Comments on: Tools of the Trade: Headphones and Earphones http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones You don't learn a language, you get used to it. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:27:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: killazys http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-83263 killazys Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:30:49 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-83263 For recommendations from audiophiles: www.head-fi.org Further reading: www.anythingbutipod.com For recommendations from audiophiles:
www.head-fi.org

Further reading:
www.anythingbutipod.com

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]]> By: Kuri http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-16638 Kuri Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:35:55 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-16638 Sennheiser CX300. Will set you back $20-40, shopping around recommended and be wary of knock-offs if you shop online. They are in-ear 'passive' noise reducing headphones with amazing sound for the price. Not everyone likes in-ear phones, but I can wear these all day in the office 7-9 hours without any discomfort whatsoever. The only discomfort caused is to my colleages, who now have to walk to my desk everytime they want to ask me someting - I simply don't hear them. Even on long haul flights (London-Tokyo) they are great and if you fly with Virgin, you can plug them straight into the arm rest socket and have less noise and hear more movie. Sweet! Sennheiser CX300. Will set you back $20-40, shopping around recommended and be wary of knock-offs if you shop online.
They are in-ear ‘passive’ noise reducing headphones with amazing sound for the price.
Not everyone likes in-ear phones, but I can wear these all day in the office 7-9 hours without any discomfort whatsoever. The only discomfort caused is to my colleages, who now have to walk to my desk everytime they want to ask me someting – I simply don’t hear them.
Even on long haul flights (London-Tokyo) they are great and if you fly with Virgin, you can plug them straight into the arm rest socket and have less noise and hear more movie. Sweet!

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]]> By: RF Glenn http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-14264 RF Glenn Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:30:56 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-14264 I've tended to use earbuds, which DO have a definite difference in the <20, <100, etc ranges. Spent a couple of months with a pair of Etymotic 6i-rs or whatever before I broke the wonderful things from overuse/abuse [they have GREAT sound quality, and they're very isolating... meaning I listened to music on loud airplanes at minimum volume, meaning less hearing damage] [also, super comfortable]. I can still listen to music, thankfully, because I also have a set of speakers which I use often, an ipod + fm transmitter I use in the car, and a laptop that I use almost everywhere else. The great bit on earbuds is you can hide 'em and wear them to class. Can't beat it. I’ve tended to use earbuds, which DO have a definite difference in the <20, <100, etc ranges. Spent a couple of months with a pair of Etymotic 6i-rs or whatever before I broke the wonderful things from overuse/abuse [they have GREAT sound quality, and they're very isolating... meaning I listened to music on loud airplanes at minimum volume, meaning less hearing damage] [also, super comfortable]. I can still listen to music, thankfully, because I also have a set of speakers which I use often, an ipod + fm transmitter I use in the car, and a laptop that I use almost everywhere else.

The great bit on earbuds is you can hide ‘em and wear them to class. Can’t beat it.

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]]> By: Chris http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11884 Chris Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:28:40 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11884 I'm currently using (or plan to use when I begin my hardcore Mandarin studies) is a pair of Philips SHS3200, which are just perfect for walking around, as the cord isn't too long, and the earbuds themselves can't fall out. (http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SHS3200-37-Flexible-Earhook/dp/B000G0JKNM/ref=pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224242629&sr=8-8) In addition, and in order to reduce background noise when I'm on the bus or studying in the dining room when people have the TV going is a pair of Skullcandy earbuds. VERY comfortable to wear. More comfortable than my pair of Sennheissers which I use for music. The Skullcandy buds: http://www.amazon.com/Skullcandy-SC-SBB3-5-Smokin-Earbud-Black/dp/B000CMTZO8/ref=pd_sim_sg_1 I’m currently using (or plan to use when I begin my hardcore Mandarin studies) is a pair of Philips SHS3200, which are just perfect for walking around, as the cord isn’t too long, and the earbuds themselves can’t fall out.

(www.amazon.com/Philips-SHS3200-37-Flexible-Earhook/dp/B000G0JKNM/ref=pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224242629&sr=8-8)

In addition, and in order to reduce background noise when I’m on the bus or studying in the dining room when people have the TV going is a pair of Skullcandy earbuds. VERY comfortable to wear. More comfortable than my pair of Sennheissers which I use for music.

The Skullcandy buds:
www.amazon.com/Skullcandy-SC-SBB3-5-Smokin-Earbud-Black/dp/B000CMTZO8/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

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]]> By: lol-factory http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11804 lol-factory Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:25:05 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11804 For those of you sleep listeners, do you sleep on your face or sides? My earbuds always seem to fall out, and I end up getting frustrated. For those of you sleep listeners, do you sleep on your face or sides?

My earbuds always seem to fall out, and I end up getting frustrated.

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]]> By: Ed http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11283 Ed Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:37:01 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11283 @uberstuber good point on the bass "slam" thing. didn't think about that. Also, I agree that the guys pushing the headphones may exaggerate the truth a bit on the tech specs. @uberstuber

good point on the bass “slam” thing. didn’t think about that. Also, I agree that the guys pushing the headphones may exaggerate the truth a bit on the tech specs.

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]]> By: David http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11232 David Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:21:24 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11232 8Hz is under the threshold of hearing, yay~ 8Hz is under the threshold of hearing, yay~

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]]> By: nest0r http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11231 nest0r Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:55:36 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11231 Oh and Bang & Olufsen A8s for my iPod. Oh and Bang & Olufsen A8s for my iPod.

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]]> By: nest0r http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11230 nest0r Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:53:40 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11230 Grado SR60s for me. Grado SR60s for me.

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]]> By: uberstuber http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11228 uberstuber Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:39:02 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11228 @Ed You might not be able to 'hear' 8hz but you can feel it, which makes a difference if you like bass slam/extension. It's perfectly safe for your ears, assuming you keep the volume low enough. Also, like I said earlier, what it says on the box rarely matches with what the headphones can actually produce, and a larger range doesn't necessarily mean the headphone sounds better @Ed
You might not be able to ‘hear’ 8hz but you can feel it, which makes a difference if you like bass slam/extension. It’s perfectly safe for your ears, assuming you keep the volume low enough.

Also, like I said earlier, what it says on the box rarely matches with what the headphones can actually produce, and a larger range doesn’t necessarily mean the headphone sounds better

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]]> By: Ed http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11219 Ed Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:12:05 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11219 8Hz? Wtf? Why would they make something that goes lower than the range of human sound response? Your ears might take some damage from something like that, but I have no clue. Also, these are my favorite pair of headphones that I have experimented with so far: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V150-Monitor-Headphones-Reversible/dp/B000092YPR/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222927841&sr=8-2 8Hz? Wtf? Why would they make something that goes lower than the range of human sound response? Your ears might take some damage from something like that, but I have no clue.

Also, these are my favorite pair of headphones that I have experimented with so far:

www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V150-Monitor-Headphones-Reversible/dp/B000092YPR/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222927841&sr=8-2

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]]> By: anon http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11218 anon Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:43:13 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11218 @Shhtephen *cough*jpopsuki*cough* @Shhtephen
*cough*jpopsuki*cough*

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]]> By: Shhhtephen http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11217 Shhhtephen Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:07:52 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11217 Um so yeah slightly on and off topic what is everyone listening to on their wide variety of personal listening devices through their wide variety of headphones. I know this site has like a few links to some stuff, but really what else is out their. Ive got a few Japanese CD's but screw spending like $30.00 or more on that. I need some cheap down loadable quality listening. Um so yeah slightly on and off topic what is everyone listening to on their wide variety of personal listening devices through their wide variety of headphones. I know this site has like a few links to some stuff, but really what else is out their. Ive got a few Japanese CD’s but screw spending like $30.00 or more on that. I need some cheap down loadable quality listening.

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]]> By: TheAndySan http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11215 TheAndySan Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:47:35 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11215 I use Sony MDR-EX51LP earphones (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-EX51LP-Fontopia-Headphones/dp/B000095SB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222918524&sr=1-1) for my MP3 player, which is a Panasonic SV-MP020. (http://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-SV-MP020-Digital-Audio-Player/dp/B000F3NIYW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222918674&sr=1-2) For the computer, I use Sony MDR-V150 Monitor Series headphones. (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V150-Monitor-Headphones-Reversible/dp/B000092YPR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222918981&sr=1-1) I've tried out TONS of headphones and earphones, and I've gotta say that Sonys last the longest (we're talking years, not months or weeks). They sound great too, and you can't beat 'em for the price! TheAndySan http://www.theandysan.com P.S: Wow, I have a ton of links in my comment! Lol, I'm not trying to spam, honest! I use Sony MDR-EX51LP earphones (www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-EX51LP-Fontopia-Headphones/dp/B000095SB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222918524&sr=1-1) for my MP3 player, which is a Panasonic SV-MP020. (www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-SV-MP020-Digital-Audio-Player/dp/B000F3NIYW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222918674&sr=1-2)

For the computer, I use Sony MDR-V150 Monitor Series headphones. (www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V150-Monitor-Headphones-Reversible/dp/B000092YPR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222918981&sr=1-1)

I’ve tried out TONS of headphones and earphones, and I’ve gotta say that Sonys last the longest (we’re talking years, not months or weeks). They sound great too, and you can’t beat ‘em for the price!

TheAndySan
www.theandysan.com

P.S: Wow, I have a ton of links in my comment! Lol, I’m not trying to spam, honest!

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]]> By: uberstuber http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11214 uberstuber Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:16:51 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11214 I'm a fan of Grados for home use. The sennheiser rec's above are also good. Koss ksc-75 are amazing given their price point and come with a lifetime full replacement warranty. My favorite headphones when I need quiet are Jays q-jays (a bit pricey) I've seen denon's as a good go to brand for hip-hop/rap, though haven't ever owned any. Generally the frequencies printed on the box of headphones are not good indicators of actual frequency response :/ Poke around head-fi.org 's forums if you're willing to open up your wallet a bit. For sleep and around campus I wear crappy earbuds, generally I'll be listening to pure voice, where I don't care about sq as much. I’m a fan of Grados for home use.
The sennheiser rec’s above are also good.
Koss ksc-75 are amazing given their price point and come with a lifetime full replacement warranty.
My favorite headphones when I need quiet are Jays q-jays (a bit pricey)
I’ve seen denon’s as a good go to brand for hip-hop/rap, though haven’t ever owned any.

Generally the frequencies printed on the box of headphones are not good indicators of actual frequency response :/
Poke around head-fi.org ‘s forums if you’re willing to open up your wallet a bit.

For sleep and around campus I wear crappy earbuds, generally I’ll be listening to pure voice, where I don’t care about sq as much.

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]]> By: David http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11211 David Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:29:39 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11211 Behind-the-head ear phones are win. -- I've used my set for years, sadly I need new ones. They've been revived from the dead way too many times. :P Behind-the-head ear phones are win. — I’ve used my set for years, sadly I need new ones. They’ve been revived from the dead way too many times. :P

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]]> By: Jonathan http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11206 Jonathan Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:50:37 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11206 I'm going to have to second the Sennheiser recommendation. They know their headphones, and they have a lot of quality products even in the budget range. I personally use the HD595 whenever I'm at home (I'm cool with just using some dinky little earbuds when I'm out and about), and regardless of what Khatz says, there's totally a noticeable difference between quality headphones and cheap ones. They key is just to make sure that the headphones actually ARE high-quality, and not just expensive, because the two don't always correlate. I’m going to have to second the Sennheiser recommendation. They know their headphones, and they have a lot of quality products even in the budget range. I personally use the HD595 whenever I’m at home (I’m cool with just using some dinky little earbuds when I’m out and about), and regardless of what Khatz says, there’s totally a noticeable difference between quality headphones and cheap ones. They key is just to make sure that the headphones actually ARE high-quality, and not just expensive, because the two don’t always correlate.

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]]> By: Sutebun http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11203 Sutebun Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:18:51 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11203 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826159406 These are my wireless headphones. Although I have a slightly older version I think (these look a little different from my own). They are very comfortable for me. Sound quality is also very important to me and these did not disappoint (Of course they lose out to my wired headphones which can match speaker quality even on high volume). Wireless headphones are good if you study at a desk and the wire gets in your way. It's good if you want to cook and listen to stuff. It's good if you have a roommate/significant other and don't want to bother them with your noise but still want to have mobility while listening to stuff. www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826159406

These are my wireless headphones. Although I have a slightly older version I think (these look a little different from my own). They are very comfortable for me. Sound quality is also very important to me and these did not disappoint (Of course they lose out to my wired headphones which can match speaker quality even on high volume).

Wireless headphones are good if you study at a desk and the wire gets in your way. It’s good if you want to cook and listen to stuff. It’s good if you have a roommate/significant other and don’t want to bother them with your noise but still want to have mobility while listening to stuff.

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]]> By: quendidil http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11201 quendidil Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:01:04 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11201 I have wrecked about 4 headphones while wearing them to sleep :D. I have wrecked about 4 headphones while wearing them to sleep :D .

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]]> By: DT http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/tools-of-the-trade-headphones#comment-11199 DT Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:42:59 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/?p=310#comment-11199 Be careful when using headphones while riding buses and in other places where there is a lot of noise. It's too easy to turn up the volume so you can hear normally and not realize how loud you really have it. If you are concerned about this, consider taking note of the highest setting you would comfortably listen to in a silent environment, and pay attention that you never exceed it. Noise-cancelling headphones might be a better option, but I can't say for sure; I haven't tried them. Be careful when using headphones while riding buses and in other places where there is a lot of noise. It’s too easy to turn up the volume so you can hear normally and not realize how loud you really have it.

If you are concerned about this, consider taking note of the highest setting you would comfortably listen to in a silent environment, and pay attention that you never exceed it.

Noise-cancelling headphones might be a better option, but I can’t say for sure; I haven’t tried them.

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