Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files

Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by aroch on Friday May 02, 2014 @10:23AM (#7685820)

To add, if you're looking for a great overall performer that isn't super expensive ($300+), look at the Sony MDR-7506 (~$100 on Amazon) or AudioTechnica M50 (~99-$130 depending on model).

These plus a good USB-DAC (like those based around NwAvGuy's ObjectiveAmp) will make your listening experience much nicer.

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by fpgaminer on Friday May 02, 2014 @08:10PM (#7688942)

I'll chip in my experience with the ATH-M50, which I bought after my Sennheiser HD280 Pro died (after 10+ years; cracked the headband). They have great reviews, but I simply did not enjoy the sound. The high frequencies were far over expressed, and I was genuinely surprised that others seem to like them. Maybe I just got a bad pair.

I returned them and grabbed the V-MODA CrossFade LP. Its bass response is heavier than even the ATH-M50s, and a much better high frequency response. Their only downside is a dip in the middle frequencies. It gives them that club sound (DJs general dip the mids in clubs, as it makes it easier for people to hear one another). I like it for most of my music, but they definitely suck the life out of classical music and other similar, balanced sounds.

I'll probably grab pair of open Sennheisers to compliment my V-MODA. I'm hesitant only because Sennheiser, despite the HD-280 Pro being built like a tank, they've burned me multiple times now on shoddily constructed portable headphones.

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by scarecrowbob on Saturday May 03, 2014 @11:38AM (#7691150)

Just a note; the band on my HD280 cracked, but I contacted their support and they sent me a new one... the fix required soldering, but was easy enough. I can't believe that I am still using the same pari of phones after 8 years (they get a lot of abuse). They have a lot of good pro equipment (I am especially fond of several of their microphones, the 441 and 421), I just stay away from their more consumer-oriented products.

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by Qworg on Friday May 02, 2014 @10:39AM (#7685930)

I'm a huge fan of my Sony MDR-V6's - I'd love to do a comparison test between the V6's and the 7506's some time.

How do audiophiles get a chance to do this? I've never seen a "headphone store" on a street corner.

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by cmer on Friday May 02, 2014 @02:58PM (#7687452)

Comparison: http://www.head-fi.org/t/539506/sony-mdr-v6-vs-mdr-7506-ther...

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by cmer on Friday May 02, 2014 @02:54PM (#7687419)

I came here to vouch for the v6 as well. With the Beyer Dynamics velour pads, they're just incredible. Comfortable, great all around sound and doesn't break the bank.

(source: I was an audio engineer in a previous life. I also own 3 pairs)

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by mdellabitta on Friday May 02, 2014 @08:38PM (#7689023)

In NYC, you can check out Park Audio, Tekserve, and B&H (although B&H had horrible amplification last I checked).

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by Sephiroth87 on Friday May 02, 2014 @01:05PM (#7686855)

+1 for AudioTechnica from me, definitely the best headphones I've ever owned, especially at that price

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Re:Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test Files by crunchcaptain on Friday May 02, 2014 @10:48AM (#7685991)

+1 Sony MDR-7506

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=sony+mdr-7506+%22on+set%22

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