Headphones, the Solution for all our audio dreams and wishes?

[HTHOLIC]

Hey, everybody I havent posted in a long time, but I had this thought in mind.

I myself know that headphones arent always practical as I dont like wearing them for hours and being wrapped around a cord, even wireless ones can make people fell uncomfortable after a while

However, rather than spend $15,000 for a pair of speakers, shouldnt a $1,000 set of grado headphones be just as good.

http://www.gradolabs.com/product_pages/gs1000.htm

Note that headphones have shortcomings such as tricking your brain into thinking that sound is coming from the center as stereo recordings havent been designed for headphones.

However, besdies rooom acouastics, localizaion of sounds and factors in which sounds are dependent as to wheere you put the speakers and subwoofer.

Are headphones a bad idea, or even earphones.

Bass on headphones has gotten great over the years, you can even feel your ears shake on some of the high end headphones such as the sennheister hd 280- for $100 playing test tones, however the $1,000 grados may be much better.

Although audioholics has reviewed a few sets of headsets and headphones , I do not see any headphone reviews on the site- atleast the professional ones costing over $100 ie, the engineered ones used in studios rather than most bluetooth or cordless headphones. How about reviewing a $1,000 grado headphones.
From an audiophiles perspective, why are headphones a bad choice, atleast for stereo recordings.

Of course while watching movies I would rather not be wearing headphones and would prefer open space.

[MDS]

I think headphones serve a purpose but I only wear them when I am editing audio. However, under no circumstance would I personally ever spend anywhere near $1,000 for headphones.

I am perfectly happy with my Sony MDR-V6 headphones which cost me about $80.

[sholling]

It depends on your needs. If you live in an apartment or condo some great cans just make good sense. I have a pair of Senn HD-600s left from those days that are still nice for late nights in the suburbs when I don't feel like waking neighbors. However not looking at the constraints of neighbors I think a $2,500 2.1 system or a $3,500 5.1 system is going to be a whole lot more fun.

FYI: There are high quality DSP based headphone amps that remove the center of your head effect.

FYI-2: If you are dead set on headphones as your solution then I highly recomend the reviews at a trusted dealer - http://www.headphone.com These guys live or die by their rep.

[Nick250]

Sorry, but there is lots of snake oil at Headphones dot com. Caution is advised.

Nick

[emorphien]

I do enjoy a good pair of headphones. I've never listened to $100 headphones (most expensive were Grado SR325s and Sennheiser HD600s). I have a pair of 280s I use in my office and they're a lot of fun to listen to, and someday I might like to get a pair of Sennheiser HD650s + a headphone amp for home use when I'm in that mood since the 600s were one of the best headphones I'd heard for my taste, although my experience with headphones is somewhat limited.

[outsider]

even the Grado SR80s are pretty nice.
headphone.com is a good place to see what is available, but I'm not sure how trustworthy their reviews are....

[furrycute]

I only listen to headphones when I do not feel like waking up the neighbors. Otherwise, if given a choice, I would rather listen to my stereo setup.

No matter how good a pair of headphones is, it just pales in comparison to a decent stereo setup.

[Wafflesomd]

I think headphones serve a purpose but I only wear them when I am editing audio. However, under no circumstance would I personally ever spend anywhere near $1,000 for headphones.

I am perfectly happy with my Sony MDR-V6 headphones which cost me about $80.

Damn straight.

[Haoleb]

I only listen to headphones when I do not feel like waking up the neighbors. Otherwise, if given a choice, I would rather listen to my stereo setup.

No matter how good a pair of headphones is, it just pales in comparison to a decent stereo setup.


I agree that headphones are no replacement for a good stereo no matter HOW good they are. They have their place, and certainly I will always keep a good set around but i cant imagine myself ever replacing my steroe with a set of headphones, even if they cost as much as my stereo. They just cant recreate the grandeur that a good 2 channel setup can.

[no. 5]

I agree that headphones are no replacement for a good stereo no matter HOW good they are. They have their place, and certainly I will always keep a good set around but i cant imagine myself ever replacing my steroe with a set of headphones, even if they cost as much as my stereo. They just cant recreate the grandeur that a good 2 channel setup can.
I totaly agree with that (plus, you can't get bass thumping your chest from headphones ;) ), but the concept still intrigues me.
it might be worth a try, get a nice set of (under $1000) cans an inexpensive headphone amp, and try it out befor you dump the stereo. if it works, great. if not, you end up with a nice set of headphones.

[Seth=L]

I use Koss headphones, I am a cheap bastard.

[Nick250]

Headphones do have a place in my listening. If I have had stressful day, buy can't go to sleep, I listen to music with the Senns HD580s, sit back and close my eyes, I am in my own world and the stress melts away. Loud speakers are not nearly as effective as the headphones for this strategy.

Nick

[JoeE SP9]

I dislike headphones so much I gave a pair of Stax Earspeakers to a buddy for late night listening. The feel of music coming from between my ears has always felt kind of creepy to me.:cool:

[yettitheman]

I am perfectly happy with my Sony MDR-V6 headphones which cost me about $80.
Heh, I got some MDR-V3's... but sadly... they are starting to get very very old.... still sound great though :D
Just need the earpiece cushions and a swivel part...

[emorphien]

I had Grado SR325s but sold them on ebay when I actually decided I was going to buy new speakers (which I'm still waiting on... arg).

I currently have Sennheiser PX200, HD280s and Shure E2cs I use with my two iRivers. The plantronics headset I have for my computer isn't that bad actually, which is good because my computer speakers died :(

And eventually I'd love to get HD650s (or something comparable) plus an amp, but I already said that.

[Resident Loser]

...a side by side of my two latest acquisitions...a pair of Koss 'phones and a pair from Sony...<$5USD and $6USD respecively from el Waldo-Marto...I have a $7USD (after rebate) GPX CDP as my source. Don't laugh, there ain't a whole lotta diff as you go up the food chain...

My all time fave has been a pair of slightly modded Senn HD414s purchased back in the early '70s for the then princely sum of 25 bucks (I was making <$125/wk back then)...

My STAX SR-44/SRD-4 combo is a bit better sonically than the Senns, but those 30+yo 414s can't be beat for long-term comfort...

jimHJJ(...Does anyone make true binaural recordings anymore?...)

[R Burton]

I'm going to buy a pair of Sennheiser HD650's and am wondering if a headphone amp is really required? I have a Yamaha RXZ9 receiver which should be enough to power the headphones. Is there a real advantage to having a seperate headphone amp?:confused:

[Haoleb]

I'm going to buy a pair of Sennheiser HD650's and am wondering if a headphone amp is really required? I have a Yamaha RXZ9 receiver which should be enough to power the headphones. Is there a real advantage to having a seperate headphone amp?:confused:


I have noticed an improvement in nearly all areas with my DIY headphone amps on my Grado 125's and HD280's. Of course they are not necessary but they are relatively cheap and easy to sell if you dont like it, There are also a ton of very good headphone amps that you can build yourself.

[Nick250]

I'm going to buy a pair of Sennheiser HD650's and am wondering if a headphone amp is really required? I have a Yamaha RXZ9 receiver which should be enough to power the headphones. Is there a real advantage to having a seperate headphone amp?:confused:

I have Senns HD580s and a Corda Headamp. I can't tell the difference between the Headamp and my Denon 3806. At around $400 (don't know current prices, this was five years ago) if I had to do it all over again I probably would not buy the Headamp. Probably. If I was getting new HD650's it would be a harder choice. The Corda is a fine piece of audio equipment and it's a solid, no regrets type purchase IMO. If you did not have to streach finanically to buy one, I would say go ahead and make the purchase.

Whatever you do, stay away from headpones dot com. Snake oil all over the place IMO.

Nick

http://www.meier-audio.homepage.t-online.de/index.htm

A less expensive choice for $100 is the Behringer HA470

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-BEH-HA4700.html

Nick

[Sheep]

HD500s, Shure E2C, Plantronics headset. Headphones have a part in my life, but I take my HT over them any day.

SheepStar

[Resident Loser]

I'm going to buy a pair of Sennheiser HD650's and am wondering if a headphone amp is really required? I have a Yamaha RXZ9 receiver which should be enough to power the headphones. Is there a real advantage to having a seperate headphone amp?:confused:

...it all depends on your source...If it has the power to drive the 'phones to a practical, usable level I would say they aren't required...If, like some portable devices, the output is insuffucient then yada, yada, yada...

Do realize that overdriving your ears does have it's consequences and if you find that you require louder levels than you used to, damage may have already been done...

This musician, now a little audibly-challenged, suggests you listen at a comfortable level...

jimHJJ(...like eyes, y'only get one set of ears...)

[HTHOLIC]

While many people have decent headphones costing under $200 usually, I suppose that a $1,000 set of headphones would beat most stereo setups. The human ear hears from 2 ears so headphones can meet up to the challenge of audio.


Headphones usually are directional to confuse the brain when it comes to space. However, recent algorithims such as cmss3d for headphones developed in conjuction with University of California researches along with the Creative advance technology center have eliminated a lot of problems with headphones.

I am not sold on headphones because I dont like wearing things on my head all the time but in terms of getting audiophile benefits they can beat a lot of sound systems which are affected by ROOM acousitcs, PLacement:eek: and other factors.

Its worth checking out, especially if you have an x-fi in your computer LoL. You can easily tell the difference between a compressed mp3 downloaded and one that doesn't have as much compression right away to a untrained ear. Maybe then your wife or whoever else may prefer high-end audio equipment because things start to sound better, that is already happening - well sort of.

[jaxvon]

While many people have decent headphones costing under $200 usually, I suppose that a $1,000 set of headphones would beat most stereo setups. The human ear hears from 2 ears so headphones can meet up to the challenge of audio.


Headphones usually are directional to confuse the brain when it comes to space. However, recent algorithims such as cmss3d for headphones developed in conjuction with University of California researches along with the Creative advance technology center have eliminated a lot of problems with headphones.

I am not sold on headphones because I dont like wearing things on my head all the time but in terms of getting audiophile benefits they can beat a lot of sound systems which are affected by ROOM acousitcs, PLacement:eek: and other factors.

Its worth checking out, especially if you have an x-fi in your computer LoL. You can easily tell the difference between a compressed mp3 downloaded and one that doesn't have as much compression right away to a untrained ear. Maybe then your wife or whoever else may prefer high-end audio equipment because things start to sound better, that is already happening - well sort of.


I'm sorry, but while headphones are great (I love my MDR-7506s), they can't compare to a good stereo. Period. Headphones are excellent when you really want to listen to and dissect a mix, or when you want to enjoy some personal listening. But if given a choice, I'd take the stereo.

[Starmax]

It's great to have spine-rattling sound filling the room. I also like to lie on the couch wrapped in a musical cocoon...so I do both, depending on my mood. Santa recently came through with a pair of Sennheiser HD-650's with a 10 ft. Cardas cable upgrade. He was even thoughtful enough to throw-in a Musical Fidelity X-CANv.3 headphone amp. Since this is my first real headphone experience, other than a cheesy pair of JVC's I use on my work computer, I can't compare or contrast them to anything in my known universe. Are they a substitute for my main sound system? No way. But thankfully it's not an either/or situation. As a sound alternative, they can have equally great impact, depending on my mood. I love 'em.

[majorloser]

I had a pair of Senn 580's.

But for some strange reason they decide to commit suicide one day by crawling up inside an upright vacuum cleaner. :rolleyes:

The wife just doesn't know why they'd jump off the audio rack and do such a thing :mad:

[Starmax]

I had a pair of Senn 580's.

But for some strange reason they decide to commit suicide one day by crawling up inside an upright vacuum cleaner. :rolleyes:

The wife just doesn't know why they'd jump off the audio rack and do such a thing :mad:
Majorloser,
You just hit on THE major problem with headphones...it's solitary. When others are around it's bad form to shut them out. They'll get ya back!

[majorloser]

OK, so now I'm looking into replacing my "dearly departed" :mad: Sennheiser HD-580's.

Any suggestions?

I like the looks of the HD-595's and they won't break the bank. I don't think I could convince myself that the HD-650's are a MUST HAVE. I haven't had a chance to try out a set of Grado's nor AKG's.

I just want something to "veg out" after work for less than $300.

[jaxvon]

OK, so now I'm looking into replacing my "dearly departed" :mad: Sennheiser HD-580's.

Any suggestions?

I like the looks of the HD-595's and they won't break the bank. I don't think I could convince myself that the HD-650's are a MUST HAVE. I haven't had a chance to try out a set of Grado's nor AKG's.

I just want something to "veg out" after work for less than $300.

Put the Beyerdynamic DT-880s and Sony MDR-7506 headphones on your list as well.

[Wafflesomd]

I havn't used anything but headphones for such a long time.

AKG 501's, 301, 271, and Sony MDR-v6.

[nm2285]

Depending on what you want to spend, my favorites (and I've tried a ton) have been the AKG k701, k601, Beyerdynamic DT880, Sennheiser HD580. The k701s are the most "speaker-like" of the above mentioned headphones because they actually offer a degree of separation between instruments and soundstage. There resolution is also far and away the best.

I'm not a huge Sony V6 fan - I find them too shrill in the upper registers. The Sennheiser 280 is also widely touted...I found it dark and muddled. If you're looking for a budget headphone, I like the AKG k81dj (although it's very bassy), and the Grado SR60. However, I prefer the HD580 to those by a wide margin and they're only $125 at amazon.

[aspaceintime]

I just bought the Sony MDR-v6 from Amazon for $63 to use with my Ipod Nano and I really like them. They are very comfortable.

[majorloser]

Depending on what you want to spend, my favorites (and I've tried a ton) have been the AKG k701, k601, Beyerdynamic DT880, Sennheiser HD580. The k701s are the most "speaker-like" of the above mentioned headphones because they actually offer a degree of separation between instruments and soundstage. There resolution is also far and away the best.

I'm not a huge Sony V6 fan - I find them too shrill in the upper registers. The Sennheiser 280 is also widely touted...I found it dark and muddled. If you're looking for a budget headphone, I like the AKG k81dj (although it's very bassy), and the Grado SR60. However, I prefer the HD580 to those by a wide margin and they're only $125 at amazon.

How would you compare the AKG's to the HD580's? (since I'm replacing a set of 580's)

I've never tried Beyerdynamic. How do they compare?

[warpdrive]

How would you compare the AKG's to the HD580's? (since I'm replacing a set of 580's)

I've never tried Beyerdynamic. How do they compare?

The AKG's have a brighter, flatter sound to them. Coming from HD580 you might find their bass to be more lightweight. Sennheisers on a whole sound a lot more warm and thick in the midbass.

[markw]

OK, so now I'm looking into replacing my "dearly departed" :mad: Sennheiser HD-580's.

Any suggestions?

I like the looks of the HD-595's and they won't break the bank. I don't think I could convince myself that the HD-650's are a MUST HAVE. I haven't had a chance to try out a set of Grado's nor AKG's.

I just want something to "veg out" after work for less than $300.FYI, Amazon.com has the 580's on sale for $130. :D

Now, if you're a cheap SOB like me, that's cause to ruminate on how much I really wanted to "upgrade" or simply replace 'em and pocket the difference.

[Nick250]

OK, so now I'm looking into replacing my "dearly departed" :mad: Sennheiser HD-580's.

Any suggestions?

I like the looks of the HD-595's and they won't break the bank. I don't think I could convince myself that the HD-650's are a MUST HAVE. I haven't had a chance to try out a set of Grado's nor AKG's.

I just want something to "veg out" after work for less than $300.

I have Senns HD580, Beyr DT931 and Grado SR 80. The HD580's are my favorites. To my ears they have a rich, balanced smooth sound that's hard to beat.

Dt931. Very detailed orientated without being harsh and they have a Broad sound stage. Very nice cans whose sound might be just the right thing to their ears. I could replace my 580's with them if I had to and be happy.

SR 80 A very in your face sound at the cost of balanced sound. However, if you want to crank it up and play air guitar, these are your babies. Ugly and uncomfortable with flimsy build qality.

Good luck!

Nick

[markw]

I have Senns HD580, Beyr DT931 and Grado SR 80. The HD580's are my favorites. To my ears they have a rich, balanced smooth sound that's hard to beat.

SR 80 A very in your face sound at the cost of balanced sound. However, if you want to crank it up and play air guitar, these are your babies. Ugly and uncomfortable with flimsy build qality.I have both of these as well and pretty much agree. The Senn's are more comfortable and have a flatter, more "realistic" overall balance on all material. For easy listening these are by far the better of the two. They CAN do loud quite well if you wish. though

I used the Grado's for blasting out good ole rock rock and roll. They have that peaked upper/mid bass that rock just thrives on. I don't find them that awfully uncomfortable, though. Nowhere near the same league as the Senn's, but not that bad.

But, I recently picked up a pair of Sennheiser 280's and I think these are slightly better than the Grado's for rock, and they are more comfortable as well. I rarely use the Grado's any more.

If I could have only one pair, It would be the 580's but, thankfully, headphones allow us to have a selection to fit our current wants/needs which speakers don't really allow as readily.

I have no experience with the 931 so I ignored that.

(FWIW, For portable use I use Koss Porta-pros.)

[majorloser]

The Sennheiser website shows the HD580's and HD590's are discontinued. :mad:

I'm sure I can pick up some old stock (might be why they're so cheap). But that's why I was thinking about the HD595's.

[Davidt1]

I bought the Sennheiser 590 for $100 about a year ago. They are unbelievably comfortable to wear, and they sound very good --better than my speaker system. I don't get the same clear separation of different instruments and the distinct bass from the speaker system. However, I don't listen to them that much though.

[Nick250]

The Sennheiser website shows the HD580's and HD590's are discontinued. :mad:

I'm sure I can pick up some old stock (might be why they're so cheap). But that's why I was thinking about the HD595's.

I bought and returned the HD590s. I compared them to the HD580s I had and I found the 590s a little bright and a bit thin sounding for my tastes. Like speakers, it's a personal choice. At least you don't have to account for room acoustics.

Nick

[furrycute]

The HD595 is the upgraded version of HD590, and from what I have read on the web, Sennheiser has improved the sonics as well in the upgrade. The HD595 only has a 50 ohm impedance, so it doesn't need a headphone amp to drive it. You can just plug it into any headphone out and it will play fine.

The HD580 is a bargain at what it is selling for nowadays. The HD600 is the HD580 upgrade, a slight improvement in sonics since the plastic grilles were replaced with metal ones. The HD580/600/650 have about 300 ohm impedance, as such, they need a headphone amp to bring out the best sonics, or you can use your receiver's headphone out to drive them. The headphone out of almost all portable players don't have the power to drive these cans properly.


I don't like the HD650 one single bit. To my ears, they too congested in the bass region. The music is WAY too syrupy like. I tried out too pairs, and I ended up returning them both.


The Beyerdynamics and AKG's are not easy to come by, and they'll cost you a whole lot more than the HD595, HD580. And the Grados, you either hate the sound or the love the sound, there is no in between. And the Grados are really uncomfortable to wear.

[nm2285]

The 580s vs the k701s:
The 580s are darker and warmer than the k701s. They also play in the middle of your head. The k701s will open the soundstage far outside of your head and isolate individual instruments. The k701s also offer more detail.

[Davidt1]

Here is a short nice review of various popular models. It's little dated but very accurate.

http://www.goodcans.com/HeadphoneReviews/bigreview.htm