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, sound card 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, circumaural, IEM etc)
- Other requirements (if any) (mic, volume control, 5.1ch, 7.1ch etc)

Possible reference sites for reviews:

Headfonia
In Ear Matters
Head-Fi
Headphones / IEM by WhatHIFI ratings
CNet IEM reviews
InnerFi

From previous thread
Multi IEM review - 214 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)
IEM List (inearmatters.net)
Concise multi-IEM comparison (inearmatetrs.net)
12 Earbuds compared (swbf2cheater @ Head-Fi)
Audio Glossary

This post has been edited by noobandroid: May 6 2013, 06:40 PM

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.

NOISE CANCELLATION DOES NOT EQUAL TO NOISE ISOLATION, get the facts straight:
Noise cancellation works by cancelling out constant noise from outside surroundings, like machine sound or motor sound, or jet plane turbine sound, you will still hear people talking, baby crying, car passing by, people beside you blasting music while break dancing, a couple quarreling etc. Noise isolation is for silence from surrounding sound regardless what it is.

Noise cancellation is a premium priced technology, and the reason behind it is it uses to external mic for left and right to obtain the constant noise, and the headphone produces a counter noise wave to cancel out the noise, so you don't hear machine sounds. BOSE claimed to be the first to create NC headphones, so they might get patent fee from it, who knows.. Expect something around RM1k for a NC headphone

Pictorial guide to earphone and headphone types
On-Ear

Over ear / around the ear / full size / circumaural

Noise Canceling Headphones

IEM

Universal CIEM

Molded CIEM

open back headphone

closed back headphone

TS I suggest we include ambiance in the info section, meaning where the user will use the headphone/setup. Some people do not know the benefit of noise isolation or use portable setup at home, where desktop setup may be more beneficial.

What say you guys?

hi guys need opinion

I am looking for a bday present for gf

tot of getting her a headphone as daily use (probably musics while on her way to work) and home use (movie/musics)

I want to ask regarding this headphone
V-moda LP

got offer from the forumer in this forum for RM 550

for this price range and the product, what do u think?
kindly give me some input and guide me..

Any other alternative between price range 300-500?
big thanks

Hi,
I'm looking for an IEM for listening to Music.
I use MSi notebook & Handphone Sony Xperia.
Mostly listening to Rock, Dance Pop, R&B, & Techno Pop.
My budget is about RM280... >.<

Can anyone help me?

This post has been edited by SharonQ: May 6 2013, 08:05 PM

- Your rig: nexus 4, macbook pro
- What type of usage : only music
- File format used in your source: mp3/ apple lossless/flac
- Genre of music you listen to: vocal / rock / pop
- Headphone/ earphone type: over the ear IEM, fits in ear nicely and doesnt protrude.
- Other requirements: better if braided cable / comfort for long time hearing [eyeing on se215? ]

would your gf like the design for v-moda? v-moda is known to a lot of audiophiles for having nice design and sound quality which is better than beats. But do know that most of v-moda headphones have bassy signature so does your gf like to lsiten to house,electronic, dubstep? because the crossfade LP isnt the best pairing for instrumentals and vocals and classical music if thats what she likes.

try out munitio billets? or can go get Beyer XP series!

so whats your budget?

maximum Rm500

Phonak Audeo PFE012 or Shure SE215?
Both are quite the opposite, one is BA driver another is Dynamic... you can try both in Jaben to see which you prefer =)

This post has been edited by Lego Warfare: May 6 2013, 11:36 PM

how's ckm500 sound compared to beyerdynamic xp3?

Hmmm

TDK BA200 RM400+ for online if local maybe around RM600, Se215 good choice , Westone UM1, Hippo Pro BA One RM489.

if dont mind non over ear can check out Head Direct RE400, FAD Adagio III(bassy and laid back mids), Klipsch S4.

havnt tried the ckm500 before but the beyer xp has really good value to performance ratio

Hello guys..I'm looking at the vsonic gr07 bass version iem..anyone using it and how is the performance compared to sennheiser cx-400? My rig: laptop/note2

Edit: thanks!

This post has been edited by dilemmadilemma: May 8 2013, 01:16 AM

How about Sennheiser PX100 and PX200? budget while portable, easy to keep with good sound as well.

Beyerdynamic XP series or Final audio adagio II =)

Shure SE215, Hippo ProOne and Westone UM1, these are the choices with over the ear design that has competitive price


CKM500 should be much thicker sound signature, while XP3 provides more impact and speed.


Personally i will recommend GR07, i don't think CX400 will be performing same quality compare with 07

IEM also got over ear?
Rm500 can get ultimate ears TF10 already

Main use : pc/sony walkman
Usage: Movies & music.
Format: mp3
Genre : Anything but heavy metal
Earphone : IEM only

Budget less than rm400. Must have decent clarity. Known for it's durability.

- Your rig : Smartphone / Lenovo P770
- Type of usage : Musics & Movies
- Format : MP3 / aac / WMA
- Genre : R&B, jazz
- Type of earphone : IEM
- Budget : Below rm100

Thx in advance guys as my S3 earphone is not suitable for p770, so looking for alternate option for entertaining purpose.

One of my friend told me to get FA Consonance instead of XP series..
So how about Fischer Audio Consonance? Is it better to buy it than beyerdynamic xp3?

Sorry for asking to much, because I'm looking for a versatile one...

My current Phonak 132 is starting to show some issues. Might need to get a new one soon.

Your rig: iPhone 4s, iMac through ordnance .25 amp
What type of usage : Music
File format used in your source: mp3, flac
Genre of music you listen to: Rock/ Pop/ Ambient/ OST
Headphone/ earphone type: Something with similar or better clarity, accuracy and smoothness then the Phonak 132 with better bass. The Phonak 132 are really enjoyable and I'm not a basshead, but they really isn't any bass on them unless amped.
Other requirements: Remote/mic would be good. A 2 years warranty or more would be good.

Budget : Around Rm1000

wouldnt know I havn't tried the FA consonance. I've only tried what has been available at jaben D: but if you want my other suggestions you can of course try Headdirect RE-400 and Dunu Topsound Trident, i've personally used the dunu tridents and they are really good entry level IEM's. THe RE-400 on the other hand Clieos sifu highly recommends it saying it is the best you can get in it's price range and if you get it the only upgrade you should go for is top of the line like Westone 4 and above.

at that budget maybe you can save up a lil more than to get maybe the Westone 4r,Shure se535,PFE 232 the top of the lines but if you can't spend more maybe try the TDK BA200 i'm using it and damn its really nice. Or you can check out the Dunu Tai-Chi it's Dunu Topsound's current flagship model it has exchangeable parts to change the way it sounds like and comes with loads of accessories.

Oh yeah cant forget about the UE900 as well hahaha xD

This post has been edited by siles1991: May 11 2013, 08:21 PM

get yourself a RE-400 from HiFiMan which has been getting good grades at price:sound quality

Or you can also try the untraditional FAD Heaven series
Only one BA driver but comparable with iems with 3 drivers.

^Thanks for the recommendation guys.
Will try each of them out and see whichever sounds the best to me.
Will also consider the slightly more expensive top of the lines IEM as well.
Just going to avoid the phonak 232, the company no longer does this so the warranty is no longer valid...

This post has been edited by LegendLee: May 11 2013, 10:24 PM

Allo all,

I'm looking for this dual stereo bluetooth headphone (sorry, no familiar with the tech. terms) for my idevices.

You know something like the Jabra Sport and the Plantronic's Backbeat.

Any sub MYR200+/- brand anyone can recommend?

Thanks

Having problems with my Sennheiser PX100-II, might want to change headphones soon : (

Your rig: Mainly S2 or PC
What type of usage : Mostly music, sometimes for movies
File format used in your source: Mostly MP3
Genre of music you listen to: Pop / Rock
Headphone/ earphone type: On ear headphones, open-back
- Other requirements: Not a bass head, just want some decent sound for music + comfort when wearing + Foldable and single cable if can : )
Budget: RM150 - RM300

This post has been edited by ruxyn_tang: May 12 2013, 02:08 PM

You can try iems from Meelectronics. M9 or m16 should fit your budget.

Your rig: Nokia smartphone/phone, laptop
Type of usage: mostly music
Format: mp3
Genre: anything but rock
Type of earphone: iem
Budget: below 200

Considering Meelectronics a151, feels pro 900 and sony xba 1. (I prefer that you help me choose from these 3 but am open to suggestions.

Would recommend Senheiser HD 419. Very comfortable uses the same sponge pad as higher end headphones such as HD 595

could not think of any in this range, bluetooth devices are expensive and sound quality are so so only

Suggestion for bluetooth headphone

Your rig: Blackberry 9900 / iPad / laptop
Type of usage: music and watch movies

Budget: below 300

Hi guys, i've got two headphones for my consideration- which is

1. AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M50RD (RM600++)
2. Sennheiser Momentum (RM1100++)

Sound wise, which one is better? I might be using the earphones at home, commuting or in the library. I'm still wondering wether I should fork out another RM500 top up for the sennheiser.

Thanks guys!

Your rig: Samsung Galaxy S3
Type of usage: Music
Format: mp3, flac sometimes
Genre: Everything
Type of earphone: Earbuds, preferably wireless.
Budget: Below 200

I mostly use it for when I'm cycling so I'd like it to have volume rockers and also that button to answer calls and whatnot.

hi guys,

can suggest headphones that can isolate sorrounding sound really well?
price less than RM300.

looking for something almost as effective as industrial earmuff or the one they use at the airport.

rumah sebelah jalan raya sakit telinga ooo

How about iem earbuds? Shures are well known for their isolation. But their cheapest model se215 is rm388 in Jaben. If you search in the garage sales you might get lucky and find one for abit cheaper.

This post has been edited by Lego Warfare: May 14 2013, 07:47 AM

thanks for that. nice one for guiding me to Jaben. close enough to my place to go have a look.

but i am not a fan of iem earbuds. it cause uncomfortable pressure difference when plug-in/plug-out them in my ears. besides, it can get pretty dirty if i forgot to clean my ears.

another thing, it make me hear my makan sound very loud especially on something crunchy. i really dont like that.

i had use iem earbuds by logitech costing about RM 50 and it did a really good job on isolating outside sound. looking for headphone that can isolate sound good enough for price less than RM300.

Finding a headphone
Budget 100>200
Using ipad,laptop
Listen to some mp3 Jpop

- Your rig: handphone note 2
-usage: music
- File format used in your source: mp3
- Genre of music you listen to: more bass for kpop and disco music, soft Chinese song
- Headphone/ earphone type: iem
- Other requirements: with mic, voice isolation
-budget: rm200 max or can be more if better spec

Thanks.

How about Superlux HD668B?? rm13x

Brainwavz M4 mic has nice bass for kpop

how about in ear?
any recommend?

Thank you for your suggestion

This post has been edited by Irzani: May 17 2013, 11:34 AM

AIAIAI TMA-1 Studio or AKG K550

Beyerdynamic xp series? For your price range I heard good things about these series although I haven't tried them before.

it have XP1,2,3
which one is good?

it have XP1,2,3
which one is good?

hmm.. it kinda looks flimsy though? :/

This post has been edited by ruxyn_tang: May 17 2013, 04:26 PM

From some of the review,

AIAIAI TMA-1 Studio slightly better than m50s, however

http://www.head-fi.org/t/613374/mid-fi-stu...dio-vs-ath-m50s



For AKG K550, got pro and cons compared to M50 ... hard to justify the which one is the better

Other choices bro? Range RM 1K-1.3K model?

Thanks in advance

This post has been edited by Irzani: May 17 2013, 04:34 PM

V-Moda M100

Does anyone purchased the latest iteration of Fishcer FA-003 Ti? I own the original one but am wondering whether the upgrade is worth it.

Hi guys, I received some recommendations from the earlier thread and I have made some research myself. I am now torn between AT M30, T500 and AD300 so I am looking for the most suitable one for me.

My main usage of the headphones will be mainly music and movies with little gaming. (I saw some old replies here in LYN mentioning such usages are more suitable with AD300 instead of monitoring series like M30 or the more expensive M50). I also wish to have my headphone to produce crisp detailed sound and provide adequate noise isolation.

Thanks in advance all.

Either xp2 or xp3. Better go try first though

any shop that can try ?

Jaben Subang Jaya or Jaben Penang =P

Trying to find a good headset
- Your rig: Smartphone/Computer
-usage: Music
- File format used in your source: Flac\ MP3
- Genre of music you listen to: Rock, some house
- Headphone/ earphone type: On Ear or Over
- Other requirements: Would like high bass
-budget: 700-800 (Can go up to 1000 if really worth it)

Thanks in advance

Thanks for the reply.

From what I saw, they're been out for about 2 years now. Nothing better out?

Also, do you have an idea where I could get them?

Thanks again

Re-quoting myself as nobody answered me last time

This post has been edited by Mrzan117: May 19 2013, 11:16 AM

Hi I'm looking for earphone mainly for pc n android devices.

Genre would cover almost everything lol.

Would love to have emphasis on clarity n noise isolation

Budget around +/- rm500

Pls Pls recommend me thx !!

First, this is the audiophile section. Currently, no wireless technology has yet to satisfy their needs for better audio.

Second, you may want to revise your budget upwards.

I'm choosing between AKG K518LE and K519DJ, as their price are the same... Anyone has experience with both? Advice pls...
Thank in advance!

Good quality bluetooth stereo iem won't be that cheap, if you can raise your budget the best bluetooth iems i've heard so far is Jaybird, you should check their selection =)


you can try Westone UM1, Hippo Pro One, T-Peos H-100 (From what i heard highly underrated and comparable with USD$300 iem buds), PFE012 (although they have shut their iem operation =/)
if you can raise your budget abit to 600ish, you can try TDK BA200(heard great things about this model) and GR07.

Thanks bro will check all these out!!

Btw where can I get these from?? Any respectable shops around kl?? O traders from lowyat ??

This post has been edited by dembaba9000: May 19 2013, 04:07 PM

can consider HiFiMan RE-400, HiFiMan normally don't come out with stuff, but once they come out, they came to kill the competitors (makes a statement out LOUD)

no difference

For Westone UM1, Hippo Pro One, PFE012, TDK BA200 and GR07 you can try them at Jaben.

However T-Peos H-100 (hybrid BA and dynamic) is not very common, and to buy them i heard you have to email the company. So if you do get one, you'll be one of the few who has them =)
if u do get them i hope to test test too haha
p.s, if you mention you are a head-fi member i heard you will get a discount =P

thanks for the reply. no difference in tem of SQ too?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/653370/review-hif...e-new-reference

interesting review of Hifiman RE400, rated 5/5 by Cleios!

any comment on it, sifus here? Jaben sells this?

my fren recommend me the klipsch s4.

any feedback bout it??

i would prefer go to Shure SE215, or with higher budget will be Shure SE315

i don't think they are in the same class as those mentioned above... but then again the pricing is cheaper for that.

Thanks for the recommendation guys...
I've bought Beyerdynamic XP 3 after testing it at jaben
I'm very pleased and happy with it

This post has been edited by SharonQ: May 20 2013, 11:22 PM

Your rig - Nexus 4
What type of usage - Music
File format used in your source - Spotify music (Ogg format if not mistaken)
Genre of music you listen to - most of the genres, from classical to rock to techno
Headphone/ earphone type - earphone (for jogging purposes)
Other requirements (if any) - Noise isolation

budget - <rm300

i'd just like to remind that this would be used for jogging/walking purposes.

thanks a bunch!~

jaben dont have, but i bought it off from head-direct without even thinking of Pro : Con ratio

i thought s4 retailing around 400++??

but i heard them saying its optimized for iphone o sth like that??

Hey lads im planning to get a new IEM for commuting use, My old Re-0 died on me so i'm keen on replacing them.

I like balance in my IEM's not much of a base head, most of my music are very vocal. 40's ,classic rock and some indie rock.

Can you guys suggest something in a 300 ish range? i wont mind paying a sliver more if its good.

If I'm not mistaken s4 is the old version? After that there is the s4i and s4ii.
The best is if you still go test everything in Jaben

Optimize in the sense that only the button controls is optimize for iPhone.

What kind of vocals do you prefer? If you prefer the warm, laid back smooth vocals then you can narrow them down to mostly dynamic iem, if you prefer clarity, detailed and forward vocals then ba drivers iem

thanks lego Clarity and details defiantly, Susan Wong <3 any iems to reco?

This post has been edited by Holyboyz: May 21 2013, 11:00 AM

i am very interested to buy as well.. but no local seller?

get from head-direct

Brainwavz B2 or Fischer Audio DBA-02

how is your experience on the RE400? mind to give some impression? worth the $99 spent?

reaching me maybe today or tomorrow, but i seriously didnt consider long to get it

i asked my "audiophile partner" mrsu and he recommend it, so i went ahead,

This post has been edited by noobandroid: May 21 2013, 02:38 PM

Your rig: nexus4, macbook pro (thinking of buying hippo biscuit)
Type of usage: Music only
Format: 320k mp3
Genre: K-pop / vocal / slow kind of musics
Type of earphone: IEM, prefer over the ear (sleep-wearing)
Budget: <500

I'm not a basshead but im a midhead. currently eyeing on shure se215/ hippo pro one??

Hi, lookinG for a headphones/ headset that is below rm300.
Plan to use for gaming and casual music listening.
Hope that the headphones/headset have a solid build and have a good sound quality too. Thanks

you can also try beyerdynamic xp3

If you like great details, have a try on Hippo Pro One


According to their online store, MKii only cost around RM350.


ProOne, UM1 and SE215 are good options, however if you need to wear it while sleeping, SE215 might not do the job nicely.



Without microphone - Beyerdynamic DT231pro and ATH Pro5mkII.
With mic - Steel series Siberia V2 =)

Shure SRH 240 or Senheiser HD419.

Both 2 years warranty, comfort and durable no compromise in sound quality

Any headphones that is similar looking to the beyerdynamic dtx501 p? I kinda like that design although I've read reviews that the dtx501p isn't really good

Thank you so much for the support and answers

looking for headphones. under 200. Thanks

Sport + Budget RM300 IEM:

[+] Audio-Technica ATH-CKP500
[+] Sony MDR-AS400EX

Music (Kpop / Vocal) + Over-ear + Budget RM500 IEM:

[+] Audio-Technica ATH-CK70PRO

Similar with Beyerdynamic dtx501 p:

[+] Audio-Technica ATH-SJ55
[+] JVC HA-S500

Budget RM200 headphones:

[+] Audio-Technica ATH-SJ33
[+] JVC HA-S400 / HA-S500

hi thanks for ur recommendations.
i've tried the Sony at Jaben, but found that it didnt suit my taste.. it had less to no feel to any bass

i'll be awaiting for their stock arrival for the audio technica ckp500, hopefully it suits my taste.

sorry if i didnt mention it in my previous post.