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Maybe it's your source, not your headphones. Have you tried different sources? I have a pair of Heir Audio 5.0 and a pair of Lear LUF-4B on the way. Can't wait to compare and review them!
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Sep 11, 2013 15:03
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WugLyfe, by balanced that means that no frequency is accentuated. Not necessarily perfect, but good enough. Something that doesn't focus on any frequency. Now a quick trip report. Holy cow who knew TDK made good products? Someone recommended the TDK BA200 IEMs and my initial impressions are that at $120 on Amazon these are an absolute steal.
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Sep 13, 2013 02:52
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Pudgygiant posted:You don't want balanced headphones, I thought the same thing and intentionally lost my Beyer T70. They make music sound so boring. Well I mean, that's just personal preference.
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Sep 13, 2013 03:27
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redeyes posted:I see it like this: flat response phones generally mean lacking bass and high end treble and are supposed to be for mastering music tracks in a studio situation. These types of speakers sound like utter poo poo for actual music listening because they sound flat and dull compared to basically ANY consumer speakers or headphones. That's exactly the opposite of what people expect when they see/hear a flat headphone. A flat headphone would have proper extension in the lows and the highs. No headphone will ever be truly flat though, because of how our ears take in sound. Perfectly flat would sound horrible. So when someone says flat they mean something that emphasizes no frequency. Maybe you like heavy bass, or what have you, but stop being ignorant, which is how you're coming off, and accept that some people do in-fact like a headphone that emphasizes no frequency. Midorka fucked around with this message at 17:30 on Sep 13, 2013 |
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Sep 13, 2013 17:28
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redeyes posted:Flat tends to also mean that they lack low bass and treble. At least in the studio equipment that I use. No dude, that's no what it means. And you're not stating an opinion when you talk condescendingly about others because your mind is too small to fathom that people could experience things differently than you. You're attacking them for having a different opinion. Midorka fucked around with this message at 17:50 on Sep 13, 2013 |
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Sep 13, 2013 17:46
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Pudgygiant posted:Welp, sorry for opening that can of worms. I was just trying to help out The March Hare who sounded a bit inexperienced. My first decently expensive headphone purchase was those T70s, and they sound so clinical and boring and I was trying to steer him away from that experience. Also redeyes nice job calling me out for exactly the opposite of what I meant. The T70 aren't known to be the most pleasing headphone. From my understanding they have harsh treble and are overly detailed, which can make for an awful listening experience if you're not listening to all excellently mastered recordings.
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Sep 14, 2013 12:23
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z06ck posted:I'm surprised no one mentions the Samson SR850 in here for the ~50 dollar budget. These things are amazing. Most people save ~$10 and get the Superlux HD668b, though the Samson's are more comfy.
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Sep 15, 2013 01:40
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Can you bump your budget to Brainwavz HM5 status? The M30 sound like junk from my quick experiences.
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Sep 16, 2013 05:21
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Creative Aurvana are excellent! But they don't have excellent isolation.
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Sep 16, 2013 05:40
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Bag of Sun Chips posted:I would go venture over to Head-Fi but I figure here is just as good: I currently have a pair of Denon D2000s and FiiO E10 DAC/Amp. Is it really worth me upgrading to something like the Schiit DAC/Amp Set ($200) or a new pair of headphones? I owned the D2000 and found that they sounded excellent with or without an amp and minimal amping with a clean DAC, which the E10 has, is more than enough. I don't think you'd hear a difference with a Schiit stack. It is a nice aesthetic addition for a desk though.
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Sep 16, 2013 18:21
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movax posted:Westone 4Rs are pretty legit so far; I think I'm still breaking them in though. Regarding the obnoxious amount of eartips they provide though, is there rhyme and reason to the color codes? The manual said that each ear should be a different color, which I think is a typo because each pair of colors is identical Color codes on the tips? They usually indicate size. Or color on the IEM/cables? Blue indicates left, right is red.
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Sep 16, 2013 20:31
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eddiewalker posted:"Low impedance" isn't a positive or a negative attribute and take headphone nut sites with a grain of salt. Not true. I'm having a pain in the rear end time trying to find a portable amp for my IEMs which are all low impedance.
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Sep 23, 2013 03:25
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I have no idea, but using a portable amp with 10 ohms output isn't helping. I prefer my iPod Classic stock most times it seems.
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Sep 23, 2013 04:09
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Ultimate Mango posted:Try a JDSLabs C241 yet? Yeah I've been using it and it sounds excellent with my higher OHM headphones, but I do not like it very much with my Tsar 350 or the TDK BA200 I'm using. It takes away the dynamics of them. How are you liking the ODAC though? KillHour posted:The ALO Rx Mk3-B+ claims <1 ohm output impedance, and seems to get great reviews. Thanks for the link, $650 is way out of my range, but we'll see. I'll check into it. I find it very odd, though, that there are so few low output impedance portable amplifiers, especially given that you want damping factor of 8 and IEMs are almost all under 32ohms.
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Sep 23, 2013 16:19
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grack posted:Perhaps because the vast, vast majority of IEMs under 32 ohms are designed to be used straight out of a portable source, and not with an amp? That would make sense if portable devices could properly power multiple driver IEMs. I find that my iPod Classic is severely lacking with many dual driver IEMs, let alone more than that. Edit: @Ultimate Mango, I'm still waiting on the Asgard 2 myself. I'll shoot Jason a message now. Midorka fucked around with this message at 18:08 on Sep 23, 2013 |
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Sep 23, 2013 18:02
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Sold my Ad2000 for money for a new computer. I feel like I sold a dog or something.
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Sep 25, 2013 05:48
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I really like the M6 because they are proven to hold up to abuse and sound decent for the price. There are other options that sound good, but the Monoprice isn't one of them. The Monoprice may actually sound good, but they fit like absolute poo poo in my ears so I gave them for free as an extra in a sale. I couldn't be bothered with them after trying every tip I owned in them. Speaking of tips, I find it odd that I am using a large and a medium single flanged for my Heir Tsar 350, but small double flanged for my TDK BA200. It's odd how the shape of some IEMs necessitate different tips.
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Sep 25, 2013 14:30
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Midorka posted:Sold my Ad2000 for money for a new computer. I feel like I sold a dog or something. Just kidding, I think the guy backed out. Maybe it's for the best.
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Sep 26, 2013 01:47
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You should look into the Creative Aurvana Live!
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Sep 27, 2013 15:20
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shymog posted:The brand frightens me, but they're basically Denon internals? Interesting. How are they with highs and mids? Fostex internals. Fostex made them for Denon/Creative. @Terra, you could get the A900x. I thought they sounded phenomenal. Very lively, they brought music to life unlike any other headphone I've ever heard. Then again it was only a quick demo for about 15 minutes.
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Sep 28, 2013 04:38
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I just finished my review of the TDK BA200 which I will post tomorrow after editing, but holy gently caress. These IEMs are a must hear and my new favorite IEM that I've ever heard. They make me not feel bad about selling my Audio Technica Ad2000 and from what I've read they sound like they're baby HD650. Well loving done TDK these are going in the buying guide, the first new addition in over 6 months mind you. These would have a spot on my hall of fame wall if I had one.
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Sep 30, 2013 06:48
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How much did you spend on them? Radioshacks around the US were selling them for $40, probably still are. Edit: Turns out I don't have the balls to sell my Ad2000. Who knew? Midorka fucked around with this message at 07:06 on Oct 1, 2013 |
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Oct 1, 2013 06:34
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kedo posted:Actually as a follow up to my last post... are 5.1/7.1 headphones even worth buying? Now I'm finding reviews that are saying surround sound headphones are more or less worthless as there's not enough space for the acoustics to make any difference. From what I understand there are soundcards that emulate it well with Dolby technology, not sure about headphones with it built in though.
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Oct 1, 2013 16:17
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kaptainkaffeine posted:Way too much, apparently. I didn't read about the radio shack deal until I already had them, but it doesn't work online and there's allegedly none in my area anyway. $40 would be the steal of the century, but for what I paid I was hoping for a little more comfort. My head isn't very big, but it's these glasses. If I were to send them back, is there a recommendation for another deal/that price range (<$200)? I'm assuming you want bassy leaning headphones, are you opposed to IEMS? I ask because I just finished my review of the TDK BA200 which I'm in love with. Edit: With the double flanged tips the isolation is as good as any, a slight cut above most.
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Oct 1, 2013 17:44
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Asgard 2 arrived. I'm planning on listening to it directly for a few days then comparing it to the Magni. I'm honestly not expecting much of a difference in sound, especially since the Magni already provides a clean output, but we'll see!
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Oct 3, 2013 17:09
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notZaar posted:Jesus christ, 60 bucks and all I want is a volume knob. Maybe I'll just buy a potentiometer and solder one up myself. In all honesty the HD555 deserve a decent amp, at least an E10. I think they sound like poop without one.
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Oct 4, 2013 04:43
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ful posted:These would cost me about £130/$200, I wouldn't really want to go higher than that. I recommend the Audio Technica Ad900x or AD900 over the choices you have, if you can get them in your price range.
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Oct 7, 2013 18:32
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Klyith posted:That's really odd, because everything I've ever heard about the 555/558 is that they have very high efficiency and don't require an amp to sound good. The very first 555s were some higher resistance, but the almost everyone has 32 ohm ones. At the time a ton of reviews pointed to them as the perfect starter audiophile headphone that could still work fine straight from a mp3 player. They spike to almost 300ohms in the lows. Other than that they sit around 50. They aren't particularly hard to drive, but I found the bass to be muddy and the highs to be lacking without an amp. @Oneiros, coming from the HD555 I think you'd like the AKG. You can demo them at a Sam Ash music store though.
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Oct 13, 2013 13:18
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Lowness 72 posted:Hey Midorka, I think that it's aimed at the mainstream crowd, not for those who care about min/maxing their value. Here are my complaints: - Only choosing mic/remote IEMs. There are lots of people who don't use their smart phones for music listening. Let's face it, their battery life can be pretty abysmal. If you're like a lot of people, using a dedicated PMP, then the remote/mic option can be a nuisance due the TRRS plugs which make it unusable in many desktop amps. Yes, I like to listen to my IEMs on my desktop at times. - Steve Guttenberg as an expert. This guy is the same guy who said that CDs sound better than FLAC. He also raves over headphones I think are complete junk, but then again everyone has different tastes. He shouldn't be writing technical articles though when he has no idea what he's talking about. - Relying on Amazon/Best Buy reviews is stupid. The majority of people there have very little experience with headphones, let alone the non-mainstream brands. Beats Solo HD has a 4.2 on Best Buy, for instance. Amazon/Best Buy reviews are worthless for certain things and headphone reviews are one of them, outside of reading about basic things like durability. And looking through the rest of the list it seems like they had a bunch of junk they reviewed/spent their time on. I don't care for the site personally. I find it funny that the Apple Dual Driver IEMs were listed as junk when they are excellent IEMs and sound better than anything I've heard on their list. I don't know where they get their info on the A161p either, but I've not heard anything about them discontinuing a headphone they launched a year or two ago.
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Oct 14, 2013 00:28
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You could get the Ad900 or Ad900x, which I feel has a noticeable increase in bass quantity from the Ad700. It won't be a huge difference though until you put your Ad700 on again.
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Oct 14, 2013 14:23
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DanManIt posted:With respect to what you said, can I get a recommendation for IEM's for $100 or less? I've just been using the apple earpods on the go and they are really uncomfortable in my ears. If you're not in a rush, keep and eye on the TDK BA200. They were $115 when I reviewed them, but they're well worth $150. The best IEMs I've heard to date. If you don't want to wait, the thinksound ms-01 are great. @Zorak, check your Best Buy. If they have a Magnolia they'll have the A900x. @Incredulous: http://www.amazon.com/MEElectronics-Sport-Fi-Noise-Isolating-In-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0038W0K2U
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Oct 16, 2013 03:48
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Electric Bugaloo posted:Did you mean @JP Money? I was about to respond to his post with that very same suggestion. Yeah, whoops! As for the A900x vs Ad900, the difference I've found is that the A900x sounds more lively. This is because the Ad900 has an open back which allows some of the bass impact and highs to trail off into the air. It gives the feeling of being at an open concert. I loved both headphones though. The Ad900x are said to sound like the Ad900 once the Ad900 have broken in. I will say that the A900x fit very loose though.
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Oct 16, 2013 14:40
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bull3964 posted:So, my first impression of the BA200 was "Hmm, very detailed, lacking in punch though, maybe I really do need to have an amp." With IEMs the most important thing is getting a good seal. It's best to open your jaw and with your opposite hand tug at the top of your ear pulling it up and back. This opens the ear canal and when you get them in nice and sealed and relax your jaw/let go of your ear you'll have a great seal. It takes some playing around though.
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Oct 17, 2013 01:45
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El Spider posted:Budget - ~300$ My experience of the Ad900 vs the HD558. The Ad900 is more comfortable and quicker in sound, much more open sounding and better tonal balance. The HD558 lean warm, and clean, with good imaging. Both are great headphones, though I preferred the Ad900. I think you'd like the Momentum more than both though because I'm guessing you liked how punchy they sounded.
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Oct 17, 2013 04:24
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Incredulous Dylan posted:Budget - ~$800 $800 is serious money for a pair of headphones. At that price point you should go to a headphone meet, they happen all the time and you can find one on Head-Fi. Spending $800 on headphones based on a guess is something I wouldn't do.
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Oct 17, 2013 18:20
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Quick thoughts on Schiit Magni vs Asgard 2: Magni is brighter and seemingly more detailed, while also coming off as quicker. The bass seems to extend further with the Asgard 2, neither seem cleaner than the next. I would describe the Asgard 2 as warm and full sounding, while the Magni is quick and bright, in comparison. The Asgard 2 sounds like a tube amp from what I've heard their general sound is characterized as.
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Oct 17, 2013 19:40
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There is not a need for ANC on a consumer flight. I've flown with IEMs ranging in isolation quality and their passive isolation in combination with music playing will be enough for anyone. Sure if you're on a pond jumper then you're going to want more isolation, but I've flown a bunch and never have I ever been in a cabin that was very loud. Certainly nothing louder than ambient noises from a TV in the same room. Some IEMs do come with poor tips, but this can be easily remidied. Point is, unless you have a problem with IEMs then there's pretty much never a reason to get ANC. Cheap IEMs for travelling would be the M6 if you want budget. Their double and triple flanged tips will offer excellent isolation, and in my experience, the best comfort. Midorka fucked around with this message at 01:47 on Oct 18, 2013 |
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Oct 18, 2013 01:43
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WugLyfe posted:A super common occurrence. Which I usually liken to people who use IEMs with bad tips, or people not trying various tips. I didn't use double/triple flanged tips until over a year of owning IEMs and it was a revelation when I did. Comfort, isolation and ease of insertion is increased ten-fold with these types of tips. Gel and foam tips are also an option. Edit: When I say "have a problem" with IEMs, I mean there are some people who literally can't wear IEMs because it triggers claustrophobic reactions or similar. Edit 2: Even so, ANC is a pain in the rear end. Having to keep fresh batteries on you at all times and when the batteries die or run low the headphones will sound like crap with ANC on. I recommend a pair of over ear or on ear that isolate nicely over ANC. I really advise against ANC in almost every scenario really. It not only severely limits your options, but it's rarely ever necessary. Midorka fucked around with this message at 01:56 on Oct 18, 2013 |
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Oct 18, 2013 01:48
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Electric Bugaloo posted:I figured that the Momentums wouldn't match the isolation of some solid IEMs with good tips- I acknowledged that in my initial post. Here is a graph of how the Momentum isolate vs the M50, Apple earbuds, and the Sennheiser HD25-1 II. The HD25-1 II isolate the most and I've heard great things about them. http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=6&graphID[]=4193&graphID[]=2941&graphID[]=3121&graphID[]=513&scale=30 I can't figure out how to link this nicely. Edit: Apparently even when linking directly from the site it doesn't work. Midorka fucked around with this message at 17:02 on Oct 18, 2013 |
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Oct 18, 2013 16:05
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Joda posted:Hi headphone thread, Skip the soundcard for now. Get something like the Samson SR850, Creative Aurvana Live! or Audio Technica Ad700. The Ad700 has the best comfort in your price range, but they lack bass. If you're primarily using them for talking then it shouldn't be a problem though.
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Oct 19, 2013 12:29
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