For years I've hated using headphones with MFX units and my Valvetronix AD120VTX amp. I always thought the headphone socket was a poorly designed afterthought and even with decent headphones like BOSE it sounded dull and lifeless with poor dynamic response. But then I came across an article explaining that headphones designed for listening to music and that plug into your music/mp3 player were completely wrong for digital modelling/musical instruments, because they are simply not designed to cope with the frequency range & dynamic response that's needed. What's needed are studio grade speakers. So, for my birthday (and because they were fed up hearing my guitar from my den upstairs!) my family said they'd 'invest' in a good pair for me ...for their own sanity!
So I did some research and without exception, every review extolled the virtues of the Audio Technica ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones, so my daughter ordered it with Amazon Prime and it came within 24 hrs. Nicely boxed, it even comes with 3 plug in leads, long, short and coiled, and a nice little bag. I've been using them all day and I've just been completely gobsmacked at the difference. The modelling of my Valvetronix really shines through with fabulous clarity, definition, warmth & feel, with tremendous bass, mid and top end response that's really well balanced. I couldn't believe this was the same amp that sounded absolute shite through my Bose headphones. Plugged in my Tonelab MFX - again it was like I'd bought a completely different unit. Unfortunately, the Tonelabs don't have a looper and rhythm patterns.
So I was going to get myself a Zoom G5 again for around £90-100 because I need a single unit that will let me do it all through headphones i.e.it has a looper and drum patterns... but I just realised it has no aux out for an mp3 player, which is a real bummer. The G5n I had did but it was designed by monkeys & I wouldn't touch one of those again. I also don't want anything expensive and overly complex like a Helix or AxFx. So I'm now pondering that conundrum.
I started out with nothing..... but I've still got most of it left (Seasick Steve)
Comments
At the same time I bought a pair of krk rokit rp5's monitors, I would also highly recommend those.
These are also recommended, very comfortable. beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition 250 Ohm Headphone https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7v2ADb60Z0589
I agree that certain headphones are better for certain applications - I use the ATH-M40X for my headphone guitar play with UA OX. They’re great for that.
For sofa / iPad stuff I use Sennheiser Momentum’s - so light and comfortable and sound great for general YouTube type listening.
I do like the Bose a lot for their purpose, but they're nowhere near as good as the DT770s for music stuff.
That article is wrong though, they aren't inherently different to any other headphones, they're just good.
My semi open back DT 880 Editions (250 ohm) are more comfortable than the 770 pros as they don’t clamp so hard. Better for long guitar sessions for that reason.
What is it about the g5n you didn't like? I love mine, although not used the earlier g5.
I'm looking for a new set of headphones so taking your advice on board!
Stock answer: Superlux from Thomann. Decent sound quality for beer money.
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