HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

[Ac!DLeAk]

My budget is around 2k
I like clean, detailed sound thats slightly warm.
I will be upgrading my headphones in future.
Currently running of just my motherboard. Its a X470 Gaming Pro which supposedly has a shielded dedicated DAC built in.

Personally would then go for a monolith liquid spark. Its a great unit imo. Your DAC is good enough for now to do the job and the once you are ready you can upgrade that.
If you want an all in one unit, the Fiio K5 Pro or ifI Zen DAC is also quite decent imo.

I would personally stay away from AudioGD and THX tech.

 

[goblinm]

If you dont mind IEM's . the 1 more triple driver meets these requirments.
was blown away at the quality of these at this price

read that wrong

 

[Bearman]

I think I will wait till someone sells HD6xx and Ifi Zen DAC... In about two years.

Gonna change the Op Amps in my soundcard tomorrow, to try and scratch my itch.

 

[Bearman]

For Anyone with the Asus Essence STX Sound Card, Holy Crap is there a whole new life to this sound card for me now.

Replace the Stock 2x JRC2114 Op-Amps with 2x LME49720NA for your headset, and you will be happy, if you are in my situation.

The Stock OP-Amps were I think, chosen to fit the Sennheiser PC350 (Game Zero), closed back 500 series equivalent headset. Amazing headset, but not a lot of Bass, I realise now. The JRC2114 gives more bass.

Then I changed headset to the Sennheiser Game One (Open Back, wanted to be able to hear my baby son cry if he was crying), and sure, it was OK, but too much bass, and the bass would "bleed" into the other sounds, if that's the word. Not clear. Sound was different, good, but I was expecting more.

What I was expecting more was the 2x LME49720NA . Headset has normal amounts of bass already, so did not need the extra rumble from the JRC2114 Op-Amps. With the LME49720NA, bass is TIGHT, and CLEAR, controlled, and no more "bleed".

I suddenly realised why everyone rave over the Game One headsets so much, it's... amazing. I loaded into CSGO and had a mini heart-attack with the first gun sounds. Sound stage is just ... better, and all sounds are more clear.

Listening to my music, separation of voice, instruments, lines, everything is better, sound-stage is bigger.

Best upgrade I made to my sound in years, and all I did was go open-back, order 2 little CHEAP parts, and swap them on my sound card. No wonder they sold these two Op-Amps as an upgrade kit for the card when the card came out.

Disclaimer: I normally don't like too much bass. So this sound signature is good, for me.

 

[virus786]

For Anyone with the Asus Essence STX Sound Card, Holy Crap is there a whole new life to this sound card for me now.

Replace the Stock 2x JRC2114 Op-Amps with 2x LME49720NA for your headset, and you will be happy, if you are in my situation.

The Stock OP-Amps were I think, chosen to fit the Sennheiser PC350 (Game Zero), closed back 500 series equivalent headset. Amazing headset, but not a lot of Bass, I realise now. The JRC2114 gives more bass.

Then I changed headset to the Sennheiser Game One (Open Back, wanted to be able to hear my baby son cry if he was crying), and sure, it was OK, but too much bass, and the bass would "bleed" into the other sounds, if that's the word. Not clear. Sound was different, good, but I was expecting more.

What I was expecting more was the 2x LME49720NA . Headset has normal amounts of bass already, so did not need the extra rumble from the JRC2114 Op-Amps. With the LME49720NA, bass is TIGHT, and CLEAR, controlled, and no more "bleed".

I suddenly realised why everyone rave over the Game One headsets so much, it's... amazing. I loaded into CSGO and had a mini heart-attack with the first gun sounds. Sound stage is just ... better, and all sounds are more clear.

Listening to my music, separation of voice, instruments, lines, everything is better, sound-stage is bigger.

Best upgrade I made to my sound in years, and all I did was go open-back, order 2 little CHEAP parts, and swap them on my sound card. No wonder they sold these two Op-Amps as an upgrade kit for the card when the card came out.

Where did you purchase the Op-Amps?
I have a STX atm. Would be keen to experiment.

 

[Bearman]

RS Components SA RS | world-leading distributor of electronic, industrial and maintenance, repair and operation products.

Think I paid about R110 for both.

I might seriously buy some other Op-Amps, if I start itching for a change again. Seriously worth it, btw, feel like I completely undervalued the capabilities of the
Essence STX all these years.

 

[Nikkel]

RS Components SA RS | world-leading distributor of electronic, industrial and maintenance, repair and operation products.

Think I paid about R110 for both.

I might seriously buy some other Op-Amps, if I start itching for a change again. Seriously worth it, btw, feel like I completely undervalued the capabilities of the
Essence STX all these years.

I still miss my Essence ST

Was saving up to go the Burson opamp route but the ST got water damaged and replaced it with a Nu Prme uDSD.

Burson Audio

 

[Bearman]

@Nikkel Been looking at them earlier today, but at 70$ plus import taxes, I might just wait and see if it pops up second hand somewhere, especially the V5i's, or if someone goes overseas, ask them to bring it back for me.

One question I have is if I shouldn't rather start investing in external. Sure was fun to change op-amps today, though. Felt like a super nerd, in the best possible way.

 

[Nikkel]

One question I have is if I shouldn't rather start investing in external. Sure was fun to change op-amps today, though. Felt like a super nerd, in the best possible way.

I was looking to replace the ST with another or even a STX/STXII but couldn't find any at the time... I put a feeler out for a uDSD and got a reply same day... the rest is history!

I love the uDSD more now than I did the ST!

You can't really go wrong with most external DAC's nowadays... it all depends on your budget

 

[naughty]

Anyone have a fiio m11.
Keen to grab one, bit dont know if 10k is worth it.
How much better is it than my old samsung s8 and a dragonfly red ?
Battery life on s8 is a bit lacking , but getting a new battery is much cheaper than the 10k local re sellers are asking.

Or would you guys take the risk on importing one from Amazon ?

look i have an M11 - the sound quality that you will get from this is still way better than any phone with a BTR5 - it (meaning the phone + Dac/Amp) might be louder if you use a really efficient DAC/AMP like a ifi micro uDSD black label but that will set you back more than what an M11 costs you .... and note i said louder but it wont sound better even bypassing the android layer since it is the phone that is the limiting factor here

the M11 is a pretty decent DAP and now with the updates to its android O/S which allows for the App store usage it now allows you to use UAPP and Neutron or any other software you had on your phone (paid software can be used on any other google based device where you log into the same google account as your phone and you wont have to pay again)

the M11 also has a balanced headphones output with both 2,5mm balanced or 4.4mm pentaconn output sockets - this produces more power so when you have difficult to drive headphones and have a balanced cable for these then it will give those more power than any phone - as an example with the HiFiman HE4xx with a regular 3.5mm cable on a phone i need to run it at full and it still isnt loud enough - replace the balanced cable and i can use it with the 2.5mm balanced output on the DAP at the volume at 100 out of 120 and its loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage if you go any louder - with my IEMs on the phone i can run them at full and they are fairly loud - to get the same volume on the M11 i play at 50 out the 120 and still get less distortion - more clarity and more space and openness and all the audiophile terms that you want to drag around

to me the M11 is worth every cent you pay for it - i had a BTR3 and while the BTR5 is better than the BTR3 one of those with a phone will still be behind in the sound quality (moreso if you have good headphones) because as mentioned above it will be the phone that is the limiting factor .... bluetooth is only for those circumstances where you have to have it unwired but a good bluetooth headphones is likely to cost as much as a decent entry level audiophile grade headphones or IEM anyway - and even using LHDC and LDAC codecs doesnt match wired (believe me i did the comparisons)

Fiio M11 with IEMs - this is how i listen to it most of the time

Fiio M11 with very inefficient HE4xx with a balanced cable - its good enough and is close to being a desktop replacement

screenshot of playstore added to M11

Screenshot of UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) on the M11 - best software for music playback on any Android device IMHO

maybe i'm biased because i got mine for R7k second hand but that included a Hikvision 256gig microSD card which is fairly big and would normally add R500 to the cost ...... you can use 2 microSD cards in the M11 and its compatible with up to 2TB cards which don't even exist yet

its not the best DAP by any means but it is the best DAP that you can buy new at this price (you might get second hand bargains of other brands but discounting that and going "new for new" this is it at this specific price level IMHO ..... you won't find anything better) and my experience with the M11 is now making me rethink the whole desktop thing too ie i am more in the mind of now aiming for a top level DAP that works as well as a desktop DAC .... something along the lines of a Fiio M15 or Lotoo PAW6000 and one of the crazy priced high end IEMs and that should do for me even as a complete desktop replacement (will cost around R50k in total though for DAP and IEMs together so thats more long term)

 

[Ac!DLeAk]

@Nikkel Been looking at them earlier today, but at 70$ plus import taxes, I might just wait and see if it pops up second hand somewhere, especially the V5i's, or if someone goes overseas, ask them to bring it back for me.

One question I have is if I shouldn't rather start investing in external. Sure was fun to change op-amps today, though. Felt like a super nerd, in the best possible way.

Play around a bit before you go external - you can get a good understanding of the different sounds. This will save you in the long run from experimenting with more expensive external gear because of your fomo. Have seen plenty people fall in love with darker r2r sounds, then go full 180 to experience a more analytical sound.

Here is what I played around with:

LM4562N/A (Best of the budget bunch imo)
LT1364 (Natural sound)
OPA2107 ; 2134 and 222BP (Bassy ones with the 2107 being the most refined)
AD923ANZ (Very analytical)
ST MC33078N (Average - Stock opamp in the Little Dot Mk1+)

Then I spent crazy money on a MUSES 2. Eventually settled on a pair of OPA627BP on a dip adapter (browndog). You really do year the difference is these latter two. Everything is just so much for refined and doesn't sound as constricted. Not just increased soundstage but layering as well. The MUSES 2 I would recommend for your darker headphones.

 

[goblinm]

look i have an M11 - the sound quality that you will get from this is still way better than any phone with a BTR5 - it might be louder if you use a really efficient DAC/AMP like a ifi micro uDSD black label but that will set you back more than what an M11 costs you .... and note i said louder but it wont sound better even bypassing the android layer since it is the phone that is the limiting factor here

the M11 is a pretty decent DAP and now with the updates to its android O/S which allows for the App store usage it now allows you to use UAPP and Neutron or any other software you had on your phone (paid software can be used on any other google based device where you log into the same google account as your phone and you wont have to pay again)

the M11 also has a balanced headphones output with both 2,5mm balanced or 4.4mm pentaconn output sockets - this produces more power so when you have difficult to drive headphones and have a balanced cable for these then it will give those more power than any phone - as an example with the HiFiman HE4xx with a regular 3.5mm cable on a phone i need to run it at full and it still isnt loud enough - replace the balanced cable and i can use it with the 2.5mm balanced output on the DAP at the volume at 100 out of 120 and its loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage if you go any louder - with my IEMs on the phone i can run them at full and they are fairly loud - to get the same volume on the M11 i play at 50 out the 120 and still get less distortion - more clarity and more space and openness and all the audiophile terms that you want to drag around

to me the M11 is worth every cent you pay for it - i had a BTR3 and while the BTR5 is better than the BTR3 one of those with a phone will still be behind in the sound quality (moreso if you have good headphones) because as mentioned above it will be the phone that is the limiting factor .... bluetooth is only for those circumstances where you have to have it unwired but a good bluetooth headphones is likely to cost as much as a decent entry level audiophile grade headphones or IEM anyway - and even using LHDC and LDAC codecs doesnt match wired (believe me i did the comparisons)

Fiio M11 with IEMs - this is how i listen to it most of the time

Fiio M11 with very inefficient HE4xx with a balanced cable - its good enough and is close to being a desktop replacement

screenshot of playstore added to M11

Screenshot of UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) on the M11 - best software for music playback on any Android device IMHO

maybe i'm biased because i got mine for R7k second hand but that included a Hikvision 256gig microSD card which is fairly big and would normally add R500 to the cost ...... you can use 2 microSD cards in the M11 and its compatible with up to 2TB cards which don't even exist yet

its not the best DAP by any means but it is the best DAP that you can buy new at this price (you might get second hand bargains of other brands but discounting that and going "new for new" this is it at this specific price level IMHO ..... you won't find anything better) and my experience with the M11 is now making me rethink the whole desktop thing too ie i am more in the mind of now aiming for a top level DAP that works as well as a desktop DAC .... something along the lines of a Fiio M15 or Lotoo PAW6000 and one of the crazy priced high end IEMs and that should do for me even as a complete desktop replacement (will cost around R50k in total though for DAP and IEMs together so thats more long term)

Tx for feedback, awsome review

 

[naughty]

Tx for feedback, awsome review

I forgot to mention that if you can afford the extra the M11 pro is supposedly a fair amount better sounding - and the M15 is more powerful and warmer as well as slightly darker sounding with additional detail and openeness and it will definitely be more musical but the M15 is going to land up at around close to R30k as you can get here in SA so for now its a non-starter - the M11 pro might be more affordable but it features a THX based headphone amp and higher end DAC chips (AK4497) though the most likely improvement that the DAC chips will offer is a slightly improved signal to noise ratio ...... this combined with the cleaner output from the THX based amp might sound better but its up to you if you feel that the extra R5k is worth it - and at this price range you will definitely encounter stiffer competition in the DAP market ie better players for the same amount of money

 

[ProP]

Guys and Gals,
I have an itch and I need some help please.

Which do you think is better:

1. Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp(with DAC) - $250
2. EL DAC II Paired with EL AMP II - $550
3. EL DAC II Paired with THX 789 - $600

After I saw the ZEOS vid on the 789, it started this rabbit hole journey.
I have the DT990 250ohm headphones. And would like to get better treble for footsteps in game. And also an improved sound stage for music.

I prefer bang vs buck. But like I say the 789 review gave me a semi, and I lean towards that. So I am looking for a persuasion to go with it or something cheaper like Cavalli.

Much Appreciated!

 

[Ac!DLeAk]

Guys and Gals,
I have an itch and I need some help please.

Which do you think is better:

1. Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp(with DAC) - $250
2. EL DAC II Paired with EL AMP II - $550
3. EL DAC II Paired with THX 789 - $600

After I saw the ZEOS vid on the 789, it started this rabbit hole journey.
I have the DT990 250ohm headphones. And would like to get better treble for footsteps in game. And also an improved sound stage for music.

I prefer bang vs buck. But like I say the 789 review gave me a semi, and I lean towards that. So I am looking for a persuasion to go with it or something cheaper like Cavalli.

Much Appreciated!

So the Cavalili's DAC would not be as resolving as the EL DAC II and you will definitely be able to hear this in music. The benefit of the Cavalli is obviously price and that you can tube role. It is a hybrid however so the change would not be as pronounced but still noticeable. The amp also does not measure as clean as the other two.

The EL AMP II has a very black background and I think it is the most natural sounding out of all those. It does something unique to the treble also which I like lot.

The THX, whilst Zeos will say its neutral, its far from in my opinion. It's actually very coloured in the treble imo and sterilises the sound. This might be exactly what you are looking for in games.

In terms of value - the price reduction of the 789 might be what you go for in the end. In terms of wanting an "improved" sound stage. That's a subjective term. The THX would have a wide soundstage yes, but that sound stage is very linear and doesn't have that much depth imo. (When Zeos finally listened to the Rebelamp, he found out what a natural sounding amp does to music). The EL AMP 2 has a much more spacious sound stage of these three imo in which you will be better able to distinguish vertical sounds better.

You might also look into the Rupert Neve RNHP. This is what I would recommend together with the EL AMP II (If money was not a problem). Otherwise the Schiit herisy is a good alternative for the DAC. Again money no problem, look at the Schiit Bifrost 2 multibit.

 

[reactor_sa]

Guys and Gals,
I have an itch and I need some help please.

Which do you think is better:

1. Cavalli Tube Hybrid Amp(with DAC) - $250
2. EL DAC II Paired with EL AMP II - $550
3. EL DAC II Paired with THX 789 - $600

After I saw the ZEOS vid on the 789, it started this rabbit hole journey.
I have the DT990 250ohm headphones. And would like to get better treble for footsteps in game. And also an improved sound stage for music.

I prefer bang vs buck. But like I say the 789 review gave me a semi, and I lean towards that. So I am looking for a persuasion to go with it or something cheaper like Cavalli.

Much Appreciated!

ZEOS is a lot of hype/drama, highly recommend looking for 2nd opinions after watching his channel lol

 

[Gnarls]

For Anyone with the Asus Essence STX Sound Card, Holy Crap is there a whole new life to this sound card for me now.

Replace the Stock 2x JRC2114 Op-Amps with 2x LME49720NA for your headset, and you will be happy, if you are in my situation.

The Stock OP-Amps were I think, chosen to fit the Sennheiser PC350 (Game Zero), closed back 500 series equivalent headset. Amazing headset, but not a lot of Bass, I realise now. The JRC2114 gives more bass.

Then I changed headset to the Sennheiser Game One (Open Back, wanted to be able to hear my baby son cry if he was crying), and sure, it was OK, but too much bass, and the bass would "bleed" into the other sounds, if that's the word. Not clear. Sound was different, good, but I was expecting more.

What I was expecting more was the 2x LME49720NA . Headset has normal amounts of bass already, so did not need the extra rumble from the JRC2114 Op-Amps. With the LME49720NA, bass is TIGHT, and CLEAR, controlled, and no more "bleed".

I suddenly realised why everyone rave over the Game One headsets so much, it's... amazing. I loaded into CSGO and had a mini heart-attack with the first gun sounds. Sound stage is just ... better, and all sounds are more clear.

Listening to my music, separation of voice, instruments, lines, everything is better, sound-stage is bigger.

Best upgrade I made to my sound in years, and all I did was go open-back, order 2 little CHEAP parts, and swap them on my sound card. No wonder they sold these two Op-Amps as an upgrade kit for the card when the card came out.

Disclaimer: I normally don't like too much bass. So this sound signature is good, for me.

Yep, been thinking about this too. Buy some Burson Audio Opamps or save for a Bottlehead Crack?

 

[ProP]

ZEOS is a lot of hype/drama, highly recommend looking for 2nd opinions after watching his channel lol

Haha, yeah that is true. I had a look at DMS and David Sylvia. But now my list grew aswell.
Budget wise how would the Schitt Magni and Modi treat me? $200 is pretty decent. As a non Audiophile would I make a mistake?

Also looking at Element II for $400.

 

[Wadkiller]

I know this is specific to headphones, but it is atleast audio related. Someone asked a question on a different thread pertaining to some advice required and a gentleman reccomended an audio shop in Edenvale. I just cannot find the thread. I am looking for some advice wrt a 2.1 setup for my pc.

G51 need replacing - 2.1 setup advice | Purchasing advice

My Logitech G51 is a number of years old, one of the satellites are starting to crackle and I would like to think I deserve better :D I am also tired of the absolute chaos with all the wires. I have no clue and need your input here please. Ideally I would like a satellite with a headphone jack...

carbonite.co.za

 

[pseudomeaningful]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the best place to post my specific request but It certainly has the highest number of audiophiles in one area 😂

I've got an OG set of Audio-Technica ATH-M50's (pre x) that I've had for 11 years now. Bought back when the rand was still reasonably strong, and they costed half as much as the would now.

Anyway, they've lived a hard life and I've replaced the earpads and got a custom head-bank cover made for it as the pleather was disintegrating as it does. The problem I have now is that they changed the 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter thread awhile back and the 2 sets I've ordered straight from AT South Africa don't fit. (Turns out according to the sales manager, I was literally the only person to ever have purchased them😂) So they are unsourceable . I had a thread-less one that worked well for awhile until I lost that...

Basically I'm hoping to find someone to help me do a removable cable mod/mini XLR conversion in the greater Durban area, as well as teach me a few things to improve my soldering , as my soldering skills are absolutely atrocious. I have several mini XLR cables from broken AKG headphones and one jack I salvaged in the hopes of using it for this mod. But, It would probably be better to get a new one from Manntech anyway. I'm more than willing to compensate for your time and materials so if you would like to and are able to help me out please drop me a PM.

Thanks guys, for being great carbies. I don't spend enough time on this specific thread as my Schitt FULLA 2, Lepai amp and Q Acoustic Concept 20's setup make me fell a bit embarrassed amongst all this amazing gear.

 

[JollyJamma]

For Anyone with the Asus Essence STX Sound Card, Holy Crap is there a whole new life to this sound card for me now.

Replace the Stock 2x JRC2114 Op-Amps with 2x LME49720NA for your headset, and you will be happy, if you are in my situation.

How do you do this exactly? Soldering iron and some care?

I presume that the solder used on the board is high temperature? 400 degrees or so.

 

[Bearman]

@JollyJamma Actually, the Asus Essence STX has "roll-able" op-amps. As in gently take out of ?dip-switch? With pliers, put new one in. No soldering!

 

[JollyJamma]

@JollyJamma Actually, the Asus Essence STX has "roll-able" op-amps. As in gently take out of ?dip-switch? With pliers, put new one in. No soldering!

Whaaaaaaat!? Mind blown.

It’s still fuck off expensive though and I have a uDsd already so buying one would be a luxury...I still want one though

 

[Bearman]

@JollyJamma For what the card is, it's excellent. Goes for about R1000 second hand?

It's on the same level as a decent entry-level DAC/AMP combo, but with 10 ohm output impedance, it's better for 150 ohm plus headphones. Not that I care, my 32 Ohm Game One headset sounds amazeballs.

If you want something excellent, buy JDS Labs Atom AMP and Khadas Tone Board DAC, those two apparently are better than they cost. My new long term plan, anyway.

 

[Nikkel]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the best place to post my specific request but It certainly has the highest number of audiophiles in one area 😂

I've got an OG set of Audio-Technica ATH-M50's (pre x) that I've had for 11 years now. Bought back when the rand was still reasonably strong, and they costed half as much as the would now.

Anyway, they've lived a hard life and I've replaced the earpads and got a custom head-bank cover made for it as the pleather was disintegrating as it does. The problem I have now is that they changed the 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter thread awhile back and the 2 sets I've ordered straight from AT South Africa don't fit. (Turns out according to the sales manager, I was literally the only person to ever have purchased them😂) So they are unsourceable . I had a thread-less one that worked well for awhile until I lost that...

Basically I'm hoping to find someone to help me do a removable cable mod/mini XLR conversion in the greater Durban area, as well as teach me a few things to improve my soldering , as my soldering skills are absolutely atrocious. I have several mini XLR cables from broken AKG headphones and one jack I salvaged in the hopes of using it for this mod. But, It would probably be better to get a new one from Manntech anyway. I'm more than willing to compensate for your time and materials so if you would like to and are able to help me out please drop me a PM.

Thanks guys, for being great carbies. I don't spend enough time on this specific thread as my Schitt FULLA 2, Lepai amp and Q Acoustic Concept 20's setup make me fell a bit embarrassed amongst all this amazing gear.

@Hi-Phibian over on AVForums the go to guy for custom cables

Croak Audio

 

[JollyJamma]

@JollyJamma For what the card is, it's excellent. Goes for about R1000 second hand?

It's on the same level as a decent entry-level DAC/AMP combo, but with 10 ohm output impedance, it's better for 150 ohm plus headphones. Not that I care, my 32 Ohm Game One headset sounds amazeballs.

If you want something excellent, buy JDS Labs Atom AMP and Khadas Tone Board DAC, those two apparently are better than they cost. My new long term plan, anyway.

The JDS is £129 and the Khadas is £100 in my region.

JDS Labs Atom Headphone Amplifier - UK Plug

JDS Labs Atom headphone amplifier builds on acclaimed Objective2 with the original performance and power levels but with more features and less noise. Atom Amp represents a new standard for performance and value in a headphone amp. Your new favourite amp.

www.hifiheadphones.co.uk

Not that expensive for very good products. I’ll keep them as a nice to own goal for the future.

 

[Toy Machine]

So I got Game One's yesterday, and I've been using them since I got them. Mooi headies I must say, but I what I really want to ask, how the fuck do you enjoy closed back cans (if I can even associate budget with the term 'cans' in the context of headphones)

I have MH751's as my daily drivers as I am in an environment where there is enough noise to need them to cancel out and focus on the sound driven through them. But having these G1's, and since I don't wear my 9500's much because of the environmental noise around me most of the time.

There's no ear bubble build up, no fucken yawning (did as I typed this xD). No bounce back off the cans shroud. The G1's do have a sound differentiation than the 751's agreed. But I feel the open back is the reason why I am experiencing what I am. The feeling feels so much lighter and the Clarity is more present. Like fuck they just feel better and I cannot bring myself to really understand the reason behind closed backs anymore besides closing out external sounds such as the fans.

Open back good.
Open back great.
Yes.

 

[Bearman]

I've been using my newly boughy Game Ones since lockdown, and I never want to go back to closed back. Been eyeing me some 58xs, wondering if it's worth it...

But back at work today, with a server cabinet in the room... On goes the closed back.

At home? Never again closed. Added bonus, I can hear what's going on in my house. Wife appreciates that I am more responsive too.

Enjoy your G1s, I know I am!!

 

[Toy Machine]

I've been using my newly boughy Game Ones since lockdown, and I never want to go back to closed back. Been eyeing me some 58xs, wondering if it's worth it...

But back at work today, with a server cabinet in the room... On goes the closed back.

At home? Never again closed. Added bonus, I can hear what's going on in my house. Wife appreciates that I am more responsive too.

Enjoy your G1s, I know I am!!

Have you found anywhere to get replacement pads? and by newly bought you mean purchased from a store ofcourse?

My headbands foam is rather lose and want to use the opportunity to replace all the foam instead of just stick it down again. It doesn't come of by itself, but it certainly isn't as stuck as when new.

Indeed, at home, having these open back's. Absolute definite from now on, there was a discussion a while back on the forum and someone posted a Reddit extract of his wife being raped while he was upstairs, I am always reminded of that story and aware of it in my environment when I put closed backs on. Nevermind hearing people inside your home calling you, you also need to be aware of things taking place outside, unfortunate that we live in such a society, but it definitely allows you to be more aware in that sense. I am most aware when I am the only one awake and I take off my headies to realize how closed off you become with them on.

 

[Bearman]

Exact same reason I went open back. All the other positives came as a surprise.

Well, second-hand ebay US, no packaging, but moer me over with a feather, they look and feel brand new.