Your Headphones/Buds
- Thread starter 2ManyAces
- Start date
CLL
New User
I have a Sony Extra Bass MDR-XB500
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=MDRXB500#overview
so good
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=MDRXB500#overview
so good
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Sennheiser HD595
Alessandro MS-1
Grado SR-60
http://www.pearlaudiovideo.com/media/GradoSR60PearlAudioVideo.jpg
Audio Technica A500
http://cdn.head-fi.org/5/51/265x265px-LS-51e990e6_B0006VT1U8-3131kbkQ0XL.jpg
Audio Technica A-55
http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/audio_technica_ath_a55.jpg
Altec Lansing im616
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6163/4178azkneqlaa280jg6.jpg
Alessandro MS-1
Grado SR-60
http://www.pearlaudiovideo.com/media/GradoSR60PearlAudioVideo.jpg
Audio Technica A500
http://cdn.head-fi.org/5/51/265x265px-LS-51e990e6_B0006VT1U8-3131kbkQ0XL.jpg
Audio Technica A-55
http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/audio_technica_ath_a55.jpg
Altec Lansing im616
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6163/4178azkneqlaa280jg6.jpg
r2473
G.O.A.T.
^^ Should have bought Stax diredesire:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-10285208-47.html
I used to own an older model of Stax headphones with a homemade tube amp. They were pretty damn good for headphones, but not even close to a set of good speakers, so I really never used them and eventually just sold them.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-10285208-47.html
I used to own an older model of Stax headphones with a homemade tube amp. They were pretty damn good for headphones, but not even close to a set of good speakers, so I really never used them and eventually just sold them.
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ollinger
G.O.A.T.
One out of every five TEENAGERS now suffers from significant hearing loss, a marked increase in recent years, very strongly correlated with frequent use of headphones, especially buds. Loss expected to be progressive in those who have it. Far more damage to ears than listening without headphones.
r2473
G.O.A.T.
I'm not meeting too many deaf teenagers myself.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/hearing-loss-in-teens/
One in five teenagers suffer from at least slight hearing loss, a marked increase from a decade ago, according to a study reported in today’s Vital Signs column.
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Pff, Stax? I'd much rather take a Sennheiser Orpheus
http://wiki.faust3d.com/wiki/index.php?title=Sennheiser_HE90
I have a low end hybrid tube amp that I built, as well, but I don't use it very often (too much of a hassle, and I'm really untidy).
IMO this is just because many people are using terrible throw-in iPod earbuds. Those things leak sound like crazy, so they crank it up when inappropriate. Sound Quality isn't something many people are really enthusiastic about, so it's sort of a cause/effect issue here..
r2473
G.O.A.T.
Truthfully, I hate all headpones for really listening to music. I just wear them with the ipod while running or listening to an audiobook on the commute. Don't need anything special for that kind of listening.
People don't really just listen to music anymore. Everyone plays music. It's always in people ears. But nobody really "listens" to music. At least nobody I know does.
I have my modded Linn LP12 turntable and Arcam CD23; carefully built phono / pre / power tube amps; modded Klipschhorns that I can just listen to for hours.
An ipod.....not so much. But, that's not what they are for anyway.
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Timbo's hopeless slice
Hall of Fame
I have the BOSE AE-2 as well, use them on teh computer, mostly, running iTunes while I play games.
(that makes me sound like SUCH a geek...)
(that makes me sound like SUCH a geek...)
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
I disagree. The problem is amplitude, IMHO. You can put a high quality phone extremely near the ear (drum), but you'd just have a lower amplitude. The problem is "volume." My point above is that the ipod earbuds (and similar) leak sound in AND out. Ambient noise is easily heard over the music, so people (not limited to kids) tend to crank it up.
True, IEMs are great for this. I didn't like the e2c, though. Build is fantastic, but SQ wasn't as great as i'd hoped. The isolation really makes it sound better than other buds, though.
Snowwiedragn
New User
Beats by Dre Solo and Tour.
I had these before they went mainstream. LOL
I know there's better for the price, but the look is unmatched.
I had these before they went mainstream. LOL
I know there's better for the price, but the look is unmatched.
Photoshop
Professional
current lineup:
Ultrasone Pro 650
my first high-end cans; super comfortable and sound absolutely amazing, especially when plugged into an amp.
Shure E2c
Bose IE2
MEElectronics M9
Don't let the price fool you - IMO these sound better than the $100 Bose.
And I'm getting Audio Technica M50's very soon Arguably the best headphones under $200.
Ultrasone Pro 650
my first high-end cans; super comfortable and sound absolutely amazing, especially when plugged into an amp.
Shure E2c
Bose IE2
MEElectronics M9
Don't let the price fool you - IMO these sound better than the $100 Bose.
And I'm getting Audio Technica M50's very soon
Arguably the best headphones under $200.
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
FYI to those looking to get a nice set of headphones. Just getting better
headphones doesn't mean everything will instantly sound better.
Some headphones may require a headphone amp or high quality stereo
device. Also, most people listen to mp3's which are highly compressed.
Yup. Isolation is the primary reason I like them. Sometimes I use them on
location when I need sound isolation to be able to tell if the audio being
recorded is clean and how much ambient/external sounds are being heard.
headphones doesn't mean everything will instantly sound better.
Some headphones may require a headphone amp or high quality stereo
device. Also, most people listen to mp3's which are highly compressed.
Yup. Isolation is the primary reason I like them. Sometimes I use them on
location when I need sound isolation to be able to tell if the audio being
recorded is clean and how much ambient/external sounds are being heard.
kimbahpnam
Hall of Fame
Shure e3c in ear monitors. Replaced/warrantied twice by Shure. Great customer service
jc_rex
Rookie
i loooove my Ultimate Ears TripleFi10... I'm planning on getting custom ear tips for it. I use it with my ipod+hippo box or galaxy s with voodoo sound control and powerampapp. I also use it as a studio monitor and stage monitor when gigging! i use my sennheiser srh440s in the studio when i'm too lazy to grab my tf10s in my gig bag.. lol
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Yep, one of the big reasons I don't use my headphones more often is because most of my listening is to free online radio players (like pandora, grooveshark, etc). I would guess they're streaming at roughly 96 kb/s.
What tips do you use on your e2cs, btw?
I used to have E3Cs, too. I liked my Etymotic ER6is better, thoughShure e3c in ear monitors. Replaced/warrantied twice by Shure. Great customer service
What tips do you use? Foamies were my favorite 
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Did you modify the crossovers in the K-Horns? Used to own the old Stax SR-44 electrets. Have Martin-Logan electrostats now but haven't listened to a record on my Linn in a while.
Timbo's hopeless slice
Hall of Fame
which is probably what they would sound like if you were coming from iBuds or something, lol.
They aren't awful, exactly, just ok for the price.
(you realise studio quality headphones that Dr Dre might actually work with cost thousands, don't you?)
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Not worth the price, but they're not terrible. I'd buy something else if I had the choice, but they're "hot" right now, so that might be more important to you
As has been stated in the thread, your source and music (files) make a difference, so if you don't already have a good basis, you're not going to get a huge upgrade either way. Eh, this isn't generally the case, from what I've seen/heard. Many people use MDR-V6s as reference phones. Obviously, high end setups will be more, but I've heard of many studios using sub-par (for enthusiasts, at least) equipment.
Can't think of a name
Rookie
r2473
G.O.A.T.
Ya, I modified the crossover. That is the worst part of the stock K-horns.
Which ML's do you have? I've never heard heard "real deal" full sized electrostats. I used a own a pair of Magnepan quasi-ribbon's that I like a lot, but hated the fact that you need a BEAST of an amp to power those things.
For the life of me, I can't remember which stax headphones I owned.
I like the LP12. I've had other "better" turntables (VPI makes nice tables), but I do like the "linn sound". I've got it set up to retrieve more detail than you might might be used to with a LP12, but nothing close to what the VPI can do in that area.
The LP12 KILLS the Aracam cd player.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
M-L Aeon, powered by the Krell. Owned Acoustats BITD. Tried Magneplanar, not as detailed but ribbon tweeters are sweet. Used an Audio Research D-250 amp. Actually owned a VPI with a metal platter. Curious how far quality digital has come.
vincent_tennis
Professional
UE600! Only paid $55 for these
r2473
G.O.A.T.
I used a Krell to power the Maggies too. It was the cheapest "clean" high-powered amp I could find at the time. I think Krell is a bit "sterile" sounding, but it sure kicks out a very, very powerful "in your face" type of sound that can be enjoyable. That thing sure got hot after a few hours too. I only need a 12-watt tube amp to power the K-horns.
I've heard some dyed-in-the-wool vinyl freaks on a few audio forums admit that digital has come to the point that it can sound as good if not better than vinyl. But, most everything I like I already have on vinyl so I have no real reason to change. And good digital is still expensive.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
May need a fan for those old class-A Krells. D-250 had 20 power tubes so replacing them was expensive. Stuck with mono Meridian amps for years. Used a Marantz 7/8B combo 25 yrs ago, quite nice, amp in triode configuration. Krell was utra-quiet, had awesome bass.
r2473
G.O.A.T.
The Krell bass cannot be beat and it is dead quiet. Two things I really loved about it. It's been a few years, but I'm pretty sure I had the KSA-150. Not sure if that was actually rated class-A.
My phono / pre / power amp are all partial kits that someone with more skill than me put together for me (the same guy that also built my K-horn crossovers). This guy also has thousands of tubes in his basement so I found some really killer sets. Believe it or not, the thing is basically dead quiet even with the volume pot open all the way. Not an easy thing to get with tubes, especially in the phono stage. At least that has been my experience. The other thing I really like about these amps is their ability to "space" the instruments. This set of amps are the first ones I've ever had with the ability to really do this well.
I bet that Marantz combo is pretty nice. Amazing how good some of those vintage amps were. That is definately a set to hold on to, which is probably why you have for the past 25 years.
My phono / pre / power amp are all partial kits that someone with more skill than me put together for me (the same guy that also built my K-horn crossovers). This guy also has thousands of tubes in his basement so I found some really killer sets. Believe it or not, the thing is basically dead quiet even with the volume pot open all the way. Not an easy thing to get with tubes, especially in the phono stage. At least that has been my experience. The other thing I really like about these amps is their ability to "space" the instruments. This set of amps are the first ones I've ever had with the ability to really do this well.
I bet that Marantz combo is pretty nice. Amazing how good some of those vintage amps were. That is definately a set to hold on to, which is probably why you have for the past 25 years.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Had to downsize the audio system after marriage. 6 ft monoliths and a 73" telly are not my wifes idea of nirvana. Never found a really quiet tube preamp.
r2473
G.O.A.T.
Ah yes, WAF. Well, not much you can do about that I guess. I had to "jazz up" my K-horns a bit so they didn't look so 70's, which was pretty easy. Just a little veneer and a green plant on top and I was good to go.
For me the key to a quiet tube amp is mainly the tubes. When I put crappy tubes in, they were noisy. But of course you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Your amps have to be good too. But bad tubes will make good amps sound awful.
My system is in my basement which I can easily make almost perfectly dark. Nothing better than sitting in total darkness with only the soft glow of the tubes and listening to music. But like I said earlier in this thread, I don't think too many people enjoy actually "listening" to music. Oh well, so much the worse for them.
Ronaldo
Bionic Poster
Music is just for background use. Guess headphones are the ultimate source for them. No longer have a basement. Love the K-Horn bass.
Netzroller
Semi-Pro
Well, yes and no. Hearing loss is a significant problem, but it's not like the headphones cause it. Loud noise over a longer period of time damages the ear, no matter where it comes from.
Loud music at a concert or club and working with heavy machinery without appropriate precations is just as dangerous. Firework is a huge problem as well, one firecracker expoloding close to your ear and you might suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus for the rest of your life.
Just turn down the volume on your mp3 player and don't listen to music all the time and you will be fine with headphones.
However, I am happy you emphasize this topic! Too many people just don't give a crap about it. I see it on the tram all the time, teenagers turning the volume up to an extent that everyone nearby can hear what songs they're playing (usually bad ones). And once the damage is done they find out that there is no cure...
albino smurf
Professional
I quit using them and really don't miss them.
2ManyAces
Rookie
I've listened on Solo Beats by Dre before. Honestly for 200 bucks it's not that great. my 2 cents....
kimbahpnam
Hall of Fame
Yep, one of the big reasons I don't use my headphones more often is because most of my listening is to free online radio players (like pandora, grooveshark, etc). I would guess they're streaming at roughly 96 kb/s.
What tips do you use on your e2cs, btw?
I used to have E3Cs, too. I liked my Etymotic ER6is better, though
Foamies were okay for me, but wore out a little too quick. The best fit were the smallest black rubbers. The clear ones were too stiff and made my ears sore after an hour.
I also have the dr. dre earbuds, but i think they're a good counterfeit version since my brother got it from hong kong on vacation. they sound okay, but not for the price.
diredesire
Adjunct Moderator
Yeah, I agree, the Blacks are probably the most comfortable, but the foamies isolate MUCH better, IMO. I'd probably only really notice the difference if i were on a plane, or something, though. The Black tips were completely acceptable
kimbahpnam
Hall of Fame
Yeah, I agree, the Blacks are probably the most comfortable, but the foamies isolate MUCH better, IMO. I'd probably only really notice the difference if i were on a plane, or something, though. The Black tips were completely acceptable
The only problem I had with black tips was that I use them a lot for working out so sweat drips down and eventually starts making the rubber slip off the ear piece which is my cue to replace them, but a couple times i would pull the ear piece out without the rubber and i had to use tweezers to get it out of my ear :???:
onehandbh
G.O.A.T.
I use the black, soft rubber tips. The foams work best, but the the black
tips are much easier to use and in most applications, they are sufficient.
Also very comfortable.
I recently used them this weekend for monitoring audio being recorded into
a digital recorder for this shoot:
You can click "Skip" in the upper right hand corner to skip their intro.
(I have a typo in the title, but they are fixing it: Should say "Sooper" not Spooper)
http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com/#/gallery?video=15137
The e2c's were able to insulate outside sound from coming so that
I could hear how much of the ambient sound, etc. was being picked up by
the microphones. (e.g. helicopters and planes flying by,
little kids screaming while playing, etc.) I wanted to be able to add
the tone/sounds of the park later.
Shroud
G.O.A.T.
Living arrangements lead me to headphones. I remember watching some reviews and the reviewers had like 20 pairs. Never thought I would get there but if I did a 360 look I would see the following:
Ultrasone Sig Pro
Ultrasone 1400I
Monoprice M1060 (2 pairs version 2)
Monoprice M1060C
Monoprice M565 (2 pairs)
Monoprice HR-5
JBL Bluetooth
Ones I sent back:
AKG 712
Avantone Planar Pro
Long story short I am sold on the Ultrasones. These things rock and I will be getting the Edition 11 and end my headphone purchases.
Ultrasone Sig Pro
Ultrasone 1400I
Monoprice M1060 (2 pairs version 2)
Monoprice M1060C
Monoprice M565 (2 pairs)
Monoprice HR-5
JBL Bluetooth
Ones I sent back:
AKG 712
Avantone Planar Pro
Long story short I am sold on the Ultrasones. These things rock and I will be getting the Edition 11 and end my headphone purchases.
Hotpockets
Rookie
..
Hotpockets
Rookie
Sennheiser HD 650. Cost a pretty penny but so worth it.
