What Makes Headphones Desirable?

ttnaboface · « **on:** 24 Dec 2009, 11:36 pm »

Reply with reasons or specific features that make headphones desirable to you. Whether it be anything as general as "comfortable" or specific to certain features...feel free to share.

For Example,
Is it the high definition sound?
Is it the convenience of mobility?
What makes a pair of headphones comfortable?

The audio community is a strong community that is not afraid to share opinions or personal experiences, so dont hold back when/if you reply.

Speak your mind

JackD201 · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Dec 2009, 01:49 am »

With headphones weight and fit are key to me. I won't enjoy the sound if I'm not comfortable. As for the sound, I prefer cans that don't fire directly down my canals so I favor Stax for stats and Ultrasone for dynamics.

Given the choice however I would rather listen to a free space system. When travelling I like IEs for their compact size and noise isolation. For IEs I'm partial to Etymotic which usually has a better fit than most or Shure but only when fitted with the yellow bungs. No earbuds for me.

decal · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Dec 2009, 03:07 am »

I gave up headphones when I left Mom and Dad's nest about 34 years ago.I know there are some fine ones being made and have heard a few.I just like to feel the music,phones seem to disconnect me from that feeling.

MaxCast · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Dec 2009, 03:10 am »

You don't have to spend a year on master set, but you can recline in any position you want

Tyson · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Dec 2009, 03:21 am »

I need something that is isolated from my wife and child when doing late night listening. I like bass, so that means closed, dynamic cans. I also like smooth tonal balance and an overall warm signature. That means custom mods and a tube amp. Speakers are still my first choice, but honestly the headphone listening experience can be very rewarding. There's nothing like listening to Coltrane at 2am piped directly into your subconscious.

ecramer · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Dec 2009, 03:40 am »

Is it the high definition sound?
Is it the convenience of mobility?
What makes a pair of headphones comfortable?

Well there's three questions with no way to give good answers way to many variables. all i can do is to explain why i like them.

The sound is simply stunning, once you get up the food chain far enough to rival a lot of expensive speakers. I got some ear time on these at RMAF and thought they pretty much like putting a $6k set of speakers on your ears dynamics, punch and intimacy with the music.
Ultrasone Edition 8

Way over my budget though.

Personally i like beyerdynamic Headphones for comfort and sound at resonable prices big plush cushions

and not tight around the ears unlike those grado headvices.

to get the best sound i feel a dedicated head phone amp rather then the one the that whoever you bought your preamp off of threw in as an after thought is a must. In my book this would be true with a portable rig or a home rig normally way better dynamics slam and sound stage.

Mobility - yea that's a big point, and with the right equipment you won't give up anything to a lot of home systems. custom molded iem are the whay to go if your wallet will stand it comfort level and isolation are way up there a pair of JH13's custom iems or weston 3 and a Cowon S9 32 GB full of lossless flac tracks for a really good mobile rig I use ue triple fi 3 driver iems

ED

dhwilkin · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Dec 2009, 06:46 pm »

Headphone benefits: No need for a dedicated room or room treatments; no worries about bothering neighbors, roommates, family members, etc...; easier to move around (applies to both home and portable systems); excellent sound quality values. Some are comfortable enough to wear for hours on end, also.

santacore · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Dec 2009, 10:02 pm »

For me headphone listening is a PM activity so that I can enjoy music without bothering/waking my wife and kids. I actually bought my first hi-fi headphones after my son was born. Go figure. If I had a choice I would always pick my speaker rig, but headphone listening can be very enjoyable.

What makes headphones desirable? Besides the above reasons.....sound. It's a totally different experience then speakers, but one that can be equally enjoyable for different reasons. Beyond sound, I value comfort the most. If it's not comfortable, they are not sticking around for long. Portability is not an issue for me as I do most of my listening at home in a chair.

cryoparts · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Dec 2009, 05:39 am »

Quote from: santacore on 26 Dec 2009, 10:02 pm

For me headphone listening is a PM activity so that I can enjoy music without bothering/waking my wife and kids. I actually bought my first hi-fi headphones after my son was born. Go figure. If I had a choice I would always pick my speaker rig, but headphone listening can be very enjoyable.

What makes headphones desirable? Besides the above reasons.....sound. It's a totally different experience then speakers, but one that can be equally enjoyable for different reasons. Beyond sound, I value comfort the most. If it's not comfortable, they are not sticking around for long. Portability is not an issue for me as I do most of my listening at home in a chair.

Great synopsis John, and close to my own feelings. I am a headphone geek, I currently own or have owned at least one of every new "statement" production set of cans released in the last two years (except for the just released Beyer T1, which is on order). However, if possible, I will fire up one of my speaker based systems for "enjoyment" listening in lieu of listening to a set of cans.

I'll add one more thing about cans that I rely on, from a designer's perspective. I like to use cans as a design tool, in addition to a speaker based control system. Since the presentation is so different from a speaker based systems sound, I like to use both when designing a new product, as each provide unique insight into how the new cable (or whatever) "sounds".

Peace,

Lee

aerius · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Jan 2010, 01:39 am »

Horrible acoustics and lack of space in my apartment, speakers simply sound like poop in here.
Headphones are the only way I'm going to get good quality sound.

dB Cooper · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Jan 2010, 05:12 am »

I have been a major headphone user all my audio life, mostly using Sennheisers (414's, 424s, 580s and 485s.) I use them both for the definition compared to speakers and for private listening. Lately I have been listening on the computer a lot because it allows me to use the Canz3D VST/AU plugin which is basically similar in intent to the analog crossfeed seen in amps like the headrooms- except implemented in the digital domain, which allows extensive and specific control over the characteristics of the virtual "room".

This makes my $69 Sennheiser 485s sound like $2000 speakers in a perfect space.

It isn't perfect (what is), but it does reduce the straight-line-between-your-ears soundstaging that makes headphones fatiguing for many, it only costs $15, and most important, you can switch it out on those few recordings that don't benefit. Just my 2 cents.

roymail · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Jan 2010, 10:21 pm »

My son got a new ipod and gave me his old one. So I deleted all the "stuff" (

) he had on there and downloaded a Telarc piano classics cd. Using some decent open-air headphones similar to the Sennheisers I used to own, I gave it a try.

Now I have listened to this wonderful cd many times on my 2 channel system and know it quite well. But I wasn't prepared for what I heard. John O'Connor's piano just rings with such amazing realism, I could hardly believe it. I am still trying to understand how it can actually sound significantly better, more alive, more real, etc than my 2 channel system.

It's not a fluke. The sound of all my better quality cds is obviously greatly improved when listening to this little ipod setup.

Don't laugh, this is something new to me. But, I'm guessing you guys aren't surprised at all.

santacore · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Jan 2010, 11:04 pm »

No, not surprised. I find listening to headphones a more intimate experience. There is a different connection to the music then with speakers. Although I find that the detail is better with my 2 channel rig, sometimes the headphones are more involving. Perhaps because I use them in the evening when I'm relaxed and not distracted.

Enjoy, it's another fun way to enjoy beautiful music.

sillysally · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jan 2010, 05:32 am »

Headphones can be better than most speaker systems. Its just a matter of pairing the right headphones with the right amp and source player. If your looking for a great overall sounding pair of headphones, for both CD/SACD/MP ect. and movies with HD soundtracks (BD), then the Sennheiser HD800 is the right way to go. These headphones have it all, but like I said you must match them up with a great source player for audio and movies and a very nice 2ch analog stereo tube headphone amp.
What I use for a source player is a Oppo BD-83Nuforce Edition and a Woo WA6SE maxxed tube amp paired with the right tubes.

I also have a nice 7.1 speaker system and AV to power my speakers. However I don't use this system much because my 2CH stereo analog headphone system is so much better. And that also goes for my Blu Ray collection of movies with 5.1/7.1 soundtracks.

ss

ttnaboface · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Jan 2010, 11:54 pm »

Great input from all

What specific features do you like in your headphones?
What makes your headphones perfect for you? (size,quality,looks)

Ive got my ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-cancelling Headphones. These 'cans can be on my head for hours and never get uncomfortable. Theres nothing worse than feeling irritated around the ears after a while of listening, but you still want to listen to your music, ya know? The quality of noise-cancelling is incredible, but you can still hear a background fuzz when your not listening to anything, but this could just be listening to a song thats not FLAC. however, it sort of brings a soundstage experience with each and every song. I also use them for studying in the library for complete silence. I hope

Thats all i got right now!

nunhgrader · « **Reply #15 on:** 25 May 2010, 06:45 pm »

I love the isolation (closed back) and intimacy of headphones. Immersion and intimacy. I like regular listening as well - I also like surround for movies (gasp).

I look for comfort as well - band cannot be too tight and pads should cover ears completely in my opinion.

Currently using Senn's HD-280 - looking for a set of Audio Technica ATH-W1000 or one of their "high-end" models. Would love to buy the HD-800's as well.

saisunil · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 May 2010, 08:31 pm »

Headphones are the only means to listen to music while at work / in train ... that is where I use the closed headphones / in ear monitors the most. At home it is easier to play music at reference level thorugh open ear - with family around without room limitations ...

BobM · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 May 2010, 08:39 pm »

2 different uses for me, so 2 different headphones.

Long Island Rail Road - daily commute - Koss Porta Pro
Early Sat or Sun morning listening - in audio room when everyone else is asleep - Sennheiser HD600

If I was a jogger and wanted music on my run I would think earbuds would be appropriate. There's a product specifically designed for each use and situation.

Chromisdesigns · « **Reply #18 on:** 30 Aug 2010, 05:29 am »

For me, three things:

1) I can afford better sound in headphones / head phone amp than I can in a speaker-based two-channel system.

2) I can listen to whatever I want, at whatever volume levels I want, without bothering my wife, who often does not share my tastes in music and/or listening volume.

3) I can take my music anywhere, while it would be a bit tough to pack my hifi system on a trip!

Guy 13 · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Aug 2010, 01:54 pm »

Quote from: ecramer on 25 Dec 2009, 03:40 am

Is it the high definition sound?
Is it the convenience of mobility?
What makes a pair of headphones comfortable?

Well there's three questions with no way to give good answers way to many variables. all i can do is to explain why i like them.

The sound is simply stunning, once you get up the food chain far enough to rival a lot of expensive speakers. I got some ear time on these at RMAF and thought they pretty much like putting a $6k set of speakers on your ears dynamics, punch and intimacy with the music.
Ultrasone Edition 8

Way over my budget though. Personally i like beyerdynamic Headphones for comfort and sound at resonable prices big plush cushions and not tight around the ears unlike those grado headvices.

to get the best sound i feel a dedicated head phone amp rather then the one the that whoever you bought your preamp off of threw in as an after thought is a must. In my book this would be true with a portable rig or a home rig normally way better dynamics slam and sound stage.

Mobility - yea that's a big point, and with the right equipment you won't give up anything to a lot of home systems. custom molded iem are the whay to go if your wallet will stand it comfort level and isolation are way up there a pair of JH13's custom iems or weston 3 and a Cowon S9 32 GB full of lossless flac tracks for a really good mobile rig I use ue triple fi 3 driver iems

ED

Hi all.
For me the two most important features for headphones, features that go hand in hand, are comfort and sound quality. Good sounding headphones are not desirable if they are not comfortable and the most comfortable headphones, if they sound bad, are not desirable either.
Other features for me are : Detachable and long cable and price.
For me it’s not reasonable to pay 1,500 USD for a pair of headphones, my maximum would be around 400 USD, that’s why the Beyer Dynamic model DT-990PRO are on my wish list.
I now own a pair of Senneiser model HD-570 which are fine, but would like to up-grade since I will by buying a Decware CSP2+ OTL headphone amplifier.
I prefer open type, as I find they sound better over the closed models, however, if I had to money I would buy also the closed model in situation when my wife listen to boring stuff (For me anyway) on television at the same time as I listen to my stress removal music.
The lack of 3D sound stage ambiance from the headphone is largely compensated by their sound quality, no problem with room acoustic with headphones.
That was my opinion, for what it’s worth.
Have a nice day.
Guy 13.