"Cooking" headphones

[dave2010]

I'm just wondering what other members would recommend for what I've called "cooking" headphones in the title, by which I mean fairly cheap units - perhaps for use with a computer during work time. I've had a pair of Sennheiser HD 201s for a while - these are cheap, and someone else has recently bought some HD 202s, which I'd say sound considerably sweeter.

I'm thinking of phones which it wouldn't matter too much if they were "borrowed". Both of these models are closed back, which may be good for the office environment - depends on who else is nearby.

Are there any worthwhile open back models in the same sort of price range - £15-£30?

[keiths]

I'm a big fan of Koss Porta Pros when it comes to cheap headphones.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Koss-Porta-Pro-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00001P4ZH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316164932&sr=8-1

[DaveK]

Take a look at Superlux 681 (B model preferred) and even better, the new Superlux 661 - highly regarded on RG forum and they know their heaphones :) .
Dave

[Canetoad]

I've used the Koss Porta Pros too and they were great for the money. I've also tried Sennheiser PX200 and thought they were dreadful! Sennheiser PX100s are better and, while I thought they had tighter and less muddy bass to the Koss, I preferred the Koss treble, though I suspect it was a bit overblown.

Currently I use iGrados which sound the best to me but can be excruciating to wear for more than an hour or so at a time. :(

Still looking for the perfect combination... :)

[wee tee cee]

I'm just wondering what other members would recommend for what I've called "cooking" headphones in the title, by which I mean fairly cheap units - perhaps for use with a computer during work time. I've had a pair of Sennheiser HD 201s for a while - these are cheap, and someone else has recently bought some HD 202s, which I'd say sound considerably sweeter.

I'm thinking of phones which it wouldn't matter too much if they were "borrowed". Both of these models are closed back, which may be good for the office environment - depends on who else is nearby.

Are there any worthwhile open back models in the same sort of price range - £15-£30?I bought a pair of hd202,they are great value headphones,really easy to drive.Work fine with the computer and are excellent with a cowon walkman.Sounded pretty good through a gatorized caiman as well.Paid £26 for them...money well spent.
Regards Tony.

[Beechwoods]

I use HD202's with my computer audio setup (via an FiiO 5 headphone DAC). I think they're fantastic value for the money. Very comfortable to wear for long periods too. One of my pairs is on it's second set of earpads (£17, almost as much as the 'phones themselves!)

[serendipitydawg]

Another vote for Superlux headphones. I actively dislike headphones because I dislike the claustrophobic sensation of just wearing them. However, they are a necessary evil for late night and early morning listening.

I have a pair of HD668B bought from this eBay seller (who is a top guy to deal with btw)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superlux-HD668B-Semi-Closed-Professional-Headphones-/230450749633?pt=UK_Consumer_Professional_RL&hash=item35a7ef60c1#ht_2960wt_750

Google them and see how many people rave about them

[Fi-Wi]

Take a look at Superlux 681 (B model preferred) and even better, the new Superlux 661 - highly regarded on RG forum and they know their heaphones :) .
Dave

You can't go wrong with a Superlux. The 668B is an absolute no-brainer!

I wonder how the new 661 compares to it. Already owning a 668B, I am thinking of buying another one, just to have a spare for whenever needed. Maybe the 661 is a candidate.

[DaveK]

Hi Fi-Wi,
Don't know whether you've seen the excellent reports on RG Forum for the 681s but mine has been fitted with the Frans filter by the man himself and that lifts them to another level, believe me! :)
I now have a pair of 661s under audition and, straight out of the box, they are already better than my mod'd 681s - does that help? ;) They punch way above their price bracket IMHO.
Dave.

[Fi-Wi]

Hi Dave, that's very promising to hear!

I'll do some more reading about the 661 and decide if I'll go for it. Thanks!

[dave2010]

Has anyone found a reliable source for the Superlux HD 661s?

[DaveK]

Has anyone found a reliable source for the Superlux HD 661s?

I may be wrong but I do not think they are generally available (released) in the UK yet. I understand that the ones currently being discussed are a batch of 12 provided to members of a headphone centred forum for pre-release testing.
Dave.

[dave2010]

I may be wrong but I do not think they are generally available (released) in the UK yet. I understand that the ones currently being discussed are a batch of 12 provided to members of a headphone centred forum for pre-release testing.
Dave.Looks as though it may be a choice between the Superlux 668 (cheap?), 668B (not so cheap) and the Sennheiser HD202s which I've already heard, and which are quite widely available (e.g. from Amazon) for under £25.

If the 661s are almost here I might wait, but price and availability are factors.

How many headsets does one need, anyway? I could probably justify one or two more after this - maybe one considerably up market model perhaps with associated headphone amp.

One use I sometimes put these to is to listen in bed, and to fall asleep. Chunky ones not so good for that. Maybe in ear models and hope I don't strangle myself on the wires overnight.

[dave2010]

Going up slightly in price are the Sennheiser HD 205-IIs, which are around £30 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-HD-205-II-Headphones-Rotatable/dp/B003LPTAZ2/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1316511466&sr=8-28

Are these better than the HD202s? A major complaint seems to be that they squash your head in!

[Toby]

Some Sennheiser headphones do clamp with quite a pressure, it can be worse if you wear specs.

[alan47]

Another vote for Superlux 668B's,sound good out of the box,very comfy and not the end of the world if my jack russell takes a liking to them.Rather them than the Grado's eh?.

[Pete The Cat]

25 years on my "cooking" cans are still 80's local radio station faves Sennheiser HD410s. They've survived house moves, holidays, parties and family. The foam disintegrated a decade ago but replacement was easy to come by. Although obviously well short of my HD600s I may nonetheless ask to be buried wearing them.

Pete

[dave2010]

I bought a "spare" pair of Sennheiser 102s a few weeks ago from Amazon.
At first they sounded good, but now I'm detecting some scratchy noises in the background.

I've been trying to eliminate the reasons for these - possibly compressed audio artefacts etc., and I wondered if listening from my iMac headphone output could be a source.

However, I'm coming round to the conclusion that the phones may be faulty, and have a small but irritating fault - perhaps a loose wire somewhere inside.

When I plug in my Beyerdynamic DTX900s the background noise levels drop to near zero on the same music.

Has anyone else noted problems with low level background noises using headphones? If I can confirm the problem, then I think I'll have to send the 102s back, but if I do that should I just go for a refund, or try another pair?

[synsei]

Another vote for the Superlux 668B's from me, easily the best headphones I've ever owned and I have owned some good phones. One recommendation though, fit them with AKG pads when you can as the standard leatherette pads that come with the 668's can get a little sweaty over long listening sessions :eyebrows:

The build quality of these phones is excellent and they come with high quality removable cables and adapter...

[goraman]

Superlux 440 got far better press.

[dave2010]

I bought a "spare" pair of Sennheiser 102s a few weeks ago from Amazon.
At first they sounded good, but now I'm detecting some scratchy noises in the background.

I've been trying to eliminate the reasons for these - possibly compressed audio artefacts etc., and I wondered if listening from my iMac headphone output could be a source.

However, I'm coming round to the conclusion that the phones may be faulty, and have a small but irritating fault - perhaps a loose wire somewhere inside.

When I plug in my Beyerdynamic DTX900s the background noise levels drop to near zero on the same music.

Has anyone else noted problems with low level background noises using headphones? If I can confirm the problem, then I think I'll have to send the 102s back, but if I do that should I just go for a refund, or try another pair?[Darn - I thought I'd posted this already - now have to retype! How often do others do that?]

I've come to the conclusion that the Sennheiser 102s are OK, but they show up faults in the recordings which other headphones (e.g my Beyerdynamics) don't. This is quite often a scratching noise, and in some cases it seems to be programme related. This is particularly noticeable with digitally compressed material, and on some tracks from streaming sites such as Spotify. In many respects the 102s sound similar to the Beyerdynamics, apart from the extra noises.

The issue for me is that the 102s show up problems with many tracks, so that may be a depressing experience. On the other hand, tracks which are good should sound better. There may be other headphones which are not forgiving of poor recording quality or digital compression. One might actually need to have an array of headphones - some to listen to good quality tracks, and some to listen to lower quality tracks, which may nevertheless have some musical merit. Bit like choosing steel versus thorn needles for 78s I guess!

It'd be good to know if there are tracks which are particularly good when listened to via headphones - http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=261772#post261772

[wee tee cee]

just got a pair of the superlux 668b.Straight out the box they sound very good indeed. Should I leave music playing through them to run them in ?
Ordered a FIIO E10 as they seem a bit harder to drive than my 202s.

[Covenant]

Here is a photo of my 681's with a few modifications courtesy of Rock Grotto:eyebrows: The mods include filter, aluminium ring set, leather headband, velour pads, decent quality cable and some internal damping.
Fairly good sound wise but bettered by the later models.
They are lovely and comfortable, like snuggling in between a nice pair of breasts.

[wee tee cee]

breasts...mmmm.......Hear yourself coming in stereo......

[bobbasrah]

Now that is a coincidence Tony, I just ordered the same combo as you for my youngest daughter's christmas, E10+668B. They seem to be a decent set of cans for the money. I had never heard of that make until recently....
I'm praying it turns out to be an acoustic cure for her mp3itis, and she actually realises what decent quality sound is...... One can but hope...

[wee tee cee]

Now that is a coincidence Tony, I just ordered the same combo as you for my youngest daughter's christmas, E10+668B. They seem to be a decent set of cans for the money. I had never heard of that make until recently....
I'm praying it turns out to be an acoustic cure for her mp3itis, and she actually realises what decent quality sound is...... One can but hope...
Bob,
I've only got a few hours on them but must admit they have pleasantly surprised me.They are harder to drive than my 202s,the lap top is nearly up full and my wee cowon player just cant go loud enough to get a boogie on.Still waiting on the e10,just hoping its more neutral than the e7 I had.I will post when I have tried the two in place.
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

Looking forward to that Tony, as I doubt my daughter has the breadth of experience to really benchmark the combo. The 668B certainly seems to be well thought of, even if the newer models are purportedly better (whenever they become more commonly available). At the price point, they seem hard to beat.
I noted the earlier comment on fitting AKG foam covers to obviate sweat build up, and must look further into that. My own student days were drowned lugs under a pair of closed Koss cans, which were not ideal. How do you find the Superlux in that respect?

[wee tee cee]

They're semi open so not too bad.I can wear them for a couple of hours without a problem.They aint pretty and feel very plasticky but hey....they sound great.Took a bit of faffing to get comfy with them as I didnt realise the head band is independently adjustable (should really start reading the instruction manuals).
They seem to be burning in nicely.
When the 661s are available I might invest in a pair of them.At least that way when my son borrows cans there might be a pair left for me.

[wee tee cee]

The 668bs are a quantum leap over the sennhieser hd 202s , did a comparison last night. Enough to make me think that some really expensive cans have a place in my life.
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

The 668bs are a quantum leap over the sennhieser hd 202s , did a comparison last night. Enough to make me think that some really expensive cans have a place in my life.
Tony.

Glad it is all working out, and equally thankful for your report as the HD202's were another set which were on my shortlist. Are you noticing any improvement with the two settling down after a day or so of use ?
From so many reviews, despite the overwhelming number of users advocating X, the occasional negative review has left me puzzled whether it is different ears, music, or system synergy. At least I know this combo sounds good to you, so it should sound brilliant to my daughter, who has apparently received the Fiio but not yet the cans (reverse order of despatch:scratch:).
I can expect a tortuous phone conversation mid-week on Asio, foobar, etc...:rolleyes:

[wee tee cee]

Bob,
Im still waiting for the amp, amazon can be a bit funny delivery wise. The cans straight into the lap top sound really good, surprisingly good in fact. I'm hoping the wee amp doesn't alter the balance. I dont have a lot of headphone experience but the 668b has really opened my eyes. I am thinking about auditioning some cans about the 2-3 hundred quid mark and see what, if anything Im missing.
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

Ok, my mistake Tony. Perhaps once the device is arrived and settled, you could cross-check the difference again please. Kit does seem to be so interdependent, hence my curiosity as to exactly what my daughter is about to experience.

Like so much of hifi the Law of Diminishing Returns applies, and if you are looking at a top budget of 300, you are into some fairly hefty performers, and opinions.
Instead of the 668B, at one point I was toying with the idea of the Pioneer SE-A1000, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pioneer-SE-A1000-Headphones-Stabilized-Free-Adjusting/dp/B001381SLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323695790&sr=8-1 (discontinued I believe) but even though they could be got for about 80 quid from Germany, opinions swung from sublime to awful..... With a 6m long cable, it was aimed at the video market I think, but dropped like the titanic in price from the $250 mark, which is unusual for a firm like Pioneer, unloke Citroen.
Still toying with buying a set here as it seems a bit of a bargain even if some tweaking is needed.

I settled on the Beyer Pro990s at about the 100 quid mark but was lucky as they were on sale and the exchange rate was favourable (bought locally).

[wee tee cee]

Bob,
Got the wee amp delivered.....plugged it in the usb, laptop loaded it up without having to faff with settings.Straight from cold it sounds good with the cans. Seems to be pretty uncoloured if you leave the bass boost alone. Left it on the low gain setting. Tried it with the 202s....not so hot.
As a combo they work really well. On initial impressions it would appear to improve on the laptop sonics on most levels.
The ability to increase the volume on some of my quieter recordings is great...I will have to be careful when listening pished, that I dont burst my ear drums.
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

Bob,
Got the wee amp delivered.....plugged it in the usb, laptop loaded it up without having to faff with settings.Straight from cold it sounds good with the cans. Seems to be pretty uncoloured if you leave the bass boost alone. Left it on the low gain setting. Tried it with the 202s....not so hot.
As a combo they work really well. On initial impressions it would appear to improve on the laptop sonics on most levels.
The ability to increase the volume on some of my quieter recordings is great...I will have to be careful when listening pished, that I dont burst my ear drums.
Tony.
:lolsign:
Keep the Irn-Bru handy in the fridge :cool: and put the E10 out of arms reach for the blootered moments....:doh:
I presume that if it sets up as plug and play that there are no Asio or Wasapi configurations automatically set. I'll need to look into that one later.

Current opinion seems to confirm that they both should improve after a few days of playing. It's not unknown for some to leave them running on a looped recording for a few days. Good at least they sound good, and improved over the E7. Enjoy Tony, enjoy.

[morris_minor]

As a confirmed Senny user I was curious about 668Bs and found this review (http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-hd668b/).

:wow: Is this for real? A $30 headphone with all these good characteristics? Should I bin my HD650s ?? :eek:

[bobbasrah]

As a confirmed Senny user I was curious about 668Bs and found this review (http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-hd668b/).

:wow: Is this for real? A $30 headphone with all these good characteristics? Should I bin my HD650s ?? :eek:

Not necessarily. I could swap a pair and pay the postage to help you out....:eyebrows:

[Maximum]

As a confirmed Senny user I was curious about 668Bs and found this review (http://www.headfonia.com/superlux-hd668b/).

:wow: Is this for real? A $30 headphone with all these good characteristics? Should I bin my HD650s ?? :eek:

You might just find you like either set at different times or with different music. They make a nice neutral alternative and leak/isolate a lot less than fully open cans. Personally they start to hurt my ears after a while as they sit over the edges. They also sound a slightly bit veiled compared to the 325is, but that might just because I'm used to them. For thirty quid they are worth it for the alternative presentation easily.

One thing puzzles me about that review, "All music are ripped to 320kbps MP3 from the original CDs.". Sure 320 mp3 can be great but if you have the cd's, then why compress for a listening test?

[morris_minor]

Not necessarily. I could swap a pair and pay the postage to help you out....:eyebrows:

Thanks :lol:

I might get a pair for my son to replace an ageing set of cheap sennys, and then, er, borrow them :rolleyes:.

[wee tee cee]

Well must admit the superlux 668b are excellent. The fiio e10 I'm less convinced with. My lap top sounds clearer, more punchy and has a better sound stage. Ye, the e10 goes pretty loud but it seems to soften the music and rob it of attack (not as badly as the e7). My son had a good listen to the set up last night, admittedly I was a bit worse for wear drink wise, but he came to the same conclusion as my self .The FIIO aint much cop.
I left it running today to try and run it in, but Im not too hopefull. Helpfully my son added "DAD, STOP BUYING THAT CHINESE SHITE".
I have very limited experience with head phone amps and listening to cans but can only say that a gatorised caiman I had for a while was the only dac/headamp that significantly Improved on what comes out my lap top and wee cowon player.
I think I will wait for the bushmaster to come out and invest in one.
Ill try the e10 as a spdif converter and compare it to my v-link, but I aint holding my breath (the colour purple doesn't suit me).
Tony.

[morris_minor]

Helpfully my son added "DAD, STOP BUYING THAT CHINESE SHITE".

:lolsign:

[wee tee cee]

I've E mailed temple audio, to ask what the possibility of them producing a usb dac/ head amp. They have a usb dac bantum and headphone amp bantum, so it cant be beyond the realms of possibilities. British built, reasonable money like the rest of their kit , asynchronous usb.....would undoubtedly be better than the Chinese crap that keeps getting rave reviews but in reality, is pish....
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

Tony, are you using Asio/Wasapi from your computer?
I cannot remember what OS and player you were using, but there should be a marked improvement over your onboard audio, not the other way round.

[wee tee cee]

Bob,
I'm just using I tunes.
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

I-tunes is out of my area of experience Tony, apart from fighting to recover one guy's mp3 library many moons ago.
On the XP machine I used mainly Foobar in the early days, which could play WAV, FLAC, ALAC, etc no problem with the various plugins, and the biggest quality improvement noted was setting the audio to Asio. The onboard audio was absolute crap by comparison to the cheap usb DAC, which makes me wonder whether your setup is needing tweaked.
It may be cheap and chinese, but the audio seems well regarded elsewhere.
Maybe someone conversant win I-Tunes can offer advice....

[bobbasrah]

Did you check in the Digital thread Tony, as there was a section which started off slagging I-tunes, defended it, then drifted into ripping problems.... Might be worth asking one of those guys or querying your observations there as it started of with the E10 and I-tunes...
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13998

[wee tee cee]

Bob,
I have been reading the thread. I tunes is spot on, as long as you rip everything lossless. I have been so impressed with the 668b I have ordered a MF M1 HPA (chopped in a naim 5i2 so it only cost me £125). I can also use it as a pre amp. Its got a usb/dac so I hit the ground running. I will wait till next month and purchase some serious cans.The e10 got rave reviews like the e7 ,I maybe expected too much.... you've got to trust YOUR ears.
Regards Tony.

[wee tee cee]

I placed an order on THOMAN last night for superlux 330/440/660 and some in ear phone ones. In addition a set of velour pads should be in the box to bling up my 668bs. Its my valentines present of course!!!!!!
I look forward to playing with them all and reporting back to the troops....

[bobbasrah]

I placed an order on THOMAN last night for superlux 330/440/660 and some in ear phone ones. In addition a set of velour pads should be in the box to bling up my 668bs. Its my valentines present of course!!!!!!
I look forward to playing with them all and reporting back to the troops....

Good god Tony, most give their better halves flowers or chocolates, but you give them muffs, earbuds and headphones.....:eek:
Wot a gent....:cool:

[wee tee cee]

Aye, I'm all heart.......

[wee tee cee]

Just received the superlux hd 440 and hd 660 along with the velvet pads for the 668b. Thomann had not sent anything so I had chased them up to be advised they were waiting for all of my order before sending it off. Fortunately they agreed to send what they had in stock and waive the additional postage cost.
The velvet pads are a bit of a faff to put on....much swearing and wielding of teaspoon ensued.
I have just played a couple of tunes on each can, they both sound lovely.
I will get some hours on them and let folks know how I get on.
Tony.

[wee tee cee]

The hd660s are the best sound I have heard out of a headphone.....my hd650s at nearly 10 x the money are struggling to be put back in the fray....my sons 17 year old ears validated my findings.
I am still waiting for the 330s....