Posted byBurson Audio Conductor -> HE560 / Alpha Dogs / FA4EXB4 years ago

THINGS TO KNOW
Understanding Impedance - Of course what I'm about say doesn't apply to every pair of headphones or earphones, but here it goes: One important thing to note when picking a set of cans or IEMs is whether they are high impedance or low impedance. Low impedance head-gear usually requires little to no amplification in order to reach it's full potential, while high impedance head gear requires more amplification or voltage in order to sound how it should. Low impedance head-gear usually ranges from about 10 - 80OHM; High Impedance head gear 250 - 600OHM. High impedance head-gear usually suffers from less sound distortion and static noise.
What's a DAC - A Digital to Audio Converter converts a digital bitstream to an analog signal. Can be a separate 'box' that connects between a CD Transport or CD Player and a pre-amplifier. Damping (Damping factor, etc.): Refers to the ability of an audio component to 'stop' after the signal ends. For example, if a drum is struck with a mallet, the sound will reach a peak level and then decay in a certain amount of time to no sound. An audio component that allows the decay to drag on too long has poor damping, and less definition than it should. An audio component that is overdamped does not allow the initial energy to reach the full peak and cuts the decay short. 'Boomy' or 'muddy' sound is often the result of underdamped systems. 'Dry' or 'lifeless' sound may be the result of an overdamped system. If you have a poor sound-card and need a DAC or a better one you will probably experience a bit of distortion, which may be audible even without anything playing.
What's an Amp - A device which increases signal level. Many types of amplifiers are used in audio systems. Amplifiers typically increase voltage, current or both.
Description of Soundstage - A listening term that refers to the placement of a stereo image in a fashion that replicates the original performance. A realistic soundstage has proportional width, depth and height.

Closed Vs. Open Headphones - Usually this refers to headphones exclusively. Closed headphones leak sound less and generally provide better isolation from external noises. Open headphones may go loud enough to cover up external noises but generally leak sound to anyone present in the room and generally do a poor job with sound isolation. Open headphones are generally lighter and are more 'lively' sounding with better soundstage. Closed headphones usually sport a greater bass impact, but obviously these generalities about sound vary greatly.

Portability - Usually this is a discussion involving headphones. Portable headphones are generally lighter, have lower impedance, and some of them fold up. Generally all IEMs (earphones) are portable given their small size, although some may benefit from amplification.

Supra-Aural (On-Ear Headphones) Vs. Circumaural (Over-Ear Headphones) - Circumaural headphones have ear pads that fit all the over the ear rather than resting on the ear. The results generally lead to added comfort and isolation, though there are some notable exceptions, and lately on-ear headphones have made large strides in both departments. Circumaural headphones also tend to sport wider soundstages and increased bass impact. Supra-Aural headphones are generally lighter, foldable, easier to drive, and thus more portable.

Earbuds Vs. IEMs - Earbuds sit very shallow in the ear (these are what come with iPods) whereas IEMs actually are meant to be inserted all the way into the ear. IEMs provide better isolation, generally better sound, and generally better comfort as well. They are mostly what are going to be recommended, although the Yuin PK3s are a notable exception.
[Glossary of Audio Terminology]
Headphone Storage Accesories
When Asking For Recommendations -keep in mind what has been presented in this section. Be specific, the more specific you are the better your recommendation will be..
Basic Recommendations:
*******ALL PRICES ARE BOUND TO FLUCTUATE WITH DEMAND*******

Lower Mid-Tier Earphones $200 and Under
MEElectronics Pinnacle P1
Ortofon E-Q5
Dunu DN-1000
Bowers & Wilkins C5
Final Audio Heaven IV
Audio Technica ATH-IM02
Audio-Technica ATH-CK9
Dunu Titan 5
Dunu Titan 3
Vsonic GR07
Dunu Titan 1
Sony XBA-40
GR07 Classic
Yamaha EPH-100SL
Alpha & Delta AD01
Final Audio Design Heaven II
Fischer Audio Tandem
JVC HA-FXT90
Audio Technica ATH-IM50
Final Audio Heaven Adagio III
Vsonic VSD5
Hifiman RE 400
Astrotec AX-35

Second Tier Headphones Under $250
Blue Lola
Fidelio X1
Beyerdynamic DT880
Beyerdynamic DT-250
ADL H118
Yamaha MT220
AKG K545
AKG Q701
V-Moda XS
Sennheiser HD 598
Audio-Technica ATH-WS99
Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9
M-Audio HDH50
AKG K553
Sennheiser HD 25
Beyerdynamic DT-1350
Sony MDR-MA900
Audio Technica ATH-900x
Audio Technica ATH-AD900x
Soundmagic HP200
Soundmagic HP150
Grado SR225e
Beyerdynamic DT990's Pro
Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro (80 OHM)
AKG K612 Pro
Audio Technica M50x
HiFiMan HE-300
Fostex T50RP-MK3
Beats Solo 2
Brainwavz HM5
SRH-840
Budget Earphones Under $60 - From Most Expensive To Least
Ostry KC06a
Soundmagic E80
T-Peos D300
Creative Aurvana Live 3
Fischer Audio Consonance
Fidue A65
Zero Audio Carbo Basso
Zero Audio Tenore
Vsonic GR06
Hisoundaudio PAA-1 (Earbuds)
Hifiman RE-300H
Bette 1+1
Vsonic VSD3S
Apple Earpods (Earbuds)
NarMoo S1
Xaomi Piston 3
Brainwavz Delta
Entry Audiophile Headphones Under $100 -From Most Expensive To Least
Alessandro MS1
Audio Technica ATH-AD700
Creative Aurvana Live
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-TAD500
Grado SR80e
M-Audio Q40
KRK KNS8400
Noontec Zoro II HD
Koss ProDJ200
NVX XPT100
Philips SHP9500
JVC HA-S680
Takstar HI 2050
Samson SR850
Sennheiser PX100
CAD MH310
JVC HA-S500
JVC HA-S400
Beyerdynamic DT 235
Superlux HD681 EVO
JVC HARX700
Koss PortaPro
Panasonic RP HTF600
Koss KSC75
Starter Combos (Amps+DACs) - From Most Expensive To Least
OPPO HA 2
Leckerton UHA-6S MKII
02+ODAC
Geek Out 1000
JDS Labs C5D
Arcam rPac
NFB 12.1
Sparrow
Hifiman EF2A
Aune T1
Sunrise Ray DA-P1
FiiO E17http://www.amazon.com/Fiio-E17-USB-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B0070UFMOW
Topping TP30
FiiO E10K
Fiio E07K
Schiit Fulla
Starter Amps - From Most Expensive To Least
Darkvoice 336
Travagan's Red
Qinpu A3
Schiit Asgard
Little Dot MKII
JDS LABS 02
Cayin C5
FiiO E9K
Bravo Audio Ocean
Superlux HA3D
EHP-O2 (Amp)
Linearossa W1
JDS LABS CmoyBB V 2.03
FiiO E11
Bravo Audio V2
FiiO E6
Starter DACs - From Most Expensive To Least
Audioengine D1
HRT Music Streamer II
E-DAC 24 Miniature USB
JDS ODAC
Schiit Loki
Centrance DACport Slim
NuForce Icon uDAC-3
UD110
DAC DESTROYER
HiFiMeDIY Sabre
Behringer UCA222
****NEWBIES STOP HERE FIRST****