Sony XM5s for everything?

Precast · May 30, 2023

Im looking for a good all around pair of headphones. Im sure the WH-1000XM5s aren't the best for gaming but I plan on mostly listening to music and I would like having noise canceling for when Im on the go. Anyone have experience using the XM5s as their only headphones? Any recommendations for a better all around use pair of headphones?

rice guru · May 31, 2023

So it sorta depends on your taste and preferences in regards to sound quality. It can certainly be done and for gaming you can buy a pair of koss ksc 75 for $20 and be solved but for everything if you like the sound quality ,features , and frequency response why not use as your only headphone I've certainly daily drove worse and was very happy. You just need to be comfortable with it caveats.

Psittac · May 31, 2023

I agree with @rice guru The Koss lineup is nothing to laugh at, I prefer the Kph30i with a grado pad swap but the KPH40 is great with no swap and doesn't look as tacky. The ksc75 is another excellent option but mine stopped working so I'm biased with those, but if you don't want the head band they offer the Koss sound just as well as the others and can be yaxi pad swapped.

On that note, if you're looking for a wired solution I can't stop recommending the Rode NTH-100. They sound incredible on any device, even a phone and are easily top 3 or 4 of my headphones and #1 in the price range. They are closed back so noise isolating and very comfortable. They look like they won't fit everyone but I'm sure they'll fit most. I have a tiny head and tiny flat ears, they fit me fine. I had a friend of mine try them on and he's got a huge head with huge ears and to his surprise they fit perfectly. Cooling ear pads actually work and I can wear them all day no issues. There was a controversy about the ratcheting mechanism cracking but I am under the strong impression that has been solved. These are my #1 pick under $200 with no amp or dac.

However if you require wireless and ANC your options will be very limited, a lot of people talk about the Sony and say it's a good headphone but I'm not a wireless guy and have never owned ANC. I can say that the AKG K361-BT is a great option because it can be wireless or wired, it's closed back so noise isolating and it has a rather fun consumer focused sound stage at a great price. If you go with these get the thickest protein pads you can find for them and they're golden.

One option is getting a pair of Koss for on the go and another pair for at home. That way if you lose or break the Koss it's not a big deal, I must have purchased 15 Kph30i as gifts for friends and family and since I got them on black friday it was like buying one pair of headphones for myself.