AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › 2 Channel Audio › Headphone Audiophiles
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Headphone Audiophiles - Page 28

post #811 of 917
8/27/12 at 7:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by markrubin View Post

Denon 7100's are broken in and I like them
here are some comments:
Sound quality: these are closed phones and have excellent sound quality and good bass: the sound is similar to the AH-D5000 but better overall and with more bass: I can listen to these for extended periods and they remain comfortable with no fatigue.
Comfort: the most comfortable headphone I have ever tried: small cans with leather cups: the aluminum headband really adds to the fit and comfort and adjusts over a wide range of size.
Cable: the cable is very soft and flexible: it has 3.5mm connectors for the cans and an extra cable is provided for iPhone use
these headphones needed break in before critical listening: if anyone tries them, give them plenty of use before you judge them: they really do end up with excellent audio quality (initially the sound quality was not good: after 20 hours of use they produced excellent sound).
regarding break in: the Grado PS1000 instructions warn against continuous operation of their headphones for break in purposes: they recommend normal use instead: not sure why the warning unless they are concerned with temperature buildup.
I was able to try the Grado PS1000 loaned to me for one day: they were already broken in and sound quality was excellent: much like the Sennheiser HD800. But they were not comfortable for me: too large and loose on my head. The instructions recommend bending the headband for better fit but because they were on loan, I did not want to do that. These phones are big and heavy and not for everyone.
added: the Grado's may be the best sounding phones of the bunch: even though open design, it had plenty of bass: it is the weight and size that did not suit me

Mark,

Thanks for the review.

The Grado fit is definitely a potential issue, though for mine and the two other owners I know, bending the headband so that the phones get a better balance has led to huge improvements in comfort. While the PS-1000's will never be confused with a lightweight headphone you can bang your head while wearing, I have no problem keeping them on for 8 hours.

So now that you haven't said that the "Denon's Music Maniac AH-D7100 Artisan" (who came up with that?) are "night and day" smile.gif better than the PS-1000's, I'm back in my quandary about whether to get another set of cans or a good SS amp to complement the Woo 6SE tube amp currently in the headphone rig.

Anyone have thoughts/suggestions? The Benchmark HDR is one I would consider, but open to others.
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #812 of 917
8/27/12 at 7:29am
^^^

I will tell you the Benchmark DAC1 HDR made the single biggest improvement in listening to all my headphones

prior to that I relied on the Olive 06HD headphone out: it was supposed to be an audiophile grade headphone circuit: it is not (as compared to Benchmark) and the Olive volume control was noisy

I also tried the Newforce Icon HDP headphone amp last year: that is another good choice
Reply
Reply
post #813 of 917
8/27/12 at 7:35am
Looking for some good, portable phones to use with my iphone and with my macbook when I'm on the road. I don't like anything in my ear. I have points I earned for doing surveys that allowed me to get a $200 gift cert at Brookstone, who carries Beyerdynamic among a few other brands.
Leaning towards the T50p. I know the DT1350 has been getting better reviews at a similar price point, but they don't carry them.
Also intrigued by the Audioquest Dragonfly to use with the Macbook.
Reply
Reply
post #814 of 917
8/27/12 at 8:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

...I'm back in my quandary about whether to get another set of cans or a good SS amp to complement the Woo 6SE tube amp currently in the headphone rig.
Anyone have thoughts/suggestions? The Benchmark HDR is one I would consider, but open to others.

I have a Benchmark DAC1/HDR. A check of benchmarkmedia shows a new lower price of $1,600 and amazon still a bit lower. For HDR see: http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac1-hdr

FWIW Benchmark used to have a nice summary web page comparison of their 4 model DAC1 lineup, but I don't currently see it.

My prior comments on Benchmark DAC1/HDR are in my posts 730 and 776 of this thread.
Reply
Reply
post #815 of 917
8/27/12 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OtherSongs View Post

I have a Benchmark DAC1/HDR. A check of benchmarkmedia shows a new lower price of $1,600 and amazon still a bit lower. For HDR see: http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac1-hdr
FWIW Benchmark used to have a nice summary web page comparison of their 4 model DAC1 lineup, but I don't currently see it.
My prior comments on Benchmark DAC1/HDR are in my posts 730 and 776 of this thread.

I'll look at the site when I get a chance, but do they offer the an amp only version? I have a Wyred4Sound DAC2 in the chain and would prefer not to spend to replicate it's function.
Reply
Reply
post #816 of 917
8/27/12 at 9:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfreedma View Post

I'll look at the site when I get a chance, but do they offer the an amp only version? I have a Wyred4Sound DAC2 in the chain and would prefer not to spend to replicate it's function.

AFAIK Benchmark only offers headphone amp combo'd with their 4 different DAC1 models, the cheapest of which is the DAC1 at list of $1k.

There's lots of less expensive standalone SS headphone amps on the world market, so if you don't want a DAC then don't buy a Benchmark.
Reply
Reply
post #817 of 917
8/27/12 at 12:39pm
I have read many reviews on Head fi. There are a few peiple who have quite a collection of head phones of their own that gave the input. I trust their imput as do many others on the site. Perhaps you should visit the site so you can actually read some of the reviews. Sillysally is a HF member as I am.

Not saying his reviews arent reliable but there are many reviews on HF which are helpful.biggrin.gif
Edited by Hawaiiancerveza - 8/27/12 at 2:02pm
Reply
Reply
post #818 of 917
8/27/12 at 12:58pm
^^^^

I'm an active member @ head-fi. Just looking for additional information here.

Head-fi is a lot like AVS. Everyone has opinions, but far fewer have opinions that extend beyond "buy what I own - it's the best". Certainly not calling you or SillySally out for that, just making a general observation about the sites and why I'm casting a large net.
Reply
Reply
post #819 of 917
8/27/12 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawaiiancerveza View Post

I have read my reviews on Head fi.

Sorry to be blunt, but IMO www.head-fi.org sucks big-time.

Meaning my time is far better spent reading in this thread and amazon owner reviews.
Reply
Reply
post #820 of 917
8/27/12 at 2:00pm
Depends whos reviews your reading and who your talking to.

There many who are as you've described but there are many that do give good reciews on things. But like anything else it all depends who your talking to and what teviews tour reading. I do like measurements with what a person is stating so I look for them with those. I also use other hf sites like effin ringin lol. But these are just suggestions.
Edited by Hawaiiancerveza - 8/27/12 at 2:07pm
Reply
Reply
post #821 of 917
8/27/12 at 3:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by OtherSongs View Post

Sorry to be blunt, but IMO www.head-fi.org sucks big-time.
Meaning my time is far better spent reading in this thread and amazon owner reviews.

Their signal-to-noise ratio is often absurdly high. Still, there's much good information scattered among the FotM, pseudo-science, magical appliance, and fan-boy ravings.

I also use Amazon (and NewEgg) reviews. The S/N ratio is higher, but caveat lector still applies.
Reply
Reply
post #822 of 917
9/10/12 at 4:05pm
I recently got an email from nuforce. They have a new headphone amplifier, the HAP-100. No DAC, just an class A headphone amp. Its kind of pricey at 595, but suppoedly very high quality. Has anyone heard one? Their website says it comes with a remote. That would be one nice feature I'd like to have in a good headphone amp. I'm typically about 10-15 ft away from it when watching movies or listening to music.

I may at some point upgrade my headphone amp to something else, but for that kind of cash I'd probably go with the HA-160, or even give tubes a whirl.

Also of note: The new oppo bdp-105 now has a built in headphone amp. Interesting, but I'm not sure its any better than using a dedicated headphone amp and the dedicated stereo outs of the 95 like I'm currently doing. I'd be worried its more the quality of a reciever headphone amp.
Edited by glangford - 9/12/12 at 4:59am
Reply
Reply
post #823 of 917
12/24/12 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OtherSongs View Post

Sorry to be blunt, but IMO www.head-fi.org sucks big-time.
Meaning my time is far better spent reading in this thread and amazon owner reviews.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamilcar Barca View Post

Their signal-to-noise ratio is often absurdly high. Still, there's much good information scattered among the FotM, pseudo-science, magical appliance, and fan-boy ravings.
I also use Amazon (and NewEgg) reviews. The S/N ratio is higher, but caveat lector still applies.
I know this is an old thread, but I'd like to upgrade my headphones. Currently, I have an Audio-Technica ATH-A900 which was used for gaming on my Xbox 360. I'm not happy with them as audiophile quality, so I'm looking to go the next step (or several steps) up. I'm looking for something over-the-ear that provides good room isolation.

I'm also a member of Head-Fi and agree that the content has gone downhill. There is good information, but it's very difficult to find. Having to sift through manufacturer's promotions and ads to find a real review is hard.

I've got a ton of CDs ripped in FLAC format with a 4 year old Sound Blaster X-Fi card.

My better half just purchased the Grado SR225i from Amazon.com, based on review only. He didn't want my "hand-me down" ATH-A900. tongue.gif
Edited by GeekGirl - 12/24/12 at 11:41am
Reply
Reply
post #824 of 917
12/24/12 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeekGirl View Post

I know this is an old thread, but I'd like to upgrade my headphones. Currently, I have an Audio-Technica ATH-A900 which was used for gaming on my Xbox 360. I'm not happy with them as audiophile quality, so I'm looking to go the next step (or several steps) up. I'm looking for something over-the-ear that provides good room isolation.
I'm also a member of Head-Fi and agree that the content has gone downhill. There is good information, but it's very difficult to find. Having to sift through manufacturer's promotions and ads to find a real review is hard.
I've got a ton of CDs ripped in FLAC format with a 4 year old Sound Blaster X-Fi card.
My better half just purchased the Grado SR225i from Amazon.com, based on review only. He didn't want my "hand-me down" ATH-A900. tongue.gif

There arent a lot of good "audiophile" choices in a closed headphone.

The new Denon D600 might be a good choice, but there are mixed reviews of its sound. I haven't heard them but they appear to follow the general Denon signature of deep powerful bass and sparkly treble.

Another possibility that i have heard is a Fostex T50RP modded headphone called the "Mad Dog." It is a very good sounding headphone and does isolate well. Its signature is classic "planar," which is to say good bass (but not the deepest or tightest), wonderful lush smooth midrange, and a smooth easy treble that lacks sparkle. It is a very easy headphone to listen to but i would also describe it as a little "boring." I would generally describe it as a "closed HD 650," if that means anything to you.

Ultrasone and Beyerdynamic also have closed headphones, but i dont personally have experience with them.
Reply
Reply
post #825 of 917
12/24/12 at 12:03pm
I was afraid of getting the answer you supplied - closed headphones don't cut it for high-end performance. I don't think I'll have the patience (or skills) to mod headphone material, so I think I'll skip on the Fostex (good suggestion, though).

To get the next step up, I think I'll have to consider changing the listening environment to one which works with an open headphone.

I've been skimming Head-Fi.org and can get around the site a bit easier. If you go by the product first, there are links to relevant forum threads at the bottom and product tabs on the right. I'm not happy with this, but it works.

Yes, I've got my eye on the Senn HD 650. Also, a DAC + amp combo that will connect with a laptop USB port. I suppose I should stop reading now. No... smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #826 of 917
12/25/12 at 5:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeekGirl View Post

I was afraid of getting the answer you supplied - closed headphones don't cut it for high-end performance. I don't think I'll have the patience (or skills) to mod headphone material, so I think I'll skip on the Fostex (good suggestion, though).
To get the next step up, I think I'll have to consider changing the listening environment to one which works with an open headphone.
I've been skimming Head-Fi.org and can get around the site a bit easier. If you go by the product first, there are links to relevant forum threads at the bottom and product tabs on the right. I'm not happy with this, but it works.
Yes, I've got my eye on the Senn HD 650. Also, a DAC + amp combo that will connect with a laptop USB port. I suppose I should stop reading now. No... smile.gif

I have the Senn HD 650. I'm very pleased with it. I started to by the Nuforce HDP, a well thought of amp/dac combo. I settled on just a headphone amp as I use the Oppo bdp-95 as my source and it has excellent dacs. I don't think you can go wrong with the hd 650.


Its nice to see this thread resurrected again. Its been dormant too long.
Reply
Reply
post #827 of 917
12/25/12 at 7:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeekGirl View Post

I was afraid of getting the answer you supplied - closed headphones don't cut it for high-end performance. I don't think I'll have the patience (or skills) to mod headphone material, so I think I'll skip on the Fostex (good suggestion, though).
To get the next step up, I think I'll have to consider changing the listening environment to one which works with an open headphone.
I've been skimming Head-Fi.org and can get around the site a bit easier. If you go by the product first, there are links to relevant forum threads at the bottom and product tabs on the right. I'm not happy with this, but it works.
Yes, I've got my eye on the Senn HD 650. Also, a DAC + amp combo that will connect with a laptop USB port. I suppose I should stop reading now. No... smile.gif

You dont have to modify the Fostex T50RP. The "Mad Dog" comes modded as a finished product.

http://www.mrspeakers.com/Audiophile-fostex-t50rp-upgrades-mrspeakers-mad-dog
Reply
Reply
post #828 of 917
12/25/12 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by glangford View Post

Its nice to see this thread resurrected again. Its been dormant too long.
And I've been away too long. That's a thought- use my OPPO-83, as it has good DACs. Wait a sec, FLAC is not supported. frown.gif (FLAC is supported on the OPPO-93.) I see a serious need to start a headphone DAC / amp thread. My Soundblaster card probably won't cut it.

Is there a significant difference between the Senn HD600 ($384) and HD650 ($500)?
Quote:
Originally Posted by palmfish View Post

You dont have to modify the Fostex T50RP. The "Mad Dog" comes modded as a finished product. http://www.mrspeakers.com/Audiophile-fostex-t50rp-upgrades-mrspeakers-mad-dog
Thanks for the link. I found a review on Head-Fi that suggests this model does not have full bass: "Mad Dog" by MrSpeakers, modified Fostex T50RP review - Page 158. I like to have flat full range performance (straight wire with gain), which is understandably difficult to achieve in a headphone. Certainly, there are many other factors, but I'd be wanting more. I listen to Classical music, which demands perfection.

Another aspect from the business side is that MrSpeakers is offering 2 products- their own version for $263.00 or modification of your own pair for $239.95 (+ $100 headphone cost). That can't be the same thing, especially if they stamp their brand on it. There's no mention of warranty that I can find.
Reply
Reply
post #829 of 917
12/25/12 at 3:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeekGirl View Post

And I've been away too long. That's a thought- use my OPPO-83, as it has good DACs. Wait a sec, FLAC is not supported. frown.gif (FLAC is supported on the OPPO-93.) I see a serious need to start a headphone DAC / amp thread. My Soundblaster card probably won't cut it.
Is there a significant difference between the Senn HD600 ($384) and HD650 ($500)?
Thanks for the link. I found a review on Head-Fi that suggests this model does not have full bass: "Mad Dog" by MrSpeakers, modified Fostex T50RP review - Page 158. I like to have flat full range performance (straight wire with gain), which is understandably difficult to achieve in a headphone. Certainly, there are many other factors, but I'd be wanting more. I listen to Classical music, which demands perfection.
Another aspect from the business side is that MrSpeakers is offering 2 products- their own version for $263.00 or modification of your own pair for $239.95 (+ $100 headphone cost). That can't be the same thing, especially if they stamp their brand on it. There's no mention of warranty that I can find.

The HD 650 is a lush, dark, warm sounding headphone with (to my ears) recessed treble detail. It is very nice with classical and jazz, but it lacks "sparkle" and fun IMO. I much prefer the HD 600, which is similar to the 650, but closer to neutral - treble is fully present (but not at all sibilant) and bass is a little thinner, but punchier. The HD 600 is one of my favorite all-time headphones actually. Both are open though, so they do not isolate at all.

The Mad Dog is very reminiscent of the HD 650 to my ears. It does not lack bass in the least. MrSpeakers probably pays less than $80/pair for the Fostex headphones. They can be found online for $75 fairly routinely. Send him an email - i know he has a free trial period so if you dont like them you can return them no questions asked.

BTW, i have no connection with them in any way. I almost bought a pair a couple months ago until MrSpeakers himself talked me out of it (he didnt think i would like them based on my stated preferences).

And again, the Denon D600 may be just the ticket for you in a closed headphone.

Whatever you decide, since you cant listen first, buy from a reputable seller with a generous return policy. Good luck and have fun!
Reply
Reply
post #830 of 917
12/25/12 at 4:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeekGirl View Post

I was afraid of getting the answer you supplied - closed headphones don't cut it for high-end performance.

The new Sennheiser Momentum gets a very positive review from Tyll Hertsens--might be worth checking out:
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/very-adult-sennheiser-momentum
Reply
Reply
post #831 of 917
12/26/12 at 5:42pm
Thread Starter 
Nice to see movement on this thread. I ended up selling most of my equipment and went more mobile. I now use a Sony Walkman Z1060 and either my nodded (re-cabled UE TF-10) or my Heir Audio 4.A CIEM. I'm looking to add a nice amp to the mix, but the sound out of the "Z" more than satisfies. ...and I love them to Death with Jazz and anything acoustic.
Reply
Reply
post #832 of 917
12/27/12 at 1:34pm
Well, that didn't take long. I decided to go with the Mad Dog / Dog Pad combo.

My husband got his Grado SR225i, so I did a quick compare to my Audio-Technica ATH-A900. Aside from the differences in audio quality, I was immediately bugged with the room noise. To be fair, this was next to a desktop high-horsepower PC which has numerous case fans running. I'm not normally close to this PC, but it was a good test for a worst-case environment. So, I need to have closed headphones.

After reading the "Mad Dog" by MrSpeakers, modified Fostex T50RP review thread on Head-Fi.org in more detail, there were quite a few opinions that put the Mad Dog on par with the Senn HD650, HiFiman HE-400, and Denon D600. So, I figured - why not? and ordered them.

OK, that's one part of the problem. Now, for the DAC + amp. They need power to sound right - somewhat more than a normal amp. The Fiio 17 would be "OK" but not great. Then, I found this post and ordered the Shiit modi/magni combo.

So, for the price of the Senn HD650 ($500), I get a darn good headphone (pending my evaluation) for $300, and equally good DAC / amp combo ($200).

I had a question on my Mad Dog order, so I gave MrSpeakers a link to this thread.

I'll now be able to use my laptop to feed FLAC files to the DAC / amp via the USB port. For me, that means I can go to a more quiet room and listen in peace. Portable is good.
Reply
Reply
post #833 of 917
12/27/12 at 6:22pm
Thread Starter 
Dang nab bit! The price for the Magni and Modi has got me itching to try... Let us know what you think when you get them.
Reply
Reply
post #834 of 917
1/18/13 at 3:57pm
vowww DoingOK, that fantastic
Reply
Reply
post #835 of 917
1/20/13 at 12:35pm
Does anyone in this forum have any experience with Fidelia?I'm struggling to understand how to get it to recognize a Plug-In (Vinyl).
Reply
Reply
post #836 of 917
1/31/13 at 8:31pm
Howdy folks.
Back in March I visited this thread and several people kindly shared their experience with me.
Right after Christmas I purchased Sennheiser 600 headphones and have been using them for about a month.
I am very happy with these and they are a considerable upgrade over the Creative Aurvana Live headphones I have been using for the last few years.
These headphones are popular and many real reviews have been written so there is little for me to add along those lines.
Suffice it to say I think they sound very good.
Reply
Reply
post #837 of 917
2/1/13 at 4:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chashint View Post

Howdy folks.
Back in March I visited this thread and several people kindly shared their experience with me.
Right after Christmas I purchased Sennheiser 600 headphones and have been using them for about a month.
I am very happy with these and they are a considerable upgrade over the Creative Aurvana Live headphones I have been using for the last few years.
These headphones are popular and many real reviews have been written so there is little for me to add along those lines.
Suffice it to say I think they sound very good.

I don't know anybody worth taking seriously who has something bad to say about HD 600s, except perhaps about the price.

It is hardly a news flash that migrating from $60 headphones to $600 headphones improves SQ. ;-)

I was fortunate enough to own a pair of HD 580s for a number of years, and still would except they were stolen from me. If I could actually replace them for the $160 or so that they originally cost me, I would do so in a heartbeat. As you know the HD 600s are basically HD 580s with fancier trim and 2-3 times the price.

To me the real question is how to get 580/600 quality without spending all that cash. A wireless version would be good.

As things stand I now mostly listen for pleasure to a pair of RS 160 (digital wireless). They are tolerable enough given that I use a 30 band eq to tune them to my preferences.
Reply
Reply
post #838 of 917
2/1/13 at 3:17pm
My last post was mostly just to acknowledge the people that took the time to converse with me last March.
Even after listening in the store it kinda took a leap of faith to spend this much money on headphones.
So while it's not a news flash that the 600's sound better than the Aurvana Live headphones, the jury was undecided on whether or not they were worth the $$.
I have no regrets about making this purchase.
Reply
Reply
post #839 of 917
2/16/13 at 9:39pm
Looking into getting some Denon AH-D600's. Anybody have them what do you think? Comparable other options?
Reply
Reply
post #840 of 917
2/17/13 at 9:50pm
eh?
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: 2 Channel Audio

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › 2 Channel Audio › Headphone Audiophiles