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On January 14 2014 05:05 buddahbrot wrote:
I bought a pair of UE Triple.fi 10 3 years ago, specifically because the cables are replaceable. During this time I've probably gone through 3 or 4 cables, recently switching to the Fiio ones. For me the most problematic part was the plug. Especially cables with a straight plug all broke just above the strain relief, where the friction is the highes during walking and sitting, amplified by the fact that they were plugged in in a relatively long phone.
Sometimes I squeezed a few more months of life out of them by cutting a bit off and soldering a new plug on. For the current Fiio RC-UE2 I've used a high quality Neutrik plug and it's been holding up longer than any of the standard ones before. I think the cable breaking just around the plug is probably the most common fault with headphones. Often soldering a new plug on is enough to repair them. 15 min of work plus 5€ for a new plug.
But yeah, replaceable cables are a must for me when buying new headphones. Thankfully they are getting more and more common. 3 years ago I decided against the Shure SE 530 exactly because of that reason, losing 300€ when the cable breaks / hoping customer service will replace them + waiting time vs. 25€ for a new cable.
Though you will probably have to spend a bit more than the Apple IEM or Bose. Shure's SE 215 start at 100$, otherwise look into brands like Etymotic or Ultimate Ears (although they only offer the UE900 after being bought by Logitech - which costs 350€. Maybe look out for used super.fi 5 pro or triple.fi)
I have gone through 4 sets of triple.fi cables. At least 2 of them were replaced by logitech when they were under warranty.
By the 3rd go around, I was _very_ carefully putting them in the traveling case whenever I'm not using them - still broke.
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Since everyone's sharing: I've Beyer Dynamic DT990Pro cans.
I can recommend these to anyone alive ever. If you guys don't mind, I'd like to take you through my decision process.
- They have a metal alloy frame (I think it's aluminium, etc..), which makes them retain good tension, even after 2.5 years of heavy use.
- They are in fact studio headphones, running at 250ohms. If you use them on a mobile platform a portable amplifier is very much recommended.
- Open cans, basically because I wanted a nice and open sound stage. I feel claustrophobic at times wearing closed cans.
- The sound on the cans is very balanced and well-rounded, I find that some phones have a tendency to lean towards a bass/treble side, which in turn has you change to settings of your gear. (This might be BS, teach me if I'm wrong).
- Amazing comfort, I can wear them all day without even noticing.
- The ear pads are interchangeable, I can always buy new ones if there's too much wear.
-Finally, the price, Oh lord, the price. They go for little over a good Sennheiser and much less than DouchebyDre cans. It's almost unbelievable that these beauties are at a mid-range price level.
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England2669 Posts
I have a pair of Denon AH D2000 as recommended by this thread. It's been a little while but the left ear has begun to fade out in a weird way and stop working.
When I plug in to my PC, it works for however long, then the left ear gets quieter and quieter before turning off completely. This has only started happening after about 18 months. Is this a simple fix or is something wrong with the hardware entirely?
There's no crackling or anything when I move the wire and some times just re-plugging it is fine. Sometimes the left ear comes back on but I usually can't stand having one ear deaf for that long.
Other headphones have been fine for the limited test time.
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Romania5359 Posts
That's just f***ed up. I never heard of anything like it.
Does it do the same if you listen to them on your phone? It sounds like... software issue.
Hardware-wise headphones are not that complicated, you get a signal which makes a membrane vibrate. Volume change is determined by signal strength, so I don't see how signal that comes in a jack can lose strength over time on one of the cables. It makes no sense. The D2000 doesn't have volume control afaik, does it?
Anyway, if it does the same on a phone or something, the cheapest solution would be to try changing the cable, but honestly I'd be REALLY surprised if that was the source of the issue. It's just that I can't think of any other.
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An audio store I visited today today is selling the KEF LS50 for 1380 CAD Q_Q........
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5930 Posts
On January 14 2014 19:28 Jones Hawkwood wrote:
Since everyone's sharing: I've Beyer Dynamic DT990Pro cans.
I can recommend these to anyone alive ever. If you guys don't mind, I'd like to take you through my decision process.
- They have a metal alloy frame (I think it's aluminium, etc..), which makes them retain good tension, even after 2.5 years of heavy use.
- They are in fact studio headphones, running at 250ohms. If you use them on a mobile platform a portable amplifier is very much recommended.
- Open cans, basically because I wanted a nice and open sound stage. I feel claustrophobic at times wearing closed cans.
- The sound on the cans is very balanced and well-rounded, I find that some phones have a tendency to lean towards a bass/treble side, which in turn has you change to settings of your gear. (This might be BS, teach me if I'm wrong).
- Amazing comfort, I can wear them all day without even noticing.
- The ear pads are interchangeable, I can always buy new ones if there's too much wear.
-Finally, the price, Oh lord, the price. They go for little over a good Sennheiser and much less than DouchebyDre cans. It's almost unbelievable that these beauties are at a mid-range price level.
DT990s are kind of like the venerable Sony MDR-V6. Huge bass and treble hump, which are desirable or undesirable depending on personal preference.
The casing and implementation is solid though. The sound output doesn't really suffer from ringing or resonances so the only problem is the huge treble jump...the good news is that your suggestion to use an equalizer is 100% valid and should be used with these headphones. Actually better than the higher end Beyerdynamic headphones, in my opinion, which suffer from more problems like channel imbalances and chassis issues.
On January 26 2014 08:01 Flicky wrote:
I have a pair of Denon AH D2000 as recommended by this thread. It's been a little while but the left ear has begun to fade out in a weird way and stop working.
When I plug in to my PC, it works for however long, then the left ear gets quieter and quieter before turning off completely. This has only started happening after about 18 months. Is this a simple fix or is something wrong with the hardware entirely?
There's no crackling or anything when I move the wire and some times just re-plugging it is fine. Sometimes the left ear comes back on but I usually can't stand having one ear deaf for that long.
Other headphones have been fine for the limited test time.
It may still be the cable. I had the same issue with my Fostex T50RP where the headphones would either lose a channel or suffer from obvious channel imbalances. No crackling when I move the cable around, it just changes the volume of the dropped channel. Solution for me was either replace the cable or unplug/replug the cable into the amp. Of course YMMV.
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Just got my CAL, and I really like these as they are very comfortable. Comparative to the other popular entry-level headphones, the M50s, the comfort level of CAL is much higher, and I don't notice worse performance in terms of sound quality (though I don't really know what I'm listening to anyway).
As a casual, one vote to CAL over M50.
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Speaking of M50s, I just got a pair in December and was going to send them in to get a removable cable mod...
And then Audio Technica releases the M50x which comes with its own detachable cable. Such misfortune.
Still thinking about sending 'em in anyway since I bought them, and I'm looking to get it done to my AD700s as well. I really prefer the AD700s for most things, but their one downside to me is that the cable becomes very stiff and potentially ruins the cans unless you can re-cable them yourself. And well, I can't.
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Has anyone here tried out the Amperior? Strongly considering getting one as I need something more portable than my DT770s for use at work (lugging the DT770s around everyday can be a bit of hassle, and travel exposes it to undue wear and tear so I'll keep that for home use instead).
How's the sound like? Any comparable headphones to consider?
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I have used the ATH A700 for about 3 years...then I lost it on a bus..
now I have the AKG K271 MKll. although the A700 was much cheaper, I miss my old A700...much more bass for listening to the Hip-Hop genre.
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i have Astro A40s but the cord broke a few times already and ive had to replace it but otherwise i love them and they work for xbox and pc :D
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On February 05 2014 18:28 rebdomine wrote:
Has anyone here tried out the Amperior? Strongly considering getting one as I need something more portable than my DT770s for use at work (lugging the DT770s around everyday can be a bit of hassle, and travel exposes it to undue wear and tear so I'll keep that for home use instead).
How's the sound like? Any comparable headphones to consider?
i like the HD-25s, their predecessor, but they do clamp pretty tight on your ears. I would recommend the V-moda m100, very portable and over ear instead of on ear
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Romania5359 Posts
Also if you like the Sennheiser sound you could give the Momentum over ear a go. Not sure how it compares to the Amperior in terms of sound quality but meh.
Either way, in that price area I would try my hardest to test some NAD viso hp50. They're not as pretty as the momentums but they get soooo much praise!
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Romania5359 Posts
So, I went to another of those headphone meetings. This time I had the pleasure to go over Audeze's LCD-X and LCD-XC, and the new portable player/dac/amp from FiiO, the X5.
The hardware on which they ran was insane. The coolest system there was based on the Chord QBD76 HDSD, which is a monster of a DAC worth well over 5000eur here, and a Burson Soloist amplifier. I can't say much about them since I got to hear all of the high end components at once, but I can tell you that all the headphones there, including my HD600 and the HD800, the LCD2, etc. sounded phenomenal on this system, while the HD800 was downright irritating on one of the other system (which was also very high-end, but didn't seem to make good pairing with the Sennheisers).
Out of all the headphones I listened to, though, the LCD-XC blew me away. There was no comparison, really, to the LCD-2 or LCD-X. They were one step above, even though they're closed. It might be that I'm biased, but everyone who was with me shared the same opinion. It's just mind-blowing. It's pure music. The HD800s are too detailed and in your face, the mids-highs require too much attention and distract you from listening to the song. The LCD-2 and X are impressive in their own right (especially when compared to my poor old HD600s), and really do impose themselves with super clarity and very nice sound stage.
But, all that being said, when you put the XC's on, it's bliss. It's everything I ever wanted from a headphone, nice clean punchy but not too fast bass, excellent mids and crystal-clear highs, and a great sound-stage that still allows the sound to blend nicely into a melody. I can't possibly explain how awesome they are, you have to try them for yourself.
Only downside is that they cost a freaking arm and a leg, but I know for sure I'm not gonna buy any other headphone, ever, until I make enough money to afford the XC (currently just under 2000eur here).
And last but not least, the FiiO X5.
I wanted to change my player from a tried and trusted Cowon, and was looking at the X3, but now that this baby is out, there's no way I want to get anything else. It's super packed with options, some that you can't even find on high-end DACs (for example, it supports DSD!), and with future updates they promise it will take up to 512gb of storage (right now it's up to 128gb - 2x64gb micro SD).
The crazy thing about it is that it actually sounds like REALLY good DACs. I'm talking upwards of 1000eur here, and this baby costs only about 300 of them. It plays any looseless format you want, has some insane preamp/amp configuration, and is quite easy to use.
Also, believe it or not, it actually drives the HD600 without seeming to struggle at all. I'm talking at decent volumes here, and it's running on a freaking battery! I would go as far as to say it sounds better on the X5 then it does on my 07K+09K combination at home, but I haven't listened to them side-by-side so I'm not 100% sure. Either way, X5's DAC does most of the work to pull it ahead.
So, if you got enough cash and need a new portable music player, this is THE SHIT. I don't think it's very pretty, but the controls are very user friendly (similar to the iPod with their dial), and the sound is out of this world.
If you want more technical details check out their webpage - http://www.fiio.com.cn/products/index.aspx?ID=100000055517771
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So I just got the KEF LS50 and NAD D3020 and they sound amazing. Haven't found a better 2.0 setup for under 2 grand. They're a significant upgrade from my Mackie MR5MK2 that I had previously. Better clarity, bass presentation, vocals, mids/highs.
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On February 09 2014 18:15 CubEdIn wrote:So, I went to another of those headphone meetings. This time I had the pleasure to go over Audeze's LCD-X and LCD-XC, and the new portable player/dac/amp from FiiO, the X5. The hardware on which they ran was insane. The coolest system there was based on the Chord QBD76 HDSD, which is a monster of a DAC worth well over 5000eur here, and a Burson Soloist amplifier. I can't say much about them since I got to hear all of the high end components at once, but I can tell you that all the headphones there, including my HD600 and the HD800, the LCD2, etc. sounded phenomenal on this system, while the HD800 was downright irritating on one of the other system (which was also very high-end, but didn't seem to make good pairing with the Sennheisers). Out of all the headphones I listened to, though, the LCD-XC blew me away. There was no comparison, really, to the LCD-2 or LCD-X. They were one step above, even though they're closed. It might be that I'm biased, but everyone who was with me shared the same opinion. It's just mind-blowing. It's pure music. The HD800s are too detailed and in your face, the mids-highs require too much attention and distract you from listening to the song. The LCD-2 and X are impressive in their own right (especially when compared to my poor old HD600s), and really do impose themselves with super clarity and very nice sound stage. But, all that being said, when you put the XC's on, it's bliss. It's everything I ever wanted from a headphone, nice clean punchy but not too fast bass, excellent mids and crystal-clear highs, and a great sound-stage that still allows the sound to blend nicely into a melody. I can't possibly explain how awesome they are, you have to try them for yourself. Only downside is that they cost a freaking arm and a leg, but I know for sure I'm not gonna buy any other headphone, ever, until I make enough money to afford the XC (currently just under 2000eur here). And last but not least, the FiiO X5. I wanted to change my player from a tried and trusted Cowon, and was looking at the X3, but now that this baby is out, there's no way I want to get anything else. It's super packed with options, some that you can't even find on high-end DACs (for example, it supports DSD!), and with future updates they promise it will take up to 512gb of storage (right now it's up to 128gb - 2x64gb micro SD). The crazy thing about it is that it actually sounds like REALLY good DACs. I'm talking upwards of 1000eur here, and this baby costs only about 300 of them. It plays any looseless format you want, has some insane preamp/amp configuration, and is quite easy to use. Also, believe it or not, it actually drives the HD600 without seeming to struggle at all. I'm talking at decent volumes here, and it's running on a freaking battery! I would go as far as to say it sounds better on the X5 then it does on my 07K+09K combination at home, but I haven't listened to them side-by-side so I'm not 100% sure. Either way, X5's DAC does most of the work to pull it ahead. So, if you got enough cash and need a new portable music player, this is THE SHIT. I don't think it's very pretty, but the controls are very user friendly (similar to the iPod with their dial), and the sound is out of this world. If you want more technical details check out their webpage - http://www.fiio.com.cn/products/index.aspx?ID=100000055517771
What amp did you use for the Audeze?
The worst part of the Audeze's are their weight  I'm looking forward to trying out the Hifiman HE560's when they come out in a couple months which are definitely lighter
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Romania5359 Posts
I heard them on the Burson Soloist, the Sennheiser HDVD 800, and a third one which I'm not sure what it was. Either a Meridian Prime or a Bryston BHA-1, based on the organizer's website.
Either way, as I said, the star was the Chrod + Soloist, even if the other amps were "better", that DAC stole the show for sure.
And yes, they are heavy, so I guess they're not really meant office-like-use, but they are super comfortable and if you lay back on a couch or a lazboy-like chair, I don't think it's an issue.
Also, I didn't feel like they clamp down on your ears like the previous models.
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On February 09 2014 18:15 CubEdIn wrote:
And last but not least, the FiiO X5.
I wanted to change my player from a tried and trusted Cowon, and was looking at the X3, but now that this baby is out, there's no way I want to get anything else. It's super packed with options, some that you can't even find on high-end DACs (for example, it supports DSD!), and with future updates they promise it will take up to 512gb of storage (right now it's up to 128gb - 2x64gb micro SD).
The crazy thing about it is that it actually sounds like REALLY good DACs. I'm talking upwards of 1000eur here, and this baby costs only about 300 of them. It plays any looseless format you want, has some insane preamp/amp configuration, and is quite easy to use.
Also, believe it or not, it actually drives the HD600 without seeming to struggle at all. I'm talking at decent volumes here, and it's running on a freaking battery! I would go as far as to say it sounds better on the X5 then it does on my 07K+09K combination at home, but I haven't listened to them side-by-side so I'm not 100% sure. Either way, X5's DAC does most of the work to pull it ahead.
Well two week ago my 3 year old cowon j3 broke. So i started to look for an replacement and i first stumbled over the x3 because it would cost around the same as a new j3. But shortly after i found reviews of the x5 and damn i will wait and getting it. The only thing that really puts me off is the price off 390€ in the offical german fiio store.
But until i have enough money it will be june/july anyway so hopefully the price will drop a bit.
@ CubEdIn I remember reading somewhere that the x5 doesnt have DSD support yet but it should come later.
Detailed review for the x5
+ Show Spoiler +http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x5-high-res-portable-music-player/reviews/10368
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Bought the CAL2 2 weeks ago, really happy with this one.
Also bought the SADES SA-708 for my PC. Really good product for its price, only 17€ and it's as good as my previous corsair vengeance 1500, just that it's all plastic, but for it's price I don't have the right to complain.
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Romania5359 Posts
On February 15 2014 21:28 Sicion wrote:Show nested quote +On February 09 2014 18:15 CubEdIn wrote:
And last but not least, the FiiO X5.
I wanted to change my player from a tried and trusted Cowon, and was looking at the X3, but now that this baby is out, there's no way I want to get anything else. It's super packed with options, some that you can't even find on high-end DACs (for example, it supports DSD!), and with future updates they promise it will take up to 512gb of storage (right now it's up to 128gb - 2x64gb micro SD).
The crazy thing about it is that it actually sounds like REALLY good DACs. I'm talking upwards of 1000eur here, and this baby costs only about 300 of them. It plays any looseless format you want, has some insane preamp/amp configuration, and is quite easy to use.
Also, believe it or not, it actually drives the HD600 without seeming to struggle at all. I'm talking at decent volumes here, and it's running on a freaking battery! I would go as far as to say it sounds better on the X5 then it does on my 07K+09K combination at home, but I haven't listened to them side-by-side so I'm not 100% sure. Either way, X5's DAC does most of the work to pull it ahead. Well two week ago my 3 year old cowon j3 broke. So i started to look for an replacement and i first stumbled over the x3 because it would cost around the same as a new j3. But shortly after i found reviews of the x5 and damn i will wait and getting it. The only thing that really puts me off is the price off 390€ in the offical german fiio store. But until i have enough money it will be june/july anyway so hopefully the price will drop a bit. @ CubEdIn I remember reading somewhere that the x5 doesnt have DSD support yet but it should come later. Detailed review for the x5 + Show Spoiler +http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x5-high-res-portable-music-player/reviews/10368
Yeah you're right but the fact that "it should come later" means that it's just a matter of software upgrade, and that the hardware components are already there (processing capabilities, etc.).
If you check out their website (FiiO's), you'll see that it has quite some interesting circuitry in terms of DAC and amplification, unlike what I've seen in the E07K/E18.
And yeah, in Romania it's gonna cost about the same (375eur was what I was told), but considering that the guys who reviewed it here (who run the Hi-Fi store) said that it's on par with high end DACs and can be used as source for decent (mid-tier) sound systems (i'm talking amp+speakers here, not just headphones), then it should be well worth the money.
So yeah, if you can afford it, I think it's an amazing buy, even as it is now, not including the future goodies.
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