What headphone(s) do you own ?

[david.aj.silva]

Just added Dan Clark Stealth to the lot. Ouch! A major investment, but I mostly use headphones for music listening so its quite logical to concentrate the spending there.

Not much more left to do - I use the premium version of the IDAGIO classical streaming service (providing the original CD quality) and the DAC/amp is the well designed RME ADI-2 Pro so I guess after this investment, the quality of the recording is the main remaining limiting factor.

Congrats on the DCA Stealth. Bet it pairs nicely with the ADI 2! Gotta save my pennies - would love to eventually add the Stealth to my stable...

 

[Hckd]

Just curious ...
What headphone(s) do you currently own ?
Which one(s) is(are) used the most, or is your favorite ?

Hi there. New "member" but been reading ASR for a long time, studied EE so I really like the technical discussions around here, been really helpful in understanding the Hobby and building my list.

My current list (not going to change for ages tbh, as long as nothing fails me):
HD650 (have them for ages, unfortunately cant use them for long time since I changed the pads for new original ones, ear pain, gotta check out why) - Love their sound when EQ'd
IE80 my first IEM, really liked them when I got it (like 5 years ago), dunno why but they don't sound right to me nowadays (EQ'd or not), but I blame the next dude on the list...
HD800S - For me the true endgame... I can keep them up for hours uppon hours of listening and never get tired, just love the sound of them (EQ'd), they just put a smile on my face every time I fire them up...
Airpods Pro - Just for convenience when convenience is needed, really enjoy the sound of them some how.
AKG k702 - really like them EQ'd, but like the Sennies much more.
JBL Tune 702 BT - got a good deal on them and dicided to give it ago as per some post on the interwebs speaking about their sound (those close to Harmman ones) really nice for the price and convenience.

When on the couch for the listening sessions everything (except the IE80) driven by either and RME ADI 2 DAC FS (when lazy or dependant on the mood) or a Brocksieper Earmax SE (with ADI 2 as DAC) for the longer session, dunno why but I can hear this combo for hours uppon hours without ear or head fatigue, something that doesn't happen with only the RME on the chain. Source is a RPi4 running Volumio and an iPad or iPhone with Apple music feeding it.

When on computer for games, movies and such IFI micro IDSD BL.

When out of home (and when convenience calls) IFI xDSD (for the IE80), but most of the time nowadays just my AirPods Pro.

Everything connected with 99,99999999999% oxygen free... Just kidding, some old cables that dad had lying around probably older than me (32).

Next step will be speakers... Probably something active to plug directly to the RME... I dont like the idea of the Hobby getting out of hand (either monetary or too many equipments, I like to go the simple route) Just love those Genelec speakers...

Best regards.

 

[Robbo99999]

Hi there. New "member" but been reading ASR for a long time, studied EE so I really like the technical discussions around here, been really helpful in understanding the Hobby and building my list.

My current list (not going to change for ages tbh, as long as nothing fails me):
HD650 (have them for ages, unfortunately cant use them for long time since I changed the pads for new original ones, ear pain, gotta check out why) - Love their sound when EQ'd
IE80 my first IEM, really liked them when I got it (like 5 years ago), dunno why but they don't sound right to me nowadays (EQ'd or not), but I blame the next dude on the list...
HD800S - For me the true endgame... I can keep them up for hours uppon hours of listening and never get tired, just love the sound of them (EQ'd), they just put a smile on my face every time I fire them up...
Airpods Pro - Just for convenience when convenience is needed, really enjoy the sound of them some how.
AKG k702 - really like them EQ'd, but like the Sennies much more.
JBL Tune 702 BT - got a good deal on them and dicided to give it ago as per some post on the interwebs speaking about their sound (those close to Harmman ones) really nice for the price and convenience.

When on the couch for the listening sessions everything (except the IE80) driven by either and RME ADI 2 DAC FS (when lazy or dependant on the mood) or a Brocksieper Earmax SE (with ADI 2 as DAC) for the longer session, dunno why but I can hear this combo for hours uppon hours without ear or head fatigue, something that doesn't happen with only the RME on the chain. Source is a RPi4 running Volumio and an iPad or iPhone with Apple music feeding it.

When on computer for games, movies and such IFI micro IDSD BL.

When out of home (and when convenience calls) IFI xDSD (for the IE80), but most of the time nowadays just my AirPods Pro.

Everything connected with 99,99999999999% oxygen free... Just kidding, some old cables that dad had lying around probably older than me (32).

Next step will be speakers... Probably something active to plug directly to the RME... I dont like the idea of the Hobby getting out of hand (either monetary or too many equipments, I like to go the simple route) Just love those Genelec speakers...

Best regards.

Nice re the HD800s and the K702, I have two K702's amoungst my collection. What EQ's do you use for the HD800s & K702? How would you describe the differences between the K702 & the HD800s once EQ'd?

 

[Hckd]

Nice re the HD800s and the K702, I have two K702's amoungst my collection. What EQ's do you use for the HD800s & K702? How would you describe the differences between the K702 & the HD800s once EQ'd?

I use iOratory1990 EQ settings for it. When on the computer, for games and such, Sonarworks.

What comes to mind when comparing the two is the HD800s being more holographic, the imaging is just much better for me and with EQ the bass is much better (for my taste ofc), seems more detailed. Something I miss with the K702 is the rumble that I can feel with the EQd HD800s on some songs with very low bass.

After hearing the HD800S for a long time, when I switch to the K702 something seems to be missing, that's how it feels for me. In all honesty, if I never had the HD800S it wouldnt bother me at all, the K702 is a very good headphone, but after the HD800s everything I have sounds like missing something, they are just that special for my taste.

That and for me the EQd HD800S makes everything sound special, it presents the music in a different way that just sounds good to me. Not saying it sounds "right" as in the highest fidelity, just saying they make hearing everything a very pleasurable experience.

 

[Robbo99999]

I use iOratory1990 EQ settings for it. When on the computer, for games and such, Sonarworks.

What comes to mind when comparing the two is the HD800s being more holographic, the imaging is just much better for me and with EQ the bass is much better (for my taste ofc), seems more detailed. Something I miss with the K702 is the rumble that I can feel with the EQd HD800s on some songs with very low bass.

After hearing the HD800S for a long time, when I switch to the K702 something seems to be missing, that's how it feels for me. In all honesty, if I never had the HD800S it wouldnt bother me at all, the K702 is a very good headphone, but after the HD800s everything I have sounds like missing something, they are just that special for my taste.

That and for me the EQd HD800S makes everything sound special, it presents the music in a different way that just sounds good to me. Not saying it sounds "right" as in the highest fidelity, just saying they make hearing everything a very pleasurable experience.

There might be some unit to unit variation on the K702 that is messing with the EQ in terms of the differences in bass you mentioned, so for that you might need to just increase the bass on the 105Hz Low Shelf Filter for the K702. Channel imbalance on the K702 might also affect the imaging you mentioned, but from accounts on the internet I would expect the HD800s to be better than the K702 when it comes to imaging/soundstage.

 

[Hckd]

There might be some unit to unit variation on the K702 that is messing with the EQ in terms of the differences in bass you mentioned, so for that you might need to just increase the bass on the 105Hz Low Shelf Filter for the K702. Channel imbalance on the K702 might also affect the imaging you mentioned, but from accounts on the internet I would expect the HD800s to be better than the K702 when it comes to imaging/soundstage.

Thank you very much, I will try that and see if it makes any difference, I'm always open to new ideas. But to be honest I think it's just the limitation of the K702 themselves compared to the HD800S.

 

[radix]

Well, I'll toss in to the headphone collection.

• DCA Aeon Closed RT at my home office
• DT770 (250 ohm) at my work office
• Hifiman Sundara
• ATH-R70x
• Bose QC 35 ii (for travel)
• Sennheiser HD555 (no longer used, maybe 16 years old)

I'm trying to decide which of the Sundara or ATH-R70x to keep. I think the Sundara sounds better, with maybe a richer sound? Maybe it's the ear cups? The ATH-r70x are lighter and cooler, but I don't think I like their head rest. Eventually, I'll ebay one of them. As you can tell, I'm leaning towards the Sundara.

I use a DX3Pro+, which also feeds my KH750/KH80 desk speakers when I want to make noise. I have EQs for all of them (usually the Harman).

So trying to EQ Roon, Spotify (on mac), and connect 3 different computers (gaming pc, work laptop, personal laptop) has lead to a rather involved wiring mess. I ended up doing two Roon endpoints, one non-EQd for the speakers and one EQd for headphones. Right now, I'm also use a Douk Audio 4-to-1 3.5mm selector (called the Little Bear I think) so I can switch between headphones without re-wiring.

 

[cryptout]

My Headphones
HiFi for listening and producing music:

• HD600 (20+ years old, carefully maintained by me)
• Verum One MkII (got these recently and I have to say I’m gabbing the HD600 less now)

IEMs for commuting: (not a huge fan of in ear due to comfort issues)

• Tin Audio T2 Pro
• Tin HiFi T4

DJ: (cheap, loud, single cable)

• AT M40x
• Technics DJ1210

Office: (since working from home I don't use these much)

• Jabra W30L

 

[Bleib]

Update:
AKG 271 Studio
AKG 371
AKG 272 and 273 (not often used)
Hifiman HE400SE

Portable:
Audio Technica E40 (has replaceable cables and is very neutral)

 

[Hckd]

My Headphones
HiFi for listening and producing music:

• HD600 (20+ years old, carefully maintained by me)
• Verum One MkII (got these recently and I have to say I’m gabbing the HD600 less now)

IEMs for commuting: (not a huge fan of in ear due to comfort issues)

• Tin Audio T2 Pro
• Tin HiFi T4

DJ: (cheap, loud, single cable)

• AT M40x
• Technics DJ1210

Office: (since working from home I don't use these much)

• Jabra W30L

How would you describe the differences between the HD600 and the Verum?

 

[cryptout]

How would you describe the differences between the HD600 and the Verum?

I'm pretty bad at describing sound. It's a different experience for sure. I use a EQ curve for my HD600 but I don't feel the need to do this with the Verum.

 

[Hckd]

I read the post in HF where the owner of the Verum brand discribed all the process of making the One model and was puzzled by how it would sound.

It really looks like a good effort, but never met anyone that owned a pair.... Would like to try them, or at least have someone describe what they ear (in a honest way) with them, without all the "flair" that almost every review available on them is full off...

 

[ADU]

This is an update to my previous equipment list. I sold my AudioTechnica M50x. And now have only a Beyerdynamic DT-770. (And also some of the remains of my old and unworking AKG K553 Pro.)

Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-770 (250 ohm)
Amp: Rolls-Bellari HA543
DAC: Insignia NS-HZ313
EQ: Equalizer APO Configuration Editor (without the Peace UI)

My sound source is still the optical output of my Samsung TV. And most of the music I listen to is still from YouTube videos, fed to my TV via HDMI from a laptop.

The bit depth and sample rate that I use for the laptop's HDMI output to the TV is still 24-bit/48 kHz. I chose this rate rather than 16/44.1 (I previously referred to this as "16/41", which was incorrect) for several reasons. It's the highest rate my TV will accept via the laptop's HDMI connection. It is the standard rate for video content. And it's the rate used by YouTube's Opus audio codec. It's also an easy rate for my inexpensive Best Buy Insignia DAC to handle. And keeps my audio as clean and pure as possible from source to amp.

I chose the Bellari HA543 as my amp because it was one of the least expensive models I could find locally with both RCA and balanced XLR inputs. This allows me to use the amp with both standard consumer line level audio inputs, and also balanced pro audio line level inputs. Which is a handy feature to have if you like to dabble in some music production, or use a mixer for your EQ. It's not a super powerful amp. But has enough to drive both lower impedance headphones, and my higher impedance (and lower sensitivity) 250-ohm DT-770's to more than adequate volumes with no audible distortion.

An EQ (like Equalizer APO) is, imho, also a necessary component in my setup to tame brightness and some rough spots in the DT-770's frequency response. And I've started a topic to discuss some approaches to this here.

 

[Yayoming]

After my journey, came back to AKG k712

 

[3125b]

Recently got a Bose NC 700 more or less by accident. Anyway, I was surprised how well it is actually built (take note, AKG) and all the control functions and ANC work. Comes with a nice case that doesn't look like a purse.
Sound-wise it's nothing special, reasonably well tuned (read: unoffensive) closed-back headphone.
If you can get this for around ~150€ new I'd reccomend it.

 

[CTheCurious]

Talking about journey, I'll list my little headphone collection and then I would love to get an opinion from you guys for my next step.

Right now I own:

Headphones:

1. Sennheiser HD560S; (My favorite and daily driver right now)
2. AKG K712 PRO; (My first decent headphone)
3. Koss Kph30i; (Unfortunately broke on one side, but cheap and good)
4. Fostex T50RP. (That I modded but I didn't like that much the sound even when it was new, while now it's a little bit better but I am not satisfied yet)

Earphones:

1. Tin Hi-fi T2;
2. Blon BL03.

As DAC I have a Topping E30 and two amplifiers, Darkvoice 336SE (that I started to tube roll) and a Topping A30 PRO, which I like both.

Now getting back to the journey part, I am the kind of guy that likes to have different things, or headphones in this very case, with their own set of qualities because I always want to try and learn about the different aspects of it.

That said I want to do the next step and pass to some sets of headphones ranging from 350$ to 650$. After this if I feel satisfied I think I will pass to headphones like the Arya or anything on that price range.

I'm doing this because I don't want to rush things and I want to enjoy the ride step by step.

I'm looking for 3 to 4 headphones with these characteristics:

1. An openback headphone that sounds wide and detailed, not in an artificial way, quite critical but not stressful and with good soundstage;
2. A closedback headphone with a more intimate and warmer sound, that is able to isolate me well from anything outside, with good base extension;
3. An headphone more focused on timbre that makes you listen and enjoy more your music instead the audio quality; (I know this one is quite abstract and personal but I still want to know your opinion)
4. Last one an headphone with high impedance, 250Ohm or similar, to pair with the darkvoice. (This one could be literally one of the 3 above so if one has this characteristic I would just go for 3 instead of 4)

I already have some candidates like the Sundara or Edition XS for the first category, and Grado SR325X for the third, but I want to hear from you guys before moving on.

I listen to pretty much anything, from industrial rock and electronic music to bossa nova or orchestral, that's why I didn't go too deep with characteristics in the different categories. I will post this on another forum too because I want as many opinions as I can get.

Sorry for this too long post and thank you for your attention. (^^)

 

[Angel II]

This is an update to my previous equipment list. I sold my AudioTechnica M50x. And now have only a Beyerdynamic DT-770. (And also some of the remains of my old and unworking AKG K553 Pro.)

Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-770 (250 ohm)
Amp: Rolls-Bellari HA543
DAC: Insignia NS-HZ313
EQ: Equalizer APO Configuration Editor (without the Peace UI)

My sound source is still the optical output of my Samsung TV. And most of the music I listen to is still from YouTube videos, fed to my TV via HDMI from a laptop.

The bit depth and sample rate that I use for the laptop's HDMI output to the TV is still 24-bit/48 kHz. I chose this rate rather than 16/44.1 (I previously referred to this as "16/41", which was incorrect) for several reasons. It's the highest rate my TV will accept via the laptop's HDMI connection. It is the standard rate for video content. And it's the rate used by YouTube's Opus audio codec. It's also an easy rate for my inexpensive Best Buy Insignia DAC to handle. And keeps my audio as clean and pure as possible from source to amp.

I chose the Bellari HA543 as my amp because it was one of the least expensive models I could find locally with both RCA and balanced XLR inputs. This allows me to use the amp with both standard consumer line level audio inputs, and also balanced pro audio line level inputs. Which is a handy feature to have if you like to dabble in some music production, or use a mixer for your EQ. It's not a super powerful amp. But has enough to drive both lower impedance headphones, and my higher impedance (and lower sensitivity) 250-ohm DT-770's to more than adequate volumes with no audible distortion.

An EQ (like Equalizer APO) is, imho, also a necessary component in my setup to tame brightness and some rough spots in the DT-770's frequency response. And I've started a topic to discuss some approaches to this here.

This Bellari HA543 amplifier has always intrigued me. Is it possible to know the output power at 300 ohms? From what I read about the specs it will handle my Avantone Planar and Austrian Audio Hi-X65 very well. The HD 650 I have some doubts .. but it will not be a problem because I have a V200 and the OTL.

 

[Robbo99999]

Talking about journey, I'll list my little headphone collection and then I would love to get an opinion from you guys for my next step.

Right now I own:

Headphones:

1. Sennheiser HD560S; (My favorite and daily driver right now)
2. AKG K712 PRO; (My first decent headphone)
3. Koss Kph30i; (Unfortunately broke on one side, but cheap and good)
4. Fostex T50RP. (That I modded but I didn't like that much the sound even when it was new, while now it's a little bit better but I am not satisfied yet)

Earphones:

1. Tin Hi-fi T2;
2. Blon BL03.

As DAC I have a Topping E30 and two amplifiers, Darkvoice 336SE (that I started to tube roll) and a Topping A30 PRO, which I like both.

Now getting back to the journey part, I am the kind of guy that likes to have different things, or headphones in this very case, with their own set of qualities because I always want to try and learn about the different aspects of it.

That said I want to do the next step and pass to some sets of headphones ranging from 350$ to 650$. After this if I feel satisfied I think I will pass to headphones like the Arya or anything on that price range.

I'm doing this because I don't want to rush things and I want to enjoy the ride step by step.

I'm looking for 3 to 4 headphones with these characteristics:

1. An openback headphone that sounds wide and detailed, not in an artificial way, quite critical but not stressful and with good soundstage;
2. A closedback headphone with a more intimate and warmer sound, that is able to isolate me well from anything outside, with good base extension;
3. An headphone more focused on timbre that makes you listen and enjoy more your music instead the audio quality; (I know this one is quite abstract and personal but I still want to know your opinion)
4. Last one an headphone with high impedance, 250Ohm or similar, to pair with the darkvoice. (This one could be literally one of the 3 above so if one has this characteristic I would just go for 3 instead of 4)

I already have some candidates like the Sundara or Edition XS for the first category, and Grado SR325X for the third, but I want to hear from you guys before moving on.

I listen to pretty much anything, from industrial rock and electronic music to bossa nova or orchestral, that's why I didn't go too deep with characteristics in the different categories. I will post this on another forum too because I want as many opinions as I can get.

Sorry for this too long post and thank you for your attention. (^^)

I think you're already there with the HD560s based on my experience of headphones that you can see listed in my sig - it's my favourite headphone. I think it has all the qualities you need - a good starting frequency response that is easily EQ'able, comfortable to wear, good soundstage and imaging which in my experience is based around the physical design of the headphone rather than just it's measured frequency response, and is a low distortion headphone, and fairly good unit to unit variation. So yeah, in my experience, use the Oratory EQ for the HD560s and pay close attention to tuning the bass level to your preference (the Low Shelf at 105Hz), then concentrate on tweaking the "shoutiness" filter (as that's often where this headphone can differ from unit to unit), and also the "airiness" filter which is the High Shelf above 10kHz. I'd be surprised if you can really get that much better than this headphone once you've got it tweaked, I've experimented extensively with my headphones in my sig and that's my current conclusion.

EDIT: (for your open-back headphone request)

 

[solderdude]

1. An openback headphone that sounds wide and detailed, not in an artificial way, quite critical but not stressful and with good soundstage;

HD800(S) with EQ

1. A closedback headphone with a more intimate and warmer sound, that is able to isolate me well from anything outside, with good base extension;

something else than HD800(S) good closed headphones are not plentiful.

1. An headphone more focused on timbre that makes you listen and enjoy more your music instead the audio quality; (I know this one is quite abstract and personal but I still want to know your opinion)

HD800(S) with EQ

1. Last one an headphone with high impedance, 250Ohm or similar, to pair with the darkvoice. (This one could be literally one of the 3 above so if one has this characteristic I would just go for 3 instead of 4)

HD800(S) with EQ

 

[CTheCurious]

I think you're already there with the HD560s based on my experience of headphones that you can see listed in my sig - it's my favourite headphone. I think it has all the qualities you need - a good starting frequency response that is easily EQ'able, comfortable to wear, good soundstage and imaging which in my experience is based around the physical design of the headphone rather than just it's measured frequency response, and is a low distortion headphone, and fairly good unit to unit variation. So yeah, in my experience, use the Oratory EQ for the HD560s and pay close attention to tuning the bass level to your preference (the Low Shelf at 105Hz), then concentrate on tweaking the "shoutiness" filter (as that's often where this headphone can differ from unit to unit), and also the "airiness" filter which is the High Shelf above 10kHz. I'd be surprised if you can really get that much better than this headphone once you've got it tweaked, I've experimented extensively with my headphones in my sig and that's my current conclusion.

Thank you for the answer, you have a good point. I am already experimenting with EQ and will go on with it. Right now I'm quiet satisfied with the HD560S, it's an headphone I think it's worth every sinlge cent and even more.

That said, as I told, for me this is kinda the next step, and I want to personally hear the difference and see if it's worth, at least for me, to invest on more pricier headphones. I don't expect all this difference but I want to check it out personally.