High Quality Headphone and dac

[Vogelbung]

What exactly do you mean by isolation? I would like the headphones to be semi-portable at least (portable enough to stow away in a backpack, preferrably in a case). And under 300 would be fantastic

Isolation = noise isolating. i.e. not electronic cancelling but passive muffling of outside sound through closed construction.

Some suggestions - <$300, isolating, nominally portable, general purpose quality in mind but gaming possible:

1. You know, despite what some fauxdiophiles will say, for your use you could actually do a lot worse than the Bose QC15. Good cancellation and decent passive isolation combined, entertaining and pretty good quality sound, packs flat, not sure about game suitability though - ~$300. I would at least give it a try someplace.

2. Ultrasone HFI-780. Isolating (not that fantastic it has to be said, but usable), good quality sound, reasonably comfortable for most ears, S-Logic soundspace pretty well suited to gaming (It's not anywhere even Dolby surround, but the sound field around you is compacted and brought down to well separated layers, enhancing gaming audio). Folds (rather bulky package, but still). <$250.

3. HD25-1 II Adidas Originals (~$280) Amazon.com: Sennheiser Adidas HD 25 Orginals Headphones (Black/Blue): Electronics
Or the original (~$200): Amazon.com: Sennheiser HD25-1 II Closed Back Professional Headphone with Swivel Earcups: Electronics
Better pix here of the Adidas: Sennheiser HD 25-1-II Adidas Originals Review | Headphones | CNET UK
Ignore most of the review by the CNET rank amateur: It's bombproof, priced right... although I would have to say I would personally agree that it's not comfortable. Sound is on par with QC15 but a sharper character so sounds more high-res, and offers a very high degree of isolation so very suitable for portable / loud-outside-noise use, but the problem is that it sounds quite claustrophobic and I'd say it would be a poor choice for gaming - or at least, very likely worse than the Bose or the Ultrasone.

[KillerBunny]

Thanks for the advice Vogelbung! I would rep you again, but it won't let me. I'll rep you when it clears up again. I'll be taking all your items into consideration, thanks!

[Tthursday]

You could do a lot worse than Bose for your headphones, but you could also do better, for the price. I currently use V-Moda Crossfades which I picked up on eBay for under $100. They isolate well and are extremely comfortable. They also sound great with their clear, punchy bass, have top-notch build quality (nearly indestructible), and are stylish to boot. I highly recommend them.

Ultrasone and Sennheiser are great options, and chances are you won't be overpaying for the brand names as you would with Bose. Among other less-marketed audio brands, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50's are fairly balanced, very clear and precise, and can handle a wide range of music and media for around $150. Be wary of fakes on eBay though. I would find a pair from one of these brands with a desirable sound signature, or check out reviews and discussion on head-fi.org. Yeah, they're serious audiophiles over there, but you will definitely get a general idea of what will meet your needs.

[KillerBunny]

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll be repping for sure once the 24 hrs is up.

I've read reviews of bose, and they were generally favorable. But you guys seem to know a lot more about it, so I'm going to put my faith in you guys. Plus, it'll save me a boatload of cash :P

I'm really interested in Ultrasone. Can anyone chime in about them? They seem to be a bit bulky, but I like the style and build quality (air vents and metal on the ear part if I'm not mistaken? I've heard Sennheiser being praised around here, and if someone could throw in a few more mentions about them, that would be immensely appreciated. So far, it is down to the Ultrasone HFI-780 and ultrasone HFI-2400. Still looking into sennheiser models.

[Vogelbung]

I've read reviews of bose, and they were generally favorable. But you guys seem to know a lot more about it,

From what I've read here, no they don't - but let's assume you don't need/want the best cancellation.

The Ultrasone is indeed pretty bulky and it's also bulky when folded. The on-head look is actually (IMO) a lot worse than the Sennheisers or the Bose, as the massive headband makes you look like you have a head-mounted spoiler. If you're a pinhead-type who looks great to start off with, you can carry it off. If not, it looks a bit silly.

[garetjax]

I'm seeing a ton of mentions for the NuForce units, but nothing in the way of Headroom's products. I am specifically referring to their line of DAC's (HeadRoom Micro DAC) as well as their line of headphone amps (Airhead and Bithead amps). Check them out; Headroom's products are all very good and you won't be dissapointed.

[Vogelbung]

I'm seeing a ton of mentions for the NuForce units, but nothing in the way of Headroom's products. I am specifically referring to their line of DAC's (HeadRoom Micro DAC) as well as their line of headphone amps (Airhead and Bithead amps). Check them out; Headroom's products are all very good and you won't be dissapointed.

You're seeing them because they aren't $300. The Bitheads are of questionable value, certainly compared with e.g. the Fiio for example.

[garetjax]

The Bitheads are of questionable value [...]

The Bithead and Airhead are some of the best (affordable) headphone amps you can buy. Not sure why you're saying the Bitheads are of questionable value...

[ViciousXUSMC]

Im usually quick to recommend the udac-2 because I own it and really like it.

Some people have a few bad things to say about it, but it sounds good and its built good, and you cant argue with those things.

However just looking around at current prices the most enticing deal I ahve seen is a E7 + E9 combo for $200 on ebay.
New FiiO E9 + E7 Earphone Headphone Desktop Amplifier | eBay

Of course you may have no use for the E9, but the E7 alone is the main alternative to the udac-2 I think, cost ~$100

I prefer the analog nature of the udac to the digital of the E7 but the E7 is going to look more "fancy"

[KillerBunny]

Im usually quick to recommend the udac-2 because I own it and really like it.

Some people have a few bad things to say about it, but it sounds good and its built good, and you cant argue with those things.

However just looking around at current prices the most enticing deal I ahve seen is a E7 + E9 combo for $200 on ebay.
New FiiO E9 + E7 Earphone Headphone Desktop Amplifier | eBay

Of course you may have no use for the E9, but the E7 alone is the main alternative to the udac-2 I think, cost ~$100

I prefer the analog nature of the udac to the digital of the E7 but the E7 is going to look more "fancy"

which one would be better geared towards media (movies) and music? With a boost in gaming sound as well. I was leaning towards either the nuforce udac2 or the creative xifi usb. I read your review on the udac2, and it was very convincing.