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Headphones for Hackers

priceonomics.com

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81–90 of 188 posts

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#81

Post by kisielk »

I must be in the minority but I never found the huge cans to be comfortable. The weight becomes annoying, and they cause my ears to get warm and sweaty after extended wear. Earbuds are alright, but they never fit in my ears properly and fall out too easily. I don't particularly fancy full-on in-ear headphones either.

I finally settled on using the Sennheiser PX-200 II headphones: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PX-200-II-Headphones/dp/B00...

They have good sound isolation, are extremely light, and very comfortable to wear for long periods. The volume dial on the cord is a nice added bonus as well.

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#82

Post by angersock »

shmulkey18 wrote: post #58

Some relatively inexpensive headphones that many folks on Head-Fi speak highly of: Samson SR850 (very similar to/rebadge of Superlux HD668B): widely available for $50 - $60 (Superlux equivalent worth look at too: http://www.head-fi.org/t/546556/superlux-express-train ) Sony MDR-V6: $70 - $80 JVC HA RX700: $37 at Amazon If you want to spend more, the ATH M50's are widely considered great "bang for the buck" at approxi…

I use MDR-V6s at work. Probably the best money I've spent.

The cord is really long (so, not hard to route around equipment), the build quality is great, they have good isolation, and the frequency response (especially towards the lower end--important for the electronic stuff I listen to to sound right) is superb. I can wear them--comfortably--for six-eight hours at a stretch.

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#83

Post by semisight »

wickedchicken wrote: post #14
brandall10 wrote: post #10

I'm a longtime Head-fi member, first set of workplace cans were HD-280s about 10 years ago. This article is a decent start, but there are many better options in these respective price ranges. Head-fi is there to help - http://www.head-fi.org/ I've moved considerably upmarket over the years and won't talk about the rest of my setup, but my main cans now are Ultrasone Editions 8s. They're very pricey (retail $1500 for…

Are those meant to be casual listening phones, monitors, reference?

You're asking the wrong question. Nearly all "audiophile-class" headphones are used for what most would consider casual listening. The distinction you want is "fun" vs. "neutral," and depending on who you ask you'll get very different answers on preferences.

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#85

Post by noisebleed »

brettnak wrote: post #67

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Etymotic. They're earbuds, but they sound pretty great. However, I have heard that to sound their best they need an amp. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YTTN9I/ref=oh_o06_s00_i...

Yeah, I was going to menton Etymotic as well.. easily my favorite in-ear isolating headphones.

I have the HF3s and while of course they sound better with an amp (I use a FiiO E7 at home), it's not necessary. I use them without one at work and while walking around and they're still great.

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#86

Post by semisight »

herge wrote: post #80
jwwest wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I love my 280s. However, lugging them around is a bit of a bother so I usually leave them at my desk. When I'm on the move, I pack in-ear buds. Skullcandy makes the best: inexpensive and really great bass. My favorite are the Titans ( http://www.amazon.com/Skullcandy-Titan-S2TTCB-047-Black-Chro... ) but even the entry level Ink'd are a huge step above any other buds at that price point. And people actually use the wh…

Sennheiser in ear buds are the only thing that make mass transit survivable. The almost completely block out ambient sound, and I can listen to podcasts enven in loud environments. The only caveat is that buds, especially when thrown into jackets and pant pockets, only last 6 months to a year, but are completely worth the 40$.

Really? Sennheiser makes some really open in ear monitors (IEMs) and buds. I've found them to not be so good for traveling.

I used to have Shures, then Etymotics, but the Etys broke. Now those made a plane sound like a quiet car ride.

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#87

Post by semisight »

brettnak wrote: post #67

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Etymotic. They're earbuds, but they sound pretty great. However, I have heard that to sound their best they need an amp. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YTTN9I/ref=oh_o06_s00_i...

They do, and a healthy bass boost. They isolate like no other though. The only other IEMs that I've used that come close are Shures.

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#88

Post by carmen »

mgcross wrote: post #27
math_is_life wrote: post #8

I am shocked that the Sony MDR-V6 cans are so low on the list. Those headphones are legendary and there is still none that can top them in the price range (got mine for $65 on Amazon). Sennheiser is great, but I cannot put the 280 over the V6 after having both, and this is coming from a bass head.

I love mine too, but only after I replaced the pleather pads with velour pads. I liked the soundstage and smoother high end of the 280s, but they just weren't comfortable. Wish I had a door on my office so that I could use Grados...

ive had mechanical issues with every headphone ever. V6 has a flimsy folding hinge mechanism with tiny plastic tabs that break off, Beyer 770's cable has split in half and frayed open several times, and earbuds 3.5mm connectors with crap strain relief that lose connectivity after a few dozen pocketing cycles of your phone/musicplayer.

i just use cheap throwaway earbuds in girly colors on commute and FM radio for music into solid Advent loudspeakers that have been going strong since the 70s

Re: Headphones for Hackers

#90

Post by noisebleed »

gkop wrote: post #49
mattcrest wrote: post #25

I went through a search for quality headphones that can also work for Skype calls a while back. I ended up going with what is marketed as a gaming headset. While I'm not a gamer, I've found the SteelSeries Siberia V2 to be pretty great. The pull-out mic is by far my favorite feature. http://steelseries.com/products/audio/steelseries-siberia-v2

Agree on the need for the mic (isn't that a big draw of iPhone buds?), but those are so bulky! I need something pocket-sized for hacking on the go. Any suggestions for high-end buds with an in-cord mic a la iPhone buds?

Check out Etymotics.. they have a few. I really like my HF3s.
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