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Breaking in headphones

Started by magval, May 20, 2020, 02:27:04 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

magval

What's the best way to get new headphones set up? I've seen online people say you should run them for a few days with certain frequencies on them - are there playlists for this?

Or is it all just a load of old wank?

Abnormal Palm

Honestly, while you could argue that there is some mechanical basis that dynamic drivers move more easily with a bit of use, it's largely bollocks. For something like a tube amplifier, yeah, you need to get the valves warmed up so they can operate better. That's a fact. My old tube amp took about twenty minutes to get there and you could hear the difference over the twenty minutes. For certain headphones like balanced armature IEMs or planar magnetic cans, there's fuck all moving there anyway, so there's nowt to burn in.

For headphones, whatever mechanical 'burn in' there might be is dwarfed by your psychological 'burn in'. It can take a little time to hear your headphones' sound signature for what it is, rather than what seems accentuated or recessed compared to your previous headphones.

Many a time I've got something new and felt it's too thin or bassy or closed or too wide or whatever. It can just take a while to get comfortable with a different sound signature.

And even if I'm wrong and burn-in is a thing, I say just listen to them and enjoy the changes, because they will only ever get better, no matter the reason.

Artie Fufkin

I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I'm seriously contemplating getting some AirPod Pros.
They seem awesome.

Abnormal Palm

One of the most comprehensive replies to any question on this whole forum on fifteen years.

Sebastian Cobb

Quote from: Artie Fufkin on May 20, 2020, 04:54:37 PM
I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I'm seriously contemplating getting some AirPod Pros.
They seem awesome.

If you're still open to suggestions, I suggest you check out some of the "chi-fi" IEM's you can get for about £20. You're looking at about £40 in total with some bluetooth modules.

Basically, there's some ex-audio engineers in China who worked for reputable firms like Audio Technica buying containers of the quality components and slapping them together themselves. They are very good and cheap:
https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/7/20943377/chinese-hi-fi-audio-chifi-fiio-hifiman-tin-audio

I have these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Balanced-Cancelling-Headphones-Detachable-Universal-Fit-Blue/dp/B07XPSYH6Z

They're much cheaper through Aliexpress.
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20200523083952&SearchText=cca+c12

Then add these for wirelessness:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33009240390.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.61342855ArQlIs&algo_pvid=1b80683c-f98f-43bc-b0ec-75a888a59360&algo_expid=1b80683c-f98f-43bc-b0ec-75a888a59360-0&btsid=0ab6fb8315902520338832548e74c1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

dannyfc

Without wanting to sound like old man shouting at a cloud, whats the attraction in the AirPods? Are they generally more comfortable than standard earphones, or is it just the wireless tech? I'd be nervous they'd fall into the abyss if you take a knock without having the wires to reel them back in.

I've got a pair of AKG K240s, which are primarily studio monitors for music. Had them for 10 years now and still in good nick. Only issues is I get ear fatigue after more than a few hours, altho think this is more of a generic headphone problem than brand specific, and they lack a bit of oomph for casual listening due to flat frequency response.


Artie Fufkin

Quote from: Sebastian Cobb on May 23, 2020, 05:41:18 PM
If you're still open to suggestions, I suggest you check out some of the "chi-fi" IEM's you can get for about £20. You're looking at about £40 in total with some bluetooth modules.

Basically, there's some ex-audio engineers in China who worked for reputable firms like Audio Technica buying containers of the quality components and slapping them together themselves. They are very good and cheap:
https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/7/20943377/chinese-hi-fi-audio-chifi-fiio-hifiman-tin-audio

I have these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Balanced-Cancelling-Headphones-Detachable-Universal-Fit-Blue/dp/B07XPSYH6Z

They're much cheaper through Aliexpress.
https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20200523083952&SearchText=cca+c12

Then add these for wirelessness:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33009240390.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.61342855ArQlIs&algo_pvid=1b80683c-f98f-43bc-b0ec-75a888a59360&algo_expid=1b80683c-f98f-43bc-b0ec-75a888a59360-0&btsid=0ab6fb8315902520338832548e74c1&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
Blimey. There's some great stuff, there. Fanx.
However, it seems the matter has been taken out of my hands as Mrs Fufkin has panic bought me some AirPod Pros for my birthday *heart*

QDRPHNC

Yeah thanks, I'd never heard of the Chi-Fi stuff before. Got my eye on the Oneodio Pro 50s now.