Headphones/Earphones Thread Vol. 1

[Pickitt]

Wanted to make this either in BF geek or this board, but I figured this would be best.
I'll get it kicked off, today I tried the Airpod Max' at a mate's house, great sounds and noise-canceling and superb quality, very apple-oriented though with barely any support on android.
Sonys range of headphones and or earphones are quite good, and Ideal for any type of phone/computer.
Lemme know what yous think/ what you all use.

 

[PoppedCorn]

For work i use a cheapo pair of wireless buds

Taotronics
Can have any ear in with one in the case too
Ive got two sets of jabras but barely use them.

 

[Dee Snider]

If no-one is home I prefer speakers every day of the week.

However, a good pair of headphones through a DAC is mandatory in my book. I've just picked up a pair of Focal Celeste headphones to trial and will make a call on those or the Focal Radiance (if I can get them) cans before October. Much prefer closed back headphones as open back just aren't overly practical despite the wider sound stage. So likely to go Focal Celeste through Silver Dragon cable into my DAC. In the lounge I plug them straight into the NAIM unit so no need for external DAC/headphone amplifier.

For outside I've got a pair of those Bose QuietComfort earbuds which go fine for the garden and on the train etc. Pretty convenient.

 

[Pickitt]

For work i use a cheapo pair of wireless buds

Taotronics
Can have any ear in with one in the case too
Ive got two sets of jabras but barely use them.

Yeah, I've noticed that cheaper like Kmart wireless buds are getting more affordable with less price.

 

[footyfan1978]

JBL earbuds.
But only tend to use them when on the go.
Out of habit still use regular headphones on laptop if just at home not using smart tv and using video and audio on laptop away from lounge.
I still not got into habit of earbuds with my laptop.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

What earbuds/head phones do people use for jogging/walking?

 

[Pickitt]

What earbuds/head phones do people use for jogging/walking?

I have Sony XM3 buds that do the trick, about 6 pairs of earbud covers to fit the ear shape or whatever.

On the cheaper end I also have some Dudios Free Minis that are tiny but do a great job

 

[CURVE]

At home I use speakers, on the bus, at work or exercising outside I use a pair of urbanista earbuds. They are very comfortable and don’t fall out while jogging.

 

[nobbyiscool]

I don't know why threads about headphones/earphones never take off.

I need help - what's good at the moment?

 

[LeakyValve]

I don't know why threads about headphones/earphones never take off.

I need help - what's good at the moment?

As ever, it really does depend on how you primarily listen to music, podcasts etc. and your budget.
And your ears of course.
Have a DAC (Topping DX7 Pro +) hooked up to wired Audio Technica WP900 s (lightweight, comfortable and foldable for travel). I'm a little more treble focused rather than bass as I love the female voice. YMMV.
Also have wireless Sennheiser RS175 s played through the DAC for when I wander around the house.
Neither set of headphones ultra hi-fi but more than adequate for my purposes.
Wired and wireless are still far superior to Bluetooth even though Bluetooth is definitely improving year by year.
Particularly the range and stability.
Have to be alert though to mobs like Samsung only allowing their own brand of Buds having access to the latest version of Bluetooth if you use a Samsung device. (Use to be the case anyway).
Not sure about Apple, Pixel et al stance on this.
Going off tangent a bit, but the source of your music is still the most important criteria. Cd's are still king.
And despite the internet's whinging and moaning, YT Premium offers good enough Audio with the best library.
Tidal, Apple Music have "superior" audio if that is what you are after.
As to brands. Technica, Sony, Bose are good as any if it is buds that are your go to.
The likes of Noble, HiFiMan, Sennheiser if you wish to spend money.
Diminishing returns with the more you spend of course.
To be honest, Audiophiles can really be full of it so just buy what appeals to you.
Good listening.

 

[Cruyff14]

I don't know why threads about headphones/earphones never take off.

I need help - what's good at the moment?

What's your criteria? Budget?

 

[nobbyiscool]

What's your criteria? Budget?

I though $150-200 was a reasonable budget... then I started looking. Realistically I'd like to keep it to the $200-250 range.

I think I'm looking at ear buds... but I've never had expensive over ears. I don't know if all over ears hurt after a while, or just the cheap ones that I've experienced. I guess the Amazon return policy could help here, cos I've also never had wireless buds, and I'm terrified of wireless falling out. (I managed to lose my last working set of Apple earphones and they were wired!)

Then when I started looking at ear buds, with the majority of my use being through my iphone, it just started to look like I should extend the budget a little further and get the Apple ones. Which is the least fun, least sexy of all the options... it just feels like a dull, pragmatic one.

 

[Dee Snider]

I though $150-200 was a reasonable budget... then I started looking. Realistically I'd like to keep it to the $200-250 range.

I think I'm looking at ear buds... but I've never had expensive over ears. I don't know if all over ears hurt after a while, or just the cheap ones that I've experienced. I guess the Amazon return policy could help here, cos I've also never had wireless buds, and I'm terrified of wireless falling out. (I managed to lose my last working set of Apple earphones and they were wired!)

Then when I started looking at ear buds, with the majority of my use being through my iphone, it just started to look like I should extend the budget a little further and get the Apple ones. Which is the least fun, least sexy of all the options... it just feels like a dull, pragmatic one.

If it’s earbuds you want, Bose Quiet Comfort all the way. I’ve also got the Sony 1000MX5 but didn’t like the fit so haven’t used them since I bought them. They’re just sitting in their case.

 

[Cruyff14]

I though $150-200 was a reasonable budget... then I started looking. Realistically I'd like to keep it to the $200-250 range.

I think I'm looking at ear buds... but I've never had expensive over ears. I don't know if all over ears hurt after a while, or just the cheap ones that I've experienced. I guess the Amazon return policy could help here, cos I've also never had wireless buds, and I'm terrified of wireless falling out. (I managed to lose my last working set of Apple earphones and they were wired!)

Then when I started looking at ear buds, with the majority of my use being through my iphone, it just started to look like I should extend the budget a little further and get the Apple ones. Which is the least fun, least sexy of all the options... it just feels like a dull, pragmatic one.

I have a pair of Bose QC 35's. They're 7 years old and still work like a charm. I replaced the cups for the first time the other day and they feel like brand new.

Bose were having a sale on their site for the latest QC 35s for $425.

I tried Sonos at JB as well last week and they were great - $550.

Good headphones are well worth the money.

 

[dumb]

jbl wired earbuds. these live under my pillow for going to sleep music. had a cheap and crappy pair that had an amazing soundstage and lived for 6-7 years despite being south of $20 when i bought them. next pair not so lucky. i probably use these 2-3 times a week, for an hour, timed to turn off.

bought a pair of el cheapo over-ear headphones for my son. he never liked so tested them and they became mine. use them bluetooth when walking, and passive wired at the pc. biggest problem is of course the wire dying but has a jack so able to replace instead of turfing it all. sound quality is good enough without being magnificient.

spent lots of time researching headphones but most that have interested me (and always wanting bluetooth, rf wireless, AND passive wired capability) have always had reviews indicating they fell apart in some way despite their hefty price. so never bit the bullet.

more likely to blow significant money on decent speakers, home theatre or portable when necessary. have left my bluetooth speaker at work and debating between buying new for the studio or using the ones i nicked from lost property before i bought that same bluetooth speaker.

 

[Pweter]

I bought these about 14 months ago and am very happy with the purchase.

https://www.jlab.com/en-au/products...8I6_10da-rfPOl9ahK6dwq2MSa66cKwUCi7uZPBOE30s9

I've always had issues with earbuds falling out, I must have "unique" shaped ears, and was looking for something I could use in the gym, running, doing jobs around the house etc so wanted over ear buds.

I've found them comfortable, the sound quality is very good (considering the lower price) and i configured the buttons for what makes sense for me. Battery life is great too.

Something to consider if you're after something decent in the lower price range. They have a 3rd generation out now too but I haven't looked into them at all, however I'll consider whatever generation of these is current whenever I need a replacement pair.

 

[nobbyiscool]

If it’s earbuds you want, Bose Quiet Comfort all the way. I’ve also got the Sony 1000MX5 but didn’t like the fit so haven’t used them since I bought them. They’re just sitting in their case.

Damn those Sony's are mentioned a LOT among "best ear buds" lists online. Bloody expensive though.

You're talking about these wireless Bose earbuds?

I bought these about 14 months ago and am very happy with the purchase.

https://www.jlab.com/en-au/products...8I6_10da-rfPOl9ahK6dwq2MSa66cKwUCi7uZPBOE30s9

I've always had issues with earbuds falling out, I must have "unique" shaped ears, and was looking for something I could use in the gym, running, doing jobs around the house etc so wanted over ear buds.

I've found them comfortable, the sound quality is very good (considering the lower price) and i configured the buttons for what makes sense for me. Battery life is great too.

Something to consider if you're after something decent in the lower price range. They have a 3rd generation out now too but I haven't looked into them at all, however I'll consider whatever generation of these is current whenever I need a replacement pair.

Do I assume that they all have built in microphones for use with your phone if I can't see it explicitly stated anywhere?

 

[Pweter]

Damn those Sony's are mentioned a LOT among "best ear buds" lists online. Bloody expensive though.

You're talking about these wireless Bose earbuds?



Do I assume that they all have built in microphones for use with your phone if I can't see it explicitly stated anywhere?

Yep, I've had no issues with phone calls (not that i get many).

 

[Dee Snider]

Damn those Sony's are mentioned a LOT among "best ear buds" lists online. Bloody expensive though.

You're talking about these wireless Bose earbuds?



Do I assume that they all have built in microphones for use with your phone if I can't see it explicitly stated anywhere?

Re the Bose, I’ve got the next level up - Quiet Comfort Ultra. Perfect.

Yes the Sony get amazing reviews but I wore them maybe 5 times and decided to go get the Bose again. They just didn’t fit my ears.

 

[nobbyiscool]

Re the Bose, I’ve got the next level up - Quiet Comfort Ultra. Perfect.

Yes the Sony get amazing reviews but I wore them maybe 5 times and decided to go get the Bose again. They just didn’t fit my ears.

Thanks. I should pick them up at this price, hey?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black)

Experience unparalleled audio bliss with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds in black. Discover the ultimate in noise-canceling technology at JB Hi-Fi.

www.jbhifi.com.au

Here's a random one - are there any decent truly waterproof earbuds that you could wear swimming, or has that not been invented?

 

[Dee Snider]

Thanks. I should pick them up at this price, hey?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (Black)

Experience unparalleled audio bliss with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds in black. Discover the ultimate in noise-canceling technology at JB Hi-Fi.

www.jbhifi.com.au

?

Yep seems like a good deal. Might be worth trying Bose online (Australia) as they often have good deals etc.

 

[nobbyiscool]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the Bose wireless buds. $350 at Amazon, then there was a $15 voucher applicable, and I had about $100 in gift cards/returns.

Amazon's return policy is good if I don't like them.

Can't quite believe I spent that much, but the difference was 175 for buds I wasn't excited about or 330 for buds that I am excited about.