Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


keriboi

274 posts

Ultimate Geek


#254431 12-Aug-2019 07:12
Send private message

Im after some wired headphones around 500-600 dollars. I want wired as I will add an amp and dac later down the the track. I dont need noise cancelling. I listen to prog mostly but do somethimes listen stuff like shapeshifter/pendulum.

Pretty much after best sound rather than looks. At this stage source will be an iphone or pc

View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
 1 | 2
alasta
6701 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Subscriber

  #2294512 12-Aug-2019 08:25
Send private message

Sennheiser PXC500.




networkn
Networkn
32349 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294519 12-Aug-2019 08:46
Send private message

You don't state over ear or in ear or on ear preference, but you'd be hard pressed to beat the Senhiesser HD650 or the Massdrop version called the HD6xx and you'll have cash left over as well. They are a pretty warm but accurate sounding headphone, exceptionally comfortable. They sound great without a DAC/AMP but will sound reasonably better with additional driving provided by an Amp.

 

Computer Lounge in Auckland have a big range of headphones to listen to, with and without Amp's so you can hear the difference for yourself.

 

Don't underestimate comfort.


timmmay
20574 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294520 12-Aug-2019 08:46
Send private message

Open or closed? Open tend to sound better, but they don't block any external noise.

 

Sennheiser make good headphones, but I prefer  Audio Technica. I use the A900 original model at work, but the ATH-AD1000X or ATH-A1000Z are probably a little better. I wouldn't rule out the ATH-A990z or ATH-AD900X at less than US$200 on Amazon, which are probably the sweet spot for price / performance in their range. My only concern for Audio Technica is the headband system they adopted about 5-6 years ago wasn't very secure, but hopefully they've addressed this now. They're unlikely to be suitable for bed, as mentioned below.

 

I also have the Audeze LCD2, which cost maybe US$1000 when they were new. The LCD2 are clearly better, but not worth the extra money for most people IMHO.




Item
1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

  #2294523 12-Aug-2019 08:50
Send private message

I have seen some great run-out prices on the Oppo PM-3 Planars - awesome 'phones for the money IMHO

 

 

 

https://www.listeningpost.co.nz/Products/Headphones/Over-Ear-Headphones/Oppo-PM-3-Planar-Magnetic-Headphones-Colours-__I.242914__C.27346__N.27756

 

 

 

 





.

networkn
Networkn
32349 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294525 12-Aug-2019 08:57
Send private message

I have heard good things about the Oppo as well, and that's a very decent price (I may actually consider a pair myself except for the colour!!).

 

Open back headphones are my preference because of better sound quality, but yes, everyone will be able to hear what you are listening to.


rhy7s
623 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #2294564 12-Aug-2019 10:07
Send private message
keriboi

274 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #2294609 12-Aug-2019 10:31
Send private message

Thanks guys. I prefer closed for comfort and already have some sennheiser HD280 pro

I do listen a bit in bed so will open annoy the wife?


 
 
 

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.
networkn
Networkn
32349 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294611 12-Aug-2019 10:33
Send private message

I have open back wireless I wear in bed, my wife is pretty sensitive and doesn't usually notice, but each headphone and person will have a different experience. I'd probably not risk it in your situation and buy closed. 

 

Part of the reason for the open back is less noise cancelling so I am more likely to hear the kids IF they get up or call out.

 

 


timmmay
20574 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294622 12-Aug-2019 11:01
Send private message

keriboi: Thanks guys. I prefer closed for comfort and already have some sennheiser HD280 pro

I do listen a bit in bed so will open annoy the wife?

 

Don't bother with Audio Technica headphones with large headbands for bed, they're not as secure as others. They're effective and comfortable for home / office use. Maybe you want in-ear for in bed.

 

HD280 Pro are pretty tight and not super comfortable.


keriboi

274 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #2294627 12-Aug-2019 11:11
Send private message

Ok pretty sold on the oppo3 planars.
They have good reviews and fit in the budget on that special price. Anyone got a reason to not get these?

networkn
Networkn
32349 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294635 12-Aug-2019 11:15
Send private message

The hideous colour :-)


Item
1717 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

  #2294657 12-Aug-2019 11:41
Send private message

keriboi: Ok pretty sold on the oppo3 planars.
They have good reviews and fit in the budget on that special price. Anyone got a reason to not get these?

 

 

 

Other than the colour (you may be able to find them in black somewhere...) in the "against" column, I would consider that Oppo have pulled out of the headphone game (and Bluray and amps etc) to focus on phones (yawn). I am not sure what this would mean for any warranty or future repairs. That said, their stuff is usually of high quality!

 

 

 

I am kicking myself for not getting some PM-1s at run out prices now as I loved them and my dad bought the PM-3s...I think they are great cans for the money, even at full price.





.

keriboi

274 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #2294829 12-Aug-2019 14:45
Send private message

Dont care too much about colour.

Would this dac be any good? What are some good iphone options?

https://www.listeningpost.co.nz/Products/DAC-Digital-Analogue-Converter/FiiO-i1-iPhone-Lightning-DAC-Amplifier-__I.203588__C.27326__N.27756


timmmay
20574 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294835 12-Aug-2019 14:57
Send private message

I have a DAC / headphone amplifier and nice headphones, plus pretty good hearing - better than average I think. I can't tell much difference between my phone and the whole nice source / DAC / amp to be honest, at least not with headphones that are easy to drive. I compared two headphone amplifiers, a custom made PPA one (I think) and a commercial one and couldn't tell between them at all. I wouldn't spend too much money in this area unless you have magic ears.


networkn
Networkn
32349 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #2294839 12-Aug-2019 15:03
Send private message

You won't notice much difference on easy to drive Headphones, but I can't tell you if the Oppos are or aren't since I haven't tried them. Online reviews may shed some light, but take with a grain of salt. Perhaps borrow one if you can or try in store and beware the hype monster :) 

 

 


 1 | 2
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic





News and reviews »

Air New Zealand Starts AI adoption with OpenAI
Posted 24-Jul-2025 16:00


eero Pro 7 Review
Posted 23-Jul-2025 12:07


BeeStation Plus Review
Posted 21-Jul-2025 14:21


eero Unveils New Wi-Fi 7 Products in New Zealand
Posted 21-Jul-2025 00:01


WiZ Introduces HDMI Sync Box and other Light Devices
Posted 20-Jul-2025 17:32


RedShield Enhances DDoS and Bot Attack Protection
Posted 20-Jul-2025 17:26


Seagate Ships 30TB Drives
Posted 17-Jul-2025 11:24


Oclean AirPump A10 Water Flosser Review
Posted 13-Jul-2025 11:05


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: Raising the Bar for Smartphones
Posted 10-Jul-2025 02:01


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Brings New Edge-To-Edge FlexWindow
Posted 10-Jul-2025 02:01


Epson Launches New AM-C550Z WorkForce Enterprise printer
Posted 9-Jul-2025 18:22


Samsung Releases Smart Monitor M9
Posted 9-Jul-2025 17:46


Nearly Half of Older Kiwis Still Write their Passwords on Paper
Posted 9-Jul-2025 08:42


D-Link 4G+ Cat6 Wi-Fi 6 DWR-933M Mobile Hotspot Review
Posted 1-Jul-2025 11:34


Oppo A5 Series Launches With New Levels of Durability
Posted 30-Jun-2025 10:15









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.