Re: Headphones!!!
 

daryn,

the source means more than the headphones, so crappy mp3s make for crappy sound. think of it as a chain where if any one part sucks, it all sucks, it trickles down from:

[censored] mp3
[censored] sound card
[censored] amplification
[censored] headphones

in that order. anything before the headphones sucking means what the headphone gets will sound worse.

jablue,

I am a big stereo speaker fan. In fact, downstairs i have a Marantz 1060b setup that could knock down my whole condo complex(ive never set it above 40% and the neighbors came over and complained the one time i got to 40) and i use KEF C40 loudspeakers imported from the UK. I love 2 channel stereo, at the same time, i think small, 5 channel systems are kinda weak. Speakers should be giant and heavy, as the magnets inside are what produce the power, so i dunno, im just not into surround sound stuff.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
One thing to keep in mind about the K701 is that it really needs a quality amplifier to sound it's best. To be honest every headphone I've heard benefits from quality amplification, but higher impedence phones particularly dependant on the amp. If you're just going to be using a standard headphone out you might find something like the Sennheiser HD-595 to be more to your liking.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49...Untitled-2.jpg

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Best headphones for jogging?

[/ QUOTE ]

I use these.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...ZZZ_AA280_.jpg

Re: Headphones!!!
 

I only have the surround set up because I use it for movies too and having surround sound on movies is pretty sweet.

I don't want huge speakers because they're obtrusive and I don't need them to be super loud. My ears are already damaged at the tender age of 18 and I hear ringing a lot of times I shouldn't.
With that in mind, could you try answering

a) And what would you say is the optimal price range for speakers? That is, the price range where you are getting the most per dollar?

b) What is the minimum you would advise someone to spend who wants a great sound system that will last a while?

Re: Headphones!!!
 

For walking around school/jogging I use the AKG K 26 P.. They're okay, pretty cheap and small, easy to fold.. They've been lugged around in my bag a lot without using the carrying bag and haven't broke.. The sound quality is average, I don't have anything to compare it to, but for the price I can't complain. I was looking at these and the Sennheiser PX100's.. they both had great reviews so I just picked what look I liked more.

http://www.lentorg.ru/images/goods/0...g_k_26_p_2.jpg

Re: Headphones!!!
 

JaBlue,

If you are serious about this topic, and willing to spend the time, pore through the avsforum info on surround sound, home theatre, speakers, etc. Tons of great info there for all price ranges.

- TWP

Re: Headphones!!!
 

I am very happy with my Etymotic ER-4Ps except for some irritation issues from the flanged buds. The sound quality is excellent.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

I have the sennheiser HD 280 pro. Allot of gamers use this headset and the quality is very good. And it isnt that expensive, check it out yo.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Best headphones for jogging?

[/ QUOTE ]

I use these.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...ZZZ_AA280_.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

I have those, and 1 one side is much longer than the other one. I thought it was a defect, until I saw a random other pair that was the same way. what's up with that?

Re: Headphones!!!
 

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i would get the shure e500(new headphone, ridiculously awesome and expensive)

[/ QUOTE ]

I just ordered these a couple of days ago on eBay. I'm very excited!

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I've read those complaints about the Etymotic's sound before, but from what I've read the concesus seems to be that they are more comfortable then Shure's.

I've never used either, but I know my dad replaced his e2c's with ER-6's due to the e2c's not being comfortable and he is really happy with the swap.

[/ QUOTE ]

FWIW I mostly use the foam ear pieces rather than the rubber flanged ones and I think they're very comfortable. I have often worn them for up to 5 or 6 hours at a time. I haven't tried the shures.

http://img12.echo.cx/img12/6003/shureetysjpg11sc.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

i have the e2c's. unfortunately i must have damaged them because one ear is too quiet, and one ear is super loud. does anybody know if they any kind of return/exchange policies? and if so, if they are familiar with how they went about getting a product exchange?

thanks

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
a) And what would you say is the optimal price range for speakers? That is, the price range where you are getting the most per dollar?

b) What is the minimum you would advise someone to spend who wants a great sound system that will last a while?

[/ QUOTE ]

a) this really depends. are you buying an amp AND speakers? If so, i would spend around 800-1k for the whole system, so like 100 per speaker and around 500 for an amp. This might be too much, because like i said, i really know very little about surround sound systems.

b) spending less than 500 would be a bad idea imo.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Best headphones for jogging?

[/ QUOTE ]

I use these.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...ZZZ_AA280_.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

I have those, and 1 one side is much longer than the other one. I thought it was a defect, until I saw a random other pair that was the same way. what's up with that?

[/ QUOTE ]
You run the longer side around the back of your head/neck. That way, you can take them out of your ear, just drop them, and they'll hang over your shoulder / around your neck. This cord style is so much better than the standard Y-cord. I wish all earphones would have this J-cord style.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

any specific recommendations on brands or models to check out for a speaker set up more than $500 and less than $1500? Keep in mind these would primarily be plugged into a computer.. or is this not best?

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
any specific recommendations on brands or models to check out for a speaker set up more than $500 and less than $1500? Keep in mind these would primarily be plugged into a computer.. or is this not best?

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on what you want.

If you just want to be able to listen to music on your computer, while at your computer, just go buy the higher end logitech computer speakers.

If you want to fill a room, get yourself A left and right speaker, a sub and an amp. Then plug your computer into that.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

Just wanted to add that I have the Grado SR60's....

These are pretty much considered by the industry as the best "bang-for-the-buck" headphones out there. ($60ish).

Compared to a normal pair they absolutely blow them away.

However, they are lacking in bass, and definitely aren't as comfortable as the Sennheisers or AKG's.

Another nice thing about them is that they are 32ohm, so you don't need a headphone amp to power them.

If I did it all over again, I probably would still get these considering the price. In the future if I upgrade, I may go with Sennheiser/AKG instead though.

I haven't had a chance yet to listen to the SR-225's/RS1's/etc

Re: Headphones!!!
 

dont bother upgrading. up to the sr225 there is really no difference in the sonic qualities as compared to the sr60. i disagree that theyre the best bang for the buck. the sennheiser hd212 is probably best for the buck, or maybe the koss ksc-75 or the koss portapro.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
dont bother upgrading. up to the sr225 there is really no difference in the sonic qualities as compared to the sr60. i disagree that theyre the best bang for the buck. the sennheiser hd212 is probably best for the buck, or maybe the koss ksc-75 or the koss portapro.

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Well, they're considered -one of- the best cheap headphones. The ksc-75's and portapro's are only like $30 headphones. I've heard both of those, and wasn't overly impressed. Haven't heard the 212's.

I'm certainly not a grado-fan-boy - I just read a ton of reviews before I bought and ended up w/ sr60's from the many recommendations.

PITTM - for my next 'upgrade', what should I go with? Say, $200 or less range. (unless there's something drastically better for $220 or something)

Re: Headphones!!!
 

HD580s. absolutely no question imo. you could probably find them for around ~120 used and then use the rest of the money for an entry level amp. Unless youre using them with a nice integrated amplifier or something in which case an amp becomes less necessary.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

Hmm..

I'm seeing the HD580's as cheap as $150 new from newegg - I don't see any reason to get them used for that price.

Also,

Between the ksc-35's and 75's, which are preferred? I need a cheap set for the mp3 player I'm picking up.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

ksc-75s are generally considered to be better. i know the 580s were 120 used like a year ago. i would correct myself and say theyre probably closer to 100 now. anyone who doesnt know, should know that the hd580s have the same driver unit(read: speaker) as the 600s, but the 600s cost like 300 bucks. why? because they have metal outside covers as opposed to the 580s plastic covers. solution? do what i did and buy two 600 metal covers from sennheiser for like 8 dollars each, pry the old covers off, put new covers on. the sound is much better without the vibrating plastic.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

Opinions of the Sennheiser HD280 Pro?

I've had them for a few years at work and love the attenuation they provide as well as the sound quality but have always found them to be a bit tight on the head.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

Bose Triports - band breaks VERY easily, but they replace for free

Sennheiser HD590 - awesome sound and very stable (can be dropped, bent, etc.)

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I've read those complaints about the Etymotic's sound before, but from what I've read the concesus seems to be that they are more comfortable then Shure's.

I've never used either, but I know my dad replaced his e2c's with ER-6's due to the e2c's not being comfortable and he is really happy with the swap.

[/ QUOTE ]

FWIW I mostly use the foam ear pieces rather than the rubber flanged ones and I think they're very comfortable. I have often worn them for up to 5 or 6 hours at a time. I haven't tried the shures.

http://img12.echo.cx/img12/6003/shureetysjpg11sc.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

i have the e2c's. unfortunately i must have damaged them because one ear is too quiet, and one ear is super loud. does anybody know if they any kind of return/exchange policies? and if so, if they are familiar with how they went about getting a product exchange?

thanks

[/ QUOTE ]
Go to Shure's website and call the 1800 number. They probably have one of the best customer service departments and exchange policies of any company in the world.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

I recently got a pair of Shure e500s. They were more than I wanted to spend, but usually when I'm seriously considering buying the 2nd or 3rd best model of something, I just say say [censored] it and get the best. These earphones are absolutely amazing. It's almost like the sound isn't being mechanically reproduced and instead is being beamed directly into my brain. The first thing I listened to was an uncompressed recording of Beethoven's 9th on my ipod--it was orgasmic.

The only thing I don't like is that now my mp3s sound like crap, even the ones with high bitrates. For example, I have an uncompressed Black Flag album with poor production values on my ipod, but to me it sounds better than the Phil Spector-produced Let It Be at a bitrate of 256. I now find myself transferring CDs uncompressed and downloading FLAC files instead of mp3s. Luckily I have an 80-gig ipod, but it's rapidly filling up.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

this exact same thing happened to my e3cs, and shure exchanged them without any problems. evan is right, their customer service is awesome.

--turnipmonster

Re: Headphones!!!
 

I haven't really read the thread, and I'm not up to date on headphones anymore...but I used to take competitive gaming really seriously, and at the time sennheisers were awesome and the best of the best

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
sennheisers are awesome and the best of the best

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
I recently got a pair of Shure e500s.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
These earphones are absolutely amazing.

[/ QUOTE ]

WhoIAm, you speak the truth.

After reading a bunch of reviews, I got a pair of the e500's a few weeks ago and am completely blown away. They sound incredible. Now when I listen to music from other sources like my stereo or my car stereo, I think they sound like crap (even though I'd always thought they sounded fine). Also, I now often notice parts of songs that I'd never noticed before, even though I'd listened to the song hundreds of times over the years.

I'm using the yellow foamies right now, but there is a long thread on head-fi about new black foamies that are supposed to be better. I ordered them from amazon but they haven't arrived yet.

So, if you're reading this thread, considering getting new headphones or iems and don't know what kind to buy. Go to amazon and start reading one rave review after another about the e500's. Then go to ebay and start bidding on some. I got mine off ebay new in box for $300 ($470 on amazon). Probably one of the best purchases I've made in a while.

-Trebek

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
I now often notice parts of songs that I'd never noticed before, even though I'd listened to the song hundreds of times over the years.

[/ QUOTE ]

this is the beauty of great headphones. hearing the dialogue at the beginning of Led Zeppelin's "The Ocean" or just hearing background instruments you didnt know existed in a song or finally hearing a detailed, correct lyric that you always wondered about is always an amazing feeling for me.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

I am definitely going to check out Ray Samuels - The Hornet amp, as mentioned by a previous poster, for some high end headphone listening - will need to of course get much better phones.

For those on an extreme budget - get the Sennheiser PX 100's instead of stock ipod phones - worth the $40.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

i have the hornet. it is amazing. i just found out that there are 2 new versions of it. I have the 55th one ever made and i just talked to ray and he told me he would do all the upgrades for $15. solid.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I recently got a pair of Shure e500s.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
These earphones are absolutely amazing.

[/ QUOTE ]

WhoIAm, you speak the truth.

After reading a bunch of reviews, I got a pair of the e500's a few weeks ago and am completely blown away. They sound incredible. Now when I listen to music from other sources like my stereo or my car stereo, I think they sound like crap (even though I'd always thought they sounded fine). Also, I now often notice parts of songs that I'd never noticed before, even though I'd listened to the song hundreds of times over the years.


[/ QUOTE ]
Grrr I have a pair of these arriving in the mail next week and now I am salivating!

Re: Headphones!!!
 

Has anyone compared the $10 KSC-75's to the Sennheiser PX100's ($40) ?

I've heard the px100's and thought they were really good for lightweight headphones.

I just ordered the ksc-75's with a $10 amazon gift certificate I had. I'll report back with what I think.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
PITTM,

I'm in the market for some new earbuds. It seems like the Shure ones are the clear concensus pick.

So, here's the question. Speaking to a relative non-audiophile, how would you characterize the difference in experience between the e2c ($70), e3c ($150), e4c ($200) [amazon prices]?

[/ QUOTE ]

ElD

I heard these were better than the ones you're talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0009Q4PHO/...;pf_rd_i=507846

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]

i have the e2c's. unfortunately i must have damaged them because one ear is too quiet, and one ear is super loud.
thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

They're not damaged, they're DIRTY. pull off the tip and make sure the hole in the middle isn't clogged with ear wax, if it is clean it with the tool they provided or a toothpick.

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
PITTM,

I'm in the market for some new earbuds. It seems like the Shure ones are the clear concensus pick.

So, here's the question. Speaking to a relative non-audiophile, how would you characterize the difference in experience between the e2c ($70), e3c ($150), e4c ($200) [amazon prices]?

[/ QUOTE ]

ElD

I heard these were better than the ones you're talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0009Q4PHO/...;pf_rd_i=507846

[/ QUOTE ]
I think the difference between these is personal preference in sound signature.

Earphones
 

I fly a lot an have the westone EM1. I flown from Dallas to Bangalore with them in. They do a great job of sound isolation and you can play music much lower than with headphones.

Check out the link for reviews of different earphones.

http://www.earphonesolutions.com/beeaforip.html

Re: Headphones!!!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
sennheisers are awesome and the best of the best

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

QFT! I got these for traveling etc a couple of months back:
http://www.unas.hu/shop/shop_ordered...pic/237746.jpg

The sound is great imo and the noiseguard works really well on planes and other noisy environments..

Re: Headphones!!!
 

Tried my first set of IEMs this weekend. (Shure E2Cs). Hated them. They sounded good. But they were uncomfortable and I could not get them to stay in my ear.

Any tips for making them stay? I found the foam tips the most comfortable, but that's only relatively speaking. And the only way I could get them to stay was to physically press down on them. When I let them go, it would come out.