Ask HN: Non-audiophile looking for first quality headphones

2 points by caseyw 5 years ago | 9 comments
In a recent HN post I saw people mention Bose as a less desirable brand for headphones. I’ve always thought it was the better brand likely due to marketing.

I’m not looking for any brand bashing, but more of what I should look for that will help make an educated decision when purchasing a nice set of cans.

Thanks HN!

  • dfraser992 5 years ago
    If you are concerned about technical details, try [1]. I spent hours on this site when looking for a pair of wireless headphones - I got tired of dealing with the myriad of other (pseudo)review sites plugging specific brands that were more just marketing copy and so obviously untrustworthy. In the process, I learned about features I had no idea existed and ended up buying something slightly more expensive than I normally would buy, but it will cover all my possible needs.

    [1] https://www.rtings.com/

    • caseyw 5 years ago
      What did you end up going with?
      • dfraser992 5 years ago
        I got the HD 4.40 BT from Sennheiser. I thought I'd buy something cheap (under $40) but ended up wanting NFC connectivity, cable connectivity, low enough latency to watch videos (did not realize that was a big issue)...
    • karmakaze 5 years ago
      I concur that Bose isn't great for sound quality. Their noise-cancellation is quite good although others have caught up/surpassed them.

      I'm a bit of an audio snob so don't do wireless. The Sony MDR-7506 is my default go-to. It's light and has the best midrange/mid-high detail and tone.

      I do keep a pair of Bose QuietComfort for plane trips and office privacy (wearing better quality earbuds underneath).

      I can't deny the convenience of wireless and will likely get the Sony which offers a wireless/wired combo in the same model.

      • ansgri 5 years ago
        Go read guides at head-fi.org, there are multiple budget-conscious (as well as very hi-end) discussions for all kinds of applications. Very good forum.

        Start here: https://www.head-fi.org/articles/headphone-buying-guide.1416...

        My personal favorite for price/convenience/sound currently is Fiio F9 Pro.

        • Finnucane 5 years ago
          Do you have a budget? I got pair of Audio-Technica headphones that weren’t very expensive and suit me pretty well. Do you care about noise-cancelling or other fancy features?
          • caseyw 5 years ago
            I'd like to spend under 300, and noise cancelling would be nice.
          • eightothree 5 years ago
            I like Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 Earbud Headphones. It's super cheap, sounds incredible and nearly indestructible. Great for gym or any outdoors work.
            • pettycashstash2 5 years ago
              For Bluetooth I’ve enjoyed Sony Mx wireless version. Has Boise cancelling and quite good from a sound perspective