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

Some headphones I bought a couple months ago just suddenly stop working. I tested them out on multiply devices to make sure it was in fact the headphones. The cord is completely fine, nothing is torn. Do you think it may be the plug that is broken?

[QUOTE=Rich209;43493652]Some headphones I bought a couple months ago just suddenly stop working. I tested them out on multiply devices to make sure it was in fact the headphones. The cord is completely fine, nothing is torn. Do you think it may be the plug that is broken?[/QUOTE] Could be the connection at the plug, at the headphone, a break inside the wire, if it's both channels that are gone it's likely the ground I believe. Also, is it worth waiting for the v4 mod mic, or is the v3 good enough, or perhaps v2? I currently have a small mic taped to a piece of wire in turn taped to my headphones, which works, but is certainly not pretty.

I need new headphones. I had an excellent headset by Sennheiser (PC350) but my cat murdered it. So I have 80 euros, so I'd like a pair around that price range. What I liked about the PC350 was that they were huge and covered my ears and more and yet very light and I could wear them all day so I want something that's more or less the same (I would just buy the same ones if it hadn't gone up in price by 100 dollars) I need them mostly for gaming and for movie watching, I don't care if they have good isolation or whatever (my previous ones didn't). If anyone could give me suggestions I'd appreciate it

[QUOTE=plants;43509696]I need new headphones. I had an excellent headset by Sennheiser (PC350) but my cat murdered it. So I have 80 euros, so I'd like a pair around that price range. What I liked about the PC350 was that they were huge and covered my ears and more and yet very light and I could wear them all day so I want something that's more or less the same (I would just buy the same ones if it hadn't gone up in price by 100 dollars) I need them mostly for gaming and for movie watching, I don't care if they have good isolation or whatever (my previous ones didn't). If anyone could give me suggestions I'd appreciate it[/QUOTE] I'm really loving my NVX XPT100s; they've good isolation, they're insanely comfortable (the pads are an inch thick and filled with clouds), and they sound great. The bass is soft until you give it a proper burn-in, but then it really fills out. I'm not sure where you can find them in Europe, but they're $80 US which means they're like half that in Euros or something idk exchange rates anymore

Reposting, new budget. Budget:£80 eBay: No Country: UK Isolation: Closed, circumaural Purpose: Gaming, varied music, so I guess something neutral. Music Tastes: ^ Previous Experiences: None really. Comments:

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43474239][URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPd5BpEfNz0"]Watch this before you pick those up.[/URL] Hey, pageking. Perfect time to tell you all about [URL="http://www.youtube.com/user/ZE0SPantera"]Zeos Pantera[/URL]. He's an old gmodder who has reviews of popular/interesting audio equipment ranging from headphones to amps to speakers. Go check him out if you're curious about a certain pair that he's reviewed or you can't decide on one to get and want a little direction.[/QUOTE] Because of his reviews I just bought these [URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093PVTPS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]NVX XPT100's[/URL]. He said they are so comfortable and have really good sound. Detachable ear-pads with angled pads included. They also have a detachable cord, which is a big YES for me. [QUOTE=MrWhite;43517323]I'm really loving my NVX XPT100s; they've good isolation, they're insanely comfortable (the pads are an inch thick and filled with clouds), and they sound great. The bass is soft until you give it a proper burn-in, but then it really fills out. I'm not sure where you can find them in Europe, but they're $80 US which means they're like half that in Euros or something idk exchange rates anymore[/QUOTE] Oh snap I missed this post. Good to see other good reviews on them. Can't wait for them to come in the mail.

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43474239][URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPd5BpEfNz0"]Watch this before you pick those up.[/URL] [/QUOTE] What was that about gaming lol you don't need any "sound stage", all and every stereo headphones will work

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43517323]I'm really loving my NVX XPT100s; they've good isolation, they're insanely comfortable (the pads are an inch thick and filled with clouds), and they sound great. The bass is soft until you give it a proper burn-in, but then it really fills out. I'm not sure where you can find them in Europe, but they're $80 US which means they're like half that in Euros or something idk exchange rates anymore[/QUOTE] I'm really liking the look of these actually, thanks!

[QUOTE=Toats MaGoats;43531528]Because of his reviews I just bought these [URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093PVTPS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]NVX XPT100's[/URL]. He said they are so comfortable and have really good sound. Detachable ear-pads with angled pads included. They also have a detachable cord, which is a big YES for me. Oh snap I missed this post. Good to see other good reviews on them. Can't wait for them to come in the mail.[/QUOTE] Mine actually came via UPS and were sitting out on my front step for like 3 hours in -2° weather because apparently UPS drivers don't know how to knock. I brought them in and let them warm up for an hour and they still sounded really tinny when I first tried them. Don't be surprised if they don't sound so great when you first put them on; they really fill out in sound after a few hours of use or you could burn them in with some noise overnight or something. [QUOTE=plants;43538348]I'm really liking the look of these actually, thanks![/QUOTE] They're insanely comfortable. The pads are made of the most supple vinyl I've ever felt, and the headband is very forgiving in terms of play. they also come in a massive case filled with foam and all-in-all are just really high-quality feeling. [editline]14th January 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=damnatus;43536137]What was that about gaming lol you don't need any "sound stage", all and every stereo headphones will work[/QUOTE] You've never heard a good pair of headphones then. A wider soundstage helps you localize sounds around you more than no/less soundstage. It really adds depth and immersion to the audio. Yes, you can play games listening to mono sound if you wanted, but spatially-corrected stereo with a good set of headphones makes the experience so much more immersive.

Need some new in ear earbuds, my previous sennheiser cx300 (something like that) has finally given up and the left earbud is silent. I need some new ones. Budget: 107€ or 1000 SEK. Ebay: preferably not since I need them as soon as possible. Country : Sweden Purpose : music on phone while going to school and home, possibly used with ps3 and xbox when playing at night. Music: Mostly metal but I listen to pretty much everything. So I want some decent bass and sound quality, as good as can get with this budget and being in ear. Doesn't matter if it's one of those flat cords or If it has playback control or not.

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43539439] You've never heard a good pair of headphones then. A wider soundstage helps you localize sounds around you more than no/less soundstage. It really adds depth and immersion to the audio. Yes, you can play games listening to mono sound if you wanted, but spatially-corrected stereo with a good set of headphones makes the experience so much more immersive.[/QUOTE] dude I soundwhore with my M50s like crazy, that is why I'm surprised he mentions them as bad regarding gaming

Ok I know I'll probably will get all the hate from you guys I understand that but I need some advice. First of all I know what ya'll think about headsets but I figured if I need audio advice this is the best place to ask since I don't know anything about sound. So what is the best sound card? I've been looking at the ASUS Xonar Essence STX, whats your thoughts about that? (I don't want any external solution) Secondly whats the best allround(mainly gaming) [B]HEADSET[/B]? been looking at the Sennheiser PC 363D. (I'm not interested in having a desktop mic) The only price limit is that I don't want to spend over $400 on the headset and not over $300 on the sound card. Please don't hate me. (I'm such a sinner aren't I?)

Why would you want a sound card. Why would you want a headset? Get a modmic and a decent pair of cans, there's literally no reason to want a headset whenyou can get that.

[QUOTE=asXas;43555515]Ok I know I'll probably will get all the hate from you guys I understand that but I need some advice. First of all I know what ya'll think about headsets but I figured if I need audio advice this is the best place to ask since I don't know anything about sound. So what is the best sound card? I've been looking at the ASUS Xonar Essence STX, whats your thoughts about that? (I don't want any external solution) Secondly whats the best allround(mainly gaming) [B]HEADSET[/B]? been looking at the Sennheiser PC 363D. (I'm not interested in having a desktop mic) The only price limit is that I don't want to spend over $400 on the headset and not over $300 on the sound card. Please don't hate me. (I'm such a sinner aren't I?)[/QUOTE] Why not get a badass pair of headphones and a [url]http://www.modmic.com/[/url] ? Granted if your budget for a headset is $400 you could probably afford to buy something like a broadcaster headset with a real dynamic boom on it... The top end phones + modmic would end up being more versatile though, and wouldn't require a mixer. [QUOTE=GoDong-DK;43555716]Why would you want a sound card.[/QUOTE] Because integrated chipsets have noise, same reason I'd like to get my hands on one.

[QUOTE=Dragonblz;43555730]Why not get a badass pair of headphones and a [url]http://www.modmic.com/[/url] ? Granted if your budget for a headset is $400 you could probably afford to buy something like a broadcaster headset with a real dynamic boom on it... The top end phones + modmic would end up being more versatile though, and wouldn't require a mixer. Because integrated chipsets have noise, same reason I'd like to get my hands on one.[/QUOTE] Do they really? Isn't the noise level so much lower than the signal that it doesn't matter (even discounting the fact that sound cards have noise as well)? Something like -90dB? Really, the biggest reason for getting a(n external) sound card is getting a more powerful amp (for high impedance headphones) or use XLR mics. He's not doing either.

[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;43555801]Do they really? Isn't the noise level so much lower than the signal that it doesn't matter (even discounting the fact that sound cards have noise as well)? Something like -90dB? Really, the biggest reason for getting a(n external) sound card is getting a more powerful amp (for high impedance headphones) or use XLR mics. He's not doing either.[/QUOTE] Ah, I'm talking more about general computer noise, ie: when you hear your mouse moving, hard drive accessing, etc in your headphones. This is far, far louder with front panel ( eugh ), but I've also experienced it with rear hookups.

Both rear audio jacks from the motherboard and any sort of soundcards (even if they advertise "noise shielding") will have an amount of noise in the signal. This being noticable or not is situational, but in general you'll get a clearer sound the farther away from any interference the analog signal originates. Ideally the analog converter would be as close to the output as possible, as you get the least chance for interference. The fact of the matter is that there is no situation in which you'd want to get a sound card over an external USB solution as far as audio quality is concerned. As for your headset request, there is no scenario in which a headset will be better in really any way than a good pair of headphones and a modmic, ever. The headset will sound worse, fall apart quicker, feel cheaper, and be of poorer build quality than a similarly-priced headphone/modmic combo 99% percent of the time.

didn't even know modmic was a thing. So what headphones do you recommend and what external solutions is preferred? (If I even need that)

For an external "sound card", I'd recommend the [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Fiio-E10-USB-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005VO7LG6"]Fiio E10[/URL]. It's a USB digital-audio converter and an amp which makes things simple. it's also super-sturdy and machined from aluminum. As for headphones, I don't have experience with higher-priced cans than what I have currently, the NVX XPT100s, so you'll have to ask someone else in here if you want to spend more money on headphones. Honestly, though, past about $200 (?) you start encountering diminishing returns as far as audio/build quality. Sure, a $300 pair will be better than a $200 pair, but not [i]as[/i] better as a $200 pair is to a $100 pair. Correct me if I'm wrong, but throwing money at Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, or Bose (if you're made of money) is a pretty safe bet if nobody can recommend a specific model. If you're using a modmic, make sure you have a smooth-ish surface to mount it to on the side of the headphones though :v:

You'd be surprised how little difference there is between a modern day integrated audio device and an external audio interface. I have a better listening area than most that is acoustically treated (I tend to listen on my Yamaha HS80Ms rather than my Beyer DT770s) and use both an audio interface worth just over £1800 (Externally clocked) and the onboard output of the computer. I have A/B'd them before and there is a difference but it's not one I'd get hung up over. Especially if all I was doing was playing games, I have the interface purely because it's a source of my income. I can't comment on older designs but DACs have come a long way in the past few years. The gap between professional gear and consumer grade is most certainly narrowing.

[QUOTE=asXas;43555515]Ok I know I'll probably will get all the hate from you guys I understand that but I need some advice. First of all I know what ya'll think about headsets but I figured if I need audio advice this is the best place to ask since I don't know anything about sound. So what is the best sound card? I've been looking at the ASUS Xonar Essence STX, whats your thoughts about that? (I don't want any external solution) Secondly whats the best allround(mainly gaming) [B]HEADSET[/B]? been looking at the Sennheiser PC 363D. (I'm not interested in having a desktop mic) The only price limit is that I don't want to spend over $400 on the headset and not over $300 on the sound card. Please don't hate me. (I'm such a sinner aren't I?)[/QUOTE] Audio Technica is coming out with some of their headphones with mics attached.

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43560709]For an external "sound card", I'd recommend the [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Fiio-E10-USB-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005VO7LG6"]Fiio E10[/URL]. It's a USB digital-audio converter and an amp which makes things simple. it's also super-sturdy and machined from aluminum. As for headphones, I don't have experience with higher-priced cans than what I have currently, the NVX XPT100s, so you'll have to ask someone else in here if you want to spend more money on headphones. Honestly, though, past about $200 (?) you start encountering diminishing returns as far as audio/build quality. Sure, a $300 pair will be better than a $200 pair, but not [i]as[/i] better as a $200 pair is to a $100 pair. Correct me if I'm wrong, but throwing money at Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, or Bose (if you're made of money) is a pretty safe bet if nobody can recommend a specific model. If you're using a modmic, make sure you have a smooth-ish surface to mount it to on the side of the headphones though :v:[/QUOTE] Do you think those earpads on the XPT100s will fit on a Panasonic HTF 600? I wanna get a pair because they look really goddamn comfy.

I'm getting a decent bit of noise through my front audio ports, I'm not able to use my rear headphone jack because I'm already using it for my speakers. Is there any cheap or simple way to reduce the noise on my ports?

[QUOTE=slayer3032;43565418]I'm getting a decent bit of noise through my front audio ports, I'm not able to use my rear headphone jack because I'm already using it for my speakers. Is there any cheap or simple way to reduce the noise on my ports?[/QUOTE] a ground loop isolator will nuke the noise, you'd want a 2 channel / stereo, 3.5mm gli , but I don't know any right offhand edit: actually I never tested if that worked with a straight connection off the front panel, I always ended up running it through something else before getting it to my ears... I should test

[QUOTE=hl2poo;43564169]Do you think those earpads on the XPT100s will fit on a Panasonic HTF 600? I wanna get a pair because they look really goddamn comfy.[/QUOTE] At first glance they looked like they'd fit (same size earpads, more or less), but the back lip that actually holds the pads on are too wide on the NVXs so no, they do not fit :(

[QUOTE=Dragonblz;43555730]Why not get a badass pair of headphones and a [url]http://www.modmic.com/[/url] ? Granted if your budget for a headset is $400 you could probably afford to buy something like a broadcaster headset with a real dynamic boom on it... The top end phones + modmic would end up being more versatile though, and wouldn't require a mixer. Because integrated chipsets have noise, same reason I'd like to get my hands on one.[/QUOTE] You don't need a mixer if you're just using the mic for voip, a £15 XLR to USB does the job perfectly (I'm using a Beyerdynamic DT190 currently)

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43560709]For an external "sound card", I'd recommend the [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Fiio-E10-USB-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005VO7LG6"]Fiio E10[/URL]. It's a USB digital-audio converter and an amp which makes things simple. it's also super-sturdy and machined from aluminum. As for headphones, I don't have experience with higher-priced cans than what I have currently, the NVX XPT100s, so you'll have to ask someone else in here if you want to spend more money on headphones. Honestly, though, past about $200 (?) you start encountering diminishing returns as far as audio/build quality. Sure, a $300 pair will be better than a $200 pair, but not [i]as[/i] better as a $200 pair is to a $100 pair. Correct me if I'm wrong, but throwing money at Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, or Bose (if you're made of money) is a pretty safe bet if nobody can recommend a specific model. If you're using a modmic, make sure you have a smooth-ish surface to mount it to on the side of the headphones though :v:[/QUOTE] E10 is a good choice for the price. If you want to spend more towards the $300 budget you had for the soundcard I can't emphasise how great [url=http://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo/]these[/url] are.

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43566959]At first glance they looked like they'd fit (same size earpads, more or less), but the back lip that actually holds the pads on are too wide on the NVXs so no, they do not fit :([/QUOTE] Damn. I think I'm better off just buying the headphones themselves seeing as each pair of their replacement pads cost 40 bucks alone to ship to my house. Half the price of the whole headphone package.

For the past couple years, I've really, really enjoyed my pair of Sennheiser HD 280's, and they haven't broken down on me or anything. I absolutely love them. Anything I've ever bought from Sony was either muddy or ended up degrading audio of the course of a few months. My current headphones right now still sound just as awesome as they did in the first place. I'm not sure if anyone cares - I just wanted to write about the reliability of these things, because I don't really get that level of reliability with any other pair of headphones I've had. Actually, maybe that pair of Etymotic Research earphones should belong next to those headphones, but those are incredibly niche and expensive, and I won't be getting another pair of those. (My friend just randomly gave me a free pair of those earphones and they were great.)

[QUOTE=MrWhite;43560709]For an external "sound card", I'd recommend the [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Fiio-E10-USB-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005VO7LG6"]Fiio E10[/URL]. It's a USB digital-audio converter and an amp which makes things simple. it's also super-sturdy and machined from aluminum. As for headphones, I don't have experience with higher-priced cans than what I have currently, the NVX XPT100s, so you'll have to ask someone else in here if you want to spend more money on headphones. Honestly, though, past about $200 (?) you start encountering diminishing returns as far as audio/build quality. Sure, a $300 pair will be better than a $200 pair, but not [i]as[/i] better as a $200 pair is to a $100 pair. Correct me if I'm wrong, but throwing money at Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, or Bose (if you're made of money) is a pretty safe bet if nobody can recommend a specific model. If you're using a modmic, make sure you have a smooth-ish surface to mount it to on the side of the headphones though :v:[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=SataniX;43568630]E10 is a good choice for the price. If you want to spend more towards the $300 budget you had for the soundcard I can't emphasise how great [url=http://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo/]these[/url] are.[/QUOTE] There is a known problem with the E10. I looked into it and there is some sort of delay when sound starts playing, like .7 seconds. The newer models have been brought down to a .1 second delay. For music it's not much of a problem, but for gaming it can be (hearing footsteps, gunshots, etc.). The device needs this delay to start up whenever there is a gap between sounds. More info on this can be found at [URL="http://www.head-fi.org/t/575084/impression-fiio-e10/930#post_8447677"]this[/URL] Head-Fi thread. I recommend the E17 because no such problems exist or have existed with it. I do really prefer the look of the E10 though.