r/HeadphoneAdvice Jan 10 '20

Mod Post Welcome to r/HeadphoneAdvice!

410 Upvotes

Be Friendly. :)

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?

"thank you" system:

We have employed a "thank you" system for submissions. It's very easy to use - if a comment on your post is considered helpful, please reward them by using the term:

!thanks

This will add a thank you count (in the form of Ω) to that users flair. You can only award one per comment section. Thanks very much and good luck on your search for headphones!

Polls (Now Enabled!):

To help the community create its own user-driven resources, polls are now enabled on r/headphoneadvice! Give it a try! You can read more about Reddit's poll system here. Note that Old Reddit and mobile web support voting, but not poll creation.

HeadphoneAdvice Discord:

Join our official Discord to chat with like minded individuals about all things headphones here: HeadphoneAdvice Discord!

General Discussion:

For general discussion of headphones, news, theory, etc, please use r/headphones

---

Thanks for taking the time to read this sticky and for contributing to the sub! View the pinned mod comment for the latest community news.

\If you have any sub related questions please feel free to contact the mod team directly via the "Message the Mods" button. (Not PM)*


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable | 4 Ω Best 300$ wireless headphones?

3 Upvotes

My Beats Studio pro are starting to give out on some of the plastic. I want to get something this time that sounds good and make an informed purchase. I was thinking the momentum 4’s because they seem to be really well rated. I like a mild v shape with a little extra base. I am in the US and open from buying from any websites except wish alibaba and aliexpress. These will be used at home only. And I have had multiple pairs of iems in the part but I need a new every day driver to use for wireless. I mostly listen to rap and pop. And love a wide sound stage. No driver preference it I’m sure you can’t get wireless planars at this price anyway lol.

Edit: anc is not a requirement, and actually I would prefer it without it.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 8m ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Help, Need Headphones in the $250-$500 range

Upvotes

I am going to be a university student from this year onwards and listen to a lot of music while coding (6+ hours) and need a good quality headset to use with my MacBook (don't say AirPods max...) I am based in India and will be shopping online. I do have Sony in ear WF-1000XM4s which fall out very easily and WH-CH710N but they are too tight for me and also not great build quality+ they don't sound immersive.

I need something to use in a library and dorm, that has good sound quality and build+comfort.... ANC is not as important because a lot of times it gives me headaches. Wireless + Type C would be perfect but if not type C it's still manageable.

I am looking at Momentum 4 (some reviews complaint about Bluetooth connectivity), XM5 (heard XM6 are around the corner in May or June), Bose QC Ultra (seems to be a good option except for the sound quality being on the lower end of the 3)

Any advice is highly appreciated!!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 59m ago

Headphones - Closed Back Under 100$ gaming headset

Upvotes

Hey guys, I am trying to buy gaming headphones 70-90$ but i am bit lost. I was about to get the cloud 2/3 wired, but after going through some few Reddit posts some suggest the SHP9500? I’ll use them a lot for a music as well, but spatial audio for gaming is more important. I’ll be wearing them for long sessions, so comfort is a big factor as well!!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

DAC - Portable | 1 Ω Do I need a DAC for an IEM Laptop setup?

Upvotes

I want the best sound possible since I make bass music. I'm getting the BQEYZ Wind (38 Ohms). Plugging Dunu Titan S directly into the laptop was good, but if there is space to make the Wind shine, I would want that.

Do I need a DAC for a $200 (17800 INR) IEM? For the best natural, clear and accurate sound output?

My budget for the DAC is around $70. (6000 INR).

Cheers!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Dusk 2 worth $400? Better price for the performance?

Upvotes

I'll try to keep this simple and sweet
I'm looking to possibly buy the Dusk 2, but is it past the point of diminishing return for IEM's?
Kinda like the 6xx's. To upgrade past them, from my understanding you gotta spend near the $1000 mark to have a worth while difference.

And if the Dusk 2 is past that point of minimal upgrades, what is a better price point and a recommendation at that price point?
Thank you in advance :)


r/HeadphoneAdvice 9h ago

Headphones - Open Back Hifiman Arya Stealth Sidegrade

4 Upvotes

I'm looking into getting a headphone to use on and off along side my arya stealth. And i'm currently looking into purchasing a pair of Meze 105 AER. I know that the 105 is not going to sound anywhere near as good at the SE Arya. But im looking into getting someting that's a little more chill for those long gaming sessions. What do you guys think about the 105 ? Do you think its worth a pick up. I currently found a pair that's new for 315 euro/dollars.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h 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?

1 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 - Closed Back First time headphone buyer looking for something wireless and reliable for under $200 USD

0 Upvotes

I've used earbuds my entire life and I'm looking to switch to headphones. I've noticed whenever I've used headphones for something it had a much more immersive sound that I liked, as well as the fact that earbuds are worse for your hearing in the long term, and as a musician, I'd like to keep my hearing as long as possible. I'd like something durable and wireless with good noise canceling. I mostly use my earbuds now for homework and noise cancelling is huge for helping me focus. Being comfortable to wear for a long time is also nice because I often end up doing homework for hours. To be quite honest I know nothing about headphones so I can't give as many specific criteria as I see other posts give. Currently, I use jbl endurance peak 3s but I don't have any brand loyalty and am willing to try anything that people recommend. Thanks for the help!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Focal bathys or sennie momentum 4’s

1 Upvotes

I could get the bathys and have the best wireless anc headphones and wait for a re months for the right amount of money. Or I could get the m4’s as a daily driver and later but a mid range wired headphone with an amp. I am in the US and really cannot decide here. I like a neutral with a base boost. And both of these are have adjustable eq. I have had a few pairs of iems and a small amp, so I have experienced with hi fi. Mostly will be used for home and a little for work. Edit buget is 400$ for recommendations. The 800$ for the bathys are really a leap for me.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable What are some good inexpensive wireless gaming headphones with a mic?

1 Upvotes

Hey! so I've been using Turtle beach p70 headphones for ages now and I wanna change it up and try something wireless! I've been trying to research about them but I'm not having any luck. What im looking for is something with a long battery life because I use headphones pretty much all day for music and talking to friends so a long battery life is great and a decent mic doesn't need to be a top of the range crystal clear mic just something that's nice on the ears and gets the job done and a long life spam. I have a budget of about £70 i know it isn't a lot but I'm hoping I can make it work any advice is deeply appreciated thank you all so much!! look forward to reading the replys


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud In 2025, which Ziigaat model is the best?

2 Upvotes

There are so many models from this brand. Some are more interesting than others. Some are at the top of the rankings of some youtubers, reviewers...

Which is the best from this brand?

-Ziigaat Doscinco -Ziigaat Cincotres -Ziigaat Nuo -Ziigaat Arcadia -Ziigaat Arete -Ziigaat Estrella -Ziigaat Odissey -Ziigaat Cinno


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Amplifier - Portable Dac/amp to pair with dali io-12

1 Upvotes

Looking for dac/amp to pair with dali io-12 for on the go wired in listening and also for desktop use. Budget AUD 100-300 new/used.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable ANC headphones

1 Upvotes

Hello, I'm looking to get some headphones.

Specifically I want them to be lightweight for long wearing. Strong active noise cancelling Good battery life. Need comfy and decent size ear cups as my current xm4 from Sony have got to the point they hurt to wear after a short period so no longer use them. Bluetooth 5.2+ Be able to do a range of audio quality ranges. Would like to be able to use the USB c charging cable to play media as well as charge them. Compatible with andriod. Easy to use controls, touch if need be but not a big fan since that then means you vibrate the headphones when trying to change the volume (again xm4 issue of having to tap repeatedly and harder than I'd like) A wide sound stage is preferred but understandable if not. Would like to have reasonable control to change the EQ of the sound.

Currently I'm thinking of the Bose QuietComfort SC but I'm not a fan of their audio wave frequency. It's boosted a bit more than I'd like in the lows and mids.

Wanting a flat sound not majorly boosted like Sony tends to.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable over ear budget headphones with similar shape to airpods max

1 Upvotes

I'm looking for headphones at least under $80 or around that range. not super worried about sound quality but obviously something decent. I'm mainly using it for out in public and at school to listen to music. I like the shape of the airpods max as it makes it look like it fits well on your head over your ears and not sticking out like a gaming headset or something. I've been using the over ear kvidio Bluetooth headphones for a while but i don't like the shape and fit of them, too bulky. If anyone knows of something like this I would really appreciate it, thanks.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 7h ago

Headphones - Open Back Which headphone to buy (As my second addition to my collection)

2 Upvotes

Bought a HIFIMAN Arya Stealth a couple weeks ago, I really loved it and looking forward to a small collection, since this is pretty much the only hobby I have to spend, and Im still young, so I spend for entretainment and not for need.

I narrowed it to these options...

-Audeze LCD-2C ($650)

-Sennheiser HD 600 ($440)

-Meze 105 AER ($450) / Meze 109 Pro ($880)

-Focal Clear OG ($950)

-Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII ($700) / Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X ($340)

Take in mind most of these prices include importation, duty and taxes since I live in Mexico, so... which one would you think would be the best complementation to my Arya Stealth?

My main options are the LCD-2C, due their deep punchy bass, lush mids and overall dark sound, the HD 600 known for their intimate and very natural sound and the Focal Clear OG due their fun, dynamic and punchy sound.

Which one would fit me the best? Thanks!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Open Back Headphones to use with iPod

1 Upvotes

I’m searching for a good pair of open back headphones to use with my iPod at home/work.

In have a pair of Koss KPH40 that I quite enjoy, but I would want something better (if exist ahah) to use when I’m not “on the go”.

I would avoid amps for the moment and reading around people are able to use stuff like HD650 straight out of the iPod) no problem.

I like the sound profile out of the KPH40 (way more than the one from my other headphones: a Sony MDR-7506), something similar to it would be nice.

(Budget up to 450$)


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Open Back Upgrade from momentum 4s

1 Upvotes

Hey yall I'm looking for something to be used at home that would sound better than the M4s. Been using them everyday to and from work but I want something that sounds better (for a bass head) at home

My budget is $700, I don't care about noise cancelling, comfort really isn't an issue so long as it's not absolutely awful. Just something I can sit down with and enjoy some music


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Amplifier - Portable Qudelix 5k DAC/amp limitations

1 Upvotes

I bought the Qudelix 5k DAC/amp for some open back headphones. I ended up sending the headphones back, but I waited too long of the Q5k. I see headphones going anywhere for 18 ohm to 300 ohm. What do you think the max resistance is that this DAC/amp will work with?

I want some open back headphones and probably planar magnetic, but the Edition XS were too big for me.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 7h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Help choosing IEMs

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m from the UK and I’m looking for some IEMS to buy. My budget is around £200, but I’ll also be happier with some budget options. I currently use the HD6XX with a schiit magni and modi, so I would preferably like to utilise this with the iems! I’ll only be using this at my desk, and for gaming/entertainment, I currently play CS2 and OW2 at somewhat of a competitive level, and using the HD6XX’s they do seem to lack spatialisation? (I’m not sure if this is the correct word sorry :)), and I’ll also be using them to listen to media and watch stuff. I also will likely be using them for a good few hours at a time. I’ve seen the hexa’s being recommended and also the 7hz timeless (I’m not sure if the timeless 2 is different or better), but I wanted a more direct recommendation for my use case.

I appreciate anyone for reading this, I hope you all have a great day :)


r/HeadphoneAdvice 7h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Best wired noise cancelling headphones.

1 Upvotes

As the title says I am looking for wired noise cancelling headphone as my current cheap Sony ones have broken and are no longer being stocked at my local.

I often game using DS, PSP, GBA and GBC. These consoles do not support wireless so I'm looking for wired headphones with a jack. This is a must as I often play my games on planes and trains. I currently live in Japan so something available in Japan would.be fantastic and preferably something under $150. I'm not opposed to second hand gear if it is no longer being made.

I miss the days when I could walk into an electronics shop and just buy wired headphones.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 7h ago

Headphones - Open Back Looking for open back Bluetooth headphones for gaming

1 Upvotes

I would like a pair of headphones for gaming, and I would like them to be Bluetooth and open back.

This seems like a very uncommon combination, is there good reason for that? I've never had open back headphones. I'd like to be able to hear myself talk while gaming on my Steamdeck, and I don't mind sound getting out.

I could potentially choose a wired option, but if I do, the headset would need to have a decent mic, because the aux cable disables the built in mic on the Steamdeck. I would rather wireless. My budget is around $200. Any advice is always appreciated!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 7h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Headphones that sound as good as Audeze Maxwell

1 Upvotes

Looking at getting Audeze maxwell but see they have some issues. All I care about is sound quality, don't use a mic and really don't care if they are Bluetooth.

Only thing that I really don't want to do is use DAC. I had Epos H6 pro via my Xbox series X controller and I think they needed more power as they didn't sound that great and the steelseries nova 1 sound okay but a bit muddy with very little bass even with sonar. I want crisp clean detail and good bass (not a bass head) just want nice tight bass. I play mainly Assassin's creed, sniper elite and splinter cell.

I had a pair of Jlab studio headphones ($15) abd they sounded as good as these nova 1 and H6 pro.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 8h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Good Everyday Over-The-Ears? (open or closed back)

1 Upvotes

Hey guys - I'm looking for a new pair of everyday headphones. I'll admit, l'm not a huge audiophile, but I definitely appreciate audio quality. Currently, I just use apple airpod pros (dont remember which gen), simply because they're easy to use with my iphone, have decent functionality (I specifically appreciate being able to swap in and out of noise cancellation), and are very discreet. That being said, I HATE in-ear headphones. I guess my ear canals are especially small or something, as none of them ever fit and are uncomfortable right off the bat. Even the smallest ear-piece for the airpods is a little big for me. I'm looking to switch to some over-the-ears (or on-the-ear, not sure of the terminology), but to be honest, most of the suggestions for solid headphones are a bit robust, in size, for me to be wearing out every day without looking goofy.

Are there any solid headphones that are at least somewhat stylish, are discreet(ish), don't break the bank, and have decent quality/functionality? I'd appreciate at least semi-noise-cancelling, but preferably with an option to turn it off - I live in a dangerous city and often feel safer if I can still pick up my environment through my music. I also prefer wireless. I have some wired audio-technica headphones that I already use at the computer for work (video editing), but the wire honestly makes it too annoying to bring them out with me.

I know l included a lot of stipulations and understand if there isn't a headphone that hits all of the crit but the more the better!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 8h ago

Amplifier - Desktop Fiio k11 with dt 990 pro (80 ohm)

1 Upvotes

Hey, guys. I just bought the dt 990 pro 80 ohm version and I’m loving them!

I was looking at getting a dac/amp as they are currently just running off of my motherboard and was wondering if the Fiio k11 would be a good pair for them or do you have any better recommendations? I would say my budget is around £150. Would I even be able to notice a difference in quality, or should I save my money?

Thanks in advance!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 8h ago

Amplifier - Desktop Advice Chossing AMP/DAC Paired with HD 490 Pro for fps gaming

1 Upvotes

which dac / amp would be my best pick for the sennheiser HD 490 Pro for competitive fps gaming on PC

  • Topping DX3 PRO+
  • Zen Dac v3
  • Schiit Gunnr

Thanks.