Same theory applies to Apple computers: if you're paying that much, you might as well get something better.

Better can be represented as more physically powerful, which can be shown through benchmarks and experienceable improvements.

If you're going to pay $300-400 for headphones, there are much better options, just like if you're going to pay $1.5k for a Macbook pro, you might as well just get the same specs on a cheaper laptop.

Sure it won't have the gimmick of a touchbar, but instead it'll feature a full touchscreen display.

With headphones, sure you're getting the Apple brand when you're paying for Beats (they look nice?), but with that same amount you can get something that will absolutely sound better.

If you'd like some recommendations for audiophile headphones, some companies to look at are Beyerdynamic DT990 (open-backed, so not for use if you don't want people hearing your music, no amp required), or AKG K545 (closed-back, sound won't leak).

I'm personally using Bang & Olufsen H8 (I really wanted wireless& noise cancellation headphones that didn't surround my ear (supra-aural) cuz they'd otherwise irritate my skin), and I like them in terms of build quality and sound quality.

The PC speakers are very rarely used, mostly when I am folding laundry or cleaning and want to put some Starcraft commentary or a podcast on. Never for music. The gaming headphones are only used for gaming, and only gaming when I need a mic. Just out of frame are my beyerdynamic DT 990 Premiums, which I use for almost all my music and movie/TV listening. They go back and forth between my bed and desk, so they just happened to not be in the picture. I also have a modest but decent stereo with my TV, although I almost never use it or the TV.

They're headphones! Here's the amazon link.

They are crazy comfy

Honestly I think it is more of a try yourself thing, but in most cases the Ad700+Xonar DX should be more than enough for everyone. The AD700 have superb soundstage and is simply one of the best out there when it comes to gaming. The only thing it lacks in is bass, and even the DT990 cannot beat it when it comes to soundstage for gaming. Only the the k701/q701 might have better soundstage for gaming, but they also lack bass, and audiophile or not you're definitely gonna notice that. Explosions are gonna sound kind of tiny, basically anything bass heavy and you're gonna realize that something is missing in the sound. If you dont mind that then get the Ad700, but if you think you're gonna be bothered by that then for for the DT990. You can get DT990 premium USED for around the 200-250$ on Amazon warehouse, that is quite a good deal(and Amazon warehouse is very good for used stuff, condition is always great). Try to get the premium 250omh version or the premium 32 ohm(with the 32ohm version you may also skip getting an amp, just the soundcard will suffice). The second one on this list is quite a good deal, it is 32 ohm so no need for an amp, just get a Xonar DX to go with it and you have quite a good setup for around 320$. Or you can just go ahead and order the AD700 for 95$ from Amazon, and if you dont like it, just return them and spend the extra money on the DT990 instead.

I've been pondering getting a turntable for several months for at home listening for a few reasons - artwork, the physical medium I purchase right now (CDs) is only used for ripping purposes and then it just goes onto my shelves, and just the experience/feel of it. Buuuut, I can't really do a speaker set up for noise reasons.


So my question - would getting into vinyl still be worth it if I was to listen exclusively through headphones? I'm not sure if I'd be ruining the experience, and how much it'd actually be different than just using my headphones with my computer/phone.


(PS - I already have a pair I love and use for everything.)


EDIT: To clarify, I'm not talking about sound quality. I'm more concerned with the general experience of listening to an album on vinyl.

ATH M50x: Nice starter headphones.

Beyerdynamic DT770: These are closed so they are good at bass. I linked the PRO-32s because I doubt you have a soundcard, or want to get one that can push the ohms.

Beyerdynamic DT 990: These are like the 770s, but they are open, so less bass, and better positioning (sound staging).

All three should be good for music and gaming, with the first 2 being better for bassy music and the last being better for more instrumental music.

Later on you should look at getting a DAC.

You can get good stuff at the price point you are looking for, but if you end up loving the sound quality, 150+ should be your starting point. Also check out head-fi forums for other suggestions.

Edit: Changed link for the 32 Ohm version of the DT990s

I've recently subbed to /r/headphones and lurking for info. Currently have my eyes set on a $200 pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990, 32 Ohm version.

I have heard quite a lot of good regarding Fischer Audio's FA-011 model. They are often compared to Beyerdynamic dt 990's. At 160 ohms I'm not sure how they will do without an amp. Perhaps someone with a broader range of hardware can chime in on that.

They are off the market at the moment to address a manufacturing issue, but they are supposed to be available again soon. There is a Russian site that sells them for around $115, but they have a very mixed reputation. Some people say it was a great experience, others sure they had trouble getting refunded, or getting their cans.

Frogbeats sells them for around $150 and ships to America, and seems to have a solid reputation.

Once they are back in production I am planning to grab a pair from frogbeats.

That said, if you don't mind buying used, amazon offers a 30 day return policy on used Beyerdynamic dt 990's at $204. This being the 32 ohm model, should perform very well without an amp.

Edit: sorry about the formatting, I'm posting on my phone.

DT990 32 Ohm

Budget - 120-135$ hard limit


Source - What are you plugging these into? Computer(no DAC)


Requirements for Isolation - I'm not concerned about noise isolation. I'm married, it's just the two of us and I'm in my office most of the time or on the PS4 in the living room.
Will you be using these Headphones in Public? RARELY


Preferred Type of Headphone Over ear


Preferred tonal balance - I honestly don't want flat headphones, I like bass and I like crisp highs in my music. I listen to electronic music(some examples listed below) and I do want to be able to have that shine through, I listen to things like Daft Punk, etc and I don't want the bass to kick in and feel absolutely nothing


Past headphones - I'm using SOL earbuds and what I like about them is they have GREAT low end response. They have a good bass, very thick that works well for electronic, 70's bass guitars, stand-up Jazz bass(to a lesser extent). I like the response of them. If I could get the same response, with a better and clearer bass drive that doesn't muddy up the rest of the music, good mids and bright highs for cymbals and guitar solos in a set of entry level cans I would be in heaven.


Preferred Music - Jazz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrr3dp7zRQY&list=PLSeD0kywJlc7MBZj-5qDOLptc2sGpsKft

Chill step- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vacpxv4zGnA

Technical Guitar/Jazz/Metal(Animals as Leaders) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXafRKe9klA

60/70/80 music- Heart/YES/Supertramp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZuW6BH_Vak
What would you like to improve on from your set-up - What are you looking for going into your next headphone? More bass? More detail? More treble? More Detail and more definition,quality,crisper highs without losing the bass.
Please help me. I'm starting to think the headphone I want doesn't exist. I keep hearing "Oh these headphones are tuned flat" da da da. I looked at these https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-DT-990-Pro-250-Professional-Acoustically-Applications/dp/B0024NK344/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482708776&sr=8-1&keywords=beyer%2Bdt990&th=1

The 32 ohm and think they MIGHT be the closest thing to what I'm looking for. If anyone has a better suggestion I would appreciate it. Just looking for a second opinion.

Have a look at the DT990.

They're open-backed, which should help with soundstage for gaming, and the Beyer treble should add some much-needed detail to the sub-par mastering of a lot of metal bands.

I understand that you didn't find the m50x comfortable. It's not an uncommon opinion and I agree. So here are some popular, more comfortable, options that can still provide a good soundstage and sound signature for gaming.

Open back -

SHP9500s

Sennheiser 598sr

BD DT990

Fidelio X2 (yes, they are less expensive to order from Spain, right now)


Closed back -

Takstar Pro82

Sennheiser 598cs

BD DT770

AT-MSR7 (buy a used-like new pair from the warehouse)

I gave you budget and next tier upgrade options. In-depth reviews for everything listed are available on youtube.

What some other people are using:

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/7na2sw/what_headphones_do_you_use/

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/79k1w2/what_do_you_guys_use_for_headphones_and_microphone/

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/6zgk1d/what_headphone_mic_or_headset_are_you_using_right/

Hello!

My headphones broke recently, so now I'm in need of new headphones. I usually use my headphones for gaming but I also use them to listen to music on my phone on some occassions. Anyway, I figured I'd go for these: https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-990-Premium-HiFi-headphones/dp/B0024NK344?th=1

I'm facing some problems in my decision though. I'm not sure I want to spend 70-80 bucks on a DAC/amp, and I'm not sure my computer can handle the 250 ohm version without one. So then the obvious choice would be to go for the 32 ohm version because I'd be able to use it without a DAC/amp for both my phone and my PC. Will I lose out if I choose the 32 ohm version when it comes to sound quality? Also, should I still buy an AMP/dac when I get some more money even if I buy the 32 ohm version? Thanks!

I've used AKG K52, AKG Q701, Audeze LCD-2 Classic, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700x, Beyerdynamic DT990 (600 ohms), HiFiMan HE400i (the revision), HiFiMan HE500, HyperX Cloud, Koss Porta Pro, Monoprice Monolith M1060, Philips Fidelio X2, Philips SHP9500, Sennheiser HD598, Sennheiser HD700, Sennheiser HD800, Superlux HD662 EVO, Superlux HD668B, Superlux HD669, Superlux HD681 EVO, Tritton Pro+ and Turtle Beach Ear Force XP Seven for gaming, and my recommendations for online/competitive shooters are AD700x and DT990, or HD668B if you're on a budget.

If you need sound isolation, then I recommend HD669 first and K52 second, but only if you need sound isolation. I don't recommend HyperX Cloud (II) because it has been surpassed by HD669, K52 and especially HD668B in sound quality.

Sound:

AD700x has a sound signature/profile with subdued sub-bass and emphasized treble. It has clean bass and a little harsh treble. It has a huge soundstage, excellent imaging, separation and clarity, and great detail retrieval.

DT990 has a sound signature with subdued sub-bass, emphasized mid-bass and very emphasized treble. The bass is clean. The treble is slightly splashy or overly sparkly and somewhat sharp. It has a huge soundstage and excellent imaging, separation, clarity and detail retrieval.

HD668B has a sound signature with subdued sub-bass, emphasized mid-bass and emphasized treble. It has clean bass and a little sharp treble. It has a large soundstage and very good imaging, separation clarity and detail retrieval.

Soundstage and imaging constitute positional audio. Soundstage is produced by the headphone and is how you perceive space and environment of sound, like virtual surround sound. Imaging is how accurately the locations of sounds/objects are reproduced. Separation is how you discern individual sounds from a range of overlapping sounds. This is only important in competitive shooters.

Sub-bass is how deep the bass goes and is where rumble comes from. For competitive shooters, you don't want this as it masks or overshadows sound cues. Mid-bass is where impact comes from. Generally, you also want as little mid-bass as possible, but this isn't a problem with DT990 or HD668B. How bright you perceive the treble, depends largely on how treble sensitive you are and what your point of reference is. In games, treble isn't as bright as it is in music.

 

Amplifiers:

These headphones should output loud volume levels for most people. If they don't for you, then the easiest solution is to use a USB sound card like Creative Sound BlasterX G1 or G5. G1 is the cheapest sound card I know of that officially supports PS4 and offers ample amplification for most consumer-grade headphones with the exception of the 600-ohm and maybe the 250-ohm version of DT990. For these, use G5.

It's possible to use an Astro MixAmp Pro TR or a Turtle Beach Elite Pro TAC with power-hungry headphones if you want those sound cards because of their game and audio chat balancing or other features, but it would require pairing them with a more powerful amp.

You can use a headphone amplifier and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter), but it's less convenient.

Some well-regarded options:

• Audio-gd NFB-11.28 (both)
  
• Audio-gd R2R-11 (both)
  
• Audioengine D1 (both)
  
• Creative Sound Blaster X7 (both)
  
• FiiO D3 (DAC)
  
• FX Audio DAC-X6 (both)
  
• Mayflower ARC (both)
  
• Micca OriGen G2 (both)
  
• Schiit Magni 3 (amp)
  
• Schiit Modi 2 Uber (DAC)
  
• SMSL SD793-II (both)
  
• Topping A30 (amp)
  
• Topping D30 (DAC)
  
   
  
  Microphones:
  
  You can attach an Antlion ModMic or a Massdrop Minimic to the headphone. They don't have an in-line volume control, but you can use gadgets like these:
  
  adjustR, BENGOO, Fosmon, Insignia, Lucid Sound AdjustR
  
   
  
  Setup:
  
  The ModMic attaches magnetically to a base that you stick to either earcup. The Minimic uses the same clasp system except with velcro instead. They're easy to attach and detach, especially the Minimic since it's modular. They have their own cable and operate separately from the headphone, so they're compatible with all headphones.
  
  

  
  

  
  To connect the headphone and mic to the controller or other devices with a single jack, you need to use a TRRS Y-splitter. The Y-splitter must have three black rings on the connector.
  
  

  
  

  
  You can connect the headphone and mic to the USB port on PS4 by using an audio USB adapter.
  
  

  
  

  
  Sound BlasterX G1 anf G5 are plug-and-play. To use an amp and a DAC, you have to connect the mic to the controller with a TRRS Y-splitter or to the USB port on PS4 with an audio USB adapter, unless you use an amp that has a TRRS jack or a separate jack for the mic, like Mayflower ARC. Most sound cards have either of these. A sound card has an amp and a DAC built in and sacrifice sound quality for features. There's a common problem with reversed left and right channels when using USB DACs, so only use optical unless the DAC or sound card officially supports PS4. The headphone connects to the amp like usual. Amps and DACs can be bought separate or as combined units. You need a DAC because USB and optical are digital signals and PS4 has no analog outputs. If you get a separate amp and DAC, then you need RCA cables to connect them to each other.
  
  

  
  

  
  To pair an amp with the MixAmp or Elite Pro TAC, it's probably easier to show you this image. This is a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable. The featured amp is Schiit Magni, which has been replaced by Magni 3. You can only use a separate amp, not a DAC and amp combo unit.
  
   
  
  I'm almost out of space, so just ask me if you have questions.
  
  

Ohms is the measure of resistance, the more resistance the more power needed to get to a reasonable volume across the complete frequency range. While 50 ohms is considered low impedance, its really in the middle to high range, beyerdynamics offers a 32ohm model in the 990 line (open back like hd598s) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024NK344/ref=psdc_12097479011_t3_B0024NK358 that requires less power so a mobile phone or ps4 control can power easier with more impactful sound. Not properly amping 598s will result in a lack of oomph with bass and muted treble.

If you have an amp, the K701 is the way to go. Open headphones give you a much better listening experience than closed.

You originally listed a bunch of entry-level headphones, plus the Denon D2000 and the AKG 701, which are considered mid-range cans. They are a step above the rest, for sure. But if you can extend your budged just a wee bit, it puts you in range of these two sets: DT990 & HD600, which will both be better for rock music than the K701. The DT990 loves tube amps, especially, in case that's the kind of amp you're using.

Not really. Looks pretty much as maxed out as can be. Maybe a nice pair of headphones?

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-598-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0126HISOO

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900X-Open-Back-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B009S331VU

www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-990-Premium-32-Headphones/dp/B0024NK344

I purchased a Shanling M3s player. It sounds great on my Beyerdynamic DT 990 Premium 32 ohm HiFi headphones. I also have a 256GB micro SD card. I bought it exclusively for classical artists. I'll be giving it to my dying Uncle who played viola before his stroke.

I have some MP3 files and many FLAC files. Some copy to the Shanling while others do not. I'm copying using Windows 10 Pro x64.

Nope, the 32-ohm should definitely be the less expensive model, and it is on Amazon.com at least.

32-ohm vs. 250-ohm

I'll trust your judgement then, DT990 it is! Thanks for the recommendation :)

Also, from the UK here, the DT990 is £220.50 here.

No need to worry about if you will be able to tell a difference...you definitely will. I've heard many from as low as $80 all the way up to $1500. For chillstep I couldn't recommend the Beyerdynamic DT990s more. Soundstage for days, and a mid-bass hum to give you that thump. They're back to their more normal price for the pros, but the premiums are really low: http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-990-Premium-32-Headphones/dp/B0024NK344

If you've never heard cans more expensive than the 212 pros then this will be an experience you'll never forget. First time I heard these cans coming from M-Audio Q40s ($80 cans) it turned my tastes from basshead to audiophile really quick. I also listen to chillstep and these cans excelled with that genre. The soundstage is comparable to my HD800s which are $1500 cans and known to have a wide soundstage, and the highs are so airy and wispy it makes chillstep an otherworldy experience.

These are open cans, so they do leak. Although, not as much as other cans, especially if you're throwing a dark EQ at it. Hopefully you don't need closed, because these are a perfect match for chillstep.

can't comment as I haven't heard the low impedance beyers.

Not sure where you are from, but when I check Amazon, the 32 ohm seems to be the cheapest:
https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-990-Premium-32-Headphones/dp/B0024NK344/

comfortableness huh ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

​

As far as comfort goes I'll give you some suggestions:

There's the entire Beyerdynamic DT lineup (770,880,990) in all of the different ohm variants (go with the 32 ohm versions if you don't want to buy an amp). These are all bulky, over-ear headphones with some weight to them. Fairly strong clamping force. Pads are velvety smooth and crush nicely. These are built like tanks .. you can throw them down the hall no problem.

​

if you go with the 770 (32 Ohm) you do get pleather pads, but you can get the grey velvet pads for ca. 24 EUR. And you can be assured of the fact that these pads will be available forever due them being sort of an industry standard in a lot of radio/ recording environments

​

SHP9500 by Phillips, has the loosest clamping force ever, huge earholes and some weird cloth like material for pads.

Very light as well.

​

Takstar Pro 82, small portable headphone with ridiculously high build quality and ridiculously comfortable pads.

​

AKG produces some very comfortable pads .. but I own the AKGK712, other than one other model you can view these as their 'flagship model' but they have a tendency to slide down with a result they rest on the tips of your ear. The Fault lies with the suspension system (that's pretty much universal in all AKG models).

I think if money is not an issue then you should go beyond. Else stick with m50x. Even the dt770pro is quite high in price.

Speaking of 990pro. Actually I have the premium version of those. DT-990premium. And it is the 32 ohm version. Just in case you don't know Beyerdynamic makes many versions of a headphone based on their ohm.

Here is the link.

beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition 32 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Open design, wired, high-end, for tablet and smartphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024NK344/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_O8q8BbAYKRY1Q

https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-Over-Ear-Stereo-Headphones-high-end-smartphone/dp/B0024NK344/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=dt+990+32+ohm&qid=1567734659&s=gateway&sr=8-3
It is called the Premium edition.

I'm about to fall for the expensive headphone meme. Which pair of headphones are better for rap (mostly stuff like Nujabes and Kanye), and hard punk rock (Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Black flag)? Torn between the ath m50x, dt770 (80 ohms), and dt990 32 ohms. Gonna be buying from Amazon. Also is there any difference between these two? Because one's on sale and the other isn't

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016MNAAI/ref=pd_cp_0_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=30HSH4DWYTPVR131SDSK

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERLN180/ref=twister_B01HNCPECQ?_encoding=UTF8

The dt770 and dt990 seem to be going for damn cheap as well after checking on camelcamel so I'll probably go for those over the m50x cause I'm not gonna bring them around anywhere. Pls respond cause I'm afraid these low prices will dissapear overnight

250?! Okay then, this will be fun :)

Just remember though, that higher number in headphones series does not always mean better. eg DT880 > DT770 is not always true. Yours focus more on bass and treble, while the middle ground is left out, Also called V shaped headphone. While the 880's are neutral on most areas, while emphasizing mostly on the treble. Two completely different things, all comes down to taste :)


*****

• Audio Technica ATH-AD500X Open Back [$79.95] Permanent cable.
  
  *****
  
  
• Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Open-Back [$94 on sale.] Permanent cable.
  
  *****
  
  
• Audio Technica ATH-AD900X Open-Back [$138.94] Permanent cable.
  
  *****
  
  
• Audio Technica ATH-AD1000X Open-Back [$293.99] Permanent cable.
  Over budget I know, but this is also where we reach a new level. You can look at the Z-Reviews of the AD series headphones. He's missing the 700x's, but has most others :)
  
  
  All AD headphones are fantastic, they do get increasingly better up untill 900x. Where the 2000x, 1000x and 900x can come down to taste. I prefer the 1000's over the rest as they contain a bit of midbass, while the 2000's are super clear and analytical, where those who listen to classical music will absolutely orgasm over them.
  I've specifically bought AD velour earpads over the standard leather pads on my own headphones, because of the amazing comfort.
  
  
  
• Beydynamic DT990 Semi-Open-Back [32 Ohm] [$146.97] Permanent cable.
  
  
  *****
  
• Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium [$254.18] Detachable cable. Replaceable earpads.
  Often compared with Sennheiser HD600 [$400]. People have complained that the sound of the X2's has been bad, but it turns out the headphones are actually exposing poorly mastered/rendered music. It also has a massive soundstage, this is a winner for games where listening matters. You can see impressions over at Head-Fi, these are people who own multiple headphones in the $1000 zone, so don't be afraid of a mediocre rating.
  30ohm, so even a phone can power them fine.
  
  *****
  
• Philips SHP9500 Open-Back [$75.95] Detachable cable.
  Said to be among the most comfortable objects one can place on the head. Also a very good soundstage, not in the X2's category, but still good.
  
  *****
  
  
• Z-Reviews: What makes Good Gaming Headphones? He also debunks surround headsets' marketing. It's not better.
  
  *****
  
  I know there is a boatload of things here to pick from, but promise me to research into these things and maybe find something else I haven't mentioned. Headphones or headsets for that matter are an investment and should last +5 years.
  
  Happy listening! :)

Thanks for the advice, "https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyerdynamic-Premium-Stereo-Headphones-32/dp/B0024NK344" are they the ones you mean? And Yeah maybe its best for me to just get a headset with an attachable mic. Anymore suggestions?

I'll second that. I have the Ear Force 450s and I've enjoyed using them. Fair warning though, they're not the most comfortable headphones in the world. They feel a bit stiff and the headband has too much clamping force for an adult male noggin. Also pairing the headset to the wireless dongle can also be a pain the the ass at times. But they sound decent enough and the latency is imperceptible. I originally purchased them for use with my DK2 but these days I use them exclusively with the Vive. I can't imagine going back to a wired headset or ear buds. I do have some rather expensive wired headphones that sound miles better and are infinitely more comfortable, but I will take convenience over everything else where VR is concerned. The wires have to go! DEATH TO WIRES! DEEEAAATH!!! >:)