[dba-Tech] Friday OT: Headphones

Hi John

The big trade-off is that wireless audio - typically via Blootooth - is compressed using lossy algorithms that don't match hi-quality digital audio at, say, 320 Kbps. For watching TV and such, they can be OK, but not for critical listening. Also, a wired headphone is always "ready to run".

I could have recommended Sennheiser, also Beyer and Logitech. Usually brandnames are never really bad but cheap models are not built to last. Up to around the cost of the KRK phones you mostly get what you pay for.

The only exception, I know of, is the hyped Beats. These should be really awful with an exaggerated bass that only hip-hoppers and disco junkies may prefer.

The very best is, of course, to bring your own favourite music and go to a store and listen. Quite often shops with music and studio gear offer this service. The KRKs I bought at a local music shop.

/gustav



-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] På vegne af John R Bartow
Sendt: 30. januar 2015 18:45
Til: 'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues'
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Friday OT: Headphones
Prioritet: Høj

Hi Gustav,
I'm looking for good wireless headphones. I have a pair from Sennheiser.
Which have pretty good sound quality but the controls are poor and crackle when I adjust them. The volume control cuts the left side off in certain volume settings. 

I bought a cheap pair from a big box store and there are fairly awful. The base unit is battery powered only and the batteries do not last long. If the microwave is running they get interference(?)

Given your experience, maybe I should buy a pair and a long cord? I would probably forget the cord though and wander through the house pulling my headset off!

John B
-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Gustav Brock
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2015 10:36 AM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: [dba-Tech] Friday OT: Headphones

Hi all

As you may know, you can get headphones at ridiculous prices well beyond $1K. These are aimed at hi-fi buffs with too much money.

Finally, after many years, I found it was time for a set of pro headphones, and a little searching revealed this page:

     http://www.studioheadphonereview.com/krk-kns8400-studio-headphones/

As you can see, this is a top-notch product as rated by studio pros at 1/10 the price, so I ordered a set.

I must have looked happy listening to some of my favourite music because wife asked if she could have them for a test. Of course.
And here comes the advice: Don't do that. I hardly haven't seen them since except on my lovely Rita's head. It is a new world for her. As she mostly listen to classic music, I think she is right.

The reviews are true. Listening is sheer pleasure with these KRK KNS8400 - it's really top value for the money. I may have to order another set.

/gustav