Headphones!

[DanTheManPR]

My old headphones finaly broke (I dropped them one too many times), and I'm in the market for new ones! Nice ones - I don't listen to music on my speakers (which are crap), only on headphones. So... what do you guys think I should get? Price limit is US$100, although I would rather not spend that much. Idealy, I would rather spend 50 dollars, but if you guys know any exceptionaly good headphones (or headphone companies) that are good, give me a heads up.

I've heard good things about the company Sennheiser. Is that a good company to get headphones from?

[acozz]

I've heard good things about the company Sennheiser. Is that a good company to get headphones from?

I've never heard different, but I listen to $8 headphones because I usually break them (the cord gets loose in the ear and only one side works). I figure if I'm going to go through them so fast, I'll pay as little as possible.

[Inthewoods]

My old headphones finaly broke (I dropped them one too many times), and I'm in the market for new ones! Nice ones - I don't listen to music on my speakers (which are crap), only on headphones. So... what do you guys think I should get? Price limit is US$100, although I would rather not spend that much. Idealy, I would rather spend 50 dollars, but if you guys know any exceptionaly good headphones (or headphone companies) that are good, give me a heads up.

I've heard good things about the company Sennheiser. Is that a good company to get headphones from?

I had a pair of Sennheisers years ago (in the 70's) They were incredible! I still have them actually, but the cord and plug need repair and I have just never gotten to it. They're stashed somewhere, now that you asked about Sennheiser, maybe I'll finally fix them. The model was HD 414, but I have no idea of Sennheiser quality as far as the current models.

[Inthewoods]

I had a pair of Sennheisers years ago (in the 70's) They were incredible! I still have them actually, but the cord and plug need repair and I have just never gotten to it. They're stashed somewhere, now that you asked about Sennheiser, maybe I'll finally fix them. The model was HD 414, but I have no idea of Sennheiser quality as far as the current models.



I just found this link. Sounds like the PX-100 is similar. SENNHEISER HEADPHONES (http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=SENPX100&Category_Code=HDPH)

[rorythedog]

Depends what you're looking for. Will you be listening to them with other people close by? If so, this pretty much rules out open-backed designs (which do ultimately sound better). The sound leakage can be unbearable for others. Just ask my wife. What about in-ear designs? Are you likely to use your cans outdoors? If so then in-ear designs like those from Sony which resemble small buds and go right in to the inner ear sound superb. People on the street don't stop and stare either. Always a good thing!

I used to use a pair of Sony MDR-CD1000's which cost at the time about £150.
They were excellent but very bulky. Nowadays I'm using Sony in-ear as described above. They sound great but I find the design very fiddly.

Manufacturers to consider are Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Grado, Sony and Stax.

Try HERE (http://headroom.headphone.com/layout.php) for more advice than I can give.

One thing though. Try before you buy. The tonal differences between different sets can be large, and it's not always easy to tell which is 'best' on paper. Go to a shop and try them with your music. It's a bit cheeky, but you should do this even if you then purchase them online.

Post back and let us know what you decide. Happy listening.

[Inthewoods]

Depends what you're looking for. Will you be listening to them with other people close by? If so, this pretty much rules out open-backed designs (which do ultimately sound better). The sound leakage can be unbearable for others. Just ask my wife.

LOL Been there, heard that. That's one of the reasons I "retired" the Sennheisers


Manufacturers to consider are Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Grado, Sony and Stax.


Since my last post, I ran across a "review" type website where the general consensus was that the newer Sennsheisers aren't as good as the older ones. The users there spoke highly of both Grado and Sony.

Of course, a lot depends on your budget too.

Dang it, now I've got the bug to go buy some new headphones...LOL

[rorythedog]

[QUOTE]Dang it, now I've got the bug to go buy some new headphones...

Aye, me too.

You're right about the Grado's, but they're damned uncomfortable. Also, although less important, they look terrible.

Obviously I haven't quite got the hang of the quote thingy (see above).
Oh well, far too late tonight to worry about such things. You get my drift.

[Inthewoods]

You're right about the Grado's, but they're damned uncomfortable. Also, although less important, they look terrible.



Yes indeed, the pictures of the Grados I've seen are the fugliest ucking things I've seen. They look like they belong in a cheap sci-fi movie.

[ravage777]

Wow I was just gonna make this topic because I'm buying headphones tomorrow too. I've tried the Sennheiser PX-100 Portable Headphones and they are amazing. Well at least compared to my Plantronics Audio 90s I use for my computer.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Lol The only thing i got in terms of headphones is that they're more like earphones. Tiny as they are, they produce good sound. Too bad they keep falling out of my ears :silly:

[Zayoos]

Too bad they keep falling out of my ears :silly:
haha, I have the same problem :) that's why I'm using headphones. From some time now I Have Philips SBC HP195, they aren't the best or newest but in that time when I bought them, they were cheap and they sound good.

[rorythedog]

Hi folks, me again. Well this subject's really got my interest. Here's another couple of links which might prove usefull.

GOODCANS (http://www.goodcans.com/)

AUDIOTOOLS (http://audiotools.com/sz.html)

HI-FI CHOICE (http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/archive/perl/60_printreview.htm)

STEREOPHILE (http://www.stereophile.com/accessoryreviews/895/)

And read this and weep. Although only Learjet owners need apply.

STAX JAPAN (http://www.stax.co.jp/index-E.html)

On a lighter note, about 10 years ago, myself and a friend were visiting a Hi-Fi show in Edinburgh. On their stand Sennheiser were debuting their new electrostatic model. The Orpheus. Whilst auditioning said cans my friend somehow slid his foot the wrong way on the nylon carpet. KABOOM! Wisps of smoke and pungent smell followed. Cost of Headphones - £10,000. Speed of departure - very,very rapid. The salesmans' face had to be seen. I swear he turned green. Ha!Ha!.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

You know what we need? Headphones or earphones that dont interfere with mobile telephones. It is soooo annoying. Picture yourself sitting in the train home. The train itself is making lots of noise, but thats okay, you just turn up the volume. Then suddenly the person next to you starts recieving a call via his mobile phone and this horrible BEEP BEEP BEEPER-THE-BEEP noise suddenly hits your ears via the headphones. And because you turned up the volume, you get hit twice as hard! I think mobile phones should be banned or something, i dont know, regulated perhaps in public areas.

[Zayoos]

Yes, this is annoying. But the mobile phone's idea was (also) to use them outside your house, I think that is mostly in public areas. :) :globe:

[Roj]

My old headphones finaly broke (I dropped them one too many times), and I'm in the market for new ones! Nice ones - I don't listen to music on my speakers (which are crap), only on headphones. So... what do you guys think I should get? Price limit is US$100, although I would rather not spend that much. Idealy, I would rather spend 50 dollars, but if you guys know any exceptionaly good headphones (or headphone companies) that are good, give me a heads up.

I've heard good things about the company Sennheiser. Is that a good company to get headphones from?Yup.

At your price point I'd seriously look at a set of HD-497s. Typically, Senn cans do an open soundstage and detailed imaging. Grado cans do a straightforward in-yer-face approach with much less imaging and soundstage. They're also damned uncomfortable as someone else pointed out.

My preference is Senn cans.

[hedge]

Yup.

At your price point I'd seriously look at a set of HD-497s. Typically, Senn cans do an open soundstage and detailed imaging. Grado cans do a straightforward in-yer-face approach with much less imaging and soundstage. They're also damned uncomfortable as someone else pointed out.

My preference is Senn cans.
Yeah, I'm gonna see if i can find some HD-497's in any stores down under. If I can't i suppose its the good old internet purchase... damn shipping :depressed
They'll definitely be a nice step up from my current set of 6channell Zalman's (fine for games, and make up for me not having a nice set of 5.1 speakers, but flat and cruddy for music).

[Jost]

I got a pair of Sony MDR-V700 (US $120.00) very comfortable. If you listen to music for long periods of time through your headphones, make sure you get a comfortable pair. You'll hear alot more detail from your music if you listen through a pair of headphones.

[DanTheManPR]

Depends what you're looking for. Will you be listening to them with other people close by? If so, this pretty much rules out open-backed designs (which do ultimately sound better). The sound leakage can be unbearable for others. Just ask my wife. What about in-ear designs? Are you likely to use your cans outdoors? If so then in-ear designs like those from Sony which resemble small buds and go right in to the inner ear sound superb. People on the street don't stop and stare either. Always a good thing!

I want them for use with my computer only. I'm not taking them anywhere, and I'll be wearing them for hours on end. I have some nice pare of 35 dollar Jensen's that I keep as backup. They have resonably good sound quality, but after wearing them for a half-hour, It feels like my ears are going to fall off.

The HD497's look damn fine, and at 69 dollars, they are just the right price. They look comfy enough:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000065BPC.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[hedge]

I want them for use with my computer only. I'm not taking them anywhere, and I'll be wearing them for hours on end. I have some nice pare of 35 dollar Jensen's that I keep as backup. They have resonably good sound quality, but after wearing them for a half-hour, It feels like my ears are going to fall off.

The HD497's look damn fine, and at 69 dollars, they are just the right price. They look comfy enough:


I just got my pair of HD 497's, and i gotta say, audio quality is awesome!
One drawback, i think my ears are different to everyone elses or something, because they aren't all that comfortable to me...

[ravage777]

Well I posted a topic about what headphones I should choose at www.head-fi.org and they are all crazy about headphones so I would think they would know their stuff. One thing that irked me though was that one guy said that a Koss-55 or something or a Koss Portapro was better than the Sennheiser 497s. I know it's true about the Portapro since it's supposed to be like a Sennheiser PX100, which I have heard myself and is a lot better than anything I've ever heard, but a Koss-55 is like $25CDN so I was discouraged from buying something so cheap that could possibly be so amazing. O_O. I decided to just buy a pair of Sony MDR-V300 and I can say that they sound better than my Plantronics Audio 90s. :D

[Inthewoods]

........ Koss Portapro was better than the Sennheiser 497s. I know it's true about the Portapro since it's supposed to be like a Sennheiser PX100, which I have heard myself and is a lot better than anything I've ever heard..........
You logic eludes me here. Even if the Koss was "better" than the PX-100, that doesn't make it true that it's better than the HD-497. The 2 Sennheisers are 2 totally different class of headphones. The HD-497 is much more a system type phone, while the PX100s are classified as portable.

You need to compare apples and apples. I wouldn't get too excited until you've tried out the models you're considering, for both sound and comfort.

[Roj]

Well I posted a topic about what headphones I should choose at www.head-fi.org (http://www.head-fi.org/) and they are all crazy about headphones so I would think they would know their stuff. One thing that irked me though was that one guy said that a Koss-55 or something or a Koss Portapro was better than the Sennheiser 497s. I know it's true about the Portapro since it's supposed to be like a Sennheiser PX100, which I have heard myself and is a lot better than anything I've ever heard, but a Koss-55 is like $25CDN so I was discouraged from buying something so cheap that could possibly be so amazing. O_O. I decided to just buy a pair of Sony MDR-V300 and I can say that they sound better than my Plantronics Audio 90s. :D
The Koss KSC-55s is supposed to have the same drivers as the PortaPro and SportaPro (I own both of the latter). Either model is significantly above the PX-100s.

I'm no fan of Sony - in my experience they are all about hype, snob appeal pricing and so-called "reputation", not delivery. That applies across their entire product line (from TVs - especially their TVs - to portable audio) as far as I'm concerned.

[ravage777]

Ya I don't like sony either, but they were the only $50 ones that I could get a hold of besides like Panasonic, and some other ones. I tried the Panasonic ones and they were terrible.

Hm, inthewoods, you're right about that. I was just reading up on PX-100 and HD-497 on Headroom and they make it seem like they are in the same class as far as sound-quality goes :confused: What would a larger pair of headphones give anyways? Bigger bass?

[DanTheManPR]

Arrrgghhh.... I can't find any good headphones in stores anywhere, and no-one ships to Puerto Rico :mad:

I do have some older 20 dollar headphones that sound good enough to satisfy me for now. In the meantime, I looked around for ear-plug type phones (for riding in cars and planes, where I can't hear the music over all the noise). I couldn't find any, except for a 50 dollar pair of Sony's. They fit the bill nicely for my CD/mp3 player - where quality isn't really a big issue.

[Willow of Oz]

Okay, I recently needed a new pair of headphones. They might get used for gaming, so a mike would be nice. Preferably comfortable for longterm use, and good freq range of course for general music.
I was considering one of the other (nongaming) Sennheisers but settled for the PC160 SKs, since it had the mike. Was pushing the $$ even then (but less than I was initially considering once I started checking the Senn range).
Initially it wasn't so comfortable, which was disappointing. But they're fine now.
They leak a lot of sound. Could be good at a lan if you need to hear teammates and you're not using the mike, but otherwise at work...
Sound reproduction is fine.
Overall they're quite good, but, I dunno, maybe I had high expectations. Still, it's not like I'm sitting around going "I wish I'd bought brand/model X instead". So at least that's pretty cool. `Course, I'm not looking any more.
Picked them up a few months ago.

[Toe]

IMHO you'd be silly to try to find a mic + headphones combo. It limits your options WAAAAAY too much, if you care at all about sound quality. I would've just got a good set of cans + whatever cheap mic I could find.

Sennheiser makes some of the finest headphones in the world (some day, I really want to hear an Orpheus), but they also make some really crappy stuff.

[Willow of Oz]

IMHO you'd be silly to try to find a mic + headphones combo. It limits your options WAAAAAY too much, if you care at all about sound quality. I would've just got a good set of cans + whatever cheap mic I could find.

And what, hang it off my head? Stand it on the desk behind the keyboard and yell extra loud, or lean right up to it every time I want to say something? The practicalities demand an attached microphone.

[rorythedog]

I went to a hi-fi show in Edinburgh with a couple of mates about 10 years ago. We all worked in the hi-fi industry at the time. The Orpheus had just been released at £10,000! My mate Jim went to the Sennheiser room to have an audition. While listening to them someone tapped him on the shoulder and as he turned around there was a fizzing sound and then a crack! Smoke started to come from the valve head amp and the sound died. According to the rep my mate had dragged his foot on the carpet whilst turning and the static had somehow went back through the cable and into the amp, blowing 2 valves in the process. The salesman looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him. Mortified. It wasn't like the cans were completely destroyed, but the valves were £200 each to replace. We disappeared, exit stage left. A true story.

In my experience, if you're looking to spend a good amount of money on headphones try to get them home for a demo. Even if it means putting down the full amount as a deposit, you'll appreciate it. Even more than most hi-fi components, you'll never achieve the right frame of mind in a shop to audition them properly.

Currently I'm using a cheapo set of Creative cans with the mic built-in. I need the mic to be part of the cans cos I only really use them for racing sims and a seperate mic is just not practical. They sound crap with music though.

[Todd The Kiwi]

woops i thought this was the mic thread... :cheeky:
[pics below]

http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/3952.jpghttp://www.centralnow.org/old_fashion_radio_microphone.gif

[Toe]

And what, hang it off my head? Stand it on the desk behind the keyboard and yell extra loud, or lean right up to it every time I want to say something? The practicalities demand an attached microphone. Um, they do make microphones that don't suck, you know.

Or are you secretly a Smurf with a voice that's all but inaudible to human ears?

[Willow of Oz]

Um, they do make microphones that don't suck, you know.

Or are you secretly a Smurf with a voice that's all but inaudible to human ears?

How far from a microphone are you supposed to be? I had assumed relatively close...

[rorythedog]

And you need to factor in how far your speakers are from the mic too.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

I went to a hi-fi show in Edinburgh with a couple of mates about 10 years ago. We all worked in the hi-fi industry at the time. The Orpheus had just been released at £10,000! My mate Jim went to the Sennheiser room to have an audition. While listening to them someone tapped him on the shoulder and as he turned around there was a fizzing sound and then a crack! Smoke started to come from the valve head amp and the sound died. According to the rep my mate had dragged his foot on the carpet whilst turning and the static had somehow went back through the cable and into the amp, blowing 2 valves in the process. The salesman looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him. Mortified. It wasn't like the cans were completely destroyed, but the valves were £200 each to replace. We disappeared, exit stage left. A true story.

Is this the same story (a classic one at that) from the first page, or have you done this multiple times. I have an idea for a website: smashmyorpheus.com, referring to smashmyipod.com and others. :)

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

Ahhh...Deal of the Day (http://news.com.com/2061-11728_3-6090380.html?part=rss&tag=6090380&subj=news)!

Shipping charges make me laugh.

[acushla]

Ahhh...Deal of the Day (http://news.com.com/2061-11728_3-6090380.html?part=rss&tag=6090380&subj=news)!

Shipping charges make me laugh.Or you could just go to a 'dollar' store...save 6 bucks AND the shipping.:foureyes:

Users say they sound great.:silly:

[Toe]

Actually, Sennheiser's earbuds are rather highly regarded for decent portable quality on the cheap, but the MX-500 or MX-550 is normally what's reccomended, rather than the MX-400s.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

Or you could just go to a 'dollar' store...save 6 bucks AND the shipping.:foureyes:

Users say they sound great.:silly:

Like Toe said, they're better than what you would expect. I read about the cheap Sennheiser earbuds often.

[acushla]

Like Toe said, they're better than what you would expect. I read about the cheap Sennheiser earbuds often.
Hey...nowhere did I say they didn't sound great...I was really making a comment on the 'shipping' charge.':cool:

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

Hey...nowhere did I say they didn't sound great...I was really making a comment on the 'shipping' charge.':cool:

I thought you meant they sound just as good as dollar store headphones. Shipping charges are pretty outrageous sometimes.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

A new twist on the thread...'Headphone Related Accidents and Near Death Experiences'.

http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/ipod-blamed-for-teenagers-lightning-strike/

[acushla]

I thought you meant they sound just as good as dollar store headphones. Shipping charges are pretty outrageous sometimes.Yeah...I was thinking it. I'll tell you straight up...Dollar Stores are my absolute favourite...and in Toronto they spring up like mushrooms. (No...NOT those mushrooms!) It's unbelievable what you can find for a buck. When I went to Europe I was in a good stereo shop looking at a little FM radio thingie that, once you pushed a button, it tuned itself. $35.00. Came with a little pair of earphones.:rolleyes:

Bought one for a $1...worked fine...still have it.

A warning though...I wouldn't recommend buying tools or hardware...and I personally wouldn't buy food at one. Woman's undergarments are a good value though.:silly:

The only thing better than a dollar store is a dollar store which is having a half price sale. It's amazing the things you'll buy for .50 that you wouldn't buy for a buck.

Speaking of downloading...the son of a woman I know works as a fragrance Representative (Gucci, Angel, Chanel etc) with a fairly large district in Toronto and beyond. We were walking along downtown, talking, when all of a sudden he begins to swear and become very upset. I have no idea what the problem is until I realize we are standing in front of a 'Name Brand Perfumes - 40% less'

I laughed...but it was an inside laugh...not a outside laugh.:evil:

Hey...I'm a sensitive guy.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

Dollar stores...automatic ice machine in freezer seems to have died, so I recently purchased some good old fashioned ice cube trays at one.:ermm:

[acushla]

Dollar stores...automatic ice machine in freezer seems to have died, so I recently purchased some good old fashioned ice cube trays at one.:ermm:I've gotta ask...who is the beautiful woman in your Avatar...and when do I get to photograph her?

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

I've gotta ask...who is the beautiful woman in your Avatar...and when do I get to photograph her?

Kim Raver. So if you start filming for 24, do you think you could get me on the set sometime? :silly:

[acushla]

Kim Raver. So if you start filming for 24, do you think you could get me on the set sometime? :silly:I'm just taking off my very fine sounding Grado's.

How does next Wednesday at 7am work for you?

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

I'm just taking off my very fine sounding Grado's.

How does next Wednesday at 7am work for you?

I'm looking at the highest resolution image of her that I can find right now...still looks good to me. Guess I'm no visualphile.

Edit: 7am? Haha...

[The Big Cheese]

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/product.jsp?productId=SHS8000_00_GB_CONSUMER&language=en&country=GB&catalogType=CONSUMER&proxybuster=S0ANX2TIF3NSVJ0RMRCSHQVHKFSESI5P
Does anybody know anything about these? - what are they like and where to buy etc.
Also, how good are the Sony MDR-1X81SL and how do these two compare to each other. Judging from just the specifications, the philips seem slightly better, although I don't know if this makes a difference or not. They look a bit comfier to wear too, but theres nothing about them on the net. Any help?

[rorythedog]

I haven't come across the Philips cans before but I do have an earlier version of the Sonys and think they're great. I use them with a Sony MD player and they sound fine. Plenty of bass. They do tend to isolate you a lot though and this has downsides as well as ups. Don't use them on a pushbike. You'll be toast before you know it.

[The Big Cheese]

I haven't come across the Philips cans before but I do have an earlier version of the Sonys and think they're great. I use them with a Sony MD player and they sound fine. Plenty of bass. They do tend to isolate you a lot though and this has downsides as well as ups. Don't use them on a pushbike. You'll be toast before you know it.
Isolation was just was I was looking for. :) I did read that the sonys are a bit flimsy though. I actualy preferred the idea of the philips ones but I think they've just come out or something and I don't even think they're on sale in the uk yet. :(

[rorythedog]

They are a bit flimsy but it kinda goes with the territory, if you see my meaning. I've had my ones for nearly 3 years with no problems whatsoever.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with Sony, can you? ;)

Personally, if I was in this market again I'd be looking for a nice pair of SENNHEISERS (http://www.sennheiser.co.uk/uk/icm.nsf/root/products_sennheiser_headphones_portable). Sennheiser didn't make this design when I purchased the Sonys. They do now.

[The Big Cheese]

They are a bit flimsy but it kinda goes with the territory, if you see my meaning. I've had my ones for nearly 3 years with no problems whatsoever.

Anyway, you can't go wrong with Sony, can you? ;)

Personally, if I was in this market again I'd be looking for a nice pair of Sennheisers. Sennheiser didn't make this design when I purchased the Sonys. They do now.
Yeah, I looked at a pair of Sennheisers, OMX 50 VC. Only problem is that I'm looking for a pair with isolation. I need the ear hook because all headphones seem to fall out of my ears (left ear mostly :evolved:). But I want portability as well. I'l probably end up going for the Sonys anyway, just because I can't even get the others anywhere.

[The Big Cheese]

http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/catalog/product.jsp?productId=SHS8000_00_GB_CONSUMER&language=en&country=GB&catalogType=CONSUMER&proxybuster=S0ANX2TIF3NSVJ0RMRCSHQVHKFSESI5P
Does anybody know anything about these? - what are they like and where to buy etc.
Also, how good are the Sony MDR-1X81SL and how do these two compare to each other. Judging from just the specifications, the philips seem slightly better, although I don't know if this makes a difference or not. They look a bit comfier to wear too, but theres nothing about them on the net. Any help?
Anyone else know anything about the Philips ones?

[rorythedog]

Anyone else know anything about the Philips ones?

La Prima Gorgonzola - Just back from a camping trip. I bought this months PC Format and inside they review a pair of Sennheiser CX300 (£30) and give them 90%, a pretty good result. I'm assuming the fact that they're tested in a UK mag means that they're available in the UK.

Google is your friend.

[The Big Cheese]

Yeah, I would get them, but as I said before, I must just have very strange ears, lol. The standard shape usualy just falls out, so I need the ones with earclips. AFAIK, the only headphones that have isolation and clips are the philips shs8000 (not out yet) and the sony ex81 (seen bad reviews).

[Todd The Kiwi]

due to my new found affection for FPS games
i think some quality 'phones are on the menu, i likes me hardware :biggrin:

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

It seems like the Sennheiser HD 201 (http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/sealed-and-noise-canceling/sennheiser-hd-201.php) model might be a pretty good deal.

[Todd The Kiwi]

It seems like the Sennheiser HD 201 (http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/sealed-and-noise-canceling/sennheiser-hd-201.php) model might be a pretty good deal.$42 here (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Headphones/auction-66955698.htm) :silly:

any that i buy mustn't have noise cancellation
i like my game sounds via my 'phones NOT GAME MUSIC and my MUSIC via my amp/speakers.
not that i'm saying those ones do i'm just saying i need to be careful.

[Todd The Kiwi]

i'm in the market for some OPEN headphones for gaming.
any suggestions?
i've read plenty here and there that sennheisers are the business

so many to choose from...

[Todd The Kiwi]

holy crap, if i was in America right now i'd buy these in a flash - HD515 (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-515-Audiophile-500-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVDG/sr=8-1/qid=1163847436/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-1550190-3187137?ie=UTF8&s=electronics)
they are too heavy to send here dammit.
impressive specs (http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/root/05341#) for the money.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

i'm in the market for some OPEN headphones for gaming.
any suggestions?
i've read plenty here and there that sennheisers are the business

so many to choose from...

Had to many complaints from the neighbours? heh heh

[Willow of Oz]

yeah, headphones seem a lot different in price. I see the PC 160 pro sennheiser headphones with mic are $70 there. Given the aussie dollar is around 75US cents, that should make it around 95$ aud or so; pity I find it around $160 here at the cheapest. But they're not bad. I have yet to use the mic, but hopefully next year the gaming will take off with UT2007, Supreme Commander and the like.
I currently have those headphones at work, and a crappier pair at home.
I also looked into something a little better at the time (can't remember what sennheiser it was, but it was $US99 on amazon) but there was a massive jump from US$ -> AU$ and amazon doesn't ship electronics overseas. Plus I liked the idea of a mic and all.

[Toe]

Moderately-priced open cans? Yeah, a few of Senn's models come to mind, like the HD-497. But yeah, it's gonna depend a lot on what's available to you without importing. What about Audio Technica, can you get those over there at a decent price?

What kind of budget you looking at? I know a couple decent sites that ship internationally...

[Sheepeh]

I got a pair of Senn 202's - not the best quality in the world ever but very enjoyable to listen to (I normally use them for playing 360 with late at night, as well as World of Warcraft, and the odd piece of music)

[Todd The Kiwi]

Moderately-priced open cans?
Yeah, a few of Senn's models come to mind, like the HD-497.
But yeah, it's gonna depend a lot on what's available to you without importing.
What about Audio Technica, can you get those over there at a decent price?

What kind of budget you looking at? I know a couple decent sites that ship internationally...

up to say $100NZD [$66USD] max
the only reason i'm looking at the 515's is because i found them real cheap from an online only shop @ $138!
they are almost $200 in a brick-and-mortar [love that term]
i'd be keen to hear what stores you recommend too mate.
i'm in no hurry, i could happily shop around for a few months... :paranoid:

[heh, also it's not that i can't afford expensive headphones, i can.
i just don't want to, my speakers here cost a franklin mint]

edit: whoah , hold that thought i'm about 90% sure of the 515's now :P

unless i hear something BAD about the 515's...

[Todd The Kiwi]

:heart: sigh, they're everything i wanted and everything i dreamed about :heart:

or

dude man these focking 0wn!
i can add the Sennheiser HD 515's to my growing list of cool shit that i 0wn :ditsy:

[Toe]

Now just start saving up for some HD595s and a headphone amp! http://www.toejob.org/forumpics/headphones.gif

[The Big Cheese]

I bought myself some HD 485s recently. They're amazingly good.

[Todd The Kiwi]

those 485's look nice aye

hey i found a review (http://reviews.cnet.com/Sennheiser_HD_515/4505-6468_7-30822840.html) of my 515's, sweet as.

[Toe]

You put faith in C|Net reviews? :confused:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you're looking for headphone info, Head-Fi (http://www.head-fi.org) is where you need to be.

[Todd The Kiwi]

hey what were those sites you mentioned up there dude?

and i just tripped over that review, their opinion doesn't mean shit to me homes.

[Todd The Kiwi]

looking for lightweight small ultra portable external headphones for my mp3 player now.
something along these lines [pic]

http://www.consumer.philips.com/catalog/SH/SHS8200_97_webImageFullSize.jpg

[Toe]

These are the ones you want. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Koss-KSC55-KSC-55-Behind-the-Head-Portable-Headphones_W0QQitemZ270055351585QQihZ017QQcategory Z112529QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) Seller ships to New Zealand, on your head for under $30NZD. (Unless you can find em cheaper local) http://www.toejob.org/forumpics/headphones.gif

My portable headphones are the KSC-50s, which are identical those KSC-55s except they're clip-on instead of behind-the-head. There's also the KSC-75, which is the updated version of the KSC-50.

[Todd The Kiwi]

some nice looking 'phones there man, looking further now.
generally NZ is cheap as on the ol' electrical stuff [free trade agreements with China] :cheeky:
incidentially my Sennheisers 515's are made in China...

[Roj]

These are the ones you want. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Koss-KSC55-KSC-55-Behind-the-Head-Portable-Headphones_W0QQitemZ270055351585QQihZ017QQcategory Z112529QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) Seller ships to New Zealand, on your head for under $30NZD. (Unless you can find em cheaper local) http://www.toejob.org/forumpics/headphones.gif

My portable headphones are the KSC-50s, which are identical those KSC-55s except they're clip-on instead of behind-the-head. There's also the KSC-75, which is the updated version of the KSC-50.I do like the sound of those drivers. They're identical to the ones on the PortaPros and SportaPros, both of which I own. I'm also partial to the Senheisser PX-100s which I'm about to buy instead of the CX-300s I originally wanted. As an aside, the Senn CX-300s handily beat the Shure E2C in-ear models that they compete with in terms of both price and sound quality but I'm tired of earbuds being yanked out of my ears by my winter coat.

[Todd The Kiwi]

$16.95 for TDK ones (http://www.tdk.co.nz/default.asp?ObjectID=245&StockCode=NP100), that's a pretty wicked price.
i like the right-angled plug too.

[Toe]

Todd. Roj and I have both just recommended you a pair of headphones. Just what the fuck more do you need?

[busty]

Has anyone worn the KSC55s? Amazon reviews all say they're painfully small. With the emphasis on the painful. My head tends to be on the large size as it is...



And I ain't just talking about my ego either. Hat buying is a pain too.

[Toe]

If you're worried about em clamping your head, then get the KSC-75 clip-ons.

[Todd The Kiwi]

Todd. Roj and I have both just recommended you a pair of headphones.
Just what the fuck more do you need?pardon ? :ermm:

edit: ok, i'm over it now.
a tad aggressive toe mate, i'm still asking you guys what you think

not keen on those sennheisers, too much emphasis on the bass according to the reviews/specs.
"designed for modern music" usually means that:P
i found these here ksc55's (http://www.gamesman.co.nz/product.php?id=6215)

holy hell they're $20NZD (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/B0001IM94G/ref=cm_cr_dp_pt/103-5420710-0295022?ie=UTF8&n=172282&s=electronics) from amazon :o

or from where you said for $14NZD! (http://cgi.ebay.com/Koss-KSC55-KSC-55-Behind-the-Head-Portable-Headphones_W0QQitemZ270055351585QQihZ017QQcategory Z112529QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#Shipp ingPayment) i'll have to sign up for an ebay account for that though.

[Toe]

Perhaps I should have added some smilies to my post? :cross-eye

I didn't mean it to be aggressive/offensive in any way.

But anyway, yeah, that price I mentioned earlier was including shipping, which is the same price as the headphones themselves. Still a pretty good deal, though.

[Todd The Kiwi]

no sweat man :silly:

i've been meaning to get an ebay account forever.
i actually bought those cheap TDKs on my way home tonight
can't stand those damned earbuds a second longer.
they'll get incinerated tomorrow ha ha

watch this space...

[Todd The Kiwi]

so yeah , thanks toe man, a set of these Koss's turned up today
they sound really good, a bit uncomfortable at first though.
i soaked the plastic wrap around in hot water and bent it out a bit so as not to squish my mind.
maybe i just have a funny shaped head :silly:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00005MNHK.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1056694787_.jpg

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

so yeah , thanks toe man, a set of these Koss's turned up today
they sound really good, a bit uncomfortable at first though.
i soaked the plastic wrap around in hot water and bent it out a bit so as not to squish my mind.
maybe i just have a funny shaped head :silly:



Those are some good looking ones Todd. You should try out the dolby surround demos with them like this (http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/headphone.html) one. :bulb:

I prefer to avoid using headphones myself because I am oblivious to the amount of damage I can do to my ears by turning up the volume too high.

[Todd The Kiwi]

cool demo rex, i'll listen to some more later, they sound good on my senns :biggrin:

i don't crank up the mp3 player too much aye, i can tell when it's too loud.
ear buds should be banned i reckon, they are so much worse than headphones.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

\
i don't crank up the mp3 player too much aye, i can tell when it's too loud.
ear buds should be banned i reckon, they are so much worse than headphones.

Not in-ear ear buds though. Since they fit right into the canal and isolate, most people find themselves turning down the volume. Turning it down to a level that has greater benefits than the harm caused by the in-ear bud being closer to the inner ear.

Those normal ear buds are pretty bad though. Sometimes people will walk into a (huge) classroom wearing their Apple whites and I can hear the music across the room.

[Toe]

Huh? Why would earbuds be any worse than regular headphones? Decibels are decibels, it doesn't matter how far away the source is, only how loud it is by the time it hits your eardrums.

So, how do they compare to the TDKs and Senns?

[Roj]

Huh? Why would earbuds be any worse than regular headphones?
Well, regular earbuds don't isolate and headphones or in-ear buds do. That means you have to turn the volume up to get past the extraneous environmental noise. I for onehave experienced the following:

I leave on the bus in the morning and once on the big red cadillac adjust the volume level to the point that's comfortable for hearing music. At the end of the day, I put on the same buds at the same volume level and "Whoa Nelly! Damn! Was I listening at this level this morning? It's too loud!"

I do that enough times and even my Vulcan Bat Ears are gonna take a hit.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

Huh? Why would earbuds be any worse than regular headphones? Decibels are decibels, it doesn't matter how far away the source is, only how loud it is by the time it hits your eardrums.


But those crappy little earbuds let more noise in than, for instance, the ones pictured, and you have to crank up the volume.

[Roj]

so yeah , thanks toe man, a set of these Koss's turned up today
they sound really good, a bit uncomfortable at first though.
i soaked the plastic wrap around in hot water and bent it out a bit so as not to squish my mind.
maybe i just have a funny shaped head :silly:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00005MNHK.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1056694787_.jpg
I *hate* that in-the-back-of-the-neck design. What a royal pain in the neck.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

I agree, it doesnt really matter most headphones and earbuds do not isolate the environmental sound and make you turn up the volume way too high. How often have I sat in the train being able to listen to music from someone on the other end of the carriage. If there are ones that do isolate the surrounding sound to a high degree then they are not safe to use in public because obviously you wont be noticing anything happening around you. So it's a no win situation. Use them at your own digression. The iPod generation has already come.

[Toe]

I suppose it depends on how you use your headphones. For me, the amount that a pair of headphones isolates you from outside noises is a non-issue. I listen to headphones at home because I'm an apartment dweller and don't want to bother my neighbors with my music. When I listen away from home, it's usually in an outdoor environment that's not too noisy. So I'm never cranking it up trying to drown out things around me.

[Roj]

I suppose it depends on how you use your headphones. For me, the amount that a pair of headphones isolates you from outside noises is a non-issue. I listen to headphones at home because I'm an apartment dweller and don't want to bother my neighbors with my music. When I listen away from home, it's usually in an outdoor environment that's not too noisy. So I'm never cranking it up trying to drown out things around me....whereas the vast majority of my headphone use (barring editing of my mixes) is on the bus. And I can often hear the LemmingWhites (iPod users to you :)) over mine with ease. What they're doing to their hearing defies description.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

Sure enough, I just walked by a door that SLAMMED shut because of an open window inside. I think we lose something on the order of thousands of hair cells a day. What's a few more when you get to enjoy (hip-hop star name here) at a insane volume. Hmmm, what else is bad? I've heard that hammering a nail is absolutely terrible for your hearing.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Sure enough, I just walked by a door that SLAMMED shut because of an open window inside. I think we lose something on the order of thousands of hair cells a day. What's a few more when you get to enjoy (hip-hop star name here) at a insane volume. Hmmm, what else is bad? I've heard that hammering a nail is absolutely terrible for your hearing.

If you dont care, then good for you. I, for one, care at least about my lifestyle. If people deliberately want to damage themselves, then they shouldn't complain about the long queues at the hospital either.

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

If you dont care, then good for you. I, for one, care at least about my lifestyle. If people deliberately want to damage themselves, then they shouldn't complain about the long queues at the hospital either.

I was being slightly sarcastic.

[Todd The Kiwi]

So, how do they compare to the TDKs and Senns?the TDKs are more comfortable but sound pretty tinny
the TDKs are nice and roomy, the koss's are a bit more sleek and stripped down
like a racehorse compared to 'old betsie'
the senns just sound friggin' godlike, very nice.
MORE than happy with the koss's you semi-recommended, thanks for that dude.I leave on the bus in the morning and once on the big red cadillac adjust the volume level to the point that's comfortable for hearing music. At the end of the day, I put on the same buds at the same volume level and "Whoa Nelly! Damn! Was I listening at this level this morning? It's too loud!"i totally get this too, traffic noise while i walk to and fro is loud
when i get inside i have to turn them down.I *hate* that in-the-back-of-the-neck design. What a royal pain in the neck.pfffft keep up with the times man :rolleyes:
although the koss's are a bit narrow and they tend to rub on my shirt.
I've heard that hammering a nail is absolutely terrible for your hearing.this i can assuredly attest to, i ALWAYS wore peltor grade 5 earmuffs while on the job.
also i wore/wear earplugs to concerts.

phew, TF for multiquote aye...

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

pfffft keep up with the times man :rolleyes:


They are still in? Good to know since I have a pair of Sony's with the same style that have been going strong for 6 years.!

How long is the cord in those pictured? It looks like it's 5 ft.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

They are still in? Good to know since I have a pair of Sony's with the same style that have been going strong for 6 years.!

How long is the cord in those pictured? It looks like it's 5 ft.

Can you lie down with that thing in the neck?

[Todd The Kiwi]

the koss cord is 1250mm long feel free to convert (http://joshmadison.net/software/convert/) that measurement :cheeky:

rex - nah no lying down with them on.

[PVTele]

I always used to break 'em by pulling on the cord - so my wife, hunting on eBay one day, found me a pair of Philips HC205 cordless - freedom! I can use them for recording too, without getting all tangled up like I used, in instrument cords, headphone cord, you name it. They're a bit old fashioned to look at (like old school studio cans) and slightly on the warm side, but they sound just fine... I'd take a lot of persuading to go back to audio bondage ;)

[B.E.L.B.H.D.]

They sound just fine as in always having good reception?

[PVTele]

They sound just fine as in always having good reception?
Well if I stick my head under the desk to plug something in, I get a dreadful noise, but otherwise, yes - I can move around my (little) study/studio quite freely. I think the quoted max range (line of site) is 21m, but I've never tried going that far!

[PVTele]

I think the quoted max range (line of site) is 21m, but I've never tried going that far!

What am I saying, 21m? :o It's 7m (I found the box...) - I must have been thinking of 21ft. :cross-eye

[Toe]

Tempting... DAMN tempting... (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005S8KM/ref=ord_cart_shr/002-0516855-0975226?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)

[fromatoz]

I know, it's a matter of taste, but I don't like my Senns (HD 515) so much. Their sound is like a thick, heavy, creamy soup whilst with the Grado 125 my music sounds light, airy, transparent - just beautiful.

Portables: As Roj said in another thread, the PX100 are good though I still prefer Koss' PortaPro. To my ears the PortaPro is more detailed in the upper frequency range. Surely the best portable headphone I ever had.

(Soundcard: Echo Indigo I/O. Headamp: Ray Samuels, Emmeline SR-71. Music data: flac / wv / mp3 - 320kbs. Portable player: My good old iRiver H140)

[Todd The Kiwi]

I know, it's a matter of taste, but I don't like my Senns (HD 515) so much. Their sound is like a thick, heavy, creamy soupi like soup [and own some 515s] :silly:

you'd have to ask yourself "why are these suddenly HALF price?"
r.e toes 580 link.

[Willow of Oz]

i like soup [and own some 515s] :silly:

you'd have to ask yourself "why are these suddenly HALF price?"
r.e toes 580 link.

pfft, I just went to check my cart at amazon yesterday and almost every single thing I had in it has been flagged as going up (to twice the price) or no longer available :-( I think I missed the boat...

[Toe]

Um, they're not suddenly half price? The HD-580s have been around for ages now; I wanna say they were introduced in 1993. For a long time they were Sennheiser's top-of-the-line dynamic headphone. It's widely considered to be a classic. Today, however, they've been replaced at the top of Senn's range by the HD-600 and HD-650 - both of which are just tweaked versions of the HD-580. The good news for the buyer is that Senn has continued to make the HD-580, and having higher models has pushed its price WAY down over the years. They're a steal at that price.

And by the way, this isn't the first time I've seen the HD-580s priced around that point. Newegg had them priced for around $135 a few years ago.

[Todd The Kiwi]

f*ckit, i typed and retyped so many times trying to "explain" what i meant
another lost in translation...

get them while you can :bulb:

[Toe]

Oh by the way, you could apply for the Amazon Visa card thing & bring the price down to just $95. :silly:

(and then turn around and cancel the card)

[Todd The Kiwi]

Oh by the way, you could apply for the Amazon Visa card thing & bring the price down to just $95.

(and then turn around and cancel the card)toe for president :bulb:
i'm sure the order would be like months late if you did that ha ha

[Toe]

Well, perhaps it would be late if they had to ship it out in the middle of nowhere, like New Zealand or something... :cross-eye

[Willow of Oz]

toe for president :bulb:
i'm sure the order would be like months late if you did that ha ha

I had a squiz at that thing and it seems that Amazon visa is only available for those people who grace the US with their presents. :ditsy:

[Todd The Kiwi]

I had a squiz at that thing and it seems that Amazon visa is only available for those people who grace the US with their presents. :ditsy:somebody call the pun police.
man, those americans get free shipping and all sorts :ermm:

[busty]

The free shipping can be somewhat dodgy. I tracked one shipment that stayed in the transport company's warehouse for over a week. I could picture the DHL people walking past a huge stack of Amazon stuff over and over again, saying the packages aren't ripe yet, let them sit a little while longer.

Then I got another shipment two days faster than I really expected. Disconcerting because I leave a door unlocked for shipments and since it arrived so early, I didn't leave the door unlocked and my package was left out in the rain.

I do like Coinstar's (they have coin counting machines in places like grocery stores) deal with Amazon. Choose to get an Amazon gift certificate instead of cash and you don't pay for the service. It can serve as a workaround to pay cash at Amazon if you really need to.

$134 in pennies. And banks expect you to roll them? Ha! I say.

[busty]

To obviate my thread hijack, let me mention that one of those Amazon packages included my Koss Sportapros.

I eagerly ripped open the package and plugged them into a player. My first reaction? "holy s**t I can't believe I was using such cr*p*y headphones" I took those overpriced Sony's (easily twice the price of the Koss) and gladly stepped on them on the way to the dustbin.

My opinion about their sound quality hasn't changed in the ten days I've had them. I lack Roj's vocabulary so I really have to limit myself to saying they just really sound better. One thing I'm struck by is that there's a higher level of distinction between all the different parts of the music. There's less of a muddy mess it seems.

And their comfort level is outstanding as well. These are the first headphones I've ever owned where I can truly forget I'm wearing headphones. Literally. The other day I'm at my pc listening to music and I get a call. I mute the pc. I still hear tunes. Damn. I turn off the pc speakers. I still hear Cocteau Twins. It's only as I put the phone to my ear that I remember I'm listening to a CD player with my headphones. Life is good.

[Todd The Kiwi]

yeah i wouldn't worry about all those big words, roj speaks jamacanadian
mmmm sounds like a nut... :cheeky:

[Roj]

Portables: As Roj said in another thread, the PX100 are good though I still prefer Koss' PortaPro. To my ears the PortaPro is more detailed in the upper frequency range. Surely the best portable headphone I ever had.

I've been meaning to reply to this post for a month and finally got around to it. I also own the SportaPros and PortaPros and here's how I quantify the difference:

The Koss products have a more detailed high end (the Senn PX100s come across as slightly muted) but can't image worth a damn. The Senns lose some detail in the high end but have a very realistic soundstage where the Koss products present you with a decidedly 2D flat experience. The upshot of the deal is that I use the Senns for listening on my X5 and the Koss for editing my mixes.

[BALTY]

editing my mixes.
Mixes?
What software are you using?

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Phwooooor! Did I just buy some mean sounding headphones! It's the Sennheiser HD 415. Not only great bass but also quite comfortable on the ears. :cool: I intended to buy headphones because i wont have an amp when i come to Oz and where would I be without audio!

[Todd The Kiwi]

plane headphones suck, 415's look nice man =)

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Thanks mate. Here is a pic for you audiophiles:

http://www.scavino.it/sennheiser_hd415_big.jpg

They are sturdy too so no chance of breaking. :P But the sound is the best part

[The Big Cheese]

The Hd 485s are fantastic too. They make my ears feel warm and fuzzy. :heart: :)

[rorythedog]

Hey Rex. I took a gamble and bought the same headphones from PC World for £30. Good call mate, they sound superb for the money. They do seem well-built too. Thanks for the recommendation.

P.S. What did you think of the packaging? It needs to be virtually destroyed to get the cans out.

[rorythedog]

Anyone got any idea how to make this (http://www.yohng.com/headphones.html) or this (http://www.naivesoftware.com/software.html) work in QCD? :carrot: :carrot:

* Edit - I got the second one to work. All it needs is copying into the plug-ins folder then activated in the plug-in manager. I think it sounds excellent. Might be a placebo effect though, I need to play about with it a bit. To my ears it sounds just a tad smoother and more spacious. Excellent.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Hey Rex. I took a gamble and bought the same headphones from PC World for £30. Good call mate, they sound superb for the money. They do seem well-built too. Thanks for the recommendation.

P.S. What did you think of the packaging? It needs to be virtually destroyed to get the cans out.

They are not too expensive aye ;) The big bonus is that they are quite comfortable too for the ears (for me at least). The packaging wasnt much to look at when I got them out lol :silly: The jack is gold plated too :bulb:

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Anyone got any idea how to make this (http://www.yohng.com/headphones.html) or this (http://www.naivesoftware.com/software.html) work in QCD? :carrot: :carrot:

* Edit - I got the second one to work. All it needs is copying into the plug-ins folder then activated in the plug-in manager. I think it sounds excellent. Might be a placebo effect though, I need to play about with it a bit. To my ears it sounds just a tad smoother and more spacious. Excellent.

Dude, that's some sweet plugins. How did you find them? I installed the winamp plugins manager, then installed the plugin dll files to a directory. I then linked the plugins manager to that directory and restarted QMP. After a restart I found them both in the DSP section under plugins.

The 4front plugin creates an icon in the systemtray where you can adjust the "room" effect.

[rorythedog]

Not sure what you mean by 'Winamp plug-ins manager'?

I found those plug-ins via this site (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/index.php?). They have a forum dedicated to computer audio. These guys seem to know what they're talking about.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Not sure what you mean by 'Winamp plug-ins manager'?

I found those plug-ins via this site (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/index.php?). They have a forum dedicated to computer audio. These guys seem to know what they're talking about.

you dont need this (http://www.quinnware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2249)? hmmm...maybe not then...who cares it works here :cheeky:

[rorythedog]

"I then linked the plugins manager to that directory..."

I'm not sure what you mean here. Which directory?

Sorry for being stupid.

[Tokelil]

you dont need this (http://www.quinnware.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2249)? hmmm...maybe not then...who cares it works here :cheeky:Winamp DSPs has always been natively supported by QCD...

[Todd The Kiwi]

P.S. What did you think of the packaging? It needs to be virtually destroyed to get the cans out.my 515's were like that, it almost felt wrong opening them :rolleyes:

[rorythedog]

Either way, I can't get the 4front plug-in to work. I'm obviously doing something wrong if Rex got it to work, but I'll be damned if I know what.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Winamp DSPs has always been natively supported by QCD...
ooo lol :) Gotcha!
Either way, I can't get the 4front plug-in to work. I'm obviously doing something wrong if Rex got it to work, but I'll be damned if I know what.
Rory mate, if what Tokelil says is true then it's very simple. Install the 4front package. Go to the directory where it's installed at and copy "dsp_headphones.dll" to the plugins folder of QMP.

[Toe]

The trick for installing old QCD plugs into QMP also works for installing WinAMP plugs. Go to your QMP folder, make a copy of qmplayer.exe and rename it to winamp.exe. Then you can install WA plugs directly from the installer.

BTW, I suppose I should mention that I just picked up a pair of HD-497s from a guy on Head-Fi for $20. I figure even if I don't care for them, that's still a good buy.

[rorythedog]

ooo lol :) Gotcha!

Rory mate, if what Tokelil says is true then it's very simple. Install the 4front package. Go to the directory where it's installed at and copy "dsp_headphones.dll" to the plugins folder of QMP.

Bingo! I tried that before but I made the mistake of copying all the files from the 4front directory to QCD. Yeas, I know, stupid.

Thanks guys. I knew you'd suss it out for me.

[rorythedog]

Wow! You guys using headphones need to check out this album (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=209012). There's no copyright issues and it's recorded in .FLAC. Sounds absolutely awesome, no kidding. For me, post 42 (funnily enough) provided the faster download link. I never realized this quality was possible.

[Rex_Mundi_Incarnit]

Wow! You guys using headphones need to check out this album (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=209012). There's no copyright issues and it's recorded in .FLAC. Sounds absolutely awesome, no kidding. For me, post 42 (funnily enough) provided the faster download link. I never realized this quality was possible.

Sounding good here with my unknown sound chip in my notebook lol :P The clapping in track 3 is amazing. 3D sound or something

[rorythedog]

Hi folks. I found this site (http://www.noogenesis.com/binaural/binaural.html) while looking for binaural recordings. The samples sound great while using I.E. but they don't work with Firefox. At least they don't work with my Firefox installation anyway. Anyone know how to get them to work using Firefox? Or is this a limitation of Firefox? I'm curious.

[Nick555]

Binaural Source worked fine in my Firefox 2.0.0.1. I didn't even need to turn on javascript. Which link is not working for you?

[rorythedog]

Binaural Source worked fine in my Firefox 2.0.0.1. I didn't even need to turn on javascript. Which link is not working for you?

Hi. None of the links on that page work for me :cry:

[rorythedog]

Fixed it! Turns out I was using a BETA of 'quicktime alternative'. Swithing to final build sorted it out. :)

[rorythedog]

Well it's safe to say I've been impressed with the sound possible from my M-Audio 2496 sound card and HD415s. So impressed I picked up a pair of 595's from Amazon for £88 and it's absolutely mind-blowing! I've only been listening to them for about 4 hours but the sound is incredible. I hear they only improve too for the first couple of days. Anyone here looking for a pair of really good cans should look no further. That's a great price.

Here's the two side by side. The 595's really are built well.

http://m1.freeshare.us/127fs368767_th.jpg (http://m1.freeshare.us/view/?127fs368767.jpg)

[Todd The Kiwi]

so yeah , thanks toe man, a set of these Koss's turned up todayhttp://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00005MNHK.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V1056694787_.jpgok my wicked arse neck phones have almost pooed themselves.
9 months isn't too bad for $30
my new shop is a stockist of koss products [eff yeah!]

[Protocol]

ok my wicked arse neck phones have almost pooed themselves.
funnily my new shop is a stockist of koss products [eff yeah!]
Pull 'em out and and let the speakers speak.

[Todd The Kiwi]

Pull 'em out and and let the speakers speak.can't do mate, they're molded
is that what you meant?

[Toe]

ok my wicked arse neck phones have almost pooed themselves.
9 months isn't too bad for $30
You do know they have a lifetime warranty, right? :cool:

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/cs-warrepair

[Todd The Kiwi]

i bought them from ebay, it's not worth the frigging around man.
chances are i could get some new ones via work for like $10 or so :P

pudney and lee (http://www.pudneyandlee.co.nz/) / pudney (http://www.pudney.co.nz/index.html)

[Todd The Kiwi]

hmm after partially disemboweling my neckphones I'm not so sure they're rooted :ponder:
it looks like you can untwist [!?] the ear piece to remove the foam stuff
and after doing this once or twice they become loose.


*i can't believe "neckphones" isn't in the NZEnglish spell checker :p

[Toe]

Actually, they should pull straight off. Pull the part with the foam away from the silver part. Or stick a butterknife between them and pry it. It's just a little ball & socket securing it, it's easy to snap it back together. The foam itself is held on by little grippy teeth things, be careful not to rip.

While you've got the foam off, you might take a coin (I would suggest a nickel or quarter, but that's US currency :P ), put it in the middle of the pad, then take an x-acto or other knife & cut a hole in the pads around it. Lets the treble through a bit better.

[Todd The Kiwi]

toe = Macgyver! :paranoid::bulb:

http://jira.atlassian.com/secure/thumbnail/16943/16943_macgyver.gif (http://jira.atlassian.com/secure/attachment/16943/macgyver.gif)

[acushla]

Speaking of 'earphones', looks as if I am going to have to order a new pair of the Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones.

Still have not arrived from Florida. I accept full responsibility as I didn't think I needed to say 'Make sure you send them registered mail.'

[Todd The Kiwi]

Speaking of 'earphones', looks as if I am going to have to order a new pair of the Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones.yes, you have to acushla
this is your conscience speaking if you don't you will die, horribly, soon :paranoid: :carrot:

[Todd The Kiwi]

oh yeah my little forray into koss dismantling [with toes carefully worded instruction]
"prize it open with a butter knife" went well
i'll test them realtime tomorrow on my way to work, yeah boi!


ooh i feel a new sig coming on...

[Toe]

Where did I use the word 'prize', exactly? :confused:

[Todd The Kiwi]

"Or stick a butterknife between them and pry it"

pry/prize same thing man :bulb:

[Toe]

Are the schools in NZ underfunded? :cross-eye

[Todd The Kiwi]

are the ones in kansas?

prize is just the past tense of pry?

[Toe]

Last I checked, the past tense of pry is pried.

[Todd The Kiwi]

groan, ok man.

"i had to prize it open"
"i had to pry it open
"it had been pried open"

either way i was merely including you in a humorous post
and thanking you at the same time.

no more ameringlish today ok :rolleyes:

[Willow of Oz]

are the ones in kansas?
Heh, score one Todd.

I'm beginning to wonder why I have my gaming headphones at work (ie, with microphone) when I do my main gaming here at home?
Hmmm.
But at least I can sit at my desk and look like an aami chick from the side.
:cool:

[acushla]

Heh, score one Todd.



But at least I can sit at my desk and look like an aami chick from the side.
:cool:
No, really. Is there something your dying to tell us...but just afraid to come out...and say it?:silly: :)

[Todd The Kiwi]

why is that aami (http://www.aami.com.au/) site so fast :normal:
I think that's the fastest site I've ever been to.

cool i get to try out my potentially fixed neckphones soon.

[acushla]

why is that aami (http://www.aami.com.au/) site so fast :normal:
I think that's the fastest site I've ever been to.

cool i get to try out my potentially fixed neckphones soon.wtf?

[Toe]

idk.

[Todd The Kiwi]

cool my neckphones are all better yay!
pity it rained on them on my way home though... :cross-eye

[Tokelil]

Looks like I'm on the lookout for some headphones now as well. (My Plantronics 90 gaming headset, which has served me well and sounds okayish, seems to need replacement...)

Any good bargains to look out for by now? (4 years since this thread was started, so the marked might have changed...)

Atm. I'm looking at:
Cheap, good enough headphones
Sennheiser HD 457
Sennheiser PX 200 (has the bonus that they can be used "outside")

Middle ground:
Sennheiser HD 555
AKG K 240 Studio
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

"High end"
Sennheiser HD 595

Atm. I'm leaning mostly towards the the HD 555, since they should sound close to the 595's, but at 65% the price. (The 555 is already a bit on the high side of my budget.)
Any headphones below the 555's worth taking a look at?

[Tokelil]

Went for the 555's, so they should arrive in a few days. Now I just need a decent soundcard as well I guess...

[Todd The Kiwi]

Went for the 555's, so they should arrive in a few days. Now I just need a decent soundcard as well I guess...i thought that was funny, you asked for a recommendation, then less than 24 hours later just bought some.
i would at least want to hear what toe had to say.

bump the soundcard thread mang, lets see what transpires :bulb:

[Tokelil]

i thought that was funny, you asked for a recommendation, then less than 24 hours later just bought some.
i would at least want to hear what toe had to say.24 hours should be plenty for you guys! :beer:
But I hate waiting for such stuff when I am pretty much done with my research.

bump the soundcard thread mang, lets see what transpires :bulb:Well I'm pretty set on the Asus Xonar DX/XD.

[hedge]

The Asus cards are still about the best bet for anyone that wants to game and has an ear for audiophile esque features aren't they?

And that will teach me to not refresh before posting :P

And only set of phones I would have suggested are the BeyerDynamic DTX900's, but they went beyond the price range.

[Todd The Kiwi]

aaah like this (http://blogs.ccp.or.th/t_bin_y/Lists/Posts/Attachments/3/A5493731-16.gif) ?

[BALTY]

Found some good buds that stay in while jogging, and lawn chores etc.
http://www.zagg.com/audio/zbuds-iphone-earbuds.php?gclid=CNPIoP3ju5gCFQkwgwodG3m3ZA
http://www.dak.com/reviews/3233story.cfm
http://paulstamatiou.com/2007/09/23/review-sony-mdr-ex71sl-earbuds
or you can go this route...http://www.budfits.com/buy

I have thried the second one listed here. Not bad. Not bad at all (but price means everything to me- all being equal of course).

Anybody have a better list to choose from? I'd like to know.
Thanks