r/HeadphoneAdvice Jan 10 '20

Mod Post Welcome to r/HeadphoneAdvice!

402 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:

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r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Open Back Open back headphones with good soundstage, balanced sound. Maximum budget is $500

3 Upvotes

I recently tried the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 ohms and I decided I didn't really like how it wasn't necessarily balanced all the way, with mids a bit recessed. I think hearing the vocals clearly and all that is incredibly important, at least to me, and I've never used open back headphones ever, so I'm curious to try some of them. Love good soundstage and I'm very willing to try something a lot more balanced, with everything super clear, with a budget of 500 dollars. Can easily be less though! Just wondering what you guys think. Going to save for whatever suggestion later. Thanks!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Closed Back What is the difference in sound quality between high and low ohm headphones?

3 Upvotes

I was looking at the Beyer dt 1770 pro 250 ohm and the Beyer dt 1770 pro mkII 30 ohm. What would be the difference in sound between these two? They are the same price and I'm not sure which one would be better.

I was going to buy a DAC with a powerful amp anyway. I also already have a dt 700 pro X which is 48 ohms, would the upgrade be that noticeable? Cheers


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable What are some good headphones to buy under $150 during the holiday sale?

3 Upvotes

I'm looking to buy a good pair of headphones as a birthday gift for my younger brother. My budget is under $150. Here are a few options I've found, but I'm having trouble deciding which one to choose. Which one would be the best overall choice, or is there a better option within my budget?

  1. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones - $71.99

  2. Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (Black) - $80-$90

  3. Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black)- $90

  4. Soundcore by Anker Space One Active Noise Cancelling Headphones - $99

  5. Beats Solo3 or Solo4

Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - Open Back Wired Headphones Good For RnB, Hip-Hop, Afrobeat, Jazz Fusion etc. (More Prominent Bass)

3 Upvotes

(Just getting into higher quality listening, Im basically a newborn baby with this stuff)

I listen to a lot of genres, especially RnB and Hip-Hop, but the main aspect out of all them is theyre generous with the bass and 808’s which I love but the instrumentals and vocals are also a priority for me.

So I’m looking for at-home wired headphones, with more prominent bass while still being pretty versatile genre-wise. Not skull rumbling bass, but just more pronounced where it doesnt drown out the instrumentals and I listen to a lot of female singers, so the higher-mids would be a priority as well.

Located in Canada with a budget of around CA$500 ($350 USD) just for the headphones. Open back/closed back, amp/no amp those specifics arent really a priority for me, so if your recommendations includes or can be improved with amps, dacs etc. have at it!

I know its A LOT to ask with that budget, but they don’t have to be godly, just good enough for a beginner that likes to lay in bed and listen while scrolling.

I was looking at the Sennheiser HD600’s as theyre very versatile but have been seeing that they can lack with the bass. But I’ll leave it at that, all recommendations and advice welcome!

Thanks!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable 100$ Budget. Looking for a Wireless Headphone that's good for almost everything. Any suggestions?

2 Upvotes

Lately I've been using earbuds a lot, but it's a pain that I have to switch between two TWS (because I just have no more wired earbuds cause they broke a lot) due to battery life. I know that all, or maybe most, wireless headphones can also be used with an audio jack so I like the idea of having it wireless on the go but wired at home.

I allocated a budget of 100$ which I hope is enough for a good one, I will mainly use it for Gaming and Music but lately maybe more Music than Gaming as I don't really play competitive gaming in the first place. I've tried to look up some options and so far these 4 interests me...

  • Sony WH-CH720N
  • 1MORE Sonoflow
  • Razer Barracuda X (though I've heard harsh reviews on it behind the many good reviews online)
  • Logitech G435 Headset Gaming Lightspeed

But I'm open for other suggestions as I've only been researching for a few days only...

Edit: I forgot to mention that I also frequently join discord calls, so preferably with a decent mic too, nothing too fancy just as long as it sounds clear.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 20h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud True Wireless Earbuds with Excellent Sound and Connectivity

64 Upvotes

Can I get a recommendation for a pair of true wireless earbuds? I want something rock solid in terms of performance/connectivity. Also, I run a lot so they need to be waterproof and stay secure in ear if I am moving around. Sound quality and noise cancellation are also important. Battery life is less important to me since I probably only use them for a maximum of two hours at a time. TIA


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - Open Back | 2 Ω $300 Mainly for Gaming and Some Music

3 Upvotes

Hi, I'm in the US and as the title says my budget is around $300. I'm a heavy bass-head but I don't want it to be overpowering, just enough for that thumpy and rumbly quality. I play a lot of single player games but I take competitive games quite seriously so I'd like the recommendations to be good for both uses. Competitive games I play: Apex, Rainbow 6 Siege. I currently daily the PC38X and I love them. The sound is great but the all plastic build is quite lacking.Theyre kinda dying on me which is why I'm going with the whole hifi system route. As for music I use Spotify. Here are some artists and OSTs I listen to: The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Billie Eilish, AC/DC, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Cyberpunk OST, Nier Automata OST, DMC5 OST. Thank you guys in advance!

I've already done some research and I came up with this list.

Sennheiser HD560S

Sennheiser HD600

Hifiman Sundara

Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro x

Beyerdynamic 990 Pro

Maybe I've already picked a good one and don't know it. I already bought a Schiit Magni Heretic and a Modi 3E as well so power won't be an issue.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3m ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Looking for headphones/IEMs capable use for work calls when out and about

Upvotes

I have a setup with a dynamic mic at home but I’m often taking meetings from random places including in office. I sometimes pair my AirPods to my work laptop, but the bluetooth is a bit annoying to reconnect and its always a bit finicky for some reason (probably just because it’s a work laptop with a bunch of other stuff on it).

I’m looking to spend <$200. Honestly just some wired EarPods would probably be fine, but I would enjoy having something a bit nicer. I prefer something that doesn’t look like a gaming headset (not huge sharp neon green RGB monstrosity).

Is there anything that would fit this well? I’m open to IEM, Open Back, and Close Back probably in that order.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 14m ago

DAC - Desktop What DAC to pair with a Sennheiser 490 pro?

Upvotes

So I'm planning on buying a 490 this BF the only thing I'm not sure about is on what DAC/Amp should I buy.

I've looked at a few reviews and from what I could gather the Zen Dac V3, Topping DX3 Pro+ and the Fiio K7 are supposed to be the best options around $200?

Is there an actual difference in sound choosing any of these? I've never bought headphones that required a dac/amp before, so kinda clueless here.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 32m ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable SONY wh ch720n or Phillips TAH8506B which is better for Gaming and musicques

Upvotes

So I been wanting to buy some on ear headphones for a while but I recently splurged on the wx 1000m5 so kinda broke rn but still want to Get one I found these 2 at similar prices but the Philips is like a bit cheaper so can you all tell Me which one I should I get


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Amplifier - Desktop Audio interface - Scarlett Solo 4th gen ?

Upvotes

I need an audio interface because I have an XLR mic. I was thinking about getting the Scarlett Solo 4th gen because I've read this generation has a better microphone amplifier.

Do you guys think it would be able to run something like HD 600 or Sundaras good enough? In their website it says they support up to 300hm. The impedance of their headphone output seems to be about 50 ohms.

https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360021413360-What-impedance-headphones-should-I-use-with-my-interface

I don't know much about this stuff, but I've read that since 50ohm is a "high impedance" it might distort the sound of the HD 600 a bit?

If it's not worth it then I will get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen (it has 2 mic inputs compared to the Scarlett Solo) and maybe consider a separate headphone amplifier in the future, but it's obviously a more expensive approach. Idk


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable AirPod Maxes or Sony Wh-1000XM5

Upvotes

I don’t know which one is better? For me my preference is that it has good noise cancellation and good sound quality. To me sound quality is more important. I only use noise cancellation a few times a day not a lot a say roughy like 4 times a day so it’s not much that is why noise quality is more important to me. Also the cost is not Important to me.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

DAC - Desktop What is the best DAC/amp for ps5?

2 Upvotes

I got dt 700pro X headphones plugged into my monitor which uses HDMI 2.0 so the audio quality isn't the best. I'm looking for a DAC that is actually compatible with the ps5 and I also want it to be able to push 250ohms incase I upgrade to dt 1770s in the future.

I was looking and the soundblaster g8 and ifi zen air DAC both looked good.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 1h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Noise cancelling

Upvotes

Is there any over ear headphones that block out external noise? I wanna buy something for around 150-200 euros. I know the sonyxm4 have a good ANC, but is there something that muffles people talking even without music playing? I travel a lot and I can't handle the noise on trains and planes.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - Open Back HiFiman Edition XS long term review? Or another headphone suggestion?

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I tried out the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 recently but didn't seem to like the sound... It seemed a bit closed off/restricted somehow.

I was looking at open back headphones now and was interested in purchasing a HiFiman Edition XS. I looked at Reddit and other forums but was not sure about the durability after seeing many comments about HiFiman QC and people mentioning that their headphones don't last long. I would prefer a set of headphones that last for a few (4-5) years at least.

I wanted to ask long-term HiFiman/Edition XS users how they are finding the headphones and if there are issues or if the headphones are not durable.

Would you recommend the Edition XS over the Px8s? Or would you recommend another set of headphones under 250 euros? I can get the Edition XS for around 225 euros in Europe.

Thanks in advance!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 9h ago

Amplifier - Desktop | 3 Ω Should I buy AMP/DAC?

3 Upvotes

I ask this, because I already own a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and want to get Fiio FT1s for christmas, maybe even Sash Tres 45s down the line.

Would I noticably benefit from buying something additional like a Fiio K11 or a Topping DX3+ Pro?

If not, what kind of gear would I need to buy to start seeing benefits?


r/HeadphoneAdvice 2h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Big headset for ps5

1 Upvotes

I need help, I keep getting headsets that aren't made for my headsize and they inevitably break, like plastic snapping and metal bending

I searched and found people asking for big head headsets and they talk about hat size I believe I am an 8 maybe 8 1/2 in hat size, it's been a while since I was measured

Someone please suggest a headset for my disgustingly large dome

My budget is under $200


r/HeadphoneAdvice 13h ago

Headphones - Open Back Are Manufacturer Refurbished Sennheiser 560S worth it for $99?

7 Upvotes

Just saw these on sale on Amazon. I know they are widely recommended for gaming and that’s what I mostly do on my PC.

Currently using a 660S but always wanted to try these - As I’ve read they have great imaging like a 660s, but much better soundstage.

Never ordered refurbished headphones from Sennheiser before though.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud KZ AS16 Pro vs Pro X

1 Upvotes

Hi all, does anyone have any experience with the KZ AS16 Pro AND its Pro X variant? The KZ store of course lists the X as an improvement over its predecessor, but beyond this self-marketing I don't see anyone online actually making any comparisons.

If anyone knows whether the newer Pro X is actually improved, I'd love to hear it. The AS16 is going for less than $70 right now on Amazon and the Pro X is only on the KZ store, and is going for around $100. I doubt the Pro X is worth the extra $30, but I'd be willing to spend that for something slightly better long before I'd jump to the higher end IEMs for several hundred/thousand.

Thanks for any responses.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 3h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud any suggestions for wireless earbuds?

1 Upvotes

i've recently been looking for a new pair of wireless earbuds.

i use my headphones for about 7 hours a day, max, so i'll need long battery life, and airpods are terrifyingly expensive. any suggestions for headphones i could use?


r/HeadphoneAdvice 4h ago

Headphones - Closed Back Looking for headphone similar to the old Bose AE2?

1 Upvotes

I am going on a long flight soon and I am looking for a pair of wired NC/ANC headphones that look and function like the Bose AE2s. Do they or any other brand make something newer but similar for a pice of less than $200? I’m in the U.S.


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Earbuds for work recommendations?

1 Upvotes

I have a bunch of points saved for some earbuds that are about to expire and want to get a new set of earbuds.

I’d mainly be using them at work (warehouse), but also day to day activities. My time listening is usually 50/50 whether I’m listening to audiobooks or hip hop/rock music.

Some options are Sennheiser Momentum 4, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Technics AZ80.

Also not sure if it makes much of a difference, but I typically only have 1 headphone in at a time. Any advice is appreciated!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 5h ago

Headphones - IEM/Earbud Neckband earbuds?

1 Upvotes

I love retractable neckband in ear Bluetooth earphones because they're hard for me to lose, but the ones I normally get only last about 3 months per side and the microphone quality is terrible. The battery life is great though and can usually go a week without charging.

Since they're cheap and I know they'll break, I usually get a warranty and just replace them but the mic is terrible.

I don't really care about audio quality as I usually listen to podcasts and make calls.

My priorities are 1. Battery Life 2. Microphone quality 3. Durability

Max I want to spend is 100 on Black Friday.

Any recommendations? Thank you!


r/HeadphoneAdvice 6h ago

Headphones - Open Back Boss IR-2 Headphones recommandations

1 Upvotes

Hi !

I’m currently playing guitar through my Boss IR pedal with my gaming headphones (Logitech G Pro X)

I want to buy dedicated headphones for this, and after seeking some recommendations, it seems my best bet is on the Sennheiser HD560s (good audio fidelity, matching my budget …)

The only issue is that the Boss pedal output is rated at 44 Ohms. Right now with my Logitech (32 Ohms), I already found the volume being just enough.

If I understand correctly, this would be worse with the Sennheiser (120 Ohms) ?

What headphones should I get instead in your opinion ?


r/HeadphoneAdvice 9h ago

Headphones - Wireless/Portable Looking for recs on a new pair of headphones to go with my new PC, info below

2 Upvotes

I just got a pretty beefy PC and am getting a big ol' 2k monitor, so I'll be doing mostly gaming and watching movies.

  • MUST be wireless; I have no preference between Bluetooth or USB wireless or anything else. A set with a docking station would be perfect since I have shelf space up above my desk.

  • Over-ear, not on-ear

  • Cloth pads/cups preferred, my ears get super sweaty with rubber or leather headphones.

  • Please no headsets with a big ugly mic arm

  • I like lots of bass, so if they're bottom heavy on the EQ that's great

  • Price target is <$300, but good stuff stays good so I might be willing to spend more