Headphones

[Amy Lawn]

Seen a lot of people discussing headphones and looking for recommendations around the boards, thought it might be time for a dedicated thread.

I've been looking around for a decent pair of headphones for home use for a while now, I think I've settled on these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001ARCFA/ref=s9_simh_gw_g267_i1_r?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=WJEEBHPBVSMSFQ7YPS57&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=867551787&pf_rd_i=desktop

I trust AKG since I got a pair of these about 3 years ago for iPod listening on the go https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005LBQ7BY/ref=s9_simh_gw_g23_i4_r?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=WJEEBHPBVSMSFQ7YPS57&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=867551787&pf_rd_i=desktop very durable, compact, and deliver a great balance of sound. My only complaint is that the noise cancellation isn't great (it's not bad though) and if you're walking along while it's windy, the wind catches them and you can get a very loud scream of wind drowning out the music.

[ThomThomDrum]

I've been using Sennheiser HD 25s for years now. Excellent set of headphones. Way better than the really expensive marketed brands out there 

[zero000]

Soundmagic E10's are great for a cheap pair of inears

[eastynh]

1 hour ago, ThomThomDrum said:

I've been using Sennheiser HD 25s for years now. Excellent set of headphones. Way better than the really expensive marketed brands out there 

We have a winner. Mine are like Triggers brush. I have had these headphones 10 years, they have had 4 new ear pads, a new head brace and one new main conductor cable 

[MilkyJoe]

I usually swear by Sennheisers and had a pair of HD212Pro for years which were fantastic. 3 metre cable. I don't wear in ears anymore but their CX300's were the best ones I ever owned in my opinion.

I recently splashed out on a pair of Bose QC25's which are amazing. They are the first noise cancelling phones I've had and make flights which I take quite a lot of, blissful.

I hear great things about the B&W P5's too and they get top reviews.

Obviously these last 2 are pretty high end mind and I'm sure there are plenty of cheaper ones that sound just as good. 

I did pick up a pair of KitSound Manhattan wireless headphones for occasional use from the airport a few months ago. They aren't overly confortable to wear for very prolonged use but sound really good and the battery in them lasts weeks! For around £30 I'd buy another pair immediately if mine packed up. You would struggle to find a pair of better Bluetooth phones for the price in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KitSound-Manhattan-Bluetooth-Headphones-Compatible-White/dp/B00BFSOMSC

Shaun.

Edited May 14, 2016 by MilkyJoe

[FuzzyDunlop]

14 hours ago, ThomThomDrum said:

I've been using Sennheiser HD 25s for years now. Excellent set of headphones. Way better than the really expensive marketed brands out there 

 

12 hours ago, eastynh said:

We have a winner. Mine are like Triggers brush. I have had these headphones 10 years, they have had 4 new ear pads, a new head brace and one new main conductor cable 

I have these. Every component csn be replaced which is unusual. 

[mjsell]

Old thread, but my questions still remain so thought I'd use it instead of creating a new one.

I'm looking into investing in a new pair of headphones - as I am listening to far more music currently due to a more relaxed office plus I'm using far more public transport. Also, later in the year I will eventually have quite big travelling plans so they will come in handy for those long flights/coach journeys when I dont fancy talking to the other half/fellow travellers.

I think I'd like some over-ear headphones that are comfortable but also have an element of stylish design (I'm vain - sue me), Maybe not the real high end as I'm very prone to breaking/losing things. Can anyone recommend any pairs? And does anyone have any opnions on wireless headphones (are they any good?)

[eFestivals]

43 minutes ago, Scruffylovemonster said:

I'm not really a headphones person but from what I've heard and read sound quality is very likely to be diminished on wireless ones. Unless something has greatly changed in the last 12 months. 

yep - cos they rely on an amplifier in the headphones to create the sound, meaning that a hugely expensive stereo could end up sounding crap.

The output is only ever as good as the poorest source it goes thru before it reaches your ears.

[Wooderson]

AKG make tasty headphones.

[Amy Lawn]

9 hours ago, mjsell said:

I think I'd like some over-ear headphones that are comfortable but also have an element of stylish design (I'm vain - sue me)

it's impossible not to look like a dork walking round with over-ear headphones on, it's just a fact of life you have to make your peace with.

[Wooderson]

13 hours ago, GETOFFAMYLAWN said:

it's impossible not to look like a dork walking round with over-ear headphones on, it's just a fact of life you have to make your peace with.

Mine (AKGQ701) are miles unwieldy to bring outside. Weather has to be factored in here also. Have eyed up a set of RHA t-series that would be just the ticket for commuting etc.

Edited January 4, 2017 by Wooderson
Typo

[Mardy]

I'm also in the market for some new headphones. Like the look of those bose qc 25 or 35

probably get 25-30 hours usage a week as i commute around town, so need something comfy. Can't get on with in ear ones, they give me tinnitus

[Wooderson]

Those Bose QC35's are the Roller of headphones mate. When it comes to audio tech you don't fuck around pal.

[Wooderson]

Thinking back to the Death Star sized speakers you have set up in Moscow, have you had your ears tested? Your eardrums are taking a pasting chief.

[Mardy]

2 minutes ago, Wooderson said:

Thinking back to the Death Star sized speakers you have set up in Moscow, have you had your ears tested? Your eardrums are taking a pasting chief.

I don't really get the chance to give those speakers a workout. Current flat is surrounded by awful neighbours, and i try very hard not to antagonise them. They won't really get put through their paces till we move to a new flat

[Mardy]

5 minutes ago, Wooderson said:

Those Bose QC35's are the Roller of headphones mate. When it comes to audio tech you don't fuck around pal.

Thing is, if i'm using them 30 hours a week, then as long as they last a year or two, the per hour cost is negligible. And headphones are like beds/matresses, you spend a lot of time using them, and comfort is paramount. No point skimping on them. I'd rather economise in other areas

[Wooderson]

2 minutes ago, Mardy said:

Thing is, if i'm using them 30 hours a week, then as long as they last a year or two, the per hour cost is negligible. And headphones are like beds/matresses, you spend a lot of time using them, and comfort is paramount. No point skimping on them. I'd rather economise in other areas

Agreed. Ive no experience with a noise cancelling unit, which given my brood at home is intriguing I'll admit.

[eFestivals]

4 minutes ago, Scruffylovemonster said:

So how does that work with what Neil was saying about wireless headphones being rubbish? Do they just have a better amp or something?

I didn't quite say they were all rubbish. I pointed out that wireless headphones use an amp in those headphones, and the sound will only be as good as that amp.

I'd guess that the amp in Bose headphones is decent-ish - tho it's probably a significant downgrade on what you could get from a standalone Bose amp with wired headphones plugged into it.

Edited January 4, 2017 by eFestivals

[Mardy]

So, here's what i need. I'm never going to use heaphones at home, so it's for using with my ipod/phone when i'm out and about. Noisy metro, planes, city streets (Moscow is a really noisy city). I,m not convinced about the need for bluetooth, i'd be happy with wired, but i think noise reduction is worth the money. 

[mjsell]

From reading some review websites it does seem that wireless headphones appear to be improving pretty rapidly.

http://www.techradar.com/news/audio/portable-audio/best-wireless-headphones-1280344

 

I'm not convinced I need them to be wireless though - not so much because of music quality of the headphones, I think I'm more concerned by the added strain they will have on battery life of the device they will most often be used with (my phone mainly) - until that improves I will have my reservations as I dont want to be dependant on a battery pack all of the time.

 

[Wooderson]

Theyre not dependent on the wireless side however, they come with a connecting wire limiting potential drain on the source device.

[mjsell]

4 minutes ago, Wooderson said:

Theyre not dependent on the wireless side however, they come with a connecting wire limiting potential drain on the source device.

Sort of defeats the object though doesnt it. I do like the concept of no wires though I've got to say

Having done a bit of digging I'm looking at the AKG N60 atm but I think I will have to wait a month or 2 before I can buy anything though

[eFestivals]

37 minutes ago, mjsell said:

From reading some review websites it does seem that wireless headphones appear to be improving pretty rapidly.

http://www.techradar.com/news/audio/portable-audio/best-wireless-headphones-1280344

 

I'm not convinced I need them to be wireless though - not so much because of music quality of the headphones, I think I'm more concerned by the added strain they will have on battery life of the device they will most often be used with (my phone mainly) - until that improves I will have my reservations as I dont want to be dependant on a battery pack all of the time.

 

my kid was using bluetooth headphones cos the phone socket was knackered on his phone, but he hated the hassle of re-charging so much he bought another phone.

[Pilgrim S]

Is there a consensus on cheap headphones that fit in your ear for an ipod / iphone? My original ones have bust so looking for some new ones before I go on holiday. Anything under £25 really.

[eastynh]

Gave my headphones a thorough refurb and they are back to working perfectly.

They are like Triggers brush though, seeing as there are no longer any original bits left. I do love the fact that you can replace all the component parts as although they are not cheap, it is far more preferable to having to buy a new set every time something fails.