What headphones do you own?

Scubadevils · 11-01-2012 12:15am #1

I have a real addiction to headphones which I suspect I'm not alone in :pac: My collection consists of a number of headphones for various listening situations - a few different sets of full size for at home and one then that I use in terms of an IEM on the move. So this is what I've gathered over the years and my prefered listening scenarios...

Starting with my pride and joy, the Sennheiser HD650 - I have these about a year and love them... they are mainly for listening to CDs or vinyl at home... Nothing like sitting down at night and chosing an album to sink into with these on.

Next are probably what get most use which are my IEMs, the Sennheiser IE8 - again absolutely love them and never leave home without them. I travel a fair amount so these are essential for flights, trains, buses etc. I had the IE6s prior to these but they have been since passed on to my wife.

Then my DJing headphones and a set I've used also when going on family holidays, the Sennheiser HD25-1 ii... they are a perfect travel companion for longer flights (great noice cancellation) plus good and durable getting thrown in and out of bags, kids using them on portable DVD players etc. They've seen better days though as I've had them years, I need to replace both ear pads - gone through some serious abuse though in terms of parties, falling asleep with them on, standing on them etc etc etc... the sound in one ear can drop off at times so a cable replacement also required!

I made a big mistake about 2 years ago and bought a set of the Bose Around-Ear headphones, a seriously boring set of headphones with really flat sound. I use them mostly now to fall asleep as I don't mind too much if I wake with them crushed under me - in fairness I've fallen asleep many a time and found them under me at some point during the night, they've surived well but still the worst set of headphones I've bought... oh I will say that they are a very comfortable set and especially light on the head. Thankfully I didn't pay full price as I work in the electronics industry and had access at a better price :pac: Actually, I'd like recommendations to replace these - something very light, durable and closed so that they do not disturb my wife!

Finally, my latest addition are the AIAIA TMA-1 - I've only had them a day and already in love... these will take up the role of DJing and probably travel. They've had generally very positive reviews, all of which so far I agree with.

Numerous others that I want but can't have for now anyway... I'd love something from Grado, Audio Technica, Shure to name a few. I reckon Grado are next on the list though when possible.

So what do you stick on your head?!

cnocbui · 11-01-2012 1:05am

Sony MDR-D77 which I have had since new for 26 years and have repaired about 20 times.. lately I have acquired a set of Radius colour in ear buds which are cheap, sound better than the price would suggest, and so far have proven to be well made.

Morf · 11-01-2012 1:49am

Audio Technica ATH M50's
Audio Technica ATH Ad 700's

I just got the M50's recently and I'm enjoying the punchier sound and much greater isolation.

I must give the AD 700's a go when it late at night and quiet and see how they compare then.

nesf · 11-01-2012 8:06pm

Sennheiser HD240 Pro, HD25-II, HD598, CX400-II (spot a pattern? :P)
Etymotic hf3
Steelseries 7H USB (gaming headset, not used now)

A bunch of other junky earphones and IEMs not worth mentioning (the CX400-II almost fits into this category!).

Curious about: Grado, Shure Studio Monitors and IEMs, Audio Technic and Beyerdynamic at the moment. Not planning any purchase soon though.

nesf · 11-01-2012 8:11pm

Scubadevils wrote: »

Starting with my pride and joy, the Sennheiser HD650 - I have these about a year and love them... they are mainly for listening to CDs or vinyl at home... Nothing like sitting down at night and chosing an album to sink into with these on.

Ever listened to the HD598? I'm curious what the sound difference is like between them.

Explosions in the Sky · 11-01-2012 9:19pm

Panasonic RP-HX40's

musiknonstop · 11-01-2012 9:33pm

Sennheiser RS120, PX-100 (2 pairs), PX-100IIi, PXC 250, PXC 300, PXC BT310BT, MX 500, CX 300, CX 870
Koss Porta Pro
Klipsch Image X1
:-)

Scubadevils · 12-01-2012 1:10am

cnocbui wrote: »

Sony MDR-D77 which I have had since new for 26 years and have repaired about 20 times.. lately I have acquired a set of Radius colour in ear buds which are cheap, sound better than the price would suggest, and so far have proven to be well made.

Wow, just looked up those Sony headphones and I recognise the design - I'm not sure if I knew someone with them or if they were still being sold around 1993 or 1994 - I worked in Harry Moore back then and they may have stocked them or a similar design. Certainly seem a highly regarded headphone anyway!

Scubadevils · 12-01-2012 1:12am

nesf wrote: »

Ever listened to the HD598? I'm curious what the sound difference is like between them.

No but I had the 595 before the 650, can't remember to be honest how much of a difference I noticed when I changed them - I since sold on the 595s so can't even compare them now. It took a while though on the 650s also for me to really hear what they were all about.

Scubadevils · 12-01-2012 1:14am

Been watching these for a while on adverts and would love them but really can't splash out at the moment... I've never even listened to a set of Grado but they are high on my list for next purchase.

http://www.adverts.ie/home-audio/grado-sr-325is-headphone/563576?utm_source=email&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Watchlist&notification=5539802b6dcbda2f88ebb5c5b918b8aa-1326326329

nesf · 12-01-2012 9:13am

Scubadevils wrote: »

It took a while though on the 650s also for me to really hear what they were all about.

Yeah I'm having a similar thing with the 598s. It took me about a week for my ears to get used to them after the HD25-IIs.

K.O.Kiki · 18-01-2012 10:20pm

Sennheiser CX-300, CX-300-II, PX-100 PX-100-II, HD-202, HD-215
Cheapo Sony in-ears
Some others that I don't care about.

Looking to get a pair of small AKGs this year, or Grados.

Lighter · 19-01-2012 11:56am

My favourite and most expensive.

My first pair

and the rest

cnocbui · 19-01-2012 12:36pm

Scubadevils wrote: »

Wow, just looked up those Sony headphones and I recognise the design - I'm not sure if I knew someone with them or if they were still being sold around 1993 or 1994 - I worked in Harry Moore back then and they may have stocked them or a similar design. Certainly seem a highly regarded headphone anyway!

I am amazed anyone would spot what I did there!

Well done.

They are still probably one of the best sounding headphones ever made, which is why I have been bothered to fix them 20 times and am still using them. Unfortunately, that is probably not an exaggeration. I have had to source Nitinol wire and form it to replace the trick headbands. I have had to get some glove leather and hand-stitch new earpads as the originals didn't last two years. The rest of the repairs mostly involved broken connections in the wiring.

Frequency range: 5 - 30,000 hz, Impedance: 45 ohms, Efficiency: 106db.

millymash12 · 20-01-2012 8:35pm

I am currently the proud owner of some soundmagic e10 coppers, p20, e30, mp21 and pl50, phonak Audeo 122 , superlux hd681, and some beyerdynamic dt770

......and a shameful owner of the aerial 7 choppers, wesc oboe, skullcandy aviators and
And for Xmas I got those marley stir it ups, awful, some of the previous ones have been Some of the worst decisions of my life *never go for headphones just because they're colourful and trendy*

As you can see I'm not a huge fan of headbands, much prefer my iem's with some comply tips and a fiio e6 on the move any day. Use to nearly always buy sennheisers but the last few models were a disappointment for the money I paid.

But I gotta say some of the sennheiser, audio techinca and even Philips looked awesome at ces this year.

TPD · 20-01-2012 10:01pm

Soundmagic PL-30 and Koss PortaPro. Thinking of getting a pair of Brainwavz HM3, or HM5 if I can convince myself I don't need the money.

kenny · 21-01-2012 1:28am

Audio-Technica ATH M50s - Had these for a few months now. Love them. Wish I'd got the coiled cable version tho'.

Sennheiser HD25-SPs - Had these for years. Can't say a bad word about them, amazing sound, light as a feather and a lot sturdier than they look. Big plus is that every single component is replaceable.

Sony MDR-EX38iP - iPhone compatible buds with remote and mic. Okay for what they are.

ARGINITE · 23-01-2012 2:27pm

Shure SE535

25-01-2012 12:44am

Fischer Audio Eterna rev 1. - well they just broke actually (bloody over the ear phones always break eventually 'cos you have to pull them out of your ear

by the cable)

Soundmagic E30 on order from zococity.es

Sennheiser cx-300 and old (but decent and indestructible) Sony iem's as backup.

SmallBalls · 25-01-2012 10:30am

Sennheiser HD-25's. Best headphones I've ever owned, mainly used for DJing.

Sennheiser PMX680i Sports. As the name suggests mainly used for exercise.

25-01-2012 7:43pm

glasso wrote: »

Fischer Audio Eterna rev 1. - well they just broke actually (bloody over the ear phones always break eventually 'cos you have to pull them out of your ear by the cable)

Soundmagic E30 on order from zococity.es

Sennheiser cx-300 and old (but decent and indestructible) Sony iem's as backup.

Zococity.es sent me incorrect earphones. pl30 instead of e30. not impressed. spanners.

VenomIreland · 27-01-2012 12:00am

Superlux HD668b
Audiotechnica ATH-AD700

Loving the Sh/te out of the AD700's right now, so I gave the Superlux pair to my brother, he seems to be enjoying them.

27-01-2012 7:38pm

glasso wrote: »

Zococity.es sent me incorrect earphones. pl30 instead of e30. not impressed. spanners.

edit - they were fair tho - I can keep the pl30's and they will send me the e30's out.

dxhound2005 · 27-01-2012 9:26pm

Scubadevils wrote: »

I have a real addiction to headphones which I suspect I'm not alone in :pac: My collection consists of a number of headphones for various listening situations - a few different sets of full size for at home and one then that I use in terms of an IEM on the move. So this is what I've gathered over the years and my prefered listening scenarios...

Starting with my pride and joy, the Sennheiser HD650 - I have these about a year and love them... they are mainly for listening to CDs or vinyl at home... Nothing like sitting down at night and chosing an album to sink into with these on.

Next are probably what get most use which are my IEMs, the Sennheiser IE8 - again absolutely love them and never leave home without them. I travel a fair amount so these are essential for flights, trains, buses etc. I had the IE6s prior to these but they have been since passed on to my wife.

Then my DJing headphones and a set I've used also when going on family holidays, the Sennheiser HD25-1 ii... they are a perfect travel companion for longer flights (great noice cancellation) plus good and durable getting thrown in and out of bags, kids using them on portable DVD players etc. They've seen better days though as I've had them years, I need to replace both ear pads - gone through some serious abuse though in terms of parties, falling asleep with them on, standing on them etc etc etc... the sound in one ear can drop off at times so a cable replacement also required!

I made a big mistake about 2 years ago and bought a set of the Bose Around-Ear headphones, a seriously boring set of headphones with really flat sound. I use them mostly now to fall asleep as I don't mind too much if I wake with them crushed under me - in fairness I've fallen asleep many a time and found them under me at some point during the night, they've surived well but still the worst set of headphones I've bought... oh I will say that they are a very comfortable set and especially light on the head. Thankfully I didn't pay full price as I work in the electronics industry and had access at a better price :pac: Actually, I'd like recommendations to replace these - something very light, durable and closed so that they do not disturb my wife!

Finally, my latest addition are the AIAIA TMA-1 - I've only had them a day and already in love... these will take up the role of DJing and probably travel. They've had generally very positive reviews, all of which so far I agree with.

Numerous others that I want but can't have for now anyway... I'd love something from Grado, Audio Technica, Shure to name a few. I reckon Grado are next on the list though when possible.

So what do you stick on your head?!

One thing that struck me is that you did not mention if you have a headphone amplifier. I also have the Sennheiser 650's but I always run them through my Audio-gd C-2C amp. I'm no expert but the people over on Head-Fi would say 650's must have an amp. Great headphones, have them a few years and it shows the value of spending decent money on a proper product. I also recently got the Grados SR80i very impressive as well.

Another thing with these two is that they are both open headphones so you would not want to be using them around other people, not an issue for me at present.

Greenman · 29-01-2012 8:26pm

Beyer Dynamic DT 100 circa 1982 and still working well.
DT 231 Pros used for the PC
DT 431
DT 531

Sennheiser HD 414 with the yellow foam circa 1980
PX 100

Sony MDR 110 LP in use 70 hours a week.

Hope that was of interest.:)

uncle_sam_ie · 30-01-2012 3:09am

Monster Turbines, I've had them for 7 months now. http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/monster-turbine-in-ear/4505-7877_7-33490631.html

VictorRomeo · 01-02-2012 11:43am

I'll add to this thread as I'm something of an iem addict.

Shure SE535

Shure SE530 custom reshell by Unique Melody - after they suffered the dreaded cable split.

Ulitmate Ears Triple Fi 10 pro (these can be got at silly money these days)

Klipsch Image X10i

Klipsch Image X5

Shure PCX250ii for airplane use

Jabra 2400 headset for the office

marko93 · 01-02-2012 10:29pm

Scubadevils wrote: »

Sennheiser HD650
IE8
Sennheiser HD25-1 ii
AIAIA TMA-1

So what do you stick on your head?!

So if you'd just like to post your address, that'd be really helpful.

ARGINITE wrote: »

Shure SE535

I envy you. I've always wanted to try a pair every since I got my first pair of Shures.

VictorRomeo wrote: »

Ulitmate Ears Triple Fi 10 pro (these can be got at silly money these days)

Another set I've always wanted to try. I need to get me a job ;__;

I personally own:

Audio Technica ATH-M50s (considering getting rid of)

Alessandros MS-1is (also considering getting rid of)

Sennheiser PX-100i

Shure SE215s

and last but not least Portapros.

nesf · 01-02-2012 11:32pm

VictorRomeo wrote: »

I'll add to this thread as I'm something of an iem addict.

Shure SE535

Shure SE530 custom reshell by Unique Melody - after they suffered the dreaded cable split.

Ulitmate Ears Triple Fi 10 pro (these can be got at silly money these days)

Klipsch Image X10i

Klipsch Image X5

Shure PCX250ii for airplane use

Jabra 2400 headset for the office

You're making me want to upgrade my hf3s! :mad:

gizmo · 01-02-2012 11:49pm

Currently using a pair of Audio Technica A900s for work and a pair of Etymotic HF5s on the go.

Currently looking at a pair of open backs so probably going to end up with the AD900s since I'm really not bothered investing in a headphone amp just yet, thus ruling out the higher end Sennheisers, and Audiocubes prices are so damn nice for the AT range.

01-02-2012 11:53pm

Sennheiser PX100-II here, used as my main pair at home.

My cousin makes me jealous showing off his Bowers & Wilkins P5s. The sound is unreal but so is the price tag! :eek:

musiknonstop · 02-02-2012 8:46pm

Added Sennheiser RS180 to my collection. It hates wifi :-(

Scubadevils · 02-02-2012 11:02pm

dxhound2005 wrote: »

One thing that struck me is that you did not mention if you have a headphone amplifier. I also have the Sennheiser 650's but I always run them through my Audio-gd C-2C amp. I'm no expert but the people over on Head-Fi would say 650's must have an amp. Great headphones, have them a few years and it shows the value of spending decent money on a proper product. I also recently got the Grados SR80i very impressive as well.

Another thing with these two is that they are both open headphones so you would not want to be using them around other people, not an issue for me at present.

No I don't use one, had this discussion a while back on another thread as I was wondering if I was maybe missing something by not using one - not that I felt it was required but I've read on other forums also that most people use them. I only use them really connected directly to a CD separate, volume typically at no more than about 30% or so - can't see why they'd need any more amplification!

I did connect them once to my MP3 player though and even with volume at max it was nowhere near enough power... that was only out of interest though as the HD650 are always in the one room and never intended for portable audio listening.

Scubadevils · 02-02-2012 11:04pm

VictorRomeo wrote: »

I'll add to this thread as I'm something of an iem addict.

Shure SE535

Shure SE530 custom reshell by Unique Melody - after they suffered the dreaded cable split.

Ulitmate Ears Triple Fi 10 pro (these can be got at silly money these days)

Klipsch Image X10i

Klipsch Image X5

Shure PCX250ii for airplane use

Jabra 2400 headset for the office

Nice, I've wanted a set of those X10i also... be a while before I can spend anymore cash on headphones though.

Brian · 03-02-2012 2:38am

IEMs:

JVC Marshmallows
Fischer Audio DBA-02
Custom reshelled Etymotic ER-4P

Headphones:

Koss PortaPro
Superlux HD-668-B
Audio Technica ATH-AD700

VictorRomeo · 03-02-2012 9:38am

Scubadevils wrote: »

Nice, I've wanted a set of those X10i also... be a while before I can spend anymore cash on headphones though.

I bought from an online company called Soundzdirect.com. When searching for the best price for them I found they had them for €160 delivered. Digging deeper I found they were based in Lucan of all places and the contact number was an 087 mobile. So I texted. The guy was indeed based out of his house in Lucan and said he'd do them for €150 cash. I called over and deal done. Nice guy too. Soundzdirect are listed on the Klipsch UK website as an authorised dealer so it was all square. This was last weekend so all info current.

I did read on head.fi that some places had them for $99 on black friday but I could not find them cheaper than what I paid.

For use with my iPhone about town, I could not be happier with them.

VictorRomeo · 03-02-2012 9:40am

Baza210 wrote: »

IEMs:

JVC Marshmallows
Fischer Audio DBA-02
Custom reshelled Etymotic ER-4P

Headphones:

Koss PortaPro
Superlux HD-668-B
Audio Technica ATH-AD700

Hey Baza, who did your reshell? How were they?

Brian · 03-02-2012 12:30pm

Fisher Audio of Florida. Pretty dissatisfied with how they turned out. The left cable connection broke, then the right one. I have them superglued in now. Sound didn't improve at all and comfort and fit are mediocre.

VictorRomeo · 03-02-2012 3:43pm

Baza210 wrote: »

Fisher Audio of Florida. Pretty dissatisfied with how they turned out. The left cable connection broke, then the right one. I have them superglued in now. Sound didn't improve at all and comfort and fit are mediocre.

Shame. I used Unique Melody in China. Awesome service and amazing quality of end product.

Brian · 03-02-2012 7:14pm

My conclusion is that it was foolish of me to expect this $80 operation to turn some stellar universal earphones (which admittedly I was having massive comfort issues with) into .. I dunno, JH13s. They weren't designed for custom shells and you can kind of tell.

Next time I'll just get proper customs, maybe JH5s.

Brian · 03-02-2012 7:14pm

My conclusion is that it was foolish of me to expect this $80 operation to turn some stellar universal earphones (which admittedly I was having massive comfort issues with) into .. I dunno, JH13s. They weren't designed for custom shells and you can kind of tell.

Next time I'll just get proper customs, maybe JH5s.

VictorRomeo · 04-02-2012 1:48pm

Baza210 wrote: »

My conclusion is that it was foolish of me to expect this $80 operation to turn some stellar universal earphones (which admittedly I was having massive comfort issues with) into .. I dunno, JH13s. They weren't designed for custom shells and you can kind of tell.

Next time I'll just get proper customs, maybe JH5s.

Well the Unique Melody cost me all in about €400 as well as my SE530s. The base reshell cost was £170 stg. plus about another £80 blinging them a bit with carbon fiber and blended colour. That and the cost of getting my ear impressions done and shipping the lot to China came roughly to said amount. Bottom line is they are awesome and I use them at home with an amp and various sources - mostly SACD.

The pic below are not mine but very like them. mine are a darker blue blending clear.

a4da2d23_200238_199131750120160_128535227179813_594097_1783475_n.jpg

a4da2d23_200238_199131750120160_128535227179813_594097_1783475_n.jpg

yimrsg · 08-02-2012 8:55pm

shure se110
head direct re0
fischer audio dba-02
alessandro ms1i
sennheiser 435

Zak Flaps · 10-02-2012 10:37pm

VictorRomeo wrote: »

I'll add to this thread as I'm something of an iem addict.

Shure SE535

Shure SE530 custom reshell by Unique Melody - after they suffered the dreaded cable split.

Ulitmate Ears Triple Fi 10 pro (these can be got at silly money these days)

Klipsch Image X10i

Klipsch Image X5

Shure PCX250ii for airplane use

Jabra 2400 headset for the office

Hi. Which of these would you rate as being the best?

marko93 · 13-02-2012 12:37am

Happily just added the UE TripleFi 10s to my list

Run_to_da_hills · 15-02-2012 8:01am

Sony Ericsson W995 in ear (Excellent quality and durable for a cheap handset earphone)

Apple Ipod / IPhone in ear (rubbish, lucky bag quality, weak point of any Apple device, cables split etc,)

Pioneer HDJ 1000's cup phones (Non detachable cables split at cups which is a weak point)

Black Bang & Olufsen EarSet 3i in ear (Stylish designer but lack base)

Shure SE535 in Bronze with remote control IPhone Cable. (No problems so far but has taken me a long time to get used to them to.)

I would have gone for the Weston 4's or Grado GR10's only that the detachable cable was not an option at the time, I believe they are available now on the Westons. Many more manufacturers will probably follow suit. I give cables a lot of abuse.

dancrowley · 28-02-2012 9:37am

Klipsch x10i.

Run_to_da_hills · 28-02-2012 11:32pm

dancrowley wrote: »

Klipsch x10i.

Would you recommend them? Was thinking of getting a pair?

I am not sure if should I wait until they come out with a replacible cable option.

dancrowley · 29-02-2012 7:21am

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

Would you recommend them? Was thinking of getting a pair?

I am not sure if should I wait until they come out with a replacible cable option.

Hi Run_to_da_hills,

I highly recommend them. I've owned other IEMs (a couple of pairs of Shures) but the x10i's trump them in all aspects. They're lighter, more comfortable, more discreet and, with the oval-shaped ear tips (i use the double-flanged ones) providing a better seal, they sound better and offer more isolation to the outside world. I've worn these 'phones on 10-hour long flights without the need to remove them, they're that comfortable.

I spotted them on Blitzme.ie recently with E150 off; I should have picked up another pair as a backup, because I whole heartedly agree, that cable IS pretty flimsy. That being said, I've owned these for about 15 months now, and use them daily (with iPhone in gym, down the shops and even at work; the included mic is handy) with NO wear and tear on them.

Wow, I've rambled a bit.

The key with all these in-ear 'phones is achieving a great seal and that will be up to you to try out all the different tips. I hope you get these; they're fantastic.

Run_to_da_hills · 29-02-2012 11:26pm

dancrowley wrote: »

I spotted them on Blitzme.ie recently with E150 off; I.

I also noticed a significant price drop in these on several sites including Amazon and Ebay, this could signify the end of production on this model and the launch of something new and that they don't want to be stuck with them on the shelves.

dancrowley · 01-03-2012 7:34am

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

I also noticed a significant price drop in these on several sites including Amazon and Ebay, this could signify the end of production on this model and the launch of something new and that they don't want to be stuck with them on the shelves.

TBH, I'd be more than happy with them stuck on my shelves...

What headphones do you own?

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