Note: This is not an official audiophile review but rather a simple sharing of my own hi-fi sound loving experience. To make things a bit interesting I mixed this article with a basic easy-to-do info of product photography. Enjoy reading!!!
Audiophile According to Wiki
An audiophile, from Latin audio"I hear" and Greek philos "loving," is a hobbyist who seeks high-quality audio reproduction via the use of specialized high-end audio electronics. Audiophiles prefer to listen to music at a quality level that is as close to the original performance as possible using high-fidelity components. These specialized components include turntables, digital-to-analog converters, equalization devices,preamplifiers and amplifiers. Both high quality solid-state and vacuum tube amplifiers are used. The quest for audio perfection can also include horn loudspeakers or electrostatic speakers, power conditioners,subwoofers and acoustic room treatment.
My Audio Experience
An audiophile, from Latin audio"I hear" and Greek philos "loving," is a hobbyist who seeks high-quality audio reproduction via the use of specialized high-end audio electronics. Audiophiles prefer to listen to music at a quality level that is as close to the original performance as possible using high-fidelity components. These specialized components include turntables, digital-to-analog converters, equalization devices,preamplifiers and amplifiers. Both high quality solid-state and vacuum tube amplifiers are used. The quest for audio perfection can also include horn loudspeakers or electrostatic speakers, power conditioners,subwoofers and acoustic room treatment.
My Audio Experience
I can't really say I'm an audio junkie (maybe people have their own levels of addictiveness) but I know a thing or two about audio equipments thanks to may dad. He is the real audiophile in the family. He still have his audio equipments form the 80s' and he listens to music louder than me (for realz). Let's just say I'm a fan of good quality hi-fi sound system but not as hardcore to the point that I'll buy audio equipments like turn tables, amps, speakers etc. (but I did buy an amp for my guitar) also because of my lifestyle I can't manage all those things. Besides I need a bigger place to dump all of that stuff. So I'm referring to portable audio systems with high fidelity sound. I have quite a library of CDs mostly songs or bands that you don't usually hear on the radio with music genres including - Hardcore/Punk, Groove, Metalcore, Death, Grindcore, Rapcore, Punk, Ska, Emo, Indie, Energetic (dunno why they call it that), Hard Rock, Trip-hop, Hip-hop, R&B and a long list of genres. All of these are just round silicons with inlay cards and plastic cases without the right sound system and your iPod or MP3 player is as good as paper weight without the right headphones.
What I need to get my audio fix is a good set of headphones. I need my music when doing almost everything specially in my photography (it gives me motivation and inspiration). So what brand should I get to fill up my sound wave addiction? Monster Beats? Sennheiser? Bose? Audio-Technica? Scullcandy? OK I have my prospects but what about budget? Definitely it's one of my main concern. I need a hi-fi sounding headphones but my budget is limited. Some of you might think I'm either crazy or a cheapskate or both. Is there such a headset out there that can meet your sound expectations and limited budget? Believe it or not there is - Sennheiser is well-known for their hi-fi headphones, microphones and audio equipments and the good thing is they have a mid-range line-up of good quality hi-fi sound headphones for my active (or sometimes not so active) lifestyle.
The Headphones
"Sennheiser HD 448 - Taken with Nikon D700, Nikkor 16-35mm F4 VR,
Nikon SB-900 triggered with Phottix Strato 4-in-1 radio triggers with
Rime Lite mini softbox to soften shadows."
"Sennheiser HD 448 (close-up) - Taken with Nikon D700, Nikkor 105mm Micro VR,
Nikon SB-900 triggered with Phottix Strato 4-in-1 radio triggers with
Rime Lite mini softbox to soften shadows."
Sennheiser HB 448 - This baby is one of the best headphones in the market (on the mid range that is) but surprisingly I've seen reviews that says this can pound the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre on sound quality. A $400-$600 headphones versus a $100 Sennheiser? I just can't believe it! One day I'll try Beats by Dr. Dre if the speculations are true. Well I've seen Beats and it totally blew me away on just built quality alone (haven't tried one). Let's say OK Sennheiser and Beats were stalemate on sound quality crisp treble clear high and mids with a satisfying punchy bass (but not boom bass) a more real stereo sounding experience, built quality wise Beats win but don't disregard the high-grade plastic and partial metal used in HD-448s. It's lighter than it looks and feels very comfy (fits my big head). It has good quality cable but not the same as the ones on a Pro monitor headphones. No noise bleed (not nose bleed) what so ever. One drawback is it doesn't have enough grip to hold on my head tight. If I bang my head few times while listening to Deftones it will slide off my head. The rest is fine I just wish it's more grippy.
For Sennheiser HD 448 product details click here.
For Sennheiser HD 448 product details click here.
"Sennheiser HD 218 - Taken with Nikon D700 and Nikkor 16-35mm F4 VR
with available florescent lighting"
Sennheiser HD 218 - the cheapest of the Sennheiser HD series for S$80 or US$50. Don't get turned off by the low price this baby is better than most of the headphones on its class. Noticeable bass, high and mids are OK. Nothing to complain about, regarding the very affordable price. It's very light and it rests comfortably on your head. Nice high-grade plastic built quality. Again my complain is that it's not that grippy. One time I'm rushing to cross the street then it just fell off my head. One more thing despite of the close back design this headphone bleeds a bit of sound but not as much as the Sennheiser HD 238 Precision (open back design). This is a very good replacement for the stock earphones on your iPhone or iPod or any MP3 players.
For Sennheiser HD 218 product details click here.
Conclusion
A sure bang for the buck and definitely one of the best headphones in the market. It has it's drawbacks but hey you get what you pay for and the deal breaker aside from the low price is that you get more than you'd expected. Noise cancelling is not that stellar but it still OK at least it doesn't need batteries to operate unlike other noise canceling headphones. I can say that the Sennheiser HD 448 and Senheiser HD 218 serves its purpose. Maybe one day I'll try Monster Beats by Dr.Dre (if budget permits). Peace!
Notes About Product Shots
Usually product shots have 3 light source - Main light, Fill light and Background light. Some products only need 1-2 light source depending on your presentation. In my case a low key shot. On the photos above I've used only one light source with soft box to soften the shadows and just enough to give the subject a certain sheen to it for a more sophisticated look. You might need a polarizing filter for very reflective surfaces (you don't want your face appearing on the subject) to reduce reflections unless you intentionally want it. Hope this helps. Cheers!!!
For Sennheiser HD 218 product details click here.
Conclusion
A sure bang for the buck and definitely one of the best headphones in the market. It has it's drawbacks but hey you get what you pay for and the deal breaker aside from the low price is that you get more than you'd expected. Noise cancelling is not that stellar but it still OK at least it doesn't need batteries to operate unlike other noise canceling headphones. I can say that the Sennheiser HD 448 and Senheiser HD 218 serves its purpose. Maybe one day I'll try Monster Beats by Dr.Dre (if budget permits). Peace!
Notes About Product Shots
Usually product shots have 3 light source - Main light, Fill light and Background light. Some products only need 1-2 light source depending on your presentation. In my case a low key shot. On the photos above I've used only one light source with soft box to soften the shadows and just enough to give the subject a certain sheen to it for a more sophisticated look. You might need a polarizing filter for very reflective surfaces (you don't want your face appearing on the subject) to reduce reflections unless you intentionally want it. Hope this helps. Cheers!!!
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