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

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

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.

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/

If you click the link in your post you'll notice the '...' in the url. The link is incomplete. This happens when you highlight a long link like the one you provided. LYN shortens it by adding the '...'
To get the whole link, you need to right click on the link and click on 'copy link address' (I'm using Chrome, might be different for other browsers) and then paste it when you're posting a reply.

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: May 1 2011, 10:03 AM

That is a earphone. An IEM.

The general definition of what it means can be found in the 1st post.

Outside noise will also disturb your music listening.

Check out posts #144, #145 and #146.

Shure SE215, Jays D-Jays, Westone UM1.

They do postage, or do you want to test it before you make a decision? If so then just disregard this reply.

E11 is not out on retail shelves yet. You can read ClieOS' impressions on the E11 here http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1865368

Search the trade section or read ClieOS' impression carefully. He stated the price in USD
http://forum.lowyat.net/AudioRelatedAccessories

Jaben Network Malaysia. http://www.lelong.com.my/Merchant/JabenNetwork.htm

I don't know, I've never tried the solo HD before. Also, I prefer IEMs to headphones so my opinion might be biased
Go to Jaben and try it for yourself

If you're looking for an IEM, you can refer to my first post on the first page. There's a really good link there where Head-Fi member ljokerl reviews 160+ IEMs as of this writing. That should get you started on choosing an IEM that suits you.

For its price yes, but I suggest you try them out yourself to see if you like it's sound signature. Just because many people like it does not necessarily mean you will too. Just speaking from past experience.

http://www.lelong.com.my/Merchant/JabenNetwork.htm

Personally, I'd spend the cash on a good set of IEMs before buying an amp to pair it with.

At that price I'd suggest Superlux HD381. Search here for price and who sells it. For reviews, you can ask the users in the Superlux Fan Club section which can be found here or Google it.