Board 8 > My new headphone setup is going to cost around $1100

(+) Yeah! (+)

Valid point! Also for a vocal counterpoint, they work brilliantly for Florence Welch's voice. I'm listening to Seven Devils with them for the first time and I am hearing so many new awesome things and her voice seems pretty crystal clear. Are there any specific vocal types the headphones may or may not cooperate with?

--
Boomshine
~Justin_Crossing

From: WaIker | #101
Valid point! Also for a vocal counterpoint, they work brilliantly for Florence Welch's voice. I'm listening to Seven Devils with them for the first time and I am hearing so many new awesome things and her voice seems pretty crystal clear. Are there any specific vocal types the headphones may or may not cooperate with?

Just the mids in generally are not particularly clear. You're just getting a bump up in them because they're better than anything you've used before. When I talk about the vocals being poor, it's generally in comparison to headphones around the same price. The prevailing opinion is that you can get better sound at that price range altogether in some different sets, but other things like build quality and the like make the Stretch worth it.

In short, if you're happy, be happy, but if you ever decide to get addicted to headphones, then that's a great starting point.

--
Digi
White boards are remarkable.

From: DigitalIncision | #095
These are around-the-ears for most people, and they were my first "real" headphone purchase: the Creative Aurvana Live! http://www.amazon.com/Creative-EF0060-Aurvana-Live-Headphones/dp/B000ZJZ7OA?tag=duckduckgo-d-20 ... They've got very clear sound, pretty accurate, solid punch in the bass without it being muddy. Good soundstage for a closed set ... I also think they look great. They were recently on sale for $60 - which is $40 off, but not anymore. If you're interested, they might go back on sale again.

Then there's these: http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065&keywords=monitor+headphones&form=KEYWORD ... they don't look like much because those are the OEM version. A couple big brands - Fischer Audio and Brainwavz - re-brands these as their own (as the FA-003 and HM5, respectively) and sells them for 140+. Most people don't know they can get these for $70 shipped. At any rate, it's a very NEUTRAL sound. It's super accurate - they really are studio quality, but they'll point out flaws in your music and they are not bass-heavy, so if you're a bass-head, you'll find them lacking.

Or perhaps a Grado headphone ... these are considered by most to be the gateway to becoming an audiophile, but they are on-ear as opposed to over-ear. These are the SR80i http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-Series-Stereo-Headphone/dp/B000G3LCQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1339396150&sr=1-1 .. though if you want, the SR60i looks the same, they just don't sound as good, but they're cheaper and a safer buy to see if you like the Grado sound. These are definitely good though, especially for fast music.

...Here's just a couple more .. if you have any questions, or if none of these do it for you, let me know:

http://www.amazon.com/KRK-KNS6400-Studio-Headphones/dp/B004ARSMXQ?tag=duckduckgo-d-20
http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-DJ1-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B000GU77SC?tag=duckduckgo-d-20
http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-HFI-580-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101UHS8?tag=duckduckgo-d-20
holy s***. Way more than I could've asked for. My Sennheiser's are dieing from overuse so that's why I've gotta get a new set. I'll check all these out and make a decision.

--
We can't stop here. This is bat country.
Brace for the G's, and fast heel-toe work.

From: WaIker | #104
Yeah I'm absolutely happy with them. I should just keep an 'ignorance is bliss standpoint for them so I stay as happy with them!

As long as they're not Beats!

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

By DreTM

--
Boomshine
~Justin_Crossing

-gets sued-

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Just bought the IEMs (earbuds) of those Phillips O'Neil second-hand. Should be interesting.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Those aa2065 have my attention. How much better can I expect them to be over some senheisser hd 202 or 212?

edit - and compared to the earlier ear clips, e9s I think they were, how do they do?

--
The King Wang.
Listen up Urinal Cake. I already have something that tells me if I'm too drunk when I pee on it: My friends. - Colbert.

This topic makes me feel like a peasant for being more than satisfied by the sound coming from my laptop's speakers.

--
http://img.imgcake.com/cosplaygifer.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TORtanic

From: shadosneko | #410
Since you're such a headphone enthusiast, you must like to also clean your ears out, yes?

Ear cleaning tips, please?
Buy a ear drop cleaning thing at a drug store or walmart (if you must) or whatever.

--
Chrono1219

From: _Carlemagne_ | #112
From: shadosneko | #410
Since you're such a headphone enthusiast, you must like to also clean your ears out, yes?

Ear cleaning tips, please?
Buy a ear drop cleaning thing at a drug store or walmart (if you must) or whatever.

Usually that's just peroxide, fyi.

From: Kinglicious | #110
Those aa2065 have my attention. How much better can I expect them to be over some senheisser hd 202 or 212?

edit - and compared to the earlier ear clips, e9s I think they were, how do they do?

They're some of my new favorite headphones. They hold their own with much expensive pairs. The HM5 brainwavs re-brand is often compared to headphones in the $250 range. They have a bigger soundstage and are much, much more clear. The clarity is great and the sound is very neutral. They'll probably have more bass, but if you're expecting something really heavy in the bass, you'll be disappointed. That's the one caveat - the signal is totally neutral and will lead some bassheads to simply think the things lack power. That isn't to say it's devoid of it, but the 202 are sort of known for that "fun, bassy" sound at times and that's just not necessarily what those are "for." That doesn't mean to say that the Jaycars are boring, just that they're more built for making the music sound how it's intended to sound with no emphasis in any one area. They're also much larger.

The EW9 are great. They also are somewhat lacking in bass and they leak a little sound so the punchiness is lacking, but they do have a more fun-oriented sound like the HD202, with very good emphasis on vocals and treble. Strings sound great, but they are somewhat lacking when it comes to punchy rock or hip-hop. They're also much, much smaller than they might look. An alternative to these if you're not too set on the clip-on style are the ES7, which offer a similar sound with better fit, comfort, isolation and a bit more bass: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-ES7-Portable-Headphones-Black/dp/B000R0TPQ8?tag=duckduckgo-d-20 ... not as sexy though :]

EDIT: You'll see some poor reviews for the EW9, with most suggesting they're not worth the money. Keep in mind when these were released (back around 2003!), they were in the $350 range and I agree -they're not worth that. At their current price? I'm thinking about getting another pair.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Yeah I'm absolutely happy with them. I should just keep an 'ignorance is bliss standpoint for them so I stay as happy with them!

--
Boomshine
~Justin_Crossing

Let me know if you have any questions about specific sets on there and let me know with what you go with and what you think. Try and avoid buying used .. I actually like the second-hand market, but when you're in a discovery phase, best to make sure you've got warranties and the like.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

You are awesome. Truth is I don't know exactly how I feel about punchy bass or not, I don't know enough about this to even give a reasonable or appropriate opinion of what I want to hear. I bring up the 202s because it's what I have and do enjoy what I hear, but a lot of my music isn't needing heavy bass. Sure some do, but vocals are what I really love to hear along with strings and piano.

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The King Wang.
Listen up Urinal Cake. I already have something that tells me if I'm too drunk when I pee on it: My friends. - Colbert.

And got the aa2065. It's huge but I'll get to see what a pair of really high quality ones instead of my cheap but good ones can do

--
The King Wang.
Listen up Urinal Cake. I already have something that tells me if I'm too drunk when I pee on it: My friends. - Colbert.

From: Kinglicious | #115
And got the aa2065. It's huge but I'll get to see what a pair of really high quality ones instead of my cheap but good ones can do

There's a bit of burn-in for those. I'd put the full burn-in on them at around 25 hours. Burn in refers to the drivers loosening up and really getting going for the most part. In other words, the drivers in those will sound better over time. You'll actually probably notice a difference about four hours in, but right about 25 they'll sound like you've upgraded your headphones if you then compared them to a brand new pair. They don't sound bad out of the box, of course.

Some people buy headphones and then just straight-up burn them in for 20 hours straight with music at 70% volume and leave them sitting. You shouldn't need to do that, just giving you a heads up that they'll get better with time (there are some headphones that actually NEED burn in because they just sound terrible out of the box, but these aren't one of them). If vocals and strings/piano are your thing then I think you should LOVE these, really. Definitely let me know what you think.

Personally, I really like punchy bass but not heavy bass. It's hard to define what that really means, but the best way I can describe it is to say that I like it when I hear it but don't feel it. Bad bass is the kind that is made to rattle your brain. Punchy bass is the kind that is supposed to leave an impression on you. Just responding to what you said about bass and that there's a definite separation in "heavy bass" and "punchy bass." These can get punchy at times.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

that's good to hear! and i don't mind breaking them in, i've had shoes that do worse

--
"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.

I'm thinking of going with these: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-EF0060-Aurvana-Live-Headphones/dp/B000ZJZ7OA?tag=duckduckgo-d-20

They're the first choice after I looked at all of them. I also really liked the Ultrasone ones, the last link you provided (http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-HFI-580-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101UHS8?tag=duckduckgo-d-20) because they looked stylish, but is that really worth the extra $25?

If I expanded my price range a bit, how much does the quality/style improve? I don't want to be one of the kids walking around with phones that have flames on them but I do want them to look sharp when I have them around my neck and such.

--
We can't stop here. This is bat country.
Brace for the G's, and fast heel-toe work.

Hm ... well, you do get some other high quality cans once you get closer to $150 and $160, I could find some recs in that area as well.

The CAL!, like I said, was my first foray into quality headphones and I still use them to this day (I'm using them now), even though I own pairs that are superior. Thing about those are is the cord is relatively short, so if you're out and about that might be an issue. You might need an extension.

The 580 are excellent headphones. Objectively, they've got a better sound than the CAL!, but it is a different one. There's more bass, a very VERY detailed bass, with somewhat recessed vocals .. as in they're not at the forefront, but they do have a great sound and they're worth spending a bit more. Not quite as comfortable, but a longer cord. The pleather pads they come with are really stiff out of the box but they loosen up.

Here's another one that's a bit more expensive that is one of the most recommended headphones out there, the Audio Technica ATH-M50. http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U?tag=duckduckgo-d-20

As far as wanting style, there's nothing wrong with that. You're making an informed decision and style is just one of the factors, as it should be. For instance, take a look at these - the Sennheiser HD800. Widely considered to be one of the top headphones in the world ... I'd NEVER buy them. I think they look HIDEOUS. If they were objectively THE BEST, then I might consider it, but if there's options that are similar + look better, then ... hey, that's perfect. Ya know? http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD800-Over-Ear-Circum-Aural-Headphone/dp/B001OTZ8DA%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q%26tag%3Dduckduckgo-z-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB001OTZ8DA

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Oh man the Audio Technica set there looks awesome as hell, and I totally agree with you on the HD800s, they just don't look that sharp. Too flashy. That's my main problem with most of the Beats (by dretm) I see, those colors just don't look cool to me.

--
We can't stop here. This is bat country.
Brace for the G's, and fast heel-toe work.

From: ExThaNemesis | #120
Oh man the Audio Technica set there looks awesome as hell, and I totally agree with you on the HD800s, they just don't look that sharp. Too flashy. That's my main problem with most of the Beats (by dretm) I see, those colors just don't look cool to me.

I've seen the M50 recommended to hundreds of people and I've maybe seen four or five that weren't happy with it. It has a hugely deep bass, excellent everything else and is generally the go-to headphones in the price range. I can't recommend it enough if you can swing it.

Just for the record while we're on style, I wanted to show off the ones I'm getting next, the HE-400: http://www.amazon.com/HiFiMAN-HE-400-Planar-Efficiency-Headphones/dp/B007ZG32I4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1339461037&sr=1-2 ... I just think they look so sleek, and stylish while being slightly understated.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

convinced a friend to get the AA2065s. he's big on classical music, so from the sounds of it they'll be up his alley.

--
The King Wang.
Listen up Urinal Cake. I already have something that tells me if I'm too drunk when I pee on it: My friends. - Colbert.

From: Kinglicious | #122
convinced a friend to get the AA2065s. he's big on classical music, so from the sounds of it they'll be up his alley.

Awesome. Do let me know what you think about 'em.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Just bought the Little Dot MKIII amp - $246, the Hifiman HE-400 $400, the MuseA DAC - $55, and as a bonus, bought second hand the Sennheiser HD595, Fischer Audio OldSkool RPM 33 1/3, Fischer Audio OldSkool '70, Xears XR120 Pro II and the Fischer Audio Jazz

I think I have a problem, once again. I just couldn't resist the package deal. Plus I got those $250 Sennheiser for $100. Aw yeah. Went with the cheaper amp for now.

Didn't want this to purge, I want to see what folks think of the headphones I recommended. ExTha, the more I think about it, the more I think you'll like the Audio Technica M50.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

oh trust me, i won't let this purge if i can.
and i'm recoving from drinking a bottle of wine so that's a LOT of 'if i can.'

--
"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.

Yeah you actually made me really, really want to get them again. I only got rid of them because a friend's birthday snuck up on me and I knew he'd love them, so he got mine, hah. Methinks next month I'll have to get those from Jaycar unless I can find the Brainwavz rebrand on sale for cheap/used. Just because I like the brand. (Their IEMs [earbuds I guess] are excellent and in-house)

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Hey ExTha, those M50s ... there's somebody selling a never-used pair on HeadFi (not me, mods) if you wanted to save a little. Guy has positive feedback ... it's the straight-cable version. Just saw and was giving you a heads up. Around $20-$50 off.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/614293/brand-new-never-used-ath-m50s

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

nopurge

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

is the purge down to 24h now?

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"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.

From: Wanglicious | #129
is the purge down to 24h now?

I keep seeing people talking about it being weird lately. My bases loading topic went down with a post the previous day

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

It's payday. I have a problem.



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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

From: DigitalIncision | #127

http://www.head-fi.org/t/614293/brand-new-never-used-ath-m50s

AUGH man if I had the money right now I'd be all over this. Thanks so much for the heads up anyway, man.

--
We can't stop here. This is bat country.
Brace for the G's, and fast heel-toe work.

Well, it's over 24h

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The King Wang.
Listen up Urinal Cake. I already have something that tells me if I'm too drunk when I pee on it: My friends. - Colbert.

though granted, i don't know by how much.

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"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.

Just bought two more IEMs on top of the ones listed above. Couldn't help it. Such good deals. I want to own at least one IEM from every manufacturer.

More people should ask for recommendations. :] Wonder if people would respond to a thread that was just that ...

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

meanwhile i was looking for a headset just now, couldn't find one for under $30, and ultimately decided to go without one.

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http://card.psnprofiles.com/1/LordEmbok.png

From: LordEmbok | #136
meanwhile i was looking for a headset just now, couldn't find one for under $30, and ultimately decided to go without one.

What kind of headset?

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

USPS just left ... today's haul

Sennheiser HD595 $250 (bought used $105)


Fischer Audio Oldskool 33 1/3 $140 (bought used $90)



Fischer Audio Oldskool '70 $70 (bought used $35)



Xears XR120ProII $80 (bought used $10)


Fischer Audio Jazz $55 (bought used $30)


Those Two:


aaand here's my current group (ones I actively use) of full-sized cans with the new additions, minus the Creative Aurvana Live! which were across the room and away from my stands. The big purple ones I use for gaming with a boom microphone that attaches and detaches.


No amps arriving yet, but I did buy another one this morning for portable use - a Fiio E17 on sale for $169 with a free pair of Brainwavz Beta IEMs.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

yo digi what kind of on-ear or over-ear headphones would you recommend for under $100?

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"It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' buddy...let's go exploring!" - Calvin
http://img.imgcake.com/calvinfinalpngpy.png

Which do you prefer - on or over? And for what kind of music? There's a ton of options. My favorite headphones for under $100 are the Creative Aurvana Live, but it really depends on the sound signature you're looking for!

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

I dunno, I just want something that's good all around. I listen to rock, pop, indie, folk, country, blues, funk, soul, hip-hop, electronic, chiptune, dubstep, outsider, classic, etc. Pretty much the only genre I don't listen to much of is metal. Hell, I listen to a lot of audio books and talk radio archives via headphones as well.

I just started a new job, and my cubicle is directly underneath the company's gym, and the stairs leading up to it don't have a door to muzzle the sound. I've only been working there for about a week and I've already heard Call Me Maybe far too many times coming from the stereo up there. So something that insulates against sound pretty well even when I don't have anything playing would be nice, which I imagine means over-ear.

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"It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' buddy...let's go exploring!" - Calvin
http://img.imgcake.com/calvinfinalpngpy.png

Digi, instead of buying more headphones, take me to Wimbledon.

Or the US Open.

Preferably Wimbledon.

--
Congratulations to Rafael Nadal on a Career Golden Slam. - The Mana Sword

I might go to the US Open this year, Anri. Once I figure out how their weird ass pricing structure works.

--
"It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' buddy...let's go exploring!" - Calvin
http://img.imgcake.com/calvinfinalpngpy.png

From: CalvinbalI | #141
I dunno, I just want something that's good all around. I listen to rock, pop, indie, folk, country, blues, funk, soul, hip-hop, electronic, chiptune, dubstep, outsider, classic, etc. Pretty much the only genre I don't listen to much of is metal. Hell, I listen to a lot of audio books and talk radio archives via headphones as well.

I just started a new job, and my cubicle is directly underneath the company's gym, and the stairs leading up to it don't have a door to muzzle the sound. I've only been working there for about a week and I've already heard Call Me Maybe far too many times coming from the stereo up there. So something that insulates against sound pretty well even when I don't have anything playing would be nice, which I imagine means over-ear.

Well there's noise cancelling headphones, but I don't recommend active noise cancellation. It's often at the expense of sound quality. It sounds to me like you're most interested in an over-ear can that doesn't leak sound out. As far as not hearing things when you're not playing music, that's not likely to be accomplished with good sound quality, but we can definitely find you a good closed can to block out sounds and stop sounds from escaping, too.

The Creative Aurvana Live! that I mentioned fit that bill. They're a closed set with a lot of accuracy and excellent bass. They've got a great sound for any genre and it's why they're my favorite headphones today. Their only con, in my mind, is the fact that they have a short cord and aren't as portable as I'd like. Also, if you have huge ears, they might not be fully circumaural (over-ear), but they are for everyone I've seen. On top of that, they're also one of the most comfortable headphones I've owned. Most recognize them as one of the best values in headphones these days. They're based on the Denon D1000 headphones, one of the old favorites of audiophiles that was discontinued (amid much outrage) for a lesser headphone. Creative bought the design from the original manufacture and made these. Creative's other headphones are actually ... quite poor. These are not. They're great with indie and folk, and not poor with anything. - http://www.amazon.com/Creative-EF0060-Aurvana-Live-Headphones/dp/B000ZJZ7OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340078979&sr=8-1&keywords=creative+aurvana+live

If those don't do it for you, there's the Sony MDR-V6. They're like the CAL!, there's just less emphasis on the bass. They're much more neutral and level - very studio-esque. - http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V6-Monitor-Series-Headphones/dp/B00001WRSJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340079010&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+mdr+v6

I haven't heard these personally, but they're on my list. I've heard that they're great headphones - very comfortable with a wide sound signature for all genres. Very well-reviewed. I believe they are fully over the ear, but I'm not positive. - http://www.amazon.com/KRK-KNS6400-Studio-Headphones/dp/B004ARSMXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1340079271&sr=1-1&keywords=KRK+KNS+6400

You might also like Grado headphones, but they're open backed. Meaning they don't offer any isolation - you hear everything going on outside (unless music is playing at a reasonable level), but also everyone else around you hears the music too. Not at the same volume, of course, but definitely not a good option if you blast music around other people. They're also on-ear and not over-ear, but I just get the feeling you'd enjoy the Grado house sound.

If none of those do it for you, let me know, and I can come up with more.

From: Princess Anri | #142
Digi, instead of buying more headphones, take me to Wimbledon.

Or the US Open.

Preferably Wimbledon.

Media at Wimbledon was awesome.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

I think I'll go with the Creatives. The Grado sound tempting if it weren't for the open backing, but that's a deal breaker. Thanks for your help!

And you've been to Wimbledon? Gah I'm jealous. Definitely one of my life goals is to go to the French Open.

--
"It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' buddy...let's go exploring!" - Calvin
http://img.imgcake.com/calvinfinalpngpy.png

YEAH WELL IT WAS AWESOME ON MY COUCH TOO

Except for the part where Nadal lost.

That would have hurt even more in person.

But he reigns supreme again. INVINCIBLE.

--
Congratulations to Rafael Nadal on a Career Golden Slam. - The Mana Sword

CalvinbalI posted...

I think I'll go with the Creatives. The Grado sound tempting if it weren't for the open backing, but that's a deal breaker. Thanks for your help!

And you've been to Wimbledon? Gah I'm jealous. Definitely one of my life goals is to go to the French Open.

The Grado just have this fast paced, aggressive sound. People call them the gateway drug of audiophiles. But they're not great for bass since they're open backed. I, however, became an audiophile after listening to the Creatures.

And yeah I was credentialed for Wimbledon. Let me know what you think of the Creative.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Hey ExTha, those M50s are out in white now, too. http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-M50WH-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B007GC4L7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340113098&sr=8-1&keywords=ATH-M50WH

Just in case that's your thing. I hear they sound the same, but are more comfortable.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.

Those excellent Brainwavz Beta earbuds you recommended on sale a few months ago are back on sale for 13 bucks again, just ordered a couple more pairs. Eeexcellent.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IF3CE8/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

--
One Piece: Pirates with style!
-= Metal Gear Solid: Tactical Espionage Action =-

MY AMP GOT HERE! AW YEAH.

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Digi
White boards are remarkable.