Beginner setup for around $300.

[13.8Byearsyoung]

Hi all, I'm hoping for some help with my first, hopefully nice, audio setup. My budget is at most about $300, but I could go a smidge up if it's worth it to a beginner. There's a chance I might not get to upgrade again, so what I'll get is what I've got.
My setup now is massdrop sennheiser pc37x headphones and motherboard audio. They're pretty quiet and very distorted now when watching movies on my new pc, and the left side is finally giving out after all these years. I tried watching lotr on the new pc and that's what started me on this journey.
I'm hoping for something that will work well for years to come without too much fiddling, I'm neurodegenerative now, so complex problem solving isn't going to be quite so easy as it used to be.
I've been diving in for a couple weeks, and I can't for the life of me settle on options that feel right. I love listening to music and movies, and playing immersive single-player games, and I like to be able to hear soft voices nicely. I can enjoy bass, but less so when it detracts from the rest of the listening experience. I love being able to pick out small details in music and game environments. I am a tad sensitive to high pitched noises though. I also love long walks on the beach, I'm a passionate lover, and I always call my mother. xD
Any help you can give is so appreciated, thank you for your time!

 

[staticV3]

Hi @13.8Byearsyoung! Welcome to ASR.

I'd highly recommend you try the 7Hz Zero:2 with a USB-C Apple headphone adapter:

7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM. It was kindly donated to me by a member and costs US $24.99. The cable is soft and longer than typical which I like. They take fair amount of effort to push it but then they make a reassuring...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I started off with the DT990, then K712, then HD600, and finally switched to the Zero:2 half a year ago, which I prefer in every way.

It has better bass, less distortion, I can easily take it with me on walks, and in my experience IEMs in general make hearing soft voices and small details easier than headphones or speakers.

It's also less sweaty and the lack of headset hair is appreciated as well.

The Zero:2 is especially nice since it has very smooth treble response without annoying peaks. Perfect if you're sensitive to high-pitched noises.

The big challenge with IEMs is finding a pair that fits the shape of your ears well enough that you can wear it comfortably for hours.

Unfortunately, that part is just trial and error.

Achieving good seal to your ear canals can also be tricky in the beginning, but is crucial for good sound. Aftermarket ear tips can help there.

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

Hi @13.8Byearsyoung! Welcome to ASR.

I'd highly recommend you try the 7Hz Zero:2 with a USB-C Apple headphone adapter:

7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ and detailed measurements of the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEM. It was kindly donated to me by a member and costs US $24.99. The cable is soft and longer than typical which I like. They take fair amount of effort to push it but then they make a reassuring...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I started off with the DT990, then K712, then HD600, and finally switched to the Zero:2 half a year ago, which I prefer in every way.

It has better bass, less distortion, I can easily take it with me on walks, and in my experience IEMs in general make hearing soft voices and small details easier than headphones or speakers.

It's also less sweaty and the lack of headset hair is appreciated as well.

The Zero:2 is especially nice since it has very smooth treble response without annoying peaks. Perfect if you're sensitive to high-pitched noises.

The big challenge with IEMs is finding a pair that fits the shape of your ears well enough that you can wear it comfortably for hours.

Unfortunately, that part is just trial and error.

Achieving good seal to your ear canals can also be tricky in the beginning, but is crucial for good sound. Aftermarket ear tips can help there.

Thank you so much for the kind welcome!
That's fascinating, I hadn't considered IEMs, but it sounds like these ones are wonderful. I was planning on headphones with a decent DAC/amp, and I'm still probably biased that way, but for the price I might just get these too! Do you have any experience with using them in 3d game environments? I wonder how "big" the environment around me would sound.
I've also heard USB connection for audio can sometimes be finicky with some games, so I was thinking maybe analog would be better, but I really haven't the foggiest, I'm pretty new to all this.

 

[staticV3]

Do you have any experience with using them in 3d game environments?

I use them frequently in Hunt: Showdown, which is the benchmark for 3d environmental sound.

I wonder how "big" the environment around me would sound.

IEMs in general will not add sound stage on their own, the way loudspeakers or the HD800S would.

They'll only reproduce what is stored in the game/track.

Hunt has advanced HRTF processing built-in, so sounds natural and enveloping right out of the box.

Other media that lacks this processing may sound too focused/in your head without additional spatialization.

With IEMs, you can use HeSuVi to add some room sound back in, to make traditional stereo content sound more natural.

 

[staticV3]

If you'd prefer to have a more enveloping sound without applying processing, then I recommend you look into the Edition XS, Ananda, and X2HR.

Edition XS (open-box)

<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Attention Purchasers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ship US, CA, MX orders from the US, EU orders from the EU.</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-s

store.hifiman.com

Edition XS (refurbished)

<p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;"><strong>Attention Purchasers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ship US, CA, MX orders from the US, UK orders from the UK, EU orders from the EU.</strong></

store.hifiman.com

ANANDA-Stealth Magnet (refurbished)

<p><strong style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only available in the US, Canada, UK and EU countries. Some units that are being shipped from our EU warehouse will be packaged in a pleather box, which previously serves as the pack

store.hifiman.com

These are all sensitive headphones, so will sound their best even with basic, inexpensive headphone Amps (e.g. Apple A2049).

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

I use them frequently in Hunt: Showdown, which is the benchmark for 3d environmental sound.


IEMs in general will not add sound stage on their own, the way loudspeakers or the HD800S would.

They'll only reproduce what is stored in the game/track.

Hunt has advanced HRTF processing built-in, so sounds natural and enveloping right out of the box.

Other media that lacks this processing may sound too focused/in your head without additional spatialization.

With IEMs, you can use HeSuVi to add some room sound back in, to make traditional stereo content sound more natural.

Interesting. I do play some older games, and I love me some immersion and long gaming session comfort, so I'm thinking headphones and a DAC/amp might be the way to go. I think I'll probably get these too though. The price, convenience, and glowing reviews are enough for me to try them out. Any idea if there's a difference between the $25 ones on amazon and the $27 "newer" ones below them?

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-7Hz-Crinacle-Zero-Earphones/dp/B0CMZVZPCF

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DLB47XV5/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

If you'd prefer to have a more enveloping sound without applying processing, then I recommend you look into the Edition XS, Ananda, and X2HR.

Edition XS (open-box)

<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Attention Purchasers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ship US, CA, MX orders from the US, EU orders from the EU.</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-s

store.hifiman.com

Edition XS (refurbished)

<p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;"><strong>Attention Purchasers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ship US, CA, MX orders from the US, UK orders from the UK, EU orders from the EU.</strong></

store.hifiman.com

ANANDA-Stealth Magnet (refurbished)

<p><strong style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only available in the US, Canada, UK and EU countries. Some units that are being shipped from our EU warehouse will be packaged in a pleather box, which previously serves as the pack

store.hifiman.com

These are all sensitive headphones, so will sound their best even with basic, inexpensive headphone Amps (e.g. Apple A2049).

Oh, sweet, I'll check those out too.

 

[staticV3]

Any idea if there's a difference between the $25 ones on amazon and the $27 "newer" ones below them?

https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-7Hz-Crinacle-Zero-Earphones/dp/B0CMZVZPCF
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DLB47XV5/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

No difference.

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

If you'd prefer to have a more enveloping sound without applying processing, then I recommend you look into the Edition XS, Ananda, and X2HR.

Edition XS (open-box)

<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Attention Purchasers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: large; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ship US, CA, MX orders from the US, EU orders from the EU.</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-s

store.hifiman.com

Edition XS (refurbished)

<p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #0000ff;"><strong>Attention Purchasers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ship US, CA, MX orders from the US, UK orders from the UK, EU orders from the EU.</strong></

store.hifiman.com

ANANDA-Stealth Magnet (refurbished)

<p><strong style="color: #0000ff;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only available in the US, Canada, UK and EU countries. Some units that are being shipped from our EU warehouse will be packaged in a pleather box, which previously serves as the pack

store.hifiman.com

These are all sensitive headphones, so will sound their best even with basic, inexpensive headphone Amps (e.g. Apple A2049).

These look lovely, I wonder how loud they are to other people. I live kinda close to one of my roommates, and I'm quite the night owl. The pc37x haven't been a problem though.

 

[staticV3]

These look lovely, I wonder how loud they are to other people. I live kinda close to one of my roommates, and I'm quite the night owl. The pc37x haven't been a problem though.

You can compare the sound leakage of various headphones here: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/g...heiser-epos-pc38x-vs-hifiman-ananda/22543/670

The graph plots how much of a 100dB SPL signal makes it through to the outside, 1ft away from the headphone.

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

You can compare the sound leakage of various headphones here: https://www.rtings.com/headphones/g...heiser-epos-pc38x-vs-hifiman-ananda/22543/670

The graph plots how much of a 100dB SPL signal makes it through to the outside, 1ft away from the headphone.

Darn, it looks like that might be a bit of a problem. I'm tempted to try them out though and ask him if he hears it. They really do seem like a great option. Any perspectives on the pc38x? I don't need the mic, and I'm a tad hesitant to upgrade and get gaming marketed gear, even if that is what I'm using them for. The pc37x were good, they didn't blow me away though.

 

[staticV3]

Any perspectives on the pc38x?

None. I just picked them hoping their leakage performance would be representative of your PC37X.

 

[Billy Budapest]

This is what I would recommend—get you in at under $200:

Linsoul SIMGOT SuperMix 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4KV87ZC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TANCHJIM Stargate 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNDG49K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

SpinFit NEO https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNMDL764?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Billy Budapest]

If you want to go right up to your budget, you will get just about the best portable amp performance by substituting the Tanchjim Luna for the Stargate 2:

TANCHJIM Luna Portable HP Amp & DAC Review

This is a review, detailed measurements and listening tests of TANCHJIM Luna portable headphone amplifier and DAC. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $139.99 with anime engraving or $129.99 without: The look and feel of the adapter is excellent. The controls for volume have...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As far as the Simgot SuperMix 4, it has Harman curve tuning and has a wonderful fit and finish (unlike cheaper models, which might sound as good but not be as attractive or as durable). At $149, some people have compared it favorably to flagship IEMs costing 10x the price.

Regarding the SpinFit Neo eartips, they have an articulated joint in them that makes them fit and seal better than almost any other eartip. As you probably know, eartip fit is crucially important to sound quality, especially bass response.

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

If you want to go right up to your budget, you will get just about the best portable amp performance by substituting the Tanchjim Luna for the Stargate 2:

TANCHJIM Luna Portable HP Amp & DAC Review

This is a review, detailed measurements and listening tests of TANCHJIM Luna portable headphone amplifier and DAC. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $139.99 with anime engraving or $129.99 without: The look and feel of the adapter is excellent. The controls for volume have...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As far as the Simgot SuperMix 4, it has Harman curve tuning and has a wonderful fit and finish (unlike cheaper models, which might sound as good but not be as attractive or as durable). At $149, some people have compared it favorably to flagship IEMs costing 10x the price.

Regarding the SpinFit Neo eartips, they have an articulated joint in them that makes them fit and seal better than almost any other eartip. As you probably know, eartip fit is crucially important to sound quality, especially bass response

Thank you, I appreciate the options!

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

None. I just picked them hoping their leakage performance would be representative of your PC37X.

Thank you so much, I appreciate your help!

 

[13.8Byearsyoung]

Thank you both for your advice, I really appreciate it! I think I'm gonna go with a Topping Dx1 and Hd 560s for my pc, and the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEMs with an Apple dongle for my phone to dip my toes in the world of IEMs, and to use when the roommates have guests over and open back isn't the best. If you guys, or anyone else, have more thoughts, they're always appreciated. I'm not against returning and trying others, and maybe someone else will come across this some day and appreciate the advice too. This forum is a lovely place, and once again, thank you so much!

 

[Billy Budapest]

Thank you both for your advice, I really appreciate it! I think I'm gonna go with a Topping Dx1 and Hd 560s for my pc, and the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEMs with an Apple dongle for my phone to dip my toes in the world of IEMs, and to use when the roommates have guests over and open back isn't the best. If you guys, or anyone else, have more thoughts, they're always appreciated. I'm not against returning and trying others, and maybe someone else will come across this some day and appreciate the advice too. This forum is a lovely place, and once again, thank you so much!

Great choices!

 

[Billy Budapest]

My only suggestion is that if you cannot get a good seal on the 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 IEMs (you’ll know as the bass will be very light), to pick up a pair of SpinFit eartips.

 

[Billy Budapest]

FYI, here is Crinacle’s review of the Supermix 4: