Headphone buying advice

[Countdown]

Hi, I'm new here, and I was planning on getting my first pair of open-backed headphones, likely to pair with a fiio ft1 closed-back. My planned budget is around $250 and I plan on using these for both music listening and gaming (fps games but also single player games). Just off my own research, I was considering stuff like the ft1 pro, hd6xx, hd560s, ATH-r50x, sundara, and the Aune AR5000. I would appreciate any suggestions as well as some clarification regarding some factors to consider in my own research, as I'm not entirely sure what to look for and at. As for genres of music I listen to, there's hip-hop, game OSTs, a little bit of rock, and some other assorted stuff from all genres but classical. Thanks all in advance for any advice or clarification!

 

[Winemaker]

Good morning everyone. I’m looking for some advice from fellow audio enthusiasts.I’d like to find a pair of earbuds with solid build quality and — most importantly — genuinely good sound.I’m using a Samsung S23 Ultra, and my old 3.5 mm earbuds have finally breathed their last. Now, whenever I’m out (on the bus, walking around, waiting in line at the post office…), I have no practical way to listen to music. And using the phone’s speakers is absolutely out of the question — I can’t stand it when others do it, so I’m definitely not doing it myself.I’m looking for USB‑C earbuds, ideally with a built‑in DSP or at least something that isn’t just an afterthought. I’ve been checking out some models from KZ and Moondrop — what’s your take on them? And are there any other manufacturers you’d recommend for good sound on the go?Thanks in advance.

 

[IngMishael]

Good morning everyone. I’m looking for some advice from fellow audio enthusiasts.I’d like to find a pair of earbuds with solid build quality and — most importantly — genuinely good sound.I’m using a Samsung S23 Ultra, and my old 3.5 mm earbuds have finally breathed their last. Now, whenever I’m out (on the bus, walking around, waiting in line at the post office…), I have no practical way to listen to music. And using the phone’s speakers is absolutely out of the question — I can’t stand it when others do it, so I’m definitely not doing it myself.I’m looking for USB‑C earbuds, ideally with a built‑in DSP or at least something that isn’t just an afterthought. I’ve been checking out some models from KZ and Moondrop — what’s your take on them? And are there any other manufacturers you’d recommend for good sound on the go?Thanks in advance.

max budget?

 

[Jacque]

For the money, the R50x is a solid pick. They’re pretty bright though. I wouldn’t use them without eq. Midrange is fantastic imo. Solid bass for an open back. Once the treble is tamed a bit they’re a really good set imo.

 

[luxethereal]

Hi, I'm new here, and I was planning on getting my first pair of open-backed headphones, likely to pair with a fiio ft1 closed-back. My planned budget is around $250 and I plan on using these for both music listening and gaming (fps games but also single player games). Just off my own research, I was considering stuff like the ft1 pro, hd6xx, hd560s, ATH-r50x, sundara, and the Aune AR5000. I would appreciate any suggestions as well as some clarification regarding some factors to consider in my own research, as I'm not entirely sure what to look for and at. As for genres of music I listen to, there's hip-hop, game OSTs, a little bit of rock, and some other assorted stuff from all genres but classical. Thanks all in advance for any advice or clarification!

I would say the HD6XX is the best all-rounder. FT1 Pro is also a solid choice but I found it a bit dry and thin sounding out of the box.

Good morning everyone. I’m looking for some advice from fellow audio enthusiasts.I’d like to find a pair of earbuds with solid build quality and — most importantly — genuinely good sound.I’m using a Samsung S23 Ultra, and my old 3.5 mm earbuds have finally breathed their last. Now, whenever I’m out (on the bus, walking around, waiting in line at the post office…), I have no practical way to listen to music. And using the phone’s speakers is absolutely out of the question — I can’t stand it when others do it, so I’m definitely not doing it myself.I’m looking for USB‑C earbuds, ideally with a built‑in DSP or at least something that isn’t just an afterthought. I’ve been checking out some models from KZ and Moondrop — what’s your take on them? And are there any other manufacturers you’d recommend for good sound on the go?Thanks in advance.

Consider TWS. The Moondrop Space Travel 2 has built in DSP via its Moondrop app and it's wireless. ANC isn't that great honestly but you can always turn it off, just don't expect good passive isolation. The driver in this IEM is really good, it has great treble response for $30 but you will have to tweak the bass and low mids a bit, maybe reduce 3K a little as well if it's too much (I don't particularly like the stock Harman tuning).

 

[Winemaker]

budget massimo?

€50 max

 

[IngMishael]

€50 max

hmmm I'd rather you keep saving and get this - https://hifi-passion.de/EN/FiiO-Jade-Audio-JT3/HL02718.2 for €79

 

[Redacted]

£20 for IEM, else no more than £100 for over-ear, is enough. Problem is every headphone sounds different depending the user's individual ear shape, which renders objective tests not entirely reliable, and subjective tests pointless. Like with speakers in your own particular room. It's entirely possible that £100 phones sound better on some physical ear shapes than £1000 ones.

Comfort is number one for me, unless you want phones just for a 5-min check as opposed to a listening session for an hour or two.

 

[ZolaIII]

€50 max

A Apple USB-C dongle, Wavelet app and pick and choose from IEM's that are rather sensitive (not too extremes but overall) and with good source of measurements. Starting with old Sonys and stock Samsung one's, some JBL's in differ flavours, bunch of modern cable modular ones reviewed and mesured hire and elsewhere you might found up to 40€. In order to gain adjustment to work properly on Android you need it to be to V 16.
I hope you at least have some experience regarding earplugs, fit, what you might or might not bare, your own ear chenel and preference both in highs and regarding SPL. You can fiddle future more with tools as Auto-EQ.

 

[ZolaIII]

@Countdown I don't know. If you liked FiiO's take a look at Fostex (Foster drivers) open back lineup. I have closed back Denon AH-D5200 which is little more refined and easier to cope with same off. You need to understand you must lose good part of low bass output so either adapt to listen on little louder SPL levels then usually with closed back's and that they will leek into ambient surroundings/noise but with some reverb to it (from room actually). My advice to you is to head to Solderdude’s web site (DIY Audio Heaven) and read a lot especially regarding fit and to be certain you got your expectations right. If you can advise is to actually try them out. Tracking for some manufacturers is getting a nightmare like Sennheiser and I don't even know what to think about Bayer anymore (as I ain't following much or closely to start with).