Asking a simpleton question...

[gpt]

Hi All,

I have never looked into a decent set of headphones before. I recently tested the Bose quiet comfort ultra on my phones and was underwhelmed. I quickly learned about the variances in audio codecs, compatibility, and bit rate limitations via bluetooth - I certainly didnt think I was getting value for money considering the cost of the purchase. But I did enjoy listening to my music again. I now appreciate for these types of headphones, you are paying for the ANC and commuting benefits (which doesnt do much for me)

I am now looking at buying the Hifiman edition XS - I largely listen to my music at home.

I think my question is so basic I cannot find the simple answer. Obviously I need to power these headphones. Do portable media players power headphones (daps? is that the correct terminology?) or do people use there phones as a player in conjunction with a dac?). Although I listen largely at home I would like the option to take the headphones on holiday with me for example. Are phones (i have a pixel 7a) detrimental to sound quality? since they aren't dedicated equipment? I have a tidal subscription as well as my own flac collection

Could anyone recommend a typical setup? £500 total budget so £250 ish on the headphones, £250 ish remaining - not asking for too many specifics, i just want to understand the setup and connections between equipment.

Thanks

 

[staticV3]

Hi @gpt! Welcome to ASR.

Do portable media players power headphones (daps? is that the correct terminology?)

Yes. DAPs power headphones directly.

Are phones (i have a pixel 7a) detrimental to sound quality? since they aren't dedicated equipment? I have a tidal subscription as well as my own flac collection

No. Feel free to use what's most convenient to you.

Could anyone recommend a typical setup?

Consider buying the Qudelix 5K. It has built-in DSP, which you can use to correct the Edition XS' frequency response for even better sound quality.

The correction is stored and applied on the 5K, so you can use it with all of your computers, phones and tablets. Either via USB for lossless transmission, or via Bluetooth if you want to untether.

Edit:
If you value having a dedicated music player without annoying calls or notifications, then take a look at HiBy's offerings.

 

[Dunring]

I use an Apple 3.5mm USB adapter and USBPlayer Pro which lets you use all the power it has. It'll power the Edition XS but there's other models that are easier to travel with. The HE400SE is more compact, and the Deva Pro Wired are my favorite for value for money.
If I was just starting out I'd get:
Apple 3.5mm adapter & USB player Pro
Hifiman Deva Pro wired or the wireless is even more convenient.
For travel I use the Moondrop Chu 2 since they sound great and look great with a black cable.
All that will come in way under budget. Get the U.S. version of the Apple adapter, the EU has much less power.

 

[ppataki]

For travel I use the Moondrop Chu 2 since they sound great and look great with a black cable.

+1 for the Chu - I have a Chu2 DSP and I am raving about it to everybody It has a mind-blowing price/value ratio
See review here

 

[gpt]

.

Edit:
If you value having a dedicated music player without annoying calls or notifications, then take a look at HiBy's offerings.

Very valid point! Who wants pings and calls interfering with music. Like the idea of one less device

 

[gpt]

Hi @gpt! Welcome to ASR.


Yes. DAPs power headphones directly.


No. Feel free to use what's most convenient to you.


Consider buying the Qudelix 5K. It has built-in DSP, which you can use to correct the Edition XS' frequency response for even better sound quality.

The correction is stored and applied on the 5K, so you can use it with all of your computers, phones and tablets. Either via USB for lossless transmission, or via Bluetooth if you want to untether.

Edit:
If you value having a dedicated music player without annoying calls or notifications, then take a look at HiBy's offerings.

Is there a device out there than combines the amplification and EQ of the qudelix 5k but is also a standalone media player?

 

[staticV3]

Is there a device out there than combines the amplification and EQ of the qudelix 5k but is also a standalone media player?

All HiBy media players support EQ. The specifics (GEQ or PEQ, number of bands, etc) you'd have to research yourself.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Very valid point! Who wants pings and calls interfering with music.

Of course, you can always use a non-sim smartphone separate from your voice cellular. So, my "DAP" cost less than $100 and pretty much does the same thing. The Q5K is icing on the cake.

 

[gpt]

Thank you for everyone's responses - Ordered the Edition XS, Qudelix 5k, and the moondrop chu dsp headphones for travel

Just need a good balanced cable now to get going.

 

[staticV3]

Just need a good balanced cable now to get going.

Not necessarily.

The XS is a very efficient headphone. Even the weaker 3.5mm output is enough to reach >110dB SPL Peak.