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General => Tech, Science, IT discussion & News => Topic started by: Araidia on December 16, 2015, 04:24:24 PM

Title: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Araidia on December 16, 2015, 04:24:24 PM
Ditto to the title.
I have a pair of V-Moda Crossfade LP2(Over-ear) headphones. The sound is great and the durability is on a whole other level(I feel like it can stop a bullet, but I won't test it). And the price was amazing($130)!
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: aetios on December 16, 2015, 04:26:27 PM
I have a couple of earbuds that aren't worth mentioning, then I have a philips headphone and a Razer Kraken Pro.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: DarkestEx on December 16, 2015, 04:46:09 PM
I have some really nice JBL headphones :)
Got them on sale for 30 euro instead of the 50 they cost normally.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Adriweb on December 16, 2015, 05:35:18 PM
I'm currently using Apple "Earpods" with remote and mic (quite useful), and also have a Sennheiser HD 205 II headset.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Unicorn on December 16, 2015, 06:57:39 PM
I also currently use apple earpods, and I used to have an ok pair of sony headphones, but they broke. I'm hoping to get a headset though.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on December 17, 2015, 08:04:23 AM
Sony MDR-V150 and Apple iPod Touch 4 earbuds.


I miss the early 2000's when $30 headphones didn't cost $300.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: alexgt on December 17, 2015, 02:00:10 PM
Mine broke recently, so I really need to buy another pair
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Travis on January 12, 2016, 12:01:12 PM
Sennheiser HD 439 for the last 3½ years and counting. They've been amazingly durable. The cushions have either minor wear or built-up crud (I can't tell which), but it's almost nothing considering how long I've used them. Before that I went through two or three Bose headphones in barely a couple of years of reasonable treatment, which were as expensive or more, and they were rubbish. It was as if they were purposely designed to fail within a few months (or else incompetently built); they didn't even have strain relief at the plug, which even $5 headphones usually have. So Bose went on my permanent blacklist.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: novenary on January 12, 2016, 12:13:11 PM
I have a Logitech G230 and a Razer Kraken Pro. Both sound acceptable, I prefer the Razer though because it requires less eq correction than the Logitech, it's louder and more comfortable. I actually prefer speakers for listening to music with a few exceptions, I bought the headphones for VoIP as my primary use case, and also to avoid waking the entire household at night.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Snektron on January 12, 2016, 12:17:19 PM
I have some cheap sony earplugs, which are surprisingly good for the amount they cost. I also have a Sennheiser R-160 for quite some tine which i still like.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: semiprocoder on January 12, 2016, 12:51:56 PM
Currently, I have a pair audiotechnica m50x headphones that I got for my birthday. My old headphones, which I might still be able to find somewhere, were a pair of sennheiser hd 439s(if I remember correctly).
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 12, 2016, 06:21:11 PM
Quote from: Streetwalrus on January 12, 2016, 12:13:11 PM
I have a Logitech G230 and a Razer Kraken Pro. Both sound acceptable, I prefer the Razer though because it requires less eq correction than the Logitech, it's louder and more comfortable. I actually prefer speakers for listening to music with a few exceptions, I bought the headphones for VoIP as my primary use case, and also to avoid waking the entire household at night.
Yeah that is why I don't use speakers. I have them plugged in only because my soundcard isn't loud enough for headphones and my speakers, which lets me get even louder sound, have an headphone jack.

@Travis I only ever found two headsets that lasted more than 3 months of regular use, and even then, one has issues when I bend the wire near the plug. It hasn't worsened in a long while, though.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: gogogoluke on January 12, 2016, 08:02:55 PM
I have a set of Sennheiser Urbanite XLs, they are awesome and practically invincible. When the headphones stopped functioning on one side, the support took care of me and replaced them for free, and since then there have been 0 problems. Clear, strong bass, but still balanced, unlike Beats, great mids and highs.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: alexgt on January 12, 2016, 11:26:47 PM
Now I am using a old crapy pair of COBY's that I found lying around <_<
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: calcplays on January 12, 2016, 11:43:06 PM
I too use Apple's EarPods. The case that came with them was quite stylish. 

I also use speakers (which are not directly in my ears), but that is probably outside the scope of this thread.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: SiphonicSugar on January 12, 2016, 11:43:46 PM
I use some Sony ones, pretty good sound for $20....
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: c4ooo on January 13, 2016, 12:04:42 AM
I would never imaging spending money to by head phones that are slightly better then normal  :( Seems like a fad to me :P
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: novenary on January 13, 2016, 12:16:25 AM
Very expensive headphones aren't just slightly better, but you have to be an audiophile to justify buying a pair. :P
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Travis on January 13, 2016, 12:45:55 AM
The Bose/Sennheiser were the first ~$100 headphones I had, but for me, there was quite a difference over cheaper ones. I was surprised to discover that I no longer really needed any equalization with them (though I still use a slight amount especially when listening to chiptunes or music using a lot of square waves because my ears seem slightly over-sensitive to certain mid-range frequencies). But they have to last a reasonable amount of time for that to be worthwhile, and the Bose completely failed in that regard, while the Sennheiser have been pretty good.

I don't know if anything over that price, though, would be generally worthwhile. I doubt I could tell any more difference, personally. I'd expect my own hearing to be the limiting factor.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 13, 2016, 12:55:33 AM
Quote from: Streetwalrus on January 13, 2016, 12:16:25 AM
Very expensive headphones aren't just slightly better, but you have to be an audiophile to justify buying a pair. :P
To me, it seems like headphones became like clothing fashion or Apple. People will buy certain brands just to look in or because they think they're better. While it's true that they're better, I agree with you that if you are just a regular music listener then you're better off with cheaper pairs. The issue is that a decade ago, we already had high quality headphones, with the only difference being that they were twice larger than today's quality headphones (remember those abysmally huge headphones people weared when you were kid?). However, back then those headphones costed about $100. You could easily get a good but not high-end headset for $25 in overpriced Canadian electronic stores. Nowadays you can still get decent headphones for that price, but they're so uncomfortable that you'll end up with an headache or stiff neck. Anything good will cost you in the three digits.

And spending $200 won't solve the durability issue most of the time. In my case, I'll never spend more than $50 for headphones and even then, they will have to be comfortable. Regarding sound quality, I found out with the time that when I switch headphones, I usually slowly get used to the different sound.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: c4ooo on January 13, 2016, 01:03:04 AM
If your listening to rock / metal, i recommend you by an amplifier and blast that c across your whole neighborhood.
/me runs (sorry for swearing :P )
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: semiprocoder on January 13, 2016, 02:35:37 AM
Personally, I prefer to think about headphones this way:
When you get a better pair, you notice a pretty nice difference for a few days, then you get used to the sound and forget it was ever different.
When using a worse pair, you again notice how they are not as good for a few days, then you get used to the sound and forget it was ever different.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Yuki on January 13, 2016, 03:09:38 AM
Word. Although my brother got himself some Turtle Beach headphones and they sounds quite good.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 13, 2016, 04:10:09 AM
Quote from: c4ooo on January 13, 2016, 01:03:04 AM
If your listening to rock / metal, i recommend you by an amplifier and blast that c across your whole neighborhood.
/me runs (sorry for swearing :P )
Lol I wish, but I don't want to get kicked out of my appartment. :P But some music sounds better (although not as clear) with quality speakers.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Unicorn on January 13, 2016, 07:21:48 AM
This headset I got for christmas has better sound than my old sony's and my earpods. But yeah, I would never spend more than 30 - 40 on headphones. My sony's were $17 and do fine. They even lasted a soup bath ;P
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Caleb Hansberry on January 13, 2016, 07:37:15 AM
For the computer I use a Logitech set I got for about $5 from a thrift store. They're USB and include a microphone. But their foam is very hard and they're on-ear, so they smash one's ears something awful. The sound quality is actually about as good as one can get from on-ears, but because they smash one's ears so much they are quite painful to use for over an hour.

For the phone I use basic OEM Samsung in-ear earbuds. I actually recommend them very, very highly! The quality, both build and audio, is very high, rubber tangle-free cord, comes with extra rubber things for in ones ear, has a in-cord audio control that is very handy, and on top of all that are dirt cheap! $3 in america and $5 worldwide on eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/281907695364 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281907695364)

But for the computer someday I want to get some classic old-style over-ear Sonys.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Yuki on January 13, 2016, 07:46:42 AM
Turtle Beach PX24. It was pretty cheap at EBGames and it's pretty good, you can get good ones for like $50-60, anything higher might probably be overkill and might be considered buying it for the brand.

Otherwise, I have some Logitech Bluetooth headphones, it does the job. When Bluetooth is available, that is.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: c4ooo on January 14, 2016, 03:26:44 AM
Up the irons!
http://www.maidenaudio.com
Apparently Iron maiden is now making headphones. If you have money to waste and like IM, the link is above :P
/me runs
/me will not be temped and continue using crappy headphones.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: gogogoluke on January 14, 2016, 03:30:48 AM
Expensive. For that price, I'd rather spend $14 more and get some Sennheiser Urbanite XL Wireless headphones.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 14, 2016, 02:56:58 PM
Quote from: c4ooo on January 14, 2016, 03:26:44 AM
Up the irons!
http://www.maidenaudio.com
Apparently Iron maiden is now making headphones. If you have money to waste and like IM, the link is above :P
/me runs
/me will not be temped and continue using crappy headphones.
Those look cool, especially from a Maiden fan perspective, but with headphones being so expensive and theirs being even more, I would rather spend on something cheaper or go with higher quality.


By the way, my Sony headphones are so old and worn down now that the leather-like thing on the cushions is entirely gone now. It started peeling off last year  or so and it was annoying since it would get stuck on my ears without me noticing. BUt now it's just like regular headphones and more comfortable. On the other hand, the plug has almost stopped working long ago so I can't really move the cord around, since it causes the left ear to stop working. I just didn't replace them because they still work fine otherwise and I know that new headphones will do the same within three months of use.

Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: DarkestEx on March 06, 2016, 04:09:40 AM
My family accidentally broke my last ones but they gladly replaced them by some really awesome Sony ones.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 06, 2016, 04:13:23 AM
Which model did you get?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: DarkestEx on March 06, 2016, 04:18:54 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 06, 2016, 04:13:23 AM
Which model did you get?
Sony MDR-ZX660AP in Orange color:
(http://sonyglobal.scene7.com/is/image/gwtprod/c72e08ece78728d7b17368b7d22ff080?fmt=jpeg&wid=1014&hei=396&bgcolor=F1F5F9&bgc=F1F5F9&qlt=85)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Hayleia on March 06, 2016, 10:50:55 AM
On my desktop right now I have
- Bose QC15
- Marshall Monitor
- BeyerDynamic DT990 Pro

My favorite ones when it comes to sound quality are the AKG K420. But as you can see from Googling it, they are not really durable, and the earmoss (or whatever you call it) on mine is gone so I can't use them comfortably anymore :(

Then, when it comes to isolation, obviously the Bose QC 15 wins. The problem being that it wastes batteries, so I only use it when I need isolation. Plus the fact it does have a really good sound quality but I don't really like how equalized it is (it doesn't have as much bass as the AKG K420 (when I say "less bass", it doesn't mean my goal is to have Beats... I just like to hear the bass as much as the other things, not more (Beats) not less (QC15))).

I don't like the BeyerDynamic one because for real, it isolates so badly I can even hear my computer's fan when it's silent while listening to music with these headphones. But yeah, the sound quality is good too, so if you have a really really silent PC, you can use that. I only have them now because my father gave them to me after my sister gave him a Parrot Zik 2.0.

Then the Marshall is a good compromise. Not the best quality nor the best isolation but allows listening to music to a sufficient quality without hearing your fan and without wasting batteries.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: CVSoft on March 06, 2016, 12:02:45 PM
I've been using Philips SHE3595BK earbuds for the past six years; audio quality is good, they're small, and they're inexpensive to replace. My laptop uses a 4-pin TRRS jack for microphone input and headphone output, so I can use these without needing an adapter for the microphone.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dudeman313 on March 06, 2016, 09:02:09 PM
I only own my fancy FireBuds that are total rip-offs of EarPods, but made by Amazon for the the Amazon Fire Phone.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 13, 2016, 06:31:43 AM
Quote from: DarkestEx on March 06, 2016, 04:18:54 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 06, 2016, 04:13:23 AM
Which model did you get?
Sony MDR-ZX660AP in Orange color:
(http://sonyglobal.scene7.com/is/image/gwtprod/c72e08ece78728d7b17368b7d22ff080?fmt=jpeg&wid=1014&hei=396&bgcolor=F1F5F9&bgc=F1F5F9&qlt=85)
Those reminds me of my current ones, but they're black and I assume yours have better sound quality.

Quote from: CVSoft on March 06, 2016, 12:02:45 PM
I've been using Philips SHE3595BK earbuds for the past six years; audio quality is good, they're small, and they're inexpensive to replace. My laptop uses a 4-pin TRRS jack for microphone input and headphone output, so I can use these without needing an adapter for the microphone.
For some reasons, the only earbuds I ever liked were the iPod Touch ones I got a few years ago. They're the only earbuds I ever got that don't fall off my ears.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dudeman313 on March 13, 2016, 10:38:06 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 13, 2016, 06:31:43 AM
For some reasons, the only earbuds I ever liked were the iPod Touch ones I got a few years ago. They're the only earbuds I ever got that don't fall off my ears.
You mean, like these?

(http://iphonesoft.fr/images/_102014/earpods-et-cable-lightning.jpg)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Hayleia on March 26, 2016, 06:08:35 PM
I just bought some QC 25 today lol.

Well, surprisingly, it has exactly the same sound quality as the Bose QC 15 I already owned. I say "surprisingly" because last time I went from headphones to an upgraded version it was from the AKG K420 to the AKG K430, and the AKG K430 has a terrible sound, while the K420, as I said on my previous post, had the best sound I ever tested in my opinion. But I guess here we're talking about Bose so they try to keep up with their standards.
As a consequence, I have the same complaints about it lacking bass but the rest is good.

Now, why did I buy it if it's the same as on I already owned ? :P
Well, that one allows me to have sound even with noise-cancelling off, so I can listen to music in noisy environments the same way as with the QC 15, but I can also use it in quiet environments without wasting batteries and without swapping with the Marshall :)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 27, 2016, 02:17:28 PM
@Dudeman313 yeah they look similar but they are entirely white without that weird black thing at the top. The sound is bad since they're earbuds but at least it's loud enough.

Also what does noise cancelling do? Do you mean if there is noise in the music such as cassette/vinyl scratching or a badly tuned radio station static, that noise will be reduced? Or do you mean the headphones cut off the sounds surrounding you and if you open some sort of little trap on each headphone sides it lets those sounds in? That would be the first time I hear about headphones that lets you control if you can hear outside sounds or not. O.O
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Hayleia on March 27, 2016, 04:29:02 PM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 27, 2016, 02:17:28 PM
Also what does noise cancelling do? Do you mean if there is noise in the music such as cassette/vinyl scratching or a badly tuned radio station static, that noise will be reduced? Or do you mean the headphones cut off the sounds surrounding you and if you open some sort of little trap on each headphone sides it lets those sounds in? That would be the first time I hear about headphones that lets you control if you can hear outside sounds or not. O.O
It's about surrounding noise. If you play videogames on a stupid laptop like mine for example, you can hear the noise coming from the fan a lot less when using noise-cancelling headphones. Same if you're travelling by train or plane, you can enjoy your music better if you hear your music more than the vehicule you're in :P
And it's not a little trap or something, it's a button that enables noise cancelling or not, which uses batteries.

Now yeah, one can notice that Bose spent more time on the cancelled noise mode. The sound quality on the QC 25 is on-par with the QC 15 when enabling noise cancelling but the sound is a but muffled when noise cancelling is off. Well, still better than on the QC 15 that didn't give any sound without enabling noise cancelling, but still, it would have obviously been better to have the same quality on both modes.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 10, 2016, 06:18:36 AM
Ah ok, but how does headphones manage to cancel surrounding noises, then stop cancelling them? If it's not a trap, then what kind of technology can achieve this? Magic? :P

Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Travis on April 10, 2016, 12:00:06 PM
In basic terms, they have microphones on the outside that pick up surrounding sound. Then they take that sound, invert the sound waves (turn them upside down) and play them out the headphones along with the music or whatever you're playing. The inverted waves are opposite to the ambient ones reaching your ears at the same time, so they cancel out and get quieter.

It's kind of like when you push on a box lying on the ground from opposite sides at the same time with the same amount of force. It doesn't go anywhere because the forces match and cancel each other out. The noise-canceling headphones try to cancel the surrounding sounds by opposing the sound waves in the opposite direction and at the same volume.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Jokeriske on April 10, 2016, 01:36:20 PM
I have a razer kraken 7.1 headphones, which costs around €100 (its expensive) but it is really worth it! , its with surround sound , which is awesome to game with , 10/10 would buy again if broken , oh yeah i got them in 2013 or 2014
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 10, 2016, 10:02:37 PM
@Travis ooh right, the inverted wave trick. Pretty nifty.

That would be the type of headphones I would buy if they didn't cost more than the computer I want to save for.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dudeman313 on April 13, 2016, 08:20:34 PM
Expensive! Wow. Yeah I wouldn't go for something so pricey, either.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 03:47:57 AM
Seems like I'll be the minority and definitely go for expensive headphones  :w00t: :w00t:
Currently own a Fostex T50rp MkIII, and Fidelio X2.

Guess it comes with being an audiophile. Once you hear ridiculously good headphones, you don't go back.

Currently looking at the beautiful Fostex TH-X00 on Massdrop!
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Araidia on April 29, 2016, 03:50:51 AM
Quote from: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 03:47:57 AM
Seems like I'll be the minority and definitely go for expensive headphones  :w00t: :w00t:
Currently own a Fostex T50rp MkIII, and Fidelio X2.

Guess it comes with being an audiophile. Once you hear ridiculously good headphones, you don't go back.

Currently looking at the beautiful Fostex TH-X00 on Massdrop!
Nice!
I've actually heard of Massdrop before, but I've been never gone around to signing up for it yet  ;D
EDIT: It only took me less than a minute to sign up for Massdrop! So many deals!!!
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 03:53:56 AM
Quote from: Araidia on April 29, 2016, 03:50:51 AM
Nice!
I've actually heard of Massdrop before, but I've been never gone around to signing up for it yet  ;D
Massdrop is a great site! What it does is finds what users want to see, contacts the companies and asks them for a "drop."
If the company agrees, then they give out a limited number of some type of their product at a discounted price on Massdrop.
Then, the more the people buy said product on the "drop" on the Massdrop site, the lower the price goes until it hits some limit provided.

Some products get discounts over 50%, some only go down maybe 20%, but overall it's a great place to find discounts on popular items. Of course, not every company agrees, so not everything people vote on will show up.

Edit: I recommend anyone who is looking for good at-home headphones to look at the currently dropping HifiMAN HE-350s. They are essentially a collaboration product by Massdrop and HifiMAN (very well-known audiophile brand) that is based off of the $300 HE-300s, but for a third of the price. These will be HUGE in value, and a great entry into the audiophile world :3
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 04:45:00 AM
Quote from: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 03:47:57 AM
Seems like I'll be the minority and definitely go for expensive headphones  :w00t: :w00t:
Currently own a Fostex T50rp MkIII, and Fidelio X2.

Guess it comes with being an audiophile. Once you hear ridiculously good headphones, you don't go back.

Currently looking at the beautiful Fostex TH-X00 on Massdrop!
Personally, the only reason why I avoid expensive headphones is because I am afraid of ending up with a lemon/dud and that one of the ear will stop working after only 4-5 months. Of course I would still not pay more than $150 for headphones, but if I knew that headphones I buy would last a few years, then I would easily get a $100-150 pair (including taxes, of course). And extended warranties are not an option. I don't want to spend an extra $120 on a warranty extension that will double the price of the item. I might as well buy a replacement once the warranty is over in such case. Also, I am not familiar with which brand is the best quality so it would suck if I paid $150, only to find out I paid for the name rather than the quality, which happens with some brands such as Beats.

@Flippanteer I'll take a look at the HifiMAN HE-350s when I have a chance.


Also I bet many of my music creations will not have much better quality with expensive headphones and that only other music will increase in quality. :P I mean, my songs mostly used 44 KHz samples and the like and mixing quality was questionable :P.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: allynfolksjr on April 29, 2016, 04:57:15 AM
Sony MDR-7506 is still my preferred set of cans for basically everything. They have impeccable balance and are extremely easy to maintain and repair. ATH-M50 is good for when I want a more isolated experience, but they definitely don't have the same overall audio quality as the Sony pair.

When I'm at home and using open air, the Grado SR-80 is a great set. Their soundscape is amazingly well done.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 05:09:45 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 04:45:00 AM
Personally, the only reason why I avoid expensive headphones is because I am afraid of ending up with a lemon/dud and that one of the ear will stop working after only 4-5 months. Of course I would still not pay more than $150 for headphones, but if I knew that headphones I buy would last a few years, then I would easily get a $100-150 pair (including taxes, of course). And extended warranties are not an option. I don't want to spend an extra $120 on a warranty extension that will double the price of the item. I might as well buy a replacement once the warranty is over in such case. Also, I am not familiar with which brand is the best quality so it would suck if I paid $150, only to find out I paid for the name rather than the quality, which happens with some brands such as Beats.

@Flippanteer I'll take a look at the HifiMAN HE-350s when I have a chance.


Also I bet many of my music creations will not have much better quality with expensive headphones and that only other music will increase in quality. :P I mean, my songs mostly used 44 KHz samples and the like and mixing quality was questionable :P.

Chances are, if you do a little bit of research to see some common audiophile grade headphones, there are very few chances of duds or drivers failing within a few months. Especially since many of these have warranties.
As for the quality of samples, this is a very common misconception. Better headphones will increase the detail of most songs, even those with mediocre recordings. There are those that become worse from some headphones that give so much detail that even the muddy recording bits are heard, but this is completely offset by the benefit of such headphones. Soundstage and detail, as well as the accuracy of frequency ranges, or the shape of the frequency graphs that can make songs sound more "fun" or "bright" or conversely "warm," is very much what makes these headphones amazing.

Other good starter headphones that can be found for less than $100, are Sennheiser HD598, Superlux HD 681, Takstar pro-80, ATH-M50x (reluctantly), now the HifiMAN HE-350s, Koss portapros, Koss KSC75s, Phillips SPH9500, ATH-A700x, ATH-AD700x (open back variant), Creative Aurvana Live. The KSC75s and portapros are much more likely to die, only because they're like less than $20, but generally regarded as absolutely phenomenal for the price.

The headphones I have mentioned are largely over-ear (few on-ear) headphones. There are also some amazing IEMs (in-ear monitors, or earbuds), but I'm much more a fan of headphones due to the likelihood of soundstage, comfort, and larger driver sizes.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 05:24:05 AM
By dud, I mean like when you buy a brand new car and end up with a car that fails more often than other cars of the same brand due to production mistakes (eg if one of the worker came to work on Friday still recovering from an hangover). This happened to Juju's iMac. It keeps failing every year even though other iMacs are much more durable. In the case of headphones, warranties are helpless if the store warranty only lasts 1-3 months (which is very common nowadays) and the headphone company warranty is also helpless if you have to ship them the headphones and pay for shipping.

And yeah I don't know much about sound samples. But the thing is that for my music I am using MTV Music Generator, which is a music software made in 1999 for the Playstation 1. But I guess if expensive headphones makes the weird recording quirks come out more then this could give some extra old-schoolness to my music. :P

Thanks for the suggestions guys, by the way :). On a side note, I really want to listen to vinyl records with quality headphones. O.O
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 05:28:34 AM
Hm, that old sound system may be a little difficult with good headphones.

In regards to quality control, I hear very few stories of bad quality. There are some companies that have slight reputations for this, but the number is severely limited. Luckily, in the higher-end quality level of headphones, companies/Amazon are VERY willing to send you a new product if the previous one was not up to par in build quality or durability, free of charge. Amazon has a great return policy, and more often than not headphone companies like to keep up appearances with their headphones, as they aren't nearly as huge a marketer as Apple or any PC provider is.
I'd say that the chance of this is so minimal that it's practically not a worry at all :) Headphone drivers last LONG, IEMs maybe not as much. If its like you're violent with your headphones, then be more careful I guess XD?
Headphones from companies like Sennheiser typically have warranties higher than months as well, extending to half-years to years!
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 05:36:31 AM
Ah ok. I didn't know that Amazon could do that. And usually the main problem I have with headphones is the cord. I would really need to ensure I get headphones with which the wire doesn't keep getting stuck everywhere (for some reasons, it isn't as bad with some, no matter the cord lenght). I am usually careful but sometimes we never know.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 05:50:07 AM
Now that's a great question!

Cords vary with each headphone brand, and even between headphone types per brand. Some are the typical rubber sleeves, some are woven fabric cords, others are cheap wires that literally kink if you twist it wrong or fray if you bend it too much, and some are literally the highest grade of woven fabric you'll ever feel. This largely depends from product to product. Even a few very high-end products have horrible wires. Luckily, you can buy replacement wires for the vast majority of headphones, and many headphones share the same jacks and thus wires are interchangeable.
Some people make custom wires, tailored to your headphone or to your preference of colors, or angled connectors, etc.
Wire lengths also differ. Some headphones come with multiple lengths, or coiled wires, some don't and you have to find some yourself.
Some headphones have jacks with locking mechanisms so the jack doesn't pop out easily, others don't. Many of those with locking mechanisms can sometimes be overcome, as some people like for the wire to pop out instantly if it gets caught, so the jack doesn't get broken on accident.

I tend to just tie up my cords, or triple-braid them if theyre too long and getting in the way. A clean deskspace is essential :D

Or you can go bluetooth, but bluetooth headphones are generally regarded as having lesser sound quality due to the difference in potential with wires and with signals. Doesn't mean that there are only bad bluetooth headphones out there though!
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Unicorn on April 29, 2016, 08:04:24 AM
I absolutely loooove my apple earpods though :P They fit perfectly, and teachers dont mind if you have one in during school... (at least for me) but the cords are a pain, always getting twisted.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 04:32:59 PM
@Flippanteer I didn't know some headphones allowed you to remove the cord. That's nice actually. The cord is usually what breaks the fastest on headphones. And yeah my Sony headphones got a rubber cord.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Yuki on April 29, 2016, 05:45:18 PM
A lot of high-end headphones are considerate enough to do that, that's what I would look for, that or Bluetooth. My current one is wireless and works pretty well when Bluetooth isn't a bitch to configure.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 06:43:49 PM
I'm worried that bluetooth will have poorer quality when the signal drops, though. I would prefer wired.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Travis on April 29, 2016, 07:19:35 PM
Yeah, the Sennheiser headphones I bought have a removable cord, and I thought that was really nice. They came with an extra cord which is really long but would double as a replacement if I have any problems like I did with *cough*Bose*cough* headphones I had before which had rubbish design and were guaranteed to fail at the plug after a few months.

But it's been a few years, and I still haven't had any problems with the first cord yet.  :D
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 07:38:50 PM
Many good headphone companies also  provide a long cord for people who use amps. Often times amps may be situated far away from users, especially those who enjoy listening to music and nothing else, sitting back and relaxing perhaps not directly by their amp location. Hence some come with 3 meter wires and a 1.2 meter wire.

Edit:
The first attached photo demonstrates the two cord lengths that many offer with the black one being 3m and the orange being 1.2m (usually the long one terminates in a 1/4 inch jack for amps as well), while the second one demonstrates the different quality of wires that some may offer, this one being a nice woven wire (also included a 1/4 inch jack adapter as they only offered one 3m wire with a clip to fold the wire). Both are removable from the headphone, although the first two can lock while the second does not.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 29, 2016, 09:53:06 PM
That is nice. Also can the cord choice hinder sound quality? For example, if you buy a $2 extension at Radio Shack, will quality be crap?


Also, these things:

(https://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/656041.jpg)
https://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/656041.jpg

They are sold since the late 80's and they still do the job for those who don't care about sound quality. :P They're comfortable as hell too, but the sound volume is low and the cord is short.


However, the following type of headphones come directly from hell and they were common half a decade ago:

(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images500x500/H2O_Audio_E1_5A1_iHR_Sweatproof_Behind_the_Neck_Sport_529859.jpg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images500x500/H2O_Audio_E1_5A1_iHR_Sweatproof_Behind_the_Neck_Sport_529859.jpg

If you want neck pain, an headache, ear pain and pain on each side of your head, then headphonees that look like this and circles the back of the neck is the satanic choice. They also have the hidden feature of destroying your glasses.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 10:06:24 PM
Nah cords rarely ever affect sound quality unless somehow the inside wire is just that bad ???

However, some cords may have microphonics, which is basically the sound of the wire moving while your wearing your headphones and bumping into the wire. Usually not that big of an issue though, unless you really dislike it.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 30, 2016, 01:31:10 AM
Ok thanks for the info. I was wondering because of all that BS they say about HD cables and how gold cables are better than silver ones or vice-versa.
Quote from: Flippanteer on April 29, 2016, 10:06:24 PM
However, some cords may have microphonics, which is basically the sound of the wire moving while your wearing your headphones and bumping into the wire. Usually not that big of an issue though, unless you really dislike it.
Wait, could this be why I hear the wire bumping on my chair or desk when I use my Sony headphones?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Hooloowalrus on April 30, 2016, 01:58:52 AM
I have a pair of Pickering OA-7s
(http://img.ourl.ca/pickering-oa-7.jpg)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 30, 2016, 02:09:02 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on April 30, 2016, 01:31:10 AM
Wait, could this be why I hear the wire bumping on my chair or desk when I use my Sony headphones?

That's exactly it!

@Hooloowalrus
Wow those are headphones from the '70s?!
They look pretty sweet for that age!
How do they hold up? (that earpad makes me think it's on-ear headphone? Sure wouldn't go around one's ear  :P)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Ivoah on April 30, 2016, 02:22:30 AM
I just have a pair of Beats 2 Solo headphones that came with my MacBook Pro. They sound good enough for me, but are painful to wear for extended periods of time. The headband part presses against my skull and is quite painful :(
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Hooloowalrus on April 30, 2016, 02:34:28 AM
Quote from: Flippanteer on April 30, 2016, 02:09:02 AM
@Hooloowalrus
Wow those are headphones from the '70s?!
They look pretty sweet for that age!
How do they hold up? (that earpad makes me think it's on-ear headphone? Sure wouldn't go around one's ear  :P)
They're pretty great, I found them in the back of a local store, new in box. The box says copyright 1977.
I had to replace the foam in the earpads because, well, they're almost 40 years old. They are on-ear.
The clip things that hold the actual earpieces to the metal bits are starting to fall apart. Since taking that picture, I have 3D printed a couple replacements out of ABS, that look prety much the same, and are hopefully more durable.

Edit: fix quote
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: allynfolksjr on April 30, 2016, 02:37:18 AM
Flippanteer, what kind of DAC do you use?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on April 30, 2016, 02:46:28 AM
Woah Hooloowalrus that's some old stuff you got there. I am really curious about if they sound good?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on April 30, 2016, 03:08:22 AM
Quote from: allynfolksjr on April 30, 2016, 02:37:18 AM
Flippanteer, what kind of DAC do you use?
So far just onboard DAC  :'(
Saving up to get the modi 2 to complete the schiit stack. Already have the Magni 2
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Hooloowalrus on April 30, 2016, 08:43:42 AM
They sound really good. I use a SoundBlaster 100 on one of my servers for a DAC, and they sound good. I use a Modular Component Systems 3200 Amp with that. and I think it sounds good.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on May 02, 2016, 11:54:28 PM
Right now, I only use Realtek High Definition Audio that came with my computer. I wonder if that can make a significant difference in what audio quality I can get with expensive headphones compared to newer or higher-end sound cards?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on May 03, 2016, 12:47:04 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on May 02, 2016, 11:54:28 PM
Right now, I only use Realtek High Definition Audio that came with my computer. I wonder if that can make a significant difference in what audio quality I can get with expensive headphones compared to newer or higher-end sound cards?

Nah not really. The sound is heavily dependent on your installed soundcard. So while Realtek can run those soundcards and you can switch the output quality, the quality options are limited by your soundcard.

Edit: I think it also has some distorting power, like making it sound somewhat like surround sound. Not exactly sure how audio drivers work.

On another note, my possibly near endgame headphones, just got them today!
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on May 03, 2016, 01:33:30 AM
I see. Also nice headphones. How much were they?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Flippanteer on May 03, 2016, 01:45:03 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on May 03, 2016, 01:33:30 AM
I see. Also nice headphones. How much were they?

$400. The mahogany wood is gorgeous  :thumbsup:
I tried to use them while doing some reading homework, but I couldn't concentrate on the reading due to how amazing the sound was... These pair make music sound so alive, so fun, and so creamy :-[
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on May 03, 2016, 02:59:04 AM
Darn, that's a lot. Definitively not something I can afford in long terms (it's way more than my weekly paycheck x.x)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: kotu on December 10, 2016, 08:28:03 AM
Sennheiser HD25


Quote from: Flippanteer on May 03, 2016, 12:47:04 AM
Nah not really. The sound is heavily dependent on your installed soundcard. So while Realtek can run those soundcards and you can switch the output quality, the quality options are limited by your soundcard.
im pretty sure modern soundcards will all provide a CD-quality sound (as they all run at 44100Hz), although there may be different standards of plug fixing, resulting in different sound quality, i guess
*edit* is what i just said actually true? just thought of what a DAC is, lol (digital-analogue converter)
*edit*actually i reckon a standard DAC is pretty good quality, as i remember trying out the digital input on my Cambridge amp once (which has a quality DAC). it didn't sound much better, if any, i recall. :)

Quote from: Flippanteer on May 03, 2016, 12:47:04 AM
Edit: I think it also has some distorting power, like making it sound somewhat like surround sound. Not exactly sure how audio drivers work.
the sound distorts when the signal clips. this is more of a problem with digital than it was with analogue, i think
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: p2 on December 11, 2016, 08:41:54 PM
The only ones I still use are the apple earphones as they're the only ones meeting my main criteria:
falling asleep while listening to music and waking up without having any head pain  :thumbsup:

Edit: Yess that happened a lot to me in the past and if it ever happened to you, too, with cheap headphones, then you know what I'm talking about xD
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: p2 on January 12, 2017, 04:17:54 PM
Got Apple Airpods now and I can really only recommend them.
The battery time is amazing thinking about their size, the audio quality is at least as good as with the cable'd apple earpods.
Also the additional features (auto ear recognition, motion sensor, ...) are really fun to use  :thumbsup:

Buut I have to admit the price is still too high, even tho they are awesome.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: TheMachine02 on January 12, 2017, 05:05:35 PM
Got myself a DT770pro :

(http://img1.lesnumeriques.com/produits/558/14947/beyerdynamic-dt770_1354087882_450x400.jpg)

It has a quite good quality & I doesn't sens it on my head when I wear it, so yep, happy with it  :P
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 12, 2017, 05:22:52 PM
How much did they cost?
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: TheMachine02 on January 12, 2017, 05:27:48 PM
About 130€ so, ~139$. Much cheaper than many alternative on the european market  :P
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 12, 2017, 07:38:28 PM
Ouch. I hope the sound quality is good at least. It's not a bad price if it's good quality and comfortable but whatever money I can save right now can't be used for such purchase >.<
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: WholeWheatBagels on January 13, 2017, 02:36:44 AM
You guys know of any good ones under $50? I have a decent pair but they are uncomfortable with glasses... >.<
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: gameblabla on January 13, 2017, 03:04:28 AM
Quote from: WholeWheatBagels on January 13, 2017, 02:36:44 AM
You guys know of any good ones under $50? I have a decent pair but they are uncomfortable with glasses... >.<
i'm personally using a sony mdr-v55 : very solid and has decent sound quality.
You might be able to snag them at 50$.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: p2 on January 13, 2017, 08:24:21 AM
There are a couple of SkullCandy models around 50€ but I can't really recommend them as they tend to break easily :/
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: aetios on January 13, 2017, 08:46:59 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on January 12, 2017, 07:38:28 PM
Ouch. I hope the sound quality is good at least. It's not a bad price if it's good quality and comfortable but whatever money I can save right now can't be used for such purchase >.<
Haha, the DT770 are some of the best headphones on the market.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 13, 2017, 07:41:21 PM
Yeah ideally if I decide to buy such headphones I would like if they lasted me a few years rather than a few months. <_<
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: E37 on January 16, 2017, 01:07:04 AM
I got a pair of skullcandy headphones they sound alright, but started going bad pretty quickly.
I can't use the audio enhancer because leaving the battery that it uses in causes the headphones to whine occasionally. The cord that it came with is already breaking and it only transmits sound when it is in EXACTLY the right position. I got them in the beginning of December.  :P
My last pair I had 2 years before they finally gave out, and that was with very heavy use.

(http://i.imgur.com/imYR7WD.jpg)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: p2 on January 16, 2017, 09:43:48 AM
Quote from: p2 on January 13, 2017, 08:24:21 AM
There are a couple of SkullCandy models around 50€ but I can't really recommend them as they tend to break easily :/
Quote from: E37 on January 16, 2017, 01:07:04 AM
I got a pair of skullcandy headphones they sound alright, but started going bad pretty quickly.
I can't use the audio enhancer because leaving the battery that it uses in causes the headphones to whine occasionally. The cord that it came with is already breaking and it only transmits sound when it is in EXACTLY the right position. I got them in the beginning of December.  :P
My last pair I had 2 years before they finally gave out, and that was with very heavy use.
Yup, pretty much what I expected.
SkullCandy seems not to focus on durability that much... :/ Which is a bit sad as their sound quality actually is pretty good (at least at the beginning).
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on February 27, 2018, 06:06:53 PM
Now I use Vortex headphones at home and Electra when going out. Both vosted me $4 at the dollar store abd while the sound is not as good as expensive headphones, it's still very top notch, especially the Vortex ones. I am sure they will last 2-6 months max, but at $4 I just stocked up XD
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: TheLastMillennial on February 28, 2018, 03:40:14 AM
I've got some cruddy earbuds that were so cheap they were given to me for free. They've lasted me over a year (with light use and rough storage of my bag) so I suppose I've got my moneys worth out of them. :P
I've also got some on-ear Sodrop 2 headphones from Ghostek which sound nice to me, but for some reason on were marked as over-ear on Amazon. It took my ears quite a while to adjust to this design, but it's acceptably comfortable even for long periods of time.
(https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.mobilefun.co.uk%2Fgraphics%2Fproductgalleries%2F61439%2Fghostek-sodrop-2-premium-bluetooth-noise-reduction-headphones-black-p61439-a.jpg&f=1)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Yuki on February 28, 2018, 10:44:42 PM
Quote from: xlibman on February 27, 2018, 06:06:53 PM
Now I use Vortex headphones at home and Electra when going out. Both vosted me $4 at the dollar store abd while the sound is not as good as expensive headphones, it's still very top notch, especially the Vortex ones. I am sure they will last 2-6 months max, but at $4 I just stocked up XD
I have the same ones. Pretty nice for $4 headphones, if you're not going to play much with the wire.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: the2048 on March 29, 2018, 02:36:02 PM
A pair of Panasonic over ear headphones, some Galaxy S5 earbuds, a set of Logitech h800s, and some very terrible earbuds that are no name brand.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: _iPhoenix_ on March 29, 2018, 08:00:15 PM
I wear whatever I can find first. Hopefully it works. If it does, then it's probably tangled up like crazy x.x
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: racingstripeAV on March 30, 2018, 09:25:34 AM
I've had the same pair of Sennheiser HD201 for about 8 years now and for a cheap set of entry-level headphones (I think they were £20 when I bought them), they definitely do a good job. Granted, I use my computer's built-in speakers most of the time (and for an iMac they're damn good), it's just when I record vocals that I plug in the headphones.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Strontium on April 01, 2018, 04:21:03 AM
I'm looking for some sub-$200 IEMs that I can wear all day, has detachable cable, and either a neutral or V-shaped sound signature. Right now I'm considering the Pinnacle P1. Any other suggestions?

They'll be driven from an xDuoo x3, so anything with an impedance of up to 100 ohms should be fine. It'd be ideal if I could drive them form my phone or laptop without an amp, though.
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Strontium on April 13, 2018, 02:09:06 AM
ended up buying the Simgot EN700 Pro, I love them so far :D definitely an upgrade from the cheap sony IEMs I had before
driving them from a Sansa Clip+, might upgrade in the future.

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/369210952203370507/434154298184564736/20180412_175332.jpg)
Title: Re: What headphones/earphones do you own?
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on July 19, 2021, 09:24:26 PM
I moved out of Yuki's home 2.5 years ago and I have been using the same dollar store headphones ever since. I even have a spare set for when I go outside which will obviously not last as long but I didn't have any issues with them. They even have better sound and last 2 years longer than most headphones that costs $50 or less. They're a bit less resistant when you go outside and mess around with the cord a lot, though, . xd

https://www.amazon.ca/Electra-STERO-VORTEX-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00YH84WUU

Don't buy them on Amazon tho, lol. It's a rip-off. They're like $4 at Dollarama and some schools even use them now. I got the white and red ones.