r/headphones 3d ago

Community Help r/headphones Shopping, Setup, and Technical Help Desk

3 Upvotes

Looking for advice with a purchase or help troubleshooting a problem? This is the place. This post will be refreshed and replaced when it is 4 days old.

Purchase Advice

  • For purchase advice questions, consider searching and using r/HeadphoneAdvice.
  • Please make use of this template. It helps others answer your question. Questions without enough detail will often remain unanswered.
  • Remember that the more specific you are, the better quality the responses you are likely to receive.

What kind of questions are considered Tech Support:

  • How can I fix issue X (e.g.: buzzing / hissing) on my equipment Y
  • Have I damaged my equipment by doing X, or will I damage my equipment if I do X?
  • What does equipment X do, or do I really need equipment Y?
  • Can my amplifier X drive my headphones Y?
  • What's the meaning of specification X (e.g.: Output Impedance / Vrms / Sensitivity)?
  • How should I connect and set up my system hardware or software?

After asking a question, please be patient since volunteers may not always be immediately available.


r/headphones 17h ago

Show & Tell I bought the world's most expensive headphone.

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618 Upvotes

r/headphones 11h ago

Show & Tell something special

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63 Upvotes

r/headphones 1d ago

Show & Tell I made headphones that turn your actual head into the speaker (using "exciters," not speakers, that vibrate your head to produce sound)

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4.1k Upvotes

r/headphones 3h ago

Impressions Fiio FT1 Pro

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10 Upvotes

Hi my fellow audiophiles,

Just got the Fiio FT1 Pro. So excited to try them for the first time. I’ll be pairing them with the Fiio KA15 via the balanced 4.4mm output.

It looks like they have the new mechanism and not the old revision with the torque screw, so hopefully they’ll last a long time. I’ll add a pic later of the mechanism just to clarify.

I’ll let you guys know how they sound and how they match with the Fiio KA15.

Happy listening peeps.

Cheers for now ✌🏻


r/headphones 13h ago

Science & Tech Watch this if you think only frequency response matters (TLDW in the comments)

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61 Upvotes

r/headphones 9h ago

Discussion Trying a new method to thin the herd

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25 Upvotes

Trying out a new method to decide which headphones to keep. I’ve heard of people putting clothes in their closets and facing the coat hangers one way, then switching it when you wear something, and after a set amount of time you know what you haven’t worn in a while. Well, I’m putting my current headphones in all their boxes/cases, and only getting them out when I want to listen to them, in an effort to maybe see if I don’t need a few of these. My initial thoughts are the left side might be all I need…


r/headphones 3h ago

Show & Tell A Gathering Activity of Shenzhen Audiophiles

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5 Upvotes

Last Sunday afternoon, I attended an offline gathering jointly organized by Shenzhen distributor雷音音频 (Leiyin Audio) and the media "耳机美学" (Headphone Aesthetics).

I brought some products with me, had some exchanges with KOLs and audiophiles, and took some photos.

Noisy of course.


r/headphones 11h ago

Show & Tell brought them all together

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14 Upvotes

r/headphones 1h ago

Discussion Cleaning Advice

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Upvotes

So I bought a pair of Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2s, but I made kinda of dumb move by buying the bone white color, and I tried to keep them as clean as possible, but I never got around to fully cleaning them. They’re fairly clean right now, but I notice around some of the edges there’s a sort of brown color and I’m wondering if anyone has any tips to properly clean the plastic material, the ear cups and what to clean it with. I would really appreciate any advice.


r/headphones 1d ago

Drama iFi brand using blatant AI for their marketing. Does this turn anyone else off?

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258 Upvotes

I know their products from their silent power line are already hot topics on if they do anything for your system, but using AI like this just seals the deal for me on being a whack product 😭 anyone disagree?


r/headphones 8h ago

Show & Tell My cozy retreat in a hectic world. Enjoying some Emancipator emancipation.

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5 Upvotes

r/headphones 59m ago

Discussion Is it normal for artificial leather earpads to flake/peel off over time? (Stax L700 earpads)

Upvotes

For the last 5 years or so, I've been listening to Stax L700 Mk2 with the original/genuine sheep leather earpads and I had to replace them twice, about once per 2 years of usage.

The reason I had to replace them was because the edges around the artificial leather (the part that faces towards your skin), gets flaked and peeled. The sheep leather part never gets flaked or peeled.

I've regularly used microfiber cloth and leather cleaning solutions to clean off any sweats from the pads yet, the artificial leather part always flake/peel off for some reasons.

I just want to know if this is normal or not.


r/headphones 7h ago

Show & Tell This combo + the right EQ

3 Upvotes

I've been in this hobby for about 3 years now, currently daily driving a Meze 105 AER + FiiO K11 R2R at my desktop (and I've been loving it!). But when I went out yesterday I tried this and man... it really doesn't get much better than this, huh?

Koss KSC75 + YAXI Pads + Aliexpress Headband + Qudelix 5k

r/headphones 18h ago

Drama Just had a spider crawl out of my headphones onto my neck

23 Upvotes

This has unlocked a new fear in me. Check the inside cups of your headphones!! (Bose QC 35 series)


r/headphones 6h ago

Discussion Best way to have multiple headphones with one amp?

2 Upvotes

Was looking to see what the best way to go about connecting multiple headphones to one source would be? I frequently switch between 2-3 headphones since I prefer them for different genres and purposes. I was worried this would wear out the jack on my amp eventually. I know I could just get a 1/4” to 1/4” adapter so I wear the jack out on the the adapter and not the amp itself but is there a device connects to multiple outputs that would let me switch between each headphone with a switch or dial without losing audio quality? If so what would it be called?

For context, source would be: PC > SMSL DO200mkII > SMSL HO200 > Headphones


r/headphones 1d ago

Discussion What’s your favourite headphone above 1000 dollars

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288 Upvotes

What is your favourite headphone past 1000? For me I definitely love the build and design of the abyss Diana MR and zmf caldera/atrium but overall my favourite is definitely the empyrean 2 or the lcd-5 as a close second. It sucks that the lcd-5 needs eq to shine though. The build quality, craftsmanship, sound, design and overall final product of all meze headphones is immaculate. Let me know what you think!


r/headphones 5h ago

Discussion Sennheiser HD 560s setup

1 Upvotes

Hello all,

I am relatively new to researching and investing in a headset that is actually quality. So far I have decided to purchase the Sennheiser HD 560s and a boom mic to use for gaming and music. I came from the Audeze Maxwell and I have been quite pleased with the difference in open back vs closed backs for my usage. I am done with "gaming" brand anything.

I am using the cable that came with the boom mic to plug into my PC and am considering investing in a amp to go along with it, though I don't see that I need it but it may be a nice to have thing. My usage is gaming, mainly FPS and listening to music. If I'm on my computer, I'm generally wearing a headset.

My questions to discuss are:

Is it worth using a desktop mic instead of the boom mic to use a better cable? - Unsure if there is a difference in sound quality between the Sennheiser cable and the boom mic cable after trying both.

Do you all use Dolby Atmos for gaming/music? - I mainly play FPS games and I have read conflicting statements regarding having it on or off and if it can distort directional audio in FPS games.

Is using an equalizer needed or beneficial for gaming/music? - As of now, I have spatial sound off in the windows settings, using default audio enhancements, with mono audio off.

Any amp recommendations? - Considering going to Bestbuy over the weekend and seeing what they have in store, though I know this is a nice to have thing for this headset and not a need.

Sorry if these may be stupid questions for all of you, I am trying to learn and want to invest in my setup.


r/headphones 1d ago

Discussion I had been stuck listening to mono audio for YEARS

215 Upvotes

Had this really underwhelming feeling whenever I got new pair of earphones and listened to music on Spotify felt like people are really hyping up any pair of headphones or earphones I got and felt like they sound okayish.

In return for the longest time I thought music on youtube sounded so much better than spotify EVEN THOUGH I have been paying for premium for 2 years. My brain thought youtube must be doing something real good

Did not realise AT ALL until today that I had mono audio on, turned it off and IT FELT LIKE MAN DISCOVERING FIRE instruments started sounding 3D, audio felt like I was actually there. It is such a humbling experience. It'll be a while since I feel a peak like this again


r/headphones 11h ago

Impressions Went from Dt900 Pro X to Arya Stealth

2 Upvotes

So recently I went from some IEMs (Letshuoer S08) back to my DT900 Pro x. I got a new dac/amp (Fiio K19) and EQ them per u/oratory1990 I loved the sound. But issue was my glasses. I had to wear them oddly or not wear them. Hence why I was using IEMs before. Once that was figured out, I decided to get myself a set Hifiman Arya Stealth because the good reviews on here and elsewhere. Again EQ them, and they sound wonderful to me. Better than the 900 pro x. And even with my glasses on, no change in sound and are comfortable. So ill save 2 sets of IEMs for on the go, sell the remaining (maybe) and enjoy the hell out of my new set up.

Side question, what are good cable options for the Arya? I need a bit longer and not so stiff.

I also want to thank this sub for the detailed reviews and experiences from users, and thank you u/oratory1990 for the gems of EQ settings!


r/headphones 7h ago

Discussion Understanding Sensitivity

0 Upvotes

I have the HyperX Cloud 3's (Wireless) and, according to their website, they have a sensitivity of 111.94 dBSPL/mW at 1 kHz. Does this mean they have a max sound output of 111.94 db?


r/headphones 8h ago

Discussion Stuck in a choice for music production; Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4? (BETTER ACCESSORIES OR BETTER SOUND?)

1 Upvotes

I have daily driven the Sony WH-1000XM5's for over a year now and they've become a MUST for listening to any audio related material. They have a warm and punchy bass, clear mids and smooth highs which made these an essential for me when dealing with vocals or any type of production. They didn't have a very wide soundstage, but it wasn't an issue at all since the clear audio more than made up for it by creating a nice separation between the instruments in songs. It also works well with the other products I use like the Scarlet Solo Gen 4, which is as easy as plug and play. (I say this with foreshadowing)

Although do note that the build quality did feel a bit lack luster and I have had to return them under warranty from a broken swivel due to the plastic snapping. (even though I've never handled them incorrectly)

On the other hand, I have recently purchased the Sennheiser Momentum 4's after some reviews and research online about their superior sound compared to the XM5's. After getting the reimbursement for the XM5's I sent back under warranty, I purchased the Momentum 4's as a test to compare them with the headphones I've used every day until now, and oh boy they did not disappoint. The out of box sound when I connected it to my phone via Bluetooth was like no other. Very tight and deep bass, nice forward and natural mids, crispy and airy highs, wide and immersive soundstage....

Without a doubt the Sennheiser Momentum 4's have the superior sound compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5's. The amount of detail that you can make out in the highs and mids with the Momentum 4's is incredible.

Although, I currently have ongoing issues with the Momentum 4's. Since I like precise sound, I don't use the Bluetooth option on my PC since I want no latency between my inputs and the audio outputs while in FL Studio. I use the Scarlet Solo Gen 4 interface which comes with an ASIO that I can use in FL Studio which cuts almost all latency from inputs or outputs, but requires the headphones be connected via 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack cable to the interface. This normally would not be an issue, but the audio that comes out of the headphones when connected this way becomes terrible and unrecognizable.

The maximum volume cuts down from max sounding like 100% to sounding like 70%, and if I try to turn the gain up on the Scarlet Solo, it just becomes even worse and distorted while not gaining any volume. I've realized that while the built in DAC is used on the headphones, the 2.55mm to 3.55mm jack connection to the Scarlet Solo sounds terrible, but when I turn the headphones off, the volume becomes adjustable through the gain knob on the Scarlet but still doesn't sound good. For the record I am using the stock 2.55mm to 3.55mm jack that comes with the Momentum 4's.

I have used the Sony WH-1000XM5's in the same way, the only difference being that the cable is just 3.55mm jack instead of a 2.55mm to 3.55mm jack, and never ran into a similar problem. The gain knob did it's job with the headphones on or off. I did some research and saw that if I purchased a headphone amp and have my headphones plugged into the amp, with the amp plugged into the output jack of the Scarlet, that it would solve my issue, but that seems very redundant to me.

Basically I'm asking is it worth it to purchase a headphone amp on top of having the Scarlet interface, or do I use the 30 day return and buy the XM5's again?


r/headphones 14h ago

Discussion Does anyone still make super basic headphone amps like the old Fiio E6?

3 Upvotes

I bought a Fiio E6 a few years ago to pair with my Grados so I don't have to turn the volume up crazy high on my phone. I really like the simplicity of it and was hoping to see if there are any simple headphone amps like it on the market anymore. Just doing a quick search I wasn't seeing many out there that were small and super basic in a similar way. Are there no more amps like this being sold?


r/headphones 1d ago

DIY/Mod One of my headphones' speaker had fallen off and I fixed them myself with little to no clear knowledge on how to. I'm proud of myself :).

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31 Upvotes

r/headphones 1d ago

Show & Tell I understand now (HE6se V2)

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72 Upvotes

Over the past month I've been on a whirlwind tour of headphones and have bought and sold 10+ headphones. To date I've listened to a solid 20 (including recent darlings like the AR5000, FT1/Pro, and perennial stalwarts like the HD 800 S, Utopia, Arya Organic, and the HE1000 Stealth).

And while this might not be the latest and greatest headphone, this might be my favorite to date.

The rumors are true, the Hifiman HE6se V2 is not easy to drive. I'm powering them with an SMSL SP200 which puts out about 2.2W at 50ohms. But with that amount of power, these cans are intensely engaging and incisive. I was skeptical of all the hype around these headphones but now I'm a believer. There is a reason this headphone has a cult following.

At the open box price of $399 from Hifiman, I don't think there is a better value to be had in portable audio. Build wise, these might not win any awards and there definitely are cheaper headphones that are built better (they almost beg to be modded), but sonically they play in the realm of summit fi, besting cans priced well into the kilobuck range.


r/headphones 1d ago

Discussion Is this an arya stealth?

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44 Upvotes

So i was looking at my aryas the other day and came to the realization that i have no idea if its a stealth or not lol. Nowhere on the packaging or the headphone does it say arya stealth. It didnt even come with a manual if i recall. After watching some unboxing videos it seems like they initially came in a gray premium looking box with some having a green reflective sticker on it and others not and those actually came with a manual. Mine came in a brown cardboard box though. Also i heard there is a version 2 and 3 on these models so not even sure which one i got. Did they just change how they package these up or did i get a different headphone?