Headphones

[Ramor]

So, I've been reading/rereading a lot of the old Headphone threads in General and I was wondering from a technical standpoint if there's anything that's good/bad to watch out for or anything of the sort? I'm looking for something that'll hopefully last me a while (at least a couple years) and I'm just wondering if there's any sort of technical aspect I can watch out for (or look for I suppose) that would suggest a pair of cans that'll end up lasting longer without losing lots of sound quality, or any other general things about headphones that wouldn't have been covered in one of the threads seeing as they're aging a little.

Thanks tech.

[Ramor]

Also wanted to add I'm currently looking at some Senn HD-280s, I listen to a lot of electronic stuff and I heartell Senn generally does pretty well with the music I'm into.

Any comments on how long they'll last? I'm just really hoping to find a pair that won't crap out on me I guess, especially if I'm dropping upwards of 100~150$ on 'em >_>

[Blabj]

Sennheisers are probably going to be your best bang per buck at that price range. You know you're buying quality with Senns, and they have good customer service I have found (I recently broke a pair, and they had no problem sending me a new pair :D )

I'd recommend looking at some audiophile type forums and sites, as you're more likely to get an indepth review there, than on BG.

[Ramor]

Yeah, I was trying to figure out where some of the good ones were, I could have sworn that they were posted on BG at some point but I can't seem to find them in any of the threads again

if anyone knows any audiophile forums or anything please let me know ;o (googling audiophile forums probably won't give me the results of the better forums)

[solsirt]

for $100 cans... HD-280's. by a mile... seriously, they're best bang for your buck at $100, and arguable up to $300+

[Mayareira]

I am also looking for a pair of wireless (so I can use them w/ PS3 without losing the benefit of wireless controller). Any recommendation for that? Willing to spend up to 100$.

Thanks :D

[Amastacia]

For electronica, I'd recommend a good look at Sony MDR-7506s as well as the HD-280s.

The Senns are great cans, very flat frequency response, bright sound, but somewhat thin bass.

The Sonys also have great frequency response, but a much beefier bottom end.

I own both pairs (my Senns have lasted me for about 5 years now, and still going strong), and I've found myself using the Sonys more and more for just listening to music and gaming on my desktop. It takes less time and effort EQing to get the sound I want from the Sonys, especially for rock/electronica (though I'd definitely prefer to plug the Senns in listening to Tool or the like), and they're lighter & more comfy to wear.

You won't go wrong either way. I can give a huge, huge thumbs up for the 280s, but I've been much happier with the Sonys than I expected to be. I originally bought them to have something a little smaller, lighter, and more portable than the HD-280s (which are HUEG), and I got a lot more than I bargained for.


Edit: As far as "gotchas" and what not go...

Closed-ear cans like 280s or 7506s have a narrower sound stage but bleed less sound and block more outside sound. You won't get as "broad" of a sound as you might with like Senn HD-555s or -595s, but you won't be serenading everyone around you with your music or hearing every little thing happening nearby.

A very flat frequency response is both a blessing and a curse - music sounds closer to how it was originally mixed, but it's easier to hear any flaws in said mix. It's also a lot easier to EQ headphones that are flat to start with.

One thing to take the time to do is break your cans in properly once you get them - plug them into your PC or iPod and just pump music through them at a reasonable volume for about a day straight before you start using them seriously. That break-in can make a huge difference in their sound. Don't have to actually have them on your head or the EQ dialed all the way in, just need them to be pushing sound for a while.

[Avanarius]

I have a pair of sonys MDR7506's and I personally chose them out of build quality. They're by no means indestructible but they very very solidly built (as I believe the design was created in 1998-ish so they apparently had slightly higher quality standards and used less plastic) and they also sound excellent of course.

[Doombear]

I used these places when i was figuring out what cans i wanted:

Head-Fi

Headphonic

Headroom

Then to a much lesser extent, I checked out user reviews on NewEgg or Amazon or other places that i trust. I would tend to put more faith in audiophile forums of course, but sometimes the layman opinions are worth something too =P

If it matters I went with these in the end as they were perfect for what i wanted.

[Ramor]

Awesome, I'm glad to hear the 280s are about what I was looking for. One more question though: Are they comfortable to wear for long periods of time? Like 6+ Hours easy; I ask because I just listen to music at about all times possible so obviously the cans being comfortable for a longer period would be nice.

edit: roommate actually ordered the 280s, I ended up getting some Ultrasone DJ1s on the recommendation of a friend, I'll compare both to see how they are, not to mention my neighbor has a bunch of DJ equipment and all kinds of crazy headphones (some are like 500$~, comfortable as hell though)

[Corrderio]

Well, since I'm looking for a new headset so I can listen to vent I'm curious if anyone knows a few sites that sell some comfortable headsets. I can go into specs if needed.

[Ramor]

Well, since I'm looking for a new headset so I can listen to vent I'm curious if anyone knows a few sites that sell some comfortable headsets. I can go into specs if needed.

sites is a little vague, can get them from anywhere, newegg, amazon etc...
check out some of the above forums if you're interested in what type to buy, but as for a place that sells comfortable headsets i'm not quite sure there's a site devoted entirely to that (probably is, the interbots has everything these days)

[Wintermute]

Anyone know of any reasonable priced Headphones with metal construction? Broken 2 sets of the Pioneer SE-MJ5 now in the same place just from normal use.

Need a sturdier headband.

[Phraust]

Sometimes they pop up on Ebay, new for liek 100-125$ but the best Headphones I ever used (And still do) are the Sennheiser HD-590's. They're open ear, and extremely light weight/comfortable. you don't even feel em on your head, and it sounds like you are just listening to really reallllly reallllly good stereo speakers in your room/studio. And best of all you can talk to people and hear them as if you weren't wearing headphones at all.

The HD-590's were replaced by the 650's iirc (Same speakers, Cheaper design imo)

[Kroni]

650's are a whole other beast then the 595's.

580's are the same as 600's driver wise.

people like 555's and 595's because they are lower impedance.

The higher end ones you really need headphone amp just to drive them properly with enough power.

I recently bought HD650's and they blow my old 595's out of the water. However you do really notice all the bit rate imperfections.

If you want higher end cans and dont want to buy a dac + amp, check out the Asus Essence STX. Works great with x64 and does fine emulating creatives EAX in games. Has headphone amp, dac(digital to analog converter) and swappable op amps to fine tune the sound you want.

[Corrderio]

sites is a little vague, can get them from anywhere, newegg, amazon etc...
check out some of the above forums if you're interested in what type to buy, but as for a place that sells comfortable headsets i'm not quite sure there's a site devoted entirely to that (probably is, the interbots has everything these days)

Well, from the shops located around me the headsets they got are those cheap 20 dollar ones that hurt your head awhile after you wear them. So I'm trying to avoid buying from an actual store.

Anyway, I'll look in thos forums. Was wondering if anyone knew any brand names that had a nice variety Koss was pretty good, but wondering if there'd be a better and/or cheaper company that makes headphones/headsets.

[levish]

I'm very satisfied with my Audio Technica A700's although they aren't particularly good at keeping sound in/out

[thestalkmore]

I live and die by Grados.

Upgraded from a pair of SR-80's to SR325i's.

My setup:
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/605...6020577229.jpg

-IPod Classic 120GB
-Line out (this is awesome for improving sound quality by bypassing the headphone jack)
-CMOY Amp
-Grado 325i's

Absolutely incredible quality. Listening to music is an experience with that setup.

[Ramor]

Friend had some Grado SR-60s, I liked them a lot but they didn't really fit my head as well as I had wanted, just something I couldn't put my finger on about them. Also, do you recommend getting an amp? And how expensive are they exactly (for middle of the road type stuff)

[Amastacia]

If you listen to an iPod or somesuch a lot and have high-impedence headphones, very much yes. They're not cheap though.

If budget matters, stick to lower impedence cans and go without. HD-280s don't need a headphone amp, really. They benefit from one but can do fine without. Most similar cans are in the same place. The high-end audiophile cans are the ones where it's 100% a must-have, and if you're spending that much on the headphones, you can afford an amp.

Or hook 'em up to a 1/4" jack on a PC which should drive them with enough power.