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$500 cans on, this is how you dream right - Official Headphone Thread

HiResDes

Member
What a whirlwind. I bough the AKG K7xx as my first pair of audiophile level headphones. So amazing that it makes me want to not only use for it games and music at home, but also at work to get me through my long days. AKG leaks sound too much for that environment and furthermore I have this strange physical problem. Left side of my jaw can't seem to handle the pressure of the cup even though its very light pressure. I take off the headphones and i feel like its still on for the next 15-20 minutes. Off to ebay it goes. This just kills me :(

Bowers P7 or Beoplay DJ Khaled...
I gotta replace the AKGs so now this got interesting. I picked up the Bowers P7 and B&O Beoplay H6 DJ Khaled edition. The P7 is fun, strong, stylish, portable, quiet for workplace, and I don't need to worry about a portable amp while im away from home. Awesome! It also matches my pair of CM9's in the living room haha! But so is the Beoplay H6 DJ Khaled! Every positive I have for P7 can be said of Beoplay Khaled. It sounds similar to the P7 and all concerned with bass of regular H6 need not worry with the DJ Khaled edition. It is strong but I wonder if its too strong. Its lighter at 7.7oz verses P7's 10oz, more portable, has other cool features such as twisting earcups and ability to plug in a second headphone into the other earcup. It also fits perfect into my Astro A30 headphone case. The P7 and Khaled are neck-and-neck for me but im leaning towards keeping the Khaled. The only knock I have of P7 is that it is too tight, the Khaled wins the comfort battle.

Are there any professional/audiophile reviews of the Khaled out there? The Khaled sounds so different from the Beoplay H6 in my short testing at a local B&O store. My ears aren't trained enough to know if im missing much of the benefits the original H6 offers.
Apparently they narrowed the soundstage and added a bass port, so the DJ Khaled just sounds like a more consumer tuned version of the H6. I know they claim to be using new drivers, but all reports point to them being the same just modified.
 

andylsun

Member
New STAX SR-5 pads arrived after a month - shipped directly from Japan from Audiocubes.

They are obviously not the right pads at all and the sticky tape isn't encouraging.

Time to complain to Audiocubes.

fm1DjA6l.jpg
 
Ordered the 650s, don't have a clue what the fuck I'm doing for amps just because I don't really know anything about them. Looked at the Schiit stuff but don't understand what combining them even is.
 

Kuro

Member
Ordered the 650s, don't have a clue what the fuck I'm doing for amps just because I don't really know anything about them. Looked at the Schiit stuff but don't understand what combining them even is.
The modi is a digital audio converter that provides you with a cleaner signal than the onboard Dacs on most phones/pc. The magni just amplifies that sound and makes it louder for headphones that need more power to reach a suitable listening volume.

Edit: I'm not a believer in expensive DACs I think most under $100 do the job perfectly. So the Modi is the maximum I would spend.
 

andylsun

Member
So Sennheiser 650s are on sale at Amazon for $290. Should I do this.

Yes, and so would I if I wasn't saving up for my STAX system. The HD650 would be my end game for Sennheiser. Not interested in the 800 from a cost perspective and the 700 isn't supposed to be that good.
 
New STAX SR-5 pads arrived after a month - shipped directly from Japan from Audiocubes.

They are obviously not the right pads at all and the sticky tape isn't encouraging.

Time to complain to Audiocubes.

fm1DjA6l.jpg

Actually double sided tape is how they're affixed if you can believe that. I'm getting in a set of replacement 507 leather pads today and they come with double sided tape as well
 

Theonik

Member
So Sennheiser 650s are on sale at Amazon for $290. Should I do this.
I can recommend them. It's a good price. I spend £275 for mine. As for amp.. There are a number of options. I am using an AudioGD DAC/Amp (NFB11) and it can drive them well, I purchased it for my HD555 originally which I replaced with my HD650 when I lost them. I would consider swapping this stup eventually for a better DAC maybe and a separate amp at least. The amp while good isn't that great on it, but the DAC is superb so it's more an upgrade to a balanced setup.
 

andylsun

Member
Actually double sided tape is how they're affixed if you can believe that. I'm getting in a set of replacement 507 leather pads today and they come with double sided tape as well

I knew the lambda earspeakers were double sided tape but the SR-5 are not. The pads are so much smaller they would turn these over-ear headphones to on-ear. Will see what the dealer says.
 

X-Frame

Member
Hey everyone. I still consider myself new to the world of headphones/earphones and would like to purchase my first amp &/or DAC. That is .. if I actually would benefit from one ..

Devices: iPhone 6 Plus, 2010 Macbook Pro
Earphones: VSonic GR07's
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 598's (also HD 280 Pro's but won't be using them much over the 598's)

Looking For: Something that I could potentially bring on my commute with my iPhone 6 Plus & GR07 combination, as well as connect to my MBP at home to use with my headphones.

Questions:

1. Do I "need" (and is it worth the money spent) on an amp &/or DAC for the items I have?

2. My combinations will mostly be iPhone 6 Plus w/ GR07's while commuting, and the MBP and headphones at home (but GR07's too). How much would an amp &/or DAC improve those combinations?


I've been staring at various Fiio products on Amazon for an hour and I'm even more confused on what to get.

Thank you!
 
I knew the lambda earspeakers were double sided tape but the SR-5 are not. The pads are so much smaller they would turn these over-ear headphones to on-ear. Will see what the dealer says.

Ah, wasn't aware of that. Just finished putting the 507 pads on. Boy that was an ordeal and a half. The double sided tape is tough to work with and you have to be extra careful since they don't supply you with extra tape in the event that you fuck up. I dunno that the pads make any sort of audible difference since it's impossible to A/B without a second set of 207s for direct comparison, but they make a noticeable difference in comfort and the seal is improved since the leather sticks to your skin. The clamping force of the cans kinda sucks if you wear glasses though, so caveat emptor.

That aside, the 207 continues to impress. I'm listening to Mars Voltas' "Aegis" and this track was pretty hot on a few of my other cans due to the forward nature of the cymbals and guitar and yet it's super smooth on the Lambdas. Really great stuff
 
new travel headphones arrived just in time for my trip to Beijing/Shanghai

10534088_10153129647534512_6482696732802838155_n.jpg


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11069813_10153129647634512_727361952490007019_n.jpg


Amp is an HA-2 with Oppo Find 7 running Neutron as source
Also, Colorfly C4.
 
What are the white ones?

OPPO PM-3s are the white ones (Their first one was PM1, PM2 came next, this is their first "portable" set which dont really need to be driven all that much)

Audeze EL-8s Closed Back are the black ones. Cheapest in the Audeze line and first one outside the LCD series. Was lucky to get mine since they had a $250K robbery 2 weeks ago and so much stock went missing.

Not pictured: The oppo HA-2 amp which ill be using tonight - fantastic piece of kit.
 

leng jai

Member
How usable are the Momentum M2s and Oppo PM-3 straight out of something like a 3DS/Vita/HTC M8? Looking for a high endish pair of cans I can run in amped to complement my T1s.
 
How usable are the Momentum M2s and Oppo PM-3 straight out of something like a 3DS/Vita/HTC M8? Looking for a high endish pair of cans I can run in amped to complement my T1s.

Both the PM3 and EL-8s are supposed to be able to be driven by smartphones and things like that. I havent had a chance to listen to them today so i cant tell you too much.

It also depends if you want portable or not.

High Endish non portable = EL-8 Open Back
High Endish "portable" = EL-8 Closed Back
Nice portable and you can actually travel with it: PM-3.

Ill post more after i have had a chance to listen to them. The Oppo's are so damn comfy though. They actually come with a really nice portable carry case while the Audeze does not.
 

leng jai

Member
Both the PM3 and EL-8s are supposed to be able to be driven by smartphones and things like that. I havent had a chance to listen to them today so i cant tell you too much.

It also depends if you want portable or not.

High Endish non portable = EL-8 Open Back
High Endish "portable" = EL-8 Closed Back
Nice portable and you can actually travel with it: PM-3.

Ill post more after i have had a chance to listen to them. The Oppo's are so damn comfy though. They actually come with a really nice portable carry case while the Audeze does not.

Are the PM-3 really that portable though? They kind of look like full size headphones to me while the Momentums look more compact. I'll be using them on trips but not out and about on the street. I mainly need something that doesn't sound dire out volume wise like the T1s do on portable device (even amped). The price is pretty much the same between the Momentum M2 and the Oppo. I poke the form factor of the Senns better but I have a feeling the Oppo has superior sound quality.
 
Are the PM-3 really that portable though? They kind of look like full size headphones to me while the Momentums look more compact. I'll be using them on trips but not out and about on the street. I mainly need something that doesn't sound dire out volume wise like the T1s do on portable device (even amped). The price is pretty much the same between the Momentum M2 and the Oppo. I poke the form factor of the Senns better but I have a feeling the Oppo has superior sound quality.

I havent seen any momentums in the flesh so i honestly cant compare. The PM3s are the smallest headphones i own and they seem very portable to me, even the carry case it comes with is designed to be taken around with you. It's so easy to shrink it down, fold the headphones then detach the cable if you want. The PM3s are VERY well made and in white they look really gorgeous. Most comfortable set of headphones i own as well.

Ill be traveling this weekend so look forward to really giving them a run through as im heading to china.

If you are looking for the oppo, have a look at the AMP (HA-2) they are also selling. For $300 it is incredible value. i plugged in my audiotechnica ATH-900's into it through my phone and it sounded really, really good.

For $700, the HA-2 and PM-3 combo is an amazing portable set when paired with a smartphone.
 
Hey gang. I mostly just lurk this thread for headphones I could never afford, but I figured I'd ask here. I'm in the market for like a sub-$50 in ear set of headphones. Looking around it seems like Brainwavz is the brand to beat, but any specific suggestions?

Durability would be a nice thing too. Go through these things like every four months...
 

HiResDes

Member
Hey gang. I mostly just lurk this thread for headphones I could never afford, but I figured I'd ask here. I'm in the market for like a sub-$50 in ear set of headphones. Looking around it seems like Brainwavz is the brand to beat, but any specific suggestions?

Durability would be a nice thing too. Go through these things like every four months...
Ostry KC06
 
Nice Eames chair ;)

How is the leakage on the closed Audeze? I'm very happy with my HE-560, but I am looking for something in the office.

Ok ill tell you that tomorrow at work. I'll have someone try them on and let you know. The pm3 sound leakage is so so low. You can barely here it so it will be my travel set. Was really impressed with the oppo so far.

Unless you are running a nice high end DAP, you will be best off with a portable amp/dac as well.
 
Yo GAF I'm looking for some new IEMs suitable for work and console gaming.

I did have the Sony XBA H1s lined up but from what I can tell they don't have a microphone so what's the best alternative in this price-range?
 
Ok ill tell you that tomorrow at work. I'll have someone try them on and let you know. The pm3 sound leakage is so so low. You can barely here it so it will be my travel set. Was really impressed with the oppo so far.

Unless you are running a nice high end DAP, you will be best off with a portable amp/dac as well.


Thanks for the info. I wasn't even aware of the closed PM3's (I've been trying to stay away from HeadFi as soon as I'd decided on the 560's last year). They are now on my list - they'll be plugged into a Schiit stack that's already at my desk. There is no need for portability, I just want better isolation.
 
Thanks for the info. I wasn't even aware of the closed PM3's (I've been trying to stay away from HeadFi as soon as I'd decided on the 560's last year). They are now on my list - they'll be plugged into a Schiit stack that's already at my desk. There is no need for portability, I just want better isolation.
If you can stretch your budget and you will be sitting at a desk, then go for the EL8s. They are so close to the sound signature of the LCD3's it's amazing.

The audeze warmth and bass slam is so worth it...
 
Congrats, Phat Michael.

Despite their reputation when it comes to AQ, I think Audeze headphones look awful, mainly because the characteristic "grill".

Those EL-8 however, look amazing. I've been contemplating to buy one for a couple of weeks, but considering I just bought the Bowers & Wilkins P7 last week, I think I'll wait at least a month to pull the trigger.

One question...

When you use those headphones stands, would you say the earpads get too pressed against the wood?
 

andylsun

Member
Haha won't that up my cost around $8k for a set of SR009s and a new amp for it?? I won't get any more headphones. Got all I need now. 2 x portable sets and 2 x home sets.

Entry level Stax, $500. Would make a nice comparison with the EL-8

I will agree you probably have enough headphones now though.

Edit: EL-8 is comparable with LCD-2? I know you went for closed back. Have you compared the closed EL-8 with other closed headphones?
 
Okay so if I buy a Magni/Modi what else will I need with them? I assume I'll have to run them from my desktop which is fine, but do I need to worry about a new sound card? Mine's ancient. Or do I just now know what in the hell I'm talking about which is totally probable.

This just goes past my very small area of knowledge of this stuff whole other class I'm buying into.
 

HiResDes

Member
Okay so if I buy a Magni/Modi what else will I need with them? I assume I'll have to run them from my desktop which is fine, but do I need to worry about a new sound card? Mine's ancient. Or do I just now know what in the hell I'm talking about which is totally probable.

This just goes past my very small area of knowledge of this stuff whole other class I'm buying into.
If you're buying a schiit stack you definitely don't need to worry about the soundcard considering the stack will be bypassing it altogether.
 

tr4656

Member
Okay so if I buy a Magni/Modi what else will I need with them? I assume I'll have to run them from my desktop which is fine, but do I need to worry about a new sound card? Mine's ancient. Or do I just now know what in the hell I'm talking about which is totally probable.

This just goes past my very small area of knowledge of this stuff whole other class I'm buying into.

RCA Cables and USB A to B.

See http://schiit.com/guides/getting-connected
 
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