I am new to the Forums and would love to hear everyone's opinion of their favorite cans. I don't have a huge budget for my audiophilia, but I still try to find the best on which to listen to my jazz collections. Definitely some headphones are better at balancing the super bright highs of the trumpet, for example. Some of my favorites are Grado SR60, Sennheiser HD 202 II, and Klipsch IMAGE S4.
Anyone have other recommendations?
Your favorite headphones?
Started by
spangalang
, Jan 28 2012 03:13 PM
39 replies to this topic
#2
jazzbo
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Posted 28 January 2012 - 04:02 PM
I don't have a lot of experience with headphones as I really don't LIKE to listen via headphones. (In part because in the final years of the 'eighties I did a lot of recording of bands I was in and did a lot of critical listening and monitoring on headphones and really burned out on the sound and feeling). My Dad bought me a pair of B&O A8 headphones six years ago to use with my iPod and computer, which at that time was the major source of my listening, as we were living in another city on and off for my late wife's medical treatment.
These work really well with the iPod, they are sonically very capable. Recently I tried them with the headphone output of a cd player and was quite impressed. They're a cool design and reasonably comfortable. They're the only headphones I've owned since I received them and I don't feel the need for another pair. (But then again, I'm far from a moderate or heavy headphone user.)
These work really well with the iPod, they are sonically very capable. Recently I tried them with the headphone output of a cd player and was quite impressed. They're a cool design and reasonably comfortable. They're the only headphones I've owned since I received them and I don't feel the need for another pair. (But then again, I'm far from a moderate or heavy headphone user.)
Edited by jazzbo, 28 January 2012 - 04:03 PM.
#3
kinuta
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Posted 29 January 2012 - 05:18 PM
Possibly the best sonic investment I've ever made is my 20 year old set of Sony MDR-Cd770 Digital Reference Headphones.
I've listened to countless other headphones since and often thought of an update, only problem is that nothing sounds as good as these !
Quote :
The absolute best set of earphones I’ve ever had, and in fact still own after some odd 20 years, is a set of Sony MDR-CD770 Digital Reference earphones. They (still) sound amazing, you feel like you can point out the location of every instrument in the band you’re listening too, like they were in the room.
The only problem with these are that they are big, expensive, and fragile. You won’t be taking these with you when you’re on vacation. They wouldn’t survive the suitcase, and they’re impossible when you are trying to lay your head down to sleep while listening to good music. Even if you did, you’d never wake up again, being strangled by the many meters of audio cable dangling off of your left ear.
But if you’re sitting at home on the couch, these will beat the * out of any soundsystem anyday, without annoying the neighbours. You’ll be amazed at how good a high-bitrate AAC track sounds comming out of your iPod.
I've listened to countless other headphones since and often thought of an update, only problem is that nothing sounds as good as these !
Quote :
The absolute best set of earphones I’ve ever had, and in fact still own after some odd 20 years, is a set of Sony MDR-CD770 Digital Reference earphones. They (still) sound amazing, you feel like you can point out the location of every instrument in the band you’re listening too, like they were in the room.
The only problem with these are that they are big, expensive, and fragile. You won’t be taking these with you when you’re on vacation. They wouldn’t survive the suitcase, and they’re impossible when you are trying to lay your head down to sleep while listening to good music. Even if you did, you’d never wake up again, being strangled by the many meters of audio cable dangling off of your left ear.
But if you’re sitting at home on the couch, these will beat the * out of any soundsystem anyday, without annoying the neighbours. You’ll be amazed at how good a high-bitrate AAC track sounds comming out of your iPod.
#6
Jay
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 03:54 PM
I do a lot of headphone listening. I did recently give my brother my Senns because I no longer cared for the sound, but headphone listening can be addicting (while also necessary in my case for marital harmony).
For everyday use, I love my Beyerdynamic DT880s.
I also have Grado SR60s and SR125s. I was recently blessed with good fortune, though, and I now have a pair of Joe Grado's own HP-1000s (H-2 model):
I also tend to like the canal phones for on the go and like the Etymotics (Shure's main competitor). I have a pair of HF5s and they are fantastic (and relatively inexpensive, all things being equal).
Hard to beat those Grado SR60s, which were a gateway for me.
For everyday use, I love my Beyerdynamic DT880s.
I also have Grado SR60s and SR125s. I was recently blessed with good fortune, though, and I now have a pair of Joe Grado's own HP-1000s (H-2 model):
I also tend to like the canal phones for on the go and like the Etymotics (Shure's main competitor). I have a pair of HF5s and they are fantastic (and relatively inexpensive, all things being equal).
Hard to beat those Grado SR60s, which were a gateway for me.
#7
Uncle Skid
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 05:34 PM
Grado SR225's here. I don't use them a whole lot, but I'm very happy with them.
Check out goodcans.com -- lots of great information there. I bought the SR225's from them, highly recommended.
Check out goodcans.com -- lots of great information there. I bought the SR225's from them, highly recommended.
#9
BFrank
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 09:40 PM
Thinksound TS-02 for in-ear listening......although I don't use them much because I find that walking with them is a weird physical experience.
For day-to-day commuting use, I prefer my Sennheiser open-ear PMX-60's.
For day-to-day commuting use, I prefer my Sennheiser open-ear PMX-60's.
#10
skeith
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Posted 02 February 2012 - 09:52 AM
I have a question. What equipment are you guys using these head/ear/phones with?
I only use these with a Discman and I am wondering whether you can get ear/headphones that are just too good for a Discman? If you know what I mean.
I only use these with a Discman and I am wondering whether you can get ear/headphones that are just too good for a Discman? If you know what I mean.
#11
.:.impossible
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Posted 02 February 2012 - 10:59 AM
Brooks, curious what you mean about walking with them being a weird physical experience... I have been running with a a pair of Sennheiser PX headphones for years and am considering in-ear might be a better option. Less sweat!
#13
BFrank
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Posted 02 February 2012 - 10:12 PM
You can hear yourself breathe and even hear noises when you touch the wire. These aren't noise cancelling, but they have a bit of the same effect. When I'm on the street I like to be able to hear what's going on around me somewhat.Brooks, curious what you mean about walking with them being a weird physical experience... I have been running with a a pair of Sennheiser PX headphones for years and am considering in-ear might be a better option. Less sweat!
#15
Delightfulee
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Posted 03 February 2012 - 07:13 PM
I am new to the Forums and would love to hear everyone's opinion of their favorite cans. I don't have a huge budget for my audiophilia, but I still try to find the best on which to listen to my jazz collections. Definitely some headphones are better at balancing the super bright highs of the trumpet, for example. Some of my favorites are Grado SR60, Sennheiser HD 202 II, and Klipsch IMAGE S4.
Anyone have other recommendations?
This a great topic. Thanks for asking the question. Looking forward to additional answers.
#16
Leeway
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Posted 05 February 2012 - 12:11 PM
Just curious to know how folks checked out their headphones before making the decision to purchase them. Let's say one wanted to check out Grado, Sennheiser and Beyer cans.
Not always easy to audition headphones. Local dealers? Equipment reviews? word of mouth? forums like this one, or ones dedicated to headphones?
Not always easy to audition headphones. Local dealers? Equipment reviews? word of mouth? forums like this one, or ones dedicated to headphones?
#17
BeBop
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Posted 05 February 2012 - 01:08 PM
Just curious to know how folks checked out their headphones before making the decision to purchase them. Let's say one wanted to check out Grado, Sennheiser and Beyer cans.
Not always easy to audition headphones. Local dealers? Equipment reviews? word of mouth? forums like this one, or ones dedicated to headphones?
head-fi.org
go to a CanJam, if you can. I tried about 100 in a day. Or one of the board members' "meetings", like this one: http://www.head-fi.o...y-11th-saturday
"complete" regional meet-up forum here: http://www.head-fi.o...s-get-togethers
Edited by BeBop, 05 February 2012 - 01:09 PM.
#18
Leeway
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Posted 06 February 2012 - 05:04 PM
Just curious to know how folks checked out their headphones before making the decision to purchase them. Let's say one wanted to check out Grado, Sennheiser and Beyer cans.
Not always easy to audition headphones. Local dealers? Equipment reviews? word of mouth? forums like this one, or ones dedicated to headphones?
head-fi.org
go to a CanJam, if you can. I tried about 100 in a day. Or one of the board members' "meetings", like this one: http://www.head-fi.o...y-11th-saturday
"complete" regional meet-up forum here: http://www.head-fi.o...s-get-togethers
Thanks, that's useful info.
#19
king ubu
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Posted 07 February 2012 - 04:03 PM
I've got one pair of fairly cheap Sony headphones (meaning this isn't a thread I should post in at all) but my ears are too Pantani-like to be suited to long hours of headphone-listening anyway...
(Sony MDR-V150, in case anyone cares... got to buy what's around in the 0.378 stores that carry such stuff here...)
(Sony MDR-V150, in case anyone cares... got to buy what's around in the 0.378 stores that carry such stuff here...)
#20
BeBop
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Posted 07 February 2012 - 04:46 PM
I've got one pair of fairly cheap Sony headphones (meaning this isn't a thread I should post in at all) but my ears are too Pantani-like to be suited to long hours of headphone-listening anyway...
That's two of us. My Grado SR80s aren't all that comfortable, but with all my traveling, headphones are really my only option.
(I wonder how many people here understand the reference to Pantani?!)
#21
WD45
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Posted 07 February 2012 - 04:49 PM
I love the Grado SR60s at home.
At the office, my Sennheiser HD202s do a fine job of isolating sound. (They have what seems to be a bottomless extended bass range. Lowest of the lows come through with these things.)
For foot commuting in these Mpls skyways, I use Skullkandy Titans, a nice set of in-ear buds. Less bass response than I might like, but they fit well. There was some cable noise-conduction issues, which I addressed by inserting them upside down and routed the cables up and then behind my ears. Problem solved.
I honestly don't know how folks can use those stock Apple earbuds.
At the office, my Sennheiser HD202s do a fine job of isolating sound. (They have what seems to be a bottomless extended bass range. Lowest of the lows come through with these things.)
For foot commuting in these Mpls skyways, I use Skullkandy Titans, a nice set of in-ear buds. Less bass response than I might like, but they fit well. There was some cable noise-conduction issues, which I addressed by inserting them upside down and routed the cables up and then behind my ears. Problem solved.
I honestly don't know how folks can use those stock Apple earbuds.
#22
king ubu
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Posted 07 February 2012 - 05:25 PM
I've got one pair of fairly cheap Sony headphones (meaning this isn't a thread I should post in at all) but my ears are too Pantani-like to be suited to long hours of headphone-listening anyway...
That's two of us. My Grado SR80s aren't all that comfortable, but with all my traveling, headphones are really my only option.
(I wonder how many people here understand the reference to Pantani?!)
Well, I thought it was okay to make that reference in light of the recent Contador-thread... you know, when I was still cycling I started shaving my head (still do, though usually not as short as I did back then) and the other kids called me "Elephantino"
As for my headphones... a quick search on the net tells me they cost twice as much here as in $$-land... I'm using them right now and sound is really pretty nice to my ears. I'm no audiophile, so there's that... I prefer listening in a room anyway, even if it's just at low volume.
#23
Jazz Nut
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Posted 11 February 2012 - 12:52 AM
I've got Sennheiser HD 518's and they are fine (a good friend works as a sales rep for them...and I got 'em pretty cheap) they started sounding really good once they were broken in. I play them via my headphone input in my Yamaha amplifier. But they work fine plugged into my iPhone. I am looking into getting some Grado headphones in the future from what people have said on this board and a friend who has a pair. Cool thread!!!
I love listening to my stereo system, but listening to music (good "audiophile" recordings for example) with headphones can really bring out detail that is otherwise unheard.
I love listening to my stereo system, but listening to music (good "audiophile" recordings for example) with headphones can really bring out detail that is otherwise unheard.
Edited by Jazz Nut, 11 February 2012 - 12:53 AM.
#24
thedwork
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Posted 11 February 2012 - 10:32 AM
i use the Bose in ear buds at the gym:
they work really well for me. the newer plastic tip design is comfortable and surprisingly stable. i couldn't use "buds" before this new design. they would all just fall out. these sound nice as well. but honestly, i haven't tried too many others...
also, the one pictured here have extra in-line controls for volume, track skipping, and a built-in microphone for cell phone calls. the music controls used to work only for certain apple products, but i believe now there is a free app that allows you to use those functions w/ other phones like droids, etc...
they work really well for me. the newer plastic tip design is comfortable and surprisingly stable. i couldn't use "buds" before this new design. they would all just fall out. these sound nice as well. but honestly, i haven't tried too many others...
also, the one pictured here have extra in-line controls for volume, track skipping, and a built-in microphone for cell phone calls. the music controls used to work only for certain apple products, but i believe now there is a free app that allows you to use those functions w/ other phones like droids, etc...
Edited by thedwork, 11 February 2012 - 10:34 AM.
#27
AfricaBrass
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Posted 24 February 2012 - 08:52 PM
For years, I've been using Sennheiser HD280 headphones paired with an older Sony D25s Discman. I keep the cd player and headphones next to my computer and listen while I work (or surf).
The Discman is really cool. On a tip from the Head-Fi forum, I bought it about 10 years ago in NOS condition for $25. I spent another $12 on a power supply from Radio Shack. It's been a fantastic setup.
I like the Sennheisers, but would like to try some Grados someday. I've heard so many good things about them.
The Discman is really cool. On a tip from the Head-Fi forum, I bought it about 10 years ago in NOS condition for $25. I spent another $12 on a power supply from Radio Shack. It's been a fantastic setup.
I like the Sennheisers, but would like to try some Grados someday. I've heard so many good things about them.
#29
romualdo
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Posted 04 March 2012 - 12:01 AM
Have a set of gorgeous Grado SR 325's - was recently considering a Grado headphone amp to help boost the sound & read a lukewarm review which at the same time raved about the "NuForce Icon HDP" (high end headphone Amp plus USB DAC & Preamp)
For the same price as a Grado Headphone Amp you get a device that is a high end headphone amp has two other functions (these are components that are included in some of the higher end Nuforce HiFi equipment)
http://www.nuforce.c...onhdp/index.php
Running the NuForce with Harmon Kardon Soundsticks/Jellyfish on a 27" iMac - sound is stunning (with & without headphones)
For the same price as a Grado Headphone Amp you get a device that is a high end headphone amp has two other functions (these are components that are included in some of the higher end Nuforce HiFi equipment)
http://www.nuforce.c...onhdp/index.php
Running the NuForce with Harmon Kardon Soundsticks/Jellyfish on a 27" iMac - sound is stunning (with & without headphones)
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#30
Matt
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Posted 05 March 2012 - 12:41 AM
I like Grados. I have three pairs - SR 325, SR 325i and SR 80i's for work. I really like the 325!
I have been using them lately with a BSG Cmoy amp with great results!
Speaking of the Grado Headphone Amp, check this page out:
http://www.ecp.cc/ra1.html
Talk about an overpriced rip-off.
I have been using them lately with a BSG Cmoy amp with great results!
Have a set of gorgeous Grado SR 325's - was recently considering a Grado headphone amp to help boost the sound & read a lukewarm review which at the same time raved about the "NuForce Icon HDP" (high end headphone Amp plus USB DAC & Preamp)
For the same price as a Grado Headphone Amp you get a device that is a high end headphone amp has two other functions (these are components that are included in some of the higher end Nuforce HiFi equipment)
http://www.nuforce.c...onhdp/index.php
Running the NuForce with Harmon Kardon Soundsticks/Jellyfish on a 27" iMac - sound is stunning (with & without headphones)
Speaking of the Grado Headphone Amp, check this page out:
http://www.ecp.cc/ra1.html
Talk about an overpriced rip-off.
Edited by Matt, 05 March 2012 - 12:47 AM.
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