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Headphones Headphones/ Earphones Recomendation Corner V9, ask options here

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SSJBen
post Jun 19 2013, 07:41 PM

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QUOTE(naTTan @ Jun 18 2013, 10:05 PM)
- 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)
Looking for a pair of gaming headphones. Preferbaly a true 5.1 ?

Rig : Computer
Usage Gaming and movie, but mainly gaming.
Anytype of headphones

So far have surveyed Roccat Kave, CM Sirius, Razer Timat 7.1 and have used before this turtle beach z6a.
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I'll be quoting myself from the Gaming Headsets thread on the Hardware board -

QUOTE(SSJBen @ Jun 17 2013, 07:00 PM)
If you've read the last few pages, I think you should already know to stay the hell away from 5.1/7.1 headsets, period.
I'd go out on a dime to admit they're acceptable in terms of positional accuracy, but the audio quality of 5.1/7.1 headsets is just horrendous. It's like putting mud mixed with urine in your ears. No offense intended but that's how it is.

And the Kave? It'll be one of the most uncomfortable headset you'll ever put on your head, ever. It has got this ridiculous clamping pressure, a stupid headband, and the ridiculous weight which doesn't even out on your head at all. I've got a pretty small head and I had headaches after 20 minutes, go figure if you've got a medium-sized head or larger.

If you absolutely just want positional accuracy and nothing else (no sub-bass, no kicks in the mid-bass, non-focused mids) then the Audio Technica ATH-AD700 is your best choice under RM500.
The soundstage is sooooo wide that with a proper HRTF (dolby headphones work well with the AD700), it'll perform as good if not better than a 5.1 headset without sounding like absolute horse ****.

I'll stress it again, you've got 2 ears not 5 or 7 ears. You're human, not a mutant.
Headphones/headsets are close up hearing experience. You do not compare it with a 5.1/7.1 actual speakers setup where everything else is a different story.
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If you've made up your mind you want to stay away from these 'true' 5.1/7.1 headsets, then state your budget. Then everyone here can help you pick up a good set of cans for your gaming needs.

This post has been edited by SSJBen: Jun 19 2013, 07:41 PM
SSJBen
post Jun 20 2013, 01:55 AM

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QUOTE(naTTan @ Jun 20 2013, 01:26 AM)
After looking at this link

It seems dolby surround can more or less mimic 5.1. Although i am still sceptical. If that is the game looking for a headphone mainly for gaming, movies and a little bit of music. Price range is around less then 1k.
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Well based on your needs, I suppose you'd want an all-rounder.

I don't know if your budget includes an amp/or and a DAC or not. But otherwise, if you can raise your budget to RM1.3k, a Hifiman HE-400 will do you a world or bliss for your ears.
If your budget is struck down under RM1k, a Beyerdynamics DT990 Pro will be a rather good choice too. A little bright perhaps, so you might want to EQ down on the highs a little bit if it is too fatiguing for you.

Otherwise the cheaper DT770 Pro isn't a bad choice either if what you want is a strong presence in bass, sacrificing mids quite a bit — which isn't good for metal or jazz, but since music isn't your primary concern then I think it's fine. Soundstage on the DT770 Pro is still rather good though despite it being closed, as always you can EQ down on the bass to bring out a little more life in the mids.
SSJBen
post Jun 20 2013, 05:43 AM

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QUOTE(naTTan @ Jun 20 2013, 04:00 AM)
Thanks for the reply. But sorry i forgot to mention. Is there any recommendation with a mic?
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Well, other than gaming headsets (which pretty much suck)... the only other one is a Beyerdynamic MMX300, basically a DT770 Pro with a mic but costs a bomb — over RM1.5k and hard to get here. You're better off spending the money for a good desktop mic instead, like a Blue Snowball or something from Samson.

SSJBen
post Jun 20 2013, 01:24 PM

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QUOTE(naTTan @ Jun 20 2013, 10:11 AM)
Thanks, yeah that was the drawback in audiophile headphones. A desk mic is ok, but not convenient. Thanks for the recommendation.

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I actually forgot about the Sennheiser PC360 and PC350. They're both cheaper than the MMX 300.

The PC360 (and 360D, which comes with a USB soundcard) are based on the HD595. So it is rather bass shy but mids are pretty forward and detailed — exactly what you want for picking up positional cues and music genres with a lot of instruments. The mic on the PC360 is pretty decent too, I think it is selling for about RM900+.
I'd personally opt for a HD558 (RM650) and get a Blue snowball mic though.

The PC350 is just the opposite of the PC360, closed headphones. It's decent in noise isolation, has a little bit more bass presence (nothing even half as good as a DT770 though). Mids are of course a little more rolled back. Not sure on the price, but is definitely cheaper than the PC360.
SSJBen
post Jun 20 2013, 07:51 PM

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QUOTE(naTTan @ Jun 20 2013, 03:21 PM)
Thanks that would be great, where can i get these products? Online only?

The one with the USB soundcard is it the PC 363D or 323D ? I can't find the P360D.

If i were to buy the P360 alone i would have to fork out a bit more for the sound card i suppose?
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You can order from this guy - https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1830601

Sorry my bad, typo. 363D I meant. The soundcard (though better than any of the crap from other gaming headsets) is a fairly basic one with DSP for Dolby Headphones.
You don't generally need a soundcard with a PC360 alone, but a cheap Xonar DG/DGX (RM150) will be a significant leap over onboard sound. Only the recent Realtek ALC1150 can sort of hold a candle to a Xonar DGX.

No amp needed with a PC360 of course since it is fairly easy to drive.
SSJBen
post Sep 30 2013, 02:54 PM

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QUOTE(faezfahmi618 @ Sep 29 2013, 09:09 PM)
yes i'll using it for gaming purpose only
u already use ad700? the ad700 performance is on par with q701 or not?
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Not even close. The AD700 has a larger soundstage and details are mostly easy to pick up, but the Q701 is a lot more refined and a much better headphone for all-rounded use.
The AD700 really only does justice to competitive gaming and nothing else (unless you absolutely love almost-zero bass) IMO.

By competitive gaming, I literally mean competitive gaming — FPS only.
If you're going to use the AD700 to use it as a fun gaming headphone, you'll be dissapointed.
SSJBen
post Sep 30 2013, 03:58 PM

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QUOTE(faezfahmi618 @ Sep 30 2013, 03:51 PM)
yes i want to use it for competitive fps only
i dont mind if that headphone dont have a bass
if using ad700 for competitive fps, what soundcard should i use to pair with ad700?
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Xonar DGX, but make sure you use UNi Xonar drivers instead of the official Asus drivers.
SSJBen
post Sep 30 2013, 04:13 PM

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QUOTE(faezfahmi618 @ Sep 30 2013, 04:03 PM)
ohh
how about sound blaster x-fi titanium hd?
i read the review they said that card is the most powerful soundcard for fps purpose  hmm.gif
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Using CMSS-3D? Yeah, in theory.
But there's two lingering issue with the THD, output impedance and price.

The THD's output impedance is at a stupidly high 33ohm and that by itself... is even higher than the nominal impedance on the AD700. Not a good match, eventhough it isn't a major issue.
Price though, is something that is a bigger problem. I know there are some shops still selling the THD, but they're going for about RM600 which I don't think is a good deal considering you can order one off Amazon for half of that.
SSJBen
post Sep 30 2013, 04:39 PM

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QUOTE(faezfahmi618 @ Sep 30 2013, 04:29 PM)
yeah the price for thd is kind of overpriced
but i dont care about the price at least it has a good performance for gaming purpose
haishh dilemma  rclxub.gif
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I honestly think it's a matter of preference. CMSS-3D in theory is better than Dolby Headphones (and in the same case, better than THX TruStudio and SBX Surround as well), I say in theory because over the years of using CMSS-3D, I've come to realized I like Dolby Headphones better yet I don't actually lose a whole lot in positional accuracy using it.

With the advent of HRTF coming back into games (AMD's just announced TrueAudio), if it takes off then I don't see the need in virtual surround technolgies anymore on PC at least.
There's also DTS Heapdhone X which at least on paper, is the best blend of CMSS-3D and Dolby Headphones. But as to when that will even see the day of light, that's another question. doh.gif

If you've got not budget issues, I guess it's fine to go with the THD (mind you, you'll have to use modded drivers) and compensate the impedance mismatch with a cheap, clean amp.
SSJBen
post Sep 30 2013, 06:27 PM

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QUOTE(faezfahmi618 @ Sep 30 2013, 04:47 PM)
nice explaination
now im narrowed my choice to THD and xonar essence stx
what is ur opinion about xonar essence stx compared to THD?  hmm.gif
and for music purpose, those soundcard suitable for music or not? or i should use external amp/DAC for music purpose (i have seenheiser hd439 for music listening)?
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I'd personally choose the STX over the THD, though both are really quite close IMO. The STX has a benefit of a headphone amp (though at 10ohms ouput impedance, it's still higher than what I'd call universally friendly), but does bump out on a slightly "older" DAC. Otherwise, they're mostly neck-and-neck.

Yeah, both soundcards are decent for music. Again, very little to discern the both of them and I'd personally choose the STX simply due to the fact that I like DH more these days as it is also a good middle ground for movies and gaming. Also AFAIK, the STX can be had for RM500 or so (maybe even less if you search around garage sales), that is in fact cheaper than a THD.
The HD439 isn't going to benefit much from an amp as I remember it is fairly easy to drive.

If you don't need virtual surround, you can opt for a FiiO E17 and just stay stereo.
Otherwise an alternative is to get an Asus Xonar U3 > optical out > FiiO E17. You still get DH along with a fairly decent DAC on the E17 (which is comparable to the STX anyways) with the benefit for a clean amp.

*EDIT*
One last thing, if you absolutely want to feel safe about having the best virtual surround, the THD is still currently the best bet.

This post has been edited by SSJBen: Sep 30 2013, 07:50 PM
SSJBen
post Oct 1 2013, 02:29 PM

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QUOTE(cyh03176 @ Oct 1 2013, 07:03 AM)
SSJBen is giving out some good advice. I have not used AD700 before because I rather buy a good-rounder around that price-range. But what SSJ said is true, AD700 is the best for competitive gaming but only that purpose, well, based on 20+ reviews it cannot be wrong.

But if you are into competitive gaming, my true advice is practice. Gears can only get you so far. Don't expect after you change your headphones your K/D ratio would increase suddenly. Gears like keyboard, mouse, headphone is only a bonus to your game sense. Competitive gamers often use normal headset, never seen them wearing a Audeze to play games now, right?

sorry for off-topic btw.

I am using a laptop so I use xonar U3. it is decent for sound positioning so i guess the pcie cards should be even better.
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@bolded
Just wanna add something on this;

In terms of DH quality? No difference. If anyone just wants cheap DH, getting the U3 makes sense.
But the amp on the Xonar U3 is just... doh.gif

I know, considering the price... there's not much to expect. The cheapest solution is to get a FiiO D03k (RM100+) and use the amp+DAC from it instead, this would give a much needed boost to SQ where as also still benefiting from DH. The U3 just needs to connect to the D03k via optical out and everything is bypassed onto the D03k. Skipping out on the very noisy U3's amp but benifitting from the much cleaner D03k.
SSJBen
post Oct 2 2013, 11:40 PM

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Perhaps you should add a D03k in the middle before going to the E12? biggrin.gif
It's cheap anyways and it's a damn good DAC for the price.
SSJBen
post Oct 3 2013, 07:19 PM

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QUOTE(cyh03176 @ Oct 3 2013, 05:43 PM)
Lol stop persuading me bro. I already don't know how to carry all my luggage back to Malaysia from the UK aft I finish my studies as the headphones already fill up half of the big luggage case.
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D03k can fit in the pocket~ icon_idea.gif
SSJBen
post Feb 10 2014, 10:51 PM

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QUOTE(NoobHacker @ Feb 10 2014, 10:02 PM)
whats the best IEM out there? looking foward to Sennheiser IE800 and AKG K3003i. Don't want custom made IEM and weird-shaped IEMs, and don't want transparent ones too (for female,thats ugly for them).

Wondering towards the AKG K3003i because that stupid thing doesn't work on android phones and I'm afraid that its non- disassembleable, so I can't re-cable upon failure, or seeking for better sound quality. but, review says that K3003i's are 1 level better than the IE800's.
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There's never a best in audio.

The best is determined by your wallet and taste.
SSJBen
post Apr 8 2014, 05:39 PM

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QUOTE(+Newbie+ @ Apr 8 2014, 02:11 PM)
Well for some reason, it shows the only option for me is paypal. I think I'll just go for the amazon seller. sweat.gif
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As said, beware of fakes.

This ebay sellear is legit though - http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Design-Xiaomi-...=item27e0d150e9
From SG, so shipping will be a lot faster than if you order from Amazon.
SSJBen
post Apr 8 2014, 06:08 PM

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QUOTE(+Newbie+ @ Apr 8 2014, 05:52 PM)
Too late for me, as I already made a purchase. sweat.gif

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JF5HF5...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pray for me. laugh.gif
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Well, just verifiy when you get it:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

SSJBen
post Apr 8 2014, 06:29 PM

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QUOTE(+Newbie+ @ Apr 8 2014, 06:12 PM)
Wow, that's really helpful. Thanks!!

Will update when I receive the package. Now for the stressful waiting period. icon_question.gif
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I guess you can rest easy. I just did a search on HeadFi and every single one of them that got it from Zhengnan seller received a genuine Piston. smile.gif
SSJBen
post Apr 19 2014, 10:27 PM

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QUOTE(ben3003 @ Apr 17 2014, 07:03 PM)
Philips Fidelio X1 or Beyerdynamic Custom Pro one for desktop multimedia usage? basic setup, no amp, soundcard xonar dx. listen to all kinds of stuff. Bass heavy is not my type of headphone for music listening.
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They're 2 very different headphones, they don't compare to each other directly.
But since you don't like bass, you won't like either anyways.

Do you prefer open or closed heapdhones in the first place? You've gotta make that choice first.

The Xonar DX is a poor soundcard to run any headphones from due to its insane over 100ohm output impedance.

If you want something more neutral and still have a little bit of warmth, check out the AKG K612. Alternatively, if you can find a cheap second hand Q701, get it. Replace the earpads with the K712 pads for deeper bass and get a baby cloth handle to put over the headband if you can't stand the Q701 'pads of doom'.

This post has been edited by SSJBen: Apr 19 2014, 10:30 PM
SSJBen
post Apr 22 2014, 07:39 PM

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QUOTE(zuiichi @ Apr 22 2014, 01:55 AM)
1 more, can recommend me earphone for smartphone (got mic), preferably volume or buttons that can be use with android phones.
budget : <RM200. (max)

preferably that is available thru www.cdjapan.co.jp for combined shipping. (but it is optional)
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Xiaomi Piston 2.0 iF or SteelSeries In-ear Flux.

Piston for a deeper mid bass hump and wider soundstage, SS In-ear Flux for a closer soundstage but more forward mids and smoother treble.
The Piston 2.0 has noticeable sibilance where the in-ear Flux doesn't.

Though if you really need the volume buttons, the Piston 2.0 is the only one to go for because the SS In-ear Flux only has a answer/hold button on its in-line mic.
SSJBen
post Apr 24 2014, 03:40 PM

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QUOTE(M.I.N.S @ Apr 24 2014, 02:14 AM)
Hi, need recommendation for headset

- Your rig (mp3 players, amps, sound card etc) - Desktop
- What type of usage (movies/ gaming/ music etc) - Music and Gaming
- File format used in your source (i.e. flac, mp3 etc) - mp3
- Genre of music you listen to (classical, jazz, metal, etc) - Classical, Pop
- Headphone/ earphone type (closed, open, circumaural, IEM etc)- Closed preferred
- Other requirements (if any) (mic, volume control, 5.1ch, 7.1ch etc) - Mic, able to change ear pads

Budget around rm1000
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Vmoda M100 - http://www.lelong.com.my/v-moda-m100-stars...7-01-Sale-I.htm
Then boompro mic - http://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-BoomPro-Gamin...eywords=boompro

You wouldn't need another gaming setup for a very, very long time.

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