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Quality of iMac speakers + best headphones?
- Thread starter Amnesiac1
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I was at apple store yesterday, playing with and falling in love with the 27" iMac. Opened up iTunes and started playing a song, not knowing that the volume was turned all the way up on the iMac.
Made everyone around the store look at my direction. The internal speakers are quite impressive !! I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I was very impressed with the iMac's speakers.
Made everyone around the store look at my direction. The internal speakers are quite impressive !! I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I was very impressed with the iMac's speakers.
I'm in a similar boat, replacing some Triplefi10 and Shure E4C earphones (both fell apart in a year or less).
How much cake are you looking to spend?
"Top quality" is going to vary based on the above.
Since you mentioned Beats (which I'd put at higher end for big box stores like Best Buy, but low end in the scheme of things), Bose (OE) and Klipsch (Image One) make headphones I've recently tried in the $150-$180 range.
I actually liked the sound from the Klipsch better than the more expensive Bose (bigger base, comparable mids/highs, better sound isolation with closed cups), but they were less comfortable.
Both have been returned, and I think I'm going for some Grado Rs2i ($500ish) or Rs1i ($700 ish) cans for music listening and studio work.
Same deal with the speakers...how much and what are you going to use them for?
IMO speakers and headphones are a tricky thing...a bit subjective and your success could be impacted by what you listen to and what you play them through (high end being less power efficient and needing an amp to power).
http://store.apple.com/us/product/H4751ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MjEzMDM4OTc&s=topRated
Anyone have reviews on these Palo Alto's?? I hear good things about these and pretty reasonably priced ($200)
Anyone have reviews on these Palo Alto's?? I hear good things about these and pretty reasonably priced ($200)
go with Sennheiser HD 598
I've started my own business selling headphones these days and so i've done a lot of research on this subject (by the way I'm getting them for my own shop soon so i'll be able to test them out)...
I would definitely go with HD 598. They look awesome and I've read very good reviews on them. With the HD 650 you would need an amp, but for HD 598s they're good without amps. And they're suitable for most types of music listening.
Plus, I've read that they've fixed the problem with the head band cracks.
Couple of caveats, they're open design so they're suited more towards using them indoors. And the supplied cables are long so you might want to purchase a shorter cable if you plan on using them away from your desktop.
I've started my own business selling headphones these days and so i've done a lot of research on this subject (by the way I'm getting them for my own shop soon so i'll be able to test them out)...
I would definitely go with HD 598. They look awesome and I've read very good reviews on them. With the HD 650 you would need an amp, but for HD 598s they're good without amps. And they're suitable for most types of music listening.
Plus, I've read that they've fixed the problem with the head band cracks.
Couple of caveats, they're open design so they're suited more towards using them indoors. And the supplied cables are long so you might want to purchase a shorter cable if you plan on using them away from your desktop.
I have the Sennheiser 555's, they are amazing headphones. On top of that, they are factory gimped and performing a very simple mod (removing a piece of foam) you can upgrade the 555 to the more expensive 595 model.
Thanks very much! I'll keep this in mind.
Chucky said:
I see. Why does 'open design' (could you elaborate on what that means?) = indoor listening?
Open headphones have open enclosures, this has both pros and cons though.
Open headphones offer larger soundstage and more crispness/clarity in their audio, because the sound can escape naturally, and doesn't bounce around inside the headphones. I explained soundstage in an earlier post on this thread. Open headphones also leak sound easier to those around you, and they let sound in easier, so they're better for quiet environments, such as home use. Open headhpones also usually have less bass compared to close headphones, but usually more crisp and tight. This doesn't mean they aren't open headphones out there with gobs of bass though (like my DT990 600Ω)
Closed are of course different, they generally offer less soundstage, clarity and crispness, more bass, better sound isolation from the outside.
The other thing about opens and indoor listening, is usually open headphones have a more natural fit, because your ears are allowed to breath, so them and the skin around won't get sweaty over time.
Open headphones offer larger soundstage and more crispness/clarity in their audio, because the sound can escape naturally, and doesn't bounce around inside the headphones. I explained soundstage in an earlier post on this thread. Open headphones also leak sound easier to those around you, and they let sound in easier, so they're better for quiet environments, such as home use. Open headhpones also usually have less bass compared to close headphones, but usually more crisp and tight. This doesn't mean they aren't open headphones out there with gobs of bass though (like my DT990 600Ω)
Closed are of course different, they generally offer less soundstage, clarity and crispness, more bass, better sound isolation from the outside.
The other thing about opens and indoor listening, is usually open headphones have a more natural fit, because your ears are allowed to breath, so them and the skin around won't get sweaty over time.
By any means I'm no expert at headphones but they come in 2 different designs, open and closed back. The two have pros and cons.
Most expensive headphones tend to be open back like the HD598.
I said to use them more for indoors because open back headphones tend to leak out sound so people around you might get annoyed. And open back offer less sound isolation so you might have to crank up the volume to drown out external noise.
More info at:
http://headphones.com.au/blog/open-vs-closed-headphones
Oh.. HD598 comes with a 6.3mm jack so you'll have to use the supplied 3.5mm adapter for your imac not that it matters but it adds to the size when you use it on your portable device. You can invest in shorter cable with 3.5mm jack (I heard the supplied cable is LONG)
good luck with your choice.
Most expensive headphones tend to be open back like the HD598.
I said to use them more for indoors because open back headphones tend to leak out sound so people around you might get annoyed. And open back offer less sound isolation so you might have to crank up the volume to drown out external noise.
More info at:
http://headphones.com.au/blog/open-vs-closed-headphones
Oh.. HD598 comes with a 6.3mm jack so you'll have to use the supplied 3.5mm adapter for your imac not that it matters but it adds to the size when you use it on your portable device. You can invest in shorter cable with 3.5mm jack (I heard the supplied cable is LONG)
good luck with your choice.
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As can been seen from previous posts, we all have our preferences. Some prefer open backs to the closed type because the latter can get "warm". Personally I am a fan of the Sennheiser HD 650, possibly because I've always been a hi-fi freak. The Senns obviously sound nice with my iMac, however, I'd never buy 'phones of this quality just to use with a computer as its sound can hardly be classed as top quality.
As the choice of 'phones is such a personal thing I would suggest going to a hi-fi store that specialises in such equipment and "try before you buy".
As the choice of 'phones is such a personal thing I would suggest going to a hi-fi store that specialises in such equipment and "try before you buy".
Please, PLEASE do NOT dismiss this fella's (lady's?) comment!!! I've made my living doing audio and video production over the past two plus decades...I LIVE in my headphones
I've been a Can Fan since chasing the dream speaker system came to an abrupt halt with the birth of my son about 8 years ago. I've done just about every brand and model mentioned in this thread...even got in to tube pre-amps for a couple years, rollin' Mullards and Telefunkens...chasin' the dragon! Since picking up the P5s about 6 months ago on the recommendation of someone else on line...I'm in BLISS! I also encourage TMRaven to give them a shot, especially if you have a chance to listen locally. Not that the DT990's are any slouch (Excellent Cans!)...but these B&Ws are phenomenal! $300, no preamp necessary...very efficient, so you'll have plenty of volume from the built in iMac Pre-Amp. The p5s are "Critical Listening" cans...not production HPs. I use the Sony 7509HD cans for production...but when I get home, with my cigar and a snifter....it's the P5s, no fatigue, I can listen ALL night!!! They're incredible.
Here's a link on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkin...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305215145&sr=1-1
I'm a HUGE B&W fan from a long time back...and own several sets from their Nautilus range, so I'm familiar with the "sound"...which brings me to my next recommendation....
B&Ws new MM-1 "Computer" speakers. Absolutely Mind Blowing for a pair of computer speakers (IE, small speakers that fit on a desk). I picked these up just after buying the P5s...Again, absolutely amazing...and a perfect match for ya and your new iMac
http://www.amazon.com/Bowers-Wilkin...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1305216528&sr=1-24
Take care, and Good Luck!
Jer
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I had the chance to audition the P5 at the local music store, hooked up to a Peachtree iDecco. They are very nice, and extremely comfortable for what they look like. At first I picked them up and thought, these look like bricks that squish your ears! Well for the couple of minutes that I had them on they felt very good. Very crlear, but a little light on the extended low bass and small on the soundstage for me.
If I had the money for them though, I'd totally use them as my portable cans.
Beyer is my staple for home use.
If I had the money for them though, I'd totally use them as my portable cans.
Beyer is my staple for home use.
Yes, I used them unmodded for months. But seriously, the mod is so incredibly easy there's no reason why you shouldn't do it if you end up getting these headphones.
http://www.google.com/search?q=sennheiser+555+mod
Buy the 598's, Amazing even without DAC/AMP
I purchased them a week ago and all I can say is they are absolutely mind blowing.
By the sounds of it you may not have listened to audiophile-level cans yet. These are high-end and will not disappoint you. A few notes about the sound quality (I listen mostly on my MBP with no amp, straight from the headphone jack):
- Excellent soundstage. Very few cans beat the soundstage on these, the AKG 701 was mentioned, this is very close to those and IMHO is much much wider. Although the AKG 701 has its perks.
- Some of the best mids I have EVER heard (which pretty much means songs that aren't particularly bass heavy are practically god-like in sound quality on these).
- Comfort is so good you forget their on your head sometimes. Seriously, its like they're made of air. Comfort is easily a 10/10. Ultra light, padding is over an inch thick and very soft. Ear cushions are velour and very plush.
The only complaint I could possibly see someone making about these is that the bass is not overly powerful. It can be, but for the most part its considered "neutral" (which basically means for most that its just right). To me, its by no means weak... but some people out there like it head-throbbing and these definitely don't do that (if you added an amp they more than likely would though).
I bought mine for $240 CAD (if your in the states you can probably get them for under $200 US). Buy them, you will not regret it. Think about the comfort and sound quality your getting in one package.
Plus, its Sennheiser. Legendary brand. 2 years warranty.
I purchased them a week ago and all I can say is they are absolutely mind blowing.
By the sounds of it you may not have listened to audiophile-level cans yet. These are high-end and will not disappoint you. A few notes about the sound quality (I listen mostly on my MBP with no amp, straight from the headphone jack):
- Excellent soundstage. Very few cans beat the soundstage on these, the AKG 701 was mentioned, this is very close to those and IMHO is much much wider. Although the AKG 701 has its perks.
- Some of the best mids I have EVER heard (which pretty much means songs that aren't particularly bass heavy are practically god-like in sound quality on these).
- Comfort is so good you forget their on your head sometimes. Seriously, its like they're made of air. Comfort is easily a 10/10. Ultra light, padding is over an inch thick and very soft. Ear cushions are velour and very plush.
The only complaint I could possibly see someone making about these is that the bass is not overly powerful. It can be, but for the most part its considered "neutral" (which basically means for most that its just right). To me, its by no means weak... but some people out there like it head-throbbing and these definitely don't do that (if you added an amp they more than likely would though).
I bought mine for $240 CAD (if your in the states you can probably get them for under $200 US). Buy them, you will not regret it. Think about the comfort and sound quality your getting in one package.
Plus, its Sennheiser. Legendary brand. 2 years warranty.
I use one of these...
http://www.astrogaming.co.uk/mixamp/mixamp-usb
I has an optical in that you can connect to your iMac it then encodes the 5.1 signal into Dolby Headphone which emulates surround sound in headphones and it is amazing that you can get awesome surround sounds out of a pair of stereo headphones!
http://www.astrogaming.co.uk/mixamp/mixamp-usb
I has an optical in that you can connect to your iMac it then encodes the 5.1 signal into Dolby Headphone which emulates surround sound in headphones and it is amazing that you can get awesome surround sounds out of a pair of stereo headphones!
The B&W cans are best when "on the go". They just work and sound best when there's a bit of noise to cancel out as well. For the money you can get much better dedicated headphones for inside use with an imac...that said I think they're some sexy headphones and I love them