Hello guys. It's been a while since I posted here.
This time I need help with recommendations on good over-ear headphones that I would be using daily at work, to listen to music while working, and to listening to courses also.
Ideally not more than 100, 150 if it really, really is that much better... but I will be hesitant to pay 200 (does it really makes such a difference 100 vs 200 or is it pure marketing?)
I know that the ideal thing will be to go to a place where they are sold and test them, but where I live there are very few options, so I will be importing them from the USA.
Thanks!
EDIT: extra points if it has a mic and can be used to talk on my Google Pixel.
In an office you can take out all the open back headphones.
It all depends if you like a cold or warm sound. Bass heavy, neutral or treble heavy sound.
Some good closed back headphones:
Sennheiser HD280 Pro - A bit ugly, but my favorite sounding closed back headphone.
Shure SRH440 - A little bit more bass
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x - Lots of Bass
Thanks, in general, I prefer more neutral sounds.
In an office you can take out all the open back headphones.
It all depends if you like a cold or warm sound. Bass heavy, neutral or treble heavy sound.
Some good closed back headphones:
Sennheiser HD280 Pro - A bit ugly, but my favorite sounding closed back headphone.
Shure SRH440 - A little bit more bass
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x - Lots of Bass
What about:
Philips SHP9500
Sennheiser HD 558
JVC HARX900
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Also, are the Sony MDR-1000X or Bose QC35 so much better to command a 300+ price or is it just snobbism?
all open back headphones are probably a no-no for you because they leak sound and you mentioned that you're planning to use them at work.
Hello guys. It's been a while since I posted here.
This time I need help with recommendations on good over-ear headphones that I would be using daily at work, to listen to music while working, and to listening to courses also.
Ideally not more than 100, 150 if it really, really is that much better... but I will be hesitant to pay 200 (does it really makes such a difference 100 vs 200 or is it pure marketing?)
I know that the ideal thing will be to go to a place where they are sold and test them, but where I live there are very few options, so I will be importing them from the USA.
Thanks!
EDIT: extra points if it has a mic and can be used to talk on my Google Pixel.
That phone should be running a version of Android which supports a little piece of Android software called Neutralizer. It does what it says - tends to neutralize the colorations of your headphones and overcome limitations of your hearing.
Give the free trial download a spin. If it can work for you, it could make a wider selection of headphones including something you may already own meet your goals.
all open back headphones are probably a no-no for you because they leak sound and you mentioned that you're planning to use them at work.
Correct, open back headphones are a no go.
In an office you can take out all the open back headphones.
It all depends if you like a cold or warm sound. Bass heavy, neutral or treble heavy sound.
Some good closed back headphones:
Sennheiser HD280 Pro - A bit ugly, but my favorite sounding closed back headphone.
Shure SRH440 - A little bit more bass
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x - Lots of Bass
What about:
Philips SHP9500
Sennheiser HD 558
JVC HARX900
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
Also, are the Sony MDR-1000X or Bose QC35 so much better to command a 300+ price or is it just snobbism?
All those headphones except the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are open back.
I would only get the Bose QC35 to use on a plane or in an environment with lots of *loud* background noise. The sound quality is not bad. Not up to par with similar priced closed headphones.
All those headphones except the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are open back.
I would only get the Bose QC35 to use on a plane or in an environment with lots of *loud* background noise. The sound quality is not bad. Not up to par with similar priced closed headphones.
So far the options I see are:
Sennheiser HD280PRO $100
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x $100
There is also the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x for $70.
Any other options? And, will it be better to extend to the 150 range?
There is also the Sony MDR-7506.
I would rather go for one of the Audio-Technicas because a lot of people will find the Sony MDR-7506 and HD280PRO too flat and lifeless.
Also the HD280PRO's headband isn't very durable. The headphones have to be removed carefully without stretching them out too far. I've broken my previous pair like that.
There is also the Sony MDR-7506.
I would rather go for one of the Audio-Technicas because a lot of people will find the Sony MDR-7506 and HD280PRO too flat and lifeless.
Also the HD280PRO's headband isn't very durable. The headphones have to be removed carefully without stretching them out too far. I've broken my previous pair like that.
Thanks, any comments on ATH-M40x vs ATH-M30x?
Also, any experience with the Status Audio CB-1? I have never heard of them, but they have 315 customers review at amazon with 4.8 over 5 and cost a very reazonable 80 bucks.
I haven't heard the ATH-M30x before and only heard the ATH-M40x briefly. The ATH-M40x had a bit too much bass for my tastes.
This guy on YouTube who does lots of headphone reviews has a review about the Status Audio CB-1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_BxKsGurII
I'd check out Creative Aurvana Live - $75 on amazon
http://rinchoi.blogspot.ca/2013/08/creative-aurvana-live.html
http://en.goldenears.net/4446
Sennheiser HD280PRO
I have hd380 (~150$ on amazon.com) and old version of hd280 and i would say that hd380 are much more comfortable than old version of hd280. Don't know how it will be in comparison with new version of hd280. But from picture it seems that main difference between old and new version is headband, but earpads remains the same. hd380's earpads have more free space fo ears. And hd380 seems more neutral to me.
I have hd380 (~150$ on amazon.com) and old version of hd280 and i would say that hd380 are much more comfortable than old version of hd280. Don't know how it will be in comparison with new version of hd280. But from picture it seems that main difference between old and new version is headband, but earpads remains the same. hd380's earpads have more free space fo ears. And hd380 seems more neutral to me.
Is it worth it the extra 50 to 70 compared to the others?
Z Reviews think that the HD380Pro is too tight to be used for long periods of time... what do you think?
Is it worth it the extra 50 to 70 compared to the others?
In comparison with hd280, i think, yes. But i never used m40x or m30x. Here is review on HD380 vs m50 (not X) i am mostly agreed with - https://innerspacelabs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/sennheiser-hd-380-pro-vs-audio-technica-ath-m50.
Reviews think that the HD380Pro is too tight to be used for long periods of time... what do you think?
As i said, for me hd30 are more comfoprtable than hd280 (old version). They give less physical fatigue than hd280, but hold position on head better. I can wear hd380 continuously for 4-5 hours with no discomfort. But all people have different heads and ears. :D
Anyway, preferences in headphones are very subjective.
I have listened to the HD380Pro and it was very comfortable for me, but I didn't like the sound at all. The HD380 sounds warmer than the HD280.
Consider also Beyerdynamic DT770.
Closed back and available in a variety of impedances to suit. At least for me, very comfortable.
Consider also Beyerdynamic DT770.
Closed back and available in a variety of impedances to suit. At least for me, very comfortable.
How can I know which impedance to use?
In comparison with hd280, i think, yes. But i never used m40x or m30x. Here is review on HD380 vs m50 (not X) i am mostly agreed with - https://innerspacelabs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/sennheiser-hd-380-pro-vs-audio-technica-ath-m50.
As far as I understand, the M50X is very bad. Are the M50 better?
As i said, for me hd30 are more comfoprtable than hd280 (old version). They give less physical fatigue than hd280, but hold position on head better. I can wear hd380 continuously for 4-5 hours with no discomfort. But all people have different heads and ears.
I see.
How can I know which impedance to use?
What are you driving them with?
Lower impedance gives you more power/loudness at a given voltage. (Impedance or resistance, in Ohms, is the "resistance" to current flow, and with lower impedance you get more current. The 250 Ohm version may not get loud enough with a regular soundcard or phone, depending on the soundcard/phone and how loud you like to listen.
Some headphone amplifier circuits have a capacitor that "interacts" with the load impedance forming a high-pass filter. So with lower impedance headphones you may loose some bass.
What are you driving them with?
A laptop, and my Google Pixel XL.
ATH-M50 would be an excellent choice.
Not so bass pronounced, medium impedance and very low harmonic distortion.
The best sealed headphone for 150$
http://graphs.headphone.com/index.php?graphID%5B0%5D=533&graphID%5B1%5D=2941&graphID%5B2%5D=&graphID%5B3%5D=&scale=30&graphType=0&buttonSelection=Update+Graph
https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHM50.pdf
https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/audio-technica-ath-m50
Lower impedance gives you more power/loudness at a given voltage.
It gives you more loudness if sensitivity dB/mW is the same.
http://graphs.headphone.com/index.php?graphID%5B0%5D=533&graphID%5B1%5D=2941&graphID%5B2%5D=&graphID%5B3%5D=&scale=30&graphType=0&buttonSelection=Update+Graph
https://www.innerfidelity.com/images/AudioTechnicaATHM50.pdf
Other measurements:
m50 - http://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/audio-technica-ath-m50.php
hd380 - http://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/sennheiser-hd-380-pro.php
I have hd380 (~150$ on amazon.com) and old version of hd280 and i would say that hd380 are much more comfortable than old version of hd280. Don't know how it will be in comparison with new version of hd280. But from picture it seems that main difference between old and new version is headband, but earpads remains the same. hd380's earpads have more free space fo ears. And hd380 seems more neutral to me.
Is it worth it the extra 50 to 70 compared to the others?
Z Reviews think that the HD380Pro is too tight to be used for long periods of time... what do you think?
I have a pair - wear them for hours at a time, mixing video.
That phone should be running a version of Android which supports a little piece of Android software called Neutralizer. It does what it says - tends to neutralize the colorations of your headphones and overcome limitations of your hearing.
Give the free trial download a spin. If it can work for you, it could make a wider selection of headphones including something you may already own meet your goals.
What music player are you using this with? I tried it on my phone, but it seems that Poweramp, foobar2000 and the built-in music player all bypass Neutralizer. I love the idea of the app, it just doesn't seem to work for me.
That phone should be running a version of Android which supports a little piece of Android software called Neutralizer. It does what it says - tends to neutralize the colorations of your headphones and overcome limitations of your hearing.
Give the free trial download a spin. If it can work for you, it could make a wider selection of headphones including something you may already own meet your goals.
What music player are you using this with? I tried it on my phone, but it seems that Poweramp, foobar2000 and the built-in music player all bypass Neutralizer. I love the idea of the app, it just doesn't seem to work for me.
I use it with Google Play. I have also observed that a number of music players bypass it. Its own documentation seems to say as much.
Apparently Android has more than one paths for audio, Some that goes through its internal equalizer, etc., and others that allows the music player to get to the audio hardware via a shorter, more direct path.
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/21024851/redirecting-audio-creating-alternate-sound-paths-in-android
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/14842803/low-latency-audio-playback-on-android
https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/media-apps/volume-and-earphones.html
etc.
One option is to migrate the equalizer settings that Neutralizer into the equalizer feature of the equalizer in the player de jour. By hand :-(
ATH-M50 would be an excellent choice.
Not so bass pronounced, medium impedance and very low harmonic distortion.
The best sealed headphone for 150$
I see. I am a little hesitant as the M50X has gotten terrible reviews (or not so good review).
What will that graph really mean?
I have a pair - wear them for hours at a time, mixing video.
So I assume they are comfortable for you then
I have a pair - wear them for hours at a time, mixing video.
So I assume they are comfortable for you then
Yes, but with caveats.
(1) I seem to be more tolerant than average of discomfort
(2) I have a large square head, so my ears are probably further apart than average.
Yes, but with caveats.
(1) I seem to be more tolerant than average of discomfort
(2) I have a large square head, so my ears are probably further apart than average.
:o
So at this time, I have three options that I like the best:
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones $80
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones $100
Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (NON X) $150
Any comments? Pros or Cons I should be aware on each?
So at this time, I have three options that I like the best:
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones $80
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones $100
Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (NON X) $150
Any comments? Pros or Cons I should be aware on each?
I have a M40 and a M50 and IMO there is not a lot of comparison between the two. I prefer the M50.
I have a M40 and a M50 and IMO there is not a lot of comparison between the two. I prefer the M50.
But notice that this is the M40
X vs the M50, as I have read that the M50
X is not worth it compared to the M50 or the M40X. Do you have the Xs? And can you explain why do you prefer one over the other? I am tending to buy the M40X with an upgraded earpath MH5 or something like that.
What do you think of this review? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6wBv03B1nk
THANK YOU A LOT FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO RESPOND!
https://www.headphone.com/collections/over-ear/products/shure-srh840
I have worn these for 4 hours straight without a problem and they sound excellent. If the $200 price tag is a bit much, the SRH440 is highly recommended as well and is priced at about $100. Shure also pays a lot of attention to build quality, so they last a long time and, if there ever is a problem, their customer service is excellent.
JXL
https://www.headphone.com/collections/over-ear/products/shure-srh840
I have worn these for 4 hours straight without a problem and they sound excellent. If the $200 price tag is a bit much, the SRH440 is highly recommended as well and is priced at about $100. Shure also pays a lot of attention to build quality, so they last a long time and, if there ever is a problem, their customer service is excellent.
JXL
Thank you.
I have a M40 and a M50 and IMO there is not a lot of comparison between the two. I prefer the M50.
But notice that this is the M40X vs the M50, as I have read that the M50X is not worth it compared to the M50 or the M40X. Do you have the Xs? And can you explain why do you prefer one over the other? I am tending to buy the M40X with an upgraded earpath MH5 or something like that.
What do you think of this review? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6wBv03B1nk
THANK YOU A LOT FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO RESPOND!
\
I think the review is abject placebophile blather. :-(
I have a pair of M40s (OK, my wife bought them for herself with her money) and a pair of M50s that I paid about $110 for back before they started trending. I don't see any reason why I would replace either, especially given that I have Neutralizer for my Android devices and Peace/APO for my PC's.
He does make the point that earpads are easy to upgrade/replace and that there are options. I have headphones that I still want to use that I had to replace the pads on because the vinyl started flaking off. I guess that I might flog eBay and see if I can get some with better cushioning.
I have a pair of M40s and a pair of M50s that I paid about $110 for back before they started trending. I don't see any reason why I would replace either, especially given that I have Neutralizer for my Android devices and Peace/APO for my PC's.
You mean you have an M40X and an M50X? or you mean you have an M40 and an M50? The M40X is 100 dollars, the M50X is 150. The M50 (non X) is also 150. Do you think is worth the increase? (50% more expensive?)
IF you eq out a bit of the "Beyer" peak, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 250Ohm is really very comfy for long (8h+) listening sessions.
I have a pair of M40s and a pair of M50s that I paid about $110 for back before they started trending. I don't see any reason why I would replace either, especially given that I have Neutralizer for my Android devices and Peace/APO for my PC's.
You mean you have an M40X and an M50X? or you mean you have an M40 and an M50? The M40X is 100 dollars, the M50X is 150. The M50 (non X) is also 150. Do you think is worth the increase? (50% more expensive?)
To clarify. I have no X versions of either the M40 or M50. Having no experience with either, I can't have an informed opinion, and I don't feel comfortable with granting an opinion based on measurements I suspect that the M40 might work out well with equalization.
To clarify. I have no X versions of either the M40 or M50. Having no experience with either, I can't have an informed opinion, and I don't feel comfortable with granting an opinion based on measurements I suspect that the M40 might work out well with equalization.
So, what can you tell me about the M40 and M50? Thanks!
To clarify. I have no X versions of either the M40 or M50. Having no experience with either, I can't have an informed opinion, and I don't feel comfortable with granting an opinion based on measurements I suspect that the M40 might work out well with equalization.
So, what can you tell me about the M40 and M50? Thanks!
I haven't done any formal comparisons.
When the M40s first turned up after she independently ordered them, I listened to them, probably with this computer, and decided that somehow I liked the M50s better. My wife would never pay more than about $50 for a pair of headphones.
I haven't even had them both together in my hands at one time, except maybe that one time several years ago.
The M50s are used with this computer that I'm typing on right now, and my wife uses the M40s to watch British TV dramas via PBS's web site with her iPad, I think.
Let me chime in with another suggestion: Sennheiser HD 25 II https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00009ZSYG
Reasonably priced studio headphones, etc. On-ear, I like that, your mileage may vary...
I haven't done any formal comparisons.
When the M40s first turned up after she independently ordered them, I listened to them, probably with this computer, and decided that somehow I liked the M50s better. My wife would never pay more than about $50 for a pair of headphones.
I haven't even had them both together in my hands at one time, except maybe that one time several years ago.
The M50s are used with this computer that I'm typing on right now, and my wife uses the M40s to watch British TV dramas via PBS's web site with her iPad, I think.
Thank you.
Let me chime in with another suggestion: Sennheiser HD 25 II https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00009ZSYG
Reasonably priced studio headphones, etc. On-ear, I like that, your mileage may vary...
Oh, I want it to be over-ear, I find on-ear not so confortable.
My current Sennheiser headphones are over-ear, and oh so comfortable for daily all-day use. Too bad they're discontinued: HD580. They used to be part of the Hydrogen Audio logo, a long time ago.
My current Sennheiser headphones are over-ear, and oh so comfortable for daily all-day use. Too bad they're discontinued: HD580. They used to be part of the Hydrogen Audio logo, a long time ago.
I would still have my 580s except someone broke into my house a few years back and stole them and about $5k of other stuff. The good news was that we were well-insured, but good new 580s were gone, used 580s had become unobtainium. I think Sennheiser discontinued them because the found they could sell what was basically the same thing with a few audiophile bells and whistles added, for several times more.
IF you eq out a bit of the "Beyer" peak, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 250Ohm is really very comfy for long (8h+) listening sessions.
I can vouch for that ^ and for senn HD280 (both very comfortable), I'd still go for much smaller HD25, less comfort, but makes you look less alien and your head can generally move in more directions (they are smaller). Also they are the pretiest headphones (https://www.avacab-online.com/WebRoot/StoreES/Shops/63690703/50FD/2909/09E2/C5CE/D646/C0A8/29C3/557D/HD251II_hires.jpg) I ever saw (very subjective i know).
I think I am going to get an ATH-M40X (certified refurbished), for 80 bucks, and add some brainwavz earpads as an upgrade. Total 100 bucks.
as I have read that the M50X is not worth it compared to the M50 or the M40X.
The price difference will get you detachable cord options on the X model. I've read that X model have a slightly better pads, but I cannot correlate that statement as my M50 is many years older and now has velour pads in favor of the original pads. My son has since taken it as his own and so I recently bought a M50X for the office. I notice no audible difference between the 2 but that is a casual observation. I prefer the M50X due to the shorter cord option and I've replaced the pad with another set of velour pads for comfort.
The price difference will get you detachable cord options on the X model. I've read that X model have a slightly better pads, but I cannot correlate that statement as my M50 is many years older and now has velour pads in favor of the original pads. My son has since taken it as his own and so I recently bought a M50X for the office. I notice no audible difference between the 2 but that is a casual observation. I prefer the M50X due to the shorter cord option and I've replaced the pad with another set of velour pads for comfort.
Thanks for replying. I am talking mostly about the M40X being as good as the M50X for around 50 bucks less, that I can use to upgrade the earpads. What do you think?
Thanks for replying. I am talking mostly about the M40X being as good as the M50X for around 50 bucks less, that I can use to upgrade the earpads. What do you think?
Personally, comfort is a very important part of the equation for me. Given the choice, I would spend the cost difference on comfort. I have never heard the ATH-M40 so I cannot comment on the sound. But I can't imagine the 2 models being that far apart. Enjoy the new headphones, regardless of which one. :)