|
I think the number of people that have sat down with multiple DT880 (or 770 or 990) versions and kept swapping them to listen for differences, is not huge. Beyerdynamics doesn't seem to imply that one is better or different than the other. More confusingly, some people claim differences in 2003 version or 2005 version or whatnot.
If you look here:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/headphone-data-sheet-downloads
there doesn't seem to be much difference in the 250 and 600 ohms versions, other than the 600 ohms version correspondingly needing more voltage to reach the same volume. I suspect the difference is mostly a matter of prestige or "bigger is better" but that's just a guess on my part.
According to the above, the 250 ohms version would need 0.38 mW to reach 90 dB SPL. How loud do you listen? Do you listen to music that's mastered with a wide dynamic range (mostly classical and jazz these days)--such that some parts may be 20 or 40 dB quieter than the peaks? If the music has a wider dynamic range, you'll need to set the volume control higher to get the same average listening volume, so generally a more powerful output is needed.
A rule of thumb for listening to music with wide dynamic range is being able to hit 110 dB peaks, which would require 100 times more power than at 90 dB, so 38 mW on those headphones. FiiO E9 is powerful enough by that criteria for the 600 ohms version and certainly the 250 ohms version. If you don't need 110 dB (which is really loud), then you may be able to get away with something less powerful.
If you were getting external amplification, I'd skip on the sound card upgrade unless you're sure that the old one sucks. Driving an amplifier is a whole lot easier than driving headphones, so it's pretty much up to just the DAC not being terrible.
|
Saw this pop up and figured I'd pass on a sweet deal. I just got a pair of Sennheiser 595s from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0
They're phenomenal. I was using Sennheiser PC350s, until the mic (not the headphone) cable snapped and Sennheiser told me it would be $80 plus shipping to repair it. I was used to doing my own repairs from parts with my 280s, so I said fuck it and went and got proper headphones again with a cheapie headset for Skype.
The 350s are the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I'm sure you can get better, in audio and in comfort, but probably not without paying a ton more. These are supposed to be around $320, but Sennheiser is releasing the 598s, which have some wood inlay and look like the dash of a BMW. Cool and all, except the driver is the same and you're just paying for style points. If you're after a sweet set of cans, check these out.
|
On August 12 2011 02:21 Myrmidon wrote:I think the number of people that have sat down with multiple DT880 (or 770 or 990) versions and kept swapping them to listen for differences, is not huge. Beyerdynamics doesn't seem to imply that one is better or different than the other. More confusingly, some people claim differences in 2003 version or 2005 version or whatnot. If you look here: http://www.innerfidelity.com/headphone-data-sheet-downloadsthere doesn't seem to be much difference in the 250 and 600 ohms versions, other than the 600 ohms version correspondingly needing more voltage to reach the same volume. I suspect the difference is mostly a matter of prestige or "bigger is better" but that's just a guess on my part. According to the above, the 250 ohms version would need 0.38 mW to reach 90 dB SPL. How loud do you listen? Do you listen to music that's mastered with a wide dynamic range (mostly classical and jazz these days)--such that some parts may be 20 or 40 dB quieter than the peaks? If the music has a wider dynamic range, you'll need to set the volume control higher to get the same average listening volume, so generally a more powerful output is needed. A rule of thumb for listening to music with wide dynamic range is being able to hit 110 dB peaks, which would require 100 times more power than at 90 dB, so 38 mW on those headphones. FiiO E9 is powerful enough by that criteria for the 600 ohms version and certainly the 250 ohms version. If you don't need 110 dB (which is really loud), then you may be able to get away with something less powerful. If you were getting external amplification, I'd skip on the sound card upgrade unless you're sure that the old one sucks. Driving an amplifier is a whole lot easier than driving headphones, so it's pretty much up to just the DAC not being terrible.
Thanks, that post was really helpful!
I think I can conclude then that the 600Ohm version is probably not worth the extra £50. Buying new audio equipment is so damn difficult imo because it's close to infinitely impossible to do an objective review since we all hear and prefer different things in our music.  I must admit though that I never thought of it like you do.. I've just been comparing review after review....
|
Hey guys a bit of a weird question. Is there like a chain that sells quality headphones? And if there is which one would you recommend? I was thinking along the lines of Radioshack or something, but I've never attempted to buy quality headphones anywhere but online so I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestions. Thanks a lot.
|
![[image loading]](http://www.pricerep.com/images/products/originals/28_55_creative_hs_980_fatality_mkii_51ef0250aa002.jpg)
So far havent been dissapointed
|
Hey, guys, I'm a complete newb when it comes to headphones. Right now I'm just using a $40 set of in-ear headphones, but I want to try out some better over-ear headphones in the sub $100 range. I was thinking of getting a 6Gv2, but I dunno if it's just overhyped or something. I'd prefer a mic, but it's not necessary. Any recommendations?
|
On August 12 2011 09:42 -Aura- wrote:
Hey guys a bit of a weird question. Is there like a chain that sells quality headphones? And if there is which one would you recommend? I was thinking along the lines of Radioshack or something, but I've never attempted to buy quality headphones anywhere but online so I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestions. Thanks a lot.
Guitar Center has some headphones (think ATH-M50, SRH840, DT770/880/990, K240/271, and so on) at some stores apparently.
On August 12 2011 10:07 djcube wrote:
Hey, guys, I'm a complete newb when it comes to headphones. Right now I'm just using a $40 set of in-ear headphones, but I want to try out some better over-ear headphones in the sub $100 range. I was thinking of getting a 6Gv2, but I dunno if it's just overhyped or something. I'd prefer a mic, but it's not necessary. Any recommendations?
What are your priorities in terms of sound quality, sound signature (bass heavy, balanced, etc.?), closed (sound isolating) vs. open (sound leaks both directions), size, comfort, price, mic sound quality, mic positioning, and so on?
Most gaming headsets are bad values for listening to music and durability for the price, even considering the price of the microphone.
By "over-ear" do you mean (1) resting on top of the ear or (2) on the head all around the ear? Some headphones are kind of listed as circumaural, but unless you have small ears, the pad will press down on at least some part of your ear.
|
On August 07 2011 12:52 Kenpachi wrote:
What is the most price worthy headset? Logitech is bullshit and their headset broke twice (first 1 was 20, the 2nd was 50)
Must have: cushion earpads and a physical switch for my microphone.
bump^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
|
This isn't the headset thread Kenpachi....
|
On August 13 2011 06:19 Aydeini wrote:
This isn't the headset thread Kenpachi....
I saw a bunch of headsets therefore i feel i can ask people what would be optimal to buy. This is not just a headphone thread yo.
I had to specify headset because i want a mic attached to my headphones. Point me another thread where it would be better to ask people for a nice headset.
|
i cant buy expensive headphones they all just tend to break ive bought 2 like 80 dollar headsets and broken them both and also broken like 20 small in ear headphones
|
Hey Myrmidon, the main priorities would be comfort and price. I'm thinking around $100, but lower would be better if possible. I'm not too knowledgeable about headphones, but I figure any set around $100 would have better sound quality than the $40 ones I'm using right now. I'd prefer sound isolating and a mic is not a requirement.
I'm mainly wondering if there are some goto headphones at around this price range or if they are more or less the same at the sub-$100 level. Oh, by over-ear I was thinking of the non earplug ones.
|
@Djcube: For that price I would recommend Sennheiser. It's around the price I want as well but I need earbuds.
I would look into the HD 203 (~$70), but honestly, you're MUCH better off saving a bit and buying the HD 280 pro (~$150). Had those, they are awesome for that price.
HD203: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/around-the-ear-headphones_504290
HD280: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/professional-dj-headphones-HD-280-PRO_004974
Edit: The 280s tho, have much higher impedance (double, IIRC), so I wouldn't recommend them for mp3 players. They work great with computers/soundboards/etc. tho.
Now, can anyone help me with in-ear stuff? I'm considering either their sports line (which they brag about but I heard they're rather uncomfortable), or a pair of IE6s.
|
![[image loading]](http://www.gadgetfolder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tt-esports-shock-one.jpg)
TTesports Shock Ones, got them last month couldn't be happier with them.
|
Hello!
I am currently using: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 USB Connector Circumaural Stereo Headset
+ Show Spoiler +http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105209
They are getting a little used out though, and I'm looking to upgrade to a quality pair of headphones between 100 and 150 USD. I listen to all sorts of music really, but particularly enjoy solo piano and women's vocals. I also need circumaural, closed headphones so that I won't disturb my housemates. Also, I would prefer an attached mic if possible.
I hope that's enough info to get going, and would really appreciate some recommendations.
Thanks for your time.
|
On August 13 2011 08:02 Sivister wrote:Hello! I am currently using: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 USB Connector Circumaural Stereo Headset + Show Spoiler +http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105209 They are getting a little used out though, and I'm looking to upgrade to a quality pair of headphones between 100 and 150 USD. I listen to all sorts of music really, but particularly enjoy solo piano and women's vocals. I also need circumaural, closed headphones so that I won't disturb my housemates. Also, I would prefer an attached mic if possible. I hope that's enough info to get going, and would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks for your time.
Check out Senn HD595. I used to own them before upgrading to Denon D5000. Very good for their price.
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0
|
On August 13 2011 08:07 zestzorb wrote:Show nested quote +On August 13 2011 08:02 Sivister wrote:Hello! I am currently using: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 USB Connector Circumaural Stereo Headset + Show Spoiler +http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105209 They are getting a little used out though, and I'm looking to upgrade to a quality pair of headphones between 100 and 150 USD. I listen to all sorts of music really, but particularly enjoy solo piano and women's vocals. I also need circumaural, closed headphones so that I won't disturb my housemates. Also, I would prefer an attached mic if possible. I hope that's enough info to get going, and would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks for your time. Check out Senn HD595. I used to own them before upgrading to Denon D5000. Very good for their price. http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0
A few of the reviewers are saying they say you should use an amp to be getting the most out of your headset, but I am wondering how these would perform without any extra dedicated equipment.
I forgot to state in my original post that I will be using these headphones almost exclusively on my laptop, and would like them to work fine without any additional equipment.
Thanks for the suggestion though, people had nothing but praise for them, and they are basically 50% off on amazon.com right now.
Also, just from browsing around, it seems like a lot of the headphones reviewers praise for their audio quality lack an attatched microphone. Is there a reason for this, or should i just use a standalone mic in order to get the best quality?
Thanks for your response.
|
On August 13 2011 08:21 Sivister wrote:Show nested quote +On August 13 2011 08:07 zestzorb wrote:On August 13 2011 08:02 Sivister wrote:Hello! I am currently using: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 USB Connector Circumaural Stereo Headset + Show Spoiler +http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105209 They are getting a little used out though, and I'm looking to upgrade to a quality pair of headphones between 100 and 150 USD. I listen to all sorts of music really, but particularly enjoy solo piano and women's vocals. I also need circumaural, closed headphones so that I won't disturb my housemates. Also, I would prefer an attached mic if possible. I hope that's enough info to get going, and would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks for your time. Check out Senn HD595. I used to own them before upgrading to Denon D5000. Very good for their price. http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0 A few of the reviewers are saying they say you should use an amp to be getting the most out of your headset, but I am wondering how these would perform without any extra dedicated equipment. I forgot to state in my original post that I will be using these headphones almost exclusively on my laptop, and would like them to work fine without any additional equipment. Thanks for the suggestion though, people had nothing but praise for them, and they are basically 50% off on amazon.com right now. Also, just from browsing around, it seems like a lot of the headphones reviewers praise for their audio quality lack an attatched microphone. Is there a reason for this, or should i just use a standalone mic in order to get the best quality? Thanks for your response.
- HD595 are one of the few quality headphones which work well without an amp. But if you gives them one, the sound quality improves dramatically. I had experiences both ways.
- Quality headphones are designed for audiophile listening. They usually don't include other features.
edit: also check out head-fi.org. There's a lot of reviews and articles about headphones that you might find useful.
|
On August 13 2011 06:29 djcube wrote:
Hey Myrmidon, the main priorities would be comfort and price. I'm thinking around $100, but lower would be better if possible. I'm not too knowledgeable about headphones, but I figure any set around $100 would have better sound quality than the $40 ones I'm using right now. I'd prefer sound isolating and a mic is not a requirement.
I'm mainly wondering if there are some goto headphones at around this price range or if they are more or less the same at the sub-$100 level. Oh, by over-ear I was thinking of the non earplug ones.
Okay, all of these are closed. I haven't personally tried all these, so just take this as a starting point of what to look at. But I've never tried a closed headphone in this price range that I thought was very comfortable.
Sony MDR-ZX700 - $75, no mic, newish, earcups on the smaller size; there's also the old tried-and-true MDR-V6
Shure SRH440 - $80, no mic, overall good but it seems like people like upgrading the pads for the SRH840 pads so they must not be that comfortable?
Sennheiser HD 280 - $85, no mic, seals very well but clamps hard to do so
JVC HA-RX 700 and 900 - $35, $50, no mic, 700 is one of the best values at that price range but a bit cheap and sweaty in build quality
Beyerdynamic DT 235 - $50, is on-ear set as opposed to around ear, bass is a bit lower in quantity; there's a version with a mic and USB connection (Beyerdynamic MMX 2, for $80)
There's plenty of others too. There tend to be tradeoffs making closed headphones, particularly at a reasonable price.
On August 13 2011 08:07 zestzorb wrote:Show nested quote +On August 13 2011 08:02 Sivister wrote:Hello! I am currently using: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 USB Connector Circumaural Stereo Headset + Show Spoiler +http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105209 They are getting a little used out though, and I'm looking to upgrade to a quality pair of headphones between 100 and 150 USD. I listen to all sorts of music really, but particularly enjoy solo piano and women's vocals. I also need circumaural, closed headphones so that I won't disturb my housemates. Also, I would prefer an attached mic if possible. I hope that's enough info to get going, and would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks for your time. Check out Senn HD595. I used to own them before upgrading to Denon D5000. Very good for their price. http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0
But the HD 595 is definitely not closed? Maybe AKG K271, but that's more like $160 or a bit higher.
|
On August 13 2011 08:44 zestzorb wrote:Show nested quote +On August 13 2011 08:21 Sivister wrote:On August 13 2011 08:07 zestzorb wrote:On August 13 2011 08:02 Sivister wrote:Hello! I am currently using: Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 USB Connector Circumaural Stereo Headset + Show Spoiler +http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826105209 They are getting a little used out though, and I'm looking to upgrade to a quality pair of headphones between 100 and 150 USD. I listen to all sorts of music really, but particularly enjoy solo piano and women's vocals. I also need circumaural, closed headphones so that I won't disturb my housemates. Also, I would prefer an attached mic if possible. I hope that's enough info to get going, and would really appreciate some recommendations. Thanks for your time. Check out Senn HD595. I used to own them before upgrading to Denon D5000. Very good for their price. http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD595-Performance-Premiere-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVE0 A few of the reviewers are saying they say you should use an amp to be getting the most out of your headset, but I am wondering how these would perform without any extra dedicated equipment. I forgot to state in my original post that I will be using these headphones almost exclusively on my laptop, and would like them to work fine without any additional equipment. Thanks for the suggestion though, people had nothing but praise for them, and they are basically 50% off on amazon.com right now. Also, just from browsing around, it seems like a lot of the headphones reviewers praise for their audio quality lack an attatched microphone. Is there a reason for this, or should i just use a standalone mic in order to get the best quality? Thanks for your response. - HD595 are one of the few quality headphones which work well without an amp. But if you gives them one, the sound quality improves dramatically. I had experiences both ways. - Quality headphones are designed for audiophile listening. They usually don't include other features. edit: also check out head-fi.org. There's a lot of reviews and articles about headphones that you might find useful.
Thanks for the suggestion about head-fi.org. After checking out some reviews from there, plus a few other websites, I think I've found a nice pair that meets all of my needs: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U
They are only 140 USD right now on Amazon, and have outstanding reviews. Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPT
