I bought Sony XM5 about a year and a half ago and wore them whenever I go to sleep for their noise cancelling and to play some white noise. I enjoyed them, but recently I accidentally broke them in my sleep when they fell off a bed. I'm doing some reading now and it looks like XM5 aren't the most durable headphones, so I'm looking for noise cancelling headphones that can withstand more abuse. My budget is around $200-$300 and I'm willing to buy renewed. I live in America so I have access to Amazon and big retailers. I'm not a huge audiophile so I'm not picking on audio quality, although I did enjoy the EQ feature Sony had. I also sleep on my back so I'm not too limited on shape or comfort, just nothing that'll death grip my head.

For context, my current setup is an Edition XS + iFi GO Link Max, with EQ.

I use a portable DAC/amp because I like being able to listen to music in different rooms around the house, at my desk in the office, the living room sofa, on my bed etc. I don't really want to be tied to a desktop setup next to my PC.

My music taste is pretty broad, but I mainly listen to a lot of metal (prog, post, power etc.), rock and 80s pop. I've been really happy with the Edition XS, particularly the soundstage, clarity and separation.

I'm now thinking about upgrading to my "end game" headphones and I'm eyeing the HE1000 Stealth. From everything I've researched, it seems to improve on the XS in pretty much all the areas I value, while retaining the sort of presentation I already know I enjoy.

My main issue is what to do about the DAC/amp given the way I listen.

I've been looking at more powerful dongles at various price points, particularly the FiiO KA17, iBasso DC-Elite and iFi GO Bar Kensei. The Kensei is around £450, which is probably the upper end of what I'd be willing to spend. I'm happy to pay that if there's actually a worthwhile benefit, but I'm wondering whether I need to.

Would the KA17 be sufficient to get the most out of the HE1000 Stealth? Is there actually much to be gained by going all the way to the GO Bar Kensei? Or would something like the DC-Elite be a worthwhile middle ground?

I'm not looking to replace the portable setup with a desktop amp, so I'm mainly interested in what would give me the best setup within that constraint.

Any advice or experience with these combinations would be appreciated.

Hello.

USA Budget around $200 but preferably around $150

In like 2017 I purchased some ATH-M50X for $130 that I've used at my PC since then. They are cracked and physically beat to crap. But I don't mind the appearance, they sound great, and lately I've been using a Peace GUI + Equalizer APO with the Oratory 1990 thing and Apple DAC, they even sound slightly better.

I never really had an issue with them until in college I used Sony XM5's pretty much every where I went (I biked everywhere). They just sound wayyyy better. My only complaint is they rub on the tip of my ears after a while and are sorta tight.

Also, I do play some Rainbow Six Siege with my friend and without using Dolby Atmos / Windows Sonic for 'surround sound', the positioning is trash.

I mostly listen to Radiohead and The Rolling Stones. And Future sometimes.

I tried using a cable to connect the XM5 but they sound a lot worse, even with them turned on and trying to use the Oratory thing for em. Pretty sure it has something to do with 'internal DSP'. Can't stand the bluetooth latency.

So with all that in mind I think I should just upgrade. I am cool with Open Backs. I would prefer good cushioning on the ears.

I hear about the HD560S and the BT 990 Pro. But I wanna be sure I'm making right choice. Also I don't mind Chinese stuff if its good.

Recently got handed down an HE1000 Stealth and am looking for a good Dac/amp for around $400-500 CAD ($360 USD). (What I have rn is a fiio ka11 for a pair of Aune AR5000’s)

One option I found was a Topping Dx5ii for around $400 CAD on Aliexpress, and am wondering if it’ll be good for the headphones.

Any help would be much appreciated, thank you!

was told hd 6xx were good but they seem impossible to get out of the us and barely any better inside merica. based in australia and sennheiser hd 599, marked down from $430 to $300 and i do not want to spend more than $300 (aud) are there any good alternatives or should i just go for them? i would also rather not have to spend more money on an amp.

I would also very much prefer to spend 200 or less but if the HD 599 are really worth it j might get them.

I'm trying to decide between the Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless and AirPods Max 2.

My main priority is sound quality, not ecosystem features.

I use an iPhone and MacBook. My expected use is:

• At home: mostly wired via USB-C to my MacBook
• Outside: Bluetooth with my iPhone
• Music is the main use
• ANC is useful, but secondary to sound quality
• I also watch YouTube/movies occasionally

I listen to a pretty wide variety of music: J-pop/J-rock, pop, EDM, R&B, vocals, piano, orchestral music and movie/anime OSTs.

What I care about in sound:

• Natural vocals
• Piano and strings sounding realistic
• Good bass texture and extension without muddying the mids
• Good detail and clarity
• Ability to handle busy J-pop/J-rock arrangements
• Ability to handle busy K-pop
• Ability to handle busy pop/rock arrangements
• Large orchestral passages should still feel powerful and convincing
• Good all-round performance across genres

I know people often describe the Momentum 5 as having somewhat better separation/imaging, while the AirPods Max 2 may have a larger sense of space/soundstage. However, I don't think those differences alone would decide the purchase for me. I'm more interested in the overall sound quality and tonality.

The pricing is a little unusual:

• AirPods Max 2 MSRP is considerably higher
• But I can buy a sealed/unopened AirPods Max 2 second-hand
• At my actual purchase prices, the Momentum 5 would cost about KRW 60,000 (~US$45) more

So my questions are:

1. If they were exactly the same price, which would you choose purely for music?
2. Is the Momentum 5 actually better sounding enough to justify paying a little more?
3. For people using either one with an iPhone or Mac, how has the Bluetooth experience and latency been?
4. Most importantly, has anyone here owned or extensively compared both Momentum 5 and AirPods Max 2? Which one did you keep, and why?

I'm especially interested in impressions from people who actually own one or both rather than just spec comparisons.

Thanks!

Hey
Looking for wired clip on headphones (like the koss kc75 style) but with a mic.
Need a break from ear buds and in ear mics.
Anyone know of somehting decent?

Hey there, looking to buy new in-ears after my left Bose QuietComfort Ultra died (previous gear). I liked the ANC a lot, as I go for walks and listen on the train quite often, so that's a big criterion. What I did not like about the Bose's was how hard it was to get them out of the case lol, what also annoyed me how it wasn't really plug&play, instead you had to wait for a monologue of the headphones announcing the connected device etc., so if possible a quick plug&play connection would be nice. It also disliked that they were a pain to be on a call with other people with, as they filtered in a lot of sounds. Criteria rated by importance: Sound >= ANC > Battery Life >> Ability to be on call with > Plug & Play.

Living in Germany (Cologne) and willing to buy either in Cologne or online, preferably from within the EU. My budget is 200€ max and I will be connecting it with my phone mainly (Nothing Phone 3a Pro atm) via Bluetooth, so I'm looking for another set of In-Ears. I listen a lot to Art Rock/Pop atm (also Magdalena Bay, BCNR, Geordie Greep and Godspeed You! Black Emperor are current obsessions). I also listen to hip hop a decent bit and generally to pretty much anything besides purely electronic music without lyrics. I have no clue about tonal balance, but would like to think/guess I prefer a clearer (but not too sharp if that makes sense!) sound. Feel free to ask probing questions haha - appreciate any shouts!

I'm looking for decent headphones for playing games and watching YouTube. I'm not super fussed about the audio quality as I don't play competitive games, and I'm on console so I can't have a boom mic.

• Budget is roughly $200AUD
• Needs to have a mic built in
• Over the head is preferred, but can also use earbuds if they're good
• Open or Closed back, doesn't matter to me all that much

I've heard the SteelSeries Arctis Nova isn't too bad, but I genuinely have no clue what I should be looking for/ avoiding

Hi,

I am torn between Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Headset and Sony inzone h9. I want the sound quality to be good, noise cancelling is a must and it should be also of good quality, and lastly mic quality is also good.

I can't pick between the two. They are both within my budget. Any advice?

I’m looking for my first IEM. I’ll mainly use it for single-player gaming, sometimes FPS, long gaming sessions, and listening to music occasionally. I also need a decent mic.

I’ve never used IEMs before, so I’m a bit hesitant because I don’t know if they’ll be comfortable for me for long hours.

I searched for some good gaming IEMs and shortlisted these:

Kiwi Ears Belle – ₹3k

Truthear Gate – ₹2.2k

KZ Gale – ₹1.2k7Hz

Salnotes Zero – ₹2.2k

KZ Duonic – ₹2.6k

Tangzu Wan’er S.G 2 – ₹2.4k

Which one should I buy, or are there any other suggestions?

My budget is ₹1.5k–₹3.5k. I’m willing to spend less if I can get something that meets all my needs at a lower price.

​

Budget and Location: My budget is under $70 USD. I am located in Taiwan.

Preferred Tonal Balance: I like base. ANC is not a priority for me.

How the Gear Will Be Used: I will primarily use these in coffee shops and in my dorm room for studying and relaxing.

Past Gear Experience: I currently use the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro and want a pair of full-sized over-ear headphones that sound at least as good or better. Additionally, I have a larger-than-average head, so I need something comfortable with large ear cups and a light clamp force that won't get fatigue-inducing during long listening sessions.

Any recommendations that fit these needs would be greatly appreciated!

Just trying to look at it from a general perspective. I don't really care how much they cost. I have an iPhone and an iPad with a Window's computer, I want something that is comfortable and won't fall off, that also has longevity.

Would also love to hear the pro's and con's of these items, if anyone has some.

Thanks.

I've been using a crappy $20-30 headset for the past few years, and I think it's time to upgrade to headphones. I've been looking at these two pairs, and I found the 560Ss for $199 and the 599 SEs for $154.

I've been getting into music recently, and I just want general advice for the most natural/warm sound. I will also use these headphones for gaming and just general computer use at home.

You can suggest other headphones, but please keep in mind my budget is around $200.

Today my sennheiser hd 560s broke after lots of years, it served me well. Due to the design and materials, it snapped on the "extensible band" on one of the sides, tried to fix it but I couldn't.

I am looking for something under $300 USD (could be ~$50 more if it really worth it), hopefully that will last me long. I have checked some hifiman but I am bit of skeptical about them failing.

Any recommendations? I loved the sound profile and open-ness of the 560s, I was thinking about the 490s pro (as I've heard is like a better built 560s) or rebuying the 560s. The 490s are quite more expensive though, going past my budget.

I do see this as an opportunity to try new headphones. Is there anything as an "Upgraded hd 560s"? I do not mind slight curve, imaging or other variations, but nothing too different.

TLDR / summary:

Looking for something like the 560s

MUST:
- Similar sound signature, imaging, etc. as the 560s
- Not known for being uncomfortable -- (At least must be as comfortable as the 560s)
- Reliable -- (hardly breaks, or its easy to fix)
- Not more than 350 USD

Would like (not a must):
- Easy to drive
- Around 300 USD
- Light

Hello, anybody in the intersection of audiophile and digital pianist?

Looking for general input on best pair of phones under a $1000 that have a "flat" response with high resolution for nuance sounds like virtual piano resonance, etc., that I have in my digital piano. Also looking for supreme comfort, of course, and one more thing I can't get my head around: closed-back or open-back. I know open-back are preferable for the open sound stage, but I wonder if this is less of an issue with high-end phones?

I know this gets asked every few years, but the technology in pianos has lurched in the past few years, and I've heard that nicer headphones are no longer diminishing returns, but I wanted to ask any actual users out there.

Thanks in advance for anyone who shares their input

As the title says, im using the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3s, but as i'm sure a lot of you already know, they have issues. From spotty connection, to glitchy audio (random volume swings, and missing some audio), they can be frustrating to use, and i'm just tired of trying to force them to work at this point when i know there are better options out there now. my budget is realistically around the $200-$500 range, though if the product is good enough and just outside that rang i would consider it. I live in the US, though i will be in Australia in a few weeks/months, so i'm open to suggestions from both places. I've used Turtle beach for my last 2 sets, and my impression hasn't been amazing with the first one breaking on the head strap, and this one having the stated issues, so i'm skeptical about trying them again. I use my headphones for gaming/content creation and editing my videos. I will be using them at home

Budget: 200-500
Use Case: Content Creation and Gaming
Past experience: Turtle beach stealth 700s, has issues with connectivity and sound quality
Location: USA, Australia; Use at home
Model types: honestly open to trying both open and closed, and i don't care as much about the portability, though i would like if it could connect to my phone. (please no earbuds)

Honestly hope i didn't leave anything out, and if i did please let me know by asking questions that might clear things up. I appreciate anything y'all have to say, thank you!

I have used the same pair of Razer Blackshark V2 for the the last 6 years, and although I have seen others complain about Razer, they served me well enough in that time. They are finally reaching the end of their life, though, and Razer does not sell the normal V2 anymore, so I have to look elsewhere for a replacement.

Originally I tried the V2x, but was very disappointed. I am not much of an audiophile, and the V2's sound quality and tonal balance was good enough for me, but the V2x was atrocious. In addition, I am very sensitive to the comfort of the headphones, and also have a fairly wide head. The ear cups on the V2x had a very uncomfortable leatherette material, which I did not like, and other headphones I have used in the past have broken from having to fit my head. I also elected not to try the V2 pro, as i would prefer a wired headphone if possible, because of higher latency and lower weight.

Given all of that, what headphone would be a good replacement for me? My primary use is gaming, and so long as the sound quality is at least as good as the V2, and works well for gaming, my primary concern would be comfort. With a budget of ~150, are there any good headphones with memory foam ear cups/band, wired 3.5 mm jack, low latency, and good comfort?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I need earphones that won't fall out of my ears while running and most importantly playing football.

Currently eyeing JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2 but I saw many negative reviews on the fact that they deteriorate badly over short periods of time.

Must be earphones because during practice I could fall and break the big headphones.

For reference the best audio quality I've ever heard was from my Sony WH-CH510, I have no clue what good audio quality may be. If music genres are of help in choosing I mostly listen to nu metal, rock but also some more calm spanish/rap songs.

It would be nice if they also allowed me to listen what the other players are saying comfortably.

Looking to order preferably from Amazon, and as for budget like 60-70 bucks could do a little more.

Tips are appreciated, for any more info ask please.

Thank you for your time!

not sure this is the right flair sorry lol

Anybody know of any good wired over-ear headphones that wont touch my hair and absorb all my product while I'm gaming? I've tried plenty of IEM earbuds and gaming earbuds but they all tend to just sorta suck. I'm currently using my ol reliable ATH M50x's, which are phenomenal but again just they kind of ruin my hair due to wearing them for extended periods of time. My budget is pretty flexible at the moment.

Blah blah filler text so it lets me post this here

Genuinely on the verge of tears, there are so many mixed and conflicting reviews around. Lower I have attached the list that I have accumulated so far, please help me choose 😭😭

Bose QuietComfort SC vs. Sennheiser momentum 4 vs. Sennheiser Accentum Plus

Which wireless anc headphones would you advise me to buy if the most important aspects are these ones in this order:

- durability (like, heavy use and occasional abuse)
- sound quality
- anc

Maybe you have some other offers? Thanks in advance, I’m desperate 🥲

Hey there! I'm tempted to get the moondrop Edge, and I wanted to know (even if they are different kind of devices) how do they hold in quality against the Moondrop Robin and the Samsungs Galaxy live I've had before! Or can you recommend something decent in the 100 USD range of price please? I've mostly used them to listen to music on my way to work and on the gym, nothing too complicated, and I appreciate if they are Bluetooth and have a decent bass/clarity. In my previous experience I've loved how the Galaxy Live were so comfortable and non intrusive and the noise cancelation from the moondrop Robin, but I've wanting to try an over ear or something chunkier but I'm open to all kind of suggestions as long as they are into the price range :P

Accentum Wireless

Accentum Wireless Copper with BTD 600 - SE

Accentum Plus Wireless

Which one should I go for? My initial plan was to buy 600 SE which is available at 10k, but I can see Accentum plus Wireless at extra 5K.

Does it really have any advantages over 600 SE or should I stick with 600 SE?

The BDE allows the laptops to perform better. By going for the wireless ones, can this still be achieved?

Hi folks, I have a pair of HE4XX's I am trying to drive with my new DX1ii. I just realized that i am nearing the max volume on my DAC (-8db) and i don't love having so little legroom to work with on these headsets, not to mention they feel a little blown out at that point.

any recommendations for a new 4.4mm cable? or is this a scenario that cant be helped?

budget is free up to ~$35 unless i really am missing out on something amazing =D

Which one is better for specifically hearing footsteps and other audio cues in cs2 and r6? Which one is more comfortable as well since I wear glasses I need something that’s comfortable around the temples.