Headphone advice

[Celago]

Hello I'm thinking about getting a pair of new headphones as currently I'm using a logitech g35 headset. Firstly I've been looking at the sennheiser HD8 DJS but would like some advice on different options before I rush into buying it since I'm new with audio and with the black Friday sales coming up its a perfect time. Also I don't own a dedicated soundcard which I assume I'll need so if someone could help me with that it would be great.

 

Helpful information

Budget around £200 or £250 If I need to buy an amp

I have an equal mix of watching movies, playing games and listening to music.

 

Movies: Action, comedy, anything really

Music: pop punk, rap, pop, rock, house, ect but I have a wide genre of music I listen to

Games: League of Legends, RPGs, FPS like Battlfield 3 or CoD whatever is new out and has peaked my interest

[spartaman64]

hyperx cloud or hyperx cloud 2 is what i would recommend

[Celago]

By the way I'm not looking for a headset rather get headphones instead but I'll take a look anyway. Thanks

[xtroria]

What's your budget? For gaming only or for music as well? If you listen to music, what kind of music do you listen to

[OvAeons]

something by creative labs is also a good option. Since they have specialized in modern sound since early 80s. Another solid option is sennheiser but i have less experience with them

[sobe]

The only thing from Creative I can recommend is the Creative Aurvana Live!, which is a Denon D1001K clone that is worth certainly more than the $50 price they sell for.

 

For $100 and under, the 2 I generally recommend are the Creative Aurvana Live! or the NVX XPT100. When you hit that $100+ price range, there begins to be a much wider selection up to the $300 mark before things get into the higher end.

 

If open, I would recommend checking out the Sennheiser HD 558 or 598 as well as the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro. For games open is generally preferred, but with open does come the downside, you will hear things going on around you and others will be able to hear what you are listening to if they are near.

 

 

As far as sound card, GENERALLY, it's best to just get a good external solution for the same $200 you'd spend on a good sound card worth a damn anyway. If having everything internal though is something you absolutely want, in that case look at the Creative ZxR. Otherwise, a better solution would be looking at something like a Schiit stack (Modi/Magni or Modi/Vali) or for a little more something like the O2+ODAC.

 

 

Some helpful information would be what kind of music you listen to, and perhaps the games you primarily play.

[Celago]

What's your budget? For gaming only or for music as well? If you listen to music, what kind of music do you listen to

Around £200 or $300 Mix of both music and gaming. Kind of music would be pop punk, rap, pop, house, ect I don't really stick to one type though mostly a mix of different genres. 

[Celago]

The only thing from Creative I can recommend is the Creative Aurvana Live!, which is a Denon D1001K clone that is worth certainly more than the $50 price they sell for.

 

For $100 and under, the 2 I generally recommend are the Creative Aurvana Live! or the NVX XPT100. When you hit that $100+ price range, there begins to be a much wider selection up to the $300 mark before things get into the higher end.

 

If open, I would recommend checking out the Sennheiser HD 558 or 598 as well as the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro. For games open is generally preferred, but with open does come the downside, you will hear things going on around you and others will be able to hear what you are listening to if they are near.

 

 

As far as sound card, GENERALLY, it's best to just get a good external solution for the same $200 you'd spend on a good sound card worth a damn anyway. If having everything internal though is something you absolutely want, in that case look at the Creative ZxR. Otherwise, a better solution would be looking at something like a Schiit stack (Modi/Magni or Modi/Vali) or for a little more something like the O2+ODAC.

 

 

Some helpful information would be what kind of music you listen to, and perhaps the games you primarily play.

Hey thanks for the detailed reply I'll look into what you recommended. For music mainly pop punk, rap, pop, house, ect but I have a wide genre of music I listen to. For Games mainly League of Legends, RPGs, FPS like Battlfield 3 or CoD whatever is new out and has peaked my interest. Mainly FPS, RPGs, RTS or mobas though. Also an important part of what I'm looking for is the build quality. I travel around a lot and want to make sure my peripherals can withstand travel since in the past they've gotten damaged.

[sobe]

From your music and game preferences, I feel the Sennheisers won't do your music justice, but the Beyers will fit the bill perfectly.

 

As far as something to throw around if needed, maybe the V-Moda M-100 will fit that better and still do justice to your music preferences. The one nice thing about the M-100, is that you can get a V-Moda Boompro microphone that replaces the standard cable, but adds a mic. So when you are on the go, you can simply unplug that cable, plug in the standard cable, and take them with you when you travel since they are small enough to do so and also fold up for smaller storage. If you do go with the M-100, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the V-Moda XL pads to be purchased with them for comfort reasons.

 

The M-100 are built like a tank, so I wouldn't worry about them breaking. Check this video out for a demonstration of what they incorporate,

[Celago]

From your music and game preferences, I feel the Sennheisers won't do your music justice, but the Beyers will fit the bill perfectly.

 

As far as something to throw around if needed, maybe the V-Moda M-100 will fit that better and still do justice to your music preferences. The one nice thing about the M-100, is that you can get a V-Moda Boompro microphone that replaces the standard cable, but adds a mic. So when you are on the go, you can simply unplug that cable, plug in the standard cable, and take them with you when you travel since they are small enough to do so and also fold up for smaller storage. If you do go with the M-100, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the V-Moda XL pads to be purchased with them for comfort reasons.

 

The M-100 are built like a tank, so I wouldn't worry about them breaking. Check this video out for a demonstration of what they incorporate,

Hmm I'm interested in the M-100 seen them before and the build quality looks amazing. Are they comfy though because I wear glasses and headphones tend to cause it to become a bit uncomfortable

[sobe]

hmm, I don't wear glasses, but due to an issue with photophobia, I do wear sunglasses when the sun is at it's peak and have used the M-100 with my thin-framed Oakley Taper and don't have issues, I just have to adjust them over the frame for a comfortable fit.
 
The comfort part though, you can try them with the standard stock pads, but just a forewarning, I recommend anyone buying the M-100 to get the XL pads, because after wearing them for a while the stock pads can start to suck whereas the XL pads stay pretty comfy. You can try the stocks out first though, and if you don't like them, then buy the XL from V-Moda or Amazon.
 
Oh, and taken from V-Moda's website,

Two-Year Warranty - Immortal Life Program - 60-Day Test Drive Guarantee: Each Crossfade M-100 purchased from a Verified Reseller is backed by a 2-Year V-MODA Premier Warranty, more than double the industry average. In the unlikely event you run over your headphones with a tank, with the V-MODA Immortal Life Program, you get 50% off a replacement for a lifetime. V-MODA is so confident the Crossfade M-100 is a superior headphone, it even offers an unrivaled 60-Day test drive guarantee. 25% restocking fee for 3D custom models

[Celago]

hmm, I don't wear glasses, but due to an issue with photophobia, I do wear sunglasses when the sun is at it's peak and have used the M-100 with my thin-framed Oakley Taper and don't have issues, I just have to adjust them over the frame for a comfortable fit.

 

The comfort part though, you can try them with the standard stock pads, but just a forewarning, I recommend anyone buying the M-100 to get the XL pads, because after wearing them for a while the stock pads can start to suck whereas the XL pads stay pretty comfy. You can try the stocks out first though, and if you don't like them, then buy the XL from V-Moda or Amazon.

 

Oh, and taken from V-Moda's website,

Very tempting. I have a question thought if I was to get a pair of Sennheiser which do you think would be best? I've always liked the look of the Sennheiser and my friend has a pair HD380s and he said they're great he's had them for 5 years now and they're still going strong. When I mean about them having a good build I mean light travel in a bag each week which I'm perfectly sure the V-Moda would handle but is there any other options you'd recommend and maybe some between £100 to £200? Thanks for the help so far though you've gave me a lot of good suggestions

[xtroria]

Around £200 or $300 Mix of both music and gaming. Kind of music would be pop punk, rap, pop, house, ect I don't really stick to one type though mostly a mix of different genres. 

 

Grab fidelio X2

[sobe]

Grab fidelio X2

 

I'm not sure I'd consider those on the portable side of things.

 

If portability is not a concern though, the Fidelio X2 is an excellent option.

[smdMario]

fidelio x2 are excellent all around headphones with awsome sound stage. I have the x2 as well as the HD8 DJ, i love my fidelio x2 for chilling out in my house since they are open back, long music/gaming sessions are easily endured with their comfort build, BUT...when you really, really, reeeally want to actively listen to music in a very intense way the HD8 DJ are awsome, they really are bass monster with extreme control of it so you dont miss the other sound ranges, wich are also very intese, and they are closed back so you can listen to them anywhere with their sound isolation.

 

 

So pretty much if you are planning to be chilling at your quite house and want a versatile headphone, get fidelio x2, you want intensity and isolation go for HD8 they are really fun!

[Celago]

fidelio x2 are excellent all around headphones with awsome sound stage. I have the x2 as well as the HD8 DJ, i love my fidelio x2 for chilling out in my house since they are open back, long music/gaming sessions are easily endured with their comfort build, BUT...when you really, really, reeeally want to actively listen to music in a very intense way the HD8 DJ are awsome, they really are bass monster with extreme control of it so you dont miss the other sound ranges, wich are also very intese, and they are closed back so you can listen to them anywhere with their sound isolation.

So pretty much if you are planning to be chilling at your quite house and want a versatile headphone, get fidelio x2, you want intensity and isolation go for HD8 they are really fun!

I just checked for the prices of the fidelio and sadly it's out of my price range £250 (£200) since I'd still be wanting to get an amp/sound card. The hd8 are around £160 so would the price difference be worth it?

[Guest]

I just checked for the prices of the fidelio and sadly it's out of my price range £250 (£200) since I'd still be wanting to get an amp/sound card. The hd8 are around £160 so would the price difference be worth it?

 

Are you having onboard sound issues? You aren't going to get much for £40.

 

You should keep in mind that the HD8DJ and X2 are very different headphones in terms of sound and ergonomics. It won't be as simple as the more expensive one being "better" or more "worth it".

[Celago]

Are you having onboard sound issues? You aren't going to get much for £40.

 

You should keep in mind that the HD8DJ and X2 are very different headphones in terms of sound and ergonomics. It won't be as simple as the more expensive one being "better" or more "worth it".

No my onboard sound is fine just heard people say that if you're going to spend a lot of headphones then it's worth upgrading or getting an amp. Which headphones would you recommend me getting?

[Guest]

No my onboard sound is fine just heard people say that if you're going to spend a lot of headphones then it's worth upgrading or getting an amp. Which headphones would you recommend me getting?

 

sobe's recommendations are usually pretty good. I'd lean towards to HD8 if you need portability, but it has someove of a weird sound signature. Some people like it, other less so.

[Celago]

sobe's recommendations are usually pretty good. I'd lean towards to HD8 if you need portability, but it has someove of a weird sound signature. Some people like it, other less so.

Could you explain what you mean about a weird sound signature? And yeah I want something sturdy but not over the top on the build just enough to not fall a part after being kept in a bag and moved around in the car. Also what's the main difference between open and closed?

[sobe]

No my onboard sound is fine just heard people say that if you're going to spend a lot of headphones then it's worth upgrading or getting an amp. Which headphones would you recommend me getting?

 

The HD8 Sennies will be a fine purchase with similar fun attributes offered by the V-Moda, though the HD8 are one pair I have not personally owned so I cannot attest to durability, I've heard they are built like a tank though. The feel of them also suggests a quality build similar to that found in the M50.

 

The issue with the HD8 is that it's kind of like the Beyerdynamic DT line, most notably the 990s, either you love the sound signature or your hate it. My initial testing with the HD8 NOT hooked up to tubes, gave me the impression of a warm sounding signature with noticeable bass extension as well as deepened sub-bass. They are definitely aimed at the basshead crowd similar to the M-100 (but offering more mid-bass presence unlike the M-100), but with your music preferences, I feel they would be a good fit. And since they fold up that helps with convenience.

 

Now, as for "needing" an amp, you won't NEED one, but if you were looking into upgrading, spending a couple $$ on a sound card tends to not be worth it. You can pick up a Fiio or Schiit unit for $100 or less. I would advise you try them out on your onboard sound before spending on anything other than the headphones. One thing you COULD look into if you travel a lot, is a portable Fiio dac/amp.

[FunkyFeatures]

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro

[Celago]

The HD8 Sennies will be a fine purchase with similar fun attributes offered by the V-Moda, though the HD8 are one pair I have not personally owned so I cannot attest to durability, I've heard they are built like a tank though. The feel of them also suggests a quality build similar to that found in the M50.

 

The issue with the HD8 is that it's kind of like the Beyerdynamic DT line, most notably the 990s, either you love the sound signature or your hate it. My initial testing with the HD8 NOT hooked up to tubes, gave me the impression of a warm sounding signature with noticeable bass extension as well as deepened sub-bass. They are definitely aimed at the basshead crowd similar to the M-100 (but offering more mid-bass presence unlike the M-100), but with your music preferences, I feel they would be a good fit. And since they fold up that helps with convenience.

 

Now, as for "needing" an amp, you won't NEED one, but if you were looking into upgrading, spending a couple $$ on a sound card tends to not be worth it. You can pick up a Fiio or Schiit unit for $100 or less. I would advise you try them out on your onboard sound before spending on anything other than the headphones. One thing you COULD look into if you travel a lot, is a portable Fiio dac/amp.

Thanks for the feedback much appreciated. What I think I might do then is pick up the HD8 and then later on buy a Fiio because Schiit would be a bit more expensive because of shipping price $25. Would a FiiO E10k be good? 

[sobe]

Could you explain what you mean about a weird sound signature? And yeah I want something sturdy but not over the top on the build just enough to not fall a part after being kept in a bag and moved around in the car. Also what's the main difference between open and closed?

 

Each headphone on the market exudes a sound signature of some sort.

 

If I had to explain my listening to the HD8 to you as a potential buyer, it would be that the bass is impactful and deep, the mids are present but I felt they were slightly recessed, the treble felt in a way similar to the mids and while vocals were quite great with fantastic projection, I felt they were slightly veiled (which Sennheiser is known for in the 5x5/5x8 line). Separation was good with decent sound stage for closed cans, and of course the details were nice and smooth.

 

I hope that helps a little bit perhaps?

 

They are a good headphone choice, especially if you like bass.

[Celago]

Each headphone on the market exudes a sound signature of some sort.

 

If I had to explain my listening to the HD8 to you as a potential buyer, it would be that the bass is impactful and deep, the mids are present but I felt they were slightly recessed, the treble felt in a way similar to the mids and while vocals were quite great with fantastic projection, I felt they were slightly veiled (which Sennheiser is known for in the 5x5/5x8 line). Separation was good with decent sound stage for closed cans, and of course the details were nice and smooth.

 

I hope that helps a little bit perhaps?

 

They are a good headphone choice, especially if you like bass.

Yeah that helps clear up things a bit better, thanks. How comfortable are the HD8 because some times I'll be wearing them for long periods of time like 6 hours or so? 

 

Edit - Alright after reading through what you've said, a few reviews and a bit more about sound signatures I decided to go with the HD8. I like the fact you can change the wire (reason two of my headsets have broke and earphones) and the build quality looks like what I want. Thanks for the help I'll post back about my experience with them and think about getting an amp in the future.