I'm upgrading my headphones

Communities Audio Hardware & Music
1

It's about time to get serious about my headphones. I'm currently using the SteelSeries Siberia V2 for most things. It's a good headset. It's surprisingly crisp for a gaming headset and I do recommend it. I really like that it is open-back (or somewhat). However, I want a headset that makes me want to work on Zweihänder... or one that makes me want to listen to music. 

I also have a pair of Sony MDR-7506s that I use for editing... but I'm going to go for something better for the main rig. I'll couple a portable DAC with the Sony MDR-7506 and throw them in the travel bag.

I was thinking about looking around over at the Head-Fi forums... but there is a bit of shilling going on over there and they tend to recommend expensive parts over cheaper parts that are nearly identical or do the same thing... So, I am going to create some audio sections here on the forum:

https://teksyndicate.com/forum/audio

Anyway, I have narrowed my purchase down to Grado Prestige Series SR325is Headphones: http://amzn.to/1evaOfs and the Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro (probably the 250 Ohm version): http://amzn.to/1jOXmUM

My father used to have a set of Grados and they sound amazing... but are not too comfortable after a few hours. The Beyerdynamics are also awesome... and my favorite for metal. I might just get both and do a video on "the best headphones for under $300" then sell whichever I do not keep. 

Anyway, I'm sure there are some audiophiles out there with more experience in DACs than me. Share some knowledge! I usually have some pro-audio level stuff laying around (my father was into that stuff)... but I don't know much about the home audio stuff. I like a warmer sound and would like it to handle 600 ohms, in case I go for those.

Anyway, I'm just ranting for a while. I've seen so many headsets lately that it really made me want to go all out. So I am.

2

Well.........What's your budget?

If you're willing to spend ~1K then I would recommend the Sennheiser HD 800. From what I've heard they're the best on the market.  If you don't have a ~1K budget, I would recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50.  I personally own them and I must say I think they're the best sub-$200 headphones.

Anyways, I think the audio forum was a great idea.

3

I'd be up for a good headphone comparison video. I know that people keep telling me to buy AKG studio headphones, but for now, I don't know if that $250-400 would be worth it (for me, at least, I'm not exactly an audiophile). One thing I know for sure: the external DAC does make quite the difference.

4

To me, the DAC is much less important than the amp. I want a really neutral amp, and a neutral DAC; it is audio replication, not audio creation - distortion is taking away, in my opinion. That being said, some people want a warmer sound, and get equipment to match that. All a matter of personal preference.

With either of those headphones, you can use the DAC on your soundcard to drive a more powerful amp. If you do not have a soundcard (I don't know your system), then even a cheap Xonar DG will get the job done.

If you're spending $300 on headphones, you want to have at least $300 aside for an amp and or DAC. At that budget, the first company I would forget is Fiio. They are more of a low-end and portable audio gear company. If you're really into aesthetics, Schiit is the way to go; gorgeous aluminum housings, but worse-than-average pricing (not that bad, really, but definitely a premium pricing - like MacBooks at launch). For a powerful combo, a Schiit Magni and Modi are fantastic entry-level products. The Magni can not drive either of the headphones that you selected, though. Not a big deal; the Magni is only a 1.2W amp, anyway. The Schiit Asgard 2 is a bit pricier (brand new, in the $250 range), but is a much better product. Not only will it last you, pretty much, through all sub-$800 headphone upgrades (within reason), but handles a large impedance, capable of even ortho headphones (capable of up to 6400 oHm, iirc).

Were you looking at an even larger investment, I'd start considering tube-based amplification and rectification, but you really don't need to go into that at this budget.

Another choice, that I would look into, is a used or open-box deal on some HE-400 headphones; the frame quality may not compare to that of a high-end Sennheiser or DT, but the sound is amazing, especially on quality amps. They really need power, but are worth every penny.

Hope that helps some. My system could use an overhaul, itself. The WooAudio Firefly is appealing!

5

Throwing all of that money into headphones without regard to the power source is not a good way to go. HD-800s are not the best on the market; best is relative. I would personally go for a pair of LCD-2s at that budget, assuming he has the equipment to drive them.

Why stop there, though? You can drop 10k on a STAX setup easily!

6

The Grado Prestige series are definitely a great pair of cans, i'd go for that.

7

I personally use the Audio Technica ath m50's would recommend even without a dac as my dac broke :P

 

9

HD650's are great because they have a more dark sound to them and works well with gaming as well as high fidelity listening. Next step down in budget I would choose ATH-M50's with closed backs makes it even better for gaming as well as entry level hi-fi.

10

I've actually not had that much experience with JDS. Seems like a very capable unit, but they are at least $70 more than a Magni + Modi, and the Magni/Modi let you upgrade either individual component, most likely amp, without having to upgrade your whole setup.

11

Personally, I say get the DT-880's. They are less than half the weight, plus the price difference is pretty noticeable. I'm not an audiophile, but I do use an ASUS Xonar with a decent pair of headphones,

12

Go with anything that is Sennheiser. I have a pair of their headphone and they made me truly enjoy music for what it is. Most of their headphones have replaceable parts which means you can have the phones for a while. 

13

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro. Pretty Awesome headphones for $200 bucks. 

15

What's good, Logan!?



I produce some music myself, and am a bit of an audiophile, so maybe we can chat it up a bit.


I'm going to recommend a headphone that you've probably never heard of before: the DBI Pro 700. 


They were a Flavor of the Month out at Head-Fi about 4-5 years ago, and for good reason: they absolutely, positively kick ass and are the best bang:buck deal in headphones, period.


The Pro 700s were/are primarily used in the listening kiosks at record stores. For this reason, they are tanky as all get-out. You can't break these things. They have a steel-armored cable that is reinforced with some crazy-strong rubber, the connector is more reinforced than good morals during the Mr. Rogers show, and the "stretch test" on these things reveals that you will not break them.


The sound on them is phe-freaking-nominal. I got to listen to a set of Sennheiser HD650s, and that's the only thing I have heard that would put on the same level as them. The bass is tight and punchy, the highs are present but not over-extended, and the mids are warmer and thicker than good alfredo. Additionally, they are accurate. 



There are a few downsides, however. For one, the stock earpads are vinyl garbage. Fortunately, you can use earpads from the AKG K240, and many Chinese eBay folks sell decent AKG K240 pads (both pleather and velour) for under $10. Additionally, they are 600 ohms. They're so nice that they'll sound alright out of a phone or tablet, but you need to plug them into something with a nice amp for them to reach their full potential.


Remember how I said that these things were the best around in terms of price:performance. That's because there are a bunch of CD stores closing down and, as such, a bunch of liquidators selling these headphones on eBay. Used sets usually go for about $30. DBI sells them new for $200 + shipping.


Grados are a fun listen, but the over-extended highs make them practically useless for music production purposes. To make it sound "natural", you'll react by lowering the volume of things like hi-hats and overcompensating for sibilance (if you ever decide to do vocal stuff). Grados are made for listening, not so much for production.


The Beyerdynamics are nice too, and are totally worth the price of admission. However, I remember a lot of people likening the DBIs to the Beyerdynamic line. For $30 or so, I think it'd be worth it to see if they fit your needs and if you like them. 


There's an eBay listing for the Pro 700s right now that's expiring at about 9AM tomorrow. You'll usually see a set get posted for sale about every two weeks or so. Totally a steal if you can get your hands on them.


I prefer mine greatly to the M50s, the V6s (which are basically your Sonys), the AKG K240s, the Sennheiser HD280s, the Shure SRH-840s, and the Philips Citiscape Uptowns. They belong in that $200-300 price range, definitely.


As far as a DAC, don't sweat it too much. Just get a nice DAC/amp like an ODAC/O2 or something.

 

16

Mytek Stereo96DAC (24-bit 192 kHz in SuperLock mode, 96 kHz in sync mode, one of few DACs that work well in high speed with an optical S/P-DIF and don't need a coax to not fail, these will blow your mind if you've never heard real pro linear DACs before)

LehmannAudio BlackCube Pro Single-Ended Class A discrete headphone amp

AKG K702 or K712Pro headphones

That is all... try that out and never look back.

17

How are the AKG K240? I have had them recommended to me on multiple occasions. My main concern: I have a wide head. Do they tend to pinch, or can they be adjusted out fairly wide?

18

For mastering music my recommendation is sennheiser HD600 paired with O2/ODAC/Schiit audio magni and modi, this is probably the best sound you can get for your money i challenge someone to beat this.

for both eg both music and mastering HD 600 with an Asus xonar essence stx

if you want a pair of headphones for music only i would HIGHLY recommend the Philps Fidelio X1 they have very nice bass not too much not too little and very neutral sound with a bit of sparkle on the end, i would then go with the xonar stx or the creative titanium HD

 

my current setup is Creative titanium HD - (line out) Objective 2 Headphone amp - Philips Fidelio X1

19

The AKG K240 has a very loose fit. You won't experience any clamp/pinch, even with glasses or a fat noggin.


If you're gonna get a K240, get a K240M or a Sextett from the 70s/80s. If it's 600 Ohms and comes with a 1/4 jack, it's a nice set of cans. I love my K240Ms to pieces.


The K240S (the new one) is straight trash, though, IMHO. 

20

I'm not gonna go that crazy just yet. I'm going to keep it to $300 on the headphones and a couple hundred on the DAC. 

21

omg get beats by dre, they're so swag

(Decided I would go ahead and let you know this was sarcastic before you all go crazy on me)

1 Like
22

The DAC I have used for a few years is the Beresford TC-7520. My music of choice most times is metal. But I also listen to some electronic stuff like Jim Guthrie. 

I like them and I would describe the sound as warm. If I remember I believe it was 250 bucks us.

Now I have a question for anyone that can answer. I'm looking for a good cheap gaming headset. I want something that is clean sounding with out the ridiculous bass that most head sets have. I hear good things about the Steel series 5HV3. And Linus seems to like them.

Does anyone else own them and have an opinion. Or is there something better that I'm unaware of for my 80 bucks? Thanks