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

How much sound actually leaks out of open back headphones (specifically to hd6xx)?

[QUOTE=Krumbumpus;52412515][B]Budget:[/B] $150 - $500 [B]eBay:[/B] sure [B]Country:[/B] US [B]Isolation:[/B] Circamural, would like to try something open-back but given my other requirements that may not be possible [B]Purpose:[/B] Pimarily multiplayer and/or VR games, secondarily music/porn/movies/the usual [B]Music Tastes:[/B] metal, punk rock of the hardcore variety, rap, classical [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] ath-m50s, logitech g930 [B]Comments:[/B] So the kicker is I need something wireless because I play vr games. I've tried using my m50s with the cable wrapped around my neck but that's dumb. I've been using the g930 and it's been ok-ish but like everyone that's owned them for long enough I'm starting to have problems and want a non-shit upgrade. The vive has a built in mic so it doesn't necessarily have to be a 'headset', although an easy attached mic would be kinda nice so I'm not having to switch between speakers, headphones-with-desktop-mic AND headphones-with-vive-mic (I also don't have a desktop mic so that would be another purchase in that case). My price range is pretty flexible, I don't necessarily need the most amazing audio (I use speakers most of the time anyway) but I want to pay more to avoid buggy mediocre shit like my g930s. Open to any suggestions whether gayman headsets or something classier. *Edit I'm thinking this through and it's occurring to me that a simple solution would be to have a 2stage headphone cable, where stage 1 is like a foot and a half and then it plugs into a longer extension cable. So I have a normal long cable at my desk, then when vr time comes just unplug it from the extension cable and now it's real short for the hmd. I'm sure extension cables are easy to find but the short base cable would limit my options to only detatchable-cable headphones.[/QUOTE] For gaming, long cable lengths, and other shit, I'd say the AKG K7xx. Easy to drive, pretty comfy, and the sound stage is supremely wide. Better for metal and punk rock and not so much for classical because treble can sound unrealistic sometimes. Detachable and comes with a 10' 3-pin mini XLR to 3.5mm + 1/4" adapter. So you can solder cables to your own length or order custom from redco / blue jean. [editline]28th June 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=helifreak;52413025]How much sound actually leaks out of open back headphones (specifically to hd6xx)?[/QUOTE] Depends on the can, but for the hd6XX, Roughly 70-90% of what comes out the front of the hd6XX leaks out the back. So other people can barely hear my music from about 5ft away in a relatively quiet room. The ZMF Ori is semi-open and leaked 20-30%, the Audeze LCD series was 60-80%, Focal Utopia was 80-90%, Hd800 was 70-80%., AKG K1000 was 100%

[QUOTE=Steven :D;52410549]Im still using my schiit stack (not uber). The modi multibit should be my next upgrade, correct?[/QUOTE] I'd actually be super interested in what you think of the Modi Multi if you get it. Before I got an Uber stack I was using an O2/ODAC combo and after getting the Modi Multi I like to think there was a decent difference in going to multibit. It was really a "Why not?" option for me at the time too, otherwise I would have just gotten a Modi Uber.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52413044]For gaming, long cable lengths, and other shit, I'd say the AKG K7xx. Easy to drive, pretty comfy, and the sound stage is supremely wide. Better for metal and punk rock and not so much for classical because treble can sound unrealistic sometimes. Detachable and comes with a 10' 3-pin mini XLR to 3.5mm + 1/4" adapter. So you can solder cables to your own length or order custom from redco / blue jean.[/QUOTE] Thanks, that's a great suggestion! I think I would've bought a pair just now if they were in stock and figured out the cable/mic situation later. It took me a few searches to realize that the K7XX was actually a product model, I thought you were just saying any of the K700+ models were good lol.

[QUOTE=Krumbumpus;52413380]Thanks, that's a great suggestion! I think I would've bought a pair just now if they were in stock and figured out the cable/mic situation later. It took me a few searches to realize that the K7XX was actually a product model, I thought you were just saying any of the K700+ models were good lol.[/QUOTE] Yeah a lot of massdrop partnerships end in XX or 0, Noble X, Hifiman Re-00, Hd6XX, fostex Th-X00, AKG 7XX, grace m9xx. The list goes on.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52413044]Depends on the can, but for the hd6XX, Roughly 70-90% of what comes out the front of the hd6XX leaks out the back. So other people can barely hear my music from about 5ft away in a relatively quiet room. The ZMF Ori is semi-open and leaked 20-30%, the Audeze LCD series was 60-80%, Focal Utopia was 80-90%, Hd800 was 70-80%., AKG K1000 was 100%[/QUOTE] Guess I'll find out exactly how much early next year, thanks.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52413598]Yeah a lot of massdrop partnerships end in XX or 0, Noble X, Hifiman Re-00, Hd6XX, fostex Th-X00, AKG 7XX, grace m9xx. The list goes on.[/QUOTE] Do you have any idea how often the 7XX's go on sale? Or is it pretty sporadic? They seem about perfect but if it's gonna be another 6months then I'll start looking for a used pair or find something else.

[QUOTE=Krumbumpus;52415845]Do you have any idea how often the 7XX's go on sale? Or is it pretty sporadic? They seem about perfect but if it's gonna be another 6months then I'll start looking for a used pair or find something else.[/QUOTE] Maybe once every month or so.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52415900]Maybe once every month or so.[/QUOTE] oh ok that's not too bad then, thx * Edit sure enough someone's had the same idea [url]https://www.reddit.com/r/Vive/comments/4r2gdn/short_headphone_cable_mod_for_the_k7xxs/[/url]

Welp I got sick of waiting for that massdrop shit and found K712s for $225 on a sketchy hong kong seller's site, we'll see how it works out lol.

MD is adding an additional 3500 Hd6xx units for the Dec 18th drop, opens up monday: [url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx/talk/1744311?mode=guest_open[/url]

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52449529]MD is adding an additional 3500 Hd6xx units for the Dec 18th drop, opens up monday: [url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx/talk/1744311?mode=guest_open[/url][/QUOTE] This is the point I'd avoid buying them. Whenever Massdrop pushes production numbers, quality fails dramatically.

Best sub-$100ish DAP? Been looking at the Hidizs AP60 and the FiiO X1 (Gen2), otherwise gonna cross my fingers that the Shanling M1 goes on sale during Prime Day and I snag one for cheap. Any others I'm missing? I want something that at least supports 192kHz/24bit + DSD.

[QUOTE=SataniX;52449641]This is the point I'd avoid buying them. Whenever Massdrop pushes production numbers, quality fails dramatically.[/QUOTE] The hd6xx's are made in the same factory as the original hd650 and because Sennheiser has tight qc in their upper end models, unit variability shouldn't be a problem. I'd imagine the reason for the increase in unit availability is because the original 10000 units sold quickly and md was able to work out another deal with Sennheiser. It's a shame senn won't allow MD to modify the Hd6XX, I bet they'd be able to change a lot since the driver is very competent for the price. [editline]9th July 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Period;52450015]Best sub-$100ish DAP? Been looking at the Hidizs AP60 and the FiiO X1 (Gen2), otherwise gonna cross my fingers that the Shanling M1 goes on sale during Prime Day and I snag one for cheap. Any others I'm missing? I want something that at least supports 192kHz/24bit + DSD.[/QUOTE] What are you trying to drive with them? Though honestly I'd stick with the phone until the shanling goes on sale or the budget increases because you'd probably not notice any improvement jumping from smartphone to $100 dap.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52450210] What are you trying to drive with them? Though honestly I'd stick with the phone until the shanling goes on sale or the budget increases because you'd probably not notice any improvement jumping from smartphone to $100 dap.[/QUOTE] Nothing special at all (AD900X's), but I have a godawful iPhone 5C and don't plan to upgrade for another 6 months or so, and I already have no storage space left just from my usual apps, and I'd rather not use data to stream music. So I'm just looking to buy something that can satisfy me for a while, and I'd rather buy something better than a cheap ass mp3 player. You're right though, I'll probably just wait for the Shanling to go on sale.

Hey, I own a pair of AD900x's as well, but they've since taken a back seat to other headphones I own. Do you really need 192kHz and dsd playback? Because otherwise you can get a sansa clip zip or clip+ and rockbox it as it's perfect for redbook content.

Phillips Fidelio X2 for £129 on Prime Day, if anyone's interested. Tempted to return my DT770s for them, y/n?

[B]Budget:[/B] Up to 250$ [B]eBay:[/B] Sure [B]Country:[/B] United States [B]Isolation:[/B] Closed Air [B]Purpose:[/B] Gaming and Music Listening. [B]Music Tastes: [/B] Medal, Rock. [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Just shitty headsets off the front page of amazon really. [B]Comments:[/B] -I need something that noise cancels pretty well since I'm going to be living in an apartment next to a playground for a while. -I don't want to buy anything that requires any set up more than just plugging them in since I have no idea what I'm doing

[QUOTE=KingArcher;52469526][B]Budget:[/B] Up to 250$ [B]eBay:[/B] Sure [B]Country:[/B] United States [B]Isolation:[/B] Closed Air [B]Purpose:[/B] Gaming and Music Listening. [B]Music Tastes: [/B] Medal, Rock. [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Just shitty headsets off the front page of amazon really. [B]Comments:[/B] -I need something that noise cancels pretty well since I'm going to be living in an apartment next to a playground for a while. -I don't want to buy anything that requires any set up more than just plugging them in since I have no idea what I'm doing[/QUOTE] The Sennheiser 598 CS or Soundmagic HP150's are both solid picks for a warmer sound. The dt770 80ohm for a brighter sound which might be better for rock and metal. And surprisingly, the Bose QC25 is a decent pick for its mellow sound and slightly harsh upper treble. (w/o noise cancellation) Overall not too many choices in mid-tier closed-back headphones until you get above $400 because open-back headphones provide a more-natural tone and better air for less R&D. And even then, you'd have to sink money into headphone amps to really get things rolling. [editline]when[/editline] Schiit's releasing their 2ch amp Vidar and revealing a super secret product this upcoming monday. Fingers crossed that it's a turntable or DDC.

i've got the hd 598 cs, but the massdrop for the 6xx (650?) is really tempting. is it much of a significant upgrade?

[QUOTE=Rusty100;52476097]i've got the hd 598 cs, but the massdrop for the 6xx (650?) is really tempting. is it much of a significant upgrade?[/QUOTE] The drop is December so it's quite the wait. They're a lot smoother sounding in the upper treble, more articulate in microdynamics and are much more mid-centric than the 598cs. If you're comfortable modding, the hd6xx can be modified into the hd600's with bass. Best of both worlds. The hd6xx is also one of the first in it's budget where your source plays a large role in overall sound quality, so a dedicated amp is recommended. Something like the schiit fulla 2 for starters or schiit Vali 2 for some serious headroom.

Yeah I keep thinking about the hd6xx's but then I'd have to buy a Vali 2 and Modi Multi and idk if I want to do that right now. [editline]17th July 2017[/editline] Maybe if I got off my ass and repaired my desktop I'd have some more motivation to get other things for it.

HAVE TO though? Wouldn't it still be a substantial upgrade without them?

My have to was more just a personal thing. Still highly recommended. Kangaroo, do the 6xx's prefer a tube like the 650's? I remember some half decent DIY tube amp that could be built for like $60 at some point but I can't for the life of me remember what it is.

[QUOTE=Levelog;52479574]My have to was more just a personal thing. Still highly recommended. Kangaroo, do the 6xx's prefer a tube like the 650's? I remember some half decent DIY tube amp that could be built for like $60 at some point but I can't for the life of me remember what it is.[/QUOTE] The 6xx and 650 are supposed to be the same headphone, one's just a different color scheme. And I wouldn't shoot for anything too tube-sounding due to their already smooth nature. Rather, a tube amp to add just a touch of width and depth to the hd650/6xx's notoriously narrow sound stage. Holding off the dac shouldn't be much of an issue since it constitutes a small difference. Even then, the amp shouldn't stop you from buying headphones [i](most of the time, looking at you electrostats)[/i]. The transducer makes the biggest difference. Surprisingly, I've yet to add tubes into my chain due to budget constraints (ordered the Schiit Eitr today) but I've had a lot of sample time with various tube amps at shows and meets and I intend to pick up the Saga as a tube buffer soon. There's definitely some magic going on on how tubes handle sound stage that hard's to replicate on solid state.

Looking to get some pieces of Schiit in preparation for the new cans in december. Looking at a Modi 2 Uber paired with either a Vali 2 or a Magni 2 Uber, not really sure whether to go tube or not. Comes to a bit over $500 after shipping, and exchange rates have finished raping every orifice so I want to make sure I'm not doing it wrong. Do like the idea of having DAC and amp separate so I can upgrade more incrementally. Current gear is a FiiO Olympus 2 E10k, RHA MA750, and ATH M40x (not really used any more as the IEMs are more comfy). Would also like info on what multibit means, it's too expensive to consider at this point but I'd like to know what it does.

[QUOTE=helifreak;52481074]Looking to get some pieces of Schiit in preparation for the new cans in december. Looking at a Modi 2 Uber paired with either a Vali 2 or a Magni 2 Uber, not really sure whether to go tube or not. Comes to a bit over $500 after shipping, and exchange rates have finished raping every orifice so I want to make sure I'm not doing it wrong. Do like the idea of having DAC and amp separate so I can upgrade more incrementally. Current gear is a FiiO Olympus 2 E10k, RHA MA750, and ATH M40x (not really used any more as the IEMs are more comfy). Would also like info on what multibit means, it's too expensive to consider at this point but I'd like to know what it does.[/QUOTE] Here's a great quote from SSL, a user on one of my other haunts. [quote=SSL]Simplifying, they preserve the original samples. Our music is encoded using pulse-code modulation (PCM), which represents audio as samples of the signal amplitude. However, the vast majority of DACs these days actually perform their decoding using a pulse-density modulation (PDM) signal, using a technique called delta-sigma modulation. These kinds of DACs are commonly referred to simply as "delta-sigma" to differentiate from multibit. The supposed problem is that delta-sigma DACs, in order to do their decoding, much discard the original PCM samples when they convert to PDM. Further, delta-sigma DACs are typically 1-5 bits, making up for the lost dynamic range with extremely high oversampling - e.g. in the MHz range. Multibit solutions overcome these supposed drawbacks by decoding the audio signal with a true 16+ bit DAC, preserving the original PCM samples. On top of this, Schiit has layered a proprietary closed-form, frequency- and time-domain optimized digital filter. Digital filters are necessary to perform upsampling of the audio signal, which moves aliasing distortion out of the audible band. Some typical methods for this are the minimum-phase and linear-phase filters. Some people claim that minimum phase filters are better because they avoid pre-ringing, while other prefer linear phase because they avoid phase-distortion. I'm not sure how Schiit's closed-form filter differs from linear-phase, other than it is supposed to preserve all of the original samples. Whether or not any of this is audible is up to the listener, I guess. I haven't heard a multibit DAC, although I'd like to. More than one person has claimed not to have heard a difference between the Schiit Bifrost multibit and other DACs, like the ODAC, in blind AB/X testing.[/quote] Since you prefer your IEM's, I think you're actually in a pretty good spot, as the substantial amount of gain (as in signal amplification) offered by any of those amps becomes an issue as you won't have enough pot travel to get out of channel imbalance. I'd recommend new transducers before dropping $500 on a source setup because your old cans would utilize that kind of source to their full potential.

I got these when it was basically half off on Amazon Prime Day last week [URL]https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005N8W27I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/URL] I tried them out and they seem decent, what do you think of it? I was never a fan of in-ear headphones until I found an ear adapter kit that fit and didn't feel weird at all so I'm pretty happy with it so far. It's better than lugging around my M50x all over the place, especially when commuting. It has a nice case and everything.

[QUOTE=garychencool;52481967]I got these when it was basically half off on Amazon Prime Day last week [URL]https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005N8W27I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/URL] I tried them out and they seem decent, what do you think of it? I was never a fan of in-ear headphones until I found an ear adapter kit that fit and didn't feel weird at all so I'm pretty happy with it so far. It's better than lugging around my M50x all over the place, especially when commuting. It has a nice case and everything.[/QUOTE] Haven't used them before, I've only experience with Noble, Shure, Campfire audio, Periodic, radius, and some entry-level RHA earphones.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52481823]Here's a great quote from SSL, a user on one of my other haunts. Since you prefer your IEM's, I think you're actually in a pretty good spot, as the substantial amount of gain (as in signal amplification) offered by any of those amps becomes an issue as you won't have enough pot travel to get out of channel imbalance. I'd recommend new transducers before dropping $500 on a source setup because your old cans would utilize that kind of source to their full potential.[/QUOTE] Fair enough, I'll delay the upgrade until closer to the end of the year. Giving the cans another go because variety is the spice of life or something. Had noticed the right channel disappears at low volume but it hasn't caused issues so far. USB power is also noisy as fuck and I can hear the backlight in my keyboard through the IEMs if I don't use the buffer hence the Modi 2 Uber over the regular. Might just go with Modi 2 Multibit over the Uber though since I'll be waiting a few extra months.