Need Headphones

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Did you notice my edit? I wouldn't be surprised, since you often choose to not read my entire posts.

Of course not, and that is because the Sony line as a whole (but then there are the CD3000s and the qualias), isn't good when compared to other manufacturers.

And I direct you to Svi who has actually owned both, and therefore can truly judge the difference between the two.

"Now that that's out of the way, I've owned the HD280 and MDR-V6 in the past, and neither one is "better". The HD280 is clear and accurate, but bright and thin. The MDR-V6 is warm and bassy, but unfortunately also glaringly bright. I'd take the HD280 for classical and jazz and the MDR-V6 for rock and rap. "

So....there you have it.

So? Some people like Bose... No offense to Svi, but taste & perception can vary quite a bit, and so quoting any single person's feelings as a "so there!" is pretty weak Even in the case of a phone like the cd3000s, puchasing from a company whose ethics you don't approve of is reinforcing their business strategy, and as such, anyone with a shred of a values/morals system should avoid them like the plague.

Originally posted by: Confusednewbie1552
I've posted at Head-Fi and people there seem to like the HD 280s. =)

:thumbsup:

While trademark Sony (lack of) quality overshadows all, the 280s have their faults as well; they're one of the tightest headphones you can find, and while you do eventually get used to it, it takes a while. Their headband has a habit of cracking, though I treat my phones well and haven't experienced this. Rock & metal sound a bit laid back through them, but they're exceptional for other genres of music, including rap & electronica, imo (though I prefer tight, low bass over boom & volume, and am not what you'd call a basshead). Someone into rock & metal might be better off with a pair of Grados (these are no comfort champions either), and someone into lots of bass might want to check out Beyers. Keep in mind Grados are open phones though.

ps. last thing about the 280s: they take a long time to burn in, some feel it's as long as 500 hours. Mine sounded better & better as time bore on, through some fairly heavy usage. I think a lot of the flak they catch, especially for having weak bass, is due to many people forming a judgement on a pair which isn't fully burned in.

Yeah, but the people who like Bose are usually the very ones you despise, because they know/like Bose because of the marketing. The folks on Head-Fi usually don't fall under that category.

I definitely agree about the headband on the 280s. I tried my buddies 280s on, and I found them to be WAY too tight, at least compared to my ATH-500s, which IMO are very comfortable.

Also, my ATs only took..Id say 50-100 hours to burn in.

 

[Excelsior]

Oh, and, what has Sony done? I don't mean this in a hostile way, I honestly would like to know why you consider them to have such bad ethics, etc. I just havent heard anything like that. (Not saying they don't..)

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Oh, and, what has Sony done? I don't mean this in a hostile way, I honestly would like to know why you consider them to have such bad ethics, etc. I just havent heard anything like that. (Not saying they don't..)

I long ago realized their consumer electronics were crap after having them fail on me time & time again, having had bought them in the first place because of their shiny brand image (kids are stupid, and a long long time ago, I was one ). I knew it wasn't just me after reading story after story from people who'd also paid too much for their shoddy stuff and also had it work badly, then fail within a year or two. For years I knew better than to buy their products, and the electronics in my life worked well and lasted a long time.

I then unwittingly started playing an MMORPG owned by them, and got to see firsthand what happened as they finally took notice of this game which they had bought & left on the backburner for a few years. The game got worse, and treatment of customers got downright awful. From formerly allowing customers to converse about the game, they first banned anyone dissenting from the forums. If that didn't work, they started banning accounts. It was like a communist state, you couldn't claim they didn't fart perfume for fear of punishment. When the tide of complaints grew to unbearable proportions, they simply took the forums down. All the while, they were shaving costs by firing people & outsourcing. The game's developer and his team left out of disgust. They even "accidentally" double-billed the majority of us one month, then in the fine print claimed it was an accident and shoved off responsibility on us to stop payment with our credit cards or file a claim with them if using a game card. ie. probably 80% of people didn't notice, and so Sony profited. There was a big stink made about it though, so while they continued to do this (and still do), they now sip rather than gulp. Everyone playing their games though either has had it happen to them, knows someone who has or has had it happen to a guildmate. That's a brief summary, there's even more to it, though if I went into it I'd be considered even more of a DnD nerd and the post would be better suited for the software forum

 

[Excelsior]

Ohhhh ok.

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

@hammondnav:
Thanks, that was a great post! I'm thinking my first choice would be the Beyer DT770 Pro, if I find a nice deal on it.
Between the HD 280's and the AKG K240, which one would you say is the better choice for gaming?

Edit: And where does the Beyer DT 250-80 stand between the HD 280, AKG K240, and Beyer DT770 Pro?

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

Also can I get some more information about the Audio-Technica ATH-A500? Like how well do they compete with the Beyer DT 770 pro and the HD 280s? What's their pros and cons? A headphone to buy over the HD 280s? What do you mean by they aren't the most comfortable headphones (ex. too tight, cushions suck, etc.)

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

When I first got my HD280s, they felt pretty strange, but after a while they mold to the shape of your head. They also kind of hug your head tightly depending on how you have them adjusted.

I'm quite used to them now and they make a nice fitted seal to my head.

I can wear them for about 6 to 8 hours before they start to annoy me.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Confusednewbie1552
Also can I get some more information about the Audio-Technica ATH-A500? Like how well do they compete with the Beyer DT 770 pro and the HD 280s? What's their pros and cons? A headphone to buy over the HD 280s? What do you mean by they aren't the most comfortable headphones (ex. too tight, cushions suck, etc.)

From what I have read, the A500s compare with the 280s fairly equally, but at least for a while the A500s were the most popular closed headphone for around $100. Then again, head-fi often has "'phones of the month".

One thing I will say, is that my A500s are much more comfortable than my friends 280s, but I guess 280s get better aftertime.

I think they are a tiny bit laid back. Fairly neutral sounding, not too much treble or bass. They are fairly big headphones, but big comfy cushions, loose fit (if you shake your head realllllly hard they will come off).

I would buy them again though, if I had to get a closed headphone for around $100. They were $115 shipped from audiocubes, when I got them. I believe they are still that price, maybe a few dollars less, I dunno.

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

They're 100$, but I found a good deal for 85$ so if i'm going for the <100$ headphones, I'm guessing I should get the A500? That is unless the HD280 is better, I probabaly can find a good deal on that too. For above 100$ I want to pay for one of the Beyer's, either the DT 250-80 or the DT 770 Pro. Which one's better? I just need to find a good deal on those (like 150$ hopefully 100$) and I'm set =).

 

[svi]

IMHO (opinions WILL vary, there is no one absolute winner):


Beyerdynamic DT250-80 (Street Price $179) - Slightly bloated bass, but otherwise fairly well-balanced and even. Definitely what I would call "laid-back" (probably due to slightly recessed upper frequencies) and easy to listen to. I've heard that the DT250-250 sound better and are still fairly easily driven, so you might want to try them instead.
COMFORT: as circumaural 'phones go, these are quite small (and portable), and you'll probably have to wear them as supra-aural (on top of your ears) if you have big ears. Moderate-to-high clamping force, loosens up rapidly (especially if you put them on books). Great velour pads.


Beyerdynamic DT770-80 (NOT DT770-Pro/250) (SP $175) - tipped-up (not really "bloated," but definitely overpowering) bass, harsh/"bright" high upper mids and treble, most of the midrange is recessed. It's really not that great a headphone, IMHO, especially for the price. Again, NOT to be confused with the 250-ohm model.


AKG K240S (SP $100) - Boomy, bloated bass, recessed treble.. but decent midrange, surprisingly not overpowered by the bass. As with DT770, didn't listen to them for very long.


Audio Technica ATH-A500 (SP $100, unless you're in Japan) - Bass tipped up some (seeing a pattern here?), but not to the same degree as the K240S or DT770-80. Upper midrange somewhat recessed. More balanced than the above, but not for midrange lovers.
COMFORT: Comfortable, but the cushy pleather pads will probably make your ears get hot after a while, especially if your computer room is hot. As with most headphones, comfort is much better after both your ears and the pads are worn in. Relatively little clamping force.


Sennheiser HD280 (SP $80) - recessed bass, but what is there is of good quality, and it does go low. Midrange and treble forward, on the harsh and thin side. I thought they sucked at first, but they grew on me as I listened to them (definite burn-in, whether psychological or otherwise). I sold mine in good condition, but I have heard that the headband breaks.
COMFORT: Clamps your head like a vise at first. Loosens up over time and becomes tolerable for long periods.


Sennheiser HD201 (SP $20)- Bass is tipped up some, but the boost starts at a pretty low frequency and isn't very large, so it doesn't overpower or muddy the music. Pretty balanced for a closed headphone, and fun to listen to. Astonishingly good for its price tag. Unfortunately, if you buy it, you'll almost certainly get upgraditis immediately.
COMFORT: Middle of the road in terms of clamping force and overall comfort. During first week or so, pads are itchy and warm, but that seems to go away after they (and your ears) loosen up some. Not recommended for those of you with big ears or small heads.



YMMV, of course, and your opinions will probably change somewhat over the first couple of hours that you listen to them for. You can find more reviews here and here, and you can always sign up and use the search function to find many conflicting opinions on nearly any headphone at Head-Fi.

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

Thanks! Few questions:
What does recessed mean? (Lol a noob here)
What does YMMW mean?
Out of all of those, which one would you reccomend? Of course you'll say the best one in there (the most expensive one too, but try and put a realistic perspective on the price (i'm thinking what I'm asking here is which one is worth it).
Anyway, thanks for the links too!

 

[w00t]

icemat siberia, dsp-500, or steelpad 5h.

 

[svi]

If a headphone is "recessed" in one area, it means there's a dip in the frequency response there, which means sounds in that area will take a backstage to other ones. Dips and bumps in the frequency response can make speakers and headphones sound very different; if you're curious about HOW, play some of your music back using an equalizer like the one in Winamp or foobar2000 and see what happens when you make dips and bumps at different frequencies.

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary.

I haven't heard the DT250-250, but it's supposed to be a generally improved variant of the DT250-80, so all things considered I would probably say it or the AKG K271S. They're both >$150, though, and I doubt you want to stretch your budget that much. Below $100, the Sennheiser HD280 is my personal favorite, but it might not be yours, especially if you're used to the kind of boomy bass that you typically get with computer speakers. The ATH-A500 is a good safe choice, but a little over-budget there. The HD201 is definitely the best value, but it's not the best headphone.

If you don't think you'll be using them for music often, just get the HD201. It's more than sufficient for gaming, it's quite good for music, and your wallet will thank you.

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: svi
I haven't heard the DT250-250, but it's supposed to be a generally improved variant of the DT250-80

I was under the impression they were the same except for the resistance, the -250 being 250 ohms & the -80 being 80. At 80 ohms, phones can be reasonably driven from a sound card, portable player, etc., but if y ou go much above that you're looking at a separate headphone amplifier. Without one, high impedence headphones will sound a bit muddy and have trouble achieving volume.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: svi
I haven't heard the DT250-250, but it's supposed to be a generally improved variant of the DT250-80

I was under the impression they were the same except for the resistance, the -250 being 250 ohms & the -80 being 80. At 80 ohms, phones can be reasonably driven from a sound card, portable player, etc., but if y ou go much above that you're looking at a separate headphone amplifier. Without one, high impedence headphones will sound a bit muddy and have trouble achieving volume.

Yeah, thats what I thought/think too.

 

[svi]

I was under the impression they were the same except for the resistance, the -250 being 250 ohms & the -80 being 80.

That's what I thought at first, but according to Beyerdynamic and DIYers the DT250-250 and DT250-80 actually use different transducers.

At 80 ohms, phones can be reasonably driven from a sound card, portable player, etc., but if y ou go much above that you're looking at a separate headphone amplifier. Without one, high impedence headphones will sound a bit muddy and have trouble achieving volume.

Generally true, but the DT250-80 is supposed to sound a good bit "muddier" than the DT250-250 to begin with, and the DT250-250 is more efficient than a DT250-80 with an extra 170 ohms of series resistance would be.

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

I've organized my selection of headphones of the following: under $150 and over $150. Depending on whether or not I can find a good deal on the $150+ I'm probabaly going with the under $150 headphones.

Under $150:
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
AKG K240s (if there's a better version let me know)
Audio-Technica ATH-A500

Above $150:
Beyer DT 770 Pro
Beyer DT 250-80
Beyer DT 250-250

1: Links for reviews, other topics, hot deals, and reputable vendors would be great.
2: I hope when comparing the following headphones you'd compare the under $150 headphones separetly than from the ones above $150 headphones.
3: I hope when comparing the ones I have suggested that you factor in comfort, sound quality (especially for games), and anything else you can think of.
4: Keep in mind anymore suggestions are welcomed.

Again, thanks in advance, I'd be lost without you guys

 

[svi]

Again: if this is primarily a gaming headphone, you have no reason to spend more than $50 or so, and $20 would probably do you. Gaming does not place any real demands on headphones, and a headphone like the HD201 would be more than adequate and sound better than most headphones out there for music.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122712
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=117664
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=107236

The HD280 clamps, but it loosens up and becomes more comfortable over time. The A500 is very comfortable, but if your ears tend to sweat when covered in pleather, you'll get hot quickly.

 

[Muscles]

I'm looking for a second set of headphones to try. Anyone know if the Grado SR60 or SR80's will be okay for gaming (I wanted to try Open headphones for a change)? The headphones I currently use are the Sennheiser HD580's which haven't been mentioned at all in this thread I bought a few years ago for around $150.00. They seem okay to me but to audiophiles, are they considered one of the better headphones in that price range?

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: Muscles
I'm looking for a second set of headphones to try. Anyone know if the Grado SR60 or SR80's will be okay for gaming (I wanted to try Open headphones for a change)? The headphones I currently use are the Sennheiser HD580's which haven't been mentioned at all in this thread I bought a few years ago for around $150.00. They seem okay to me but to audiophiles, are they considered one of the better headphones in that price range?

Aren't 580s open as well? Are they amped? 580s won't sound nearly as good as they can without an amplifier. Grado sound is the antithesis of Sennheiser sound, from everything I've read. Give 'em a shot I guess, I might pick up some sr60s soon myself.

 

[Muscles]

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: Muscles
I'm looking for a second set of headphones to try. Anyone know if the Grado SR60 or SR80's will be okay for gaming (I wanted to try Open headphones for a change)? The headphones I currently use are the Sennheiser HD580's which haven't been mentioned at all in this thread I bought a few years ago for around $150.00. They seem okay to me but to audiophiles, are they considered one of the better headphones in that price range?

Aren't 580s open as well? Are they amped? 580s won't sound nearly as good as they can without an amplifier. Grado sound is the antithesis of Sennheiser sound, from everything I've read. Give 'em a shot I guess, I might pick up some sr60s soon myself.

Hmm I've never used an amp with them. I just have them directly plugged into the sound card of my pc. Can you recommend me an amp for them if it'll make a big difference?

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: Muscles

Originally posted by: Gurck

Originally posted by: Muscles
I'm looking for a second set of headphones to try. Anyone know if the Grado SR60 or SR80's will be okay for gaming (I wanted to try Open headphones for a change)? The headphones I currently use are the Sennheiser HD580's which haven't been mentioned at all in this thread I bought a few years ago for around $150.00. They seem okay to me but to audiophiles, are they considered one of the better headphones in that price range?

Aren't 580s open as well? Are they amped? 580s won't sound nearly as good as they can without an amplifier. Grado sound is the antithesis of Sennheiser sound, from everything I've read. Give 'em a shot I guess, I might pick up some sr60s soon myself.

Hmm I've never used an amp with them. I just have them directly plugged into the sound card of my pc. Can you recommend me an amp for them if it'll make a big difference?

I'm not very knowledgeable about headphone amps, though I might soon look into a DIY model, primarily because it'd be cheap. Perhaps another poster here can give you some specifics on it, or if not you can always check out the amplification section at head-fi.org for some good info. At 300 ohms, and being Sennheisers, the 580s are considered one of the most amplifier-necessary phones you can buy. I'm considering an amp for my 64 ohm hd280s, which are known to benefit from, but not require, an amp.

 

[Confusednewbie1552]

I won't be using the headphones just for gaming. I will be listening to music too, but mostly for gaming. Anyway need more thoughts about my prvious post about comparing them, thanks!

 

[bub]

For gaming, get the Sennheiser PC150s. You won't be sorry.

A bargain at $36 + freight @ ecost:

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail.asp?dpno=265386

 

[Ricemarine]

I have the grado sr-60's... They tend to react differently IMO then my Sharp MD-33's that I use with my mp3 player.

For me, they partially sound clear, and the bass is a tad overpowering, even though there is not a lot of it. Its balanced though, and you can use them as speakers . Preferably I liked my plantronics audio .90's better since I tweaked most of my settings to be like it. If you do get the sr-60's, try and get it burned in towards treble.

I vote for the sennheiser hd280's though

Let's just say, I haven't found the perfect headphones yet.
-Grados aren't as clear, but balanced
-Sharp MD-33's if you burn em in towards bass can sound a bit cloudy. But superb treble and bass.
-Sennheiser HD202's are just steered towards bass, treble is crap.