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MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Massdrop has the ATH-M50x Velour Earpads up for 19.99 + 1.99 shipping.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ath-m50x-velour-earpads

I don't really care for the stock pads so I'm ready to try these out. The reviews are pretty favorable as well.

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MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Yeah I've never been a big fan of the pleather which is why I'm am looking forward to these. Hopefully they will breath some new life into my M50s.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Not sure how great these are but Tanga has the Audio-Tecnica ATH-CKM500i for 29.99. I'm going to pick these up for the car since my S4s broke last week.

https://www.tanga.com/deals/2d982b3...aign=slickdeals

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

MarcusSA posted:

Not sure how great these are but Tanga has the Audio-Tecnica ATH-CKM500i for 29.99. I'm going to pick these up for the car since my S4s broke last week.

https://www.tanga.com/deals/2d982b3...aign=slickdeals

These came today and I have had a good chance to break them in. I have to say that I really like them. They are pretty drat comfortable and I'm really enjoying the sound. They make a good replacement for my S4s. It looks like only the red or white are still in stock but they are easily worth the 29.99.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Taima posted:

Doesn't Bluetooth sound inherently worse than wired solutions due to the compression?

AFAIK it depends on which version of BT you are running. The newer ones have more bandwith I guess so its not a problem like it used to be.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Texibus posted:

Speaking of picky? Are Beats really the best option for bluetooth under 200 for gaming in VR? I'm a sennhieser man, what am I to do?

Probably? I picked up some BT Beats studios for 89.99 from cowboom and I like them. I mean I don't think I would have spent the 200+ for them but for under 100 I really like them. They are actually really comfortable too.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Texibus posted:

Yeah, i don't see those bad boys for anywhere near that price anymore, mostly north of 200.

Yeah it was an open box deal that rarely comes around. I use them for work and I'm very happy with them.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Texibus posted:

definitely talking about those, the only obstacle between me and the tower was a bed, and i think the firmware is updated. Maybe, I'll try updating my bluetooth drivers on the computer too.

The BT device you have on your computer could have a lovely antenna. Maybe try it with your phone?

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Texibus posted:

Mmm, only reason i got the headphones was for the purpose of using it with my PC. I'll test on my phone, but they're really only useful if i get them working on the ole PC.

I mean you still can you might just need to get a new BT dongle for your PC. It wouldn't surprise me if that were the issue some dongles have poo poo range.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

I have a question about the Skullcandy Hesh 2. I was reading the general workout thread in YLLS and someone recommended them for working out. Right now I have some BT in ears but they are always falling out. I'm just curious if these are worth it? I mean 60-70 bucks isn't a lot but if I could get something better I'd do that.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

DinosaurHouseParty posted:

Philips SHQ7800BK/27 Bluetooth Sports Headphones

Philips is a solid brand for bluetooth and you should be able to find them at Target and price match it with the sub 50s price you see on amazon as they are usually almost 80 dollars at Target.

Hmm those seem like a pretty good deal. Hows the sound on them?

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Ventus posted:

Can anyone here attest to the many, many claims that Powerbeats2 wireless completely eat poo poo after a month or two? I'm hearing incredibly mixed reviews, and wondered if anyone on here had experience. Thanks so much guys.

Yeah I almost bought them but after seeing the reviews I decided it was a really bad idea. There are a lot of negative reviews about these things.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Rollofthedice posted:

are the xiaomi pistons still the best cheap ($0-$30) earbuds atm?

I'd say yes.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

PRADA SLUT posted:

If you wear headphones while you drive, you're an rear end in a top hat

Its also probably illegal in most states. I know it is in CA.

EDIT: gently caress I can't read he said its cool in his area I guess.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007


Hmm I really like these KZ's I just ordered a pair to try them out.

I've been using the SountPEATs Over ear BT headphones and I've been pretty happy with how well they do at the gym.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0132YHU0I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

the ATE are no good for running or gym stuff, unfortunately. They have a clever thing where there are weights on the cables instead of a memory wire which I find very comfortable, but the downside is that they bounce loudly on your neck while you jog.

Lol but they specifically say they are for running ha!

quote:

KZ ATE Copper Driver Ear Hook HiFi in Ear Earphone Sport Headphones for Running with Foam Eartips with Microphone

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y0F6IBG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Similarly "Fun" sounding, cables worn up only, rather large but I find them comfortable. Mids are less recessed, I would call these more honest than the Rock pair, but not by much. The little mic doohickey is less robust than the first pair, but other than that they're absurdly well built for a 14 buck pair of headphones.



These came on Friday and I had a chance to use them over the weekend and I have to say that I really really like them. They are very comfortable and sound great. I actually really like the way the cables run over the ear is it helps keep the earbuds in place. For 14 bucks you can't go wrong.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007


Yes those are the same ones.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

:siren: HEADPHONE ALERT SPEND MONEY ON poo poo :siren:

I'm late on this but the shp9500 are in stock at Newegg for 58 dollars. They are discontinued and increasingly hard to find south of $75. If you need or want an open set of headphones go buy them right now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826138190

go go go

I just ordered a pair of Superlux 668B's would the SHP9500's be better?

EDIT: Eh gently caress it $100 bucks for 2 pair of headphones is not much. So I just bought both.

MarcusSA fucked around with this message at 02:56 on Aug 3, 2016

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

The 668 has wider soundstage, is very very bright and semi-open, so leaks much less sound. It is extremely ugly, but sounds amazing for the price and is maybe marginally better for gaming. It's quite comfortable if you get along with the flappy paddle headband, though switching the pads to at least those cheapo velours is a really good idea as the pads are a weak point.

The Philips is maybe a little more boringly accurate than the Superlux, but sounds considerably more refined. Extremely open, meaning the whole room will hear the bukkake porn you're listening to. The headband and pads are finished with a weird sort of office chair upholstery kind of fabric. At first, you'll think "this won't be comfortable" but it is, in fact, extremely comfortable. Absurdly comfortable.

I own both because hey why not they're cheap. The SHP is probably my favorite dynamic headphone. It does not sound as detailed as an HD600, but I do think it sounds a bit more balanced and honest than the 598. It's not as grandiose as the Fidelio X2, but it also costs 60 bucks. And it's just so loving comfortable.

If I had to lose one, it would definitely be the Superlux, but I still like it and break it out to game with from time to time.

Thanks! Yeah I figured why not just get both because in the end they are cheap. I also bought some replacement ear pads for the Superlux so in the end I'm sure I'll be happy with both.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

If anyone was looking for some pretty decent workout BT headphones Costco has the plantronics backbeat fits on sale for $55. I've been using them for the past 2 hours to work out and I'm extremely happy with them for that price.

They aren't completely noise isolating which I thought might bother me at first but I like being able to hear something if needed.

If you have a Costco.com account you can order them there or take a shot at a price match at bestbuy. The bestbuy thing is a huge YMMV thing though since the version that they carry are "bestbuy exclusive" or some poo poo but they are the same ones. I got lucky and the manager did it for me.

Anyway that's my story thanks for reading.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

-Anders posted:

I just ordered these last night. I haven't owned a pair of over-ear headphones ever, so I feel like this might be a good way to try it out. :3:

Mine came over the weekend and drat I really like them. I changed out the stock pads for some felt ones and I am in love. They are definitely a great buy.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Chimp_On_Stilts posted:

Why can I not find a single Bluetooth headphone that allows me to play audio from multiple sources simultaneously?

Is this a design choice? A technological limitation?

That is such an extremely rare use case that I can't imagine any manufacturer would bother to include it.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

It honestly confuses me that they're so universally bad and overpriced. You would think that someone would come out with a good sounding gaming headset at a decent price and just wipe the floor with the market, but nobody has. Even Sennheiser, who you think would know better, sells a "GAME ONE" set is literally a pair of 558s with a huge fuckoff plastic mic stuck on it for an extra FIFTY dollars. Madness.

Are you talking about these?

Sennheiser PC 363D High Performance Surround Sound Gaming Headset https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008O515CK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9iKUxbK3VHHZZ

I have them paired with the xonar sound card and they sound pretty good. The kit wasn't cheap but I've had it for like 4 years now.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

Yeah, they've rebranded them a few times but I think those are basically the same cans.

Don't get me wrong, 558's are great headphones, and that's a good setup you have there. I just question the value of adding $50 to the price tag for a $5 plastic microphone.

Hell, you could buy a new pair of 558s, add this thing and have the same setup for $30 less. And you could plug it right into your phone or console controller.

:shrug: like I said I got it as part of the Asus Xonar Xense kit which has a specific setting on the audio card for the cans.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Also bestbuy and Amazon have the Jaybird X2s on sale for 74.99. I picked up a set and I'm excited to try them out.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

delpheye posted:

Read the OP, poked around a bit, took a break and skimmed Amazon, I'm in the market for over the ear bluetooth headphones and I'd love a few recommendations from people who know far more about this than I do.

Budget - Under $100. I'm very cheap, but not so cheap that I'll sacrifice build quality. I like it when my things last a while and I seem to be kind of hard on things.
Source - Bluetooth to phone or plugged into my workstation with an integrated soundcard
Isolation Requirements - This would be nice.
Preferred Type of Headphone - Over ear for sure.
Preferred Tonal Balance - I prefer balance in my music, letting the genre to decide how the arrangement is presented, if that makes any sense. My music preference should shed some light
Past Headphones - I've had some "whatever was on the shelf and in my budget at Target" headphones in the past but nothing noteworthy
Preferred Music - I listen primarily to bass heavy electronic music, rap/hiphop, country, and occasionally vocal trance.

My requirements are somewhat low, but I'm hoping to find something that fits within my spec.

I'd take a look at this post and get these perhaps.

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

I like wireless headphones, but I won't own a pair of great ones. Great headphones can be a timeless investment, but it seems like every year there's a new Bluetooth revision that completes another piece of the puzzle. Until two or three years go by without a technological revolution in range, battery life or compression, I don't think it makes sense to spend more than $100 on wireless headphones.

So for now I own these MEE Audio dealies. They're fine. I got them used for $30, you can find them for $60 new. They don't sound bad, they come with a nice case, the battery lasts around 3 days for me, and you can plug them in if it runs out. I won't be mad when they get obsoleted or run over by a car.

There are plenty of wireless cans that sound better, are more comfortable, and have more features. I just don't think any of them make sense. Except maybe the Bose QC35 if you absolutely need wireless + noise cancelling, since they're the only ones that really do that effectively. But you're going to spend $350 for the privilege, and you're going to want to replace them in two years.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

MiskatonicAthletic posted:

Repeating this question. I'd love to find a pair of IEM headphones that are light (i.e., not connected to a goofy necklace chunk), have a good, long battery life, and are <$100. I am not an audiophile by any stretch, and primarily listen to audiobooks and podcasts, but the inconspicuous noise isolation of an IEM is great for work (which can get loud, but is also very boring.)

I just picked up the Jaybird X2s from bestbuy for $75 and I would say they fit the bill. They do have a cord that runs behind your head but it's not bulky and they include clips to shorten it if it bothers you.

Also I've been using them nearly all day and the battery life is fantastic.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

MiskatonicAthletic posted:

Yeah, those look like exactly the thing I'm in the market for. The cord behind the head is fine, that's what I meant by not bulky. The Bluetooth headphones with the integrated torc necklace just seem like they'd defeat the purpose I'm trying to achieve.
Just one question- who did you have to blow to get those bad boys for $75? All I'm seeing (in online listings) is $150 for a new pair.

drat that sucks! I guess the sale is over. Bestbuy and Amazon both had them for $74.99 so honestly if you wait you should be able to snag them for that price.

I agree about that necklace poo poo though Its loving horrible. I don't even know how people can wear that poo poo.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:


I have a pair of Logitech UE6000's, which are discontinued, but if you're lucky you can find them used or refurbed around $50. They have remarkable soundstage for a closed can, reasonably good build, and a standard 3.5mm removable cable. They also have active noise canceling, which is decent but not quite on the level with the ubiquitous Bose cans. The downside is that there's a significant bass boost when it's turned on. Thankfully, they work fine without the ANC, and sound very very good. Non-removable pads, sadly, so keep that in mind when buying a used pair.


I also have a pair of the UE6000s and I agree with everything above. It's a shame they don't make them anymore because they are great.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Croisquessein posted:

I have a Vizio flat screen TV with neither a headphone jack nor RCA audio out. What's the best option for headphones? I would like to spend $50 or less. I don't really know anything about Bluetooth headphones and it seems like that's all that will work unless I get some fancy converter. Sound quality doesn't have to be the best, just normal for whatever headphones are average these days. I just need them for TV, I already have a Bose set for music. I'd prefer headphones since ear buds rarely fit me.

I don't think I've ever seen a TV with Bluetooth audio. I mean not saying they don't exist but I wouldn't assume your TV has it.

I mean if you have a roku you can plug your headphones into the remote but it seems to chew through the remote batteries.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Croisquessein posted:

drat. So is there any way to listen to a modern tv on headphones? Do people just not do that anymore?

E: unless there's a different wireless option, I don't know of these things.

Most people use a receiver there are wireless headphone options you can get but most of them aren't cheap or really worth the price IMO.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Nitrousoxide posted:

Has anything tried the Bragi Dash? They're apparently making a much cheaper version without all the sensors at like half the price so I'm considering it.

The what now? I've never heard of such a device.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007


Seems like from the reviews they need at least one more rev. before they are decent. Nifty idea though I'm just not sure it's worth 299 or even 199.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

4 quick reviews for sub $100 BT sets for the gym.

1. Plantronics Backbeats ($65 on sale) These are pretty decent they are not fully noise isolating which might be good for say a runner or biker but I didn't really like them for the gym too much. Their sound is OK but nothing to write home about.

Pros: I get the feeling that these will last forever they seem very sturdy and rugged and I don't have to think twice about throwing them around.

Cons: Battery life sucks 5 hours at best.
Not Noise Isolating.
The chord that wraps behind your head is ridged which I don't like.
The range on the BT really isn't that great.
Can get uncomfortable for long periods of time.

If you want a set of IEM's for the gym that will probably last you forever I'd get these.

2. Beats Powerbeats 2 ($85 on sale)

Yes I know Beats suck but I got them on sale and I wanted to try them out. The included tips kinda suck rear end so you’d be best served by getting the comply tips. The included tips didn’t fit my ears very well so they weren’t very noise isolating. The sound is bassy but it isn’t bad for the gym and they get plenty loud.
Pros: Decent sound for working out.
Don’t have to worry about them falling out or moving around at the gym as the clips hold them in place very well.
Very comfortable I had them in for a few hours with no issues.
Excellent noise isolation with the comply tips.
They have a big B on them so people know you are rocking the beats by Dre.

Cons: Battery life isn’t great I’m getting about 5 hours a charge and they are larger than the Plantronics. Pushing that bass must use a lot of battery life.
The BT range is poo poo. Possibly the worst range I’ve seen in a headset.
Over priced even on sale. (shocking I know)
The behind the head cable kinda gets twisted up and is kinda a pain in the rear end.

3.Jaybird X2 ($75 on sale) These are by far my favorites. They come with comply tips which have great noise isolation, are super comfortable, and they sound great.

Pros: Amazing battery life for their size. They say something like 8 hours and I feel like I was getting about that if not more.
Very comfortable.
Great Sound.
You can wear them multiple ways depending on what tickles your fancy.
The behind the head cable is very un intrusive.
Cons: None really that I can think of I just don’t use them as much as I should because I’d be real sad if I broke them at the gym. I use them when out doing other stuff though.

4.Skull Candy Hesh 2 ($65 not on sale) I bought these on the recommendation of someone in the general workout thread. These are supposed to be around ear but gently caress if they fit around my ears so maybe they are for little kids or something.

Pros: None
Cons: Everything. gently caress these things. They sound like poo poo and are super loving uncomfortable. I’ve spent a poo poo load of money on a poo poo load of headphones and these are possibly the worst I’ve ever bought. IMO stay away from these things I have no idea how they are 4.5 stars on amazon with 1300 reviews.

If you can find the Jaybird X2s for $75 (which I assume will happen again soon) get them and be happy.
I actually bought the SoundPeats Q9A a year ago from Amazon for $21.99 and they surprisingly weren’t terrible. So if you want some really cheap ones you couldn’t go wrong there. They held up for me for the 6 months I used them and they still work.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Constellation I posted:



EDIT: Why don't you just use the included lightning to 3.5mm adapter?

Question of the day here.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

So if anyone is still looking for some decent under $100 BT IEMs Amazon as these for 39.99

Phaiser BHS-730 Bluetooth Earbuds Runner Headset Sport Earphones with Mic and Lifetime Sweatproof Warranty - Wireless Headphones for Running, Blackout https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C228T7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GrR4xbWM4S21X

4.5 stars with like 2200 reviews.

Probably a pretty decent set.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Nitrousoxide posted:

I've been really happy with the Xiomi Mi and the Xiomi Piston III's

Don't know if their control will work for iphone though since they are a special snowflake when it comes to in line controls

Yeah they are great IEMs but sadly the controls don't work with apple stuff.

MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

Dr. Fishopolis posted:

Jaybird x2 seems to be the popular choice around here. Logitech just bought them, so i would maybe wait a bit as they might blow out the old inventory.

Yeah these.

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MarcusSA
Sep 23, 2007

12 hours is a huge step up from the 6ish hours that the power beats 2 gets.

I use my PB2s almost every day for the gym and I like them but they don't seem to get very good range.

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