Headphone suggestion

[bdub109]

Hey guys I have been out of the loop for awhile. I previously had a modi magni stack that seems to be going out on me. I ordered a new version with the built in dac for an all in one unit. My headset is the 58x and I have been happy with it and plan to keep it but want something that takes advantage of the power of the amp more. I’ll continue to use the 58x and my AirPods but want something to stay at the desk with the schitt stack. Budget of $150-$300 maybe more if I can just get an endgame set for not much more. Mainly play games but listen too all types of musics and video watching. Thanks!

[Cocococo]

What country are you in? the $300usd market has been SPICY lately, but also some region specific headphones

[191x7]

30 minutes ago, bdub109 said:

Hey guys I have been out of the loop for awhile. I previously had a modi magni stack that seems to be going out on me. I ordered a new version with the built in dac for an all in one unit. My headset is the 58x and I have been happy with it and plan to keep it but want something that takes advantage of the power of the amp more. I’ll continue to use the 58x and my AirPods but want something to stay at the desk with the schitt stack. Budget of $150-$300 maybe more if I can just get an endgame set for not much more. Mainly play games but listen too all types of musics and video watching. Thanks!

HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite.

[bdub109]

1 hour ago, Cocococo said:

What country are you in? the $300usd market has been SPICY lately, but also some region specific headphones

Usa 

[Ripred]

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B09BYFHL25/ref=asc_df_B00HVLUR86/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198057541178&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3343280607412003189&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003430&hvtargid=pla-381707139357&mcid=c17946f1ed0939e68d0ade8da92d0014&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_kw8QSgC0KTSuKLqTq4mE74ioMYFtecke6LLuLaPVIZDzMD5kom5HMaAggrEALw_wcB&th=1

[Cocococo]

39 minutes ago, bdub109 said:

Usa 

Oh nice, well the default recommendation is a Sennheiser hd600/ same chassis model, your HD58x's use drivers from a Sennheiser HD560S so the 600/ 650/ 6xx will all sound much clearer and more detailed, but there is some competition that outright beats the 600 series in some areas, also the 600 chassis wears out earpads super quickly and finding replacements is very difficult and expensive.

 

The strongest competition imo is the FiiO FT3, easily the best soundstage/ imaging you can get all the way up until like 400/500 usd with great boxed in features, super comfortable suspension headband and surprisingly great tuning, the earcups are a bit small so fit is a bit more personal, but still outstanding competition.

 

Next best option is the Audio-Technica R70X, better soundstage and imaging than the 600's but not quite on FT3 level, tuning is very similar to hd600, the wing style headband works, I like it but to be blunt the FT3's suspension headband is nicer for me, they're cheaper than everything else on this list and replacement earpads are readily available.

 

This is going to be a tricky one to find but I recently got to try the Moondrop Para and they are stunning, easily the best planar in this price range (don't buy Sundara, hifiman cannot qc) the build quality isn't as nice as everything else on this list, but I love the sound, love the comfort and like supporting Moondrop in their efforts to give consumers lower and lower prices for great audio, I wouldn't pull the trigger on these though. 

 

Finally there is the Audeze Maxwell, closed headphone for the first time on this list and they are outstanding, comfortably the best sounding closed back headphones all the way up until like 900usd (keep in mind all the open backs sound a lot better) with a lot of great features and detachable boom mic. 

 

There are other good options at 300usd, I just gave what I and quite a few audio forums/ discords agree are the best/ safest options, closed back headphones sound pretty mediocre in comparison to open backs, Maxwell are just the best of a not so great bunch, Hifiman has some good headphones close-ish to this price but to be honest their quality control is terrible and are infamous for breaking, same goes with Focal (they are getting better but still safer to avoid, also they only become relevant options at like 500usd and above) the big thing is knowing what to avoid, beyerdynamic have a weirdly good reputation outside of dedicated audio forums but I would rather use $20 Koss KSC-75's over anything Beyer makes, AKG the more money you spend the worse the products get (AKG is irrelevant at this budget tbh) 

[bdub109]

23 minutes ago, Cocococo said:

Oh nice, well the default recommendation is a Sennheiser hd600/ same chassis model, your HD58x's use drivers from a Sennheiser HD560S so the 600/ 650/ 6xx will all sound much clearer and more detailed, but there is some competition that outright beats the 600 series in some areas, also the 600 chassis wears out earpads super quickly and finding replacements is very difficult and expensive.

 

The strongest competition imo is the FiiO FT3, easily the best soundstage/ imaging you can get all the way up until like 400/500 usd with great boxed in features, super comfortable suspension headband and surprisingly great tuning, the earcups are a bit small so fit is a bit more personal, but still outstanding competition.

 

Next best option is the Audio-Technica R70X, better soundstage and imaging than the 600's but not quite on FT3 level, tuning is very similar to hd600, the wing style headband works, I like it but to be blunt the FT3's suspension headband is nicer for me, they're cheaper than everything else on this list and replacement earpads are readily available.

 

This is going to be a tricky one to find but I recently got to try the Moondrop Para and they are stunning, easily the best planar in this price range (don't buy Sundara, hifiman cannot qc) the build quality isn't as nice as everything else on this list, but I love the sound, love the comfort and like supporting Moondrop in their efforts to give consumers lower and lower prices for great audio, I wouldn't pull the trigger on these though. 

 

Finally there is the Audeze Maxwell, closed headphone for the first time on this list and they are outstanding, comfortably the best sounding closed back headphones all the way up until like 900usd (keep in mind all the open backs sound a lot better) with a lot of great features and detachable boom mic. 

 

There are other good options at 300usd, I just gave what I and quite a few audio forums/ discords agree are the best/ safest options, closed back headphones sound pretty mediocre in comparison to open backs, Maxwell are just the best of a not so great bunch, Hifiman has some good headphones close-ish to this price but to be honest their quality control is terrible and are infamous for breaking, same goes with Focal (they are getting better but still safer to avoid, also they only become relevant options at like 500usd and above) the big thing is knowing what to avoid, beyerdynamic have a weirdly good reputation outside of dedicated audio forums but I would rather use $20 Koss KSC-75's over anything Beyer makes, AKG the more money you spend the worse the products get (AKG is irrelevant at this budget tbh) 

Wow! Thank you for such a detailed response! I had seen some reviews of the Fio and had also been considering the 560 since it’s like half the price(150ish.) I have been happy with the 58x but I think there more so designed to not have to use an amp with. I just want a step up and really take advantage of the amp, I am not an audio expert by any means but I believe higher ohm loads will need more power and the 58x is pretty low. They sound great pretty much hooked up to anything but I want to experience the amp I invested the extra money in, if that makes sense. Seems like the Fio is the best around 300-500 from what everyone currently claims. I guess if I would want true endgame I would need to spend a decent amount more and just so not think I am at that level yet. I would likely want to do balanced or tubes with new amp/dac if I go much higher on the cans themselves. I think my true budget is 150-300 at this point, thanks again.

[Cocococo]

2 hours ago, bdub109 said:

Wow! Thank you for such a detailed response! I had seen some reviews of the Fio and had also been considering the 560 since it’s like half the price(150ish.) I have been happy with the 58x but I think there more so designed to not have to use an amp with. I just want a step up and really take advantage of the amp, I am not an audio expert by any means but I believe higher ohm loads will need more power and the 58x is pretty low. They sound great pretty much hooked up to anything but I want to experience the amp I invested the extra money in, if that makes sense. Seems like the Fio is the best around 300-500 from what everyone currently claims. I guess if I would want true endgame I would need to spend a decent amount more and just so not think I am at that level yet. I would likely want to do balanced or tubes with new amp/dac if I go much higher on the cans themselves. I think my true budget is 150-300 at this point, thanks again.

99% of headphones do not need an amp whatsoever, ohms in headphones do not matter, the number in headphones you look for is sensitivity, measured in db/mw so something like Sennheiser HD600's are 97db sensitivity, most devices can drive that no problem (unless it's an e-waste MP3 player i guess) sensitivity in the low 90's is where you start thinking about amplifiers and nothing i mentioned there really needs an amplifier. Another thing you will see people talk about is DAC's, realistically the absolute maximum anyone should spend on dac's and amps for headphone use is a Schiit Magni + Modi stack, and honestly an Apple USB-C or Abigail USB-C dongle is more than enough for headphone usage (Apple nerfs the dongle power outside of USA so Abigail is the default for EU and Asia buyers) also don't worry about using your schiit equipment to it's fullest, you can run passive speakers off a schiit stack with no issues. Majority of DAC experience is placebo and not many people can immediately notice if audio is coming through a $20 apple dongle or a 150usd Schiit Modi. Tube amps do give a different sound and it varies from person to person on whether you think it's worth buying or not, below the 1k budget just buy nice headphones and good speakers. Don't chase the whole "if i just get x dac and x amp i get better sound" it's misleading at best and usually flat out misinformation

[bdub109]

20 minutes ago, Cocococo said:

99% of headphones do not need an amp whatsoever, ohms in headphones do not matter, the number in headphones you look for is sensitivity, measured in db/mw so something like Sennheiser HD600's are 97db sensitivity, most devices can drive that no problem (unless it's an e-waste MP3 player i guess) sensitivity in the low 90's is where you start thinking about amplifiers and nothing i mentioned there really needs an amplifier. Another thing you will see people talk about is DAC's, realistically the absolute maximum anyone should spend on dac's and amps for headphone use is a Schiit Magni + Modi stack, and honestly an Apple USB-C or Abigail USB-C dongle is more than enough for headphone usage (Apple nerfs the dongle power outside of USA so Abigail is the default for EU and Asia buyers) also don't worry about using your schiit equipment to it's fullest, you can run passive speakers off a schiit stack with no issues. Majority of DAC experience is placebo and not many people can immediately notice if audio is coming through a $20 apple dongle or a 150usd Schiit Modi. Tube amps do give a different sound and it varies from person to person on whether you think it's worth buying or not, below the 1k budget just buy nice headphones and good speakers. Don't chase the whole "if i just get x dac and x amp i get better sound" it's misleading at best and usually flat out misinformation

Ok good info. My daughter will need a dac so I will look into the Apple one for her. I have also been looking at speakers for my new setup, pretty much new everything. I had been looking at the drop BMR1s for $99. I have seen there decent for the size and price and I like the aesthetic of having orange grills since my color scheme is orange/black but am open to suggestions there as well. Thanks again!

[Cocococo]

7 minutes ago, bdub109 said:

Ok good info. My daughter will need a dac so I will look into the Apple one for her. I have also been looking at speakers for my new setup, pretty much new everything. I had been looking at the drop BMR1s for $99. I have seen there decent for the size and price and I like the aesthetic of having orange grills since my color scheme is orange/black but am open to suggestions there as well. Thanks again!

Kali LP6 are the kings for sub $500usd imo, JBL 305 are a close second but if you can't get a pair then focus on aesthetic, i run JBL 305's off my Schiit stack and they're amazing

[191x7]

Akg k361, k371

[Psittac]

4 hours ago, Cocococo said:

This is going to be a tricky one to find but I recently got to try the Moondrop Para and they are stunning, easily the best planar in this price range (don't buy Sundara, hifiman cannot qc) the build quality isn't as nice as everything else on this list, but I love the sound, love the comfort and like supporting Moondrop in their efforts to give consumers lower and lower prices for great audio, I wouldn't pull the trigger on these though. 

Moondrop Para at apos

 

I haven't been in the audio game for probably a year or so so I'm unaware of the new products that have come out.  But here is my take on headphones that have a good dac and amp to power them for your budget, at least out of the ones I currently own.

 

Open:

 

Sennheiser HD6xx is always a leading suggestion and it LOVES a good amp and dac

 

Harmoniddyne Zeus is a great headphone with simple power needs but appreciates a clean source.  Best soundstage and imaging I've heard in this price range.  They are a little on the heavy side so looking straight down at the floor or up at the ceiling will cause them to slip.  I can't speak to the Zeus Elite which appears to have superseded the original but these would be an excellent choice, absolute pleasure to listen to. Oh and the pads are a dream.

 

Semi-Open: both of mine suck up way to much power to recommend

 

Closed:  I really enjoy several closed backs in the $150-200 range and don't think you'll go wrong with closed.

 

Rode NTH-100 is an amazing headphone with a nice bassy tone to it and a rich overall sound.  But these won't make good use of having a dac/amp, they sound great on anything

 

Meze 99 Neo is another easy to drive closed back but it is more transparent to the source when compared to the nth-100.  Both have a similar sound signature and qualities with the Rode being a little fuller and the Meze being a little more refined.

 

If you can add to your budget the Beyerdynamic DT1990pro is a steal right now on amazon.  They enjoy good clean power and have amazing soundstage and imaging.  They're like an easier to drive dt880-600 but better until you really crank the volume, then the 880 wins.

 

Myself, if I was in the market for another pair of headphones in the $300 range I would probably get the HiFiMan Sundara because it's praised as a go to headphone and I want to give the brand another chance, I've only had crap from them but purchased the wrong products so that's on me.

[bdub109]

3 hours ago, Cocococo said:

Kali LP6 are the kings for sub $500usd imo, JBL 305 are a close second but if you can't get a pair then focus on aesthetic, i run JBL 305's off my Schiit stack and they're amazing

I like the looks and somewhat cheaper price of the JBLs.  Might sound crazy but any decent speakers that have orange color scheme or accents? Or possibly something really popular with good sound and price that might have custom add ons like orange grills? I know audio quality should be my main concern but I am an aesthetic type of guys and really trying to match my orange and black color scheme.

[Psittac]

3 hours ago, bdub109 said:

I like the looks and somewhat cheaper price of the JBLs.  Might sound crazy but any decent speakers that have orange color scheme or accents? Or possibly something really popular with good sound and price that might have custom add ons like orange grills? I know audio quality should be my main concern but I am an aesthetic type of guys and really trying to match my orange and black color scheme.

I haven't even watched a full review of these, but they're from a small manufacturer and look really cool.  The brand is SJY

[bdub109]

The problem with speakers is size restrictions. I recently moved my 27inch monitor above my ultra wide but considering adding another to the left side vertically. Please do not judge my desk set up too much, it is a work in progress and probably just need a bigger desk overall. The size restrictions is one reason I was considering the smaller drop speakers. They can be turned sideways and fit neatly under monitors plus the orange grills would match nicely. Z reviews on YouTube says they sound decent for the size and price. Thoughts?

[Cocococo]

Honestly i'd say to get good headphones, if you really want the aesthetic then go ahead, but i haven't found a pair of speakers under Kali LP6/ JBL 305 prices that are better than the headphones that are available for same/ less cost. 

[bdub109]

22 hours ago, Cocococo said:

Oh nice, well the default recommendation is a Sennheiser hd600/ same chassis model, your HD58x's use drivers from a Sennheiser HD560S so the 600/ 650/ 6xx will all sound much clearer and more detailed, but there is some competition that outright beats the 600 series in some areas, also the 600 chassis wears out earpads super quickly and finding replacements is very difficult and expensive.

 

The strongest competition imo is the FiiO FT3, easily the best soundstage/ imaging you can get all the way up until like 400/500 usd with great boxed in features, super comfortable suspension headband and surprisingly great tuning, the earcups are a bit small so fit is a bit more personal, but still outstanding competition.

 

Next best option is the Audio-Technica R70X, better soundstage and imaging than the 600's but not quite on FT3 level, tuning is very similar to hd600, the wing style headband works, I like it but to be blunt the FT3's suspension headband is nicer for me, they're cheaper than everything else on this list and replacement earpads are readily available.

 

This is going to be a tricky one to find but I recently got to try the Moondrop Para and they are stunning, easily the best planar in this price range (don't buy Sundara, hifiman cannot qc) the build quality isn't as nice as everything else on this list, but I love the sound, love the comfort and like supporting Moondrop in their efforts to give consumers lower and lower prices for great audio, I wouldn't pull the trigger on these though. 

 

Finally there is the Audeze Maxwell, closed headphone for the first time on this list and they are outstanding, comfortably the best sounding closed back headphones all the way up until like 900usd (keep in mind all the open backs sound a lot better) with a lot of great features and detachable boom mic. 

 

There are other good options at 300usd, I just gave what I and quite a few audio forums/ discords agree are the best/ safest options, closed back headphones sound pretty mediocre in comparison to open backs, Maxwell are just the best of a not so great bunch, Hifiman has some good headphones close-ish to this price but to be honest their quality control is terrible and are infamous for breaking, same goes with Focal (they are getting better but still safer to avoid, also they only become relevant options at like 500usd and above) the big thing is knowing what to avoid, beyerdynamic have a weirdly good reputation outside of dedicated audio forums but I would rather use $20 Koss KSC-75's over anything Beyer makes, AKG the more money you spend the worse the products get (AKG is irrelevant at this budget tbh) 

The moondrop para looks nice. I am finding listings stating 8 and 18omhs. I know ohm load isn’t everything but are there more then one version of these?

[Cocococo]

1 hour ago, bdub109 said:

The moondrop para looks nice. I am finding listings stating 8 and 18omhs. I know ohm load isn’t everything but are there more then one version of these?

I've only tried the 16ohm, Planar magnetics tend to be a bit more power hungry but your amp can comfortably handle them. I wasn't even aware of the 8ohm version existing until just now, i'd go for 16ohm. Para are easily my favourite planars up until Hifiman Ananda Stealth and Moondrop is a company i'm happy to drive business to, if you decide to order a pair just be sure to get a warranty, moondrop are usually great about warranties so you're very well protected.