Headphones/ Earphones Recomendation Corner V6

This thread serves as a Q&A section for all new/existing audiophiles seeking advice on their next headphone purchase!

The rules are simple, no flaming/bashing and try not to spam (posting irrelevant post).
You may ask us any headphone/earphone related question, and we will gladly assist you. Don't be shy!

When asking, please remember to STATE YOUR BUDGET. Better if you give exact numbers... "not so expensive la" is not considered a budget

Other info such as the following will also be helpful to get faster and more accurate responses:
- Your rig (mp3 players, amps, soundcard etc)
- What type of usage (movies/ gaming/ music etc)
- File format used in your source (i.e. flac, mp3 etc)
- Genre of music you listen to (classical, jazz, metal, etc)
- Headphone/ earphone type (closed, open, cirumaural, IEM etc)
- Other requirements (if any) (mic, volume control, 5.1ch, 7.1ch etc)

...or you can just copy and paste the following format when posting:


Best of luck on your headphone/ earphone purchase!

Useful links:
Multi IEM review - 172 IEMs reviewed (ljokerl @ Head-Fi)
Shootout - 82 portable headphones reviewed (ljokerl @ Head-Fi)
How to choose the perfect pair of headphones/earphones (lifehacker.com)
To Amp, Or Not to Amp? (inearmatters.net)
Portable amp roundup! 56 portable amps reviewed and compared (Skylab @ Head-fi)
Custom IEM Resource Thread - Summary Reviews, Info, Custom IEM Manufacturers (average_joe @ Head-Fi)
Multiple IEM shootout v3 (ClieOS - Head-Fi)
Earbuds Guide - 12 Earbuds Compared (swbf2cheater @ Head-Fi)
Glossary of terms for the audiophile (audiolinks.com)

Previous threads for reference:
Recommendation Thread V1
Recommendation Thread V2
Recommendation Thread V3
Recommendation Thread V4
Recommendation Thread V5

Some audio terms used in this thread and their meaning:

Circumaural headphones:
Sometimes called full size headphones, these are made in a circular fashion that surround the ear completely.

Closed back:
Closed back (or sealed) headphones are designed to reduce the effect of external noise on your listening and also to keep the noise made by the headphone drivers from leaking out and disturbing people around you.

Ear Bud:
Ear bud headphones are small in size and are placed directly outside the ear canal.

In Ear Monitors (IEM):
In Ear Monitors (IEM) also known as Ear Canal Headphones (ECH's). These earphones are placed into the ear canal and effectively seal your ear with their small rubberised ear-tip sleeve (can also come with various tips). They are small, lightweight and very portable.

Noise cancelling headphones:
Noise cancelling headphones reduce the perceived noise from outside with the clever use of small microphones located inside the earpiece and active electronics within the headset. The basic principle is that the noise signal for the outside world is inverted and then summed with the signal from the audio source. The result is that the ambient noise from outside is effectively cancelled out, which lets you enjoy your music.

Open back headphones:
Open back headphones (sometimes referred to as vented) are designed to allow sound out through the back of the earcup. This design gives a character to the sound that is often described as having an open soundstage, or natural. One reason for this is that there are less reflections than a closed back (or sealed) design.

Supra aural:
Supra aural headphones have pads that sit on top of the ears, rather than around them.

Source:
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/
http://www.wirelessrfheadphones.com/guides...uld-you-choose/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headphones
http://reviews.cnet.com/2719-7612_7-382-1.html?tag=page;page
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/headphone-...de-by-type.html
http://www.headphonereviews.org/glossary.php

Note: If there's anything you think I should add, send me a PM.

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: Jul 11 2011, 10:09 PM

brother thanks for the rec.. im noob in audiophile... but AKG you recommend didnt score as high as the grado... but again i might be wrong.. just wanna have a headset that is good for my mullah

Open backs tend to have a better sound quality.
However, that is not to say they are bad sounding, well engineered they can be good(and equally good sounding).
Also seeing your requirements they will not only sound good but have the added benefit of isolation and quite possibly better comfort.

The Grado being an open can is meant for you to appreciate in a quiet environment. If you are moving around in public places, the external noise is going to affect both the sound quality and volume. The leaked sound from the Grado can be a nuisance to the people around you as well.

Congrats on V6! Keep it coming guys.

oohh.... now i understand what "the leaked" means.. thanks you bro....

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Added on April 25, 2011, 11:27 amtq for the explanation bro

This post has been edited by adliazaddin: Apr 25 2011, 11:27 AM

Hi guys, I listen to Linkin Park, Green Day, Paramore, sometimes Coldplay and some chinese song. Please recommend an In Ear Monitors OR any type of headphone that suitable for the songs above. Budget wise would be around RM500. Thank you for replies.

The award winning AKG K450.

Newbie here.
Usage: Music and games
Preference: Full size headphone, not earbuds
Budget: RM50 ikr

**Off topic**
How can I make my laptop play 5.1 (it has 1 stereo port and 1 mic port only)

Sorry if I sound like a noob

This post has been edited by loonwern93: Apr 25 2011, 06:39 PM

Grado SR80i or Alessandro Ms1i. They are really good for rocks.

What source(player) are you using?
I have a DDM(Radius HP TWF-11R) for sale. New unit replaced by Radius, but only 6 months of warranty left. It is good with rock and metal stuff, but greater with acoustics. Organic string instruments are its forte, but electric guitars are full bodied and well textured. Bass is very very good and very big in these. Tight, fast and controlled. It's an IEM BTW.
Oh and I do listen to Linkin Park with these.
However fit and comfort may be an issue.

I do believe that Grado and Alessandro as recommended by CoolBoy89 has the slight edge when it comes to rock. They give the distortion of electric guitars that slight more energy. Grado(especially the ones under 125i) tends to be a bit bright though(I own an SR60i). Also they don't isolate(not that the DDM is that much better though. ).

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Apr 25 2011, 11:41 PM

Hi guys.. imma planning to get a new headphone.. I mainly use it for PS3 gaming and watch anime.. and maybe use it for Fl Studio.. Already owned Turtle Beach DSS for my PS3 to hook it up with any headphone..
Currently owned a Sony xb300 and planning to buy Sennheiser HD380 PRO..

any good suggestion?
thanks..

I'm playing with my desktop. no sound card attach, and can grado/alessandro use on ip4? lol

Iphone 4? I hear from many people, even some audiophiles say that as far as handphones go. they're not that bad.
I do find that my SR60i needs slightly more volume on my player to play at a decent volume level. Looking at the specs, the SR80i may require the same thing(more volume). If you're gonna use your Iphone 4 I assume that you're going portable. Sorry, these just suck at isolation. They leak sound in and out and they're rather big. Although I do bring my Grado around just for the fun of it.
The DDM doesn't fair better either. Isolation is better but not as good as you might expect from an IEM, but music can drown out sound given enough volume. Also cable noise is horrendous. But it does sound much better overall. Oh, do note that the DDM that fits your budget is the one I'm selling, so a new DDM won't.

I think you'd be better with something other than these....assuming that I am right with your requirements of portability. I'd say something like a Shure SE215 is a good choice for you. I think it's perfect.

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Apr 26 2011, 05:53 PM

Shouldn't have any problem. My iPhone 4 can drive Beyer's DT880 Pro (250ohms) to relatively loud volumes.

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: Apr 26 2011, 10:54 PM

Hi there! Hope to get some advice:

Rig: MP3/Nokia Xpressmusic Phone Compatible or Laptop usage;
Type of headphones: IEM, preferably with Nokia-Compatible Mic or Circumaural;
Genre: Blues/Jazz and Classical Music (especially for Double Bass/Cello sounds);
Music format: FLAC, mp3 or WMV.
Budget: Below RM100

Funny combination, but i was hoping to get one that I travel around with whilst answering calls. XD THanks!!

This post has been edited by rayray93: Apr 26 2011, 10:41 PM

The JBL REF225 does everything you need but its beyond your budget.

meelectronics M9P come with mic.

Hi..Hope to get some recommendation from u guys..
Rig:Iphone or lappy external sound card.
Type of headphones :only IEM
Genre: Korean songs and english R&B songs
Budget:below RM600...

Pls i need advise asap..My IEM juz spoil...

Both the following comes with inline mic and control.

AKG K370 premium earpieces.



AKG Q460. Quincy Jones' Signature Line earpieces.

- Rig (iPhone, iPad, PC, PS3)
- Type of usage (50% Musics, 40% Movies, 10% Gaming)
- file format (mp3)
- genre (most of the times billboard top 40 songs, sometimes trance, sometimes 80 - 90's oldies)
- requirements (either open / IEM see what u guys recommend)
- Budget : RM200 - RM500 +- (pls list out the recommended Headphones with price range, thanks)

and i was wondering where i can actually test the earphones u guys recommended ?

where are you located

Thx for help..E1-AKG..Did u sell those IEM ? Interms of sound quality, AKG370 n AKG Q460 which 1 is better ?? I might get it from u becuz i m planning to get Harman kardon sound stick III from u as well..

Personally I like the K370 because it is more balanced in terms of sound. The Q460 ... oops! It should be Q350 is more musical with more bass.

I need a gaming headphone which doubles as a music headphone too. Caught between ATH-AD700 vs Sennheiser HD 595. I'm not sure which is better of the two. People who own this can give some comments which you think comes out trumps.

Kualalalala Lumpur~

Do consider the AiAiAi TMA-1. Google around, you will be surprised!

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Added on April 27, 2011, 11:41 amYou are looking for headphones or iems portable or home use

This post has been edited by E1 - AKG: Apr 27 2011, 11:41 AM

- Rig (iPhone, iPad, PC, PS3)
- Type of usage (50% Musics, 40% Movies, 10% Gaming)
- file format (mp3)
- genre (most of the times billboard top 40 songs, sometimes trance, sometimes 80 - 90's oldies)
- Budget : RM200 - RM600 +- (pls list out the recommended Headphones with price range, thanks)
- Location : K.L.
- Requirements : 80% @ home, headphones, comfortable..

thx for the info..Did u sell both IEM ? How is the price ?? Btw,about the harman kardon sound stick III,how is the sound quality with external sound card..? I had tried my friend JBL speakers,it really nice..

Shure latest dj headphone srh550dj is within ur range.

Thanks for the info..

looks cool.. where can i test this headphone ?

AKG Q460 from the Quincy Jones Signature Line with Control Talk where you can also answer calls on your iPhone, do VOIP on your iPad.

price ? where's ur store ? contact number ? can i go test the headphone ?

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Added on April 27, 2011, 1:27 pmhey i'm also interested with the AiAiAi TMA-1 after reading the post above.. lol..

pm me the price for TMA-1 and also the Q460..

also ur contacts n ur shop location.. gonna drop by n test the headphone.. thanks in advance..

This post has been edited by AhNiCk: Apr 27 2011, 01:27 PM

You can test out both the AKG Q460 and the AiAiAi TMA-1 at MacStudio Bangsar Shopping Centre.

Hi, can recommend me IEM for price range > RM200 ?

brainwavz pro alpha, brainwavz M1, brainwavz M2

try the few models below!

Futuresonic Atrios
Radius TWF11K Dual Dynamic Driver
Westone UM1
A-Jays 4
Audio Technica CKM90
Denon C710
Klipsch S4i

depend man~

sennheiser need a good headphone amplifier only can boost up the potential..

if compare this 2 headphone without an amplifier, AD700 would be more easily to sounds good

but both really produce 2 different kind of sounding 1

beyerdynamic dt231 Pro
Grado SR60
Shure SRH240
Audio Technncia AD300
AKG K420
(Near to Rm300)

Shure SRH440
Audio Technica AD500
Grado SR80
Audio Technica ES55
(Near to rm400)

Shure SRH750
Audio Technica AD700
Audio Technica ES7
Sennheiser HD518


Hippo Boom, Hippo ten, Hippo Shroom-EB
Meelectronics SP51P
Superlux fullset Earphone
Denon C260R
a-Jays 2
Sennheiesr CX200

- My Rig: PC and probably my Walkman.
- Type of usage: only for music.
- File format: MP3, MP4, FLV etc.
- Music genre: Trance only, or some slight jazz.
- Budget: around RM500?
- Headphone/earphone type: Headphone.
- Other requirements: prefer those big ones cause I got a very big ears.

do I have to get an amp?
was planning to get speakers, but I shelf plans to get it cause I'm too busy with my studies nowadays. Running around the place the whole time, don't really have the time to sit down and seriously hear some good music.

Designed by DJs, built for Trance. The highly acclaimed AiAiAi TMA-1. Google around, plenty of rave reviews.

any others? looks pretty small to me
I prefer something huge, those fully close back type.

even after few hours with my Siberia V2, my ear hurts cause it get's squished by it

This post has been edited by TechnoG: Apr 27 2011, 07:28 PM

- My Rig:Notebook PC, Nokia Xpressmusic
- Type of usage:movie and music
- File format:mostly mp3
- Music genre:Jazz,rock,blues
- Budget:Around RM100
- Headphone/earphone type:Circumaural,closed
- Other requirements:Bass tone must be GOOD.

Just tested Sony MDR-XD200 RM98 in sonystyle shop..It fits my requirements..Any better recommendations?

Brainwavz pro alpha

hai.. i need some recommend here...

Budjet : RM 100
Usage : Music (Jazz/Pop), Gaming, Movie

can help me

- My Rig: handphone ,laptop
- Type of usage:music
- File format:320k mp3
- Music genre:k-pop,techno
- Budget:not more than RM150 if possible
- Headphone/earphone type: iem or portable headphone
- Other requirements: really good isolation (reason: LRT noise), a bit basshead

hi...wanna ask for a good iem with nice bass produced that i can ask my friend at uk to buy 1 for me..looking for hippo shroom eb but not in the ebay uk =,=..darn..

wanna find iems that have quality like shroom eb n can order at ebay or amazon uk..thnx guys..

u ppl are sure so damm stingy, want something good, but unwilling to pay, no such thing de la please, < RM100 is confirm B.S stuff

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Added on April 28, 2011, 7:15 pmtake the ad700, i was gonna go for that to, good for music and positioning in games

This post has been edited by noobandroid: Apr 28 2011, 07:15 PM

hi guys..any iem that are the same quality,,shape n price like hippo shroom eb??

Shroom EB is quite unique in design.
The other 2 I've tried that are at the same price; Sony MDR-EX300, Soundmagic PL50.
Sony: Warm sound, big bass, piercing treble, recessed vocals.
Soundmagic: Warm sound, smooth treble, rich vocals, average bass quantity(but high in quality).

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Apr 28 2011, 08:45 PM

150 also kedekut ah? I'm no income wo...

he3..ok..thnx tunertoobe..will try to audition a few models b4 i decided to buy..
now im using hippo epic..

AKG K321

how bout Sennheiser CX 300 II compare to koss spark plug??

This post has been edited by watekeke: Apr 28 2011, 09:14 PM

RM150 is quite good already. I think Soundmagic PL20, PL11, PL21, PL30. Fischer Audio Omega. Slightly above your budget, Fischer Audio Enigma. Then there is also Hippo Pearl. Quite a lot to choose from and suits your needs(some may be too much bass for your taste though), and I think there are more out there that I can't recall/don't know.

Ok ur welcome. I think there are more within that price, such as the Final Audio design Piano forte II, but that's an earbud and I haven't tried one.

he3..just google the sony n soundmagic..didn like much the design..he3..
maybe wanna ask my fren to buy at uk..koss spark plug or crx-300..for now la..he3..

SR125i or MS1i better?

Either 2 is good. They come from a company that actually cares about audio.

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Added on April 28, 2011, 9:27 pmMany say they both are very close.
MS1i is cheaper, go for that....

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Apr 28 2011, 09:27 PM

which have the better package??
i saw sennheiser got good pouch..

I suggest you try them out.
But by all means if you see one that tickles your fancy, go ahead.

- My Rig:Notebook PC, Nokia Xpressmusic
- Type of usage:movie and music
- File format:mostly mp3
- Music genre:Any
- Budget:Around RM100
- Headphone/earphone type:Circumaural,closed
- Other requirements:Bass tone must be GOOD.

Just tested Sony MDR-XD200 RM98 in sonystyle shop..It fits my requirements..Any better recommendations?

Just go for it if you are happy with it Can't expect established Audiophile brands to come any where close in terms of price but will definitely offer much better sound quality.

- My Rig: PC with Titanium HD!
- Type of usage: movie and music
- File format: FLAC!
- Music genre: Any
- Budget: RM400-600?
- Headphone/earphone type: Circumaural
- Other requirements: Comfy comfy comfy (imagine long hours)

HD558, AD700, ATH-M50. Three of them are frequently recommended among that price range. Google some reviews of them.

hi guys my sennheiser cx 500 spoil any1 know where i can send to repair it ?

- My Rig:
computer
- Type of usage:
multipurpose usage
- File format:
more to video/music.
- Budget:
RM1k and below
- Headphone/ earphone type:
only headphone
- Other requirements:
currently using Ms1(combo with ornance amplifiers ), wanna upgrade so d new rig must be better than this.

TQ for recommendation.

This post has been edited by ahshuy: Apr 30 2011, 03:27 AM

Since you have an amp, go for the award winning AKG K242HD. It is the consumer version of the legendary K240 headphones, a recoding studio standard throughout the world.

- My Rig: PC with Asus Xonar Essence and iPhone
- Type of usage: Mostly music, gaming secondary
- File format: Mp3/FLAC
- Music genre: Mostly all except hip-hop, rap
- Budget: RM500-Rm800, may consider close to RM1000 if it's really good and worthwhile
- Headphone/ earphone type: No preferences but would prefer Circumaural, something similar to my current sennheiser HD515. Just prefer priority on comfort
- Other requirements: Not really a bass head, prefer clarity on my music

Shure srh840

need to try out the Sennheiser HD558, HD598
Denon AH-D1100
Shure SRH840
Audio Technica AD700, AD900
Grado SR225
Grado Allesandro Ms2i

U can remove the D1100 from the list. D1100 is not for him since he wants clarity more than bass.

For studio quality clarity and long hours comfort, did recommend the 2010 Sound + Image headphones of the year award AKG K242HD. It is the consumer version of the legendary K240 headphones, a recoding studio standard throughout the world. However, you will need an amp for it

2011 Top Ten Reviews Silver Award:
http://stereo-headphones-review.toptenrevi...-hd-review.html

"A Joyride on the AKG K242HD:
http://www.compudio.ca/2010/08/joyride-on-akg-k242hd.html

I know I'm asking a totally noob question:

What is the difference in quality of earphones between those below RM50, those below RM200, those between RM300-RM600, and those above RM1000?

Below RM50 = Crap, save money and get something else.
Below RM200 = Quite good for starting out, but there are many traps(overpriced junks). Choose wisely.
RM300-600 = Getting close to audiophile territory, and some even achieve it. Easy to find good value. Rarely disappoints, mostly boils down to sound preference rather than lousy quality(most cases). You'd still have to watch out for overpriced junks.
Over RM1000 = Audiophile region. Multi-driver stuff, highly complex engineering, bla bla bla. Personal preference dictates what you perceive as the best. As ever, some can be overpriced however rarely occurs. Only the critical can find points to criticize the stuff in this price range.

Good enough answer?

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Apr 30 2011, 05:15 PM

Thanks for the pointers. I'm new in this area and have no way of telling whether the quality is bad unless it really bad. I've been using Creative EP-220 for almost a year and one side is spoiled now. I am looking of a new pair of earphones. Any recommendations for RM150 or below?

A Perodua Viva has 4 wheels, 4 doors, seats 5. A Ferrari has 4 wheels as well but 2 less doors and seats only 2. Why then the Ferrari cost about 50 units of the Viva

OMG..I didn't know my question sounded like that to audio enthusiasts. I do apologize.

This post has been edited by Thinkingfox: Apr 30 2011, 05:33 PM

Was just hoping that the relation to more common daily items helps

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Added on April 30, 2011, 5:45 pmSomething similar in design to your existing earbuds with much better performance will be:

AKG K315



JBL REF210



This post has been edited by E1 - AKG: Apr 30 2011, 05:45 PM

It will all become very clear if you can try out the earphones/headphones in that price range but as you go higher up in the RM1000 - RM2000 bracket, the sound quality becomes more of a personal preference and the difference in quality becomes harder to tell or hear in this case... at least IMO. E1 - AKG's analogy should be easy to understand too. Some people might prefer driving a Ferrari to a Porsche.

hi..is there any big difference between senheiser cx300 n cx300 II precision??

They are exactly the same in term of sound quality. The only difference is that CX300-II is using the shell that CX400 and CX500 are using, and also CX300-II has Y-cable while the older version is J-cable. CX300-II is reported more durable compared to its predecessor.

Y-cable i know the shape..J-cable i donno..myb its like one is short n one is long?? 6 tips rite come in this package??

I have no idea. But my CX500 does come with 6 pair of tips. Maybe u can get the information in Sennheiser's official site.

Can someone recommend me headphones which is

around RM500 budget
have good design & look (comparable to dr.dre's solo if possible) because I will be bringing it to college

I don't want full cans because I'm wearing spectacles and it would be uncomfortable... so something like on the ears will do (like ksc-75 or portapro)
thanks

AKG K430?
Looks pretty good, foldable as well and it's an on-ear.....If I recall correctly.
Audio Technica ones are good looking as well. Forgot which model that fits your price though.

This post has been edited by tunertoobe: Apr 30 2011, 09:31 PM

Fanny Wang On Ear.
http://www.fannywang.com/on-ear-wang-headphones.html

Review 1:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/02/05/fanny-...dphones-review/

Review 2:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/e...g-on-ear-wangs/

- My Rig: samsung galaxy ace/notebook/mp3 player/Fiio E5
- Type of usage: music/movie/
- File format: mp3/mp4/wav
- Music genre: any
- Budget: around 200
- Headphone/ earphone type: headphone/in ear plug
- Other requirements:

Both review links don't work

This should work:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/02/05/fanny-...dphones-review/
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/e...g-on-ear-wangs/