Yeah so seems like only modmic or similar mics would work if you want a headset mic. Surprised a competitor hasn’t emerged at all, seems like a decent niche and modmic have gone a little silly with their prices.
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General Headphone Audio
- Thread starter garyfl
- Start date
At a guess most are going with headsets, or desk mics to copy their favourite Twitch/Youtube streamer.
I remember a few years ago the NPD (North American sales figures) announcing headset sales had exploded and were on the up. Although that SaharaGaming mic you mentioned was an attempt to do a cheaper competitor to Antlion.
Decided to try some new tubes for the first time for the Xduoo TA-66. Didn't spent overly much, about £60 for four new tubes. Supposedly all new, old stock. From left to right:
1. Voskhod Rocket 6N2P-EV
2. Svetlana Winged =C= 6AS7G/6N13S
3. 6N2P-EV Voskhod (no markings like the first one; came as a pair with No.4 below)
4. 6N5PJ (curiously this only has 6N5P printed on its base)
5. 6N5PJ (stock)
6. 6N2 (stock)
I have tried as pairs; the Svetlana & Voskhod Rocket, then the next two and had already heard the stock tubes. I inadvertently ended up with two 6N2P-EV's and the 6N5PJ tube is similar to the stock one. Although the first two; Svetlana Winged C & Voskhod have something about them; smoother than the other two sets and the nicest sounding. The next two felt a bit crisper than stock, but otherwise similar. I know these tubes need to be run for much longer than I have so far. However I have noticed that the four new tubes look nicer on the inside than the stock ones; noticeable on the horizontal spacers and plate (I believe this is what they are correctly called).
The next tubes on my want-to-try list are the Tung-Sol 5998 & Sylvania 5998A however both seem to be quite pricey, or restricted to North American sellers. So I might wait until I see a good price.
1. Voskhod Rocket 6N2P-EV
2. Svetlana Winged =C= 6AS7G/6N13S
3. 6N2P-EV Voskhod (no markings like the first one; came as a pair with No.4 below)
4. 6N5PJ (curiously this only has 6N5P printed on its base)
5. 6N5PJ (stock)
6. 6N2 (stock)
I have tried as pairs; the Svetlana & Voskhod Rocket, then the next two and had already heard the stock tubes. I inadvertently ended up with two 6N2P-EV's and the 6N5PJ tube is similar to the stock one. Although the first two; Svetlana Winged C & Voskhod have something about them; smoother than the other two sets and the nicest sounding. The next two felt a bit crisper than stock, but otherwise similar. I know these tubes need to be run for much longer than I have so far. However I have noticed that the four new tubes look nicer on the inside than the stock ones; noticeable on the horizontal spacers and plate (I believe this is what they are correctly called).
The next tubes on my want-to-try list are the Tung-Sol 5998 & Sylvania 5998A however both seem to be quite pricey, or restricted to North American sellers. So I might wait until I see a good price.
Although I really dislike wires, I’m tempted to get another pair of K712s, they were the most comfortable headphones I ever had and I had no qualms with the sound.
The Audeze Maxwells sound good but it’s like wearing a brick on your head.
The Audeze Maxwells sound good but it’s like wearing a brick on your head.
Also had the K702 and K712's at one point. Comfort was very good. Only thing I disliked was that elastic aging and durability on my 702's (wire came loose), but they went through a lot of use to be fair.
Never seem to keep anything long enough for that lol. Problem is back in 2016 I got them for about £123 and I don’t feel they’re worth current price.
I do have a set of Fidelio X2HD?/R as well I forgot about but I think they make my ears hot.
Yep, I think I paid £167 for the 712's back in very early 2020. And since then they have gone up quite a bit like you say. I'll be honest I preferred the 702's which are pretty much the same price they were for me in 2015, but have seem them cheaper.
Maybe a new Closed Back anyone?
mezeaudio.com
Perfectly happy with my wonderful Aune SR-7000's.
STRADA
Meet the STRADA - a pair of closed-back dynamic headphones crafted for tonal balance and musical intimacy. With its full-bodied sound, excellent noise isolation, and natural sense of space, it delivers a harmonious acoustic experience where detail, texture, and dynamics come through with...
mezeaudio.com
Perfectly happy with my wonderful Aune SR-7000's.
Caporegime
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My ZMF is in Gatwick !
Hopefully no import tax.
Caporegime
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Paid it 4 days ago....£150!
Ouch!
Hopefully you like them after that
Caporegime
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Ouch!
I paid £686, stock cable, no tune kit.
So total came to £836.48
Maybe a new Closed Back anyone?
STRADA
Meet the STRADA - a pair of closed-back dynamic headphones crafted for tonal balance and musical intimacy. With its full-bodied sound, excellent noise isolation, and natural sense of space, it delivers a harmonious acoustic experience where detail, texture, and dynamics come through with...
Perfectly happy with my wonderful Aune SR-7000's.
Not a fan of the green personally.
You can pick these up used on ebay for under ~£80. It's why I've not sold mine to be fair. If you want them for the sound and not looks, you can remedy the "failed elsastic" with a pair of hair elastics. I pinched the latest pair from the kids
Is it pretty - not so much... But it's perfectly functional and they feel like new again.
Well nothing as fancy as these nice new green Strada's, or Raymond Lin's ZMFs at the airport, but I did buy a couple of cheaper oldies; Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 Ohm) & DT 880 Edition (600 Ohm).
I've owned the DT 770 Pro's previously, but sold them in a clear out a few years ago. I wanted to get a closed-back again, but not spend a huge amount as I much prefer open-backs. I know there are better options these days, but something I always liked about the 770's was using them for podcasts/spoken word. I also find them quite good for gaming if needed. I choose 250 Ohm to use them on the TA-66, which appealed more than the newer, lower impedance versions. From a comfort POV I adore the Beyer's and these come in at 270g and 290g respectively and can wear them for days much like the HD 6x0's.
I also thought now is the time to go for the DT 880 (600 Ohm) with the rumours about being discontinued. Was a bit hesitant, although it gives me something to contrast against the HD 6x0 on tubes. My initial impressions are very clean bass, very neutral and flat with some very detailed treble. On certain tracks these sound fantastic (i.e. Firework - Jennie Lena). There is some airiness and sharpness that may take a bit of adjustment although on the K13 & TA-66 combo I've been OK so far.
Elsewhere that 4.4mm to XLR cable turned up. Can't mention where from, but seems like a nice short connection cable for a reasonable price. So my K13 now runs balanced to the K15 which is useful.
Nothing further on my radar really, other than maybe something super-light for when it gets warmer in the summer.
I've owned the DT 770 Pro's previously, but sold them in a clear out a few years ago. I wanted to get a closed-back again, but not spend a huge amount as I much prefer open-backs. I know there are better options these days, but something I always liked about the 770's was using them for podcasts/spoken word. I also find them quite good for gaming if needed. I choose 250 Ohm to use them on the TA-66, which appealed more than the newer, lower impedance versions. From a comfort POV I adore the Beyer's and these come in at 270g and 290g respectively and can wear them for days much like the HD 6x0's.
I also thought now is the time to go for the DT 880 (600 Ohm) with the rumours about being discontinued. Was a bit hesitant, although it gives me something to contrast against the HD 6x0 on tubes. My initial impressions are very clean bass, very neutral and flat with some very detailed treble. On certain tracks these sound fantastic (i.e. Firework - Jennie Lena). There is some airiness and sharpness that may take a bit of adjustment although on the K13 & TA-66 combo I've been OK so far.
Elsewhere that 4.4mm to XLR cable turned up. Can't mention where from, but seems like a nice short connection cable for a reasonable price. So my K13 now runs balanced to the K15 which is useful.
Nothing further on my radar really, other than maybe something super-light for when it gets warmer in the summer.
Makes sense. Custom Cans do a service like that, but also sell the kits you can DIY for removable cables. Both single ended and balanced.
I used a company called electronic music services. They were great guys. Also got them to make me a mini xlr adapter so I could again use the vmoda with the K712s.
Caporegime
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Got it!
Quick impression.
I know Zach said these are "portable" but I think he is being a little optimistic here due to the size of these, especially if you take the case out. It's about 200% of the Sony XM4 that I have by volume.
Only a quick impression at the moment using the Onix Alpha with Bal 4.4. Do these sound like open cans? No, but it also do not have that congested feeling from the Sony MDR 7506. Although i must say these isolates really well, like having ANC.
p.s. The bass isn't that much deeper with this set up vs my i5 at home on a desktop amp. edit - It was just the track i was listening to before....it is definitely deeper.
pps. The stock non-upgraded cable is pretty decent.
Quick impression.
I know Zach said these are "portable" but I think he is being a little optimistic here due to the size of these, especially if you take the case out. It's about 200% of the Sony XM4 that I have by volume.
Only a quick impression at the moment using the Onix Alpha with Bal 4.4. Do these sound like open cans? No, but it also do not have that congested feeling from the Sony MDR 7506. Although i must say these isolates really well, like having ANC.
p.s. The bass isn't that much deeper with this set up vs my i5 at home on a desktop amp. edit - It was just the track i was listening to before....it is definitely deeper.
pps. The stock non-upgraded cable is pretty decent.
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