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Headphone Recommendation

ExiledMafia said:
Looking to get some headphones for my MBP, any recommendations? I don't mind spending over $100 as long as its for a good pair.
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ExiledMafia said:
So some info for what I'm looking for, for me I'd rather have crystal clear sound over bass....mainly for rock info. Preferable in ear, but for some reason those never fight me so well so that something to consider.
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ExiledMafia said:
Mainly for at home, gym, running, etc
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DustinT said:
Ya, this is great advise. Both brands has really well thought out systems to make them fight properly in your ears so you should be able to get a good fit. And the sound quality will exceed anything you'll get from Bose, Monster or Beats for the same money.
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ExiledMafia said:
What are you recommendations for the shure....right now I'm bewtween the shure se 215, klipsch s4i, and shure se110.
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There are always lots of options and opinions - here is mine. And of course sound quality will always be tinted with the subjectivity of each listeners perception of what they are hearing.

As you will be using a portable listening device (iPod/Zune/MP3 player) or a laptop, depending on your activity and location. Also it appears you want 1 headphone to be used in any location and source combo - the Shure or Etymotic In ear monitors (IEM) in your price range will do very well - both fit and sound wise. Fit you have many options to get the right fit. Sounds wise, they are reviewed and in real life known to perform well. My pair of BOSE IEM leave me with much to be desired, and when I need to replace my IEM (which I only use for portable listening) then I'll go Shure of Etymotic.

Now when you are at home or somewhere you have a bit more space, you should seriously consider a portable, battery powered amp. The particular technology I'm thinking of is a CMoy amp (built in small tin can, battery powered). Basically you plug your source into the CMoy and then your headphones in the the CMoy and enjoy a "nicer" listen. It's tough to take this setup to the gym, but at home, I love it.

CMoys can be had from $40-70 via eBay and other private sites. I have a BSG (BioScienceGeeK) model that I picked from eBay. His main competition is the BB CMoy from JDS Labs - both are accomplished builds. I just happened to like the BSG build for my purposes. There are more choices in the CMoy world, but start here and see if you like the setup and sound - then branch out.

If you want some additional information on headphones, this link may give you some food for thought: http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/activity.php.

Good luck!
 
ExiledMafia said:
Looking to get some headphones for my MBP
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You should ignore advice you get from people who don't know your exact needs. What are you listening to and where, and is this just for general entertainment or maybe you are mixing or maybe editing video. Are you a musician or are you listening to MP3 files? Without knowing any of these the only 'advice" you will get will be of the form "I have X you should get X".
 
ttttaylor said:
i have a pair of AKG K240 MKII. they are uh-mazing, but close to the $200-250 range. of course, it depends on what OP wants to do with them, but for me personally, investing in a pair of good headphones that will last years is a good idea.

that said, for a bit cheaper i'll agree with the sennheiser recommendation.
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Agree AKG K240 MKII are great but you can get them on amazon for $150ish
 
If you want to make an investment (I recommend all music lovers do at some point) and you don't mind IEMs, get the Westone 3 or Westone 4. I have the W3s, and the sound they put out is unbelievable coming from an IEM.
 
I have Senn HD555s, but I'm thinking it's time to upgrade. 650s seem like a natural progression, but I'm also looking into Denons and AKGs of a similar price range.

Then I'll also need a headphone amp... time for some head-fi research! :D
 
For something different have a look into the Ultrasone series. I got the DJ1 for their isolation and flexibility. They are pretty unique with their 'S-Logic' natural surround sound design, they really do deliver an amazing stereo spread. Whenever I give them to someone to try out, the listener is always blown away. not cheap though...
 
Ultimate Ears Triple-fi 10's, I scored a pair for $179 if you can find them under 200 go for it!!
 
Liffey said:
I have Senn HD555s, but I'm thinking it's time to upgrade. 650s seem like a natural progression, but I'm also looking into Denons and AKGs of a similar price range.

Then I'll also need a headphone amp... time for some head-fi research! :D
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With any of those headphones you'll need an amp just like you said. At least if you want to get the best out of them. From my experience the K702/1s are the most picky when it comes to amps. Really deciding is not hard when it comes to those headphones. To put it somewhat bluntly the following describes them well IMO.

K702 = Airy,Detailed,Large Soundstage,needs amp bad and likes tubes.
HD650 = Warm,Laid back, good bass, needs amp, lacks detail,veil to some.
DT880 = Fun sounding,needs amp but not as much,musical,lacks some detail, comfy,slightly recessed mids.

Also head-fi user here :)

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prestomusic said:
For something different have a look into the Ultrasone series. I got the DJ1 for their isolation and flexibility. They are pretty unique with their 'S-Logic' natural surround sound design, they really do deliver an amazing stereo spread. Whenever I give them to someone to try out, the listener is always blown away. not cheap though...
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Yeah the ultarsones are different and worth checking out, a lot of people love them for rock. I would try before you buy though they are not for everyone. I triad the Edition 8s and the recessed mids bothered me to much, I ended up enjoying the LCD 2s much more. But obviously everyone has their own taste which is why I say try before you buy if you can. Only you can decide what you like.
 
K702 = Airy,Detailed,Large Soundstage,needs amp bad and likes tubes.
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I agree with most of this, but I believe it sounds good with some solid state amps, too. I have a Heed CanAmp and Little Dot MKIII and use it will the Heed most of the time.
 
Uofmtiger said:
I agree with most of this, but I believe it sounds good with some solid state amps, too. I have a Heed CanAmp and Little Dot MKIII and use it will the Heed most of the time.
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really thats interesting, I also have a little dot MKIII and enjoyed more then a lot of the same priced solid state stuff. What tubes are you using? My fav with the K702 is the mullard CV4010s
 
gatepc said:
really thats interesting, I also have a little dot MKIII and enjoyed more then a lot of the same priced solid state stuff. What tubes are you using? My fav with the K702 is the mullard CV4010s
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I still have the standard tubes that came with it. I am pretty happy with them, but the Heed and the AKG K701s have a synergy that is just amazing. I also have an Xcan V3 with "Russian Rocket" tubes and the Heed is just a lot better with the AKGs. It is almost like they were designed to be used together. (to my ears)
 
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Update:I recently got the bose IE2....i know they are overpriced but the reasons I got them was for the fact that they fit the best out of everything I tried. And don't get me wrong its a great improvement over the apple headphones included.
 
True in-ear headphones should give you the most snug fit imo. Apple's earbuds are just that-- ear buds. Their fit is pathetic.
 
I figure I'll threadjack this instead of starting a new one.

I lost the earbuds that came with my iPhone 4, so I'm looking for a set of in-ear headphones for my iPhone and MBP that I'll be using when I walk around campus and when I'm at my computer during FaceTime/Skype conversations. They need to have a microphone and I'd really like them to have a three-button remote (volume up, volume down, answer/end call).

I have a set of Bose QC2s for traveling, harman/kardon soundstick IIs for my desk, and a set of sony active headphones for the gym, so I don't need something that serves every purpose.

I have about $90 worth of Amazon store credit, so I'd like to stay under $110 if possible.

I'm currently looking at:
  • UltimateEars 350vi
  • UltimateEars 500vi
  • UltimateEars 600vi
  • Klipsch S4i with remote
  • Etymotics HF2
  • Shure 115

This is just what I've found, so feel free to add something else into the mix.
 
BOSE OE or Dr. Dre monster beats pro?

Hey guys, I couldn't figure out how to start a new thread but I am interested in your opinion in Dr. DRe MBP(monster beats Pro) VS Bose OE. Right now I have a Bose OE and Sennheiser px 200 NC which I am pretty happy about but I want to expand my boundaries and discovered Dr.Dre MB studio at my friends place. It sounded great but didnt have my Bose OE to compare to while I was there, it also has a lot of sound leakage when u get above 60% volume. But he says that Dr.DRE MBP does not leak as much. So my question is is it worth buying a Dr. Dre MBP if you already have a Bose OE?
 
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