Headphone appreciation thread

[HendrixFan]

I started out with a pair of Grado SR-225s around ten years ago. A couple years back I upgraded to the Grado HF-2s and paired it with a headphone amp, the Little Dot MK-VII+.

I have the E-MU USB 0204 running into the amp, so I can get great sound from my laptop. It makes for a nice listening station in my room, sitting neatly on an end table next to a comfy chair. Every now and then I'll drag the amp and phones out to the desktop for listening.

 

[JackBurton]

That's not a problem with a custom IEM. It's nothing like putting on universals, customs are a breeze to put in and don't have any kind of seal issues with the tips. In fact, customs IEMs are even simpler to put on than full size headphones. Example, I can take off my IEM and answer the phone with 1 hand, and when I'm done, I can put it back in with 1 hand. With a headphone, if I pull from one side I risk snapping the headband, when they are around my neck they are bulky as hell, when I want to put them back on, I definitely need 2 hands. The cable, oh the cable. Headphones have massive cables that tug. Almost all universals have pretty awful cables that can carry microphonics. Have you ever seen a cable on a custom?

It's as thin, flexible and lightweight as it gets. I don't even feel it when it's against my body while commuting or in the gym. Comfort wise, there is no contest.

And what about sound quality? I've still yet to hear anything that sounds anywhere near my customs (of course I'm lucky to own JH16s, I can't really vouch for anything in lower tiers). I find it funny that no full size headphone over 1K can top it. I was always convinced that with a custom IEM I'd be paying for comfort and portability while trading off audio quality. I never thought BA drivers could produce better sound than a top of the line dynamic driver, but holy hell was I wrong. The JH16 come with a little booklet that says "Welcome to the best headphone in the world". Maybe that's a bit exaggerated, but it's not far off.




That's too bad. I used to be like that and now I wouldn't buy anything besides a custom IEM. If only I had known before, I could've saved a lot of time and money.

JAG, I'm interested in trying out the JH 16 Pro's. Where did you get your mold done?

 

[hans007]

I've got a set of HD 280s that are 5 years old for home use and love them. Was easy to tell they were much better than some oversized aiwa things I used to think were good.

Last month I bought a set of dt770 pro 80 s which were pretty expensive at $165. But I use them at work 4 hours a day so it was worth it for the much better comfort . I'd say the sound is cleaner too you can hear more detail eapecially on higher frequency sounds but I'm no audiophile i mostly got them for the comfort . Built like a tank too . I expect them to last quite a while

 

[JAG87]

JAG, I'm interested in trying out the JH 16 Pro's. Where did you get your mold done?

I live in Toronto, I got them done at Hear Toronto for $80. There's a list of recommended audiologists on their website:

http://www.jhaudio.com/collection/preferred-audiologists

http://www.jhaudio.com/files/Audiologist-Tip-Sheet.pdf

 

[MagickMan]

If you have the chance, I recommend you try out the HiFiMan HE-500s before you buy the Audez’es. I just built my new rig with the HE-500s, a Schiit Bifrost DAC, and a Schiit Lyr hybrid amp (with some Amperex USN-CEP 7308 tubes), and I couldn't be happier. I upgraded from Beyerdynamic DT-880s, an E-mu 0404 USB, and a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3, and I have to say that the improvement is astounding (as it damn well should be at this price). Cliché as it may be, I really am hearing things in my music that I've never heard before.

Actually, I ended up getting the HE-6s. God, they're amazing. I have them paired with an Audio-GD NFB-10SE running balanced. It's a pure sonic revelation.

 

[JackBurton]

I live in Toronto, I got them done at Hear Toronto for $80. There's a list of recommended audiologists on their website:

http://www.jhaudio.com/collection/preferred-audiologists

http://www.jhaudio.com/files/Audiologist-Tip-Sheet.pdf

Great. Thanks JAG.

 

[dkm777]

OK guys, a quick question - Denon AH-D2000 or Audio Technica ATH-M50? I have HD555s and PortaPros now.

 

[gevorg]

For the past three years, I've been using a modded Denon D5000 (closed) and Grado 325is (open), powered by DACport (USB D-to-A/headphone amp combo). A bit pricey, but extremely satisfying sound that keeps me away from upgrading, as well as avoiding audiophile forums that are usually full of snakeoil BS and just shills.

 

[MagickMan]

OK guys, a quick question - Denon AH-D2000 or Audio Technica ATH-M50? I have HD555s and PortaPros now.

Well, the M50s sound muddy and boomy compared to the AH-D2000s, they seem to have more bass but it isn't true, it's just bloated and exaggerated. The Denons are what are commonly referred to as "V" shaped FR cans, heavier in bass and brighter in the highs. This makes the mids sound a little recessed, but that can easily be fixed with an EQ bump of ~3-4dB in the mids. Also, the Denons are more comfortable, with awesome ear pads, and are lighter.

Biggest downside to the D2000s is the cable, IMO. It's a monstrous thing, 10' long, and difficult to deal with if you plan on taking them outside with you.

 

[Remobz]

Yeah headphones are great if you find ones that are comfy and sound good to you. I started out with the HD448's about 2 months ago. I like the sound they give me but I cant wear them for extended periods of time. So I wanted something with bigger ear pads and found a pair of HD 595's for $80 and I couldnt be happier. They sound great with the music I listen too and are fantastic for gaming. But most importantly they are comfy as all hell. I can wear these all day (and sometimes do).

HD595's + Astro MixAmp Pro for gaming
HD595's for most of my music needs
HD448's for my bass heavy music needs (hip hop, techno, some rock)

Im only 280 in the hole so far. Not too bad but I know the upgrade bug will get me soon

I have no love for the HD 595's after my experience. Crapped out after 3 months use roughly.

Looking into other brands now.

 

[alkemyst]

lots of counterfeits out there. Why not use the warranty?

 

[weez82]

I have no love for the HD 595's after my experience. Crapped out after 3 months use roughly.

Looking into other brands now.

Yeah, I need to update my post. I no longer like the hd595, way too lite on bass. I now have DT 770 Pro - 80 and love them. More comfy then the senns and have the sound signature I like.

 

[dkm777]

Well, the M50s sound muddy and boomy compared to the AH-D2000s, they seem to have more bass but it isn't true, it's just bloated and exaggerated. The Denons are what are commonly referred to as "V" shaped FR cans, heavier in bass and brighter in the highs. This makes the mids sound a little recessed, but that can easily be fixed with an EQ bump of ~3-4dB in the mids. Also, the Denons are more comfortable, with awesome ear pads, and are lighter.

Biggest downside to the D2000s is the cable, IMO. It's a monstrous thing, 10' long, and difficult to deal with if you plan on taking them outside with you.

If the AD-H2000s are more detailed and clear sounding, then I'm going to save a little more and get them instead. I don't mind the cable, as I have some velcro cable ties lying around.

 

[Thump553]

* * *
Yes, headphones can be a nasty and expensive additiction. But at least they don't depreciate as quickly as video cards and CPUs * * *

Truer words never spoken. I had to wean myself off headfi.org-especially the evil For Sale/Trade forums and it was a painful addicition to break.

 

[uhohs]

same here, still have craploads of headphones and gear i need to unload. :/

 

[MagickMan]

If the AD-H2000s are more detailed and clear sounding, then I'm going to save a little more and get them instead. I don't mind the cable, as I have some velcro cable ties lying around.

Call up J&R music and talk to Ty at extension 1011, tell him you saw a deal on Head-Fi and want the Denon D2000s for $210.

800-806-1115

 

[alfa147x]

HD448
HD555
HD650
Grado SR325i
Grado SR80i
Beyer Dynamic DT 990 Premium 600Ω
Shure SCL4

Amp: Schiit Audio Valhalla
DAC: Schiit Audio BiFrost
DAC/Amp: Fiio e7

Had a friend's D7000 for a week before I shipped it off to him. Enjoyed those very much. Makes me really want to upgrade my "work" headphones.