What is Reddit's opinion of
Gemini DJ HSR-1000 - Professional Monitoring Headphones?
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154 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
2 years ago I was pointed towards the Gemini HSR-1000. I absolutely love these headphones and use them every day.
Now I'm trying to get a pair of headphones for a Christmas gift. As the Gemini HSR-1000 is difficult to find, I would like to find a similar pair of headphones (in quality, feel, and size).
They will primarily be used in a quiet office/library study situation.
I would like a balanced to slightly bassy audio profile, with cans that I can wear for 8 hours without too much discomfort.
Budget: <= $150 (preferably)
Source: Realtek High Definition Audio from a Dell Latitude E7450, mac-book, or smartphone
Type: Full size (I don't want it to touch my ears), closed (I don't want coworkers to hear).
Isolation: My friend likes to drown out people with pink noise while studying. I assume some noise canceling would help with this.
Preferred music: EDM, House, Pop, Classical
Location: MD, USA
Wired: I would like it to be wired, ideally with a removable cord.
2 years ago I was pointed towards the Gemini HSR-1000. I absolutely love these headphones and use them every day.
Now I'm trying to get a pair of headphones for a Christmas gift. As the Gemini HSR-1000 is difficult to find, I would like to find a similar pair of headphones (in quality, feel, and size).
They will primarily be used in a quiet office/library study situation.
I would like a balanced to slightly bassy audio profile, with cans that I can wear for 8 hours without too much discomfort.
Budget: <= $100 (preferably)
Source: Realtek High Definition Audio from a Dell Latitude E7450, mac-book, or smartphone
Type: Full size (I don't want it to touch my ears), closed (I don't want coworkers to hear).
Isolation: My friend likes to drown out people with pink noise while studying. I assume some noise canceling would help with this.
Preferred music: EDM, House, Pop, Classical
Location: MD, USA
Wired: I would like it to be wired, ideally with a removable cord.
Alternatively, get the Gemini HSR-1000, it's a fucking fantastic clone and it shreks this Sony pair if you enjoy a little bit of bass.
These are excellent studio monitors. However, the Gemini HSR-1000 sounds far better to me for $10 more. The MDR-V6 will last forever but the treble is super harsh and the bass is lacking (much of this can be attributed to the stock pads). The HSR-1000s are still quite balanced but they feel much better for casual listening and gaming, and they're also much more comfortable.
Gemini DJ HSR-1000 also known as Takstar Pro 80. Optional pads upgrade to Brainwavz HM5 pads for increased comfort. Whole thing for under $100. You probably won't find a better bassy headphone unless you spend $200.
Budget: around $50 (I'll probably upgrade later on and buy a better pair)
Type: Iem
Required: Isolation, Comfort, and durability
Source: lenovo laptop and iPad
Music: Poppunk, hip-hop, rap, rock.
Past headphones: I currently have these gemini headphones. They're okay but I would like something with better bass.
I'm not looking for something super permanent- maybe something that can last a solid year before I can upgrade.
Gemini HSR-1000 with HM5 pads. It sounds like the price means a lot to you, and this is, without exception, the best/cheapest solution for what you're looking for.
The Gemini headphones are clones of the Takstar Pro-80, but a fraction of the price.
Trust.
I've worn the M50s and can't imagine that the very slight changes going into the M40x would change the sound signature much. If you want something with a better price tag and a superior sound quality (just my opinion, some may like other gear better), these are great, especially if you add Brainwavz HM5 pads to them.
No idea if this will fit here but...I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
And they fit my fat head great, and sound great! Two issues though...I use these on my PC, well my PC has two audio jacks, front and back. Front has buzzing issues when I use these headphones with it, back no buzzing. That would be find but the cord is too short!!
And I can't move the computer to make it work...I tried.
So my two options are...to try to straighten the spiral cord the headphones have (and lose warrenty/return thing) or buy an extender!
I'm leaning towards the extender obviously.
And there lies my question, what extender is good? I plan on going to Best Buy tomorrow to see what they have, since I need it...now. Any brands I should look for? I need about 4 feet for it to be comfortable for me. And do extenders drop the audio quality? I expect shitty cheap ones do but...do all of them? I don't want to spend like $20 on an extender though...the headphones were high enough priced as is.
Please help?
Budget: $100-150 CAD
Source: Desktop (no dac or anything like that)
Requirements for isolation: It just needs to be closed.
Type: Circumaural/over ear
Balance: Preferred to be warm with strong bass (but not overpowering)
Past headphones: Grado Sr60e - I like it, but the treble is really strong
Preferred Music: Just about anything: Rock, metal, pop, EDM, trance, etc
Looking for: Stronger bass, preferably a bigger soundstage though I understand the limits of my price range and closed back.
Location: Canada
I've been looking at the HSR-1000's and they look pretty good to me, but if anyone has better suggestions, I'd appreciate your input :)
I bought some new headphones yesterday and I can't fucking wait for whenever they are coming. What headphones do the resident patricians here use? I bought these
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Grab HM5 earpads if she finds them not comfortable enough.
Cable is not detachable.
It does not have extra bass. It is balanced and has tight, controlled, and accurate bass. If for some reason, she wants more, she can use an EQ.
> but my girlfriend does watch Netflix at a desk like six feet away - so just a bit of "insulation" sounds like a good thing ?
You would want isolation in this case.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Pro80 clones.
Im not really sure if this is the place to ask this but might as well try, I have a budget of around $50, looking for closed back headphones, some slight bass, and decent isolation (will be used in gym and office). I found these headphones. The only problem is I have never heard of this company before, does anyone here have any experience with these?
> Do these come with the same pads as the HM5?
Yes. I bought mine several years ago, and it had a spare set of HM5 pads too (which I put on my pro80's)
> Are there any other clones too?
Pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
IMO, the pro80's sound the same, and are built better (metal forks, the plastic forks on the HM5s break commonly). And the HM5 pads fit on them, so I just recommend those.
The hyperx cloud 2 mic is a notch above the boompro. However, the sound quality of the Philips shp9500 is a significant notch above the hyperx cloud 2. The hyperx cloud uses the same drivers as the takstar hi2050 and the Gemini HSR-1000. It's a good headphone for the price, but it doesn't have as smooth of a treble response as the Philips SHP 9500, Fidelio X1/X2, or something like the Sennheiser HD 598.
I don't know what the sound difference will be with any given motherboard.
The HyperX Cloud is essentially a Takstar Pro80 (a.k.a. Gemini HSR-1000) plus a mic for a fairly significant price premium. It's not a bad headset - indeed, it is one of the few good headsets - but for its cost, you can get an equivalent or better headphone and a clip-on mic like a Zalman Mic1.
The Cloud 2 is just the same headset plus a USB DAC-amp with surround sound, memory serving.
It's based off the Tacstar Pro80 headphones, which are VERY good for the below $100 price range. (the clones are cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 )
Edit: This is the I. The II has some proprietary crap on the end.
look into this pair
So the Gemini HSR-1000s and the Creative Aurvana Live!'s are about the same price right now, which one would be the best in terms of sound quality?
I have a pair of Gemini hsr1000 with custom brainwavz memory foam leather pads. 10ft Coiled cable. 60 shipped
https://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
tl;dr: Can anyone recommend a good USB headphone adapter or headphone extension cord?
My desktop computer has a faulty headphone jack, so I thought to get a cheap USB adapter from Amazon and use it instead. (My audio ports on the back of my desktop work fine, but my headphones have a short and coiled cord, so wearing them with them plugged into the back is uncomfortable.) Unfortunately, the adapter I got makes my headphones produce a relatively loud hiss, which significantly detracts from the listening experience. So I'm considering either getting a new adapter or an extension cord to plug my headphones into the back. I've been looking at Amazon reviews, and while there are many with good reviews, a lot of them also have a few mentions of hissing or sound degradation, which is why I'm asking for recommendations here.
No worries, happens all the time. Best of luck!
My 2¢: Gemini HSR-1000. Just at the fringe of your budget right now, but it gets down to $45-50, and it's a very solid headphone. Here's a couple reviews of the same OEM unit under a different brand. Only real issue it has is iffy ergonomics, which could be resolved by some new earpads down the line.
M50's are famously uncomfortable.
You can try HM5 earpads, or get a better set of headphones, like takstar pro 80's
Gemini's HSR-1000 is the same drivers as the HI2050 in a different chassis, memory serving. You can find reviews of them under the name of their alter-ego, the Takstar Pro80. The stock pads are less than stellar, however, so you might consider replacing them with some of Brainwavz' HM5 pads.
If having a mic on the headphones is key (though bear in mind, you can clip on a ZM-Mic1, lapel mic, or Modmic with headphones), Kingston's HyperX Cloud line is the same unit with a mic and some extra accessories.
Go with these - Gemini HSR 1000 or a set of these - Koss Portapro.
Both of these sound significantly better than turtle beach, triton, or any gaming headsets. Go for over the head not earbuds, they'll be more comfortable. Read those reviews for those headphones on amazon, they're terrific for both of those.
Edit : The Sennheiser PX100 is also great for the price.
The HSR-1000 and get a set of the Brainwavz HM5 pads.
If you just want headphones or have a mod mic. These are the same headphones
There's also the Gemini HSR-1000's which are what the Qpad QH-90s are based on (AFAIK), identical just no integrated mic jack.
Pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
That's your best deal here.
The better ones start at $270 imo.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
cheap and you don't have to worry about them getting beat to crap.
Open (no isolation): http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
At $300, the next tier basically opens up.
I would avoid the M50's.
> clarity and creaminess of Jazz
Opens are batter at this.
I suggest: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
And taking the remaining $140 and putting it toward your X2 upgrade fund.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
And you're done!
It would have been the hi2050's if you didn't need isolation.
All these are good suggestions for open and closed. The ATH-AD500x/700x/900x line is also solid for open and gaming
I Strongly suggest the $40 http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
for your flying needs, and the rest of your budget toward good open cans for home
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
And save the $120 towards your upgrade fund for some open home headphones.
Thanks! I think I'll be getting the Geminis. Do you mean to get the pads with them as well? http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Looking around 50$, I found this after some research
> this are for home use only.
> HTC M8
??
> M50X Love them for work and commute, but want something I can wear for more than a few hours without sore ears
The Pro80 and HM5 clones are all very comfortable. (Closed).
Opens:
At your budget, you have a LOT of options.
If you're not wandering around, I'd like to suggest Electrostats.
Koss ESP-950 is $500 used (Comes with an E/90 electrostatic amp).
SR-507 ($570 new)+SRM-1 MK2 Pro ($300-350) is ~$900
They look nice but they're a little too pricey for me! :/
http://www.amazon.ca/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
See if you can find a used pair of Mad Dogs.
Otherwise the pro80 clone: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
> library
You need isolation (closed) if you're in a library.
Open: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
They're $5 cheaper on ebay if that matters to you.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Check out the HSR-1000 headphones. The top Amazon review says they're very comfortable, more so than the HD280's, which I own and find comfortable enough.
For more headphones look at the budget headphones here: http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-buying-guide
Be sure to look at closed headphones, not open ones; open ones won't give you the isolation you want.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Mic: http://www.amazon.com/HyperX-Cloud-Gaming-Headset-KHX-H3CL/dp/B00JJNQG98/ (price drops $10-20 lower occasionally.)
Yeah I bought 2 of those for my brothers because their sagers had shitty realteks.
Go for these if you want closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Take the $100 that you saved and put it into an upgrade fund
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
> I'd like to improve the directional positioning in games
You'll need a soundcard for that (or X-Fi MB 3 software, though it has about 50ms latency)
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
They're neutral with a very slight bass boost.
IMO get a decent pairs of cans like this one and a mic.
Budget - Up to $100, but preferably lower
Source - Gigabyte output
Requirements for Isolation - Some. I use them only in my house, but my roommate is kind of loud and our walls are thin, so outside noise is easily heard, but not so much that I need full isolation.
Preferred Type of Headphone - Over the ear is needed. I'm not using these anywhere but home. I will use them in my computers typical output ports and maybe in my guitar amplifier so I can practice without causing a lot of noise. I wear glasses, so something that works well with the arms would help a lot.
Preferred tonal balance - Having bass is nice, but the midrange is what I tend to hear make the biggest difference. I will be playing mainly solo RPGs, in terms of gaming, watching movies and TV a lot, and listening to a lot of rock music.
Past headphones - The $12 Sony sport earphones that wrap around the ear (I can't use earbuds well... they fall out a lot). Those were 95% of my headphones over the last 10 years. Beyond that I never really needed them or used them.
Preferred Music - Everything. Bands I listen to most are Brand New, NFG, TBS, 4 Year Strong, Thrice, Cains Offering, Nirvana, Sonata Arctica, Eminem, Atmosphere)
I don't really know much about actual sound properties. I know the basics from old music classes and science courses, but nothing in depth. I need a well-balanced range for a wide variety of use, but comfort is very important. I don't really care between wired and wireless. I don't think I need a dedicated amp or DAC, but if it preferred I will get one.
edit: some the piqued my interest:
- Gemini DJ HSR-1000
- Superlux HD668B
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Philips SHP9500
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Add HM5 earpads if you want.
IMO, the next better closed cans are near $300.
I recommend against the m50s. I haven't heard the m40's.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
They honestly slap any closeds up to $150. You can grasb HM5 earpads too if you want.
Put the extra $120 towards saving up to $300 for a home open pair.
Cheaper HM5 clones: http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
These have metal forks and about the same sound quality: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
They have isolation, but no noise cancelling.
The XPT is a clone of the HM5. Here's another clone: http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
Or you can get the Pro80 clone, which sounds the same: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
There's an open version too.
> The chord for these broke after litterally 5 days ,hence why I haven't touched them since.
Did you return them?
Closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Open: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Maybe http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 ?
They're a clone of the Pro80, and you can throw HM5 earpads on them if you want more comfort.
The most comfortable phones are either HM5s, or Pro80s: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
With aftermarket HM5 memory foam earpads.
Open ver: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Takstar pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
The monoprice ones would probably be better.
Or way better, these ($44 shipped): http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
open:http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
And then a clip on mic.
The HyperX's, which are exactly what you want, are general ~$70 so yeah.
Takstar Pro80's are equal to the HM5s (except for the HM5's godlike earpads), and the clones cost $44.
So: (+$130 for the HM5s)
Budget: $255 - $330 for an open and closed.
Now we're talking.
Bias closed cans:
Closed: https://mrspeakers.com/mrspeakers-mad-dog-headphones/ ($270)
Open: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new ($50)
Bias open cans:
Closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 ($44)
Open: Fidelio X2 ($300) (They're a tad V-shaped I hear. Only one here I haven't heard personally. The HE-400S are too hard to drive I think.)
Note: The Mad dogs are not easy to drive, but they should not be an issue. My Galaxy S4 can make them uncomfortably loud.
The Pro80 clones support HM5 earpads, so you can grab those if you decide you want more comfort.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Get some HM5 earpads if you decide you want them to be more comfortable.
> just from my understanding anything with "isolation" technology gets more expensive
Isolation just means that's a closed back headphone.
Open (No isolation): http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Closed (Isolation): http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Those are the same headphones, just one is open, one is closed.
These Pro80 clones sound the same as HM5 clones (NVX XPT-100): http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Closed: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Open: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6
Put HM5 earpads if you want more comfort.
(I wear glasses too)
> walking on campus
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 ? (couple bucks cheaper on ebay new.)
Save the $100 and add it to the $300 open headphone fund later?
You should pick something other than the M50x's.
Also: pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
(yes they're equivalent to $150 cans)
You can add HM5 earpads too later if you want.
Done: (pro80 clones) http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Pick up some HM5 pads if they're not comfortable enough for you.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Get HM5 earpads (later) if you decide you want more comfort.
No mic: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 (Takstar Pro80 clone)
With mic: http://www.amazon.com/HyperX-Cloud-Gaming-Headset-KHX-H3CL/dp/B00JJNQG98/ (Takstar Pro80 clone with detachable mic)
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Also you might want to reply to the sticky (more responses).
I suggest: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Or: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Then save up to about $300, which is where the party starts with good headphones.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
These Pro80 clones are better than the M50 and M50x and it's 1/3rd the price. Same for the HM5 and clones.
Grab some HM5 pads for the pro80 if you want more comfort.
If you're gunning for $150 and really want some price/performance, a modded T50RP is hard to beat: http://www.head-fi.org/t/618659/fostex-t50rp-incremental-mods-and-measurements
Note they are not trivial to drive (similar to HE-400).
Here's a review that pretty much covers my opinion on them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnOlHAfHfQE
They sound like they have negative soundstage.
Over ears?: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
You can add HM5 earpads for even more comfort later.
> currently still have the ATH-M50x, purchased them about two weeks ago and am considering returning them. The problem I have with them is that they don't sound very nice for games.
They're horribly overrated.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 (Closed)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new (Open)
And get HM5 earpads if you want more comfort/better seal.
Do you want a headset with a mic?
Pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Get the HM5 pads, super comfortable.
Or you can get HM5 (clones): http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
Grab some HM5 earpads if you feel the need for more comfort.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Do not have detachable cables though =/
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 ($44)
On the high end, Mad Dogs ($270) (You can get them under $250 used if you spot one)
I have been looking at these for a while and wanted to hear what people had to say about them. They will be used for mostly gaming and listening to music.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Works with HM5 earpads too.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Get HM5 earpads for them if you want more comfort.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Add HM5 earpads if you want more comfort (they're pretty comfortable by default)
The M50's are not very comfortable, and don't sound very good compared to headphones in the $50 bracket.
However, the folding is uncommon, so... beaters? http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
HM5 pads fit perfectly (and the HM5 does have nice pads)
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Grab HM5 pads if you decide later you want more comfort.
Post in the sticky and follow the format. ~$150 closed back is not my specialty.
These are better than M50's however: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04 ?
Takstar Pro80 clones.
This is probably the best up to the $150 range: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
I have not tried them, but people seem to like the Dt770's.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Put HM5 earpads on them if you want even more comfort (they're pretty comfortable).
Do you want a mic?
Otherwise: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
I would not get the M50's.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
(It sounds like $150)
And save toward $300
> Sennheiser HD 202
Oh jeez.
Suggestions:
(Pro80 clones) http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Get HM5 pads for them if you want them to be more comfortable
Or HM5 clones themselves: http://www.jaycar.us/productView.asp?ID=AA2065
You can also pick up a used T50RP (basically closed) for modding if you want: http://www.head-fi.org/t/618659/fostex-t50rp-incremental-mods-and-measurements
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Get HM5 earpads if you decide you want more comfort later.
The folding is going to hurt your options.
I'd get something light like: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
for your iphone, and then a $~350 open home one for your PC...
with HM5 earpads. HM5 (XPT100)'s also sound good.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009PIQUB6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
And save up until you get into the $300 for a better set.
Both of those are low impedance and don't need an amp in the slightest.
The majority of gaming headphones, including the G430, have quite poor sound quality and build quality for their price, relative to actual headphones. They also tend toward using USB connections, mandating an integrated DAC and amp which is usually of lower quality than the integrated in your motherboard and increasing cost (and, thus, price).
The HyperX Cloud is one of a small body of headsets which are literally just normal headphones with mics added onto them - the Takstar Pro80, specifically. It's a fine headphone, and in fact is well regarded as a budget option, but the (entirely appropriate) price of its cheapest incarnation, the Gemini HSR1000, should give you an impression of how it stacks up to $80 or $130 headphones.
On a very good sale, one of the better headphone-cum-headsets would be fine - the Clouds have dropped below $60, which is entirely reasonable for a $45-50 pair of headphones plus a decent mic and some extra accessories, for example - but in the vast majority of cases it's cheaper to just buy the right headphones for you and add on a Mic1 (if budget is crunched) or Modmic (if you want really solid quality). Gives you a heck of a lot more options, too, as the market for good-quality headphones is massively larger and more diverse than the market for headsets with good sound quality.
Believe me, answering questions about audio is no trouble at all. If anything, I have a tendency to doggedly pursue people, hurling unwanted audio explanations at them...
Do you want a mic on it? (headset vs headphones)
If not: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Gemini HSR-1000 is a takstar Pro 80 rebrand.
Just do it. You can't go wrong.
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Takstar pro80 clones.
They're over ear, but better sound and isolation.
The only reason I'm hesitant on the HyperX Cloud is due to the "gamer" marketing vibe that is used to pass off inferior headphones due to aesthetics. The Gemini DJ HSR-1000 seems to be the exact same frame as the HyperX and the Takstar Pro 80, but the microphone and label seem to double the price. I know it has active noise cancelling, and seemingly solid mic via inline sound card, but I'm wary of a manufacturer that has the same frame at such low price points with very little difference in apparent build quality.
headset... do you want a mic on it?
Otherwise: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Same headphone with out mic 1
Not necessarily better, but you could get the same thing for much cheaper:
For more info and purchase advice you should post in the sticky: Rule 1
If you are in a quiet environment that doesn't require noise isolating headphones you should go for an open back headphone.
Balanced and V-Shaped are massive differences, neutral or bright headphones are usually better for competitive gaming.
Corsair headphones and "gaming" headphones in general are very bad and nowhere near a neutral sound signature.
Virtual 5.1 and 7.1 are not well regarded in this sub, but mainly because this is a Hi-Fi sub for music listening. True 7.1 headphones are absolute and total marketing bullshit that have zero right to exist.
If you want a gaming headset the Kingston Hyper X Cloud is the best solution. It is based on the Chinese Takstar PRO80 stereo headphone, which is a very well regarded budget option. Just be aware that you are paying ~100% markup. Rebrands of the Takstar PRO80, like the Gemini HSR1000 are available for $45.
If you rather want to get a solid stereo headphone, give the Sennheiser HD598 a try. If you don't like the colours, get the HD558 which uses the same drivers, but cheaper materials for the housing, headband and padding.
I bought them a few months ago. I used them about once a week for a few minutes. I thought big headphones were my thing but they arent. this is the amazon page. http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
> soundtrue Bose
I've never heard those. You're going to want to compare against $44 pro80 clones: http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
(Pro80 clones)
If you're wondering why I'm recommending those, it's because if you're taking them outside, you want a good sounding beater pair.
In my opinion, $300 is where the fun really gets started with good headphones.
I would get those, get used to them, and use them as your baseline for headphones.
They are unequivocally good. Spectacular for the price.
They are easy to drive, so your ipod will not have issues.
When you're ready, you can come back for a no-compromises setup for your home listening.
(There are good $150-200 headphones, it's just probably not the difference you're looking for, and the closed and portability requirements limit the options)
http://www.amazon.com/Gemini-HSR-1000-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B006Y2BI04
Pro80 clones, which are balanced.
Closed headphones usually have more sub-bass because... Reasons.
Closed headphones suck for gaming. Treble heavy, open cans, are actually best for gaming.
That being said, if you want closed, here ya go
If you want an upgrade for your open cans, here ya go.
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