Headphones recommendations for enjoyment?

[feebleton]

What headphones do you guys use for ENJOYING music? There's a lot of analytical pairs out there but that's not what I'm looking for. Some of the cans I was considering are:

Ananda Nano ($420)
HD650 ($500)
HD660S2 ($600)
Arya Stealth ($600)
Meze 109 Pro ($800)

I'm not really wanting to go much more expensive than this, and yes I'm fine with EQ. Just wanting to know what you guys use.

 

[MAB]

What headphones do you guys use for ENJOYING music? There's a lot of analytical pairs out there but that's not what I'm looking for. Some of the cans I was considering are:

Ananda Nano ($420)
HD650 ($500)
HD660S2 ($600)
Arya Stealth ($600)
Meze 109 Pro ($800)

I'm not really wanting to go much more expensive than this, and yes I'm fine with EQ. Just wanting to know what you guys use.

I ENJOY music on headphones that have been EQ'ed to my preference. Headphones are very personal, resulting preference varies between listeners.
Whatever you consider analytical, it potentially can be addressed with EQ.
I have only heard the HD650, they certainly can be EQ'ed to my preference and I can certainly enjoy them. No comment on the other headphones.
Most people here enjoy music, not analyze it with headphones or speakers.

 

[feebleton]

I ENJOY music on headphones that have been EQ'ed to my preference. Headphones are very personal, resulting preference varies between listeners.
Whatever you consider analytical, it potentially can be addressed with EQ.
I have only heard the HD650, they certainly can be EQ'ed to my preference and I can certainly enjoy them. No comment on the other headphones.
Most people here enjoy music, not analyze it with headphones or speakers.

I understand that, but it makes it difficult to make a choice on what to buy without being able to sample any beforehand. Some pairs cost several hundred dollars more or less than each other and can sound completely different than stock with EQ, so it's hard to gauge which I should go for

 

[Doodski]

I understand that, but it makes it difficult to make a choice on what to buy without being able to sample any beforehand. Some pairs cost several hundred dollars more or less than each other and can sound completely different than stock with EQ, so it's hard to gauge which I should go for

I was in the same bind and I finally just said to myself that I need headphones and to take a jump into purchasing so I purchased Sennheiser headphones.

 

[Doodski]

Whatever you do you will need PEQ/EQ.

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[feebleton]

I was in the same bind and I finally just said to myself that I need headphones and to take a jump into purchasing so I purchased Sennheiser headphones.

I've been leaning toward the HD660S2's for a while, as well as the Arya Stealth's now that they're the same price. It's just quite a lot of money to throw at something somewhat blindly

 

[Doodski]

I've been leaning toward the HD660S2's for a while, as well as the Arya Stealth's now that they're the same price. It's just quite a lot of money to throw at something somewhat blindly

I agree. If it's any help the HD660S2 are good quality and add in some PEQ and you'll be set and running.

 

[ZolaIII]

I understand that, but it makes it difficult to make a choice on what to buy without being able to sample any beforehand. Some pairs cost several hundred dollars more or less than each other and can sound completely different than stock with EQ, so it's hard to gauge which I should go for

You start the other way around with cuple good measuring inexpensive IEM's, form your preference especially regarding highs and then try to find same with headphones including more expensive ones. I am satisfied with Denon AH-D5200 EQ-ed to my liking (angle slope, little less bass and trough min phase FIR still to Harman over ear of course).
Find what you are looking for, for cheap then think about how to have it in the form you like and of course experiment.

 

[Steven Holt]

I fully expect my next pair will be the HD560S, my research has nothing but good things to say. But take Doodski's advice, EQ them.

 

[MAB]

I understand that, but it makes it difficult to make a choice on what to buy without being able to sample any beforehand. Some pairs cost several hundred dollars more or less than each other and can sound completely different than stock with EQ, so it's hard to gauge which I should go for

Price is only weakly correlated to sound quality. I totally get the indecision.
I own Sennheiser, they are easily EQ'able to my taste. I am also confident I can get new pads when they wear out. And they fit my head. The HD660S2 definitely look very nice. I see Crutchfield offers them with a 60 day return. Good luck!

 

[MAB]

Whatever you do you will need PEQ/EQ.

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Yes!

 

[solderdude]

FiiO FT1 PRO is a cheap alternative and enjoyable without EQ a bit similar to the HD660S2 which also is enjoyable without EQ.

Ananda Nano, Arya Stealth and Meze 109 Pro have a sharpness to them both headphones mentioned above do not have.

 

[Verig]

I haven't tried Meze but out of the rest Arya easily. 660S would be next. Hmm... Let's say I'd take both, clearly different enough to my ears but good. Why settle with one.

Sharpness is an interesting thing. I quite enjoyed even the old HE-560 back when it was released but some thought it was sharp / bright. Arya certainly is not dark but for me it comes off as non-offensive whereas something like Beyerdynamic make my teeth itch.

 

[feebleton]

FiiO FT1 PRO is a cheap alternative and enjoyable without EQ a bit similar to the HD660S2 which also is enjoyable without EQ.

Ananda Nano, Arya Stealth and Meze 109 Pro have a sharpness to them both headphones mentioned above do not have.

could you describe a little more what you mean by sharpness?

 

[feebleton]

I haven't tried Meze but out of the rest Arya easily. 660S would be next. Hmm... Let's say I'd take both, clearly different enough to my ears but good. Why settle with one.

Sharpness is an interesting thing. I quite enjoyed even the old HE-560 back when it was released but some thought it was sharp / bright. Arya certainly is not dark but for me it comes off as non-offensive whereas something like Beyerdynamic make my teeth itch.

Can't take both unfortunately but I see where you're coming from, I have enough money saved for one nice thing for now as an 18 year old with minimal expenses, but it's going to take a while until I can have some proper spending money saved up again

 

[Robin L]

Where are you located? Unless I'm mistaken Drop is US based, so if one lives overseas that might affect the cost if one includes shipping and other charges. But the Drop 6XX is essentially the same as the Sennheiser HD 650, a very pleasant sounding and comfortable headphone. Right now, Drop is selling them for $179. I've been using them for years:

Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX | Top Rated Open-Back Headphones | Drop

Our all-time best selling open-back audiophile headphones, the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX is a replacement to the original HD 650 with a refreshed aesthetic & improved utility.

drop.com

 

[LGD_]

I understand that, but it makes it difficult to make a choice on what to buy without being able to sample any beforehand. Some pairs cost several hundred dollars more or less than each other and can sound completely different than stock with EQ, so it's hard to gauge which I should go for

based on Amir's tests I bought the HD 650, Topping L 30 ll Headphone Amp, and E 30 ll DAC .
I am VERY happy with this whole setup. (I EQ the HD 650 to Amir's recommendation).

I just noticed that the HD 650 is now $500 on Amazon! Wow, I paid $350 for mine in Nov '24 - unbelievable.

Anyway I suggest that you buy the HD 650 (or whatever else interests you) from Amazon because you can return it, no questions asked, if it's not for you.

 

[feebleton]

Where are you located? Unless I'm mistaken Drop is US based, so if one lives overseas that might affect the cost if one includes shipping and other charges. But the Drop 6XX is essentially the same as the Sennheiser HD 650, a very pleasant sounding and comfortable headphone. Right now, Drop is selling them for $179. I've been using them for years:

Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX | Top Rated Open-Back Headphones | Drop

Our all-time best selling open-back audiophile headphones, the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX is a replacement to the original HD 650 with a refreshed aesthetic & improved utility.

drop.com

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[feebleton]

based on Amir's tests I bought the HD 650, Topping L 30 ll Headphone Amp, and E 30 DAC .
I am VERY happy with this whole setup. (I EQ the HD 650 to Amir's recommendation).

I just noticed that the HD 650 is now $500 on Amazon! Wow, I paid $350 for mine in Nov '24 - unbelievable.

Anyway I suggest that you buy the HD 650 (or whatever else interests you) from Amazon because you can return it, no questions asked, if it's not for you.

I've been leaning toward one of the Sennheiser pairs, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Verig]

You can't really go wrong with Sennheiser but $500 is really a lot for 650. You can get them here for 350€ (tax included) and I think that's high-ish but ok. The Drop price is excellent. $600 is good for Arya, worth it, I think.