The headphones thread! [Sorry about your wallet]

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › The headphones thread! [Sorry about your wallet]

1 | ... | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121

1467 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3138508 3-Oct-2023 21:10

Technics A800 can be had for under $300 from PB right now:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTTEC00800/Technics-A800-Wireless-Over-Ear-Noise-Cancelling-H

Alternatively, look at Sennheiser's latest mid range Accentum, available for preorder for $319:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTSEN700174/Sennheiser-ACCENTUM-Wireless-Over-Ear-Noise-Cancel

I had the A800 and now using Accentum's big brother Momentum 4 Wireless, so can easily recommend both for comfort, battery life and sound quality.

networkn

Networkn
32246 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3138509 3-Oct-2023 21:14

Jaxson:

The brain can do quite weird things with ears. A couple of odd examples, but I find i get most of the benefits of noise cancellation even if it's only playing into one ear. That makes no real sense to me.

The other was if you ever find yourself on a boat in swell and are getting queasy, putting a foam earplug in one ear helps. I can kind of understand this one from a control systems perspective, but it's almost like the brain detects a difference between the ear balance 'sensors' and writes off that input as being faulty. Again weird but have genuinely found that helps on several occasions.

I enjoy fishing, but find that there is no rhyme or reason as to when I get sick. In calm water, flat water, I've been dreadfully ill, and other times, in rough seas, fine.

Came back from Mercury Island once in a storm, I honestly thought we were done for, the captain was calling for a mayday, and I was good as gold (other than the thought of drowning).

Because I never know how I am going to react, I tend to only go out on a boat, if I know we are going to be out for a couple of hours, which severely limits who I can go with!

I will definitely be trying that foam eartip trick, thank you.

ripjack

65 posts

Master Geek

#3138520 3-Oct-2023 22:45

networkn:

Sweaty ears for me was a XM4 thing, caused me to switch to the A800's which I didn't have that big of a problem with, however the A800's I got (and 3 pairs of replacements) is a feedback issue, so I ended up trying the XM5's.

Not sure I can manage a LH flight on the AZ80's in ear, but gonna try it. The AZ80's are easily my fav in ear at any price. They are exceptional.

I know lots of LH flyers with XM4's who say no issues with sweaty ears, so as you say, YMMV.

I can't cope with on ear headphones. Despite having no feeling in 1 ear, due to a cut nerve, I get 'pain', only in that ear. So weird.

mrgsm021:

Technics A800 can be had for under $300 from PB right now:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTTEC00800/Technics-A800-Wireless-Over-Ear-Noise-Cancelling-H

Alternatively, look at Sennheiser's latest mid range Accentum, available for preorder for $319:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTSEN700174/Sennheiser-ACCENTUM-Wireless-Over-Ear-Noise-Cancel

I had the A800 and now using Accentum's big brother Momentum 4 Wireless, so can easily recommend both for comfort, battery life and sound quality.

Thank you both. I've had someone offer me the XM4s via PM and just waiting to hear back from them.

Otherwise I think the Technics A800s look to be the go. (Looks like the Sennheisers are on pre order and wont be available until Nov)

dafman

3919 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3152526 27-Oct-2023 08:57

I am looking at picking up some Sennheiser HD open back headphones.

Addicted to Audio has the HD600 on sale at present for $499, but I also found that Drop.com has the HD 6XX for USD 219 shipped - so the 6XX would land about $100 cheaper than the 600 on sale.

From what I have read, the HD6XX is a little fuller/warmer than the 600, which kind of appeals. That said, I recently purchased some Senn IE200 and am really enjoying the neutral sound.

I don't want to invest in a headphone amp at this stage, so will be using a Dragonfly Red with these.

I'm probably tending to the HD6XX as is $100 less expensive (plus has a better quality cable), but the 600 are likely to arrive more quickly and I would be covered under CGA if anything goes wrong.

Does Drop take long to arrive in NZ, I assume they are a good company to purchase from?

Any other comments/thoughts appreciated.

fizzychicken

313 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3155686 4-Nov-2023 09:43

Im no audiophile but I wear heaphones all the time so I normally aim for decent build quality and comfort, I also have a large head (63cm)

Ive been using a set of Bose QC35s for years which are still fantastic, though I have to replace the foam pads yearly.

when out and about I use a pair of these so I can still hear everything around me
https://www.amazon.com/truefree-F1-Headphones-Noise-Cancellation-Conduction/dp/B0BBM59FSK

when sleeping I use sleepphones
https://www.sleepphones.com/
though I am about to replace those with a Manta Sound Sleep Mask
https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound

When at my computer id often used a logitech wireless gaming headset but after having so many of those fail for no reason, and due to not needing the inbuilt mic anymore, I opted to go back to wired headphones

not too long ago bought these
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTATC26377/Audio-Technica-M-Series-ATHM40X-Over-Ear-Professio
the sound was fantastic, the build quality is great and the cabling is the best Ive seen....but these are honestly like a vice destroying your skull...I know I have a huge head but these are insane, my 7 year oilds bluetooth kids headphones hurt less than these do.
So I ended up getting these instead
https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HSTSEN506831/Sennheiser-HD-599-Wired-Over-Ear-Headphones---Ivor
honestly they are the most comfortable headphones Ive ever used, the sound is great, the build quality is good, I will probably upgrade the cable for something heavy duty but for the price point, I am super happy with these.

https://keybase.io/fizzychicken

Jaxson

8018 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3160407 17-Nov-2023 09:10

Momentum 4's at PB Tech Black Friday price of $388 from 5pm tonight.

I've always been a fan of the Senn sound character, but the Sony's are really good. The Bose 700s were very comfortable and they and the Sony were very capable noise cancelling wise. I wear glasses and the Bose were very soft on the ears.

Having tried the main 3 in this bracket as best I can in store at JB Hifi and they seem to score:

Fit

1) Bose 700
2) Sony XM5
3) Momentum 4

Sound

Sony XM5
Momentum 4
Bose 700

ANC

Sony XM5
Bose 700
Momentum 4

Battery

Momentum 4
Bose 700?
Sony XM5?

Price
Momentum 4
Sony XM5?
Bose 700?

Be interested to hear from anyone using the Momentum 4s with glasses on, and how they stack up ANC wise in planes and on trains. I honestly would prefer the retro 3 styling, that was a huge appeal back to my younger days with Dads record player headphones etc. In some ways a bit disappointing they moved away from a point of difference like that.

tim360

32 posts

Geek

#3161948 21-Nov-2023 12:01

I have a headphones dilemma that is doing my head in!

I've got some significant longhaul travel coming up (in economy) and just want a half decent set of over ear headphones to use watching the in-flight movies, instead of the shitty airline supplied phones. I've already got a pair of AirPods (2) for iPhone sourced entertainment.

There are plenty of bluetooth wireless headphones that work wired via 3.5mm, such as the Anker Sound Q series, however these all apparently sound rubbish via the aux, as all the EQ and noise cancelling gets switched off when you plug in the aux cable.

The wired headphone options seem to either be really cheap, or expensive studio models that wont travel well. The AKG Pro Audio K52 seems like a good budget option that I can just jam in my backpack and use to improve my in-flight listening experience.

Looking for suggestions on what others have used in this situation.

GoodSync

GoodSync. Easily back up and sync your files with GoodSync. Simple and secure file backup and synchronisation software will ensure that your files are never lost (affiliate link).

networkn

Networkn
32246 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3162006 21-Nov-2023 12:12

Buy once and Cry Once. Get the Sony XM5's.

XM4's are great too, and at a great price.

https://www.cheapies.nz/node/44110?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter_am

dafman

3919 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3163324 24-Nov-2023 17:02

I'm selling a Dragonfly Red with Apple adapter, link here ...

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=77&topicid=310819

mrgsm021

1467 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3163347 24-Nov-2023 19:25

Jaxson:

Momentum 4's at PB Tech Black Friday price of $388 from 5pm tonight.

I've always been a fan of the Senn sound character, but the Sony's are really good. The Bose 700s were very comfortable and they and the Sony were very capable noise cancelling wise. I wear glasses and the Bose were very soft on the ears.

Having tried the main 3 in this bracket as best I can in store at JB Hifi and they seem to score:

Fit

1) Bose 700
2) Sony XM5
3) Momentum 4

Sound

Sony XM5
Momentum 4
Bose 700

ANC

Sony XM5
Bose 700
Momentum 4

Battery

Momentum 4
Bose 700?
Sony XM5?

Price
Momentum 4
Sony XM5?
Bose 700?

Be interested to hear from anyone using the Momentum 4s with glasses on, and how they stack up ANC wise in planes and on trains. I honestly would prefer the retro 3 styling, that was a huge appeal back to my younger days with Dads record player headphones etc. In some ways a bit disappointing they moved away from a point of difference like that.

Battery would be M4W > XM5 > 700

The clamp force is just a little tight on the M4W so wouldn't wear it with glasses for long periods of time.

M4W ANC on train is not as good as XM3 which I used to have.

Haven't had the opportunity to try on plane.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29721 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3163840 26-Nov-2023 08:08

dafman:

I am looking at picking up some Sennheiser HD open back headphones.

Addicted to Audio has the HD600 on sale at present for $499, but I also found that Drop.com has the HD 6XX for USD 219 shipped - so the 6XX would land about $100 cheaper than the 600 on sale.

From what I have read, the HD6XX is a little fuller/warmer than the 600, which kind of appeals. That said, I recently purchased some Senn IE200 and am really enjoying the neutral sound.

I don't want to invest in a headphone amp at this stage, so will be using a Dragonfly Red with these.

I'm probably tending to the HD6XX as is $100 less expensive (plus has a better quality cable), but the 600 are likely to arrive more quickly and I would be covered under CGA if anything goes wrong.

Does Drop take long to arrive in NZ, I assume they are a good company to purchase from?

Any other comments/thoughts appreciated.

what do you want to listen to?

I had the HD600 and HD650 and although detailed they didn't make me excited, they were the most boring thing, I'd rather put on my XM3 or ATH M50X, they are coloured (BASS) but exciting.

I have a set of Audeze LCD-2F and the sound it produces is pleasurable - but the headband is the most uncomfortable thing ever though that may be subjective. also very bulky so you don't want to be moving around or lying down with them.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29721 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3163841 26-Nov-2023 08:09

tim360:

I have a headphones dilemma that is doing my head in!

I've got some significant longhaul travel coming up (in economy) and just want a half decent set of over ear headphones to use watching the in-flight movies, instead of the shitty airline supplied phones. I've already got a pair of AirPods (2) for iPhone sourced entertainment.

There are plenty of bluetooth wireless headphones that work wired via 3.5mm, such as the Anker Sound Q series, however these all apparently sound rubbish via the aux, as all the EQ and noise cancelling gets switched off when you plug in the aux cable.

The wired headphone options seem to either be really cheap, or expensive studio models that wont travel well. The AKG Pro Audio K52 seems like a good budget option that I can just jam in my backpack and use to improve my in-flight listening experience.

Looking for suggestions on what others have used in this situation.

only 2 options for the best

the Sony or the Bose (the most expensive ones, doesn't matter which gen). they are worth it.

dafman

3919 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#3163855 26-Nov-2023 09:48

Batman:

dafman:

I am looking at picking up some Sennheiser HD open back headphones.

Addicted to Audio has the HD600 on sale at present for $499, but I also found that Drop.com has the HD 6XX for USD 219 shipped - so the 6XX would land about $100 cheaper than the 600 on sale.

From what I have read, the HD6XX is a little fuller/warmer than the 600, which kind of appeals. That said, I recently purchased some Senn IE200 and am really enjoying the neutral sound.

I don't want to invest in a headphone amp at this stage, so will be using a Dragonfly Red with these.

I'm probably tending to the HD6XX as is $100 less expensive (plus has a better quality cable), but the 600 are likely to arrive more quickly and I would be covered under CGA if anything goes wrong.

Does Drop take long to arrive in NZ, I assume they are a good company to purchase from?

Any other comments/thoughts appreciated.

what do you want to listen to?

I had the HD600 and HD650 and although detailed they didn't make me excited, they were the most boring thing, I'd rather put on my XM3 or ATH M50X, they are coloured (BASS) but exciting.

I have a set of Audeze LCD-2F and the sound it produces is pleasurable - but the headband is the most uncomfortable thing ever though that may be subjective. also very bulky so you don't want to be moving around or lying down with them.

I purchased the HD6XX from Drop.

They are great headphones, detailed but quite warm and dark. I also purchased some KZ planar IEM and I think I prefer the more dynamic soundstage of these, plus the more intimate experience you get from IEM vs over ear.

stocksp

706 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#3163856 26-Nov-2023 09:54

tim360:

I have a headphones dilemma that is doing my head in!

I've got some significant longhaul travel coming up (in economy) and just want a half decent set of over ear headphones to use watching the in-flight movies, instead of the shitty airline supplied phones. I've already got a pair of AirPods (2) for iPhone sourced entertainment.

There are plenty of bluetooth wireless headphones that work wired via 3.5mm, such as the Anker Sound Q series, however these all apparently sound rubbish via the aux, as all the EQ and noise cancelling gets switched off when you plug in the aux cable.

The wired headphone options seem to either be really cheap, or expensive studio models that wont travel well. The AKG Pro Audio K52 seems like a good budget option that I can just jam in my backpack and use to improve my in-flight listening experience.

Looking for suggestions on what others have used in this situation.

I fly long haul international quite regularly. I've used the Sony WH-1000 xm4 and xm5 headphones for just this use case and they sound great. And noise cancelling also works when plugged in. You can generally pick up the Xm4s relatively cheaply. I have both currently and they are pretty similar

tim360

32 posts

Geek

#3163950 26-Nov-2023 12:23

Batman:

only 2 options for the best

the Sony or the Bose (the most expensive ones, doesn't matter which gen). they are worth it.

stocksp:

I fly long haul international quite regularly. I've used the Sony WH-1000 xm4 and xm5 headphones for just this use case and they sound great. And noise cancelling also works when plugged in. You can generally pick up the Xm4s relatively cheaply. I have both currently and they are pretty similar

Thank you both. Not the advice my wallet wanted to hear but it now makes sense that everything else is a compromise. I can at least stop wasting time looking at alternatives and just get the best tool for the job.

1 | ... | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121