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It's time to level up headphone tech

chrismaury.com

41–49 of 49 posts

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#41

I have wondered about this as well. Certainly the combination of an in-ear device and some external sensors would be killer at parties. Look at someone and tap your ear, they get a ping that you'd like to chat with them and you enable a conversation. For the UX folks it would be interesting to design a chat UI where the inputs might be things like head tilt, nods, shakes, taps, and voice. The smarts don't have to be…

I've been thinking about this very thing.

Accellerometers and gyros in the headphones linked up to Openal for a 3d computer interface that doesn't require sight.

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I also recommend checking out the [semi-open] Beyerdynamic DT 880 pros (~$300). They're really crisp, with great clear bass reproduction, and have an amazingly 'analytical' sound with their wide soundstage. Absolutely one of the best pair of headphones you could get if you do any sort of audio mixing work, but they're really nice for casual listening as well.

> amazingly 'analytical' sound with their wide soundstage. You sound like a HiFi journo. Techie here: Sennheiser HD-25 II's here. Paid 35GBP new (on offer one fine day). I can run the cable over with my desk chair 100 times a day for 8 years and they still work like the day they were bought...

I have used the HD-25s since my DJing days, they're fantastic IMO.

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

IMHO, the DT880s are overrated for the price. You are better off getting similarly priced Sennheisers. I got them because they were closed, and I expected to be able to use them in public without outside sound leaking in. In practice, they let in about as much sound as the open Grado HP-1s that I used to have. The HP-1s are much more analytical and accurate for mixing work. (yes, I know that they now cost a lot more…

Unfortunately it's a bit hard to find places that let you try out high-end headphones around here, so I'm sure there are plenty of other comprable headphones. Which Sennheisers would you recommend that are comprable to the 880s? I know of the HD650s, but I didn't have anywhere to try them out, and a lot of reviews I came across mentioned that they were a little on the warm-side and better suited for smooth music (I w…

Go to any pro audio / music store. They should have a good range of Sennheisers, AKGs, Audio Technicas, etc. and shouldn't have a problem with letting you try them.

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#45

The "beats phenomenon" is a fashion thing, not an audio tech thing. People pay $400 for beats because it makes them look cool and shows they are not poor. Much like a Rolex is not about telling time. I think there is a market for headphone tech, but I would look to the market for Bose noise-canceling headphones as a proxy, not beats.

Its easy to say Beats is purely a fashion phenomenon, but I think the headphones actually sound very good for the genres I listen to, to my ears. It shouldnt be forgotten that these genres are the most listened to by the target demographic as well. I think What HiFi summed it up perfectly "Brilliant at what they do well; if you like that, you’ll love them".

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#46
post #2

While I agree with the general sentiment expressed (people buy poor quality headphones that leak music and proceed to seemingly obliviously blast their music for all to hear), please consider investigating higher quality headphones & their tech. From a well known audiophile guide to headphones: "In general it's best to avoid products made by Skullcandy, Bose, Beats, or Monster unless otherwise specified...These compa…

TBH, until they stop making disposable, easily broken headphones with non-repairable connectors, I'm not going to pay over £10 for them.

I have signed up for this KickStarter project though: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/legendary/earbuds-time-t...

NB: I'm not an audiophile - most of my listening is podcasts.

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#47
post #46
post #2

While I agree with the general sentiment expressed (people buy poor quality headphones that leak music and proceed to seemingly obliviously blast their music for all to hear), please consider investigating higher quality headphones & their tech. From a well known audiophile guide to headphones: "In general it's best to avoid products made by Skullcandy, Bose, Beats, or Monster unless otherwise specified...These compa…

TBH, until they stop making disposable, easily broken headphones with non-repairable connectors, I'm not going to pay over £10 for them. I have signed up for this KickStarter project though: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/legendary/earbuds-time-t... NB: I'm not an audiophile - most of my listening is podcasts.

I've had the same pair of mid-range Shure's for 4 years. I take appropriate care of my gear though.

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

IMHO, the DT880s are overrated for the price. You are better off getting similarly priced Sennheisers. I got them because they were closed, and I expected to be able to use them in public without outside sound leaking in. In practice, they let in about as much sound as the open Grado HP-1s that I used to have. The HP-1s are much more analytical and accurate for mixing work. (yes, I know that they now cost a lot more…

Unfortunately it's a bit hard to find places that let you try out high-end headphones around here, so I'm sure there are plenty of other comprable headphones. Which Sennheisers would you recommend that are comprable to the 880s? I know of the HD650s, but I didn't have anywhere to try them out, and a lot of reviews I came across mentioned that they were a little on the warm-side and better suited for smooth music (I w…

The 595s, 600s and 650s are all great. Personally I'd go with a 600 or 650 bought used off another head-fi member who happen to be the first user. Both can be had used in like new condition for around $300. Keep an eye on the for sale forums there. The market for them is pretty liquid and it shouldn't take more than a week to find one in great condition.

Both the sennheisers and the DT880 benefit from an amplifier. A decent small desktop amplifier can be had for $150-200. Go ahead and buy the amp used on head-fi. They don't really depreciate in value with use like headphones and can be sold later for the same price.

An awesome headphone rig with used components can be had for about $500 total ($300 on the headphones and $200 on the amp). Beyond that point it really is subject to diminishing returns and gets highly subjective and bikesheddy. This is coming from someone that sold his Grados and AKG for more than $3000 for both. As I said, I now just have IEMs, but when I buy another headphone again, my plan is to get the HD-650s used from a first owner or if I'm feeling particularly giddy and very flush with cash maybe the HD-800 used from a first owner that can be had for a $1000 if you keep your eyes peeled for them. Either way, I intend it to be my last headphone purchase, because it's easy to get caught up in the equipment and forget about the music.

Also, I wouldn't mix with any closed headphones, metal or otherwise, except maybe those two top of line sony models that are both discontinued. I never mixed myself, but everyone I know who did stuck with open headphones in a quiet room or studio monitors for serious audio work.

Re: It's time to level up headphone tech

#49
post #19
post #13

I recall President Laporte doing an interview at CES with a company producing headphones that already perform this functionality, and then some. I can't recall the name at the moment (CES was basically 85% headphones, too many to recall), but I know the TWiT CES coverage is up on the YouTubes for anyone less lazy than I.

"President Laporte" ? Please tell me that is not the dude from screensavers. Is this really something people say now?

It's a running joke, because he was voted President of the Internet in a TechRepublic poll a few years ago.
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