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

[B]Budget:[/B] $150 [B]eBay:[/B] No [B]Country:[/B] United States [B]Isolation:[/B] Would prefer if the sound doesn't leak enough for those in the same room to clearly hear it. [B]Purpose:[/B] Music, Lots of Games [B]Music Tastes:[/B] Electronic/Techno, Hip Hop [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Awful gaming headsets [B]Comments:[/B] Circumaural, and preferably something with bass but nothing too overwhelming. I'd prefer that it's comfy, since I tend to wear them for hours upon hours. Lastly, something with a sturdy cord. Too many of my previous headphones have fallen victim of bad wiring. I'm aware this is very similar to a post I made a long time ago in this thread, but some info has changed, and I didn't purchase any headphones from my last post.

[QUOTE=DragonAwesome;42908751][B]Budget:[/B] $150 [B]eBay:[/B] No [B]Country:[/B] United States [B]Isolation:[/B] Would prefer if the sound doesn't leak enough for those in the same room to clearly hear it. [B]Purpose:[/B] Music, Lots of Games [B]Music Tastes:[/B] Electronic/Techno, Hip Hop [B]Previous Experiences:[/B] Awful gaming headsets [B]Comments:[/B] Circumaural, and preferably something with bass but nothing too overwhelming. I'd prefer that it's comfy, since I tend to wear them for hours upon hours. Lastly, something with a sturdy cord. Too many of my previous headphones have fallen victim of bad wiring. I'm aware this is very similar to a post I made a long time ago in this thread, but some info has changed, and I didn't purchase any headphones from my last post.[/QUOTE] [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50S-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B004ZG9TMA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384822473&sr=8-1&keywords=m50s"]m50[/URL] or [URL="http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-On-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B005HSDLCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384822973&sr=8-1&keywords=vmoda+m80"]v-80[/URL] [editline]18th November 2013[/editline] [QUOTE=CommunistCookie;42907147]Budget: Approx $200 eBay: No. Country: US Isolation: Closed or semi-open Purpose: Music, gaming Music Tastes: Pretty much everything Previous Experiences: I have the AD700s and a Creative Xfi Titanium HD. Comments: I like my AD700s, but now that I'm in college and have roommates I'd like something more isolating. I also don't have as much time for vidya, but I'm always listening to music, so I'd like something with a bass presence. I was looking at the ATH-M50s, but apparently they have a shit soundstage (though they aren't out of the question yet, not sure how much of an impact that'd have on gaming).[/QUOTE] m50 soundstage isn't shit it just isn't as good as ad700 (nothing is) i think they'd be good for you. not much of an upgrade though. there's also the v-moda m-80s which joker of head-fi gave a very positive review of ([URL="http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-108-portable-headphones-reviewed-denon-dn-hp1000-added-09-07-13#(A17)"]ctrl+f m-80[/URL]), for a bit more but still in your price range [editline]18th November 2013[/editline] oh i forgot, the m80 and v80 are the same thing, so unless not having true blood branding is worth $75 to you, i would go for them even over the m50s

[QUOTE=Odellus;42908843][URL="http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50S-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B004ZG9TMA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384822473&sr=8-1&keywords=m50s"]m50[/URL] or [URL="http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-On-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B005HSDLCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384822973&sr=8-1&keywords=vmoda+m80"]v-80[/URL] [editline]18th November 2013[/editline] m50 soundstage isn't shit it just isn't as good as ad700 (nothing is) i think they'd be good for you. not much of an upgrade though. there's also the v-moda m-80s which joker of head-fi gave a very positive review of ([URL="http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-108-portable-headphones-reviewed-denon-dn-hp1000-added-09-07-13#(A17)"]ctrl+f m-80[/URL]), for a bit more but still in your price range [editline]18th November 2013[/editline] oh i forgot, the m80 and v80 are the same thing, so unless not having true blood branding is worth $75 to you, i would go for them even over the m50s[/QUOTE] So are the m80/v80 both on the ear? As great as they seem, I can't stand anything other than over the ear. Apologies for lack of proper terminology.

[QUOTE=DragonAwesome;42909603]So are the m80/v80 both on the ear? As great as they seem, I can't stand anything other than over the ear. Apologies for lack of proper terminology.[/QUOTE] appears to be that way, yes. the m50s are probably your best bet.

hey i need help whats the difference between Razer Kraken Pro Gaming Headset [url]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Razer-Kraken-Pro-Gaming-Headset/dp/B009L0ES12/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top[/url] Razer Kraken Pro Analog Gaming headset [url]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Razer-Kraken-Analog-Gaming-Headset/dp/B009O251OK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top[/url] im confused as 1 says analog headset. or are they both the same but just different colours

The difference is that you shouldn't get a "gaming headset". But to answer your question, I don't think there's any meaningful difference (at least not one I can figure out) - maybe it's just two listings with different names for the same headset.

[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;42923209]The difference is that you shouldn't get a "gaming headset". But to answer your question, I don't think there's any meaningful difference (at least not one I can figure out) - maybe it's just two listings with different names for the same headset.[/QUOTE] whats wrong with a "gaming headset"?

[QUOTE=Dizzlepro;42923231]whats wrong with a "gaming headset"?[/QUOTE] Normally worse build and sound quality than a normal pair of headphones, and you're paying out your ass for it. You can get clip-on mics pretty for cheap, and you'll end up saving money while getting better sound quality.

[QUOTE=Dizzlepro;42923231]whats wrong with a "gaming headset"?[/QUOTE] Anything made for gaming is usually junk. A lot of stupid will buy it thinking "it's made for me, i'm a gamer, this is a really good X (headset, kb, mouse)" When in reality if it was really that good we wouldn't need to call it gear for gamers and it would be sold as a normal product. Because gaming products are supposed to be the "best". But of course they're not.

Budget: About £200 more or less eBay: Not right now Country: UK Isolation: Circumaural Purpose: Gaming and listening to music Music Tastes: Bit of everything, mostly modern electronic music Previous Experiences: Lots of broken gaming headsets. You lot know more about these things than I, that's why I am here. If i need some fancy soundcard please say.

[QUOTE=Tob2010;42928298]Budget: About £200 more or less eBay: Not right now Country: UK Isolation: Circumaural Purpose: Gaming and listening to music Music Tastes: Bit of everything, mostly modern electronic music Previous Experiences: Lots of broken gaming headsets. You lot know more about these things than I, that's why I am here. If i need some fancy soundcard please say.[/QUOTE] I know I keep recommending the DT770 Pro, but they are incredibly comfy and have a very nice sound stage and pretty good bass. And they're not that expensive.

Have another mic demo if anyone is still looking for something a bit more than your normal mic: [media]http://soundcloud.com/redbadger/mxl990[/media]

[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;42928367]I know I keep recommending the DT770 Pro, but they are incredibly comfy and have a very nice sound stage and pretty good bass. And they're not that expensive.[/QUOTE] you need to let people know not to buy the high impedance versions of those if they can't also afford an amp or soundcard with a decent onboard amp headfi says the 250 ohm dt770s can be driven by the budget xonar dgx but you'll have to have volume around 80% for listenable levels the 600 ohms are completely out of the question. [URL="http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more"]check this guide out if you're considering anything from the dt770-990 range.[/URL] and, from the lord himself, [quote=MalVeauX]Heya, Impedance really is a reflection of past hardware, and the concept of high impedance as 'audiophile' grade reflects people having old hardware (mind, still good) with different power outputs, noise floors, etc. These days it doesn't even matter as much because a lot of modern desktop amps are made to be able to deal with low impedance and high impedance, so you can just get a decent amp and plug basically anything into it. Most headphones under 250ohm impedance will play fine out of a normal discreet soundcard on a PC (note, that does not include onboard sound necessarily). If you're at all worried and have a desktop, the Xonar DG is $30, that's a good enough amp for most 250ohm and below in general. If on a laptop or something, consider an inexpensive small amp like the FiiO E11 or go a bit more and get a simple E9 and you're set for virtually any headphone in the mid-tier and under range.[/quote]

Sorry, but much of that is above me. As for the headphones, they look good. Thank you. Still, I will leave it for a day or two for any other suggestions.

[QUOTE=Odellus;42928613]you need to let people know not to buy the high impedance versions of those if they can't also afford an amp or soundcard with a decent onboard amp headfi says the 250 ohm dt770s can be driven by the budget xonar dgx but you'll have to have volume around 80% for listenable levels the 600 ohms are completely out of the question. [URL="http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more"]check this guide out if you're considering anything from the dt770-990 range.[/URL] and, from the lord himself,[/QUOTE] Personally I'm using the 80Ohm version, and volume's fine with my motherboard's built-in audio, though obviously I use my external sound card with it most of the time.

[QUOTE=Tob2010;42929192]Sorry, but much of that is above me. As for the headphones, they look good. Thank you. Still, I will leave it for a day or two for any other suggestions.[/QUOTE] higher impedance = harder to drive = need for more powerful amp, generally [img]http://i.imgur.com/KP28aRn.png[/img] that'll give you an idea of what the dt770s sound like. deep bass, recessed mids, and pronounced treble. i'd recommend you have a look at the a900x as well. it has more of a balanced sound with better mids than the dt770 and pretty much anything will sound good through them.

[QUOTE=Odellus;42908843][URL="http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50S-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B004ZG9TMA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384822473&sr=8-1&keywords=m50s"]m50[/URL] or [URL="http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-Crossfade-On-Ear-Noise-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B005HSDLCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384822973&sr=8-1&keywords=vmoda+m80"]v-80[/URL] [editline]18th November 2013[/editline] m50 soundstage isn't shit it just isn't as good as ad700 (nothing is) i think they'd be good for you. not much of an upgrade though. there's also the v-moda m-80s which joker of head-fi gave a very positive review of ([URL="http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-108-portable-headphones-reviewed-denon-dn-hp1000-added-09-07-13#(A17)"]ctrl+f m-80[/URL]), for a bit more but still in your price range [editline]18th November 2013[/editline] oh i forgot, the m80 and v80 are the same thing, so unless not having true blood branding is worth $75 to you, i would go for them even over the m50s[/QUOTE] Thanks. I was seriously considering the M80s for the last couple days, but I don't like the on-ear design considering my headphones never leave my room and I wear them for hours at a time. [QUOTE=Odellus;42932603]higher impedance = harder to drive = need for more powerful amp, generally that'll give you an idea of what the dt770s sound like. deep bass, recessed mids, and pronounced treble. i'd recommend you have a look at the a900x as well. it has more of a balanced sound with better mids than the dt770 and pretty much anything will sound good through them.[/QUOTE] Oooh, the A900X looks promising. Would it be a good upgrade over the AD700s considering what I said in my previous post? [QUOTE=CommunistCookie;42907147]Budget: Approx $200 eBay: No. Country: US Isolation: Closed or semi-open Purpose: Music, gaming Music Tastes: Pretty much everything Previous Experiences: I have the AD700s and a Creative Xfi Titanium HD. Comments: I like my AD700s, but now that I'm in college and have roommates I'd like something more isolating. I also don't have as much time for vidya, but I'm always listening to music, so I'd like something with a bass presence. I was looking at the ATH-M50s, but apparently they have a shit soundstage (though they aren't out of the question yet, not sure how much of an impact that'd have on gaming).[/QUOTE]

ad/a900x is a more refined version of the 700s. the a*00 have more bass (not necessarily better) and a slightly smaller soundstage than the ad*00. generally people like the open ones more than the closed ones, as you can fix the bass problem with a simple equalizer tweak and keep the spacious, airy sound too. if you need isolation then obviously the A900X are the way to go, especially if you like audio-technica's sound. i have a700s and the only thing people can hear is a bit of noise coming from the headphones, and i can hear everything around me but it's a bit muffled. here's what my equalizer settings look like [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8914988/Captures/excel282-20131121-154832.png[/img] [editline]21st November 2013[/editline] i have no idea where you can try/buy audio-technicas, but if you have any local music shops you could try calling and asking if you could test them before buying. they might even have a better price than online. i say this because you might not like the heavier weight of the aluminum construction 900x (700x is plastic) and/or might not be able to hear enough improvement over the 700x to justify the price. make sure you can try them with a proper source.

[QUOTE=Odellus;42939203]ad/a900x is a more refined version of the 700s. the a*00 have more bass (not necessarily better) and a slightly smaller soundstage than the ad*00. generally people like the open ones more than the closed ones, as you can fix the bass problem with a simple equalizer tweak and keep the spacious, airy sound too. if you need isolation then obviously the A900X are the way to go, especially if you like audio-technica's sound. i have a700s and the only thing people can hear is a bit of noise coming from the headphones, and i can hear everything around me but it's a bit muffled. here's what my equalizer settings look like [img]https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8914988/Captures/excel282-20131121-154832.png[/img] [editline]21st November 2013[/editline] i have no idea where you can try/buy audio-technicas, but if you have any local music shops you could try calling and asking if you could test them before buying. they might even have a better price than online. i say this because you might not like the heavier weight of the aluminum construction 900x (700x is plastic) and/or might not be able to hear enough improvement over the 700x to justify the price. make sure you can try them with a proper source.[/QUOTE] How is the bass on the a700s? No amount of fucking with the EQ will give the AD700s any bass presence.

Woot! Got my AKG Q701's AND! MY ASUS XONAR ESSENCE STX! And they sound great right now but they should sound better soon since they need to be burned in.

[QUOTE=CommunistCookie;42941017]How is the bass on the a700s? No amount of fucking with the EQ will give the AD700s any bass presence.[/QUOTE] i can't really say because the only real headphones i've ever tried are a700s and beats. i also own etymotic mc5s. to compare them to the beats; obviously they don't match them in quantity but it's not a muffled, bloated mess of lows. the a700s have enough punch and quantity to suit my needs, but they don't really extend very far and aren't nearly as detailed as the other frequency ranges. the eq enhanced bass never overtakes the midrange or treble. the mc5s are exceptional iems and have more of a low and mid focus, and it's obvious when comparing to the a700s. they actually have better bass in both quantity and quality than the a700s and nearly make you deaf to the outside world with a proper seal (buy them if you ever need or want iems!). if you want more bass, but not too much, the a900xs will probably fulfill that for you. [URL="http://www.headphone.com/buildAGraph.php"]try this for frequency response comparisons.[/URL]

Got my ATH-M50s today. I'm very happy with the sound, but there's noticeable occasional static/popping (it's not related to source quality; I'm using flac files). Apparently this is caused by a mediocre audio card, which would make sense, since I'm using my motherboard's integrated sound. If anyone has an easy fix, that'd be great. Otherwise, what kind of hardware would I need to fix this?

[QUOTE=DragonAwesome;42952356]Got my ATH-M50s today. I'm very happy with the sound, but there's noticeable occasional static/popping (it's not related to source quality; I'm using flac files). Apparently this is caused by a mediocre audio card, which would make since, since I'm using my motherboard's integrated sound. If anyone has an easy fix, that'd be great. Otherwise, what kind of hardware would I need to fix this?[/QUOTE] i'm glad you're happy with the headphones. if you haven't already, you could try some of the things in [URL="http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/fix-audio-staticcracklingpopping-with-realtek-sound-card/"]this article.[/URL] if nothing works, any sound card will drive those just fine. i recommend any of the xonar cards, depending on how much you want to spend. the x-fi titanium with the PAX driver suite is another alternative.

A question for skype and interaction with multiple audio devices. If ive got everything on (desk speakers, headset stand), I have sucessfully channeled all audio through the speakers, and told skype to send and receive to the headset. I was wondering if there is a way to have the desk speakers take over when my headset stand is turned off. I am aware of the priority list on skype, but it didn't seem to search past the headset stand even if it was off. Thanks!

[QUOTE=Odellus;42952504]i'm glad you're happy with the headphones. if you haven't already, you could try some of the things in [URL="http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/fix-audio-staticcracklingpopping-with-realtek-sound-card/"]this article.[/URL] if nothing works, any sound card will drive those just fine. i recommend any of the xonar cards, depending on how much you want to spend. the x-fi titanium with the PAX driver suite is another alternative.[/QUOTE] Investigated more, and the static always happens at the same points in the songs. Not sure if that helps.

[QUOTE=DragonAwesome;42952651]Investigated more, and the static always happens at the same points in the songs. Not sure if that helps.[/QUOTE] what's going on in the song when it happens? and are you using the front or rear jack?

[QUOTE=Odellus;42952763]what's going on in the song when it happens? and are you using the front or rear jack?[/QUOTE] The relation to the song seems to be pretty random. I'm using the front jack at the moment, I'll try the rear though. Just tested, same problems on the rear. In fact, the sound is significantly more muddled in the rear.

Budget: $150 - $100 eBay: No. Country: US Isolation: Open or semi-open Purpose: Composing orchestral soundtracks Music Tastes: Classical, Soundtracks Previous Experiences: A old used pair of Turtle Beaches Comments: I have almost no experience with headphone buying, the last pair I've had broke and I've been using some really shitty computer speakers in the mean time. Since I write primarily orchestral pieces (soundtracks) and listen to only classical/soundtracks, I'm not sure what kind of headphones would even suit those guidelines. Anyways, thanks in advance.

[QUOTE=Rich209;42953304]Budget: $150 - $100 eBay: No. Country: US Isolation: Open or semi-open Purpose: Composing orchestral soundtracks Music Tastes: Classical, Soundtracks Previous Experiences: A old used pair of Turtle Beaches Comments: I have almost no experience with headphone buying, the last pair I've had broke and I've been using some really shitty computer speakers in the mean time. Since I write primarily orchestral pieces (soundtracks) and listen to only classical/soundtracks, I'm not sure what kind of headphones would even suit those guidelines. Anyways, thanks in advance.[/QUOTE] ad700xs, unequivocally [editline]22nd November 2013[/editline] [QUOTE=DragonAwesome;42952910]The relation to the song seems to be pretty random. I'm using the front jack at the moment, I'll try the rear though. Just tested, same problems on the rear. In fact, the sound is significantly more muddled in the rear.[/QUOTE] dunno what to tell you. sounds like your onboard has just gone bad.

[QUOTE=Odellus;42953435]ad700xs, unequivocally[/QUOTE] Thanks, I've placed my order for it via Amazon.