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

I realise this is a headphone thread, but does anyone know anything about 5.1 home theatre setups? i need to replace my ancient panasonic ones because i can't bear the buzzing anymore. the budget would be about a grand. i'm afraid of getting a garbage pair as there seems to be a lot of total garb in this catagory

[QUOTE=Rusty100;52499005]I realise this is a headphone thread, but does anyone know anything about 5.1 home theatre setups? i need to replace my ancient panasonic ones because i can't bear the buzzing anymore. the budget would be about a grand. i'm afraid of getting a garbage pair as there seems to be a lot of total garb in this catagory[/QUOTE] Hard to say since I'm a 2.1ch myself. But it usually comes down to maximizing your fronts and filling up your rear with pretty much anything decently sized, as long as they're efficient and don't hold your fronts back. The Micca Mb42x's come to mind for good rears. Along with a dayton sub-1000 for a medium room and 12" for a large one. Denon receivers are fairly simple to use and if you can get your holds on a used one, awesome. Otherwise, the Denon AVR-S510BT has a good compliment of features. For fronts, you'll want passive matching front and center speakers so that they don't muddle each other up. I personally use the [url=http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html]Philharmonic AAM's[/url] but you might have issues with shipping so I wouldn't really recommend those.

i think i'll just go with a nice headphone experience and pretend my speakers don't suck for now. i think i will get a nice but inexpensive headphone amp. either of these good options? [URL]https://www.storedj.com.au/mayflower-desktop-objective-2-headphone-amp-0032[/URL] [URL]https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/schiit-audio-magni-2-headphone-amplifier[/URL] don't want to break the bank but want the best quality in the price range (it's for a turntable, not a computer. although i'll probably use it for both)

[QUOTE=Rusty100;52501985]i think i'll just go with a nice headphone experience and pretend my speakers don't suck for now. i think i will get a nice but inexpensive headphone amp. either of these good options? [URL]https://www.storedj.com.au/mayflower-desktop-objective-2-headphone-amp-0032[/URL] [URL]https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/schiit-audio-magni-2-headphone-amplifier[/URL] don't want to break the bank but want the best quality in the price range (it's for a turntable, not a computer. although i'll probably use it for both)[/QUOTE] Both are decent, I personally own the O2 and it does give a slightly glass edge to music. The magni has a sharp tone as well, but not as pronounced, has lower distortion numbers at higher volumes, and uses more-modern components, so it'd be my pick over the two.. If you want pre outs for speakers, the magni 2 Uber has that as well. Which turntable and phono preamp btw?

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52502392]Both are decent, I personally own the O2 and it does give a slightly glass edge to music. The magni has a sharp tone as well, but not as pronounced, has lower distortion numbers at higher volumes, and uses more-modern components, so it'd be my pick over the two.. If you want pre outs for speakers, the magni 2 Uber has that as well. Which turntable and phono preamp btw?[/QUOTE] I just have a cheap one. [URL]https://www.storedj.com.au/behringer-microphono-pp400-phono-preamp[/URL] Turntable is the Rega Planar 1.

[QUOTE=Wormy;52504914]I'm looking for some headphones again. Had Sennheiser HD 201 for around 5 years now and it's on the verge of breaking. Hopefully some of you got suggestions on a pair I could get. Main purpose will be for gaming and music. I'm not much of a bass person, too much bass ruins the sound for me. I really liked my Sennheiser HD 201 so I wouldn't mind going for Sennheiser again. The bass was okay for it too despite being budget headphones. I could probably go for a little more bass but not by much. Since I tend to listen and play older games with "chiptune" sounds it's preferable if the sound gets "crisp" as much as possible. I used to have higher budget Sennheiser headphones which I got help with on this thread, but I forgot the name at the moment. It suffered from too much bass which ruined audio from games by a fair amount. Max price I would go for is around 80 USD probably. Tips are much appreciated.[/QUOTE] Hard to say since I'm a bass-head myself. The [del]hd558[/del] and hd598's certainly have a warmer lower-mid bloom and a lush, wooly bass so that might not be what you're looking for. But they're still excellent headphone that other headphones under $100 are compared to. Honestly, for bass light + exceptional detail retrieval, you're looking at the Koss KCS 75's with a replacement headband like the [url=https://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-mini-stereo-lightweight-headphones-with-4-ft-cord--240-015]parts express band[/url] (if you can get your hands on it somehow) or the Koss Porta Pro. They have a great sparkle that's not harsh or peaky and can transmit a good amount of bass w/o sounding flabby or overpowering the rest of the spectrum. The only issue I have with them is that depending on your ears, they can get uncomfortable after 2+ hours. But that's where the headband comes in. Otherwise it'd be the Audio technica Ad700x, a similar sound sig to the ad900x but with less bass impact (Ad900x would be my top recommendation because the bass is tight and light with slightly overly detailed treble, but tastefully done that makes acoustic and female vocal shine, above your price range though). For closed backs, the Brainwavz hm5 or NVX XPT 100's for bass light usage, but with a slightly artificially detailed sound. Supremely comfy. [editline]when[/editline] Oh yeah, I think you had the hd558's beforehand.

Hmm, you can try a system-wide equilizer app like equilizer apo to tone down the bass a few ticks.

[B]Budget:[/b] $75-$150 ($200 if really worth it) [B]eBay:[/b] Maybe [B]Country:[/b] USA [B]Isolation:[/b] Closed [B]Purpose:[/b] Mobile listening [B]Previous Experiences:[/b] M40x My M40x's are on life support. I need some closed headphones for mobile listening that run well from my phone. No IEMs or on-ear. If I can't find a worthy replacement, I might just buy another pair of these when they're on sale.

[QUOTE=The Pretender;52512382][B]Budget:[/b] $75-$150 ($200 if really worth it) [B]eBay:[/b] Maybe [B]Country:[/b] USA [B]Isolation:[/b] Closed [B]Purpose:[/b] Mobile listening [B]Previous Experiences:[/b] M40x My M40x's are on life support. I need some closed headphones for mobile listening that run well from my phone. No IEMs or on-ear. If I can't find a worthy replacement, I might just buy another pair of these when they're on sale.[/QUOTE] For a warmer signature, creative aurvana live! Otherwise m40x's are good enough to get a replacement.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52512561]For a warmer signature, creative aurvana live! Otherwise m40x's are good enough to get a replacement.[/QUOTE] I read that those creatives leak sound pretty bad which isn't good for me as I'll be listening on the go with people around me.

[QUOTE=The golden;52519674][B]Budget[/B]:$100-$300 [B]eBay[/B]: No. Shipping to Canada is atrocious. [B]Country[/B]:Canada [B]Isolation[/B]: Maximum [B]Purpose[/B]: Gaming, light music. Heavy use. [B]Music Tastes[/B]: Too varied to list [B]Previous Experiences[/B]: A lot. Seriously. Too many to list. Current pair is ATH-M50X Comments: Alright so I'm in a bit of a pickle here. My desk is in the same room as my dad and he's noisy as absolute fucking hell and I'm utterly sick of it. Up until this point I've used over-ear cans which have worked well enough but my hair is nearly a foot long now and the cups don't seal for shit anymore. As for IEM's? I can't use them. I have curved ear canals (confirmed by doctor) so putting those in hurts like fuck very quickly. I'm currently considering active noise-cancellation headphones despite their drop in audio quality (It's not like my current headphones are sealing around my ears properly anyway). Only issue is I once owned a pair about 7 years ago and they tripped my vertigo and made me feel awful. I guess it would be something to return if I can't use them. Something with higher clamping force might work, although I'm prone to headaches from those. My current pair falls off my head if I look down. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.[/QUOTE] Active noise cancelling headphones won't help much in your situation because it's only really effective at cancelling consistent, droning noises like jet engines. Your dad will create different issues. [Editline]when[/editline] You can get thicker pads like brainwavz hm5 pleather pads to get a better seal with your m50x's. But the thinner foam dampener will make the m50x's brighter. Some additional foam/toilet paper in front of the driver will help mitigate this, but you'll have to experiment.

Massdrop and Hifiman are pairing up for the He-4XX. Looks like a heavily tweaked He400i and said to have a similar sound signature to the He-560 but more balanced and refined. P-much a steal at $170 since it comes standard with Focus-A pads ($50) [url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-planar-magnetic-headphones?mode=guest_open[/url] (Shame I won't have the budget due to saving up for a schiit saga) Measurements: [url]http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-measurements-and-impressions.4815/[/url] Drop begins this thursday August 3rd.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52521075]You can get thicker pads like brainwavz hm5 pleather pads to get a better seal with your m50x's. But the thinner foam dampener will make the m50x's brighter. Some additional foam/toilet paper in front of the driver will help mitigate this, but you'll have to experiment.[/QUOTE] Have those on my m40x's, they are fucking amazing. Generally I'll leave my hair tied back with headphones on but it seems to block out about the same amount (where the smoke alarm right outside my room is slightly audible over music) regardless of whether my ears are covered by hair or not. Can't be fucked measuring but it's definitely over a foot. [t]https://www.helifreak.club/image/20170802105759826.png[/t] In other news the rabbit hole is scheduled to get much deeper and I am eternally grateful for cheap rent.

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52530981]Massdrop and Hifiman are pairing up for the He-4XX. Looks like a heavily tweaked He400i and said to have a similar sound signature to the He-560 but more balanced and refined. P-much a steal at $170 since it comes standard with Focus-A pads ($50) [url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-planar-magnetic-headphones?mode=guest_open[/url] (Shame I won't have the budget due to saving up for a schiit saga) Measurements: [url]http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-measurements-and-impressions.4815/[/url] Drop begins this thursday August 3rd.[/QUOTE] Another shady as fuck looking Massdrop collab. Fun fun fun. [editline]2nd August 2017[/editline] At $170 though, worth buying if you're not afraid of a tiny bit of modding. Oh, and live in the US. Since both Massdrop and HiFiMan have serious QC issues, there's usually lots of returns the first batch.

[QUOTE=SataniX;52531953]Another shady as fuck looking Massdrop collab. Fun fun fun. [editline]2nd August 2017[/editline] At $170 though, worth buying if you're not afraid of a tiny bit of modding. Oh, and live in the US. Since both Massdrop and HiFiMan have serious QC issues, there's usually lots of returns the first batch.[/QUOTE] Qc is definitely something to consider since it looks like hfm opted for the older headband and gimbal design for this run. Probably liquidating spare parts. [Editline]when[/editline] (That means cheaper spare parts for The Code-X which I might to look into now)

[QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52532500]Qc is definitely something to consider since it looks like hfm opted for the older headband and gimbal design for this run. Probably liquidating spare parts. [Editline]when[/editline] (That means cheaper spare parts for The Code-X which I might to look into now)[/QUOTE] Not to mention what looks like refurb HE-400 original drivers.

[QUOTE=SataniX;52531953]Another shady as fuck looking Massdrop collab. Fun fun fun. [editline]2nd August 2017[/editline] At $170 though, worth buying if you're not afraid of a tiny bit of modding. Oh, and live in the US. Since both Massdrop and HiFiMan have serious QC issues, there's usually lots of returns the first batch.[/QUOTE] I'm fairly unfamilar with Massdrop. What shady stuff do they partake in?

[QUOTE=The Pretender;52534796]I'm fairly unfamilar with Massdrop. What shady stuff do they partake in?[/QUOTE] Usually the first drop is a customer service nightmare for international customers and they sort themselves out after subsequent drops. I'd be more weary about hfm's qc, their early stuff is known to fail at the gimble and rust at the planar etchings in more humid climates. But at the same time, their old stuff like the He-6 is still totl. (Gotta baby the fuck out of it) [del]It's hard to know whether there'll be additional He4XX drops considering they're using the older gimble design though, even the Massdrop He350 used newer a gimble, so it's a toss-up. The next drop could potentially use newer gimbles at a price adjustment.[/del] [editline]when[/editline] Oh snap, it's a brand new headband / gimble that looks surprisingly like the old one. Neat. [editline]when[/editline] Apparently the calculated impedance is ~87dB SPL/mW at ~45 ohms aka inefficient, so don't expect any tight planar bass w/o a dedicated headphone amplifier: [url]https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/MassdropHiFiMANHE4XX.pdf[/url]

[QUOTE=The Pretender;52534796]I'm fairly unfamilar with Massdrop. What shady stuff do they partake in?[/QUOTE] Pressuring companies into offering cut price products by threatening to go to competitors. Their own made stuff has notoriously poor quality control, and often QC from other companies in order to reach that low price point. [quote] Apparently the calculated impedance is ~87dB SPL/mW at ~45 ohms aka inefficient, so don't expect any tight planar bass w/o a dedicated headphone amplifier[/quote] Calculated impedance by a very well respected source. Not even worth listening to without an amp really. [quote] Sensitivity: 93 dB Impedance: 35 ohms Listen to them directly from your smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer [/quote] Claimed by Massdrop. Massdrop description also says Focus Pads-A, whereas the samples (which are apparently production samples) [URL="http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/massdrop-x-hifiman-he4xx-measurements-and-impressions.4815/page-6#post-154473"]features Focus Pads.[/URL] Their refusal to release the driver used in the HE4XX seems shady as fuck too, there has to be a reason they're hiding it. The measurements just don't match up. And considering Massdrop and HFM, that reason is probably cost cutting. Especially at that price, and with the size of the drop + frequency response it's gotta be original HE-400 refurbs or a brand new driver essentially combining the 400i and 400s drivers.(theory credit to someone on SBAF, I'm not that knowledgeable or rich enough to do that kinda testing.) Their customer service is also a run around. I bought a pair of Shure SE215's that broke after a week - Massdrop sent me to Shure CS, who insisted I needed to talk to Massdrop CS. Repeat. Give up. Buy Chinese fakes for 1/4 the price that are identical. Shame, because I'd love some Planars. But December shipping + customs + the high chance of having to ship them BACK to the States.... Also still bitter about the 650 drop. They're made in Ireland, why can't you ship me one from there instead of the States. [QUOTE=KangarooSteak;52532500] (That means cheaper spare parts for The Code-X which I might to look into now)[/QUOTE] Reading through the SBAF thread someone tried a mod that apparently comes pretty close but much cheaper. Be warned though, it deviates into gay porn.

fake 215s that are identical?

[QUOTE=Bbls;52538641]fake 215s that are identical?[/QUOTE] Indistinguishable apart from the packaging, and sound the same. Like with the initial Beats Pill fakes a while back, it's one of the copies that manages to get it spot on. I actually used one earpiece from the fake and one from the original Massdrop, since only one broke and it's a removable cable. Couldn't notice any difference in sound quality at all, or visually.

interesting mind shooting me a link?

[QUOTE=Bbls;52539874]interesting mind shooting me a link?[/QUOTE] This was a while ago (2015? I think), and the seller isn't around anymore. I doubt that particular batch of fakes is around anymore, and I wouldn't want to recommend any other fakes because they're going to vary of course. I think I found the information on Head-Fi in a comparison post between real and the fakes, but that's about all I can remember. [editline]5th August 2017[/editline] [url]https://www.head-fi.org/threads/bought-a-new-shure-se215-for-37-from-china.778146/[/url] There we go. I'm afraid I suspect your chance is long gone with those though, Shure really cracked down on the fakes.

hm thanks anyways

My company is paying for these and the price limit is £100, so may as well get as close to 100 as possible but can't go over. However, must be bought from Amazon. Cheers guys Budget: £100 eBay: no, only Amazon new Country: UK Isolation: open/semi-open Purpose: music on spotify, netflix Music Tastes: classical, pop Previous Experiences: koss portrapro, AKG y40 Comments: very happy with the AKG, want similar style but better

I'm looking for some very specific headphones. I need something that's both open back and on ear. Budget:150-200 eBay: not unless I have to Country: Canada Isolation: Open Purpose: Gaming and YouTube

amazing my audio's starting to become a consistent problem and i'm sick of it all my shit keeps breaking and I have no idea why a few years ago, siberia 200s, both pairs broke, then my roccat ones broke, and now that I'm after the RP-HTF600E-S when I've got the money my reliable pair of siberia v2s also decided to break and to top it all off, my zalman zm-mic1 was DOA today why does all my shit keep breaking? one of the 200's ears cut out, and the same just happened 10 minutes ago with the v2s, and the audio just got completely fucked on my other 200s and my somewhat recent roccat headset, is there a problem with my audio setup or something that's breaking everything?

[QUOTE=caldog6;52551236]amazing my audio's starting to become a consistent problem and i'm sick of it all my shit keeps breaking and I have no idea why a few years ago, siberia 200s, both pairs broke, then my roccat ones broke, and now that I'm after the RP-HTF600E-S when I've got the money my reliable pair of siberia v2s also decided to break and to top it all off, my zalman zm-mic1 was DOA today why does all my shit keep breaking? one of the 200's ears cut out, and the same just happened 10 minutes ago with the v2s, and the audio just got completely fucked on my other 200s and my somewhat recent roccat headset, is there a problem with my audio setup or something that's breaking everything?[/QUOTE] Do you use your headphones after showering, without drying off? Water can get into the driver and shit it up. How tangled up are your cables? Maybe they're breaking or maybe your audio port is fucky. [editline]8th August 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Alcapwne;52549060]My company is paying for these and the price limit is £100, so may as well get as close to 100 as possible but can't go over. However, must be bought from Amazon. Cheers guys Budget: £100 eBay: no, only Amazon new Country: UK Isolation: open/semi-open Purpose: music on spotify, netflix Music Tastes: classical, pop Previous Experiences: koss portrapro, AKG y40 Comments: very happy with the AKG, want similar style but better[/QUOTE] I don't really know any other open headphones at that pricepoint, theres the oop [URL="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-HD-518-Circumaural-Headphones/dp/B0042A68R8"]Sennheiser HD 518[/URL] for 99. They're not on ear like your AKGs but the whole 5xx series is extremely comfortable and their low weight is well distributed so that you won't notice wearing them. Unfortunately the cable terminates in a 6.35mm connector, that comes with an adapter for 3.5mm which adds dangerous leverage should you accidentally pull on the 3m cable at a bad angle. Some closed ones near that pricepoint would be: Audio-Technica ATH-M40X If just maybe you can somehow swing an extra 20: [URL="https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Studio-Headphones/Sennheiser-HD-558-High-Open-Over-Technology/B004FEEY9A/"]Sennheiser 558[/URL]s are my favorite of the 5 series and are 120 on Amazon. edit:[B] Actually, [URL="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grado-SR80e-Prestige-Backed-Headphone/dp/B00L1LXOWS"]Grado SR80e[/URL] just came to mind. They cost exactly 99 and are also open and have a similliar style to your AKG's.[/B] And I also found [URL="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009S333U4"]Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X[/URL] for 100.99, but they're bigger.

has anyone tried tfz exclusive kings?

[QUOTE=Lucinice;52549182]I'm looking for some very specific headphones. I need something that's both open back and on ear. Budget:150-200 eBay: not unless I have to Country: Canada Isolation: Open Purpose: Gaming and YouTube[/QUOTE] Grado fits the bill for an open on-ear, though I don't have any experience with any of the series. [editline]8th August 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=caldog6;52551236]amazing my audio's starting to become a consistent problem and i'm sick of it all my shit keeps breaking and I have no idea why a few years ago, siberia 200s, both pairs broke, then my roccat ones broke, and now that I'm after the RP-HTF600E-S when I've got the money my reliable pair of siberia v2s also decided to break and to top it all off, my zalman zm-mic1 was DOA today why does all my shit keep breaking? one of the 200's ears cut out, and the same just happened 10 minutes ago with the v2s, and the audio just got completely fucked on my other 200s and my somewhat recent roccat headset, is there a problem with my audio setup or something that's breaking everything?[/QUOTE] is the jack strained in any way? Bent in an odd shape or pulled from the cord one too many times? A micro extension can help alleviate cable strain in the future, something short like a 6" 3.5mm male to female.