propperly seat in my ears either as a result so I'm looking for a new pair. Budget: 150 USD is my max eBay: no Country: US Isolation: idc Purpose: I'd like to use them while lifting or running, so they'll have to be sturdy and fit properly so they don't fall out. My current pair are over the ears so I don't care much if they happen to be like that. Music Tastes: Rap, I like strong low ends but I don't want to sacrifice that for vocal clarity and the high end. Previous Experiences: MA450i, Random shit Sony stuff. I've never splurged on IEM's despite having a pair of ATH-AD900, AH-D2000's and an o2 ODAC so my needs for quality are pretty high.[/QUOTE] How about the jaybird x3's? They're wireless iems focused on sporting, so they're built rigid and snug. And they're sweat resistant as well. I do some light running with my campfire audio Orion's too, but the wire gets caught on my hand sometimes and I'm not too focused on absolute audio perfection when I'm exercising, I already have all of that at home. (Even though I just ordered the Sony nw zx2 for my portable setup)
Schiit might be demo'ing their shiny new Manhatten gadget at Socal Canjam next month. I can't wait to see what they've been up to.
Haven't had headphones in a while and I'm tired of using earbuds (although they're convenient when you just wanna listen to music in public). Budget: $60 eBay: Amazon would be preferred. Country: Canada Isolation: Would be cool if it didn't leak out too much. Purpose: Listening to music on phone (and others), use it for laptop, maybe even gaming. Music Tastes: A bit of everything. Lately, electronic and rap. Previous Experiences: Just some Sony headphones and I'm currently using a Logitech h600 headset since 2013 (for the computer, (I like it)) Comments: I would like something that's high quality (sound-wise), but generally decent for everything. My priority would be for listening to music though. For what if I want on-ear, over-the-ear, closed back over-ear or open back over-ear, I don't know. I could use them in public (though I don't like wearing headphones in public) and wish for the sound to not leak out. At the same time, I don't want outside noise to be completely silent, and I would like to them be comfortable (for what if I sleep with them for example) but not ruin potentially high quality sound. so????
[QUOTE=lolyoshi;51976817]Haven't had headphones in a while and I'm tired of using earbuds (although they're convenient when you just wanna listen to music in public). Budget: $60 eBay: Amazon would be preferred. Country: Canada Isolation: Would be cool if it didn't leak out too much. Purpose: Listening to music on phone (and others), use it for laptop, maybe even gaming. Music Tastes: A bit of everything. Lately, electronic and rap. Previous Experiences: Just some Sony headphones and I'm currently using a Logitech h600 headset since 2013 (for the computer, (I like it)) Comments: I would like something that's high quality (sound-wise), but generally decent for everything. My priority would be for listening to music though. For what if I want on-ear, over-the-ear, closed back over-ear or open back over-ear, I don't know. I could use them in public (though I don't like wearing headphones in public) and wish for the sound to not leak out. At the same time, I don't want outside noise to be completely silent, and I would like to them be comfortable (for what if I sleep with them for example) but not ruin potentially high quality sound. so????[/QUOTE] Canadian currency exchange rate is killer. And I can't think of anything really significant around that price w/o significant compromises (you probably won't be able to fall asleep in it) If you want to stick to 60 CAD, The koss Porta-pro / KSC 75 is damn good for the price, but lack isolation. pretty much hold onto these until you're ready to go to the $100+ level, they're pretty damn solid all the way up. The next step up would be for Creative Aurvana Live! if you can nab it for under $60 USD, or just skip it and jump up to the Hd598 for under $100 USD. Otherwise, if you don't like wearing headphones in public, I'd recommend the IEM route and pick up the Zero Audio Carbo tenores and baby the crap out of them since they're known to have strain relief issues. 3-finger cable coiling, put them in a case when not in use, never put them directly in your pocket, don't wear them to bed etc.
So the left side of my current headphones is falling apart. Can physically see the copper breaking apart. Gonna tape it together before it gets bad. Budget: $40-$60, preferably around $50. eBay: Sure but not used Country: USA Isolation: Having decent isolation would be nice. Purpose: Listening to music/movies and playing games Music Tastes: Rock/Hip-Hop and generally bass-y stuff Previous Experiences: Various headphones of varying cheapness, a pair from the Sony MDR ZX line, my current pair of JVC HA-RX700's. Comments: I want something that goes around my ears like my current JVCs do, so over-ear I guess. Just gonna leave it connected to my PC 24/7 so there's no need for portability or anything. I just want something that has alright bass without ruining the highs. I'd buy another pair of my JVC's for $40 but I just wanna know if anything around $50-$60 would be better. If they last for a few weeks I may just wait until I get my first paycheck at this new job and buy something nicer.
Not sure if this thread is also for troubleshooting, but my Xiaomi Piston 3 right headphone has gone quieter than left one, and I checked, it's not wax blockage, settings, cables, or my ears. So is it fixable at this point, or should I just buy new heaphones? I can use them fine on my PC thanks to sound balance options, but my phone(on android 6) just doesn't have this function, and I can't use software because I have no root.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51985735]If you want to stick to 60 CAD, The koss Porta-pro / KSC 75 is damn good for the price, but lack isolation. pretty much hold onto these until you're ready to go to the $100+ level[/QUOTE] I will look into those then. They seem pretty nice.
Using my IEMs a lot more now that I'm walking to/from work/lunch every day and it's kinda disappointing how much the audio quality drops coming from my M40x's. It's also hot and humid the entire time so headphones at home aren't ideal at the moment. The IEMs were certainly great value for the price (Xiaomi Piston 3s) but I'm looking for something better. How much would it set me back getting a set of IEMs that would exceed (or at least match) the audio quality of my headphones?
[QUOTE=helifreak;51999642]Using my IEMs a lot more now that I'm walking to/from work/lunch every day and it's kinda disappointing how much the audio quality drops coming from my M40x's. It's also hot and humid the entire time so headphones at home aren't ideal at the moment. The IEMs were certainly great value for the price (Xiaomi Piston 3s) but I'm looking for something better. How much would it set me back getting a set of IEMs that would exceed (or at least match) the audio quality of my headphones?[/QUOTE] Probably looking at a similar price, although (at UK prices atleast) a 20% boost would give a real improvement.
[QUOTE=helifreak;51999642]Using my IEMs a lot more now that I'm walking to/from work/lunch every day and it's kinda disappointing how much the audio quality drops coming from my M40x's. It's also hot and humid the entire time so headphones at home aren't ideal at the moment. The IEMs were certainly great value for the price (Xiaomi Piston 3s) but I'm looking for something better. How much would it set me back getting a set of IEMs that would exceed (or at least match) the audio quality of my headphones?[/QUOTE] I've only tried a few sets of high end iem's (namely Noble, campfire audio, radius, JH, empire, and few Sennheiser models) And the standout for me was campfire audio with their entry level Orion. Paired with the Sony nw-zx2, it's on-level or even surpasses my desktop hd650 rig on a technical level. It shares the same upfront midrange with the right amount of treble roll-off to enjoy for hours w/o fatigue. Bass digs as deep as the hd650, but less slam. (Understandable from a single balanced armature driver) But the price jump is supremely high which sucks. I'm definitely interested in their flagship andromeda and I'll be able to demo them in April.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52000677]I've only tried a few sets of high end iem's (namely Noble, campfire audio, radius, JH, empire, and few Sennheiser models) And the standout for me was campfire audio with their entry level Orion. Paired with the Sony nw-zx2, it's on-level or even surpasses my desktop hd650 rig on a technical level. It shares the same upfront midrange with the right amount of treble roll-off to enjoy for hours w/o fatigue. Bass digs as deep as the hd650, but less slam. (Understandable from a single balanced armature driver) But the price jump is supremely high which sucks. I'm definitely interested in their flagship andromeda and I'll be able to demo them in April.[/QUOTE] Damn, was hoping for more like $200, can't justify spending > $500 on them at this stage - not that far down the rabbit hole yet. Might look for some more in my price range and link them in here on the weekend for opinions.
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