What headphones is it reasonable to upgrade to?

[Beginner Macro Device]

I got Audio-Technica M20x headphones and Realtek ALC897 as my main audio chipset. I'm not really unhappy with the way it works for me, yet my previous headphones (Molecula H-522) did sound a tad better.

I use these to listen to music (mostly DnB, trance, pop, and gangsta rap) and to play video games (dialogues matter most, not a competitive gamer so I don't mind missing on footsteps).

What I want to be better:
• Higher frequencies. Seems that my headphones miss a good half of what's going on.
• Less noise.
• Bigger size. I "won" the genetic lottery and grew up to be a 6'2" (189 cm) semi-Gulliver with a respectable head and ear size. Headphone manufacturers still seem to instruct their engineers as if only midgets do exist. Same issue with PT and shoes >.<

I'm in no rush, nor am I willing to buy an additional amplifier, discrete audio card or whatnot. I just want the best headphones that's reasonable to buy considering my other hardware. I don't care if they are wired. Budget is TBD, yet I don't really like the idea of spending over four Benjies.

The most likely places for me to shop:
www.dns-shop.ru
www.ozon.ru
www.citilink.ru
$1 is about 90 to 95 ₽ so just divide by 100. 40 thousand rubles is my theoretical maximum.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ferather]

I can't comment on headphones, I am not able to use them for long periods and instead use speakers. I will say for the Realtek, you want an ALC 12XX for a desktop product.
As far as I remember the later released Realtek USB versions where-are still an ALC 12XX but without the HDA bus (instead USB 2.0 based).

Based on the latter information, I would suspect the ALC897 to be worse, and you should consider 12XX as the minimum.

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You might want to consider a good grade 'digital input' external DAC, if you have optical out you can use that, or USB if it supports it.

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There are also potential options when it comes to a Realtek driver with additional PCM processing.

 

[Beginner Macro Device]

Based on the latter information, I would suspect the ALC897 to be worse, and you should consider 12XX as the minimum.

I got this in my secondary PC so this is irrelevant. Buying a new audio chipset (with or without swapping the motherboard) is totally uwnanted.

Let's focus on headphones.

 

[Lew Zealand]

I find headphones to be a very personal choice and music-dependent, which is why once upon a time I bought like 6 pair. Still have 'em but no new purchases in about 10 years now. However a have a bit to contribute:

I got Audio-Technica M20x headphones and Realtek ALC897 as my main audio chipset. I'm not really unhappy with the way it works for me, yet my previous headphones (Molecula H-522) did sound a tad better.

I have cheap-grade Realtek 897 in most of my Mobos and it sucks. I mean it's fine for general audio but really even my 10 year old Dragonfly Black is noticeably better. Couple it with a cheap but decent headphone amp and the sound is considerably better, especially for 60+ Ohm cans. But even straight from the DFBlack, my HiFiman 400S are wayyy better than the 897.

I use these to listen to music (mostly DnB, trance, pop, and gangsta rap) and to play video games (dialogues matter most, not a competitive gamer so I don't mind missing on footsteps).

What I want to be better:
• Higher frequencies. Seems that my headphones miss a good half of what's going on.
• Less noise.
• Bigger size. I "won" the genetic lottery and grew up to be a 6'2" (189 cm) semi-Gulliver with a respectable head and ear size. Headphone manufacturers still seem to instruct their engineers as if only midgets do exist. Same issue with PT and shoes >.<

It's no better for us tiny-headed people. My Philips SU9500s are just barely too big at the smallest setting but are close enough as they are quite comfortable, especially for such a cheap 'phone. The HiFiMan adjustments are better accommodating for the pea-brained among us but heavy 'phones are a no-no. These planar-mags are as heavy as I want to go.

I'm in no rush, nor am I willing to buy an additional amplifier, discrete audio card or whatnot. I just want the best headphones that's reasonable to buy considering my other hardware. I don't care if they are wired. Budget is TBD, yet I don't really like the idea of spending over four Benjies.

The most likely places for me to shop:
www.dns-shop.ru
www.ozon.ru
www.citilink.ru


Thanks in advance.

I hope you get some good recs but a new DAC to replace the ALC897 is a great first step.

 

[Zazigalka]

start with a better audio card/dac. the difference between alc8xx I had on my old mobo and alc1200 I have now is very clear, like going from 128kbps to 320kbps mp3/flac. If that's for headphones only, I suggest a dac. if you want to upgrade headphones, open design works fantastically for game ambient/ost. just make sure the DAC adds a proper kick to the bass, otherwise open headphones will lack a little if you like DnB/rap. the key is finding a proper balance between what the headset/dac will sound like paired together. I have a pair of open ear headphones that sound great for live instruments/percussion/ambient/dialogue but lack depth in bass, so while looking for a DAC, I focused on finding one that adds warmth and depth to low frequencies and has a bass boost switch so I can disable it when I feel like it gets too overpowering.

 

[Ferather]

Noted, posts about headphones only. No problem.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Honestly headphones are too personal a choice for me to recommend it would almost be like recommending a mattress.

I think the best thing to do is settle on 3-4 well reviewed units and try them all out..... I usually purchase 2-3 sets and just keep the ones I want.

 

[Beginner Macro Device]

I literally can't tell any difference between ALC897 and better DACs with my current headphones but I can tell one headphones from others using my ALC897. It is NOT as bad as you're tryna make me think it is.

After testing I came to a conclusion that my current bottleneck is headphones. So PLEASE stop throwing advices like "you need a better sound card."

And I get it they're personal but perhaps you can tell me what you were satisfied with..?

 

[Lew Zealand]

OK you want a focus on 'phones, I'll just go with tech first. I have only seen a big difference in sound quality 2 times: First, going from light Sony phones from the '80s to Grado SR60s about a quarter century ago. But everything has caught up and surpassed those.

So:

The second time was going from regular Dynamic phones to Planar Magnetic ones when I got my HiFiMan 400S. That was a real difference in small dynamics and immediacy. I suck at these audio description terms but they just seemed to "get out of the way." At least try a pair of Planar Mags if you can, IMO you're missing out if you don't.

 

[Beginner Macro Device]

Planar Mags

Sundara seems to be what I'm gonna test first. Thanks for the direction.

 

[unwind-protect]

In the $400 range I like the Austrian Audio Hi-X60 the best. But as people said it is a very personal thing.

ETA: I don't quite like the planars I have, Audeze LCD-XC. Too linear.

 

[Beginner Macro Device]

ETA: I don't quite like the planars I have, Audeze LCD-XC. Too linear.

And I never used anything planar before so I'm gonna take a glance. Never hurts to know things, y'know.

Oh by the way, I'm not a native English speaker, nor am a sound expert so can you elaborate on "too linear?" What does that mean?

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I prefer planar magnetic over dynamic drivers as well.

 

[unwind-protect]

Oh by the way, I'm not a native English speaker, nor am a sound expert so can you elaborate on "too linear?" What does that mean?

Linear means very even frequency response, in theory a good thing. But sometimes it can be lifeless. I prefer headphones with a strong upper bass such as the Denon AH-D7000.

 

[Onasi]

If you want a very safe, no-brainer option for reasonable money that can be driven off basically whatever and has easily replaced earpads and cable (something I feel is important for longevity) I would recommend the Sennheiser HD560S. It’s detailed and well tuned, fairly neutral, has good mids and very, very comfortable for everyday use.
Anything more specific will depend on personal taste, the HD560S is just an overall solid performer in every category and something that I can safely point out to just about anyone.

 

[Beginner Macro Device]

Linear means very even frequency response, in theory a good thing. But sometimes it can be lifeless. I prefer headphones with a strong upper bass such as the Denon AH-D7000.

Can it be worked around with an equaliser or something?

If you want a very safe, no-brainer option...

Legit but I rather want a spectrum of opinions and options so I test a lot of hardware upcoming autumn/winter and then place my final bet. Once again, I am not in a hurry.

 

[unwind-protect]

Can it be worked around with an equaliser or something?

That can have other drawbacks, such as phase problems.

I also want to be free to move my headphones between places and devices. Some have EQ capability, some do not.

But yes, one reason why I didn't sell the LCD-XC yet is that I want to give it a real try with EQ.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

That can have other drawbacks, such as phase problems.

I also want to be free to move my headphones between places and devices. Some have EQ capability, some do not.

But yes, one reason why I didn't sell the LCD-XC yet is that I want to give it a real try with EQ.

I always find it interesting that sets like that can get a glowing review on how awesome they are all the way down to it sounds pretty flat..... Why I think people need to test headsets out to decide what's best for them.

Not an audiophile but my understanding is that particular set requires EQ to perform it's best.

 

[Double-Click]

Stick to lower impedance models since you don't want an amp.
I would still recommend a DAC, you don't need to spend a lot on one and it will clean up your audio much better than onboard will.

If you want a ton of (clear) bass check out the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80ohms.
While they still benefit from an amp it's not a requirement for them.

The 32 ohm variant is also a good option, it's more balanced but I don't know if I'd say the highs are any better on it vs the 80.
You'd need to go for the 250s for that, but those need to be amped.

I like to recommend these because they tend to be cheaper than other brands of similar quality (it's an older/established studio staple).
I've seen all 3x models dip below $120 on sale at one point or another (which is just nuts).

 

[Beginner Macro Device]

If you want a ton of (clear) bass

In case I want a ton of bass I start speaking out loud. xD

But thanks. Will try these, too.

 

[unwind-protect]

Not an audiophile but my understanding is that particular set requires EQ to perform it's best.

Well, there is sonarworks. It is a software EQ that has curves for many popular headphone models.

But not to make them linear. To make their frequency response curve similar to a reference curve by Harman, which supposedly comes out of market research about preferred sound. I won't have any part of that, what do I care what some random people prefer? In any case, if the preferred curve is not linear, what do the mixing and mastering engineers for the bands do all day long? I rather trust the engineers. I worked in market research.

In any case, such software isn't for me since as I mentioned I move my headphones around and don't just listen at one computer. They also lack a Linux version (it probably works in Wine, though).