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New headphones
#412542 06/07/15 03:27 PM
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I currently have a pair of SMS50 Street but they were very fragile and I have been through two of them in the past 2 years and now that the second one has broken, I conclude that they are overpriced junk. The connector to plug in the 3.5mm cord is temperamental and doesn't connect properly any more. And they are impossible to fix.. ive tried.

So I need a new set of headphones. Something that is going to last me a bit longer. I have thought of just loosing the cable and going bluetooth but not sure it that is the solution. I want is for light listening to music and audiobooks. I would like some sound isolation or noise cancelling as I will use these when flying.


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Re: New headphones
MMM #412543 06/07/15 08:01 PM
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Ath-m50 great quality, comfortable, accurate, fair priced. Very popular and easy to buy online or most music instrument stores. Long Mcquade etc.

Re: New headphones
MMM #412546 06/08/15 12:13 AM
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I guess as they are discontinued, the replacement ATH-M50x would be similar?

Would I also need to get some form of additional portable amp to run them reasonably?

Last edited by oakvillematt; 06/08/15 12:13 AM.

Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
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Re: New headphones
MMM #412547 06/08/15 12:38 AM
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Not sure about the new x version. Didnt realise they were discontinued. I would still try to get a pair of the old version at a local music store. $179.99 I think I paid 2 years ago at Axe music back in Calgary. I think the x version improves on the creature comforts like a detatchable cable and optional colors. Same sound afaik. Maybe Ken would know? Hes a fan too.

Re: New headphones
MMM #412574 06/09/15 12:45 AM
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I got a pair of NAD Viso HP50s at my favorite audio store. Slapped a 5 year warranty on them.

Re: New headphones
MMM #412615 06/10/15 01:14 AM
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Lets ask the question. I have read up about the ATH-M50x and it gets great reviews. For about 1/2 the price you can get the younger sibling ATH-M40x that is from what I have read in the reviews about 80% as good but just not quite the bass response of the big brother.

I am wondering along the lines of diminishing returns, is the ATH-M50x still the one to get at around the $220 mark.. it's quite a bill to pay for a headphone. Can you get something decent for the $100-120 mark? Has anyone tried the ATH-M40x?


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: New headphones
MMM #412686 06/11/15 07:02 PM
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Matt,

Why aren't you looking at Grado phones? Like Axiom speakers, Grado headphones are very neutral and natural-sounding, and they've been consistent for decades.

The Grado SR80e is about $80 in the US, and has had excellent reviews for years. I've used the SR125 for a long time.

I might remind you that, like loudspeakers, there is little correlation with sound quality and price. Fit is important, of course, so if the phones aren't comfortable, there's no point getting them.

Also amazing are the little Koss PortaPro's, which fold up and are extremely lightweight and comfy. Very neutral and linear sound quality, with slightly overemphasized bass. I have not heard recent models, but they're even less costly now than in decades past. They used to be $50 when they were introduced, and now they're half that.

Regards,
Alan


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Re: New headphones
MMM #412757 06/13/15 05:45 PM
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Neither Grado nor the Koss provide any isolation for the user. I have to agree they both are great for the money, I have the SR60's and the Porta Pros.

I would recommend a model from Etymotic Research. I had the HF5 and currently use the ER4's. The HF5's are within your price range and sound amazing.

http://www.etymotic.com/


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: New headphones
Wid #412818 06/15/15 06:52 PM
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Hi Wid,
Thanks for catching my dumb error. And yes, you are entirely correct: the Koss PortaPros and Grados provide no noise isolation. When I reread the original question, I realized my mistake (after I'd posted, duh).
In any event, Audio Technica has several models of ear buds with active noise-reduction that you can switch on or off, and both are under $100 with quite smooth, neutral sound. I've been using a pair for some years. It's important to get proper fitting nipples that are sized for your ear canals.

I have not heard recent Etymotics, but the ones I reviewed some years ago were rather shy on low bass, plus they were not supplied with a range of adaptors for different-sized ear canals.

Regards,
Alan


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Re: New headphones
MMM #412819 06/15/15 06:52 PM
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I prefer my Shures to my Etys. But the Shures were of course a bit more expensive.


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