The Headphones Thread - Page 13

there are so many variables when it comes to sound, im getting a degree in audio production and one of the major lessons i have learned is there are no "best" anything. Sure there are industry standards. But develop your own tastes. Drag your laptop to your local guitar center (best buy, frys, any store) and ask to try out the headphones that everyones talking about. Try out some other models as well, and then come to your own conclusion.

I know this will have no effect on the number of "best" threads in the forums. In reality you should be asking (more than likely searching) what models are known for their "xxxx". xxxx being the qualitative/quantitative measurement or intended use of the headphones.

also use the search feature. just had to get this outa my system.

Ok, well one thing that is not best.. is computer Audio... I am getting some nasty distortion all of a Sudden out of my SB Audigy ZS...
I can hear my mosue wheel moving, can hear my HDD kickin' up... It's like having a Sager Again!



I've moved the card to the bottom PCI Slot, it's as far away from everything as possible... Any Ideas?

Computer audio can be very good. EMU 1212 is an excellent board and is comparable to several high end CDP's.

Did you mute all the unnecessary controls in the volume control panel? Keep only Master Volume and WAV turned on and mute everything else.
See if this helps.

Enable the "enable smooth scrolling" in IE.

Check IRQ of Mouse port and Sound Card Port.

Cheers!

All I did was swear at it a few times, and now it's working... (seriosuly) don't ask me... But I think I scared it..

Ok, next question.... No CD Audio from CD Drive to Sound Card.... I have the cabled hooked up properly.... but... Nothing.... Ideas? Also, where can I find one of those Sound Cards GS? I Want to get one.... (PS. Anybody want a like brand new Audigy ZS?! wonder if Best Buy will take it back?!)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...746049951&rd=1 this is what I want?

ok GS, you've been an amazing help, but one last thing...
I need a simplified shopping list...
Ok, Tube Amp.... (Name? Make? Model? etc.?)
Cables... Got that, will order them tonight....
Sound card: Ebay Link << Assuming that will do....


Sooo-
Sennheiser HD580 - $140 (I got a deal on 'em new... not sure actual retail)
Tube Amp:
Cables: $55.00
Sound Card: $199.00
______________________
$ - Total ?


I'll edit this when I figure out exactally what amp... then it will be a model for anybody else wanting to achive great music from a PC

This may have been answered previously, but I might as well ask. I'm looking for a pair of headphones that are under $60 and produce good sound. I also would like them to be comfortable, and if possible, the type that goes beind and not on top of the head (since I might use these on the go, and I don't want to look like a super nerd, although I probably am one at heart). If anybody has some really outstanding suggestions, that are a bit above my budget, but under $100, I might pick them up if they fit all my needs, but I'd prefer under $60. Comfort is very important to me, I hate headphones that make my ears hurt on the outside after 30-60 minutes or wear.

I'll mostly be using them to play games, watch anime, and occasionally listen to music.

Thanks.

GS, do I need to do anything special to "break in" my HD-212's? I remember you mentioning that before, but I'm not familiar with what to do. Also, will an amp make these sound a lot better? How is the Grado SR-60 and HD-580's BASS compared to the HD-212's? More.. Less...equal with an AMP? Thanks.

Thank you gsferrari for your time and effort. So much to choose from.

I found and online vendor with the discontinued akg k 401 instock for $79. Headroom says they're descent cans. Any comment on them? And the akg k 301 extra?

ALso I'm looking for a good audio program to use in conjunction with my echo indigo. AS you probably know the indigo does not allow one to make any adjustments just changing numerical values which i have know clue what they are about.
WINDVD has it's own EQ but when it comes to games I can't make any adjustments.
The stock EQ for most media players is crap and you gotta buy an upgrade for a better one.
Anywho thank a trillion!
Mr.Mojo

I have the Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia headphones and they're great:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...FontopiaEarbud

If you can give me a budget to work with then I can find the best possible solution for you. Best Buy should (ideally) accept a return on that sound card provided you are within 30 days. Return it and get a Chaintech (newegg) or EMU 1212/0404. The EMU 1212 is a serious piece of kit - treat it with respect

Tube amps range for $200.00 - $unlimited so I need a budget. Solid state amps are also pretty good.

Not really. Just use them and let them settle in naturally. I am crazy and therefore I make my own white/pink/brown noise with a signal generator and feed it to the headphones through the amp. It is a touch and go process - too much volume and you can blow the driver.

DO NOT USE THE KLIPSCH THX BASS TEST TRACK TO BREAK IN YOUR HEADPHONES

Bass can be classified as follows :-

* Deep Bass (lower octaves are audible)
* Punchy Bass (typically cutoff at 80-100hz giving it oomph without the depth)
* clean bass (though not necessarily loud the bass is audible, deep, fast and punchy and clean without distortion)
* Boomy Bass (exact opposite...pleasing to some people but not musical)

Clean bass can also be called "thin" bass when the lower octaves are missing.


I put the HD-212Pro in between the Boomy and Punchy categories. The bass is definitely not high fidelity but it is quite pleasing with games and mp3's. Doesnt make you miss those bookshelf speakers and the 15" velodyne sub



Grado SR-60 has clean bass
Sennheiser HD-580 has clean, deep, fast and punchy bass. Excellent headphone when powered by a good amp fed from a good source.

Aah the variables will make your head swim

Since comfort is important for you why dont you get the Sennheiser HD-515 headphones?

Other oprtions :-

AKG-240S / 271S
Beyerdynamic DT-440/531
Sennheiser HD25


basically - any circumaural full sized headphone will be comfortable. Audio Technica ATH A900/A500 are also good choices.

To cheap out without compromising sound - Koss PortaPro2 is a brilliant headphone. $30.00 brings you some Banging sound!!

Gsferrari, I pursued your recommendations for the Ultrasone cans.
After scouring the web for reviews on the Ultrasone HFI-650 and HFI 550 I settle on the HFI 550 Beatmaster. I found a place www.filmwareproducts.com that had them for $149 ($162 whith 2nd day shipping) which beat all other places by 30-50 bucks. Meir Audio had good prices but they ship from Germany I thinkk


A couple reveiwers said that the difference between the two cans was minimal and probably not noticable my most people and not worth the extra money for the HFI-650.

Here are some links to reviews for any interest parties:

http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/4505-6...ecoustics-cnet

http://www.cooltechzone.com/index.ph...1&limitstart=0

They also have a Proline version which has lower emission so you don't get hrain tumors but adds another $40-$50 bones to the price tag.

They won't ship untill after labor day. Bummer. I fill you in on they're performance.

Any recommendations on a good program that I can use with my Echo Indigo for greater control of sound during gameplay and music?


Mr.Mojo

lower emission? Whassat!?!?

I havent heard the HFI-550 but if it is anything like the HFI-650 then you will be pleased.

For $150.00 you can also get the Sennheiser HD-580 / Sennheiser HD-555 / Grado SR-225 which are all good headphones.

Cheers!

If you answered YES to at least 75% of the above questions then you should take a good hard look at the Ultrasone HFI-650 trackmaster. I picked this headphone up on an impulse from Sam Ash and so far I am very impressed with it. You can also whop your roommate over the head...one for HeadFi




WHERE TO BUY

http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-audio/
http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-audio/headphones.htm

Price is approximately $180.00 (usd)



BASS

Holy low frequencies batman!!

This thing can literally blow away your eardrums if you are not careful with the Bass EQ!! :eggo:

There is plenty of deeeeeeep solid bass that will potentially drive your 15" Velodyne subwoofer into redundancy. This is one of the most bassy headphones I have heard.

I used a tricked out MPX3 and Rudistor RP5 with this headphone and it sounds clean. The bass is not one tone and has decent articulation. NOTE however that it can be quite overpowering if the recording is crap or just bass skewed.

I am going out on a limb saying this but : This is possibly the best bass I have ever heard in a headphone and I have heard a LOT of them.





MIDRANGE AND TREBLE

Although the bass is what hits you initially, the midrange and treble are also rendered well...just a little more forward compared to the Sennheisers and a little recessed compared to the Grados. I have barely used the headphones for 20 hours and things could change but I dont want them to :veryevil:

For those of you who have heard the Sennheiser HD-580/600/650 this headphone will make a fantastic initial impression because of its ability to work the bass into the midrange and treble. The bass appears right where it should - behind the other sounds...so it rarely becomes opressive.

I think the presentation is perfect for my targeted applications (gaming and music off the computer with mp3's/FLAC via Foobar2K. I am digging these headphones.



DETAIL AND SOUNDSTAGE

This is where the sub $200.00 headphones are identifiable from their more expensive siblings. The detail is a bit smudged making for a narrow image but this is in no way offensive. If you want to ROCK HARD then these headphones will play along like no other. They have about the same soundstage as the Grado SR-225 with a little less detail and resolution.

For example - it is hard to separate vocals from the bass and rhythm guitars...you have to try hard. But it is musically impressive...analytically disappointing





OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

Solid build quality. Convenient folding package. Pads are comfortable but could have been larger. Depth of the earcup is insufficient if you have a large outer ear (pinnae) as the driver foam can chafe. Not a BIG problem but it depends...
They are impressive and versatile with or without an amplifier. Better with an amplifier because the bass really clears up and kicks up some serious dB. They are on my head right now...I think I can live with them as part of my mobile gaming and entertainment center.






CONCLUSIONS

I would give these headphones a 6.5/10
I would keep these headphones as a long term solution to my targeted applications
I would recommend these headphones over the Grado SR-60 / Sennheiser HD-595 / Beyerdynamic DT-440.

REFERENCE RATINGS

Sony R10 = 10/10
Senn HD-650 = 9/10
Grado PS-1 = 7/10
Grado SR-225 = 6.5/10


Hope this helps

I guess the Proline Ultrasone's have less magnetic something or another passing thru your brain and such. Kinda like low radiation moniters.

Mr.Mojo

I just recieved the Grado SR-60 thanks to your guys views .... I have never had quality headphones so i dont know what good is .... i compared them to my radioshack ones with my mp3's and i could tell a little differnce in the sound havnt listened to any dvd's .... i use these only on my computer with a sound blaster live 5.1 in the front left and right channel .... will be using them on a 3790 with echo indigo ... so far pleased with the sound but one thing is for sure is that the headphones start to hurt you ears after long use .... a quick 10 min pee and drink break and it is back to normal ........


one question i have is will the echo indigo shut off the sound card on the laptop when it is plugged in because i game and need a mic and the 3790 has a intergrated mic that i want to use.... please help

You can choose which device you want to use for what purpose.

Go to the Audio Control Panel (in windows XP -> Start -> Control Panel -> Sound Speech and Audio devices -> Sound and Audio Devices -> Make the changes necessary by choosing which device you want to use for which purpose...)

Congrats on the SR-60. I use Grado Flat Pads which are stiff and coarse and uncomfortable if you are not used to them...I have been wearing for over a year now and they dont bother me anymore

Cheers!

I finally tested out the SR-60 as well and VERY pleased here, thanks GS. I hooked them up to my desktop with Audigy Gamer, and 5.1 THX hp jack, watched "Day After Tomorrow" preview dvd, ommgg unfreakinbelievable. I jacked up the bass in the equalizer and the "rumbling" bass was definately there. I won't even mention the mid to high tones. Sounded better than the movie theatre with Digital. I did a massive headache after the movie though, but it was worth it