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Headphones for movies, music, and gaming (budget: €300–400)

Good evening everyone,

Sorry for my english i'm french :/

I’m looking for a pair of headphones to use at home for watching movies/videos/videos games and listening to music (not really for outside). It would primarily be for movies/videos and possibly solo gaming. I already have a Nova Pro Wireless for online gaming and Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds for sports. I tend to enjoy headphones with a strong bass presence. I especially enjoy strong and powerful bass presence.

I would like to use it: on my computer (windows with b450mk) and my tv.

I was wondering if there’s a significant difference between these two models:

I’ve heard that open-back Hi-Fi headphones provide much better immersion, but I’m worried that the sound might be too neutral and end up feeling monotone or boring compared to my tastes and habits.

Basically, does it feel like going from “basic” to “next level”? With this budget, would I notice a real difference compared to the Nova Pro? I’ve never owned open-back headphones, but I suppose that if there’s some noise at home, I can simply turn up the volume (?). I’ve also read that the Hifiman might require an additional DAC, like the TOPPING DX1, which brings the Hifiman + DX1 or it's ok for my computer ?

Thanks for your help!
Done
 
I’ve received my Hifiman XS:
xs.jpg

Pleasantly surprised by the sound and the open-back design: I was expecting the sound to be too neutral and to hear everything around me with no isolation, but I find the sound clear and capable of having some character. Plus, once the sound is in my ears, I don’t hear the living room TV. ^^

I need to look into equalizers. I’ve heard it’s possible to adjust them to get a bit more bass. I’ve heard about Oratory1990 and will try to learn more about it.

However, it’s true that it lacks power when plugged directly into the PC, which I think impacts the bass (my Nova Pro must be at least twice as powerful). Before touching the EQ, I feel like I should first get a DAC/amp to give it more punch. (?)

I’m hesitating between:
- Getting the Topping DX1 for €100
Tp 1 amazon
- Going for the more versatile Qudelix, especially with its Bluetooth functionality (and eq), for €150.
Qudelix 5k amazon
- Breaking the bank and going for the Topping DX3 Pro+ for €200 (but does the price difference justify it? I see that the power output goes from 2x 280mW @ 32Ω / 2x 190mW @ 64Ω for the DX1 to 2x 1800mW @ 32Ω / 2x 250mW @ 300Ω for the DX3 Pro+, but I don’t really understand these values…).
Tp 3 pro amazon

Thanks!
 
I wanted to give you an update.

I’ve finally completed my "full" setup:
xs2.jpg

The Hifiman XS with an EQ inspired by Oratory1990—I just boosted the bass a little:
eq xs.jpg


I invested in the Topping DX3 Pro+ with a "good deal" for €100:
tpx3pro+.jpg

I’m really impressed with the quality of the product. Once the EQ is adjusted for the bass, I notice very little difference compared to the Nova Pro, despite it being an open-back headset. Once the bass is adjusted, the sound quality is impressive, even for metal tracks (I tested it with the game Metal: Hellsinger—it’s something o0). I just need to decide whether to keep using Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos or leave it "neutral."

The only downside is that the headset feels a bit tight around the jaw since the ear cups are much longer compared to the Nova Pro, but
It’s probably just a matter of getting used to it or a matter of time for the headset to break in.

I was wondering, if I wanted to have a small extension for my TV, I don’t really understand the difference between these two cables:
cable €22.91
cable €12.99

Is the price difference justified, or is it a scam? If I understand correctly, the TRS and TRRS are simply that the latter allows you to use a microphone. But is it a problem if I get a TRRS cable for the XS?

Thanks again guys for you're help and advice!
 
I wanted to give you an update.

I’ve finally completed my "full" setup:
View attachment 416039
The Hifiman XS with an EQ inspired by Oratory1990—I just boosted the bass a little:
View attachment 416037

I invested in the Topping DX3 Pro+ with a "good deal" for €100:
View attachment 416043
I’m really impressed with the quality of the product. Once the EQ is adjusted for the bass, I notice very little difference compared to the Nova Pro, despite it being an open-back headset. Once the bass is adjusted, the sound quality is impressive, even for metal tracks (I tested it with the game Metal: Hellsinger—it’s something o0). I just need to decide whether to keep using Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos or leave it "neutral."

The only downside is that the headset feels a bit tight around the jaw since the ear cups are much longer compared to the Nova Pro, but
It’s probably just a matter of getting used to it or a matter of time for the headset to break in.

I was wondering, if I wanted to have a small extension for my TV, I don’t really understand the difference between these two cables:
cable €22.91
cable €12.99

Is the price difference justified, or is it a scam? If I understand correctly, the TRS and TRRS are simply that the latter allows you to use a microphone. But is it a problem if I get a TRRS cable for the XS?

Thanks again guys for you're help and advice!
One cable is 3-pin and the other is 4-pin. I would advise you to buy a cable that matches your plugs, so probably 3-pin 3.5mm jack TRS, which is also much cheaper and makes more sense.
 
Thank you for your responses,

After doing some research and reading your comments, if I understand correctly, the best DAC options would be:

  • Qudelix 5K: The best option for more powerful bass and greater flexibility with the adjustable EQ, even for use with a TV. The only "drawback" is that it’s battery-powered unless connected via USB.
  • Topping DX1 and SMSL DS100: These models are more neutral and less powerful in the bass. They are better for those who seek a detailed and balanced sound, but they won’t bring out explosive bass.
  • SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII: Very precise and neutral sound signature, with well-defined but not overly emphasized bass. It helps maintain a perfectly neutral sound, which may appeal to audiophiles but doesn’t emphasize the bass profile.
If I understand correctly, for €149, I could get the Qudelix, which would give me a bit more bass and power (2W at 32 ohms vs. 1W at 32 ohms) without distorting the sound(??), with the portable EQ for my tv, compared to the Topping DX1/SMSL MK2 or SMSL DS100, which are priced at €80-100, while being somewhat less powerful than the Topping DX3 Pro or Fiio K7 at €200-250, but still competitive.

View attachment 414159

Thanks again for your help!!

Qudelix 5K Tech Specs ...
..
  • 3.5mm Unbalanced 2.0V RMS
  • 2.5mm Balanced 4.0V RMS
NOT 2 Watts(!) @ 32 Ohm. This would be crazy much. Even my Questyle CMA18 Portable delivers "only" 1 Watt.

Btw. Aune AR5000 is fantastic for movies and music also. Very easy to drive and extremely good for 300 USD!
 
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