Soldato
Any plans to test the new Blue Mo-Fi headphone? It certainly looks interesting and is supposed to sound good too.
Ryan's Headphone Review Thread
- Thread starter Ryanr1987
- Start date
They certainly do look interesting. Not too keen on the looks though, bit too Denon Urban Raver with more high quality materials. They definitely wouldn't be keepers though, because of the ear pads but if they get enough interest I'll snag a pair for the guide.
Soldato
given the build quality of the blue mic's I'd be interested to see what they are like
Soldato
Personally I think the whole headband mechanism is over-engineered, the far simpler pivoting ear cups you find on most headphones do the job just fine. That's just the most visible innovation though and hats off to them for doing something original. I'm more interested in how they sound to be honest, with the reputation that Blue have for sound quality and the inclusion of an internal battery powered headphone amp, they should stand out from the crowd - Jude seemed to be very impressed.
Soldato
Well I can get them to stock here as we sell Blue Mic's I'll see what I can do about getting a sample Expected Launch is October 
Hoping for a little advice, I'm not really a sound guy and don't understand any terminology but I've now had to move away from my PC and my Roth 2.1 system and will be using a laptop for the foreseeable future so confined to ear/headphones. I currently have Soundmagic E10 earphones and while sound is great for music, I tend to listen to things with a lot of bass so for that I actually prefer my JVC HAFX1X earphones for that. Also had Koss KSC75 which I've now lost and while I did love the sound, they are just plain uncomfortable things to wear and my cables always used to get tangled up. Naturally though being earphones there's only so much you can get out of all of them so looking seeing how I don't have space for speakers looking for a set of decent headphones.
Seeing how they will mostly spent most of their time plugged into my laptop through the Fiio E06 amp and my sources for music are largely MP3 files and Spotify along with Netflix and BluRays I don't think it's worth me investing large sums of money for something like Sennheiser Momentum (which are currently £179.99 through Amazon Local Deal)? I'd like to keep a budget low around £80 if possible, I had a look at some recommended headphones around that range such as Grado SR80i, AKG K451 and Audio-Technica M50 but they all seem to lack good bass on them going by reviews. Is there something around that range that will do the job or am I best off saving for something like Beyerdynamic DT770?
Seeing how they will mostly spent most of their time plugged into my laptop through the Fiio E06 amp and my sources for music are largely MP3 files and Spotify along with Netflix and BluRays I don't think it's worth me investing large sums of money for something like Sennheiser Momentum (which are currently £179.99 through Amazon Local Deal)? I'd like to keep a budget low around £80 if possible, I had a look at some recommended headphones around that range such as Grado SR80i, AKG K451 and Audio-Technica M50 but they all seem to lack good bass on them going by reviews. Is there something around that range that will do the job or am I best off saving for something like Beyerdynamic DT770?
Soldato
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Speaking of the DT770...how does the newer Custom One Pro compare to it?
The M50 is quite bassy but it lacks any sort of separation and refinement. It can sound a bit messy but is quite a fun headphone if gotten cheap. The Yamaha MT220 is a good headphone and so is the DT770. If you are stuck for cash the Skull Candy Aviator is excellent for the money.
Dude ignore the Custom One Pro, biggest pile of crap that has left Beyerdynamic! Some mids and less distortion would have been nice. 770s hands down.
Dude ignore the Custom One Pro, biggest pile of crap that has left Beyerdynamic! Some mids and less distortion would have been nice. 770s hands down.
Audio-Technica M50 headphones can be had on Amazon for £80 in white, not the best colour I suppose but then again these are mostly for home use. Suppose I can always return them if I don't like the sound and save up for DT770 as going by reviews I just have a feeling I'd like them better.
Deleted member 101777
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Sorry for late reply. I've got a review planned, been really busy with work and dealing with the Destiny release. If you can get the K612, Qs and Ks don't worry about the 598. It has good mids but doesn't have the resolution and soundstage and fullness the AKGs have. I'd go for the K612.
Deleted member 101777
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I have been scouring this and other relevant forums for some idea about what headphone set up to purchase and I would appreciate some final nods of approval or other recommendations.
I have always been interested in headphones but being a poor student for a lengthy time I have been limited to decent low end headphones i.e Koss Porta Pro, SoundMagic, PX100 and my Audio-Technica ATH-ES55s. However, the day has come where I finally earn enough to splurge on a set to pleasure my ears. Although I like the idea of being an audiophile I am not sure I will ever become one as I do not want to get into a too analytical phase where ultimately I will always be chasing small improvements and spending £1000s ha. Instead I just want a quality set up which will last a good 5-10 years.
I have been changing my mind a lot in the past week. I originally was struck on the Phillips XI but after doing some research I found that I could obtain the Grado 325i’s at a decent price and then I stumbled on the SoundMagic HP200 thread and finally, after reading Ryan’s review, I am now convincing myself that the HD650’s are the way to go as they seem to available at a “bargain” price.
Before I take this plunge I would be grateful if anyone could add their two pennies worth and advise whether the HD650’s are the way to go or whether I should go for a different headphone. I understand it is always advisable to try as many as you can and I also realise I will need to purchase an amp to drive the 650s so am willing to set aside a further £100 to pick up one of the FiiOs (recommendations on amps would be welcome).
What, therefore, should I go for? (Budget is £150-300 plus £100 for the amp)
1. HD650s
2. SoundMagic HP 200
3. Grado 125, 225 or the 325 (is there a huge difference?)
4. Phillips XI
Music tastes (Basically whatever is recommended on Pitchfork Media) – Rock (Led Zeppelin), Alternative Indie (Radiohead/Interpol), some metal (Mastodon) and some hip-hop (Kanye/Kendrik)
I have always been interested in headphones but being a poor student for a lengthy time I have been limited to decent low end headphones i.e Koss Porta Pro, SoundMagic, PX100 and my Audio-Technica ATH-ES55s. However, the day has come where I finally earn enough to splurge on a set to pleasure my ears. Although I like the idea of being an audiophile I am not sure I will ever become one as I do not want to get into a too analytical phase where ultimately I will always be chasing small improvements and spending £1000s ha. Instead I just want a quality set up which will last a good 5-10 years.
I have been changing my mind a lot in the past week. I originally was struck on the Phillips XI but after doing some research I found that I could obtain the Grado 325i’s at a decent price and then I stumbled on the SoundMagic HP200 thread and finally, after reading Ryan’s review, I am now convincing myself that the HD650’s are the way to go as they seem to available at a “bargain” price.
Before I take this plunge I would be grateful if anyone could add their two pennies worth and advise whether the HD650’s are the way to go or whether I should go for a different headphone. I understand it is always advisable to try as many as you can and I also realise I will need to purchase an amp to drive the 650s so am willing to set aside a further £100 to pick up one of the FiiOs (recommendations on amps would be welcome).
What, therefore, should I go for? (Budget is £150-300 plus £100 for the amp)
1. HD650s
2. SoundMagic HP 200
3. Grado 125, 225 or the 325 (is there a huge difference?)
4. Phillips XI
Music tastes (Basically whatever is recommended on Pitchfork Media) – Rock (Led Zeppelin), Alternative Indie (Radiohead/Interpol), some metal (Mastodon) and some hip-hop (Kanye/Kendrik)
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Soldato
What can I say, since I got my HD 650's my Beyerdynamic DT990's have been relegated to their box and my AKG K702's are gathering dust as my gaming cans (not gaming at the moment).
Best amp for the HD650 around the ton mark is the Schiit Audio Vali tube/solid state hybrid amp.
Best amp for the HD650 around the ton mark is the Schiit Audio Vali tube/solid state hybrid amp.
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Since you are looking for just one headphone you really need an all rounder.
HD650 I absolutely adore. I'm a mids guy and the 650 do mids perfectly. The downside to these headphones is they are slow. While they have a good bass presence it's a slow sound overall making them more suitable for music that has a steady pace.
The X1 are balanced but didn't grab me on the mids at all making vocals in this frequency not great. The treble isn't very smooth either. The bass is extended but a bit loose. Good headphone just not really an endgame one and one I got tired of quickly.
HP200 is ok. Same with the X1 not really endgame and not the most reliable brand in terms of QC but the set with some tweaking could be amazing.
When it comes to Grados you have to make sure you like that type of sound otherwise your ears will be in for a beating. Shrill treble, in your face sound with a gush of speed that is quite impressive! Or crazy.
The Prestige series of Grados are not really a huge step up from each other. The 60i is the best value and to people who like that sound I'd put them more towards the budget 60i or 80i. The 325i was good for some music but it's too bright and painful for long term. It's like having Metallica play in your ear for days you will either get tired of it or simply turn crazy and love the sound. Good technical headphones in areas but if you like balanced then look elsewhere.
I'd probably put you towards the K712. It's the most balanced headphone, performing in all areas flawlessly. It's like fast more spacious sounding HD650 but less intimate mids but more technical ability. I would have picked the 702 65th Annies but since getting them with the small pads is hard the K712 is the new way to go for all round performance IMO.
Don't get me wrong I love the 650 and my review tells you exactly what I think of it but sometimes I just need a bit more speed and snap when I'm in a more energised mood! The K712 can be both relaxing and exacting depending on track. The HD650 is mellow, lush, intimate on everything.
That might work great for you and of it does get the 650.
HD650 I absolutely adore. I'm a mids guy and the 650 do mids perfectly. The downside to these headphones is they are slow. While they have a good bass presence it's a slow sound overall making them more suitable for music that has a steady pace.
The X1 are balanced but didn't grab me on the mids at all making vocals in this frequency not great. The treble isn't very smooth either. The bass is extended but a bit loose. Good headphone just not really an endgame one and one I got tired of quickly.
HP200 is ok. Same with the X1 not really endgame and not the most reliable brand in terms of QC but the set with some tweaking could be amazing.
When it comes to Grados you have to make sure you like that type of sound otherwise your ears will be in for a beating. Shrill treble, in your face sound with a gush of speed that is quite impressive! Or crazy.
The Prestige series of Grados are not really a huge step up from each other. The 60i is the best value and to people who like that sound I'd put them more towards the budget 60i or 80i. The 325i was good for some music but it's too bright and painful for long term. It's like having Metallica play in your ear for days you will either get tired of it or simply turn crazy and love the sound. Good technical headphones in areas but if you like balanced then look elsewhere.
I'd probably put you towards the K712. It's the most balanced headphone, performing in all areas flawlessly. It's like fast more spacious sounding HD650 but less intimate mids but more technical ability. I would have picked the 702 65th Annies but since getting them with the small pads is hard the K712 is the new way to go for all round performance IMO.
Don't get me wrong I love the 650 and my review tells you exactly what I think of it but sometimes I just need a bit more speed and snap when I'm in a more energised mood! The K712 can be both relaxing and exacting depending on track. The HD650 is mellow, lush, intimate on everything.
That might work great for you and of it does get the 650.
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Not for a while. There's not much out there to be fair that interest me much right now outside of what I've already got or heard. I just need the money so selling my most expensive stuff will go. Will keep the Sennheisers and Q701's for gaming. Have the Aviators for portable use and just some amps left.
I've heard Denon has a new flagship coming soon so I'll keep my ears open for those! I didn't feel the Denon D7100 although still decent, was a good upgrade form the D7000 so hopefully they bring something that would give the older line a good sent off.
I've heard Denon has a new flagship coming soon so I'll keep my ears open for those! I didn't feel the Denon D7100 although still decent, was a good upgrade form the D7000 so hopefully they bring something that would give the older line a good sent off.