• Headphone Buying Megathread/Guide V4 - Come here for all your audio needs! (New Threads are not need
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[QUOTE=SataniX;52057853]Spend more on headphones, less on the mic. I'd suggest £140 / £25. Both are also fairly poor choices (and the headphones include a mic). A little above your budget, but perhaps: [url]https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Electronics-Photo/V-MODA-XFL2V-U-MBLACK-Moda-Crossfade-Matte-Black/B00HYH7HXA/[/url] [url]https://www.amazon.co.uk/BoomPro-Microphone-computer-Internet-telephony/dp/B00BJ17WKK[/url][/QUOTE] The headphones are tad expensive, if you get a good pair for £25 lower however I would have them. Just make sure they will hold up for at least six months or so (I'll probably replace them at uni).
I would suggest koss pro4aas and whatever cheap mic you can stretch your budget to fit. zalman makes a pretty solid one for just a few bucks
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52055535]A cheap tube amp? probably not, cheap tube amps usually have poor buffer implementations and don't really use the "tube" to power your headphones. If you want the real OTL "tube" experience, you're looking at $200+ like the Schiit Valhalla 2 or Bottlehead Crack + Speedball. If you want a top-notch tube buffer (half solid state, half tube) for all the juicy parts of tubes w/o breaking the bank, Schiit Vali 2 is an excellent choice around $140 used. (Even the Schiit Vali 1 was good but it's known for microphonics) Depending on the impedance rating of your headphones, OTL tube amps like the Valhalla 2 and Crack work better with super high impedance headphones (200+ ohms), and solid state / tube buffers work better with low impedance headphones. As far as tube amps shortening headphone lifespans, your headphone will probably break down from general wear before your tube amp does it, unless you blow out the driver or something with a volume spike. But the tubes themselves do degrade over time and require replacement every 3000-5000 hours.[/QUOTE] I can't remember the name for the life of me but there's a popular DIY tube amp for pretty cheap that isn't half bad
I'll tell you what, I'll order those and then when I have the money (should be soon) I'll order the mic.
Damn it, these RHA MA750s are real nice but the noise floor is so fucking low I can hear noise coming out of my DAC when there's no music playing. Can't be the IEMs, doesn't happen with my phone.
[QUOTE=helifreak;52068006]Damn it, these RHA MA750s are real nice but the noise floor is so fucking low I can hear noise coming out of my DAC when there's no music playing. Can't be the IEMs, doesn't happen with my phone.[/QUOTE] Sounds like you need an attenuator buffer jack. It makes IEM's less sensitive and reduces noise floor and sensitivity by about 6-12db while having a very low output impedance to keep sound molestation at a low. I personally use the UE buffer jack on my CA Orion because it's cheap, but its possible to solder one yourself. [url]http://pro.ultimateears.com/adjustable-ambient-filters-236[/url] It's not uncommon for a phone's output to have less noise because they're better isolated from sources of EMI than a typical desktop dac. (lots of power cables around your source chain can cause EMI, as well as DC ground loops among other things. Consider isolating your dac from other electronics and see if your level of EMI changes)
Just realised the USB cable was holding up the monitor power cable somehow, has reduced the noise a bit, I'll look into the plug. [editline]7th April 2017[/editline] How would I isolate the DAC? Its only connections are the USB cable and the outputs.
[QUOTE=helifreak;52068149]Just realised the USB cable was holding up the monitor power cable somehow, has reduced the noise a bit, I'll look into the plug. [editline]7th April 2017[/editline] How would I isolate the DAC? Its only connections are the USB cable and the outputs.[/QUOTE] Warning: Audio nervosa ahead-- For me, the hard way involved finding electrical plans to the house and connecting the DAC into its own separate breaker, with every other non-audio thing relocated to its own breaker. That way any EMI hum from other stuff wouldn't bleed into my audio chain. After finding out that was so unfeasible because the separate outlet on a different floor, I opted for a DC offset filter to provide clean power to my preamp and DAC. Of course, both of these solutions are crazy and I don't recommend either unless you're a masochist. But a couple other ways to help isolate noise for a USB dac is to make sure that your dac does not share any connections with any other device on your USB bus, keep the dac device away from any other electronic device as it may introduce EMI. And some motherboards have a special setting that allows additional power to be redirected into usb ports, providing more stable power to your . Another method involves using a usb hub to provide that clean power. A lot of this involves speculation and trial and error. I can't really say too much else because it goes beyond my scope as a headphone enthusiast. But I'll say that my dac noise was stiffened by a powered usb hub and ultimately removed by switching over to coaxial spdif RCA instead of USB. And preamp hum was eliminated by swapping over to balanced cabling and the noise floor was further lowered with the clean DC offset filter. It's complicated. And at this stage, it'd be more worthwhile to invest in a better dac. [editline]when[/editline] If you're super curious about it-- there's a forum I frequent that delves into all the hard audio questions. It's all a great read if you're well invested into audio and want to learn more from a technical and anecdotal perspective: [url]http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/usb-nervosa-thread-decrapifiers-pro-interfaces-and-bears-oh-my.62/[/url] [url]http://superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/power-regeneration-surge-protectors-ups-yadayadayada.282/[/url]
Budget: $100USD~ eBay: Sure why not Country: Australia Isolation: Minimal leakage preferred Purpose: Using it for commute and generally outdoors Music Tastes: Classical, electronic, rock, generally most genres Previous Experiences: Senheiser CX 3, Sennheiser Momentum Comments: On the fence about headphones/earphones
[QUOTE=Novangel;52069062]Budget: $100USD~ eBay: Sure why not Country: Australia Isolation: Minimal leakage preferred Purpose: Using it for commute and generally outdoors Music Tastes: Classical, electronic, rock, generally most genres Previous Experiences: Senheiser CX 3, Sennheiser Momentum Comments: On the fence about headphones/earphones[/QUOTE] Regarding earphones, what about the Cx3 makes you want to move onto new IEM's?
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52069373]Regarding earphones, what about the Cx3 makes you want to move onto new IEM's?[/QUOTE] Nothing, just wanted to try others.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52068047]Sounds like you need an attenuator buffer jack. It makes IEM's less sensitive and reduces noise floor and sensitivity by about 6-12db while having a very low output impedance to keep sound molestation at a low. I personally use the UE buffer jack on my CA Orion because it's cheap, but its possible to solder one yourself. [url]http://pro.ultimateears.com/adjustable-ambient-filters-236[/url] It's not uncommon for a phone's output to have less noise because they're better isolated from sources of EMI than a typical desktop dac. (lots of power cables around your source chain can cause EMI, as well as DC ground loops among other things. Consider isolating your dac from other electronics and see if your level of EMI changes)[/QUOTE] Ordered the buffer, bit suspect that the shipping was $0 but we'll see how that goes.
[QUOTE=helifreak;52070667]Ordered the buffer, bit suspect that the shipping was $0 but we'll see how that goes.[/QUOTE] You should contact their support just in case. They were very friendly when I had some billing issues and responded pretty fast. [editline]7th April 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Berman Slick;52070717]Is it just me or do the new Marshall Majors have ZERO bass? I tried on a pair and it was tinny compared to mine, which have been decimated over two years of loud rock music lel I've been looking at the Monitors, might get them soon as my Majors are starting to crap out slowly but surely. Still the best headphones I've owned, and decently priced[/QUOTE] Maybe the earpad structure on your current cans have worn down, placing the driver closer to your ears and making bass reproduction more intense? I had a similar effect when I swapped my old earpad on the hd650 with new ones. Way less bass, but in a tasteful way. It could also be a secret revision in the series, but I'm just guessing. [editline]7th April 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Novangel;52070404]Nothing, just wanted to try others.[/QUOTE] If you're feeling adventurous, there's a [url=http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/fostex-te-02n-final-1-mod-yourself-a-pair-of-killer-iems.4019/]hot, promising mod going around sbaf[/url] that you can try on the fostex te-02n. (I'm considering buying a pair to compare against the CA Orion, but the fostex te-02n is going the way of the dinosaur, very hard to get) but otherwise, the zero audio carbo tenores are a solid pick. If a little fragile (you need to baby these) After that the price of competent iem's that I'm familiar with jump into the $250usd range. (Noble x and B-stock Ca Orion)
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52071681]You should contact their support just in case. They were very friendly when I had some billing issues and responded pretty fast.[/QUOTE] Nah all good :ok: [t]https://www.helifreak.club/image/20170408014042372.png[/t]
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52071681]If you're feeling adventurous, there's a [url=http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/fostex-te-02n-final-1-mod-yourself-a-pair-of-killer-iems.4019/]hot, promising mod going around sbaf[/url] that you can try on the fostex te-02n. (I'm considering buying a pair to compare against the CA Orion, but the fostex te-02n is going the way of the dinosaur, very hard to get) but otherwise, the zero audio carbo tenores are a solid pick. If a little fragile (you need to baby these) After that the price of competent iem's that I'm familiar with jump into the $250usd range. (Noble x and B-stock Ca Orion)[/QUOTE] I'm not that brave. Yet. Got the zero audio since I heard it was good. P sure my brother had that model until it broke
[QUOTE=Novangel;52074459]I'm not that brave. Yet. Got the zero audio since I heard it was good. P sure my brother had that model until it broke[/QUOTE] Learn the [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEd7ru24Vx0]proper cable coiling technique[/url], keep them in small case like [url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YOZ3APY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1]this[/url] or similar. Never put them straight in your pocket and don't wash them with your laundry. I've had cheap spaghetti cable iems last me years because I babied the heck out of them.
[QUOTE=helifreak;52073947]Nah all good :ok: [t]https://www.helifreak.club/image/20170408014042372.png[/t][/QUOTE] [t]https://www.helifreak.club/image/20170410101157186.png[/t] What. There's no way they made any profit on that. [editline]wow[/editline] Buffer arrived, noise issue now resolved. :ok:
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;51985735] 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.[/QUOTE] Going back to this, is there ones that wouldn't be a problem just being put in pockets? Those Zero Audio Carbo seem good but I would rather not have to worry so much about breaking them or anything.
[QUOTE=lolyoshi;52089943]Going back to this, is there ones that wouldn't be a problem just being put in pockets? Those Zero Audio Carbo seem good but I would rather not have to worry so much about breaking them or anything.[/QUOTE] Not really, pockets really fuck up all types of iem's. It's easier just to get a small case and not worry about it. Otherwise you're looking at less than a year before they break. If you really don't want a case, I'd recommend the venture electronic Monk+ because they're cheap, but they'd still break without good care.
if you can find a pair of iems with braided cables then just stuffing them in your pocket isn't going to hurt much. still not ideal but they're not gonna crap out in just a couple weeks like a typical pair of cheapo ones do. better still is wireless. not powerbeats 2 style where there's still a cable, but think the new apple airpods. good luck finding anything worth a damn in that style though. e: I hear good things about the campfire audio jupiters if you're willing to spend $800
[QUOTE=butre;52091644] e: I hear good things about the campfire audio jupiters if you're willing to spend $800[/QUOTE] Saving up for the CA andromeda atm, having owned the Orion currently and trying out their entire lineup last Saturday, it's certainly something special. Plus you can totally get the jupiter B-stock for $549. [url]https://aloaudio.deals/[/url]
So the right side of my M50's is dying. I've temporarily fixed it by opening them up and having a jiggle of the wires, but I'm not actually sure what the issue is since I didn't want to try disassembling the cups entirely. Budget: Flexible. £130 as a ballpark, though really provided the price:performance is good I'm willing to go upwards (not infinitely upwards though, gotta leave some cash for buying more mice too). eBay: No Country: UK Isolation: Circumaural, preferably closed for isolation. I'll consider open though. Purpose: Music/Vidya, probably in equal parts. Music Tastes: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3u7P6QQxk]Quite varied, most electronic[/url]. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECOC9yBfDdE]Also stuff like this[/url]. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezi3JgKukqM]Quite a lot of stuff like this too[/url]. Basically varying degrees of weebshit. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK4pH_5MwaE]This is also good[/url]. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIRfc3ybbPg]This is another type of thing I like[/url]. There's more stuff I want to give as examples but you probably get the idea by now. Previous Experiences: Audio Technica ATH-M50's, which I've had for about 6 years and like quite a lot. I've also got a pair of Sennheiser PX200-ii's, which I can't remember the sound of and cant find them to listen to again. Got some Xiaomi Piston's (I think 2.1's, not sure though) here too (which I find very agreeable for the like 5 quid they cost me). I've tried HD700's before and they were predictably much better than anything else I've listened to. Also tried my mates AKG K550's and I think I liked them more than my M50's, but that might simply be due to the fact that they sounded different to what I'd been hearing for like 4-5 years and were therefore interesting and new. Comments: Decent soundstage required since I play a lot of CSGO. Probably try to keep the sound bass heavy. Considering getting a pair of M50x's, but I'm 99% sure that there are better options, so I figured I would ask.
can't wait to get my HD-600's
[QUOTE=Chubbs;52093979]So the right side of my M50's is dying. I've temporarily fixed it by opening them up and having a jiggle of the wires, but I'm not actually sure what the issue is since I didn't want to try disassembling the cups entirely. Budget: Flexible. £130 as a ballpark, though really provided the price:performance is good I'm willing to go upwards (not infinitely upwards though, gotta leave some cash for buying more mice too). eBay: No Country: UK Isolation: Circumaural, preferably closed for isolation. I'll consider open though. Purpose: Music/Vidya, probably in equal parts. Music Tastes: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3u7P6QQxk]Quite varied, most electronic[/url]. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECOC9yBfDdE]Also stuff like this[/url]. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezi3JgKukqM]Quite a lot of stuff like this too[/url]. Basically varying degrees of weebshit. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK4pH_5MwaE]This is also good[/url]. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIRfc3ybbPg]This is another type of thing I like[/url]. There's more stuff I want to give as examples but you probably get the idea by now. Previous Experiences: Audio Technica ATH-M50's, which I've had for about 6 years and like quite a lot. I've also got a pair of Sennheiser PX200-ii's, which I can't remember the sound of and cant find them to listen to again. Got some Xiaomi Piston's (I think 2.1's, not sure though) here too (which I find very agreeable for the like 5 quid they cost me). I've tried HD700's before and they were predictably much better than anything else I've listened to. Also tried my mates AKG K550's and I think I liked them more than my M50's, but that might simply be due to the fact that they sounded different to what I'd been hearing for like 4-5 years and were therefore interesting and new. Comments: Decent soundstage required since I play a lot of CSGO. Probably try to keep the sound bass heavy. Considering getting a pair of M50x's, but I'm 99% sure that there are better options, so I figured I would ask.[/QUOTE] Not many notable closed backs in the 100-250 price range unless you're willing to buy an amp (Most things above 100 are open back). Some things that come to mind are the m50x as you mentioned and a few of the beyerdynamic DT770/880 series, but that's more of a side-grade with a larger emphasis on treble than anything really. (Dt880 600 ohms is nice, but requires an amp)
I'm in the process of assembling an amp right now, so that isn't an issue. Unsure if it'd be able to drive DT880 600ohm, though I could always chuck a more substantial opamp into it.
I've established that the problem is that the right driver is blown. What's the easiest place to get a replacement in the UK? Gonna need some new pads too, since I had to use a scalpel to persuade them off the cans, but I'll probably use those Brainwavz pads everyone uses.
[QUOTE=Chubbs;52104381]I've established that the problem is that the right driver is blown. What's the easiest place to get a replacement in the UK? Gonna need some new pads too, since I had to use a scalpel to persuade them off the cans, but I'll probably use those Brainwavz pads everyone uses.[/QUOTE] Easiest thing to do is call up the Audio technica UK rep and ask for a quote. I believe the part number on the M50 driver is 137301630. The only issue is that the driver could be mismatched, so don't expect the exact same signature from the new driver.
[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52104415]Easiest thing to do is call up the Audio technica UK rep and ask for a quote. I believe the part number on the M50 driver is 137301630. The only issue is that the driver could be mismatched, so don't expect the exact same signature from the new driver.[/QUOTE] It's still gonna be better than spending the cost of a driver on another pair of headphones so :v:
I managed to break my headset by sitting on it yesterday. It was a Logitech G35. Should I get another G35, or try something else? I've been looking at the Arctis 3/5. Any comments?
[QUOTE=Petrussen;52119414]I managed to break my headset by sitting on it yesterday. It was a Logitech G35. Should I get another G35, or try something else? I've been looking at the Arctis 3/5. Any comments?[/QUOTE] If you're wanting another 'gaming' headset, the HyperX Cloud II are a solid choice (comfy, good mic, good sound quality for the price) - generally people will recommend you go for a 'proper' set of headphones and get a seperate mic though.
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