HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

[Chevez]

So my 30th birthday is coming up, and I want to treat myself to a wireless headphone that will last me awhile.

Looking for something colourful and fun. I'm not too concerned about active noise canceling. I am going to use them in an open plan office environment often, so I am a bit concerned about bleed. Should stay fairly stable while walking around etc, but not required to be an active headphone at all.

Any recommendations?

*cough cough*

It's on special as well:

Audio Technica ATH-M50X BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones | Soundselect

Professional studio monitor headphones - BLUETOOTH (2nd Generation)

soundselect.co.za

 

[PandaAttack1]

The only issue with local offerings is that they are exceptionally expensive, the HD600 sells for R8k on wootware which is double my current budget, why are nice things so expensive?

My HD600 has an issue with one of the driver's connection. I bought a HD559 for the interim at my gaming pc, and I am solidly impressed. Great value in that package. Have a look at the HD5.. range and some of the reviews. A great entry point. You don't need to start with some of the bigger boys.

As mentioned, the Beyer Dynamics range is also amazing value for the money.

 

[DrNoSkill]

My HD600 has an issue with one of the driver's connection. I bought a HD559 for the interim at my gaming pc, and I am solidly impressed. Great value in that package. Have a look at the HD5.. range and some of the reviews. A great entry point. You don't need to start with some of the bigger boys.

As mentioned, the Beyer Dynamics range is also amazing value for the money.

Where do you buy the Beyer Dynamics, i had a quick look and most of them work out more expensive than the HD58X

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

My HD600 has an issue with one of the driver's connection.

Did you send them for repair?

 

[dash09]

Thanks for the info, i am struggling to choose between the new razer blackshark v2 pro and the HD58x, i am hoping the sound quality of the HD58x is worth the extra effort and i have been wanting to buy it for years, if it ends up being under R4k i would be pleasantly surprised.

My hd58x was bought during the second drop when it was still called massdrop and this is the only set which I have kept and constantly used in all those years. I consider it an all rounder for music and gaming, low power requirements so pair it with a half decent dac/amp and you'll really be set. I've used it with a schiit stack, ek10 and now on a cheapy gsx1200.
I have a razer kraken v3 hypersense (this was bought for the novelty of haptics but no longer used) and the difference in clarity is day and night, assuming razer maintains a similar sound signature throughout their gaming range I would opt for the 58x if I were you

 

[PandaAttack1]

Did you send them for repair?

Not yet. I had a look, and only found some old photos of the potential cause. I have a lot of sentimental value for this headphone, so I'm being very cautious about my next step. I might just risk it and do it myself. My other option is to take it to one of the cellphone stores that work with 'micro electronics' to have a look.

Still undecided on the way forward. She is also due for new cups, headband and cables. Might as well refresh everything after I get it repaired.

 

[PandaAttack1]

So my 30th birthday is coming up, and I want to treat myself to a wireless headphone that will last me awhile.

Looking for something colourful and fun. I'm not too concerned about active noise canceling. I am going to use them in an open plan office environment often, so I am a bit concerned about bleed. Should stay fairly stable while walking around etc, but not required to be an active headphone at all.

Any recommendations?

Come on gents!

A 1x M50X-BT recommendation? That it? Disappooooooooooointed!!

 

[Chevez]

Come on gents!

A 1x M50X-BT recommendation? That it? Disappooooooooooointed!!

It's the 2nd gen at least. Not 1st Gen as the title of the site says.

 

[EliteOp]

Come on gents!

A 1x M50X-BT recommendation? That it? Disappooooooooooointed!!

Just for the sake of pitching in, (as I don't have or had wireless before) I'll be looking at these at some point.. Not too sure how colorful and fun but based on reviews, they are sha-na-na!
Maxwell
(XBox version R1000 more because of Atmos license)

Edit: Marketed for gaming but excellent quality for music as you can expect (based on reviews)

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

Come on gents!

A 1x M50X-BT recommendation? That it? Disappooooooooooointed!!

Screw wireless, get a portable DAC/AMP. Will even drive your HD600.

FiiO BTR3K Bluetooth Headphone USB DAC & Amplifier (In Stock)

The DAC/AMP features a Flagship level Bluetooth chip, the CSR8675 which supports Bluetooth 5.0 and all the latest hi-res Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, and many more. The device will be featuring all the latest hi-res codecs. This chip also ensures better signal transmission and...

www.cplanaudio.co.za

 

[PandaAttack1]

Screw wireless, get a portable DAC/AMP. Will even drive your HD600.

FiiO BTR3K Bluetooth Headphone USB DAC & Amplifier (In Stock)

The DAC/AMP features a Flagship level Bluetooth chip, the CSR8675 which supports Bluetooth 5.0 and all the latest hi-res Bluetooth codecs such as LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, and many more. The device will be featuring all the latest hi-res codecs. This chip also ensures better signal transmission and...

www.cplanaudio.co.za

I hotglue this to my M40x?

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

I hotglue this to my M40x?

Use this,

Double-sided auto tape 0.8x18mmx1m gluedevil

Perfect for basic vehicle maintenance. Holds on a variety of smooth surfaces. Perfect for in and around the car.

leroymerlin.co.za

 

[naughty]

I hotglue this to my M40x?

just keep it in your pocket - and keep the cable from this to the headphones under your shirt - if you use it in a mobile application and someone grabs for the headphones - it will not allow the headphones off your head and even if the thief cuts it off - at least the bluetooth unit is in your pocket .... that's how i used to use my BTR3

 

[goblinm]

Got feedback from Sony Dubai pointing me to their website wrt local service center, I asked for clarity as the 6 I phoned don't do earphones.
Haven't got a response yet but will update here if I actually get somewhere locally to repair / replace.
Failing that I will send to a friend in Ireland and get it done internationally, but to be honest, if I cannot get local support will be the last Sony I buy.
The WF-1000XM5 is supposed to be coming out soon but I for one will definitely not be a early adopter.

Was told to reach out to SMD in South Africa as they apparently do support for Audio products, I emailed the contact they provided me but to date they have been unresponsive.
I escalated again to Sony so lets see.
Doesn't look like aftersales in SA for Sony Audio products is a thing, will update if they come through but it isn't looking positive.

 

[goblinm]

Great alternative to the Fiio units is the Qudelix 5k. Similar feature set, but the software is much more customizable. Only problem is finding stock. Amazon is your best bet

+1 on this, had mine for over a year and it works like a charm.

 

[goblinm]

Thank you very much for an insightful replay again. Is there a better way to handle this so that I don't have to reach the back of the speaker or using windows but rather just the dac amp itself?

I did it with a JDlabs switcher OL Switcher _ Shop JDS LABS
Sure other vendors have similar

 

[ghostR]

I hotglue this to my M40x?

Going to do this, my M50x's are basically held together by duct tape, glue and luck at this point anyway.

Also going to replace them with Koss KPH40's

 

[Andrew_Smith]

Come on gents!

A 1x M50X-BT recommendation? That it? Disappooooooooooointed!!

Sony WH-1000XM5 here on Carbonite? I am a bit biased since this is the only range of headphones I have ever used. Had the Sony WH-1000XM3, now on the WF-1000XM4 with Comply foam tips.

You can also use them via wired mode if your battery life starts to degrade over time.

 

[shavenmotley]

Yo! Looking for over-ear, wireless, open back headphones for a treat-yourself birthday present. I have tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears), and need something for therapeutic, office and maybe gym (?) use.

Over-ear: find them much more comfortable over long periods of time.
Wireless: my Sennheiser HD595 cable (and 3.5mm adaptor) is the bane of my life.
Open-back: the sound leakage makes tinnitus more bearable, and is what’s recommended for the therapy.

If you guys have any recommendations and insight, I’d appreciate it. I haven’t spent too much time researching, but this intersection seems few and far between. I’ve come across the Grado GW100X but nothing else really, and these straddle between on and over ear…

 

[Scrooloose]

Yo! Looking for over-ear, wireless, open back headphones for a treat-yourself birthday present. I have tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears), and need something for therapeutic, office and maybe gym (?) use.

Over-ear: find them much more comfortable over long periods of time.
Wireless: my Sennheiser HD595 cable (and 3.5mm adaptor) is the bane of my life.
Open-back: the sound leakage makes tinnitus more bearable, and is what’s recommended for the therapy.

If you guys have any recommendations and insight, I’d appreciate it. I haven’t spent too much time researching, but this intersection seems few and far between. I’ve come across the Grado GW100X but nothing else really, and these straddle between on and over ear…

If it's open back you want, the Grado is probably the best you can do.

If you'll consider closed-back: A colleague has very bad tinnitus also and has gone through several sets of headphones. The set that he's been the most satisfied with is the Sony WH-1000 series. My pair of Bose had too much of a "compressed" sensation for his liking, and the Sennheiser's noise cancellation was far too audible - Something I also experienced with those.

 

[shavenmotley]

If it's open back you want, the Grado is probably the best you can do.

If you'll consider closed-back: A colleague has very bad tinnitus also and has gone through several sets of headphones. The set that he's been the most satisfied with is the Sony WH-1000 series. My pair of Bose had too much of a "compressed" sensation for his liking, and the Sennheiser's noise cancellation was far too audible - Something I also experienced with those.

A friend has one of the Sony series - I’ll try it out! I’ve also seen them here for decent prices, now and then.

 

[goldfritter]

Yo! Looking for over-ear, wireless, open back headphones for a treat-yourself birthday present. I have tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears), and need something for therapeutic, office and maybe gym (?) use.

Over-ear: find them much more comfortable over long periods of time.
Wireless: my Sennheiser HD595 cable (and 3.5mm adaptor) is the bane of my life.
Open-back: the sound leakage makes tinnitus more bearable, and is what’s recommended for the therapy.

If you guys have any recommendations and insight, I’d appreciate it. I haven’t spent too much time researching, but this intersection seems few and far between. I’ve come across the Grado GW100X but nothing else really, and these straddle between on and over ear…

Yeah I've never seen something that is all three of wireless, open-back and over-ear.

Scroll up this thread a bit and take a look at the options for a Bluetooth amp. Then you can use your existing headphones. You can either attach the amp to the headphones or run the cable inside your shirt.

 

[blankster]

Yo! Looking for over-ear, wireless, open back headphones for a treat-yourself birthday present. I have tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears), and need something for therapeutic, office and maybe gym (?) use.

Over-ear: find them much more comfortable over long periods of time.
Wireless: my Sennheiser HD595 cable (and 3.5mm adaptor) is the bane of my life.
Open-back: the sound leakage makes tinnitus more bearable, and is what’s recommended for the therapy.

If you guys have any recommendations and insight, I’d appreciate it. I haven’t spent too much time researching, but this intersection seems few and far between. I’ve come across the Grado GW100X but nothing else really, and these straddle between on and over ear…

While Hifiman is an over-ear open back wireless option, I don't recommend them due to their absolute k@k earpads(and cables for that matter)...they disintegrate within a few months and even shorter when sweat is involved. Additionally their over-ear wireless 'phones are odd-shaped so limited pad replacement options

PS: When I say absolute k@k, that would be a kindness to the quality of their stock earpads

 

[EpicZA]

Hey all, looking for some advice on upgrading my headphone setup.
I currently use my Sennheiser HD 569s with a PreSonus audiobox 96, nothing amazing but it was a huge step up from Steelseries Siberias back in the day.
I am not sure what is worth upgrading to, the HD 599 was always on my wishlist but I am scared its not that much of an upgrade and I should rather go for the HD600/650/660s instead.
I mostly listen to metal / rock and use my 569s for gaming as well. I am open to other brand suggestions.

Lastly is the Audiobox 96 good enough or would it be a good idea to start looking at another DAC / amp (FiiO seems to be recommended often)
Thanks!

 

[dash09]

Hey all, looking for some advice on upgrading my headphone setup.
I currently use my Sennheiser HD 569s with a PreSonus audiobox 96, nothing amazing but it was a huge step up from Steelseries Siberias back in the day.
I am not sure what is worth upgrading to, the HD 599 was always on my wishlist but I am scared its not that much of an upgrade and I should rather go for the HD600/650/660s instead.
I mostly listen to metal / rock and use my 569s for gaming as well. I am open to other brand suggestions.

Lastly is the Audiobox 96 good enough or would it be a good idea to start looking at another DAC / amp (FiiO seems to be recommended often)
Thanks!

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?t...-stack-sennheiser-hd-6xx.493877/#post-3197491

Honestly thats everything you will need and will last for years. Very good price as well, if I was looking for more gear I'd snap it up

 

[EpicZA]

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?t...-stack-sennheiser-hd-6xx.493877/#post-3197491

Honestly thats everything you will need and will last for years. Very good price as well, if I was looking for more gear I'd snap it up

Wow that is an insane deal! Sadly I think I can only make a purchase end of August, will reach out though thanks for the heads up.

 

[Ghostface1288]

Wassup guys,
My Audio Technica ATH M50X ear pads are starting to crack so I'm trying to find where I can get original ATH M50X ear pads locally, or would it be best just to order them from Amazon?
I found no name brands on TakeAlot, but one of the reviewers said that these pads muddied the sound on his ATH's.
Or is there perhaps another option to o with locally?

 

[PandaAttack1]

Wassup guys,
My Audio Technica ATH M50X ear pads are starting to crack so I'm trying to find where I can get original ATH M50X ear pads locally, or would it be best just to order them from Amazon?
I found no name brands on TakeAlot, but one of the reviewers said that these pads muddied the sound on his ATH's.
Or is there perhaps another option to o with locally?

I highly doubt you will find original pads locally. Something like this will honestly be fine dude:

Takealot

I have a set of Brainwavz memory foam pads on my M40X, and they did not noticeably change the audio for the worse. (Unless I did some serious A to B testing) They are infinitely more comfortable than the stock pads though. Might be different for the M50X...

for R400 I would first give the takealot option a try before ordering original replacements.

 

[Dr. Kraken]

I think if you truly want original, its best to get on Amazon. Though I doubt there will be notable difference between decent aftermarket ones than original.

 

[PandaAttack1]

I think if you truly want original, its best to get on Amazon. Though I doubt there will be notable difference between decent aftermarket ones than original.

The main issue with aftermarket pads on the M50X (and cousins) are that they are usually twice as thick as the originals... Resulting in your ears being twice as far from the drivers. It does change the tuning a bit, especially if you are sensitive to it.

Personally the enhanced comfort far outweighs any loss in quality for me.