Headphone random conversation

[mjs warlord]

This is the headset i use

Amazon.co.uk

They are openback which means even if i have them turned up high and somebody in the room talks to me i can still hear them. I had to turn windows speaker tab down to 67% because at 100% when i plugged in the headset they were booming out on number 2 and uncontrollable.

Its only when i go back to speakers that i realise they need replacing , they are creative 2.1 and around 20 years old.

The same thing happened when i got a new hifi set up , my old speakers were about 27 years old and without realising it my ears had become accustomed to the poor sound quality. When i got the new speakers i began to notice instruments on tracks that i had not heard before

 

[Colif]

I don't listen loud. Its a long time (over 10 years) since anyone complained about the volume of my music. Dad isn't around to complain anymore, and I rarely go above 5 on the volume knob, since I also use the software controls in windows.

Mum did ask recently if I could just use headphones while listening to music and not my speakers, and I said... I am... she not heard Open back headphones before. They are like speakers, only thing that is lacking when they not on your head is bass. But you can understand what song is playing if you take them off.

I know my speakers sound bad, they don't have tweeters. They lack a lot of high end, but they okay for bass and treble. I don't use them for listening to music, just for watching YouTube videos mostly and sound on them is compressed already. I have better options for music.

A PC without speakers just seems wrong to me. I remember when my last set died, I had to replace them as soon as possible as PC felt useless without them. Perhaps had I known to use a headset then I never would have bought them.

If these had been better maybe

Steelseries Diablo 3 Headset

SteelSeries Diablo III Headset Review

Nikktech Peripherals Reviews

www.nikktech.com

 

[Zed Clampet]

Trust me when I say if my wife were there she'd say you were playing your music too loud. She's a true headcase when it comes to sound volume. The only exception is if she's watching a movie with Guido. She lets him turn the sound to whatever he wants, even if the bass is shaking the whole house.

 

[Colif]

I might see how loud they go... next time I am by myself in house. So the weekend then...

That is the controller for my speakers. Its a little dusty, I don't look at it much in a lit room
I don't use most of its buttons, leave input alone... I can't read what it says on the two button on bottom left (manual shows one is input select and other changes stereo mode, seems I am on 4.1 which is just stereo on front and back speakers as its only way to get anything from rear speakers - I just tried all the options. Surround sound has been broken in windows for years now, only works in movies. Shame my centre speaker has been unused in so many years

The right side is for digital connection so it just stays as is... I wonder where my remote is

I hadn't noticed, but its got 11 markers on the volume knob, have to think the 1st one is mute.
So it seems I actually only listen at 4 and even that might not be accurate. As each volume level has 3 layers within it where the orange light becomes brighter - I can't say I ever noticed before.

Its got a 1000 watt total output (mostly on sub woofer) so I expect it can get loud. I generally don't run new equipment at full volume to see what they can do, could be damaging.

If I get sound card, ir supports Dolby Digital & DTS. I could get some more use out of features on speakers I never used... maybe. I will have to look into it further in coming months.

 

[Zed Clampet]

With all the speaker tech advances they've made, including making great small speakers, I've still never had a laptop with decent speakers.

 

[Colif]

Its possible you can't do much with the size/space they are given. That and most only have two speakers

Top one on this list has 6 but then you have to pay the Apple tax

7 Laptops With Best Sound: Reviews & Buying Guide

Discover top-rated laptops for exceptional sound quality. Find expert reviews and buying tips for immersive audio experiences.

www.electronicshub.org

This is rated highly as a gaming laptop, comes with 4 speakers

ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024) | Gaming Laptops｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Australia

Game and create on the go with the power of the all-new 2024 Zephyrus G16. Powered by up to an Intel® Core™  Ultra 9 185H processor and up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 Laptop GPU, this machine is ready to easily handle the latest games and creative applications.

rog.asus.com

After writing here that I really only have 4.1 sound I started to thinking buying a soundcard was a waste of time, as speakers could just die anyway... they getting old.

So might go back to attaching my headphone amp to new PC and just use it instead. Cheaper in long run.

If I use PC for just gaming and watching YouTube videos, and leave Wiim for music streaming, it will mean I won't have to deal with the tidal app on PC wanting to be in exclusive mode. When it runs that mode, it takes control of amp and won't let any other application use the amp. App has a tendency to think its on, even when its not. Guess it will be an all new PC so I don't really have to install Tidal on it at all.

That just means I can think about new speakers next year. I had looked at Audeze Mazwells last night but I see now I was looking at USD price and local one not as cheap.

 

[Colif]

I played with speaker volumes while I was only one in house, 10 is physical. I can feel the bass hits and its not very enjoyable.

5 is loud enough if I think to also increase windows volume to 100 as well.
I generally have PC volume about 70% and speaker volume at 4.

My room isn't very big and I do have speakers set up so the space between the front and back speakers is such that my bed is only thing between them.

Obvious way to work around tidal exclusive mode on PC. Don't install Tidal on PC. I will probably just use my headphone amp on next PC.

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

So as someone who knows very little about headphones, can I get a little help?

I'd like to get some wireless headphones to go with my TV, ideally for €100 or less but Id stretch up to €130 if it was really worth it. Wired not an option.

Is there any point to 7.1 virtual surround while watching movies with headphones? If so that would be nice.

Any particular suggestions? Ive checked out the Rtings article and the models there either arent available here in Finland or are way over what I want to pay for something I only use occasionally.

If theres a few options I can have a look through the local stores and Amazon.de and compare. Just looking for somewhere to start. Unfortunately Amazon Germany or UK often doesnt stock the same stuff as Amazon US.

TIA!

 

[Colif]

The only wireless headphones I have are either not in that price range or so cheap I wouldn't suggest them... big gap between them. I should use my Bathys more often...

I assume you mean over ear and not In ear.

have you looked at wireless gaming headsets? Most of those can connect to a tv but you might need to confirm it.

The 7 Best Wireless Gaming Headsets of 2025

The best wireless gaming headset we've tested is the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. These feature-packed headphones create a powerful bass and immersive gaming experience.

www.rtings.com

Stealth 600 Headset (Gen 3) / Xbox / Black

The Turtle Beach® Stealth™ 600 wireless multiplatform gaming headset features wireless & Bluetooth® quick-switching capability, a flip-to-mute mic with ...

au.turtlebeach.com

Logitech G435 Ultra-light Wireless Bluetooth Gaming Headset

Shop G435 Headset. Features LIGHTSPEED wireless, low-latency Bluetooth, beamforming mics, 165 grams lightweight comfort, and comes in three distinct colorways.

www.logitechg.com

not sure about 7.1, all of mine are stereo.

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

I have a cheap set of Sony on ear things that are not comfortable. Just want to upgrade the experience a bit when I want to watch something at volume when the family are asleep. So yea around ear are what Im looking for.

Not sure whether gaming headsets are good for movie watching, that was part of the reason I was asking. Will have more of a look around and see what i can see, thanks.

 

[Colif]

Sennheiser either offer a pair of wireless earbuds or a pair of headphones out of your range.
most lists just show best.. not cheapest or next best.

Creative Zen Hybrid 2

Shop online at the Creative Store (Australia). Enjoy free shipping on orders $59 and above!

au.creative.com

obviously, read reviews etc

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

Creative Zen Hybrid 2

Shop online at the Creative Store (Australia). Enjoy free shipping on orders $59 and above!

au.creative.com

obviously, read reviews etc

Those actually look pretty good and seem to have decent reviews, thanks!

I know this is the bottom of the ladder headphone price wise, but I always try and get the best for the money.

 

[Colif]

I know this is the bottom of the ladder headphone price wise, but I always try and get the best for the money.

AS do I... the amounts just may be different.
There is a version 3 of those but its more expensive.
not looking at any right now.

 

[Zed Clampet]

Those actually look pretty good and seem to have decent reviews, thanks!

I know this is the bottom of the ladder headphone price wise, but I always try and get the best for the money.

The Razer Kraken is pretty good and in your price range:

And the HyperX Cloud 2 is good and also dirt cheap for what you get.

I've never tried these particular Audio Technica headphones, but they make great stuff.

These Beats are the best of the bunch and half price for me right now at $99.99. They have great bass, which is good for movies.

The first two have 7.1 surround sound. The non-gaming headsets do not. I have no idea whether that's worth it for movies. Might be interesting. Generally speaking, you usually get more bang for your buck with gaming headsets. The Audio Technica and Beats likely have slightly better sound, but probably not noticeable by most people.

Personally, I would ignore professional reviews and read the user reviews because the professional reviews are rarely relevant to the average person's hearing unless you are some sort of savant audiophile. But, then again, I also ignore professional game reviews.

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

The Razer Kraken is pretty good and in your price range:

And the HyperX Cloud 2 is good and also dirt cheap for what you get.

I've never tried these particular Audio Technica headphones, but they make great stuff.

These Beats are the best of the bunch and half price for me right now at $99.99. They have great bass, which is good for movies.

The first two have 7.1 surround sound. The non-gaming headsets do not. I have no idea whether that's worth it for movies. Might be interesting. Generally speaking, you usually get more bang for your buck with gaming headsets. The Audio Technica and Beats likely have slightly better sound, but probably not noticeable by most people.

Personally, I would ignore professional reviews and read the user reviews because the professional reviews are rarely relevant to the average person's hearing unless you are some sort of savant audiophile. But, then again, I also ignore professional game reviews.

I definitely wouldnt call myself an audiophile, but I can tell a decent set up from a bad one when I know a song well. Dont speak the lingo though.

Not sure it really matters to me as much in movies, but Id still like a decent comfortable set. Not a fan of on ear unfortunately, so I think the Beats are out, but the Audio Technica ones look really good for the money. I'm not a fan of the look of the gamer headsets and Id definitely have to hide them from my partner, surround headphones for movies doesnt seem to be much of a thing I guess either.

Having a think about this and will see what I can find. Thanks for the options!

 

[Zed Clampet]

I definitely wouldnt call myself an audiophile I can tell a decent set up from a bad one when I know a song well. Dont speak the lingo though.

Not sure it really matters to me as much in movies, but Id still like a decent comfortable set. Not a fan of on ear unfortunately, so I think the Beats are out, but the Audio Technica ones look really good for the money. I'm not a fan of the look of the gamer headsets and Id definitely have to hide them from my partner, surround headphones for movies doesnt seem to be much of a thing I guess either.

Having a think about this and will see what I can find. Thanks for the options!

Comfort is a big deal. My Audio Technica are very comfortable, but also a lot more expensive, so I can't really say about the less expensive ones. I've got a ton of headphones (it was a bad habit of mine for awhile to test lots of them out), but I just happen to have been using my Audio Technica lately, and I've had this one on for about 7 hours now. Can't say I can do that with most of them, especially not the gamer headsets, although they would be comfortable for the length of a movie.

Honestly, there are only two or three headsets that I have that I can wear for prolonged periods. Even the some of the more expensive ones hurt my ears after awhile. Maybe I have weird ears

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

Thanks for the help @Colif @ZedClampet I decided to go for the Creative Hybrid 2's. Cheap, has good ANC, foldable so I can stash them away easily, and apparently OK sounding and comfortable. Probably not gonna replace my wired ones for music but hopefully good for movies, and books while Im doing chores around the house.

 

[Zed Clampet]

Thanks for the help @Colif @ZedClampet I decided to go for the Creative Hybrid 2's. Cheap, has good ANC, foldable so I can stash them away easily, and apparently OK sounding and comfortable. Probably not gonna replace my wired ones for music but hopefully good for movies, and books while Im doing chores around the house.

Apparently those aren't available in the US.

 

[Colif]

I definitely wouldnt call myself an audiophile

Most of them argue over what the term means, so I wouldn't worry about it anyway. I am just an amateur myself, can't afford most of the things the "real" ones have. Just make do with any specials I see and can afford.

Comfort is a big deal.

Yep, if they don't fit or hurt head while you use them, they can be the most amazing headphones but you still won't want to use them. I probably had a few of those in the past, I don't right now. The Sennheisers were a little tight at first but just needed to be bended a little to be less vice grip like.

Price doesn't really mean they going to be more comfy. Some of them can be too big or small for your head. Weight is also a factor

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

Apparently those aren't available in the US.

I read theyve been replaced by the Zen Hybrid Pro so maybe theyre sold out over there. Perhaps thats why theyre so cheap now.

The Audio Technicas looked good, but Marie Kondo (my partner) would not be impressed to have more tech hanging out on a stand by the TV, and Im running out of space for stuff in my designated zones

Most of them argue over what the term means, so I wouldn't worry about it anyway. I am just an amateur myself, can't afford most of the things the "real" ones have. Just make do with any specials I see and can afford.

13 pairs of headphones that most people can't afford

From premium materials to 3D-printed grilles, these are the world's most expensive headphones.

www.whathifi.com

You need a really good set of ears to hear 100k worth of difference apparently!

Yep, if they don't fit or hurt head while you use them, they can be the most amazing headphones but you still won't want to use them. I probably had a few of those in the past, I don't right now. The Sennheisers were a little tight at first but just needed to be bended a little to be less vice grip like.

Price doesn't really mean they going to be more comfy. Some of them can be too big or small for your head.

The few sets of over ears that Ive tried have all felt fine to me, so hopefully Im not too fussy and these will be OK as well.

 

[Colif]

You need a really good set of ears to hear 100k worth of difference apparently!

Top 2 did normal trick, put something expensive on top to pump up value Gold and diamonds will do it.

The first two are just jewelry that make sound. Utopia are good but not 120k good. without the covering, i could buy for 8900aud

3rd is an actual headphone but it also comes with the amp.. which is the majority of the cost. They are the most expensive ones, 51k GBP

then price drops to about 5k

You have to be mad to pay $1500 for a pair of Grado

 

[Zed Clampet]

I've tried for years to get a good pair of wireless earbuds, and I just can't find them. It's not really a big deal because I only want to use them with my phone on trips. For that reason I'm not willing to pay big bucks for them, and that's probably why I can't find decent ones.

I may try this attachment for KZ

 

[Colif]

While its possible with IEM, the main reason I don't like wireless earbuds is once you lose one, the other is completely useless. So I am hesitant to spend too much on something that might just die in a few years when its battery fails. IEM are a better choice provided you don't keep breaking the cables.

There is also

True Wireless Bluetooth Amplifier UTWS5-FiiO Official Website

True Wireless Bluetooth Amplifier UTWS5

www.fiio.com

which are probably similar to what you linked. But likely better given price difference. It includes more than just a battery, includes its own amp.

I don't take trips but if I did I have other choices. I would just use IEM on my DAP. Or on my BTR7 attached to a phone if I really have to... or even use my Bathys

Once I get my next PC I will buy the IEM I was going to buy now.

 

[Zed Clampet]

hesitant to spend too much on something that might just die in a few years

IEMs never last me more than a couple months tops, which is why I refuse to spend much on them. The one I linked has to have an amp on it otherwise the IEMs won't do anything.

 

[Colif]

Apart from breaking the cable, I am technically still using the oldest pair of IEM I bought. Sure, it is a replacement set that are only about 3 months old, but I originally got them last February, actually listening to them now.

I haven't listened to them much as I only wear them when I am travelling and I haven't had to go anywhere for almost a month now - apart from shopping and I don't listen to music on such a short trip. They have more bass than the Hifiman do, just less top end. Can make songs sound different.

Only listening to them now as storms around and its easier to use my DAP than listen out for a storm with headphones on. Since I had to send the entire package back when they replaced cable, its a new unit mostly still. Probably only listened to them about 5 times since I got them back.

I just make sure they in a safe spot when not in use. Cable can't be replaced so easily next time. Though I can use my other cable if I really need to - other IEM I own is also 2 pin connection. Those IEM work too, I just don't use it as much. New ones probably use same connector just to make it consistent. I was going to buy some now but they can wait. Who knows, by time I look there be 300 new IEM to sort through.