What headphones do you recommend?

2

Comments

  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    PJ_Soul said:
    dudeman said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Has anyone tried the Bose Quietcomfort 35 Series II noise cancelling wireless headphones? I know audiophiles prefer wired ones up until now, but I've read that wireless is getting better and better, and not having a wire when I'm out and about is very appealing. Noise cancelling also sounds awesome to me. These ones seem to get good consumer reviews, but I'm still not sure when to pull the cords for such an item, considering the cost. I'm worried that as soon as I do, wireless technology will take another giant leap forward and I'll be left in the dust, lol.
    They are nice headphones. Very comfortable for me. They make everything sound good too.

    Wouldn't be my first choice for mixing/mastering in the studio as they add their own color, but they will make even less than audiophile quality recordings sound good.

    I also wouldn't worry about the wireless tech with these. They do what they do well, regardless of what might come out next year. 

    I never pulled the trigger on those, but now I just did so for the brand new Bose wireless noise cancelling offering - the 700s. Saw a $50 off the $500 CAD price, and decided to FINALLY go for it. I know that these suffered from a rash of negative reviews at first because there was something wrong with the app for iOS. Apparently that has been fixed, but I don't have to worry, since I use Windows and Android. The only thing I'm not so cool with for these, compared to the 35 IIs, is that they don't fold. They only flip flat. Kind of a huge case for them. But other than that, the functionality and features sound awesome, and they apparently work much better with Alexa too. I am SO STOKED. This will be my first set of quality headphone in my whole life. Decided now is the right time, as I'm working from home and listening to records all day long, and also doing all my work communications by video conference.
    I get them tomorrow - whoohoo!
    Congrats! Good headphones are a revelation. Prepare to find yourself revisiting your entire music library and hearing things you never caught before. Even records you've heard a million times can feel like hearing for the first time with quality cans.

    Excited for you!
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,362
    PJ_Soul said:
    dudeman said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Has anyone tried the Bose Quietcomfort 35 Series II noise cancelling wireless headphones? I know audiophiles prefer wired ones up until now, but I've read that wireless is getting better and better, and not having a wire when I'm out and about is very appealing. Noise cancelling also sounds awesome to me. These ones seem to get good consumer reviews, but I'm still not sure when to pull the cords for such an item, considering the cost. I'm worried that as soon as I do, wireless technology will take another giant leap forward and I'll be left in the dust, lol.
    They are nice headphones. Very comfortable for me. They make everything sound good too.

    Wouldn't be my first choice for mixing/mastering in the studio as they add their own color, but they will make even less than audiophile quality recordings sound good.

    I also wouldn't worry about the wireless tech with these. They do what they do well, regardless of what might come out next year. 

    I never pulled the trigger on those, but now I just did so for the brand new Bose wireless noise cancelling offering - the 700s. Saw a $50 off the $500 CAD price, and decided to FINALLY go for it. I know that these suffered from a rash of negative reviews at first because there was something wrong with the app for iOS. Apparently that has been fixed, but I don't have to worry, since I use Windows and Android. The only thing I'm not so cool with for these, compared to the 35 IIs, is that they don't fold. They only flip flat. Kind of a huge case for them. But other than that, the functionality and features sound awesome, and they apparently work much better with Alexa too. I am SO STOKED. This will be my first set of quality headphone in my whole life. Decided now is the right time, as I'm working from home and listening to records all day long, and also doing all my work communications by video conference.
    I get them tomorrow - whoohoo!
    Take em for a test drive yet?
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,668
    edited June 2020
    PJ_Soul said:
    dudeman said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Has anyone tried the Bose Quietcomfort 35 Series II noise cancelling wireless headphones? I know audiophiles prefer wired ones up until now, but I've read that wireless is getting better and better, and not having a wire when I'm out and about is very appealing. Noise cancelling also sounds awesome to me. These ones seem to get good consumer reviews, but I'm still not sure when to pull the cords for such an item, considering the cost. I'm worried that as soon as I do, wireless technology will take another giant leap forward and I'll be left in the dust, lol.
    They are nice headphones. Very comfortable for me. They make everything sound good too.

    Wouldn't be my first choice for mixing/mastering in the studio as they add their own color, but they will make even less than audiophile quality recordings sound good.

    I also wouldn't worry about the wireless tech with these. They do what they do well, regardless of what might come out next year. 

    I never pulled the trigger on those, but now I just did so for the brand new Bose wireless noise cancelling offering - the 700s. Saw a $50 off the $500 CAD price, and decided to FINALLY go for it. I know that these suffered from a rash of negative reviews at first because there was something wrong with the app for iOS. Apparently that has been fixed, but I don't have to worry, since I use Windows and Android. The only thing I'm not so cool with for these, compared to the 35 IIs, is that they don't fold. They only flip flat. Kind of a huge case for them. But other than that, the functionality and features sound awesome, and they apparently work much better with Alexa too. I am SO STOKED. This will be my first set of quality headphone in my whole life. Decided now is the right time, as I'm working from home and listening to records all day long, and also doing all my work communications by video conference.
    I get them tomorrow - whoohoo!
    Take em for a test drive yet?
    I have, but I discovered that I need a plug adapter (3.5mm to 6.5mm) for my receiver so I can listen to my vinyl, so I've ordered that and should get it tomorrow. Can't wait for that.
    I have used it just for streaming and the phone and TV now though, and it's fantastic. Very clear sound, the noise cancelling is stunning, and the functionality is really cool. Just swipe the side of the can to skip songs or shows and to control volume, tap to answer and end phone calls and stop and start music, that kind of thing. Very fancy. :tongue: And quick buttons for noise cancelling levels and Alexa. They're pretty sweet! And are super comfortable. Can easily wear them all day, and they aren't hot on the ears. And insanely light. I actually thought maybe they had fucked up when they prepared my package, since the box was so light it felt like nothing was in there, lol.

    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    PJ_Soul said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    dudeman said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Has anyone tried the Bose Quietcomfort 35 Series II noise cancelling wireless headphones? I know audiophiles prefer wired ones up until now, but I've read that wireless is getting better and better, and not having a wire when I'm out and about is very appealing. Noise cancelling also sounds awesome to me. These ones seem to get good consumer reviews, but I'm still not sure when to pull the cords for such an item, considering the cost. I'm worried that as soon as I do, wireless technology will take another giant leap forward and I'll be left in the dust, lol.
    They are nice headphones. Very comfortable for me. They make everything sound good too.

    Wouldn't be my first choice for mixing/mastering in the studio as they add their own color, but they will make even less than audiophile quality recordings sound good.

    I also wouldn't worry about the wireless tech with these. They do what they do well, regardless of what might come out next year. 

    I never pulled the trigger on those, but now I just did so for the brand new Bose wireless noise cancelling offering - the 700s. Saw a $50 off the $500 CAD price, and decided to FINALLY go for it. I know that these suffered from a rash of negative reviews at first because there was something wrong with the app for iOS. Apparently that has been fixed, but I don't have to worry, since I use Windows and Android. The only thing I'm not so cool with for these, compared to the 35 IIs, is that they don't fold. They only flip flat. Kind of a huge case for them. But other than that, the functionality and features sound awesome, and they apparently work much better with Alexa too. I am SO STOKED. This will be my first set of quality headphone in my whole life. Decided now is the right time, as I'm working from home and listening to records all day long, and also doing all my work communications by video conference.
    I get them tomorrow - whoohoo!
    Take em for a test drive yet?
    I have, but I discovered that I need a plug adapter (3.5mm to 6.5mm) for my receiver so I can listen to my vinyl, so I've ordered that and should get it tomorrow. Can't wait for that.
    I have used it just for streaming and the phone and TV now though, and it's fantastic. Very clear sound, the noise cancelling is stunning, and the functionality is really cool. Just swipe the side of the can to skip songs or shows and to control volume, tap to answer and end phone calls and stop and start music, that kind of thing. Very fancy. :tongue: And quick buttons for noise cancelling levels and Alexa. They're pretty sweet! And are super comfortable. Can easily wear them all day, and they aren't hot on the ears. And insanely light. I actually thought maybe they had fucked up when they prepared my package, since the box was so light it felt like nothing was in there, lol.

    Sounds like a positive experience so far!
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    One more to add to the heap: AKG K245. They are on sale at a lot of places right now for well under $100.00. 

    They are open-backed so probably not the best choice for the office or where other people might be bothered by bleed. Aside from that, holy hell do they sound great. Easily as good as the ATH-M50x and easy to drive with a phone or other device due to the 32 ohm impedance. 

    They make a closed back version too. (K275)

    These K245s are shocking for the cost. Very even frequency response with lots of bass but not so much that it messes with the midrange balance. The top end is open and clear but never harsh. Metal headband that is self adjusting and the swiveling ear cups are metal too. They fold up for travel, come with a carry bag and a mini xlr to 3.5mm coiled cable.

    Rumor is that this series (K175 on ear, K245 open back and K275 closed back) were the last products from the Austrian design team before the company was sold and restructured. 

    Anyway, these cans are great sounding and a tremendous bargain.
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    Picked up a pair of Sony MDR-7506 cans today. Still breaking them in but so far, they are a great balance of comfort, sound quality and cost. 

    It's easy to see why they are considered to be industry standards. 
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • Jason P
    Jason P Posts: 19,304
    I have a larger head (hat size is 7 1/2) so I've spent more money in vain trying to find a good pair of headphones that I can stand wearing for more than 10 minutes.  The two pairs I have that I like and can vouch for are:

    Audio Tech M50x
    Bose Quiet Comfort ii  

    The Bose are mainly for listening to streaming music.  Nice for mowing the lawn and airplanes.

    The M50x are what I use in the studio.   I tried 20 pairs in a music shop ranging from $100 - $500.  There were only 3 pairs that felt comfortable in the batch.   I think M50x are $160 and the others were over $350.  I think they sounded comparative to cans in the $300 range.  There was a pair for $400 that were dreamy, but I don't recall the brand 
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    I love my AT M50xs. They get used probably 90% of the time I need headphones for tracking. 

    They sound great just for casual listening too.
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    One more new pair today. Shure SRH-840. Got them on sale at GC for just over a hundred bucks. (They used to be $200.)

    They are a little on the heavy side but they sound super nice. Very similar to the Sony MDR-7506 in terms of frequency balance and soundstage which is to say that they are pretty flat. One area that they outperform the Sonys is in the midrange detail. They are standouts in detail retrieval among the other 'phones in my collection and they aren't even broken in yet. Not as much bass bump as the AT M50x and not as open and airy as the AKG 245 but they are incredibly balanced and natural. Kind of a Goldilocks thing, much like the MDR-7506s.

    They sound big and open (for a closed back), are easy to drive with a phone or tablet and despite being heavier, they are tremendously comfortable. I am a glasses wearer and some headphones have too much clamping force. These ones are just right: tight enough to stay in place and make a good seal but they don't ever feel like they're squeezing my head.

    The SRH-840s are probably the last headphones I will buy for a while and I can already tell that they are going to get a lot of use.
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841
    ^^^ I'm the opposite. I have a freakishly small head. So I almost have to stay perfectly still to listen to music through my headphones. If I so much as bob my head to the beat, they fall off my head.

    And I just take off my glasses when I put on my headphones. Who needs to see?
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    Only one solution for you then. Staples.
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dankind
    dankind Posts: 20,841

    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • mickeyrat
    mickeyrat Posts: 44,408

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  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    Added a couple more 'phones to the collection: KLH Ultimate One open backs with Zebrawood cups and beryllium drivers and Sennheiser HD 599.

    The KLH are stunning in terms of balance, soundstage and detail retrieval. Exceptional comfort and build quality too. 

    The Sennheisers should arrive sometime this week. 
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • mickeyrat
    mickeyrat Posts: 44,408
    dudeman said:
    Added a couple more 'phones to the collection: KLH Ultimate One open backs with Zebrawood cups and beryllium drivers and Sennheiser HD 599.

    The KLH are stunning in terms of balance, soundstage and detail retrieval. Exceptional comfort and build quality too. 

    The Sennheisers should arrive sometime this week. 

    have the 569 Sennhausers closed back. really really good sound
    _____________________________________SIGNATURE________________________________________________

    Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
    you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
    memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
    another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    edited December 2022
    mickeyrat said:
    dudeman said:
    Added a couple more 'phones to the collection: KLH Ultimate One open backs with Zebrawood cups and beryllium drivers and Sennheiser HD 599.

    The KLH are stunning in terms of balance, soundstage and detail retrieval. Exceptional comfort and build quality too. 

    The Sennheisers should arrive sometime this week. 

    have the 569 Sennhausers closed back. really really good sound
    Sweet! I'm really looking forward to checking them out when they arrive. 

    In the meantime, the KLH Ultimate Ones are totally killing it! They seem to be improving with use. Everything I have listened to with them has sounded great and high quality recordings are breathtaking! 

    I played Binaural through them last night and fell in love with that album all over again. It sounded like Eddie and his uke were playing live in the room during "Soon Forget". The dog at the beginning of "Rival" sounded like it has chewing on my skull and I felt like I was listening to them recording "Of the Girl" in the studio. 

    Can't recommend these things highly enough!
    Post edited by dudeman on
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    The Sennheiser HD599s arrived a couple days ago. They are terrifically comfortable and the soundstage is really impressive. Still breaking them in as they sounded a little veiled at first. Getting better with more hours on them.


    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • mrussel1
    mrussel1 Posts: 30,879
    dudeman said:
    The Sennheiser HD599s arrived a couple days ago. They are terrifically comfortable and the soundstage is really impressive. Still breaking them in as they sounded a little veiled at first. Getting better with more hours on them.


    I have the Senn HD 650.  They were $500 when I bought them several years ago, but today discounted to $350.  I think they are a steal at that price.  

    Which of those are your favorite?
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    For open backs, the KLH Ultimate Ones are easily the best sounding and most capable 'phones I have. They are super comfortable and finely crafted. They also present low frequencies better than the other open backs I've heard. The detail is very impressive and they don't fall apart with busy or dense mixes like a lot of other headphones tend to. 

    The Shure SRH840s are my favorite closed backs for listening to music. They do everything well and they aren't overly hyped in the bass and treble. They sound more true to source than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR-7506. I use the Shures when I'm working since they are easy to drive with a computer and they block out extraneous office noise.

    For tracking guitars, I like the Sonys. They shine in the midrange and provide good isolation for recording. The A-Ts handle bass better so I use them for tracking bass guitar and drums.

    I like the AKG K245s for acoustic music and classical. They are really open and airy but they still have enough weight in the lows and mids to serve those genres well.

    Still feeling out the Sennheisers. They very much have their own baked-in sound and while it isn't unpleasant, it is different from everything else in my collection. I have to kick the treble control up a couple notches to match the clarity I get from the KLHs flat. I really like how they place instruments in the soundstage, though. In that regard, they are almost as good as the KLH.

    Long answer, I know. It comes down to using different tools for different jobs.
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,159
    mrussel1 said:
    dudeman said:
    The Sennheiser HD599s arrived a couple days ago. They are terrifically comfortable and the soundstage is really impressive. Still breaking them in as they sounded a little veiled at first. Getting better with more hours on them.


    I have the Senn HD 650.  They were $500 when I bought them several years ago, but today discounted to $350.  I think they are a steal at that price.  

    Which of those are your favorite?
    Are you using a separate headphone amp for your 650s? 
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV