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HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

@nickel - came test my Dt770 - great headies
Also check out the msr7 - might be able to get you one if my bro still has it - pm me
 
I assume most of us will be spending more time with our gear during the coming weeks.

I impulse/rush bought a HD600 and Cavalli hybrid yesterday just before lockdown. Ninja was also kind enough to lend me his FiiO Q5.

The FiiO Q5 paired with my Tin T2 IEMs is sublime! I've been walking around with the Q5 in my pocket all morning.
 
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I assume most of us will be spending more time with our gear the coming weeks.

I impulse/rush bought a HD600 and Cavalli hybrid yesterday just before lockdown. Ninja was also kind enough to lend me his FiiO Q5.

The FiiO Q5 paired with my Tin T2 IEMs is sublime! I've been walking around with the Q5 in my pocket all morning.

Congrats.
How do IEMs compare to the HD600 on the same setup?
 
I assume most of us will be spending more time with our gear during the coming weeks.

I impulse/rush bought a HD600 and Cavalli hybrid yesterday just before lockdown. Ninja was also kind enough to lend me his FiiO Q5.

The FiiO Q5 paired with my Tin T2 IEMs is sublime! I've been walking around with the Q5 in my pocket all morning.

What are you using as a source ..... If a cellphone then are you connected wired or with bluetooth
 
Hey guys

I have a set of HD650's, Essence STX and a NAD 3020. I'm planning to save up for a Crack/Speedball. Will I see a big upgrade from using the soundcard/amp? Also, I'm in Cape Town, do any of you know where I can get my NAD amp serviced?

Thanks
 
Congrats.
How do IEMs compare to the HD600 on the same setup?

What are you using as a source ..... If a cellphone then are you connected wired or with bluetooth

Sorry for the late response guys, I wanted to spend some time with the setup before I give my thoughts.

The Q5 and T2 pro combo shines. When listening back to back from iPhone to Q5 there is big difference in overall retrieval and fullness of the sound. My T2s have never sounded this good. However, the HD600 feels empty on the Q5 alone. Still very good, but sounds 'flatter' and less colourful without a proper amp. Using the Q5 as a dac into the CTH, the HD600 absolutely shines. Fantastic little trio of goodies.

@naughty, I listened with my iPhone connected directly (via provided lighting to micro usb cable) and bluetooth. Streaming from Deezer/Apple Music I could not hear any discernible difference. My ears might be lazy, and too used to the IEMs. But for me, a blind test would be a complete guess.
 
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Hey guys

I have a set of HD650's, Essence STX and a NAD 3020. I'm planning to save up for a Crack/Speedball. Will I see a big upgrade from using the soundcard/amp? Also, I'm in Cape Town, do any of you know where I can get my NAD amp serviced?

Thanks
Hmmmm... I've only listened to the Essence STX on one or two occasions. Once with a DT990 and another time with a ATH-MX50. Sounded great for gaming and movies. I'm not too sure about the music though. The DAC on the sound card doesn't appear to be all that great, and the setup seems to cater for games and movies moreso than music.

The NAD 3020 is old tech. Sure it would power the HD650s enough to reach high volume, but it will never compare to the sq you will get from a dedicated headphone amp. The phones section on these AVR/Stereo amplifiers were mostly an afterthought. There is a lot of science behind it, and tons of info online about using AVR receivers and stereo amps as headphone amps. Some do well, others don't. If sound quality is what you are after, and you want to give the HD650 the best chance at sounding good, an amp upgrade would be a good place to start.

Your setup... The Essence is a dac/amp combo, with the focus on the amp section. It converts the digital audio from your PC to analogue, and amplifies the signal to power your headies. You then take that signal and feed it into the input of you NAD stereo amplifier. The NAD then takes that signal, adds more eq/colour/distortion to the signal and amplifies it even further into the HD650... This will probably result in sub par, loud noise. :D

The HD650 are quite revealing of shitty inputs. Garbage in, garbage out. If you are happy with your listening experience at the moment, then I don't see any reason to change in a hurry. But, if you decide to upgrade to more quality gear, that HD650 will shine and you will rediscover all your favourite music like never before. Your sennies deserve it.
 
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@PandaAttack1 I have Essence STX, and Sennheiser Game One - and this combo is still miles better than using my onboard (ALC 1220) - are you telling me it's time to sell my Essence STX, and look at a budget DAC/AMP that will be better than the Essence STX?
 
It is not always true that integrated amps make terrible headphone amps. I have a Cambridge Audio amp stashed in a cupboard which has a fine headphone section, as do most Audiolab amps. If you want, search out Leben amps - these are high-end Japanese valve integrateds revered as headphone amplifiers. I need to read up again, but I think the headphone outputs from separate taps on the output transformer.

Coming back to the NAD 3020, it is quite old now but "tech" as far as amplifiers go have not really changed a heck of a lot in the last 30 years. So not really "old tech". What is true is that the 3020 does not have a dedicated headphone section (as many "new tech" integrated amps or receivers do) - it takes the speaker output through a series resistor, which implies high output impedance. On the plus side, you get a massively overspecified power supply, offsetting low dampening factor with raw power. Noise I don't think is an issue. A neat, well-designed solid state amp like the 3020 will have noise many orders of magnitude below that inherent in vinyl playback or valve amplification.

Its a pity I never tried the headphone out on the 3020 last time I had one in the house, but in practice, with high impedance headphones like HD650 I reckon it will beat the pants off the little Fiios, Schiits, etc. that make people go gaga over at head-fi.org. So dont chase a dedicated headphone amp for the sake of having one. Try to listen to a number of headphone amps with your headphones and music selection, preferably back-to-back before spending whacks of cash.
 
It is not always true that integrated amps make terrible headphone amps. I have a Cambridge Audio amp stashed in a cupboard which has a fine headphone section, as do most Audiolab amps. If you want, search out Leben amps - these are high-end Japanese valve integrateds revered as headphone amplifiers. I need to read up again, but I think the headphone outputs from separate taps on the output transformer.

Coming back to the NAD 3020, it is quite old now but "tech" as far as amplifiers go have not really changed a heck of a lot in the last 30 years. So not really "old tech". What is true is that the 3020 does not have a dedicated headphone section (as many "new tech" integrated amps or receivers do) - it takes the speaker output through a series resistor, which implies high output impedance. On the plus side, you get a massively overspecified power supply, offsetting low dampening factor with raw power. Noise I don't think is an issue. A neat, well-designed solid state amp like the 3020 will have noise many orders of magnitude below that inherent in vinyl playback or valve amplification.

Its a pity I never tried the headphone out on the 3020 last time I had one in the house, but in practice, with high impedance headphones like HD650 I reckon it will beat the pants off the little Fiios, Schiits, etc. that make people go gaga over at head-fi.org. So dont chase a dedicated headphone amp for the sake of having one. Try to listen to a number of headphone amps with your headphones and music selection, preferably back-to-back before spending whacks of cash.
I stand corrected! Thanks for the input @Scubadude
 
I find it fascinating how there is always a sense of being looked down upon should someone mention any brand other than something that is considered "good" on the likes of AV Forums SA. Audio has moved on, whether the old guard cares to admit so or not. By staying stuck in the ways of the old days you will miss out on what's in the market today.

Younger, less experienced people on here, trust your ears. Be careful to fall for the hype train but do also understand that we have moved on many many years from the likes of when one Sennheiser headphone was all there was. There are many other forums out there that LISTENS to your views and understands what it is that you are looking for, what your budget it and gives construction feedback.
 
I find it fascinating how there is always a sense of being looked down upon should someone mention any brand other than something that is considered "good" on the likes of AV Forums SA. Audio has moved on, whether the old guard cares to admit so or not. By staying stuck in the ways of the old days you will miss out on what's in the market today.

Younger, less experienced people on here, trust your ears. Be careful to fall for the hype train but do also understand that we have moved on many many years from the likes of when one Sennheiser headphone was all there was. There are many other forums out there that LISTENS to your views and understands what it is that you are looking for, what your budget it and gives construction feedback.
You should see the attitude towards 'less expensive' home theater setups from most audio forums. It's as if they would rather have you staring at a wall than use a old TV and soundbar, or entry level amp.

All are welcome in our thread though. Bring your pep headphones!
 
I find it fascinating how there is always a sense of being looked down upon should someone mention any brand other than something that is considered "good" on the likes of AV Forums SA. Audio has moved on, whether the old guard cares to admit so or not. By staying stuck in the ways of the old days you will miss out on what's in the market today.

Younger, less experienced people on here, trust your ears. Be careful to fall for the hype train but do also understand that we have moved on many many years from the likes of when one Sennheiser headphone was all there was. There are many other forums out there that LISTENS to your views and understands what it is that you are looking for, what your budget it and gives construction feedback.

I used to post there but those guys have serious budgets.

Just to clarify, I run my Senns straight out of the headphone out of my STX. The NAD and my ancient AR speakers have been consigned to AV duty. That setup has great sentimental value to me as it was passed down from my dad when he upgraded. Anyways, I think I'm going to save for a Crack/Speedball since my end game headphones are the HD 800.

Cheers
 
So I've been wearing the HD600 for 13+ hours a day for a week straight. This is truly a fantastic headphone.

Listening to music during the day and gaming during afternoon/night. Not fatiguing at all and super comfortable. It fits my dome really well.

New pads are due, but will sort that when we are not under house arrest anymore.
 
So I've been wearing the HD600 for 13+ hours a day for a week straight. This is truly a fantastic headphone.

Listening to music during the day and gaming during afternoon/night. Not fatiguing at all and super comfortable. It fits my dome really well.

New pads are due, but will sort that when we are not under house arrest anymore.

It really is a fine headphone.

I managed to get replacement pads and a headband (OEM) cheaper from Amazon than from the Senn distributor in SA. With the exchange rate being what it is, I doubt that is the case anymore. No idea when Amazon will reopen exports too. Probably best to place an order for replacements during the lockdown as the local distributor will adjust prices.
 
I could never understand why the replacement pads are so expensive, replaced my Sennheiser PC 350 pads twice in the last 8 years, about R500 each time.
 
It really is a fine headphone.

I managed to get replacement pads and a headband (OEM) cheaper from Amazon than from the Senn distributor in SA. With the exchange rate being what it is, I doubt that is the case anymore. No idea when Amazon will reopen exports too. Probably best to place an order for replacements during the lockdown as the local distributor will adjust prices.
Good thinking! I will get on that today.
 
I could never understand why the replacement pads are so expensive, replaced my Sennheiser PC 350 pads twice in the last 8 years, about R500 each time.

I fully agree. My non-"audiophile" friends scoffed at the price of replacements being the same as their headsets. On the upside, I'm just happy that I can keep my HD600s ticking along.

One of the reasons why I avoid pleather on headphones and chairs like the plague; it never lasts long. TCO ends up being higher in many cases.
 
So glad i found this.

Where can I buy a pair of HD600 without getting robbed?

I am looking to change my setup for gaming/pc use from a single all in one headset to standalone mic and headphones.
Adding control too so some sort of mini audio interface, probably what these streamers use but I just want to use it to control various volumes without going into windows. I understand this can become costly but given how I have fucked up my hearing i am not taking any new risks.

This is not the thread for it but if anyone has any suggestions, they are welcomed :)


I currently have Sennheiser GSP600 for gaming and general PC stuff.
When I listen to music I enjoy the Bose QC35 II's.

I have severely damaged hearing and when at work or in public where I need to listen to people I wear Siemens Signia Hearing Aid as there are some frequencies I really struggle with. They can stream audio from my phone, which is awesome for taking calls but not great for music, obviously.

The reason why I ended up with the GSP600 is how much better is sounds compared to most of these gaming branded headsets, and comfort. Obviously for my head.
The reason why I ended up with the Bose QC35 II's is due to all the travelling I did, the noise cancellation is amazing and the battery life is something I have never experienced.

ty
 
So glad i found this.

Where can I buy a pair of HD600 without getting robbed?

I am looking to change my setup for gaming/pc use from a single all in one headset to standalone mic and headphones.
Adding control too so some sort of mini audio interface, probably what these streamers use but I just want to use it to control various volumes without going into windows. I understand this can become costly but given how I have fucked up my hearing i am not taking any new risks.

This is not the thread for it but if anyone has any suggestions, they are welcomed :)


I currently have Sennheiser GSP600 for gaming and general PC stuff.
When I listen to music I enjoy the Bose QC35 II's.

I have severely damaged hearing and when at work or in public where I need to listen to people I wear Siemens Signia Hearing Aid as there are some frequencies I really struggle with. They can stream audio from my phone, which is awesome for taking calls but not great for music, obviously.

The reason why I ended up with the GSP600 is how much better is sounds compared to most of these gaming branded headsets, and comfort. Obviously for my head.
The reason why I ended up with the Bose QC35 II's is due to all the travelling I did, the noise cancellation is amazing and the battery life is something I have never experienced.

ty
Hmmmm, I've used the GSP500 for a long time. Which is just the open-back version of the same headset.

HD600 hold their value really well. New you are looking at around R7k, and used you can find as low as R3k and everything between. Keep your eyes open as they go relatively quick used. New you can look at CPlan audio and applix.

I have no experience with hearing loss, but have played quite a bit with volume controls etc. If you are planning on using it on a PC, I know you get software that limit the volume of all applications to a specific threshold. At first glance, this might solve your issue on possibly being bombarded with something really loud and damaging your hearing even further. Hardware solutions are pricy.

I cannot recommend the HD600 enough as an all rounder. The HD650 is also a great option, the initial difference is subtle, but they both stand in their own right. There are many, many reviews online. I am currently using a HD600 with a modmic 4. The HD600 is running through a standalone dac and amp. The mic is into a little usb dongle I got with a steelseries headphone years ago. I prefer running everything through usb.
 
Hmmmm, I've used the GSP500 for a long time. Which is just the open-back version of the same headset.

HD600 hold their value really well. New you are looking at around R7k, and used you can find as low as R3k and everything between. Keep your eyes open as they go relatively quick used. New you can look at CPlan audio and applix.

I have no experience with hearing loss, but have played quite a bit with volume controls etc. If you are planning on using it on a PC, I know you get software that limit the volume of all applications to a specific threshold. At first glance, this might solve your issue on possibly being bombarded with something really loud and damaging your hearing even further. Hardware solutions are pricy.

I cannot recommend the HD600 enough as an all rounder. The HD650 is also a great option, the initial difference is subtle, but they both stand in their own right. There are many, many reviews online. I am currently using a HD600 with a modmic 4. The HD600 is running through a standalone dac and amp. The mic is into a little usb dongle I got with a steelseries headphone years ago. I prefer running everything through usb.
The used market for the HD600 is such because the massdrop hd6xx
 
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The used market for the HD600 is such because the massdrop hd6xx

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk
Yeah, I guess the average price of a used HD600 dropped with about 1k over the past 3-4years? At least it seems that way since I've been getting into headfi.
 
I thought the HD800S would be my end game and then i was disappointed in how little energy there is in the bass. Some people like it like that, I don't. Planar magnetics are where I found my liking. On the Audeze LCD-XC now and will try get the LCD-4 later this year. Running off my Schiit Mjolnir 2 and Gungnir (non multibit - but will upgrade sometime soon too) I get amazing musicality and detail
 

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