Post your headphones

[Scepticalscribe]

Do you find the new wireless P5's (which I believe you have) to be any different to the old P5's? I read somewhere (can't remember where) that they weren't as good, although I cannot imagine why?

I never used them as "wireless" headphones, - they are used 'wired' - and, when I bought them, had asked how to disable the 'wireless' function.

Once I had managed to do that, they were perfectly fine.

Actually, I bought them as a replacement for my very first pair of P5s which had a very frayed cable (and were seven years old, a wonderful set of headphones where, a few years earlier, I had had to have the drivers in the headphone speakers replaced - B&W did that), leaving me with my other pair (I have always had two P5s, I love them so much) the "Maserati" model of the P5s.

 

[D.T.]

These are, yes, the reference in their price bracket and sound very good indeed.

BTW, I swapped out the ear cushions for some aftermarket and they made them a good bit more comfy (and they're pretty comfortable to begin with), the product I used didn't compromise the bass or isolation.

Main Rig

Massdrop CTH

How's that Massdrop Cavalli amp?

 

[aakshey]

BTW, I swapped out the ear cushions for some aftermarket and they made them a good bit more comfy (and they're pretty comfortable to begin with), the product I used didn't compromise the bass or isolation.




How's that Massdrop Cavalli amp?

It’s good. Not very tubey though. Especially with the stock tube. Ember is more musical and I prefer Ember instead.

 

[tyusrex]

Not sure if these have been posted here. The Koss KPH30i. $30 retail but often discounted on massdrop.

They're an update over the very sweet sounding Koss ktxpro1, a very sweet sounding pair of headphones with an embarrassingly cheap, flexy and creaky headband lol.

Honestly, if you can put up with a ridiculously cheap and occasionally noisy headband, the value equation of the ktxpro1's is unequaled.

I pair both with the very light and small Fiio E6. It's ridiculous how well this tiny amp works. This little powerhouse does an amazing job of pumping out very clean, prominent but not exaggerated bass. Listening to music without the amp is just so dull in comparison. It's like someone deflated all of the party balloons! The bass turns flabby and anemic, the energy of the music is just drained.

I think it's been relabeled and redesigned as the Fiio A1. $30 I think?

I'm curious about how the Senn HD6xx sounds. But currently, I'm very happy with my budget setup!

 

[D.T.]

It’s good. Not very tubey though. Especially with the stock tube. Ember is more musical and I prefer Ember instead.

Yeah, hybrids are really SS + <a_little_tubiness>

The <> being pretty variable, but not a really a ton vs. a pure tube setup.

To the thread, found this as a source for what I understand are fantastic cables, _and_for a reasonably price:

https://periaptcables.com/

Looking at their Type IV (Senn 600 series) to 4-pin XLR (balanced).

 

[D.T.]

BTW, I will probably sell my DT880s when I get - or maybe before - my HD-6XXs, they're mint, all packaging, Premium model (softer pads, less clamping), limited edition with chrome earcup surrounds.

 

[Mileham]

I have a 2010 MacPro and would love to use quality headphones with it, but I'm not sure where to start. Goal is to listen to existing .wav/.aiff files as well as newer hi-res files, but I'm entirely new to 'hi-fi' audio on Macs. Let's say I went with the Bowers and Wilkins P9 model. Looks like a standard 3.5 headphone port. Should I use these with an adapter to Toslink (optical out) for better sound? USB DAC in between? PCIe sound card? Like I said, I'm new :-D

 

[S.B.G]

I have a 2010 MacPro and would love to use quality headphones with it, but I'm not sure where to start. Goal is to listen to existing .wav/.aiff files as well as newer hi-res files, but I'm entirely new to 'hi-fi' audio on Macs. Let's say I went with the Bowers and Wilkins P9 model. Looks like a standard 3.5 headphone port. Should I use these with an adapter to Toslink (optical out) for better sound? USB DAC in between? PCIe sound card? Like I said, I'm new :-D

What is your budget for headphones? What about a headphone amp and DAC? Do you have a budget for those?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

What is your budget for headphones? What about a headphone amp and DAC? Do you have a budget for those?

I'm a big fan of anything by Bowers & Wilkins, (I have had the P3s, P5s - several pairs, these are the headphones I use when travelling which I do a lot - and the P7s which are excellent) but I would recommend that @Mileham try them out first before making a purchase to decide whether they meet with his approval and needs.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I have a 2010 MacPro and would love to use quality headphones with it, but I'm not sure where to start. Goal is to listen to existing .wav/.aiff files as well as newer hi-res files, but I'm entirely new to 'hi-fi' audio on Macs. Let's say I went with the Bowers and Wilkins P9 model. Looks like a standard 3.5 headphone port. Should I use these with an adapter to Toslink (optical out) for better sound? USB DAC in between? PCIe sound card? Like I said, I'm new :-D

I have the P9’s. they now come with their own DAC and amplifier.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have the P9’s. they now come with their own DAC and amplifier.

Thanks for clarifying this, @Dave Meadows; I know you share my not inconsiderable liking for the B&W range, but, as I had given my P7s to my sister-in-law ages ago to record classes, - she is a teacher - I couldn't say what they came with.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Thanks for clarifying this, @Dave Meadows; I know you share my not inconsiderable liking for the B&W range, but, as I had given my P7s to my sister-in-law ages ago to record classes, - she is a teacher - I couldn't say what they came with.

It's the P9's that the DAC come with, not the P7's. I know we share the same liking for B&W products (I have the P5's, P9's, C5's and the series 6 speakers (sold my P7's (to upgrade to the P9's)). I cannot recommend the P9's enough. They are the best headphones that I have ever owned. I also own a pair of Sennhieser HD600's. These were introduced in the late 60's (I believe) and are still produced today. I'd say the B&W P9's are the best of the lot. Expensive yes, but if you can afford them they are a worthy investment. Don't forget that you can always buy and try and if not satisfied can always return.

 

[Mileham]

What is your budget for headphones? What about a headphone amp and DAC? Do you have a budget for those?

Yes I'd like to spend $500 (US) or less, total. So the P9s are beyond that it seems. I'm not certain if a headphone amp and DAC are combined in one unit.

 

[S.B.G]

Yes I'd like to spend $500 (US) or less, total. So the P9s are beyond that it seems. I'm not certain if a headphone amp and DAC are combined in one unit.

The P9's are rather expensive after looking them up. You might consider the Sennheiser 600. I have the 650's and they're very nice. Some people and reviews put the 600's above their newer brother the 650 as sounding better overall. For the price you can't go wrong. I also have the Sony MDRV6 headphones which are very reasonably priced and sound very good as well - when hooked up to a quality amp and DAC. If you go for the Sennheiser's or any high ohm set of cans you will need an amp and DAC to power it properly. In fact, after going down this road and asking the same questions myself very recently, I highly recommend an amp and DAC - highly recommend.

If you're in the United States, I was pointed in the direction of Schiit Audio for headphone amps and DAC. The models I bought from them are amazing and I am very happy with them.

I went with the Magni 3 amp for $99 and the Modi Multibit DAC for $250. You could also go for the Modi 2 for $99 if price is a factor for you. Don't forget you'll need to buy a few cables to hook everything up, but the cost is minimal.

At first I just bought the amp and used that and used the Mac mini as the DAC and the performance was still wanting. Then I bought the DAC and added that to the chain and it made a HUGE difference in power, quality and overall sound.

If you want to read some reviews on the Schiit and other amps and DAC's check out The Master Switch website. I also found Headphone.com to be a good source of information, comparisons and reviews and you can leverage them, and other sites, to help you make an informed decision.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The P9's are rather expensive after looking them up. You might consider the Sennheiser 600. I have the 650's and they're very nice. Some people and reviews put the 600's above their newer brother the 650 as sounding better overall. For the price you can't go wrong. I also have the Sony MDRV6 headphones which are very reasonably priced and sound very good as well - when hooked up to a quality amp and DAC. If you go for the Sennheiser's or any high ohm set of cans you will need an amp and DAC to power it properly. In fact, after going down this road and asking the same questions myself very recently, I highly recommend an amp and DAC - highly recommend.

If you're in the United States, I was pointed in the direction of Schiit Audio for headphone amps and DAC. The models I bought from them are amazing and I am very happy with them.

I went with the Magni 3 amp for $99 and the Modi Multibit DAC for $250. You could also go for the Modi 2 for $99 if price is a factor for you. Don't forget you'll need to buy a few cables to hook everything up, but the cost is minimal.

At first I just bought the amp and used that and used the Mac mini as the DAC and the performance was still wanting. Then I bought the DAC and added that to the chain and it made a HUGE difference in power, quality and overall sound.

If you want to read some reviews on the Schiit and other amps and DAC's check out The Master Switch website. I also found Headphone.com to be a good source of information, comparisons and reviews and you can leverage them, and other sites, to help you make an informed decision.

Great post.

As I don't have the P9s, - @Dave Meadows is the expert on the P9s - I cannot write with any authority on the matter, but the build quality, (genuine leather for example, - and metal, - on the P5s, P7s and P9s), audio quality, comfort, and sheer aesthetic style of the rest of the B&W range that I do have are absolutely superlative and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

 

[Mileham]

The P9's are rather expensive after looking them up. You might consider the Sennheiser 600. I have the 650's and they're very nice. Some people and reviews put the 600's above their newer brother the 650 as sounding better overall. For the price you can't go wrong. I also have the Sony MDRV6 headphones which are very reasonably priced and sound very good as well - when hooked up to a quality amp and DAC. If you go for the Sennheiser's or any high ohm set of cans you will need an amp and DAC to power it properly. In fact, after going down this road and asking the same questions myself very recently, I highly recommend an amp and DAC - highly recommend.

If you're in the United States, I was pointed in the direction of Schiit Audio for headphone amps and DAC. The models I bought from them are amazing and I am very happy with them.

I went with the Magni 3 amp for $99 and the Modi Multibit DAC for $250. You could also go for the Modi 2 for $99 if price is a factor for you. Don't forget you'll need to buy a few cables to hook everything up, but the cost is minimal.

At first I just bought the amp and used that and used the Mac mini as the DAC and the performance was still wanting. Then I bought the DAC and added that to the chain and it made a HUGE difference in power, quality and overall sound.

If you want to read some reviews on the Schiit and other amps and DAC's check out The Master Switch website. I also found Headphone.com to be a good source of information, comparisons and reviews and you can leverage them, and other sites, to help you make an informed decision.

Thanks very much! I did order a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS to put my desktop speakers through. As for headphones, I will research Sennheisers and Schiit Audio since I'm in the US.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I have the Shure 535 IEM’s and absolutely love them. They fit very comfortably in ear with wires over the ears. Initially, they came with a plug in wire. But then more recently they came out with a Bluetooth wire which I purchased. Really like the freedom from not being attached.

The IEM’s are incredible - crisp and distinct voices and all around great music - good bass but not overbearing. I have tried a few other wireless and wired earbuds but nothing comes close to these for all around listening pleasure.

Well I guess I didn’t catch the “headphones” in the title. Ignore this post.

 

[S.B.G]

Thanks very much! I did order a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS to put my desktop speakers through. As for headphones, I will research Sennheisers and Schiit Audio since I'm in the US.

Once you get the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS be sure to press both buttons simultaneously to switch it to USB 2.0 mode to increase it to a 24-bit/192kHz music stream for better audio.

Though at 150 mW of power, it won't power anything of the high ohm headphones like the Sennheisers. You'll need a lower ohm set of cans.

The B&W P7 wired headphones at 22 ohms would work well with the DAC you purchased.

 

[Mileham]

Once you get the Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS be sure to press both buttons simultaneously to switch it to USB 2.0 mode to increase it to a 24-bit/192kHz music stream for better audio.

Though at 150 mW of power, it won't power anything of the high ohm headphones like the Sennheisers. You'll need a lower ohm set of cans.

The B&W P7 wired headphones at 22 ohms would work well with the DAC you purchased.

Thanks; I will do that.

I see B&W P5 that are wired on Amazon.com. I don't see the P7 wired version there, but I'll look elsewhere. Thanks again.

 

[Sackofnickels]

Grado all the way. Handmade in Brooklyn NY. Nothing better in my opinion.

 

[S.B.G]

Thanks; I will do that.

I see B&W P5 that are wired on Amazon.com. I don't see the P7 wired version there, but I'll look elsewhere. Thanks again.

Wired Bowers & Wilkens P7. There is a box to the right of the photo that lets you choose wired or wireless options.

 

[Mileham]

Wired Bowers & Wilkens P7. There is a box to the right of the photo that lets you choose wired or wireless options.

Ah, I missed that
Thanks for the link!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ah, I missed that
Thanks for the link!

These are an excellent pair of headphones; their build quality and audio are superb, and they look terrific.

Moreover, they are portable, (they can be folded), too, but I tend not to use them for travel as I find them rather large, and instead, bring my P5s with me when on the move.

 

[D.T.]

OMG! It's on deck again, and it's only been a month. I know on several headphone/audio groups, we've been sort of rallying people to register and request, but I didn't think it would happen this quickly. OK, this time I am not missing out.
View attachment 770409

So I did get in on the drop, it was 14 days or so, but it ended about 2/3rds of the way through, lots of people getting in on it (it's either X number of participants or Y days).

So on 07/25 the transaction processed, I got this message:

Congrats on picking up the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones! You and 1448 other members made this drop a success.


We expect your order to ship by Mon Sep 24 2018. While you wait for it to arrive, get to know everyone in the group by joining the discussion.

Note the ship date, Sept 24th, that's typical with these drops, in fact, the last few have been even a little late - but this afternoon I get this!

Good news! We’re excited to announce that your Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones have arrived at our warehouse and we’ll be shipping them out early. We now estimate that the headphones will ship by the end of next week (August 10).

If you need to change your delivery address, please contact community support through your transactions page (https://www.massdrop.com/transactions) by Sunday, August 5th at 5pm PT.

We’re looking forward to you receiving the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones!

About **45** days EARLY! WOO!

 

[S.B.G]

About **45** days EARLY! WOO!

Nice! You can't beat that with a stick.