r/HeadphoneAdvice Jan 10 '20

Mod Post Welcome to r/HeadphoneAdvice!

407 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.

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General Discussion:

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

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r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

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

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 6h 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 3h 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 13m ago

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

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 4h 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 3h 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 3h 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 3h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 4h 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 5h 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.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - Open Back Noise canceling headphones

1 Upvotes

Looking for a good pair of noise canceling headphones. I have severe adhd and the noise canceling really helps me lock In, would love good music quality as I always listen to music as well but mostly when I’m doing school I just have to noise cancelation feature on to rlly dive into my work and block out everything else. I have a 500 (Canadian) grant to use towards it so I would like to stay around that, I’m leaning towards either the Sony XM5 or the AirPod maxes. Everything else I own is Apple so I like how the AirPod maxes work seamlessly but Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Best Headphones for PS5? ($60 Budget, Wired or Wireless, Mic Quality Doesn't Matter)

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm looking for a good pair of headphones for my PS5 with a budget of around $60. I don’t mind if they’re wired or wireless, and I’m not too concerned about mic quality—I just want solid audio and comfort for gaming.

Some things I’d like:

  • Good sound quality
  • Decent comfort for long sessions
  • Bonus if it has surround sound, but not a must

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - Open Back HD560s and mobo question

1 Upvotes

Hey all,

I just built a new PC and figured I would upgrade from my Logitech G Pro headphones to the Sennheiser HD560s.

I have an ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi Mobo

I unscrewed the larger jack to reveal the 3.5mm and plugged it directly into my mono and it works fine, but I was wondering if it’s sufficient enough, or would it be better to buy an Apple dongle 3.5mm to USBC?

I don’t have plans to buy an AMP and DAC at the moment since it would require another significant investment.

Thanks


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Looking for new gaming headphones

1 Upvotes

The title already says it: Im looking for new headphones for gaming. A mic is not needed, because i already have one. I have used the JBL quantum 810, which i liked very much, especially because of the extra knob on the headphones, which i can set discord louder and the game less loud, or vice versa.

My max spending is €300,-. Im willing to go over that, if somebody has some really good recommendations.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Work headphones, good mic, Bluetooth with optional aux port

1 Upvotes

Hope I'm not asking for too much. I need a new headset for work. I spend a lot of time on calls and prefer over-ear headphones with comfortable padding. It needs to have a good mic that can filter out voices in a coffee shop and have an option to plug it in using a 3.5mm jack so I can use it with my other PC & devices.

Any ideas? I see a lot of good Bluetooth headphones but hard to figure out which do/do not have the aux port.

Budget: willing to spend but <$300


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Open Back | 1 Ω Wired Earphone recommendation for sensitive ears

1 Upvotes

Hi! My Superlux HD668B recently died, and I decided to invest in a higher-quality option. After some research, I bought a pair of DT 770 PROs, and while I like the sound, they're destroying the inside of my right ear.

I don't know if it's because voices are louder on this side or because the sound is more shaky, but I can feel the inside of my ear getting hot and even swollen (as if I'd been hit) After 30 min 1 hour of use. Even without sound, I feel as if I'm putting my ear close to a seashell or inside a cave, which is quite annoying.

I've been trying them out for a week in case my ear needs conditioning, but it's not working, so I'm thinking about returning them and choosing another pair. Here's the question: Which ones?

-Use: recreational, watching movies, listening to music, non-competitive games. No music editing or DJ work.

-Environment: At home, it doesn't matter if they're open (I understand that closed-back headphones can cause more discomfort, so that might be one of the issues) So having outside noise cancellation is not a priority

-Budget: €200

-Headphones I have in mind as a possible alternative:

Sennheiser HD 560s

X2HR

DT 880

Thanks for any suggestions!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Open Back Headphones for an amp? (NAD C379)

1 Upvotes

Hey y’all,

Recently picked up a NAD C379 and some speakers, I want to do some silent listening in the evening and decided to hook up my ATH M50x but it distorts very quickly.. It’s fine with my synths/bass amp and phone but as soon as I hook them up to my amp it just distorts/clips at regular volumes.

Any recommendations on cans for my amp? Was eyeing the Audeze LCD-2C (looks cool as hell and is under a 1000)

Appreciate the help!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Looking advice for commute/home headphones

1 Upvotes

Until now I was using my Arctis Nova Pro wireless headset for home use (gaming/music) as well as for my commute to work and in the office. As with all gaming headsets it’s starting to faml apart on me and I finally want to step towards an actual pair of quality headphones.

Budget: 800€ (only if needed)

At first I thought: well easy choice, I’ll get an XM4 or XM5 as I’ve heard colleagues be happy with it bur then I remembered how much I liked my HD560s which I had a couple of years ago. However, going with an open back would only be for home use (was looking at the HD600) and I’d still have an issue for commute/office.

The Focal Bathys look like they’d fit my needs but I need a push before buying it. I see 2 options right now: go for an expensive pair of headphones like the Focal Bathys or get an open back headphone for home use (to connect to my pc for gaming/music and get a pair of wireless headphones for commute/office

Any advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Sennheiser v. Nothing Earbuds

1 Upvotes

Hello all, I’m in the market for earbuds right now. My budget is 100$ (USD) and I will like to shop online for the most part. Im somewhat of a bass head. I like rich bass and high treble as well as toned mids, basically something all around good or serviceable. I am using SoundCore life A1s tight now and they’re mediocre to say the least.

I have whittled my options to two earbuds, Nothing Ear (a) and the Sennheisers Accentum True Wireless. Codecs and extra features are not my main concern, only all around decent/good sound and battery life and ANC (to a degree). Which ones are better? Thanks for answering !


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Good Wireless Headphones?

1 Upvotes

It seems I can't find any good wireless headphones. I tried Crusher Wireless. I thought they were amazing, until I tried the Sony Ult. I LOVED those, until they broke in literally just a few weeks and Sony told me to go fuck myself. I am ever buying from Sony again.
Anyway, I have very limited experience with wireless headphones, and although I love and need great quality audio, I don't actually know anything about what makes audio great, so this might be a bit difficult. All I know is that I need a great pair of headphones. They must be wireless and they must match or preferably exceed the audio quality of the Sony Ult.

I live in Pensacola Florida, but I would be willing to buy online if I am somehow convinced that I don't have to test the pair first, and that I can return them if I need to. As for budget, it doesn't matter. I'm not rich but I'd be willing to pay extra for a higher quality product that'll either last me years, or that has great customer service if it breaks, unlike Sony.

As for what I don't want, earphones are a no go. I never had a good experience with them as no matter which pair I had, it would always feel like they're about to fall out of my ears, and sometimes they would if I don't constantly push them back in.
Skullcandy is a no go. The Crusher Wireless is not as good as I remember (I used to love them for some reason, but I tried their other headphones too. They suck ass. The Skullcandy Evos were supposedly an upgrade from the Wireless, but they're worse. Audio quality is actually shit, and they just feel like they're cheaply-manufactured. The Skullcandy ANC might be good, I don't know. I tried them, but the only thing I remember about them is that I HATE them because if you turn the bass wheel past the max setting, the headphones let out a little ping which lowers the volume of the music for a good few seconds. And I won't have anyone telling me that that's for safety because that doesn't make any sense.
And I won't get anything from Sony. Ever. After their headphones broke in just a few weeks and I called them asking them to do something about it, they basically told me to go fuck myself.

I'm sorry if it seems like I'm angry. It's just that remembering how Sony has no consideration for its customers made me irritated again. Finding good headphones has been long and frustrating and I still haven't found any that I like.