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

[gaige333]

Heyo, looking to buy a pair of headphones for £20-£30. My brother has a pair of [URL="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Surround-Sound-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00CJ5FPUE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1387991134&sr=8-7&keywords=gaming+headset"]these[/URL] and I quite like them. Only things I don't like about them is the microphone on it since I have one and the quality on that one isn't the best and those headphones also seem to grip below the ears a bit too much for my liking. After about 40 minutes of wearing them I had to take them off because it really ached.

I'm currently using [URL="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-RPHT225-Headphones-Earphones-RP-HT225/dp/B005ROUGY4"]these[/URL] and they're very comfortable but the sound quality on them seems worse than my brothers and their build quality is quite bad, they are easy to break and I've already had to wrap some tape around one headphone to keep it from falling off.

Anyone got any good recommendations for me please?

[Lentolisko]

[QUOTE=Jerzy;43958151]I'd like to buy new IEMs.

[B]Budget:[/B] About 150€
[B]Country:[/B] Finland
[B]Music Tastes:[/B] Industrial metal, loads of lows and highs
[B]Previous Experiences:[/B] I've had multiple Sennheiser CX400 II for years now.

I want more bass, with lower volume the CX400 II doesn't feel the deliver enough, otherwise I feel like the mids and highs have been great.

I've also considered getting earbuds with a braided cable because the wire on all earbuds I've tried have felt so weak.

It would also be great if the earbuds wouldn't have volume control on the wire, I don't like it and I don't need it.[/QUOTE]

I got tired of searching, modded my current CX400 II earbuds. I removed the volume control, changed the audio plug and sleeved the cable.

Can anyone explain why does it seem like the audio quality sounds much better? So much more bass now that it's crazy. I don't mind though, I just got "better" earbuds that feel much more durable.

[bulletshield]

I'm thinking really intensely on getting the Sennheiser hd 589, but I could be wrong. Any other suggestions for high end headphones?

[B]Budget: 200
eBay: nah
Country: us
Isolation: not required
Purpose: alot of gaming + music
Music Tastes: neo classical, house electronic, alternative, chillwave/chillstep, metal, hip-hop
Previous Experiences:[/B][B]bose qc 15[/B]

[KaLam1ty]

[QUOTE=bulletshield;44063692]I'm thinking really intensely on getting the Sennheiser hd 589, but I could be wrong. Any other suggestions for high end headphones?

[B]Budget: 200
eBay: nah
Country: us
Isolation: not required
Purpose: alot of gaming + music
Music Tastes: neo classical, house electronic, alternative, chillwave/chillstep, metal, hip-hop
Previous Experiences:[/B][B]bose qc 15[/B][/QUOTE]

Refurbished Q701's are great for gaming -- although for the type of music you listen to, something more forward might be better (I'm thinking Grados?). However, [I]those[/I] aren't great for gaming either.
Q701's have a very wide soundstage. That said, I like listening to very heavy music with range and depth heavy phones so you may enjoy it too depending on what type of sound signature you want. Albeit, you won't get as aggressive of a sound.
That said, they sound fantastic for stage music too, such as orchestral or even jazz.

~ 180USD, pretty damn steal for Q701's nowadays. It's hella worth it.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004444O3W/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished[/url]

You [B]will[/B] need something to drive them though and good amps really do matter with these phones.

[Zoran]

So guys. I'm buying me a pair of these bad boys

[url]http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-Series-SR-60i-Headphones/dp/B0006DPMU4[/url]

Along with this: [url]http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B00029MTMQ[/url]

How is my decision?

[Rexxasaurus]

[QUOTE=Rexxasaurus;43978414]Budget: $100AUD
Country: Australia (Victoria)
Isolation: Circumaural
Purpose: Mostly gaming, bit of music.
Music Tastes: Bit of punk, not much else.
Previous Experiences: Sony
Comments: None[/QUOTE]

I've actually got a fair bit more money so I can spend around $150+ if need be.

[Del91]

ack

$1,200
[url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/akgk812[/url]

[KaLam1ty]

[QUOTE=Del91;44088782]ack

$1,200
[url]https://www.massdrop.com/buy/akgk812[/url][/QUOTE]

I envy the 6 people who took the leap.

[DeadCow]

Budget: around $100 USD, but I'm willing to go a little higher ($150 is my absolute max, they have to be worth it though)
eBay: nope
Country: US
Isolation: Circumaural
Purpose: Almost purely music
Music Tastes: Mostly electronic stuff (Trap, house, trance), and sometimes other stuff (pretty wide taste in music)
Previous Experiences: [url=http://www.amazon.com/Razer-Electra-Over-Music-Headset/dp/B005HMCCNE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827254&sr=1-1&keywords=razer+electra]Razer Electra,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Xtreme-Around-Headphones-Version/dp/B004W73TCI/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827234&sr=1-10&keywords=jvc+xx]JVC Ham5x,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/JVC-HAS660W-On-Ear-Headphones-Black/dp/B00FKS1LZA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827454&sr=1-2&keywords=jvc+ha-s660]JVC HAS660,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-XB300-Extra-Headphones-Version/dp/B001RB24R8/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827727&sr=1-7&keywords=sony+mdr+xb]Sony MDR-XB300,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Surround-Gaming-Headset-Technology/dp/B00CQ35C1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393828007&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+7.1+headset]Logitech G430[/url] (Don't judge :v:)

I'm looking for a good pair of "higher-end" headphones than the ones I've been using over the years. For me, [b]comfort is one of the most important factors[/b].
I can't stress enough how much I hate headphones that hurt my ears/head after a couple hours of use. So far, the most comfortable headphones I've owned have been my Razer Electras (it feels like you're wearing a cloud).

I need a pair that have a comfortable headband (wide and soft would be great), and a pair that don't hurt your ears after a couple hours of wearing them.

Although not absolutely necessary, I would prefer headphones that don't leak too much sound at regular volumes, as I will be sleeping in a bunk in close proximity to around 10-20 other bunks.

I'll be going to sea for a solid 2 months in a little while, with no internet, and very little privacy, so I need a pretty nice pair of comfortable headphones for listening to music for hours at a time.

Active noise cancellation is [B]not[/B] needed, just thought I'd make a note of that.

[Recurracy]

Budget: 75 euros
eBay: No
Country: NL
Isolation: Circumaural
Purpose: Gaming and casually listening music
Music Tastes: Hiphop, electronic, D&B, trance
Previous Experiences: Philips SHP2000, it was ok for 20 euros.
Comments: Doesn't have to be high-end, as long as the highs sound clear, the lows low and the mids nice. It's ok if they leak a little but not too much, my microphone picks up on noise pretty quick. I don't have an amp.

[DeadCow]

Thoughts on the [url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BYRGKY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3L6A07GLPLB74&coliid=IBQNY96ZN2CMF]V-Moda Crossfade LPs?[/url]

I've been researching these for a couple days, they seem pretty good. Anyone have experience with them? Are they comfortable? How is the sound quality? Sturdiness?
I'd be using them with my phone on the go or studying most of the time.

[Jaehead]

I don't know if this question belongs here, but here we go

Anyone recommend 2.1 speakers for around $50 USD?

I was mainly looking at these ([URL]http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustics-Subwoofer-Satellite-CA-3602a/dp/B0027VT6V4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393956834&sr=8-1&keywords=ca+3602[/URL]), but wondering if there were other options in that price range, new or used.

Not big on music, it'll be used to play games and movies mainly. I know the 3602 doesn't have it, but rca input is a huge plus!

Past speaker I had was a z523 by the way.

[editline]wef[/editline]

just found this too, looks solid

[url]http://www.amazon.com/Edifier-USA-M1380-Multimedia-Speakers/dp/B004N31D9W/ref=pd_sim_sbs_pc_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=170T27272T7YM9Q1XQKC[/url]

[Titanium Knigh7]

Budget: Up to $75
eBay: Sure
Country: USA
Isolation: I don't know what they are called, but it hooks on the ears individually and go in the ears like buds.
Purpose: For on-the-go with my mp3 player.
Music Tastes: Rock, Metal, Electronic,Soundtrack, E+c.
Comments: Am willing to buy retail if I can get them Sooner.

[cpt.armadillo]

Got the Panasonics. They're great. Everything is nice and warm and I can hear all the separate tracks very well.

[loophole]

[QUOTE=DeadCow;44109919]Budget: around $100 USD, but I'm willing to go a little higher ($150 is my absolute max, they have to be worth it though)
eBay: nope
Country: US
Isolation: Circumaural
Purpose: Almost purely music
Music Tastes: Mostly electronic stuff (Trap, house, trance), and sometimes other stuff (pretty wide taste in music)
Previous Experiences: [url=http://www.amazon.com/Razer-Electra-Over-Music-Headset/dp/B005HMCCNE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827254&sr=1-1&keywords=razer+electra]Razer Electra,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Xtreme-Around-Headphones-Version/dp/B004W73TCI/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827234&sr=1-10&keywords=jvc+xx]JVC Ham5x,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/JVC-HAS660W-On-Ear-Headphones-Black/dp/B00FKS1LZA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827454&sr=1-2&keywords=jvc+ha-s660]JVC HAS660,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-XB300-Extra-Headphones-Version/dp/B001RB24R8/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393827727&sr=1-7&keywords=sony+mdr+xb]Sony MDR-XB300,[/url] [url=http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Surround-Gaming-Headset-Technology/dp/B00CQ35C1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1393828007&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+7.1+headset]Logitech G430[/url] (Don't judge :v:)

I'm looking for a good pair of "higher-end" headphones than the ones I've been using over the years. For me, [b]comfort is one of the most important factors[/b].
I can't stress enough how much I hate headphones that hurt my ears/head after a couple hours of use. So far, the most comfortable headphones I've owned have been my Razer Electras (it feels like you're wearing a cloud).

I need a pair that have a comfortable headband (wide and soft would be great), and a pair that don't hurt your ears after a couple hours of wearing them.

Although not absolutely necessary, I would prefer headphones that don't leak too much sound at regular volumes, as I will be sleeping in a bunk in close proximity to around 10-20 other bunks.

I'll be going to sea for a solid 2 months in a little while, with no internet, and very little privacy, so I need a pretty nice pair of comfortable headphones for listening to music for hours at a time.

Active noise cancellation is [B]not[/B] needed, just thought I'd make a note of that.[/QUOTE]

I have a pair of Bayerdynamic DT770s and they are the most comfortable thing I've ever worn. They don't even touch your ears. The 250 Ohm version is around 150 but you would need some sort of amp to drive them. I just use a spare receiver I had lying around.

[DeadCow]

[QUOTE=loophole;44129419]I have a pair of Bayerdynamic DT770s and they are the most comfortable thing I've ever worn. They don't even touch your ears. The 250 Ohm version is around 150 but you would need some sort of amp to drive them. I just use a spare receiver I had lying around.[/QUOTE]

I saw those, they look pretty great, but considering that I'd need to buy/use an amp for them is a dealbreaker for me, since that would knock the cost well out of my budget range.
Having to use an amp would also be a major inconvenience, since I will be mostly using whatever headphones I get with my phone and often on my feet, so I don't really want to have to deal with an additional item in my pocket.

[Big D Duchovny]

I'm using the 80Ohm version, you can drive those without an amp.

[DeadCow]

[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;44133518]I'm using the 80Ohm version, you can drive those without an amp.[/QUOTE]

I couldn't find the 80 Ohm version for any less than $179 or so unfortunately, which is well out of my budget.

[Toats MaGoats]

Does anyone her have the Schiit Magni? I'm considering it for a good headphone amp.

[Cinnamon]

After the whole [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbzyQQrZe8U"]Schiitstorm [/URL]over the Schiit Asgard amp and Head-fi, I personally don't trust either anymore. I'm know they've made excellent products, but I can't trust a company that first lies about their products damaging users' cans, and then have users removed from a sponsored forum when they complain about it.

[Nove]

Budget:<50
Country:USA
Isolation:Circumatural
Purpose: All around listening, gaming, little bit of audio editing involved with video editing
Music Tastes: A lot, but nothing too bass heavy.
Previous Experiences: Sony Earphones
Comments: A detachable cable would be neat, as well as not too long because I listen to podcasts and stuff when I fall asleep and I don't want to choke myself

[thermobaric]

Budget: < 160 Euro
Country: Netherlands
Isolation:Circumatural
Purpose: mostly for music but also for gaming.
Music Tastes: Electro, Rock and metal.
Previous Experiences: sony headphones (nothing special).
Comments: I would love a stylish looking headphone, but audio quality goes first.

[𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓈𝒽 ✔️]

I've been quite interested in getting the new Audio-Technica ATH-50's with the exchangeable cable, anybody have experience with Audio-Technica's? would you recommend getting Headphones from them?

[Nove]

[QUOTE=DiavelZzZ;44152187]I've been quite interested in getting the new Audio-Technica ATH-50's with the exchangeable cable, anybody have experience with Audio-Technica's? would you recommend getting Headphones from them?[/QUOTE]

it's not actually interchangeable, it has a locking mechanism and it's proprietary

[AK'z]

just ordered what hopes to be the greatest budget headphones ever produced.
if you can guess what they are, you're a wiseman.

Also I reckon I've been focusing far too much into "neutral" sounding headphones recently. To me, the stereo amp already negates that so I figure it's better for a headphone to be more lush sounding rather than have a really good midrange, decent high and thus lacking in bass a bit.

[𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓈𝒽 ✔️]

[QUOTE=Nove;44152287]it's not actually interchangeable, it has a locking mechanism and it's proprietary[/QUOTE]
I was fully aware of that i just worded it wrong

[Cinnamon]

[QUOTE=AK'z;44156169]just ordered what hopes to be the greatest budget headphones ever produced.
if you can guess what they are, you're a wiseman.[/QUOTE]

If you want a guess (from me at least :v:), we'll need more than just that to go off. Can you give us a sound profile or price point?

[.Lain]

RIP AD700's, you served me well. left ear is buggered
need a new pair anywho, i'll try and repair these and use them as a backup

[editline]7th March 2014[/editline]

are the ad700x's good? i want the same kind of headphones for around the same price. these did exactly what i wanted the whole time i had them

[AK'z]

[QUOTE=MrWhite;44159844]If you want a guess (from me at least :v:), we'll need more than just that to go off. Can you give us a sound profile or price point?[/QUOTE]

cheaper than cheap.
as in you wouldn't mind taking them hiking.

they're on ear, standard plastic cheapy style not really rugged or the best comfort.
i haven't yet received them, so i'll reveal all when they arrive.

I really only ordered them on the strength of the drivers for such a price.

[KaLam1ty]

[QUOTE=.Lain;44160146]RIP AD700's, you served me well. left ear is buggered
need a new pair anywho, i'll try and repair these and use them as a backup

[editline]7th March 2014[/editline]

are the ad700x's good? i want the same kind of headphones for around the same price. these did exactly what i wanted the whole time i had them[/QUOTE]

I haven't had experience with them in person, but people pretty much say that the AD700x are the same as the originals, albeit made with slightly cheaper materials but a sound signature leaning more towards the AD900s -- not by much though.

They're more or less the same, but look better :rolleyes:.

Maybe you could go for an upgrade though? The AD900s are fantastic -- basically a "bass corrected".
They're still not for bass fiends, but are overall better.