Over/on-ear headphone recommendations? (esp. UE6000 versus Brainwavz HM9)

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Over/on-ear headphone recommendations? (esp. UE6000 versus Brainwavz HM9)

jonathan18

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Topic # 151084 13-Aug-2014 15:40

Hey there,

I'm looking at finding a replacement for my Blackbox M10 headphones, which haven't worn particularly well (a significant design fault, I reckon); I'm not wanting to spend a huge amount of money - ideally a maximum of $150 including postage. I'm not terribly worried either way as to whether they are noise-cancelling (I bought the M10s for use on Wellington trains, as I commuted daily, but this isn't relevant any more); I'm more interested in sound quality and best bang for buck (given the budget this is critical!).

The two pairs I'm looking at most closely are the:

* Brainwavz HM9 (about $125 US plus shipping from Amazon)
* Logitech UE6000 (about $85 US plus shipping from Amazon)

I thought I'd purchased a pair of the Logitechs when PB Tech (I think?) had them for about $100 including shipping, but got sent my money back as they'd over-sold; I've not had a chance to hear them as I can't find a store here that has them available to listen to. The Brainwavz I've listened to a bit as my niece has a pair (I think on the recommendation of someone here), and I was pretty impressed; just not sure if they're worth the extra $$.

Anyway, is anyone able to offer advice on the relative merits of these phones, or other ones with a total price (including shipping) of under $150?

SHIPPING
Also, of those who have shipped headphones (or similarly sized boxes) from overseas: is it cheaper to ship directly from Amazon, or to use Youshop? (I saw a posting on GZ with a 25% off discount for Youshop until the end of the month; I thought that may make it worth-while?).

Many thanks for any advice.
Jonathan

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Reply # 1107761 13-Aug-2014 16:19

i just bought the ATH-M50 for total of NZD 150 shipped

i thought it was around 90% the performance of my $1000 audeze headphones

Batman

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Reply # 1107766 13-Aug-2014 16:28

what do you listen to and what kind of sound/specs do you want?

Krishant007

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Reply # 1107769 13-Aug-2014 16:32

Had ATH-M50.. Loved them. best sounding headphones I have put on.

Sold them only for 1 reason. They were not being used since I leaned towards Bose AE2i. Not for the sound quality, M50 > AE2, but for the comfort: AE2>M50. But for my money, i would probably get the M50 again if i had a chance.

They would fit your budget quite well

pc

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Reply # 1107804 13-Aug-2014 17:18

also looking at headphones in that $ range.

going off http://co-op.kinja.com/five-best-headphones-1617713676/+shaneroberts ive narrowed it down to:

sennheiser hd280
sony mdr7506
audio technica ath-m50's

latest noel leeming catalogue has the ath-m50x's for $199 if you can't wait for amazon to deliver.

vexxxboy

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Reply # 1107822 13-Aug-2014 17:33

the Brainwavz are brilliant Headphones , for the money there is not much that compares, if you are going to buy them then go through http://www.mp4nation.net/brainwavz-hm9-headphones-free-fedex-2-day-to-select-destination they supply Amazon and you get free postage and they are quick and reliable. 2-3 days.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

scuwp

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Reply # 1107829 13-Aug-2014 17:40

I took a gamble on some Sol V8's. Picked them up on special for $100. Love em to bits. Great that they can be packed up when traveling. I am not an audiophile, but these sounded every bit as good at the $400+ models. Jbhifi have the best test range out on display I found.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

jonathan18

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Reply # 1107872 13-Aug-2014 18:14

Thanks for the recommendations thus far; will research the suggestions properly when I next get the chance (have to get the kids to bed first!).

In terms of what I listen to - they need to be a jack-of-all-trades as my listening includes:

Music: a wide range - nearly everything other than 'hard' music (eg heavy metal), but including jazz and classical.
Non-music: podcasts and TV programmes/movies

Whatever the content, I have a particular focus on natural-sounding vocals, and a strong and well-defined but not 'bloaty' bass. I'm not keen on a very bright sound either.

At the moment, due to necessity, most of my music listening is via my phone using Spotify ('extreme' quality setting, but it's still compressed audio!).

Thanks again.

tchart

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Reply # 1107906 13-Aug-2014 19:31

I got the UE6000 from Dick Smith in June for $100 (they had 40% off). Sound is fantastic. Better than Beats in my opinion.

Noise canceling is okay, better than my Sony ones but not as good as some Bose ones I borrowed.

Used them on a long haul from wellington to Toronto. No fatigue at all - usually head phones hurt my head as I wear glasses.

Just be aware that you can't replace the memory foam ear cups

tchart

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Reply # 1107907 13-Aug-2014 19:32

Also forgot to say that the build quality of the UE6000 is amazing.

jonathan18

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Reply # 1108019 13-Aug-2014 23:45

I've read up a decent amount on the ATH-M50 and they do sound a great deal. However the style and length of cable could be annoying when on the go, and I'm assuming it's not user-replaceable.

The inability to replace the pads of the Logitechs also worries me.

So now I'm thinking it may be worth breaking my $150 budget to get the ATH-M50X, given this model comes with three different cables. These are $200 from NL at the moment and I'll see if a can get a better discount through work: are they worth the additional $30 over the Brainwavz? And if I'm willing now to spend $200, do these still offer the best for this price bracket?

Thanks again for any input.

livisun

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Reply # 1108525 14-Aug-2014 16:41

what about the takstar pro80's?

vexxxboy

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Reply # 1108531 14-Aug-2014 16:49

http://headfonics.com/2013/08/brainwavz-hm9-an-m50-killer/2/

Common sense is not as common as you think.

jarledb

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Reply # 1108755 15-Aug-2014 00:08

pc:

sennheiser hd280
sony mdr7506
audio technica ath-m50's

I have tried the ATH-M50 and I must say I much prefer the Sennheiser HD-280. The Audio Technicas do colour the sound more than the Sennheisers which might seem a little "dull" if you are used to a good loudness curve. But the frequency response and (I think) honesty in the performance of the HD-280s really appeal to me.

Used them on the last long haul flight I was on, and I am bringing them back with me, even though they do take up quite some room in the carry-on. Loved how effective they are at shutting out the noise, and with a converter plug I could use them to watch the onboard movies as well.

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pc

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Reply # 1108759 15-Aug-2014 00:16

jarledb:
pc:

sennheiser hd280
sony mdr7506
audio technica ath-m50's

I have tried the ATH-M50 and I must say I much prefer the Sennheiser HD-280.

thanx for that, how was the comfort between the two? anything in that price range will be good enough for what i'll use them for (crappy mp3's, youtubes and web seminars etc at work) but i'd like a lightweight comfortable set that i can wear for a couple of hours and prefer "over the ears" as opposed to "on ears".

cheers

jarledb

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Reply # 1108761 15-Aug-2014 00:31

I think the ATH-M50s probably win the comfort contest. But for me the sound difference more than makes up for that.

They are not small headphones and could probably breath more (but then you are over on more open headphones).

The HD-280s are quite honest, so you might notice more how crappy some MP3s can be with them...

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