Buys for Guys
This is for the real and really cool (if old) men on your Christmas list or maybe even to stuff your own stocking by spend that Christmas money you're getting from your trust fund.
First, for guys with a really small trust fund, Amazon is featuring the Sega games--including the Total War Series--today on their daily game sale. Medieval II, for example, is only $1.99 and Shogun II is $7.49. Check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...reative=390957 One of the best but affordable audiophile pair of headphones (aka "cans"), the Sennheiser HD 598 Headphones is on sale for a near record low of $173.33. I own these phones and they are great in every category from comfort to frequency response to clarity and soundstage. See them here: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-...=3TMR6IEFCG0JX For those wanting to save a few bucks and pick up a set of cans almost as good, the Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones are on sale at Amazon for a record low $136.28. They can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-.../ref=pd_cp_e_1 To complete your audio system where space is an issue, Newegg as the Polk Audio RM8 Center Channel Speaker for $49.99. See: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290222 You can combine that center channel with Polk Audio Monitor60 Series II Floorstanding Loudspeaker for $99.99 a piece from Newegg and/or the Sony SSF-7000 Floor-Standing 4-way Speaker with 8" Woofer (Pair) from Amazon for $174.99 and/or the Sony SS-B3000 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black) also from Amazon for $71.42. Links: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290206 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSF-7000-...=3TMR6IEFCG0JX http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B3000-...=3TMR6IEFCG0JX |
Musician's Friend has the AKG K 430 Closed Back On-Ear Headphones on sale for just $39.95. These are great cans for those who travel or who just want a quality set to toss in the backpack. For those who do not know, AKG is a favorite brand of sound engineers.
Link: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-a...68225000001000 |
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver on sale (again) at Newegg for $299.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-82117395-L0B That can be connected to the MartinLogan MLT-1 5.1CH Home Theater Speaker System for $249.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-82981012-L06D |
I don't need any new AV toys, but NewEegg has some great pricing and I will need to remember to look there in the future. Typically I buy from B&H because they are awesome about returns.
For Christmas, I got a pair of Denon DJ over-hear headphones. Model DN-HP700. I think they were about $100 but I am extremely happy with them. My son has had the same Denon's for over a year, they get heavy use (go to school every day and are shoved in bookbag) and they look/sound like new. For receivers, 2-3 years ago I upgraded and bought Denon. I hated it, extremely difficult to setup. I returned the Denon for a higher-end Onkyo (B&H didn't even make me pay for shipping!) and I love it. Setup was very intuitive, almost dummy-proof. It runs hot as hell (you could fry eggs on it), much hotter than a Pioneer (or other cheap receivers like a Sony) unless you buy a Pioneer Elite. But, it can crank out a full Rush at Rio concert at almost 100% volume without a rest. |
Denon makes very good headphones. Anyone in the market for a new (or used) set of cans, regardless of price range, will probably find this both helpful and interesting reading:
http://www.head-fi.org/a/buying-guid...by-price-range When it comes to receivers, I also like Yamaha, Onkyo and even Pioneer, with which I have good luck since 1971. I still have and use my vintage SX-990. Newegg and Amazon are my go to vendors. Additional on line vendors worth checking out include J & R, Adorama and TigerDirect. |
Sennheiser - Earbud Headphones (OCX 880) for $34.99 (with coupon code shown) through Sunday:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-26106424-L05A |
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones from Buy.com for only $129.99 shipped:
http://www.buy.com/prod/shure-thread...211279390.html |
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1-Channel A/V Receiverbundled with 1x Klipsch HD 500 5.1 High Definition Theater system for $599.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...mbo834822-LM2A Definitive Technology ProCinema 60 5.1CH Home Audio Speaker System for 279.99 through the 20th: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82325104-L024C Energy Take 5 Pack 5CH Home Theater Speaker System for $149.99 through the 20th: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-82269004-L0J The last two ship for free. |
Denon AH-D2000 - Open Box (Like New) – Denon AHD2000 High Performance Over-Ear Headphones for $199.77.
These are great closed cans that normally sell for at least $100 more. Link: http://www.electronics-expo.com/deno...-headphones-ob |
Polk Audio PSW Series PSW10 Cherry 10-inch Powered Subwoofer for $89.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82290035-L019A |
Pioneer VSX-821-K 5.1-Channel 3D Ready A/V Receiver $179.99 through Sunday:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-82117397-L03B |
The Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones--a slightly improved clone of a classic Denon can (Denon AH-D1001)--is back down to $54.99. This is a steal on a great little headphone that matches others (and I mean good headphones) 2 to 3 x its current price. Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-EF006...?ie=UTF8%C2%A0 Reviews: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content...ic-reincarnate http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/s...dphones-review |
Polk Audio RM 7 Satellite B High performance Satellite Speaker for $29.99 each with free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82290194-L018C |
Denon AH-D5000 - excellent, second from the top of the line audiophile level wood cup headphones:
http://www.electronics-expo.com/deno..._VhvCQcVALX4IA 3/25/12-- back in stock. Use coupon WELCOME25 for $25 off $250 (might require email signup), bringing the total down to $384 shipped. |
Denon AH-D1100 Advanced Over-Ear Headphones for $109 shipped (with coupon code provided on page):
http://www.electronics-expo.com/deno...adphones-black It's $199 at Amazon. |
Denon AH-D2000 open box headphone with great bass and sub-bass (and it's not a basshead can) for $199.77. Link:
http://www.electronics-expo.com/deno...3Ox8OG0ulDGraA |
Not an April fools joke--The Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones--a slightly improved clone of a classic Denon can (Denon AH-D1001)--is back down to $54.99. This is a steal on a great little headphone that matches others (and I mean good headphones) 2 to 3 x its current price.
It will work with a good sound system or straight out of an iphone, ipod and the like. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-EF006...=3TMR6IEFCG0JX |
Jamo S606HCS3 S-606-HCS-3 5.0 speaker system for $349.88 shipped either directly from Vann's:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it.../jamo-s606hcs3 or from Vann's by way of Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-S606HCS3-...pr_product_top |
Bill - My son is looking to replace his current headphones (Denon DJ). He wants to pay no more than $200.
To me, his current headphones sound awesome. But, I spend too much time riding diesel tractors without hearing protection so what do I know! He listens to jazz (saxophone), rock and shit (also called rap). His hope is to have strong/tight bass while maintaining clean treble. You seem to know a lot about headphones and I thought you might have a suggestion. thanks! Jim |
Jim--if he's willing to go slightly above $200 (shipped) the Denon AH-D2000 is probably the can for him--provided he does not want a mobile can. They are made for in home use.
Here's a couple reviews: http://www.headphone.com/headphones/denon-ah-d2000.php http://www.head-fi.org/products/deno...ear-headphones The ways to get the best prices are to follow the above (post #16) link--EE is out of stock for now, but stay tuned, or to call J & R music and ask one of their sales reps for the Head-Fi special on these cans or best price. If mobility is important to him, the good but not as good Audio-Technica ATH-M50 or M50S (with a straight cord) or Shure SRH 840 are good choices. The AT is more of a basshead can and the Shure is more neutral with a slight mid base hump. See for the AT: http://www.headphone.com/headphones/...ca-ath-m50.php http://www.head-fi.org/products/deno...ear-headphones For the Shure: http://www.head-fi.org/products/shure-srh840 http://www.headphone.com/headphones/shure-srh840.php Whatever you/he do/does stay away from "lifestyle" cans like the Beats & Skullcandy. Almost all of them or crap or mediocre at best and virtually all are grossly overpriced. Here's a few buying guides that may of help: http://www.head-fi.org/a/buying-guid...by-price-range http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-buying-guide https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...6a19STnc#gid=0 |
Ultrasone PRO 750 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Headphones at all time Amazon low price of $225.
These outstanding low impedance German designed headphones can be played from an ipod or high end home audio. Product Features S-Logic(TM) Natural Surround Sound for a more natural, lifelike sound Safer listening, less fatigue - SPL levels to the ear drum are decreased by up to 40% (3-4dB) for the same perceived loudness ULE technology with MU Metal shielding to reduce radiation by up to 98% as compared to ordinary headphones 40mm titanium plated Mylar for clear, precise sound well suited for mixing, mastering and critical listening Zippered hard case, extra ear pads and cables and demo CD included Technical Details Model: PRO 750 Product Type: Professional Headphones Type: Foldable, closed-back Technologies: S-Logic Natural Surround Sound, MU Metal shielding ULE-technology, Safer hearing PRO Box contents: Specifications 2 detachable cables: One straight length 3 m, one coiled length 3 m New PRO Box for: Safe Includes: Gold- plated jacks 6,3 mm, gold-plated adapter 6,33,5 mm Frequency range: 8-35.000 Hz Impedance: 40 Ohm Sound pressure level: 94 dB 5 star Amazon rated (15 reviews--12 of "5" and 3 of "4") Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-PRO-...pr_product_top |
Thanks Bill!
My prior to seeing your post my son was already leaning towards the AT, so I guess his research was fairly sound. He is tempted to save and get the D-2000 but is concerned that the cord is too long and thick. He definitely wants some degree of mobility. |
The Ultrasone Hifi 780 or Pro 750 are better cans (both have strong bass, but EQ balance as well), but many like the AT. I personally am not wild about the "V" shaped EQ that the AT offers, but I too hate rap & the rest of the newer "stuff" that is ultra bass heavy to the point of distortion--and usually at the expense of mids and/or highs.
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Thanks Bill - He ordered the pro-750!
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Let me know how he and you like them, Jim--after they arrive and have been burned in.
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1C Complete Game Pack--$20.92 or 20 to 25 cents per game at GamersGate:
http://www.gamersgate.com/DDB-1CBIGP...te-pack-bundle |
Grado RS 2i Headphones
At $374 shipped from Electronics Expo by way of Amazon, these headphones are far from cheap. Yet I've never seen them priced lower. They have a sweet sound and sound stage, great real (non exaggerated bass) and a very natural sound. They are very easy to drive. They are light and I find them to be very comfortable.
Jim heard them last month when we were comparing a few headphines in his basement (sorry SSpoom!). Only a couple shown to be left: http://www.amazon.com/Grado-RS2i-Ref...rds=grado+rs2i |
You've got to be kidding. $374 for headphones? Must be nice being a rich lawer.
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Quote:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/stax...or-earspeakers |
Ive seen headphones go for more than that. Check out Klipch's stuff. A+++ stuff. Id kill to have the cash to do a home theater in their top shelf stuff.
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Being discontinued, so get them while they last: the Denon AH-D5000 Stereo Headphones for $379.95 shipped through Buy.com:
http://www.buy.com/prod/denon-ah-d50...204242051.html |
The Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone are $89.88 shipped from J & R--either directly or through Amazon.
The Koss ProDJ100 Headphones from Amazon for $47.27 shipped. |
The FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amplifier through Amazon for $59.84 shipped.
And the FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amplifier with Micca Accessory Pack (Wall Charger and Extra Battery Pack) through Amazon for $62.95 shipped. |
Get a Grado
American made, the Grado SR line is considered to be the best headphones for rock. Their bright in you face and on stage with the band sound is not for everyone. They are not considered to be the most comfortable headphones on the market. They are open and leak sound. But no set of cans will rock your world better than a Grado--and they have been doing it for decades.
Video and Audio Center has the entire line available at (rare) discount prices (including shipping)--just ask for them from this page: http://www.videoandaudiocenter.com/c...=1&brand=GRADO The SR 60i for $71.55 SR 80i for $89.55 SR 225i for $180.55 SR 325is for $265.55 (or $275.00 through Amazon). |
CD's to Make Those Headphones Sing
For those who still love CD's and those who use them to convert their tracks to high quality computer ready music files, should check the some sweet offerings at Amazon.
First up is the "Very Best of Jethro Tull" featuring 20 great 2001 remastered tracks (from as far back as the late 60's) producing fantastic sound worthy of an audiophile system. Oh--I should mention it can be had new for as low as $4.34 from a U.S. based vendor. Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o06_s00_i00 For those who want album sets, there is a great line of imports covering a wide variety or artists from rock to jazz. It's the Original Album Classics collections that contain 3 or 5 albums/discs. Where available and applicable, these are the remastered versions with bonus tracks. Those of your returning from the Playa after attending Burning Man, will dig the early Jefferson Airplane five album collection for about $3.20 an album. The White Rabbit hides here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o02_s00_i00 For you younger headbangers, the five album Montrose collection goes for about $3.50 an album. Sit in your Red Rocker here: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Album...l+album+series For you Beats who dig jazz, you can pick up on Mingus, Monk, Davis and Weather Report. Search "original album series" under "music" for a very long and diverse list of artists from Blue Oyster Cult to Tom Waits to (early and mid) Fleetwood Mac to The B-52's. |
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They both look strung out on a major coke trip.
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You mean they were "bombed".
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Well. . . it was the 80s.
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Polk Audio R300 Black Two-Way Floor-Standing Loudspeaker for $49.99 a piece (with on screen coupon code) shipped from Newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290040 |
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