Headphone help

[bossy22]

https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-CA/offers/


Sennheiser Canada is having a sale today. Unfortunately the hdb630's aren't on sale. The momentums are on sale as well as their open back line.

[Fuzz]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D31C567W


I just grabbed these. If you don't like the intrusive in-ear design, these are a great alternative. I've only just got them, but they sound really good. For $30? It was a low risk trial, but I think I'm going to like them.


They've got a couple fancier versions as well.
https://www.amazon.ca/soundcore-Open...0DCZ2QFV8?th=1


https://www.amazon.ca/soundcore-Aero...0DN6B3Z6Z?th=1

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D31C567W


I just grabbed these. If you don't like the intrusive in-ear design, these are a great alternative. I've only just got them, but they sound really good. For $30? It was a low risk trial, but I think I'm going to like them.


They've got a couple fancier versions as well.
https://www.amazon.ca/soundcore-Open...0DCZ2QFV8?th=1


https://www.amazon.ca/soundcore-Aero...0DN6B3Z6Z?th=1

I had the p20i. Anker sound core, Monster and Truefree has some really good value buds in the $30-50 range. Not flawless but easily liveable and a noticeable step up the the lower quality stuff we've had before. I've run into issues with these that I was happier with other slightly more expensive options instead, but those flaws weren't issued that bothered my wife at all. I'd say most people would be fine with them, especially at that price point.

Many people would notice differences pretty quickly if they tried higher end buds and headphones, but most people would also be able to quickly identify if they're issues they could live with/work around with or not.

[Fuzz]

I was looking for something around the house when I am in and out of the garage or yard or whatever. For $30 I don't care if I get paint on them, or drop them 100 times. I was just impressed with the sound quality for what they are.

[Table 5]

Figured I would ask here for some advice, since a few of you seem to be knowledgeable with this.

I'm looking for some wired (probably?) closed-back headphones for office use, that emphasizes audio quality (I stream on Tidal) but also with some noise cancelling to block out the chatter in the open office (lots of loud talkers).

Audio quality is a priority over convenience/size/design... which is why I am ok with wired (but open to dual if the quality is there). I prefer a warmer sound, easier listening as opposed to something too bright. Love a good mid-range! Could potentially pair with a headphone DAC if it helps.

Form factor wise, ideally closed-back to not leak sound to annoy others. Also need them to be comfortable for longer uses.

Budget: $500-$1K..maybe more if quality/value is there.

Reference point: Currently have Sennheiser HD555. They are decent, but I think were on the lower end, so probably not hard to improve upon. I’ve had Beyerdynamics before which I remember being really comfortable.

[photon]

I got a pair of cheap knockoff Shokz Open Fit for I think it was $40 and yeah for just around the house listening to audiobooks or whatever they're great.

For high end headphones I've never tried them so no idea if they're as good as people say but I want a pair of Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2's just because I think they're beautiful.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Figured I would ask here for some advice, since a few of you seem to be knowledgeable with this.

I'm looking for some wired (probably?) closed-back headphones for office use, that emphasizes audio quality (I stream on Tidal) but also with some noise cancelling to block out the chatter in the open office (lots of loud talkers).

Audio quality is a priority over convenience/size/design... which is why I am ok with wired (but open to dual if the quality is there). I prefer a warmer sound, easier listening as opposed to something too bright. Love a good mid-range! Could potentially pair with a headphone DAC if it helps.

Form factor wise, ideally closed-back to not leak sound to annoy others. Also need them to be comfortable for longer uses.

Budget: $500-$1K..maybe more if quality/value is there.

Reference point: Currently have Sennheiser HD555. They are decent, but I think were on the lower end, so probably not hard to improve upon. I’ve had Beyerdynamics before which I remember being really comfortable.

What does "audio quality" mean to you? Decent mic and for voices for meetings? Specific types of music/movies/gaming etc.? The $500-1000 budget seems like overkill to me, but I dunno your level of specificity.

My first instinct is that you should give the Sony XM6 a try. They're wireless, but this shouldn't be problematic and they have one of the best noise canceling on the market. The base sound will be warm with good sound quality, but you may still need to tweak the EQ to get the specific sound you want. Theoretically, there's some others that are a slight step up from the XM6, but I'd recommend trying those first and see what you think before going higher end than that.

Sennheiser HD555 headphones are going to be a slightly warmer headphone than a pure analytical headphone. The XM6 should be warmer than those by default, but play with the EQ. Based on what I've read, the B&W line(s) mentioned before might be a step up in all categories to the the HD555 without being as warm sounding as the Sony or a closed Beyerdynamic headphone.

Originally Posted by Fuzz

I was looking for something around the house when I am in and out of the garage or yard or whatever. For $30 I don't care if I get paint on them, or drop them 100 times. I was just impressed with the sound quality for what they are.

Agreed. I have headphones for stuff like that too/gave them to wife for daily random usage which is why I've had so many of them. The current iteration of this stuff from several brands at $30-50 ish is better than what I was using and testing out 3-5 years ago at $130-150 for similar styles and designs. I've even bought and gifted a few of them.

Personally for around the house, I'm currently using a pair of Sony linkbuds that I got for cheap and a pair of Monster over the ears I got for $30. I used to use the Aftershokz Titanium mini until those ended up getting stolen. I also used to use a pair of Sony behind the ear waterproof ones that if they weren't misplaced, I think also got stolen.

There is a specific underrated setting that allows control of the linkbuds by tapping your face/jaw instead of the tiny earbud. IMO it's pretty awesome and I wish other brands had that.

The waterproof aspect of the Sony over the ears isn't an aspect I'd use for swimming as the advertising goes. But it's a super underrated feature where I can take a shower and continue listening to music as part of the cool down + rinse off the sweat and dust etc. It was only 4GB onboard memory though, no bluetooth. Maybe it's a feature I make sure is in my next pair.

[photon]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

There is a specific underrated setting that allows control of the linkbuds by tapping your face/jaw instead of the tiny earbud. IMO it's pretty awesome and I wish other brands had that.

Did they have a commercial where the bully was all "Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!" and it was switching songs every hit? It should.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Anyone have open ear headphones like the Bose ones or other brands?
Considering getting some as I like to hear traffic and things while running, but want to know how much the sound quality and listeninh experience suffers.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Anyone have open ear headphones like the Bose ones or other brands?
Considering getting some as I like to hear traffic and things while running, but want to know how much the sound quality and listeninh experience suffers.

For running specifically, I think there's a compromise no matter what you do. I don't like in ear headphones. I can hear the dull thud of every step. Open earbuds are better but to me, the dull thud is still there. Loop types fall out easy for me while moving. Closed headphones or earbuds with pass through sound is what some people do, but Idk if it's fully accurate and IMO thud issue still there.

IMO best for running specific is over the ear or bone conduction, but there's definitely a sound trade off. IMO, I've personally liked the After shokz. If you have the budget, get their higher end swimming one and see if the comfort and sound quality is good enough. Plus it's awesome to go from run or workout straight into shower without taking the headphones off. I think there's a few brands ripping off the lower end Shokz headphones. The higher end swimming Shokz are around $250 but I think are still reviewing noticeably superior to rip offs though. I saw a highly rated IFECCO swimming bone conducting headphones for $70 ish that seem well reviewed and I've been curious about them.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

What does "audio quality" mean to you? Decent mic and for voices for meetings? Specific types of music/movies/gaming etc.? The $500-1000 budget seems like overkill to me, but I dunno your level of specificity.

Only for listening to music while at my desktop. No gaming or calls (I use my AirPods for conference calls). I want to max out the quality of the music, while still having some level of noise cancellation. It's why I am leaning towards something wired, seems like that would be best for quality.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Only for listening to music while at my desktop. No gaming or calls (I use my AirPods for conference calls). I want to max out the quality of the music, while still having some level of noise cancellation. It's why I am leaning towards something wired, seems like that would be best for quality.

I really like my Sennheisers. A little bulky, wish I could get them louder for airplane.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by fotze2

I really like my Sennheisers. A little bulky, wish I could get them louder for airplane.

You might need a headphone amp to boost power. Something like this might work:
https://www.amazon.ca/Fosi-Audio-DS2.../dp/B0CTHN2QB3


Perhaps others have thoughts on that...

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Anyone have open ear headphones like the Bose ones or other brands?
Considering getting some as I like to hear traffic and things while running, but want to know how much the sound quality and listeninh experience suffers.

I've had a pair of Sennheiser px 100-ii for years. I really like them, particularly in the summer as you don't get hot like the big ones. I don't mind hearing external noises much of the time(particularly walking), and they sound good. I originally got them for long flights, as I wanted something compact for backbacking, but my ears tend to hurt after awhile with in-ear stuff. Big cans are no good for travel like that. I've been happy with them.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

You might need a headphone amp to boost power. Something like this might work:
https://www.amazon.ca/Fosi-Audio-DS2.../dp/B0CTHN2QB3


Perhaps others have thoughts on that...

I tried a few FOSI DAC and stuff last year. They work, but aren't amazing. Within a year, loose connection causes the only L or R to play and then you have to try and fiddle with it to get both sides going again. If there's an easy fix, I'd love to know. I haven't figured that out.

At that $90 price point, I'd recommend modifying the earcups for a fraction of that or just putting them towards a headphone with superior noise canceling. A good one is around $200-300 ish on sale and some of the really good ones are around $400-500. $90 is +/- 20% of the acquisition of a better headphone.

Another option that is inexpensive is if you have an Android phone, get the power amp EQ and modify the gain/preamp or whatever settings slightly so that the volume is higher without distortion. It's also great for modifying the EQ to get more out of whatever headphone you're using and should work with any headphone wired. This plus new padded cups is still probably cheaper than the amp. When you upgrade your headphones, you can get even more benefit from the power amp EQ app. IIRC, it was like $10-20 ish all in for the power amp player app plus the EQ app plus custom settings?

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Only for listening to music while at my desktop. No gaming or calls (I use my AirPods for conference calls). I want to max out the quality of the music, while still having some level of noise cancellation. It's why I am leaning towards something wired, seems like that would be best for quality.

I am not aware of many ANC options for wired headphones, it's usually bluetooth. The best you can do is have a wired and closed headphone with a good seal. Also, once you hit a certain minimum threshold, the bluetooth headphones aren't as limited as they used to be, especially if you're coming from a pair of HD555. Lots of great wired headphone options once you drop the ANC requirement, but I'll stick with ANC request for now.

Mid level wise, I think the Sony XM6 and Bose Quietcomfort (newest model) are going to be improvements to the HD555 for fidelity. I haven't tried the Bose QC, but I tried the Sony XM4.

I ultimately returned them because the fidelity was odd for certain types of media, but certain types of music, it had that spice that I didn't get from more neutral and studio type reproduction putting a huge grin on my face. It was a struggle to return the XM4 and the ANC was really damn good/created an interesting intimate effect. I think the XM6 has addressed that fidelity, but I have never tried them.

If you must get something wired... the latest model Sennhesier Momentum latest model has good fidelity/probably similar sound profiled to your current headhones and can be used wired and wireless and if you're going from no ANC of the HD555 to some ANC, it'll probably be good enough even though it doesn't hold a candle to the ANC of the Sony and Bose. The only other one I can think of in the same realm is the Sony INZONE H9 II gaming headset that uses some XM6 drivers. However, I don't know if the wire actually helps dramatically for fidelity vs other options, but I think if the H9 II sound checks out, quality wise, it would be very likely that you won't have to swap for doing calls... but maybe look wise, you don't like the look of having a headset on your head so you swap anyways.

[calumniate]

I can't speak from experience, but there are some pretty high end bang & olufsen cans out there:
https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/ca/headphones
I have an old wired model called the H6.. still going strong and are well regarded.

What's interesting is these ones seem to have 3 different connections available - wired, wireless, and usb so you can go with a dac if you like or wireless and use anc.

Those prices though lol.. maybe they're available for less if you search