OT: Audio part 11 - Headphones

[William]

So, I don't have a pair at the moment...actually haven't had a good pair in quite a long time. What are a good pair of wired headphones out there these days? Are wireless just as good now?

Whatcha got? Whatcha recommend?







William

[vincenz]

Bowers & Wilkins P9, my favorite pair at home. Can also recommend the Sennheiser HD 650.

[mcteague]

I have an old pair of Sennheiser HD580s and a more recent pair of HD800s. I found the HD650s a bit too warm. If you could score a nice used pair of HD600s they would be great. The Sennheiser HD range is more of an accurate line. So, great for classical, Jazz or that type of music. Head bangers often find them too tame.

Tim

[glepore]

So, this is off the wall but if you want to immerse yourself in what a GREAT headphone can do...used koss esp 9. They’re closed, they’re heavy and they have their own aging issues (easily surmountable with basic hand tools and youtube) but they are pure electrostatic, are ridiculously revealing and they re relatively cheap on ebay. Alan Parsons used them to master DSOTM. Its the only transducer that i ve ever had rebeal the hvac in a studio
turning on/off , they’re that good. Not always a good thing but really really special.


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[R3awak3n]

I have to say, I was knocking bluetooth headphones and then bought some Sony XM2 and they are fantastic. The XM3s are apparently also great. I know you asked wired but I have been out of the wired game for a while. I still have some grados which sound amazing but are uncomfortable as hell and everyone in the room can hear what you are hearing.

[Ken Robb]

I have some ancient Sennheisers and I still like them. Grado makes a line that is highly rated. The first thing to decide is probably closed or open air. Closed s-isolates you from outside noise but they can be hot and make you unaware of sounds you might want to hear like phones, doorbells, burglars, etc. My favorite audio store has about 15 models displayed for demonstrations.

[mcteague]

Also, be aware that many of the better headphones require a separate power amp. The built in jacks of many components don’t have the power to properly drive them, especially phones. Check out Schiit Audio for good stuff at reasonable prices.

https://www.schiit.com/products/magni-1

Tim

[daker13]

Headphones are very personal. I think Grados sound very good, for example, and I just absolutely love the company--family company, good value, Brooklyn, cool history, etc. But, they are not comfortable and the way the cord gets twisted is ridiculously annoying. I personally like over the ear headphones and prefer closed headphones. (For music, I would rather listen to speakers in a room.) So I like AKG 701's as 'nice' headphones and I like AKG 240 as good affordable everyday headphones. After dealing with several pairs of great sounding but twisty-cabled Grados, I LOVE the replaceable cable... so smart. Nice and balanced and comfortable. (I've had Sennheisers, HiFiMans, Grados, probably more.) I watch TV with headphones on and for that I like cheap Behringers.

[mass_biker]

Have been migrating to BT headphones...nothing but good things to say about the new gen Sony WH 1000XM3. Which can also be run wired.

- comfortable; comfy enough to fall asleep with them on (and they block out the sound as well as my old mega-buck school Shure earbuds)

- great sound; deep, rich, great soundstage. Not at all bass-y. Clean.

- good battery life; a consideration when you are dealing with BT cans

- versatile; I can run them with a regular cord into my laptop or a seatback video player (Delta) or receiver as needed.

So good that my wife kept stealing mine - so I bought her a pair too.

Coming from the world of Grado, Shure et al., the last thing I thought I would buy is a pair of Sonys....but there you go.

[pjm]

These are a screaming bargain right now. Superb build quality, super comfortable and really smooth rich sound. Efficient enough to be powered with just your phone.
https://www.musicdirect.com/headphon...bon-Headphones

[bianchi10]

I also have the Sony WH1000XM3 and LOVE them! I love the ability to manually set the sound. I prefer a lower but solid bass and crisp mid and highs. The noise cancelling technology is bonkers good!!! Long battery life and super quick recharge.

[blakcloud]

Focal Elear is what I own, powered by Lehmann Black Cube Linear headphone amp.

The Focal Utopia's are one of the best have I heard but was not willing to shell out that kind of money for something I use maybe 30 minutes a month.

[mtechnica]

Audio Technica ATH-M50.

[bikinchris]

I have Sony studio monitor headphones. I've had them for decades. I have had to replace the ear cups several times.

[Frankwurst]

Bang for the buck Grado. I've had alot of different brands over the years and Grado makes a damn fine set of headphones. Don't believe me? read the reviews.