Strange Al
Junior Member
๐จ๏ธ 1,293
๐๐ป 64
October 2006
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Strange Al on Sept 5, 2015 22:52:09 GMT 1, Can i just ask if there is any truth in the breaking in of headphones, i.e. so many hours play before they are at their best ?
Well, I've no doubt that you'll experience a difference in sound from your headphones after prolonged listening, providing your hearing is sensitive enough. However, I think that the main reason for this is that you'll become accustomed to the way your headphones are tuned and will therefore perceive the sound differently, rather than the measured sound actually changing significantly. Indeed, the scientific evidence of the actual sound of headphones changing after an initial break-in period is inconclusive. And manufacturers seem split on the subject, as is the audiophile community.
That said, I've no doubt mechanical wear over time (as parts degrade) can significantly impact sound (generally getting worse, but in some cases the change can be for the better). Though I wouldn't class mechanical "wear", as break-in. You should be getting many years use out of a pair of cans before they start to wear.
With the above in mind, I would start with the assumption that what you get out of the box is going to be pretty close to the sound you'll ultimately end up with. So, if you really don't get on with the headphones on a first listen, the likelihood is that they aren't the headphones for you. Notwithstanding the fact that the other elements in your system (music, format, source, etc) will all also have a significant impact on the sound. So, it could theoretically be one of the other elements which actually needs changing.
Can i just ask if there is any truth in the breaking in of headphones, i.e. so many hours play before they are at their best ? Well, I've no doubt that you'll experience a difference in sound from your headphones after prolonged listening, providing your hearing is sensitive enough. However, I think that the main reason for this is that you'll become accustomed to the way your headphones are tuned and will therefore perceive the sound differently, rather than the measured sound actually changing significantly. Indeed, the scientific evidence of the actual sound of headphones changing after an initial break-in period is inconclusive. And manufacturers seem split on the subject, as is the audiophile community. That said, I've no doubt mechanical wear over time (as parts degrade) can significantly impact sound (generally getting worse, but in some cases the change can be for the better). Though I wouldn't class mechanical "wear", as break-in. You should be getting many years use out of a pair of cans before they start to wear. With the above in mind, I would start with the assumption that what you get out of the box is going to be pretty close to the sound you'll ultimately end up with. So, if you really don't get on with the headphones on a first listen, the likelihood is that they aren't the headphones for you. Notwithstanding the fact that the other elements in your system (music, format, source, etc) will all also have a significant impact on the sound. So, it could theoretically be one of the other elements which actually needs changing. |
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darkarts
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 125
๐๐ป 70
December 2014
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by darkarts on Nov 22, 2015 15:43:45 GMT 1, Did you recieve your headphones? I have some AKG K702's that I was thinking about selling in good condition
Did you recieve your headphones? I have some AKG K702's that I was thinking about selling in good condition
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Daniel Silk on Jul 3, 2022 22:58:42 GMT 1, What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones?
The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful.
What brands are the ones to look for and trust?
What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones?
The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful.
What brands are the ones to look for and trust?
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LJCal
Junior Member
๐จ๏ธ 2,980
๐๐ป 4,523
December 2019
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by LJCal on Jul 4, 2022 0:20:29 GMT 1, What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones? The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful. What brands are the ones to look for and trust?
If you want high end audiophile cans then probably the Audeze LCDX are my pick, they are mastering grade headphones used by the pros so are priced accordingly, the headphones themselves are about ยฃ1,000 however because they are planar headphones they need a decent headphone amp to drive them, which can set you back another grand+ easily. These are probably overkill unless you're a professional.
What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones? The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful. What brands are the ones to look for and trust? I've got about 5 pairs of headphones ranging in price from about ยฃ150-1,500. It really depends on what you're using them for and also very importantly how you drive them. If you want a decent affordable pair that sound good with most headphone amps then I'd recommend the Senheiser HD25, they've been a staple for DJs, television and radio for 20+ years and are around ยฃ100-150 depending on the cabling, they're to headphones what the SM58 is to mics. They're wired headphones, so if you're looking for wireless I'd actually recommend the Apple Airpod Pro Max, was really surprised at the quality of these, they're not intended for critical or studio applications but are great for casual listening and have a stack of headroom for wireless, they look great and are very comfortable, little more expensive but you can get a refurbished pair for about ยฃ350. If you want high end audiophile cans then probably the Audeze LCDX are my pick, they are mastering grade headphones used by the pros so are priced accordingly, the headphones themselves are about ยฃ1,000 however because they are planar headphones they need a decent headphone amp to drive them, which can set you back another grand+ easily. These are probably overkill unless you're a professional. |
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Jules Leotard on Jul 4, 2022 5:20:09 GMT 1, What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones? The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful. What brands are the ones to look for and trust? Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancellation headphones. When I bought them, I didn't know that they would last this long - getting close to twenty years and they still look like new (I put them in their case when I'm not using them). You can buy new ear pads that click in-out off the massive digital marketplace for under 5GBP. I bought several pairs years ago and haven't used them all up yet.
As a company, Bose is still very old school and they stand by their products.
You can also buy used Bose QC headphones off of ebay and change the ear pads and head band piece if you are on a budget for under 50GBP.
What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones? The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful. What brands are the ones to look for and trust? Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancellation headphones. When I bought them, I didn't know that they would last this long - getting close to twenty years and they still look like new (I put them in their case when I'm not using them). You can buy new ear pads that click in-out off the massive digital marketplace for under 5GBP. I bought several pairs years ago and haven't used them all up yet.
As a company, Bose is still very old school and they stand by their products.
You can also buy used Bose QC headphones off of ebay and change the ear pads and head band piece if you are on a budget for under 50GBP.
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esmawhite
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 18
๐๐ป 11
September 2021
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by esmawhite on Dec 7, 2022 10:35:54 GMT 1, Anyone has Panasonic RP-HD805N-T? They look very good on the picture and the price is very affordable. Also curious how often do you guys do online hearing testing in order to check how good or bad it is? Do you listen the music super loud in your headphones sometimes?
Anyone has Panasonic RP-HD805N-T? They look very good on the picture and the price is very affordable. Also curious how often do you guys do online hearing testing in order to check how good or bad it is? Do you listen the music super loud in your headphones sometimes? |
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Runit
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 348
๐๐ป 252
October 2019
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Runit on Dec 7, 2022 10:42:58 GMT 1, cambridge audio melomania range
cheap and awesome.
I have 2 pairs in the house
cambridge audio melomania range
cheap and awesome.
I have 2 pairs in the house
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Dust Buster
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 289
๐๐ป 289
March 2017
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Dust Buster on Dec 7, 2022 13:53:46 GMT 1, Sony XM3/XM4. I have the XM3s and love them.
Sony XM3/XM4. I have the XM3s and love them.
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Georgie Poppit
Junior Member
๐จ๏ธ 1,558
๐๐ป 1,674
February 2021
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Georgie Poppit on Dec 7, 2022 15:18:35 GMT 1, I have the Sony XM5s and theyโre very good. Probably not worth the money if youโre only listening to audiobooks
I have the Sony XM5s and theyโre very good. Probably not worth the money if youโre only listening to audiobooks
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rogerwu99
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 141
๐๐ป 93
April 2017
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by rogerwu99 on Dec 8, 2022 2:59:33 GMT 1, I have a connection to a company that does custom IEM's... have changed my life, can prob get you a discount too, but for the custom ones must be based in the US
I have a connection to a company that does custom IEM's... have changed my life, can prob get you a discount too, but for the custom ones must be based in the US
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Crunchy Carrot on Dec 8, 2022 3:23:05 GMT 1, sony wh-1000xm4 are the best in my opinion and I have tried a lot of different ones. Bose probably come in second.
sony wh-1000xm4 are the best in my opinion and I have tried a lot of different ones. Bose probably come in second.
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sijh
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 218
๐๐ป 212
April 2018
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by sijh on Dec 8, 2022 3:50:47 GMT 1, What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones? The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful. What brands are the ones to look for and trust? I've got about 5 pairs of headphones ranging in price from about ยฃ150-1,500. It really depends on what you're using them for and also very importantly how you drive them. If you want a decent affordable pair that sound good with most headphone amps then I'd recommend the Senheiser HD25, they've been a staple for DJs, television and radio for 20+ years and are around ยฃ100-150 depending on the cabling, they're to headphones what the SM58 is to mics. They're wired headphones, so if you're looking for wireless I'd actually recommend the Apple Airpod Pro Max, was really surprised at the quality of these, they're not intended for critical or studio applications but are great for casual listening and have a stack of headroom for wireless, they look great and are very comfortable, little more expensive but you can get a refurbished pair for about ยฃ350. If you want high end audiophile cans then probably the Audeze LCDX are my pick, they are mastering grade headphones used by the pros so are priced accordingly, the headphones themselves are about ยฃ1,000 however because they are planar headphones they need a decent headphone amp to drive them, which can set you back another grand+ easily. These are probably overkill unless you're a professional.
Another vote for the HD-25s, though they can get a little tight after long periods of wear if you have a big head. There is the light version as well with the single headband. Also depends if you are looking for wired vs wireless, as I don't think there is a wireless version yet.
I also like the aiaiai TMA range, they are modular and can be configured for style of listening, and if one part goes out, you can just replace it vs replacing the whole thing.
Wireless, I have some audio technica anc-900s for work that seem pretty decent.
What would you recommend as cheap affordable headphones? The choices available now are massive, but also so much rubbish! That looks good, but sounds awful. What brands are the ones to look for and trust? I've got about 5 pairs of headphones ranging in price from about ยฃ150-1,500. It really depends on what you're using them for and also very importantly how you drive them. If you want a decent affordable pair that sound good with most headphone amps then I'd recommend the Senheiser HD25, they've been a staple for DJs, television and radio for 20+ years and are around ยฃ100-150 depending on the cabling, they're to headphones what the SM58 is to mics. They're wired headphones, so if you're looking for wireless I'd actually recommend the Apple Airpod Pro Max, was really surprised at the quality of these, they're not intended for critical or studio applications but are great for casual listening and have a stack of headroom for wireless, they look great and are very comfortable, little more expensive but you can get a refurbished pair for about ยฃ350. If you want high end audiophile cans then probably the Audeze LCDX are my pick, they are mastering grade headphones used by the pros so are priced accordingly, the headphones themselves are about ยฃ1,000 however because they are planar headphones they need a decent headphone amp to drive them, which can set you back another grand+ easily. These are probably overkill unless you're a professional. Another vote for the HD-25s, though they can get a little tight after long periods of wear if you have a big head. There is the light version as well with the single headband. Also depends if you are looking for wired vs wireless, as I don't think there is a wireless version yet. I also like the aiaiai TMA range, they are modular and can be configured for style of listening, and if one part goes out, you can just replace it vs replacing the whole thing. Wireless, I have some audio technica anc-900s for work that seem pretty decent. |
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User Error
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 408
๐๐ป 180
September 2019
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by User Error on Dec 8, 2022 4:52:51 GMT 1, I enjoy the sound from my Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 over the ears. You can still find used pairs for a good price.
I enjoy the sound from my Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 over the ears. You can still find used pairs for a good price.
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Newar
Junior Member
๐จ๏ธ 1,473
๐๐ป 1,072
April 2018
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by Newar on Dec 8, 2022 7:56:31 GMT 1, If you need noise cancelling the best price/value/quality are wh-1000xm4 (and they can easily fold not the xm5)
If you need noise cancelling the best price/value/quality are wh-1000xm4 (and they can easily fold not the xm5)
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longshanks
Junior Member
๐จ๏ธ 1,091
๐๐ป 1,147
October 2012
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by longshanks on Dec 8, 2022 10:59:05 GMT 1, sennheiser sd 25 
sennheiser sd 25 |
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KaL976
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 435
๐๐ป 149
September 2006
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by KaL976 on Apr 14, 2023 2:27:28 GMT 1, Sennie lightweight 25s are the most comfortable. The pro version with the split headband is too tight for long sessions imo. You can balance the single band cans on your ear & they're cheaper now than they were in the 90s. ยฃ87 delivered in the uk from www.wexphotovideo.com/sennehsier-hd-25-1-ii-headphones-basic-edition/
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LJCal
Junior Member
๐จ๏ธ 2,980
๐๐ป 4,523
December 2019
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by LJCal on Apr 14, 2023 3:01:44 GMT 1, I find myself turning to these time and time again, even though on paper there are far better headphones these just sound so familiar. Probably because i've been listen to music on them for 30 years. The price is unbelievably attractive as well
I find myself turning to these time and time again, even though on paper there are far better headphones these just sound so familiar. Probably because i've been listen to music on them for 30 years. The price is unbelievably attractive as well |
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sevrin
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 796
๐๐ป 1,050
February 2022
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by sevrin on Apr 14, 2023 10:38:50 GMT 1, Yep, Sennheiser HD25 Pro's all the way, been using these since I was a DJ back in the early 90s, lightweight/great 120db SPL, 70 OHM impedance, natural sound, all parts replaceable, in fact, I still have the same ones I was using then, just changed parts over the years and they are still going strong!!..........No need to look any further IMO.
Yep, Sennheiser HD25 Pro's all the way, been using these since I was a DJ back in the early 90s, lightweight/great 120db SPL, 70 OHM impedance, natural sound, all parts replaceable, in fact, I still have the same ones I was using then, just changed parts over the years and they are still going strong!!..........No need to look any further IMO.
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ashley123
New Member
๐จ๏ธ 48
๐๐ป 16
October 2019
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Headphones ๐ง What do you Recommend?, by ashley123 on Apr 24, 2023 19:49:51 GMT 1, I use Marshall Major IV headphones and like them. Great quality and sound. But they are pretty big, so currently, I'm looking for smaller headphones. And it would be great if I could run and do workouts wearing them. I've checked the Aarons reviews here and found several variants, though I have doubts. What headphones do you guys use when doing sports?
I use Marshall Major IV headphones and like them. Great quality and sound. But they are pretty big, so currently, I'm looking for smaller headphones. And it would be great if I could run and do workouts wearing them. I've checked the Aarons reviews here and found several variants, though I have doubts. What headphones do you guys use when doing sports? |
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