What headphone(s) do you own ?

[Carlo2AC]

Kept as in still own but not sold (yet) ?
kept as in stored but not used ?
kept as in 'collection that is hard to part with' ?
kept as in used most often ?

Used most often: HD800 (with non Harman EQ), DT1350 (portable duty with EQ) and recently for closed usage (max a few hours) modified Creative Aurvana Live! 2.
Used now and then depending on mood and need:, modified/filtered DT770, filtered DT1990, modified S4X Reference 1.1, filtered HD560S
Kept (hard to part with): HD650, HD58X (modified, filtered), HD681 (modified, filtered), Edition XX, Audeze Sine (modified, filtered), HE35X(modified, filtered), old DT990(600) and a few prototype headphones.
Have not sold (yet)

Why ? Because I either like the sound + comfort or they have some kind of 'sentimental value' to me or have not put them up for sale (yet)

What is your HD800 EQ?

I smiled when i saw the HD681, how bang for buck they are

You opted for the DT 770 instead of the DT 1770? what is the most comfortable closed back you have used?

 

[solderdude]

Typo... should have written DT1770.
For the HD800 I use the Kameleon (analog EQ).
Not the same as digital EQ and not to Harman target measured on an industry standard fixture.

 

[The Moose]

Perhaps also try Oratory1990's EQ's too, as his are about as thorough as you can get with EQ's based on the GRAS measurement device. Amir doesn't specialise in EQ's, he measures just one unit & then eyeballs the frequency response to create his EQ, whereas if you use an Oratory EQ it's often based on measurement of multiple units of that headphone model and the EQ is done more exactly to the Harman Target Curve. All his EQ's for loads of different headphones are here:

index/list_of_presets - oratory1990

r/oratory1990: Mostly covering topics like headphones, in-ear headphones, acoustics, electroacoustics, acoustic tuning, headphone design …

www.reddit.com

And your 400se is amoungst them is here:

Hifiman HE400se.pdf

Shared with Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Why thank you, I'll certainly give it a thorough try and see how I like it!

Edit: I tried it out, and I like it quite a bit. I did modify it a little to more fit my tastes, but might fiddle with it a little more over time until I perfect it for me.
Also, Equalizer APO decided to just stop working this morning, so now I'm having to use the Peace Interface, which for some reason, fixed everything.

 

[Robbo99999]

Why thank you, I'll certainly give it a thorough try and see how I like it!

You're welcome! Also think about changing the bass level if you don't think it sounds right to you, he offers user customisation filters that are there for us to tweak to adjust the Harman EQ to a more optimal sound, a more personalised sound if the straight up Harman EQ doesn't sound totally right. Following is an example showing you where to find the user customisation filters, they're the ones in the following pic circled in red, note that this is from his EQ for the HD560s headphone, just as an example, they're at the bottom of the pdf in all his EQ's - you'd experiment with changing the dB level (gain) of those user customisation filters, you'd probably start off with getting the bass right and then go from there if you need to:

 

[Robbo99999]

I tried most of those, I think Amirs sounds the best compared to those(more open and clear), even if I have done a couple of minor tweaks on top

edit. Oh, I remembered wrong, it was not Amir but another member. It was the curve replicating Sennheiser HE-1 that I like the most. Better than Harman target imo.

Sure, that's fine, no one's gonna stop you from using a different target. From a statistical point of view, for most folks, their first port of call would be to try a Harman Curve EQ (eg Oratory) as this is the current best shot for a one target fits all approach....but you won't get shot for using another target. (Well, not unless you say the Harman Curve is pathetic & unworthy and that everyone should try your new fangled potentially groundless target instead......if you say that then you'd get shot down, but you know what I mean I think.)

 

[xeizo]

Sure, that's fine, no one's gonna stop you from using a different target. From a statistical point of view, for most folks, their first port of call would be to try a Harman Curve EQ (eg Oratory) as this is the current best shot for a one target fits all approach....but you won't get shot for using another target. (Well, not unless you say the Harman Curve is pathetic & unworthy and that everyone should try your new fangled potentially groundless target instead......if you say that then you'd get shot down, but you know what I mean I think.)

I'm fine, I'm firmly in the "if it sounds good it is good" camp, the Harman curve is a great starting point meaning reasonably flat to the brain. But my taste is the ultimate decider for me.

 

[FlyingFreak]

IEM Westone UM2

Headphone HE-560 (v2 I think?)

For work zoom i use the AirPods.

I m curious to try again some Senneizer cans (HD650, HD6xx and HD800). Maybe this year.

 

[kausik.tanik]

Bayerdynamics DT 900 Pro X with Fiio Amp & Dac

 

[esowden]

Beyerdynamic T90
Denon AH-D5000
HiFiMan Sundara

 

[animalfromhell0]

R70x, MMX 300 gen2 (dt700 i think), fidelio x2 (lol), galaxy buds pro (i like), air pods pro 1st gen (muffled garbage) an hd650 with a missing driver (anybody want the other? its in great condition). Next will be dt1990 i think since i like a lot of detail. But i really love my R70x, REALLY REALLY LOVE.

 

[luisma]

Always been more into speakers than headphones. Use headphones mainly for work, gaming and gym. Recently started to using these more for listening to music.

Ultrasone 900i Pro - Purchased these 4 years ago, use is light use, recently the right driver died, I measured continuity to the driver from the cable plug and the cable is not broken, just the driver decided to died, contacted Ultrasone and no answer, when I opened the right enclosure it is very very cheaply made, I paid $250 which looking back now was a lot.

Logitech G.733 Wireless - Gaming, work, youtube, webinars does the job in a nice way, I can be in a work call go downstairs to turn the espresso machine ON and still be connected with no degradation. I would buy the new generation when these break.

KINBOOFI KZ ZSX in Ear Headphone Monitor - Used for gym, exercise, commuting etc., to me the sound is excellent and I have no other references except for cheap ones.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro (Made by AKG) - Nothing special, short battery, mediocre sound, only can be used for calls.

Because of this thread and because the damn Ultrasone broke I'm forced to buy a new headphone.

Considering for future purchase (1 - 2 months)
DCA Noire: I'm attending the Tampa Audio Show, hope to try these there and possibly get a discount on purchase

For immediate purchase I'm considering:

SRH1540: Seems a good headphone but over the amount I would like to spend right now

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH1540-Premium-Closed-Back-Headphones/dp/B00FR8DMR8?th=1

HD560S: I will be using EQ the price is alluring

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-Over-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B08J9MVB6W

K371: I don't like these, not how they look

https://www.amazon.com/AKG-Pro-Audio-Headphones-K371/dp/B07WZH7WM9?th=1

DT880: Most here swear by it, but I don't think I will go with this

https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-Over-Ear-Stereo/dp/B06XGKQS3H?th=1

HD6XX: Don't like the rebranding, apparently is solid but don't know if I have a problem after the 2 years if Massdrop will fix or replace

Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones Q&A | Audiophile | Headphones | Open Back Headphones | Drop

Discover 34396 Community discussions, tips, and reviews on Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones from the Audiophile enthusiast community on Drop.

drop.com

HD660S: This looks like the one I'm getting, although a little more expensive it sounds solid

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-660-Audiophile-Headphone/dp/B076HP574T/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

HD650: More expensive so no (thinking again maybe the Drop purchase if it is guaranteed to be the same headphone is the one to go with)

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-650-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00018MSNI?th=1

HD600: I was inclined to these but the price is more than the 660S so.

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Open-Back-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00004SY4H

So there you go, thanks to @solderdude for putting this together, great reference.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Oh... I have no HPA or DAC aside of a 9038D and a Project S2, would like to get headphones connected directly to my PC. I know the DCA need both DAC and HPA

Preamp output I believe is not suitable for headphones either.

 

[xeizo]

I can add Beyerdynamic DT900 ProX(open) and DT700 ProX(closed) as both are very easy to drive even from a phone and sounds very good. Also very comfortable. Detachable cable and everything is replaceable. I have the DT900 ProX and it competes well with my more expensive cans.

 

[Robbo99999]

Always been more into speakers than headphones. Use headphones mainly for work, gaming and gym. Recently started to using these more for listening to music.

Ultrasone 900i Pro - Purchased these 4 years ago, use is light use, recently the right driver died, I measured continuity to the driver from the cable plug and the cable is not broken, just the driver decided to died, contacted Ultrasone and no answer, when I opened the right enclosure it is very very cheaply made, I paid $250 which looking back now was a lot.

Logitech G.733 Wireless - Gaming, work, youtube, webinars does the job in a nice way, I can be in a work call go downstairs to turn the espresso machine ON and still be connected with no degradation. I would buy the new generation when these break.

KINBOOFI KZ ZSX in Ear Headphone Monitor - Used for gym, exercise, commuting etc., to me the sound is excellent and I have no other references except for cheap ones.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro (Made by AKG) - Nothing special, short battery, mediocre sound, only can be used for calls.

Because of this thread and because the damn Ultrasone broke I'm forced to buy a new headphone.

Considering for future purchase (1 - 2 months)
DCA Noire: I'm attending the Tampa Audio Show, hope to try these there and possibly get a discount on purchase

For immediate purchase I'm considering:

SRH1540: Seems a good headphone but over the amount I would like to spend right now

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH1540-Premium-Closed-Back-Headphones/dp/B00FR8DMR8?th=1

HD560S: I will be using EQ the price is alluring

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-Over-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B08J9MVB6W

K371: I don't like these, not how they look

https://www.amazon.com/AKG-Pro-Audio-Headphones-K371/dp/B07WZH7WM9?th=1

DT880: Most here swear by it, but I don't think I will go with this

https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-Over-Ear-Stereo/dp/B06XGKQS3H?th=1

HD6XX: Don't like the rebranding, apparently is solid but don't know if I have a problem after the 2 years if Massdrop will fix or replace

Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones Q&A | Audiophile | Headphones | Open Back Headphones | Drop

Discover 34396 Community discussions, tips, and reviews on Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones from the Audiophile enthusiast community on Drop.

drop.com

HD660S: This looks like the one I'm getting, although a little more expensive it sounds solid

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-660-Audiophile-Headphone/dp/B076HP574T/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

HD650: More expensive so no (thinking again maybe the Drop purchase if it is guaranteed to be the same headphone is the one to go with)

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-650-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00018MSNI?th=1

HD600: I was inclined to these but the price is more than the 660S so.

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Open-Back-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00004SY4H

So there you go, thanks to @solderdude for putting this together, great reference.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Oh... I have no HPA or DAC aside of a 9038D and a Project S2, would like to get headphones connected directly to my PC. I know the DCA need both DAC and HPA

Preamp output I believe is not suitable for headphones either.

HD560s (with EQ) FTW! My opinion & experience.

 

[ugur38]

For the HD800 I use the Kameleon (analog EQ).
Not the same as digital EQ

Is there any audible difference between analog and digital EQ for regular listener?

 

[solderdude]

When the exact same filters are set in a parametric EQ as the analog there should not be a difference.
The computer generated EQ is based on a specific measurement on a specific fixture or an average of a few measurements on a specific fixture.
One would have to trust that such a 'detailed' EQ is accurate, which of course it isn't. It is only accurate to that fixture under the same circumstances but will get you closer to the intended target so in general will give an improvement.

My analog EQ is very, very basic only compensating for the overall tonal deviations which need addressing and thus requires headphones that are already 'almost there' and not for problem headphones that need to become 'stellar'. Some folks truly believe this is possible though and even a must.

The main reason for using analog EQ is for analog sources that one does not want to digitize, correct and convert to analog again or when one has music sources that do not have a possibility to apply the needed (parametric) EQ but only have some crude few band 'tone control' that is called 'graphic EQ'.

 

[luisma]

HD560s (with EQ) FTW! My opinion & experience.

Getting the 560's delivered tomorrow, let me look for the EQ profiles

 

[Robbo99999]

Getting the 560's delivered tomorrow, let me look for the EQ profiles

Here's Oratory's EQ for it:

Sennheiser HD560S.pdf

Shared with Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Try that first if you like. My next quick recommendation would be for you to use that EQ but remove his High Shelf Filter at 10000Hz (Filter #10), and instead then tweak the tonality using a Linear Tone Control, which you can achieve by using 3 High Shelf Parametric Filters, it's the following 3 filters and you'd make sure each filter has the same Gain (dB) (positive or negative):

• High Shelf at 63Hz, Q0.5
• High Shelf at 632Hz, Q0.5
• High Shelf at 6324Hz, Q0.5

You'd tweak those filters by only 0.1dB or 0.2dB increments to all filters at the same time, listen to it and then further fine tune - because they influence the whole spectrum you're likely to detect differences in only 0.1 or 0.2dB increments when changing each of those filters - you'd make sure each of the 3 filters was set to the same Gain (dB) in order to ensure a linear tone control through the whole frequency range. Negative gain would make it sound darker, positive gain would make it sound brighter. Essentially, this approach worked best for me with this headphone. (I'd be expecting you to use negative gain on those 3 High Shelf Filters as part of the tone control - to make the headphone darker, but the point is you'd judge for yourself which direction you'd want to take it.)

Minor Edit: also try adding an 8200Hz Peak Filter, Q6, -1dB, -> it's a small change but to me it took a slight edge off, it also makes sense re the Oratory measurements, but that high up the frequency range it's less likely to be applicable for the different anatomies of different people, but I liked it better with that filter included. And to note, my hearing is very sensitive in the 8000-12000kHz range -> if I listen to slow sine sweeps on anechoic flat speakers (also replicated in various headphones) I have a massive hearing boost between 8000-12000kHz, so that's some kind of potentially unusual anatomical difference that I have, so I think I'm quite sensitive to changes in that area, hence the 8200Hz Peak Filter making a difference for me....not everyone would likely be same.

EDIT: I hope you do like the headphone considering I recommended it to you.......everyone is different and there's no guarantees, but essentially from the measurements and the majority of people's experiences then it's a solid headphone, and the price helps in that regard!

 

[luisma]

EDIT: I hope you do like the headphone considering I recommended it to you.......everyone is different and there's no guarantees, but essentially from the measurements and the majority of people's experiences then it's a solid headphone, and the price helps in that regard!

LOL, I was looking at these anyway, I don't think it will matter, once you EQ and considering these are all good responsive to EQ, the differences between all these will be subtle and possibly not worth the price difference so I'm sure I will be very pleased. Will do the mono channel balance comparison 1st.

Thank you for the file, parameters are different than the ones from the AutoEQ section in EqAPO, so always go with the latest PDF then and discard using the AutoEQ?
Edit01: Nevermind found this https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...oad-of-headphones-and-updated-his-pdfs.18152/

 

[Robbo99999]

LOL, I was looking at these anyway, I don't think it will matter, once you EQ and considering these are all good responsive to EQ, the differences between all these will be subtle and possibly not worth the price difference so I'm sure I will be very pleased. Will do the mono channel balance comparison 1st.

Thank you for the file, parameters are different than the ones from the AutoEQ section in EqAPO, so always go with the latest PDF then and discard using the AutoEQ?
Edit01: Nevermind found this https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...oad-of-headphones-and-updated-his-pdfs.18152/

For Oratory EQ's you'd just look at this master list & then select your headphone, as he keeps those all updated to the latest:

index/list_of_presets - oratory1990

r/oratory1990: Mostly covering topics like headphones, in-ear headphones, acoustics, electroacoustics, acoustic tuning, headphone design …

www.reddit.com

 

[RoA]

Grado SR80X
Beyerdynamic DT 700 ProX
Mezze 99 Classic
Hifiman Sundara