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)

Some model to consider, RRP might be different:

thanks to bro Vape On

This post has been edited by Ask_Yip: Jan 2 2016, 04:21 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.

first to reporting in!

Track topic done.

This post has been edited by chabuchabu: Sep 10 2014, 11:52 AM

Topic Pinned. Have fun

Thanks mod

Generally, which is better?
cheap Philips[rm58.90] or cheap Pioneer[rm85.90] headset?
Didn't get a good look on the model number.
Ask_Yip

This post has been edited by ErgoProxi: Sep 10 2014, 01:26 PM

Hard to say, but brand wise I will vote for Philips.

I tried most of the Pioneer brand headphones in SenQ, all not to my taste, too bassy and sounds very dry.

I tot pioneer is generally better?
how's Philips?

This post has been edited by ErgoProxi: Sep 10 2014, 01:33 PM

isn't pioneer is like more famous and overrated while philips are some sort of underdog ?

Philips produce more balanced sounds and can listen to all genre of music.

But...

Senheiser FTW

where to find[commonly found]?
got any 'round rm50[since 'm keep misplaced/lost 'em?]

Some Philips model are worth looking at, I personally like the M1 and L1 but too bad they are overpriced.

Top-up a bit and get a Koss KSC 75, but is a clip-on.

Or..

Xiaomi Piston.

how 'bout lower price but gooding quality ones?
did mention I keep misplace/lose 'em.

This post has been edited by ErgoProxi: Sep 10 2014, 02:21 PM

then go for xiaomi piston , it is just about Rm50

That ain't headset/phone.
go other alternative?

This post has been edited by ErgoProxi: Sep 10 2014, 02:40 PM

Huawei Honor IEM, KZ ED, all under $20

Plenty of budget options







New thread!!

*ahem*

Philips Fidelio X2. That is all

Need sifu for some recommendations:

- My rig - smart phones, laptop, PC.
- What type of usage - music, videos, more focus on musics (instruments, vocals, NOT hardrock, NO Techno, but don't mind decent bass).
- My file sources - Youtubes, Flacs, MP3. Better cater for lossless eg. monkey files too.
- Genre of music you listen to - instruments, vocals as above. But I still love bass when bass is due.
- Type: Headphone

Budget : around RM300.. unless there is good reason to increase the limit ? I am all ears..

Thanks for help.

This post has been edited by peter32: Sep 10 2014, 05:02 PM

what about AD700x ?

No

with RM 50 you can just go for reputable brand like Sony/Philips/JVC if you can find one