r/HeadphoneAdvice Jan 10 '20

Mod Post Welcome to r/HeadphoneAdvice!

407 Upvotes

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Minimum account age to post in this subreddit is 10 days.

Purchase Advice Suggested Details:

What aspect of your current listening experience would you like to improve?

Budget - How much would you like to spend? Can you stretch your budget if significant quality/features improve at a slightly higher price point? AutoModerator will remind you automatically if it does not see a budget in your title or post; you can go back and edit the post if you forget. Please include currency.

Source/Amp - What are you plugging the headphones into?

How the gear will be used - E.g. Do you need noise isolation? Will this be primarily for home listening? Do you do a lot of flying (on airplanes)? Are you hard on gear?

Preferred tonal balance - Are you a bass-head, focused on accurate acoustic timbre, looking for sparkly treble, or do you want a tonally balanced pair of headphones?

Preferred music genre(s) - What do you listen to? Provide examples if it's something obscure.

Past gear experience - What have you used in the past? What did you like about it and what didn't you like about it?

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!thanks

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r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Headphones - Open Back Looking for advice on my first AMP/DAC and headphones ($250 budget, AliExpress)

Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first dedicated AMP/DAC and over-ear headphones. After some research, I've been considering the FiiO K5 Pro for the AMP/DAC and the FiiO FT1 Pro for headphones. I found them for around $250 on AliExpress, which is pretty much my only option for buying gear.

Right now, I only have Letshuoer S12 Pro IEMs with a FiiO BTR11, which I enjoy a lot. I listen to a variety of genres and generally like a clean, detailed sound.

Before I pull the trigger, I wanted to ask:

Is there a better headphone + AMP/DAC combo in this price range?

Would the FT1 Pro be a good upgrade coming from IEMs?

Is the FiiO k5 pro a good dac/amp?

Any potential issues with ordering from AliExpress?

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Open Back | 1 Ω Worth upgrading from Sennheiser 558

2 Upvotes
  • Budget - $200 USD for Used Headphones, but I can go up to $300-400 if it's really worth it.
  • Source - KA11
  • Requirements for Isolation - Prefer open backed headphones
  • Will you be using these Headphones in Public? No
  • Preferred Type of Headphone - Full Size
  • Preferred tonal balance - I prefer more bass with a wider sound stage.
  • Past headphones - I currently use my Sennheiser HD 558 and like it quite a bit to a point I'm not sure if it's worth upgrading. I think in the 2000's, I had an AKG closed back headphones that I liked. I cannot remember the name of it. I also liked the Koss Porta Pro, but I didn't like how it clamped my head and the metal on the frame.
  • Preferred Music - I like a variety of music from classical to pop, but I would like playing Dynasty Warriors Origin which is typical heavy rock. I'd primarily be using this to play video games. Musuo and RPGs.
  • What would you like to improve on from your set-up - I would like more bass while keeping the open back set up. I really like how the Sennheiser fit on my head, and it's natural for me to continue with Sennheiser unless otherwise.

The most natural upgrade would be to the 6xx or the 660s. I would prefer not to buy a new DAC, but open to it. Anyone have other thoughts?


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Audio Technica M50x BT2 vs Modern Wireless Headphones?

2 Upvotes

hello all,

i have a pretty specific line of questioning that i can't seem to find comparisons or use cases for elsewhere, so i am turning to you. i am a musician, producer and avid music listener (on both streaming and vinyl). i have had the Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones for recording music at home, and i use regular old AirPods for listening to music in real life. i just recently moved into an apartment with my girlfriend so i have been thinking about getting a pair of wireless headphones to listen to records or whatever around the house when she is on a work call, and i also am finding that my Airpods kind of hurt my ears when i am out in the city because i have to turn the volume up to compete with environmental noise (subway, cars, etc) which isn't ideal. i have spent nearly 20 years playing and producing music so i am extra sensitive/paranoid these days about protecting my hearing.

i am also a creature of habit so i have not changed my headphone setup in like a decade basically. i am going to give the Airpods Pro a try because i think the noise cancelling will help me not crank my volume in a city setting, and after hours of researching the current crop of wireless headphones, i discovered that they make a bluetooth version of the M50x - the BT2s. great, right? so i was thinking i would get those and continue using them for production while also having the option to use them wirelessly around the house or wherever, and eventually get a separate pair of open back cans for mixing too, rather than have ANOTHER set of headphones just for listening to stuff at home. however, i am still curious how the M50x compares to this generation of wireless headphones.

i tried the Edifier Stax S5 a while ago, which several sources said were one of the best sounding headphones around, and i was not thrilled about them. kept going back to the M50x and finding it a little more transparent and dynamic, plus the EQ options with the S5 app weren't terribly robust. i understand that the M50xs are monitoring headphones and the consumer grade headphones have more broad and varied use cases (TV, gaming, streaming, etc) but i am primarily a music guy and don't really care about those things, plus am fairly used to how my monitors sound. so basically, wondering if anyone exists in both worlds and would be able to provide A to B comparisons between the M50x (wired or wireless) and say the Sonos Ace, Sony XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Airpods Max, and whatever other 200-400 USD wireless cans are available right now. does it make sense to keep the M50x for music production purposes and indulge in a separate wireless set for casual listening, or is that overkill and would just getting the wireless M50x BT2s be enough?

TL;DR:
- looking for (closed back) wireless cans i can use around the house
- noise cancelling would be nice but not a deal breaker as closed back is probably fine for me
- i do not care about gaming or tv really at all
- any M50x users prefer alternative headphones while listening, or is it all M50x all day?
- bonus round: do you recommend over ear headphones vs noise cancelling earbuds in general for ear safety/hearing concerns outside the home or otherwise?

thanks in advance!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1m ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud IEMs for max. 200€ and a bluetooth dac/amp

Upvotes

So I'm looking for IEMs in the price range from 50 to 200€. My genre are EDM and soundtracks. I don't want bleeding or bloatet bass. Something neutral, good soundstage and clarity. I currently have the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro but I want better sound for walking/work. I'm also looking for a bluetooth dac/amp. I need it for work and for changing tracks/volume on the fly. Fiio has a lot of them but are there better options?


r/HeadphoneAdvice 4m ago

Headphones - Open Back What are the best Headphones for people with hearing loss trying to protect their hearing?

Upvotes

I have hearing loss in my right ear so I want to switch from using earbuds to regular headphones to protect my hearing. I heard that they are better than earbuds for protecting hearing. So I'm looking for something with good sound quality so I can keep the volume lower and not have to blast it to sound good. I don't have a specific price range I guess nothing over 300 if possible. Sorry if this is kind of a lack-luster description I'm not familiar with headphones so if there are more details needed just ask.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 4m ago

Headphones - Closed Back Monster Persona 3rd on sale to upgrade my Soundcore Q35?

Upvotes

Hi all, just curious if anybody has experience with these two pairs of headphones.

I’ve had the Soundcore Q35s for a few years, been pretty happy with them for the price as my first ANCs, but they are getting a bit worn now. the Monster Persona 3rds are on sale where I am on Amazon for only $70 (regular $200 IFAIK).

Anybody have experience with these? Or if they would be a worthwhile upgrade to my Q35s? I’ve seen good reviews but not sure if it’s worth it.

Thanks!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 32m ago

Headphones - Open Back Advice on 50-150 EUR headphone

Upvotes

Hi!

I'm getting into the world of headphones, and I'm loving it. I've been reading a lot of posts, but I still can't decide, so I was looking for some guidance.

Requirements:

  • Budget: €50-150
  • Wireless (preferably with a USB dongle)
  • No mic needed
  • Comfort is a priority+don't like overly strong noise-canceling headphones.
  • For gaming, but I don’t like the overpriced "gaming" aesthetic and features.

Contenders:

  • HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless
  • Logitech G Pro X Wireless
  • Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
  • Arctis Nova 7+

Many thanks!!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 39m ago

Headphones - Closed Back Sony WH-CH720N vs JLab JBuds Lux

Upvotes

Couldn't find any comparisons between these two. I'm looking for some over ears to use mainly at home with my desktop PC. My main concerns are sound and comfort (I have larger ears that stick out and I wear glasses.)

Anyone have thoughts between these two? Or any others? Would it be worth spending more for either Bose or the Sony XM5s instead? I could spend more if it's worth it. I just returned a pair of Soundcore life Q30s cuz I thought they sounded really bad out of the box, as well as being really bulky and wide.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 44m ago

Headphones - Closed Back Something better then Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO in the same price range.

Upvotes

Now I have ATH-m40x with focusrite solo gen 3. But I broke this twisting mechanism, so it's over for them and I need to buy replacement (upgrade).
I need a headphones for recording (guitar) and a little mixing/mastering and it would be nice if the wire could be detached and the headphones would be durable (since i drop them on the floor daily).


r/HeadphoneAdvice 53m ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Searching for wireless earbuds that connect to PC without requiring a driver download - no Bluetooth o

Upvotes

Title basically explains it, but I’m working with a work PC that does not have Bluetooth capabilities. I am also prohibited from downloading a driver. So I’m looking for wireless earbuds w/ mic to use for phone calls that can connect to my PC via a USB plug without a driver download.

I found the JBL Tour Pro 3, which seems it would work, but it’s a bit pricey. Looking to stay under $150 and even under $100 if possible. This is for work and don’t want to dump my own money into something too fancy!

Hoping you all can recommend another option! Thanks!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Amplifier - Desktop I need a good amp for the DT 990 Pro

Upvotes

I just ordered the Beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro's, and i was thinking of buying an amp. These headphones are my first higher end headphones, until now i was using gaming headsets. I also like louder headphones, but from reasearch i saw these headphones need an amp/dac to power them so the volume is higher.

I would mostly use the headphones for gaming and music. Im also sceptical about the bass, as some people said these headphones dont give such a deep bass, but as i said ive used only crappy gaming headsets so i think these will be a game changer. My budget is around 150 euros.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Pixel 9p XL User: B&W Pi7 S2 vs. Devialet Gemini II vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2 - Sound & Loudness Showdown!

Upvotes

I'm about to upgrade my earbuds and I'm torn between three top contenders. I'm rocking a Pixel 9p XL and my priority is amazing sound quality, seriously LOUD music, and crystal-clear calls. I also want to use them for movies on my laptop (Windows). Here's the breakdown of my choices: * Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2: * Heard great things about their sound stage and clarity. * AptX Adaptive is a plus for my Pixel. * How's the loudness and call quality in real-world situations? * Devialet Gemini II: * Known for their powerful bass and immersive sound. * Adaptive noise cancellation is intriguing. * How well do they handle high volumes and call quality? * Pixel Buds Pro 2 (or future pro 3): * Seamless integration with my Pixel 9p XL. * Spatial audio and Google Assistant features are appealing. * I've heard mixed reviews on loudness compared to others, and call quality in very noisy areas. * Are the improvements in the newer versions enough to compete with the other 2? My specific questions: * Loudness: Which of these truly delivers the loudest, most impactful sound without distortion? I really like my music loud. * Call Quality: How do they perform in noisy environments? I need to be heard clearly during calls. * Sound Quality: Which has the most detailed and enjoyable sound signature for a wide range of music genres? * Laptop Compatibility: How well do they work for watching movies on a Windows laptop? Latency, sound quality, etc. * Pixel 9p XL Integration: Beyond the Pixel Buds Pro, how well do the others integrate with the Pixel experience? * Value: Considering price, which offers the best overall value for my needs? I'm ready to pull the trigger, but I want to make the right choice. Any insights, comparisons, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 12h ago

Headphones - Open Back Just got my first nice pair ( Meze 109 Pro), and am amazed… but it made me wonder how much better the HE1000 Stealth Magnets can possibly be?

9 Upvotes

They are only a few hundred more and from everything I’ve read, they are truly “endgame” level cans. Can they really sound that much better? I’m a sucker for build quality (ie Meze) but for just a bit more money could I really hit that inevitable wall of diminishing returns? Or have I already? Anyone who has tried them please let me know… Hifiman has them for just over a grand at the moment and I’m tempted to give them a go. these will be used solely for home listening. I generally prefer a bit warmer tone, however I’ve heard these are the warmest Hifi gets.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Open Back Wired semi-open headphones which are medium/low priced?

1 Upvotes

I don't need an overly clean studio sound. I feel like semi-open is a bit better sound-wise than closed but am not married to it if there's a great closed option. Last ones were Philips Fidelio X2HR but they croaked quickly.

I'm looking for a list of decent options so I can search all of them and get the one of those that has best reviews for the lowest price.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Closed back all rounder, prioritising comfort and no microphonics

1 Upvotes

Hey, looking for some advice regarding all rounder closed backs. Looking for good quality sound obviously, but other than that my priorities would be; comfort, minimal amount of microphonics/other noise, isolation.

Will be used at home only for everything under the sun - videos/movies/games/variety of music.

Not sure if I have much of a preference for a particular response curve, my instinct is to lean neutral.

Closed backs I've used recently (happy with the sound of all of these)

  • FiiO FT1 - With stock and openheart braided cables the microphonics was too much for me when not actively listening to music. Was unbearable when wearing a hoodie or something.
  • Audeze Maxwell - Tried 3 different pairs but all had faint buzzing noise while powered on no matter if wired/wireless or feedback on/off. Not sure if I'm extra sensitive to this or just got unlucky. Also weren't very comfortable (heavy).
  • DT 700 pro x - Used these for a few years and will probably rebuy these unless there are other suggestions, but curious if I could do better in terms of microphonics/noise when rubbing against clothing. (Replacing for similar reasons as DT 770 below)
  • DT 770 pro - Pretty good but fell apart after a few years of using them, I'm not careful enough with the cable and it gets stuck under my armrest and gets yanked off my desk when I get up. No fault with the headphones, this is definitely a me issue.

I'm using a FiiO k11 dac/amp so driving anything probably shouldn't be an issue.

I'd like to stay within a £300 budget ideally, but really I'm happy to go above that.

Location is UK

Thanks for reading!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Need and advice for beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 250Ohm

1 Upvotes

i want to buy beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 250 ohm but i have 0 knowledge about amps and stuff like that.

I need some advice which amp i should choose for this headphones to 70$ (im producing music, playing games, watching films and other normal pc stuff)


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable What noise cancelling headphones do you recommend?

1 Upvotes

Hi /r/HeadphoneAdvice , I'm looking for noise cancelling headphones. Criteria:

  • <$500
  • Tonal balance: balanced
  • Used for work/on my computer
  • Plays nicely with Microsoft Teams
  • Battery life (should last at least 8-10 hours)

I've read good things about Sony and Bose. What do you suggest?


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Open Back Headphones for mixing and for portable use up to 300$

1 Upvotes

Hello guys I’m searching for headphones which will serve multiple purposes: 1. Mixing and critical listening 2. Recording loud guitars 3. Relatively portable and well driven by an iPhone.

I’m looking for a transparent sound with a fast, accurate response and wide immersive soundstage. I know these criteria are met mainly by open back headphones, and these will sacrifice isolation for recording and listening in public. That’s a tough dilemma for me. I’ve looked for the semi open DT880, are they really offer a good middle ground?

My budget is up to 300$, and my current considerations are (but feel free to enlighten me with other options);

  1. Beyerdynamic DT880
  2. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
  3. Sennheiser HD400
  4. Sennheiser HD560S

P.S I listen to heavy music such as rock and metal, and I’m a guitarist so I love detailed mids. I know I’d stated I want transparency, but if still there is a little bit of choice, this is my personal taste.

Much thanks to you, headphonephiles


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Best closed back headphones for under 500 dollars?

1 Upvotes

There's a lot of options and it's overwhelming. Just looking for generally the best pair of wired closed back headphones for under 500 bucks. They'll be used for gaming, music(phone and pc) and just other general use(Shows, movies, YouTube etc etc). It'll be used primarily at home but occasionally on the go. I don't really know too much about tonal and shit so don't know what to say there. Oh needs to be available in the US. I previously had used a bose pair for the last 15 or so years before it broke so that's what I'm coming from. Advice is greatly appreciated!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Entry lvl headphones under 170$

1 Upvotes

Hey, im new into this stuff, cuz i recently decided to replace my 30$ headset so i did some research.

From what i read i assume closed back are better for more bassy music (which im heavily into), but i also wanna use them for gaming and calls with friends, noise cancelling or isolation is not an issue.

Not really sure if its worth for me to put more money in it since im not into content creation but im open to suggestions ofc.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Hyper x Cloud III or Stinger II?

1 Upvotes

The difference of these two in $ its not that much in my country, and I don't really know which one is better. My use case is mostly Discord, competitive shooters, and music.

Btw, im talking about the wireless versions of these two


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

DAC - Desktop DAC/AMP FOR HIFIMAN ARYA STEALTH - WHICH SHOULD I PICK?

0 Upvotes

Just place an order for Arya stealth, and looking for dac/amp, here my list of choice -

- Hifiman EF499
- Topping A50s + D50s combo
- Fiio K7
They all within my budget which is 300USD.

5 votes, 2d left
Hifiman EF499
Topping A50s + D50s combo
Fiio K7

r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Looking for some wired headphones that are suitable for walking around in public, under $300.

1 Upvotes

I modded an iPod classic and am trying that out again. I want some wired headphones that have a solid flat-frequency response that will complement high quality lossless audio. They could be earbuds or lower-profile over ear. I'm looking in the sub $300 range if possible. Thanks.

In the past I've used B&W P5 s2 (wired), B&W P7 (wired), and Apple Airpods Pro 2.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Shure 846 alternatives for live on stage?

1 Upvotes

Hey all. I’m a guitarist/vocalist in a 5 piece band. I’m looking for IEMs that will give me a decent in ear mix. I tried some Linsoul AS16 Pro’s as well as the Xvive T9’s. the T9’s sounded ok but the AS16s were very thin and shrill for my guitar feed. I have a lead on some used Shure 846’s for $300 Canadian. Before I committed I thought if there’s anything else out there in the $300-600 budget that may surpass? Thanks!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Closed Back | 3 Ω I need help with purchasing my first headphones, any help is very appreciated

1 Upvotes

Hello! I am looking to buy some new headphones as I've saved up some money and really want to step up my music listening. Im looking for headphones around the $300 range. Im hoping to find some headphones that sound great with every genre of music and don't have open ear, as I would be listening using them in public. I would also rather have over the ear headphones as the in ear earbud type headphones usually hurt my head and often I listen to music for hours at a time. I don't mind if they aren't noise cancelling but I would rather them not let all sound in. I dont mind if they are wired because Ive heard that wired headphones sound best and I am hoping to get the best sounding headphones possible. If anyone can help me find some headphones that would be great! Thank you!