How much can you justify spending on headphones/in-ears?

yuuki on 25/11/2014 - 20:25

I'm genuinely curious as to what everyone thinks is reasonable in regards to spending their hard earned money on a decent set of cans.

I have friends who are willing to spend a full grand or more on custom-fit IEMs whilst I have other friends who are perfectly content with the free earbuds that come with every i-something device.

What are your thoughts in regards to how much one should spend on a pair of headphones/in-ears? Do you justify buying higher-quality in-ears/headphones because they sound better? Or do you pick a price and run with it?

Interested to hear all your thoughts!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 25/11/2014 - 20:46
    +2

    Hmmm, I spent around $400 ish on the Sennheiser HD600 and another $300 ish on the AMP/DAC.
    I'd say $500 ish max for a component.
    I think around that, you can get a decent, not the best, but the decent pieces.

    Though for an in-ear, I haven't spent more than $100, because I felt that if I start spending on money on in-ear as well, since in-ears have their limitations against headphones, I might go over my personal limit.

    My justification for spending that much is, decent headphones and DAC usually last a long time, long enough that in the end, I spend around the same amount as buying cheap stuff and replacing them.

    • Eivad on 26/11/2014 - 09:34

      Yup, that's about the same as what I spent on a similar desktop setup - mid range gear but can't really justify forking out $1000+ for LCD2s, HD800s or Stax.

      Personally for IEMs, I own a set of Tf10s, xba3s and SE530s. I find the passive noise isolation works incredibly well (provided you get the right fit with tips) to block out noise on public transport and on flights. My ears are somewhat sensitive so it gets uncomfortable wearing active noise cancelling headphones after a while.

      Also, higher end IEMs sound absolutely phenomenal.

      • iridiumstem on 26/11/2014 - 09:48

        I am really jealous on XBA3. I really wanted to go for the XBA H3 and the A3. I simply could not justify my spending on those without making excuses up.

        Just out of curiosity, for the noise isolation, do you use those foam tips (which I used to own for my UE200) or just silicon tips?

        Also when you say higher end IEMs, do you mean like CIEMs or those high-end universal ones like XBA-Z5 or SE830?

        Also… STAX… if I ever earn enough money for me to not justify my spending… I really really really really really want to have STAX SR-009 with Blue Hawaii amp.

        • Eivad on 26/11/2014 - 23:30

          Haha mate, the XBA3s were off a deal on ozbargain and to be honest, the sound quality cannot compare to the Tf10 or Shures - the bass isn't clear, tight or defined, and the transparency just isnt as strong with the XBA3s.

          I ordered comply foam tips for my Tf10s, and ran with the Shure foam eartips for the 530s (the Shure tips are phenomenal!). With silicon tips I can always feel the earphones in my ear (whereas with the right foam tips the feeling disappears completely), and the SQ and isolation are never as good.

          In relation to higher end IEMs, I've only really owned and tried universal fit ones - would love to try customs one day when I have more disposable income. I guess my point is that a good set of TBAs will blow any earphones under $100 or even $200 out of the water.

          I've never tried Stax either, and to be honest, one of my fears is that I won't be able to tell the difference when I do!

    • algy on 27/11/2014 - 17:42

      Same here. I bought HD598 with a Mini/Modi AMP/DAC. But my in ears are just Shure 215's.

  • Deebs on 25/11/2014 - 20:46
    +1

    I think the thing you need to consider is if you can tell the difference between the sound quality because some people can't notice the difference. Also budget are you willing to spend that much for the difference in sound. Personally I can't justify spending $1000 on headphone even with the sound difference, I tested my friends denons that were $1200 with a $200 amp and I personally would not buy it and can't justify that price for the quality.

    I prefer the audio technica m-50s(about $100-150) and sony mdr1bt (I got it for $215 when they were half price).

    • Ramrunner on 27/11/2014 - 08:54

      Yeah that's it. My wife for example, although she can certainly hear the difference between those cheap $8 in-ear sets, she's hard pressed to hear the difference between $20 and $200 sets.

      Myself?

      I purchased Audio Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC7b in Singapore after listening to cans ALL DAY trying different ones while shopping. I had started the day pretty convinced I was going to buy BOSE, but the AT sounded a bit crispier to me which I liked.

      It all depends on your ears and your tastes. I would personally not spend over $500. I think that's too much and like…really? Priorities!

      These were a little over $300 if I remember correctly.

  • Baghern on 25/11/2014 - 21:36
    +2

    minimal 100-150, unless you find a superb deal.

    senniheiser are well priced

    The good thing about good headphones, is the clarity means you dont need the volume to be higher. That's one of the reason people with those cheap headphones have it so loud, because they can't clearly hear it

  • rain on 25/11/2014 - 22:19
    +3

    Maybe it's one of those things were once you've tried it you can't downgrade, so ignorance is bliss.
    I usually just pick up on special $5-10 in-earphones, for when I'm out and about. If you don't listen to music for a while then any pair will sound pretty damn good. Also the samsung galaxy s2 ones are quite good, and more durable, so far (you might get what you pay for)
    Headphones was a $40 pair for pc (RRP >$100), they were ok, though actually prefer the cheap in-ear ones. Might splurge for a good pair of in ear- noise cancelling/isolation, need to do a bit more research, for the pc, though do like being able to hear, so not totally isolating. Currently still using the spare galaxy S2 earphones for both home & outside. Can put it on the lowest volume on my phone (level 1 out of 15) and still hear very well. Pretty happy with them. Though ears and damage done differs from person to person.

  • Tech5 on 25/11/2014 - 22:26

    Depends how much you're going to use it. I probably have them in 3 hours + a day so I'm willing to spend more simply because hey, if I do it this much, I might as well enjoy it as much as possible.

  • TRANCE on 25/11/2014 - 22:41
    +1

    I recently bought ciems for $1400 aud, bloody expensive, but they sound amazing. As with most things, performance does not increase linearly with price, so they don't sound 7x better than $200 earphones, but for an audio enthusiast they sound better enough to splash out the extra cash.

    • ynot1985 on 25/11/2014 - 22:45

      which ones did you get. I was looking ciems myself

      • TRANCE on 25/11/2014 - 23:29

        Custom Art Harmony 8 Pro

        • ynot1985 on 26/11/2014 - 09:43

          do you know if you can claim CIEMs on GST when you go overseas

          Was going to get the UM Miracle but was holding back since Im going overseas next year. was hoping to see if I can get GST back

  • plmko on 25/11/2014 - 23:03
    +2

    Before getting distracted with all these 'experts' you can find on the internet. Understand the hardware chains and implementation first then you will know why something is expensive, snake-oil or exactly what you need.

    For instance many people think buying $1000+ headphones is all didly good and all, but they don't realise expensive headphones mean high-impedence, which means a beefy amp. And god-help those people driving them from a smartphone.

    • iridiumstem on 25/11/2014 - 23:12
      +2

      Yeah, doesn't the rule of weakest point of the chain thing work? Your system is going to be as good as the worst part of the audio system you have.

  • Davo1111 on 26/11/2014 - 01:06
    +2

    in ears… $20 they always fail on me.

    over ears… $150

  • CrazyMexican on 26/11/2014 - 05:02

    In ears 100$ at most..

  • Herbsman on 26/11/2014 - 08:13

    I've been using the soundmagic for over a year now that I got for about $40. Very very good for when your weakest link is an i-device or laptop.

    http://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/headphones

  • ProjectZero on 26/11/2014 - 09:10

    Max $300 for me, not an "audiophile" but just don't like noisy environments. Having my brother and parents yelling around the house is really annoying so I spent my money on NC headphones.

    • roadsign on 26/11/2014 - 13:32
      +2

      Sorry mate, noise cancelling headphones won't cancel the loud communications of your family.

      Actually, they generally reduce the volume of repetitive, low frequency noise. Excellent examples of these sorts of noise include aeroplane cabin noise and some loud machinery.

      Higher frequency sounds, such as human voices, are diminished by the physical material of the headphones. That's how earmuffs work.

      • ProjectZero on 26/11/2014 - 14:50

        I don't know… the two pairs of NC headphones do wonders, it's not just their yelling from room to room that gets me… the noise from TV and what not bug me…

        I seriously think my family is deaf… or at least very close…

  • IMFrugl on 26/11/2014 - 10:25
    +2

    I'd limit my budget to $20 to buy an in-ear pair at an RRP of at least $40, Ozbargain style. However, I'm not a fan of in-ear phones, I prefer over the ear. *

    A few points to note as some mentioned earlier:

    1. Weakest links of the chains are the the microphones in the studio and the headphones/ speakers we use - reason being they convert energy from one form to another (sound-electricity). Thus pro audio companies will usually be skilled in headphones especially if they manufacture microphones. (Think AKG, Sennheiser, Shure etc).

    2. How often do you use it - the more often and longer, the more $$$ is justified. Look for comfort, and non squeaky, rumbly noisy cables.

    3. Don't spend $1000 on earbuds to listen to the radio or highly compressed mp3s on your smartphone. That's a crime in itself. My son lost his decent Sennheiser earbuds commuting to school, but hey at least it did not cost $1000. He also listens to mainly mp3s.

    4. Your phones are limited mainly by your personal perception and finances, and the skill of the marketeers.

    Noise cancelling and sound blocking is not a good thing if you are walking in public places while listening to music. You need to be able to hear what is happening around you so you don't get mugged or hit by a car.

    http://www.productreview.com.au/p/sennheiser-cx-215.html

    • iridiumstem on 26/11/2014 - 10:54
      -1

      I personally think saying that the weakest links are purely at the digital to analog or analog to digital transition is misleading. I am just chipping in my 2 cents.

      When I talked about the weakest link, what I meant was, if you have a system that consists of a headphone, an AMP, a DAC and the digital file, the sound quality you will get is from the worst one out of those. For example, if you have a low quality MP3 file, no matter how decent other things are, it's going to be as good as your MP3 file. If you use a smartphone, it's likely that you are going to hear a lot of white noise from other parts of the smartphone.

      • IMFrugl on 26/11/2014 - 13:59
        +2

        Hi AznMitch, I actually was not referring to the ADC or DAC. Modern electronics has perfected most of this making the lowest entry level electronics sound acceptable to most people. The weak point is the transducer which converts energy like sound waves, vibration, mangetism, light etc to electrical signals. Examples are speakers, microphones, laser pick-ups, magnetic tape heads, styluses etc. The weakest of those used to be magnetic tape heads and styluses, but have fortunately been replaced by laser pick ups. Remember the old muffled cassette players or scratchy turntables? Those were the weakest links of yesteryear.

        Totally agree with what you say on mp3 and smartphones, which is why I would suggest a moderate expense for everyday use earphones which has to endure rough use, theft, noisy environments, poor quality files, but splurge for what you can use at home when you can relax and loose yourself in music.

        My personal earbuds are $5 Philips earbuds on clearance from Officeworks. I prefer my Sennheiser over the ear headphones. My main dollar goes on my HT and HiFi, but that would be off topic. Ultimately, it depends on your personal use and budget and perception.

        An example of perception and cost:
        http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/six-of-aldis-cheap-win…

        • iridiumstem on 26/11/2014 - 14:53

          I think I have misused the term analog and digital. In my defence, the terms are used relatively loosely in my country, but I am making excuses for mistakes that I should've not made. I apologise if I offended anyone.

          I agree with on what you are saying, but what I really wanted to point out was:

          Weakest links of the chains are the the microphones in the studio and the headphones/ speakers we use - reason being they convert energy from one form to another (sound-electricity).

          Combined with what I said:

          Your system is going to be as good as the worst part of the audio system you have.

          It can lead to wrong conclusion of, since recordings and the headphones are the weakest link, getting decent stuff for both would automatically result in a decent system. I know that you didn't mean it like that, but I just didn't want to leave a room for errors like that.

          I know that those are the two areas that usually shows drastic improvement in sound quality as soon as you start investing on them, but there are other factors as well. For example, many BAs actually change in their frequency responses as output impedance of the source changes, because their actual impedance typically varies greatly with frequency.

          Also, I agree with you on the price changing the perception. I saw how people's review on UE TripleFi 10 changed in a forum when Black Friday deals made it really affordable…

      • skeptic on 27/11/2014 - 00:18

        Disagree with the digital to analog conversion stage being the weakest link.
        http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/high-end-pc-audio,3733.h…

        Of course, if one frequents sites based entirely around earning revenue from advertising and marketing of audio equipment, they would be led to believe the opposite, and that DAC and amps are essential when they are not.

        The weakest link is the headphone or speakers. The wisest option would be to buy the best headphones/speakers you can afford and consider amplilfiers/DACs secondary. Generally you should not be paying more than 20% of what your headphones cost on amplifiers or DACs.

        • iridiumstem on 27/11/2014 - 06:06

          As I said before, I made horrendous mistake mixing the terms up. I agree with you completely, but I was simply pointing out that, sometimes you need more than just a good headphone. Sometimes other things can be the weakest link, some people have badly recorded files, which can basically be the weakest in your system. Some in-ear monitors, the ones that use BAs especially, changes their sound when the output impedance is massive. Headphone amps in this case could be the one to blame, because they didn't design the amp without considering people using it with in-ear monitors. Using DACs could be a decent thing, if you only have a pc or/and a smartphone, which often suffer from white noises from other parts. Using an amp with certain headphone is beneficial, if it has low sensitivity and high impedance.

          I think adding more things to the system, so in this analogy, to the chain, should be avoided unless necessary, since if it doesn't replace what was there with something better, all it's going to do is take up a room and at worst case scenario cause you to have worse sound quality than what you started with.

          Also, DACs and amps did come a long way since then for them to be decent at low cost in terms of their performance. THD+N differences in for well made $100 vs $2000 DACs and amps wouldn't be as dramatic as the differences in headphones and earphones with same price differences. Of course, whether to go buy them or not would be completely up to the person and the sound quality is actually just one of many factors that determines people's decision. I bought mine, thinking I might get something harder to drive in 5 years time, but for now I actually use it mostly for a dial for volume.

          Given that you have a decent headphone and decent recordings of the music that you like, and everything else should follow. I just wanted to point that. As I said before, I have misused few terms, I apologise if I offended anyone from that.

  • roadsign on 26/11/2014 - 13:37

    You have to listen to different types of headphones and decide for yourself. You can tell the difference between cheaper and more expensive headphones.

    If you live in Perth, I recommend visiting Headphonics with an iPod/equivalent. They are a dedicated headphones store that recommends and lets you listen to their entire catalogue of headphones before purchase.

  • Cyb3rGlitch on 26/11/2014 - 16:43

    What most people don't realise is that ultra expensive != better. After a couple of hundred dollars you're going to get highly specialised gear for specific genres. Chances are you'll find them inadequate for most of your music collection (placebo permitting, of course).

    I wouldn't spend much on in ears. You're always going to get some noise leaking in when out in public, plus any physical contact conduct via the cable. I've had my current pair for 6 or so years now and they cost me about $120 (Sennheiser CX500).

  • eneloop on 26/11/2014 - 16:53

    I have some headphones what's the best amp to get

    • skeptic on 27/11/2014 - 00:21

      What headphones?

      An amplifier does not magically make your headphones sound better.

  • 2real4u on 26/11/2014 - 17:33

    Can someone explain the purpose of a headphone amp in laymans terms? Is it just to increase the volume or does it improve sound quality - and if so, significantly?
    (I use bose qc20 in-ears btw)

    • Hotdogs on 26/11/2014 - 19:25
      +1

      it kinda replaces the sound output electronics of your device, which improves the sound quality, and gives you the ability to increase the volume if you want.

      the improvement is significant and definitely noticeable but only really indoors.

      outdoors i prefer to use a cheap bluetooth earphone instead of my $300 ue900.

      i just tested my fiio e6 amp + some $10 earphones and it sounds better (first impression) than my ue900. this is mostly due to the sound profile not the quality(clarity) though.

    • Davo1111 on 26/11/2014 - 19:42

      increase volume is the main reason.

      Sound quality just depends on the source (and connection method). It's like a link in a chain.

      Also, i really like having a physical dial near my computer rather than using a software volume control

    • 2real4u on 26/11/2014 - 19:46

      Thank you!

    • TRANCE on 26/11/2014 - 20:05

      It does increase quality, as well as volume headroom, which go hand in hand. Basically the built in amps of a phone or mainstream music player like ipods are limited in their power output as well as limited in their performance in terms of distortion, crosstalk and many other technical parameters (which are all audibly deteriorating sound, if the rest of the audio chain is up to standard, quality sound files, quality music player, quality amp. That being said, the power of a built in amp of a phone/ipod is usually sufficient to power mostly any headphone to loud levels, except the most demanding high end ones. BUT the built in amp will be operating at the higher end of its power output, meaning high distortion and other things etc (this doesn't mean you will be hearing static/white sound etc, it will just mean that the composure of the sound is lost, noise floor is raised reducing dynamic range etc etc). So to start with, a good external amp will have lower distortion and better performance in other technical parameters across the board, meaning that you can still hear improvements using an external amp with easy to power iems/headphones. As mentioned, a harder to power headphone will benefit even more from an external amp, because if used straight from a phone or ipod it will be pushing it very hard resulting in much lower performance than an easy to drive iem/headphone.

      Also good to know is that there are certain music players around with very good built in amps that are as good as an external amp in powering iems or easily powered headphones. Music players like the ibasso DX90 and Fiio X5. There is no properly portable music player that can maintain excellent performance with very hard to power headphone though.

  • bargdebarg on 26/11/2014 - 19:51

    Headphones - up to $300
    akg k550 currently. only draw back non removable cable.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/11/2014 - 20:42

    What are your thoughts in regards to how much one should spend on a pair of headphones/in-ears?
    As much as they are happy to spend. Someone might be happier spending more, and because they spend more, they feel good about it, while some may derive pleasure from spending less, or the pleasure is in grabbing a bargain.

    Do you justify buying higher-quality in-ears/headphones because they sound better? Or do you pick a price and run with it?
    I chose my in-ears for the passive noise isolation, there were others that costed more, and others less, so I think it was both. I picked the price, and found one suited. I've been using the same earphones for the past 7 years and still very happy. So it was well worth it!

  • sheepy on 26/11/2014 - 21:09

    I am willing to pay for a good headphone, the problem is I won't know the sound quality until I actually got them.
    It's too risky to spend $1000+ to "find out" the highly praised headphones are not really what you are looking for…

  • Randxyz123 on 26/11/2014 - 21:47

    About to spend about $350 on Bose QC25s(noise cancelling headphones). I have previously spent over $200 on the Bang and Olufsen Earset 3i(earphones with hooks).

    The Bose are for traveling and listing to movies/music at home. Mostly use the B&O set for commuting to Uni and on the go.

  • exp1 on 26/11/2014 - 22:25
    +1

    Everyone I have talked to who have had custom IEM's made for around $1k+ say it was definitely worth the investment and they would never go back to anything else. These are people who started from cheap $20 headphones and slowly progressed to $100, $200, $500 etc. They said they would go straight to custom IEM's if they had the chance.

    This isn't viable for everyone due to the price and the time it takes to make a mould, send it to the manufacturer etc. The worst part is you (the person who doesn't own the IEM) can't even try them out because the mould is made specifically for their ear and wouldn't fit yours.

    • ShortyX on 26/11/2014 - 23:19
      +1

      Agreed.

      Just saw this before I commented below.

      Custom IEMs are worth the investment if you don't mind shoving them in your ears.

  • altomic on 26/11/2014 - 22:25

    Inner ear - never paid more than $2 -i use them at work or commuting only so I'm not looking for WOW quality. bought 7 pairs off dhgate for 65cents each. amazing quality for the price. slide volume control and bass boost on the mic.
    Over ear - still have my Ross ones from 10 years ago and still going strong.

  • ShortyX on 26/11/2014 - 23:18

    Being a drummer, I use custom IEMs.

    I posted a $440 custom reshell price for a TF10 (plus mid driver) back in 2011 here - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/38946

    Custom IEMs have incredible sound, comfort and isolation. Once you have them, you will not go to anything else. I use them for travelling and you are in your own world listening to music when on a plane.

    I still use standard Apple EarPods for phone calls as my customs don't have a mic.

  • OzJD on 27/11/2014 - 03:17

    I'd feel ripped off spending that much on headphones when I can get a 7.2 channel, 2500w home theater system for under 1k - and get them to chuck in (what I consider to be) a decent set of over ear headphones.

  • cobRAJ on 27/11/2014 - 08:17
    +1

    I have Beyerdynamic T1s + Nad M51 + Woo Audio 2 + cables
    Ends up around $5k all up
    Pretty good set up

  • Wagzy on 27/11/2014 - 09:41

    I bought the Astro A50's for gaming and such on my pc. At the time(about 3 years ago they were $350. I'd say that would be around the max amount id spend on headphones, any more than that it would seem pretty ridiculous for the reasons that I need them.

  • smol84 on 27/11/2014 - 09:42

    $200, that Audio Technica ATHm50x are about that price (get the latest one) and consistently get great reviews on audio phile and tech sites. I have an older pair with noise cancelling for flying and they are great, so much better than the bose I had

  • ilikeradiohead on 27/11/2014 - 12:48

    I'd say about $300 is my limit. I picked up pair so soul by ludacris for about $160 and some Sony pulse elites for about $120. I prefer the Souls, but the Sonys are wireless and keeps the house quiet for the other people when gaming. I doubt I could tell the difference between $200 and $1000 headphones.

  • Fizzgig on 27/11/2014 - 15:01

    I generally wouldnt spend over $100, only because i dont use them often enough

  • Windows7forever on 27/11/2014 - 16:17

    The most I have spent is about $25 but you can seriously get some nice headphones with reasonable sound quality, on sale for $10-$20 a pair so why would you bother paying any more?

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 27/11/2014 - 17:42

    Once my xiaomi pistons finally arrive - if they're as good as people say they are then I won't be paying more than $25 for IEM's in future

  • love2buy on 27/11/2014 - 18:06

    I dont know about everyone here but most of my headphones that i buy fails at the connector. Also never have met a pair of in ears that stays on comfortably and stays on. My next headphone will be wireless but dont know how good they can get compared to wired.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2014 - 18:17
    +1

    I do a lot of travel, so my most recent purchase was a pair of Bose QC25s for $400. To get some sleep on those 12+ hour flights, it's worth it!

  • serideth on 27/11/2014 - 18:39

    I have Westone UM3X RC's which I got for ~$450 and Beyer DT990 Pro's. I would spend up to $500 for universal IEM's. For custom iems and planar or electrostatic headphones I would say $1500

  • pawan1993 on 27/11/2014 - 18:43

    Just spent about $300 on the Massdrop AKG K7xx (basically the K702 anniversaries) and a Modmic 4.0. I'll be building my own Objective2 amp later on which will cost about $150 - $180 for all the parts required. Buying one by itself would cost at least $200 and that's for importing directly from the manufacture JDS Labs or Mayflower.

    • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2014 - 21:04

      I purchased my custom LE spec Objective2+Odac from Noisy Motel at $399 - far more cheaper then importing, Prices seem to have jumped up recently though

      • pawan1993 on 30/11/2014 - 00:12

        It's crazy how hard it is to find good quality audio here in Australia for a decent price. It's probably best to build your own O2 to be honest.

  • NeoWilson on 27/11/2014 - 19:08

    over-ear between $150-$1000

  • leonheart1 on 27/11/2014 - 19:14

    Got the xba3 for $50 from the sony deal and a set of hd25s for travel which cost about $200 years before the deals for $150 at dse flooded in. Never needed to use headphones at home since I prefer speakers.

  • sagitox on 27/11/2014 - 20:01

    I usually just grab $8-$15 in-ear headphones. With me I find, the cords get pulled, stretched or wrapped around things and once the audio is gone from one ear, I usually chuck them out. So with me, it's not worth paying more than $15 for one pair, because on average one pair of headphones on any one thing…Computer, iPod, ect. lasts maybe a couple of months?

    I buy TDK EB 300 in-ear headphones or Logitech Ultimate Ears 100 Noise-Isolating Earphones.

  • willy000 on 27/11/2014 - 20:30

    I was just looking at the Beats By Dre in-ear ones the other day for around the $100 mark are they any good?

    • yuuki on 27/11/2014 - 21:39
      +1

      imho, you can get much better sounding headphones than Beats for the $100 mark - especially considering the original ATH-M50 hovers around the $130 mark used, which is easily one of the best headphones in regards to performance per price.

      for me and the majority of others, the bass-heavy sound signature of beats simply doesn't appeal to the ears; especially considering the bass is nowhere near tight enough for my liking - and sounds muddy.

    • tiggyspawn on 27/11/2014 - 22:19
      +2

      They're ok, but for that money you're better off buying something else.
      Anything from Audio Technica, Shure, or Etymotic Research will sound amazing!

    • IMFrugl on 28/11/2014 - 14:33
      +1

      I've auditioned Beats over the ear models and they were unimpressive. I doubt their in ear ones would be any better. Go for the better brands like tiggyspawn and others mentioned. Try testing a few if possible. Places to test/audition - Airport duty free shops, Bose shops, Sennheiser shops, JbHiFi etc.

    • bargdebarg on 30/11/2014 - 15:57
      +1

      No - don't buy that bollocks. Beats are a waste of money. For the same price, you can buy something that sounds superior in a proper brand like Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, AKG, Shure or Grado - just to name a few - that actually cares about audio quality.

    • abbztract on 30/11/2014 - 16:03
      +1

      Shure SE215. $120 or so at AddictedToAudio. Absolutely fantastic pair. Some of the best you could get around the $100 mark. My brother has a pair since I convinced him to get better earphones and he loves it. I would've bought a pair if I didn't have a pair of IE80s at the time and the UERMs now. Even price range aside, the SE215 is a great pair overall.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2014 - 20:39

    Expensive headphones are such a massive rip off. Im sure a $20 pair are 90% as good as a $500 pair. Its just a massive want factor really.

    • abbztract on 28/11/2014 - 17:01
      +3

      Please don't comment on $500 pairs if all you have are $20 ones.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2014 - 21:00

        Im not, Im commenting on the idiots who buy $500 earphones.

  • euk on 27/11/2014 - 21:17
    +1

    Depends on how much you are able to discern differences between headphones and amps/dacs, and what kind of flavour music you like.

    e.g. Just dished out on a new Luxman DA-06 and Luxman P-1U amp (both will retail together for $8000) for my Grado PS1000 (~$2300k new). I wouldn't spend this large sum of money unless I could hear distinct differences between these amps/dac/headphone and other ones. To me, the difference was significant enough I was willing to part with my hard earned money. However, others will call me crazy. However, I encourage you to audition high end systems out, and then make a judgement call rather than bash from the comfort of your keyboard.

  • TurkishDelight on 27/11/2014 - 21:31
    +1

    just a quick advice, if you are considering to buy in ear - buy XIAMO PISTON 2 ($25) works like $150 thing and also if you can spend $50 klipsch s4i is a MUST BUY.
    For headphone - go with AudioTechnica ATH-M50x.

    Enjoy you music.

    • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 27/11/2014 - 21:49

      As I have said in this comment, I hope the pistons are as good as what everyone is saying because I'm eagerly waiting for mine to arrive.

  • yuuki on 27/11/2014 - 21:35

    Very interesting to hear all your answers! Quite surprised of the range we have here, with some willing to spend no more than $10 - whilst others spending in excess of $1k.

    I'm going to chip in a little myself. I can't speak for over-ears, but have had extensive experience with in-ears.

    I myself prefer to use a set of UE900s ($400ish) along with a Fiio E18 DAC w/ my mobile for my daily commute, and as a gigging musician - I also have the luxury of owning a custom UE 18 Pro IEM ($1400ish).

    Without a doubt - the custom UE blows the hell out of the 900s, but can I justify the $1k difference in price? In all honesty, if you can justify spending the money on a custom IEM, you're probably capable of appreciating the significant differences between good IEMs and flagship-worthy IEM tone.

    Despite this however, one should not extend beyond their budget, skip a payment or anything to pay for a decent set of cans. If you can't justify the purchase; chances are that whenever you use the headphones, all you'll see is a monentary figure instead of simply enjoying the music.

    Simply my 5c.

    • abbztract on 27/11/2014 - 23:38

      Definitely an interesting array of perspectives eh?

      I'm in the same boat as you.

      I started off with that $2 earphone attitude and then grabbed a $20 Sony pair of COTD a few years back.

      When those broke, I got some Brainwavz R1s. Those would have to be my favorite under $50 earphones. Absolutely fantastic sound. Cable is a tad thin but lasts a while. The casing is touch as hell.

      Then one day they stopped working. The cable later disconnected and that was it for them.

      A few weeks of researching and I got myself the Sennheiser IE80s last year around October.

      My first "audiophile" earphone.

      Man I fell in love with them. The design. The lightness. The build. The sound. The cable.

      And then a couple months back, as I was cutting open some packaging with a pair of scissors, I accidentally cut the cable to one ear.

      .

      .

      .

      Got a replacement cable off ebay but too much microphonics.

      And then they went up for sale and I said goodbye to my first love.

      While those were being seen by prospective buyers, I grabbed a pair of UERMs off a Head-Fi user having heard the ER4S in the past and having absolutely loved the sound they produced.

      Right now, the UERMs are in the possession of ACustoms who are reshelling them for me.

      Overall, its been a fun journey and one that has changed my opinion from "who cares what it sound slike as long as you can hear it" to "if you are enjoying it, why not enjoy it as much as you can?"

      I also have a pair of DT990s at the moment that I'm trying to sell so I can get a pair of Alpha Dogs or LFF Paradoxes. The neutrality appeals to me now.

      • ynot1985 on 28/11/2014 - 16:50

        how much was the reshelling?

        • abbztract on 28/11/2014 - 16:54

          $300 for standard reshelling by UM through ACustoms. That's for standard shell, tip and faceplates. That's not including ear impressions. If you want to get impressions done too, its $360 and through an ACustoms associated service provider which guarantees a good impression.

          I went with Titanium faceplates and smoky black shells plus impressions which came to $480.

          If $300 is too high, there is InEarCentral which does them for around $150 not including impressions since they are in the USA. They dont have as many color options as UM but the service is very respectable.

        • ynot1985 on 28/11/2014 - 17:02

          I would be interested to see your opinion after you get it back.

          at the moment, I'm looking either to get mine reshelled + add drivers or get a CIEM

          with reshelling, I'm worried if it will affect the sound signature as the shell is different from the original and how long customs shells last for

        • abbztract on 28/11/2014 - 17:08

          @ynot1985:

          I will get back to you for sure. I did ask around and even asked ACustoms whether they can guarantee me that the sound signature will remain the same as it is now and they did so very quickly. The only thing that really changes the sound signature in an earphone are the drivers and the tubes themselves. The shells not so much since all that's really being done is that the shell is replaced and the sound never actually is in the shell itself. Its always in the tubes.

          The change in fit will change the sound because it will fit differently changing bass levels but UM tests each pair before and after reshelling to make sure the signature is the same.

          Also, do look at Cosmic Ears because they have fairly low priced CIEMs but as you know, good sound tends to cost good money

          If you don't mind me asking, what IEMs do you have currently?

        • abbztract on 28/11/2014 - 17:15

          @ynot1985:

          I missed the part about how long custom shells last. What I can say is that if all is the same, the customs will last longer. They are made with more intense use in mind with the origins being for stage use. That grants usage for long hours in varying conditions. The acrylic used is very strong and much stronger than what you would find in most IEMs. Sure they won't handle getting stomped on very well but what will? They will obviously handle usual drops as expected but in terms of overall ability to handle punishment, they will hold up better than standard IEMs.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/11/2014 - 18:44

          @ynot1985:

          I had my universal IEM for 3 years before the tip broke off, then I got it reshelled and another driver put in. I've been using it as a custom IEM for the past 4 years, and still lasting….!

        • AncientWisdom on 29/11/2014 - 00:51

          I have a pair of Vsonic GR07 Bass Edition that I love but like every other universal I've ever tried I can't get a good fit to last long and they don't stay comfortable. Doesn't matter if I use silicon tips or foams, really bums me out at times.Recently I've been thinking about getting them reshelled as customs (really dig their SQ) but couldn't find anyone that will do something like that. Had a look at some of the cheaper cusoms such as the cosmic ears but it still costs a hella of allot of money in the end after impressions etc…. sigh!

        • abbztract on 29/11/2014 - 05:00

          @ory_zm:

          Unique Melody will do it and so will InEarCentral. IEC is much cheaper because its a small business and less color options. Good work though. $150 for reshelling IIRC.

  • shadowfax1007 on 27/11/2014 - 21:47

    Recently spent about $180 for a set of AKG Q701's and about $200 for a Schiit Modi & Magni stack.

    Honestly, this will probably be endgame gear for me. I love the sound I get from this setup and I can't really justify getting more expensive gear. I can sit hear for hours now and enjoy my music in a way I never thought possible.

    However as others have said, your setup is only as good as your weakest link. And sometimes that link is your file format! Having a collect of low bitrate MP3's is pointless with good gear.

  • tiggyspawn on 27/11/2014 - 22:23

    My earbuds always tend to break pretty quickly, so I never spend more than $25.

    I prefer to save the money I would've spent on expensive earbuds, and use it to get really nice headphones instead!
    My current set of Audio Technica ATH-M50x cans sound incredible!

    • pyro love bird on 27/11/2014 - 23:02

      You know they tend to give a lifetime warranty if you get the more expensive ones? My skullcandy ones broke and I was sent a brand new pair!

  • [Deactivated] on 27/11/2014 - 23:31
    +1

    This is not a boast post as I know people who spend much more than I do, and I can understand people who do not see the value of my interest to justify the amount.

    My main headphone set up is in excess of $10k. This does not include my collection of headphones.

    It is my pride and joy and doesn't see the light of day of facebook.

    • sheepy on 28/11/2014 - 20:26

      What's your main headphone?

      • [Deactivated] on 29/11/2014 - 18:20

        A modified Beyerdynamic T1. The upstream is the costly part.

        The modded T1 sounds immeasurably better than my LCD-3 or SR007.

        • sheepy on 30/11/2014 - 09:20

          Yeh, I saw dacs & amps cost thousands on Headfi's Summit-Fi posts.
          Headphones are the relative less costly part of the whole setup!

  • Fobsessive on 28/11/2014 - 00:59

    $7 Samsung Galaxy S5 earphones (genuine from ebay) are excellent for me. Effective noise insulation and bass is decent for my pop punk songs.

  • jzx100 on 28/11/2014 - 01:25
    +2

    I can just picture a thread in 10 years time …………"How much can you justify spending on hearing aids"

    Cos that's what these oversized ear drum molesters are going to do.

    • hahaboy on 30/11/2014 - 21:24

      i'm hoping that someone invents decent sized and simple hearing aids, and they become socially acceptable like glasses or something. My hearing is going down the drain and i'm still fairly young.

  • BargainCowboy on 28/11/2014 - 10:30

    Probably up to 50$-60$, I know some people can really hear the difference between the cheapos and the good ones, but they're all the same to me…

    • abbztract on 28/11/2014 - 16:56

      They're all the same to you because you haven't heard any better. I had the same state of mind until I got the $50 Brainwavz R1 to replace my $20 Sony's. The same happened when I upgraded from the R1 to the $350 IE80s. Its all the same until you try it.

  • jordanzac on 28/11/2014 - 10:42

    For just going around the city, excercising and general stuff. I'm happy to spend up to $60 on a normal pair of in ear headphones provided they're of quality,
    However for travel it's a different story. Earlier in the year I bought an amazing pair of Sony Active Noise cancelling headphones for an amazing price of $120 (marked incorrectly at JB, they were meant to be $499). They were fantastic! I managed to put on some light music, switch on the active noise cancelling mode and sleep 8 of the 14 hours from Hong Kong to London…. Unfortunately I lost them the day i left London to come back home and had to fork our another 200£ to get a different pair that did the same thing (Monster brand) but not as good.

  • sparkles on 28/11/2014 - 18:08

    I own Bose AE2i (paid $115), Bose OE2 (paid ?) and Bose MIE2i (paid $80) and Sony MDR-ZX750BN Wireless Noise Cancelling (paid $100) so it's looking like my limit of $120, but preferably half price or less. The idea of spending $1000 on headphones seems crazy to me. I'd rather have a holiday!

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