Looking for a headphone upgrade. Please help.

[Leshphon]

My current setup is:
ATH-M50X ( Headphone)
AKG K545 (Headphone)
Sony MH755 ( IEM )
Tin Audio T2 (IEM)
Topping NX4 ( DAC & Amp)

Henlo good ppl.
So as you can see, my setup is not all that great. I only started looking into hi-fi audios this year. I am not very experienced. Those headphones/iems I bought are all from watching youtube reviews and asking around in discord servers. Only audio I am happy with is the Sony MH755 (as a portable set). Others are just not as great as I expected. Except for one thing. The Topping NX4. Which, apparently, is a recommendation from here(ASR). And I really like it so far. The bass boost is nice. gets loud and all. That is when I began to put trust on this server

OK so after watching some more reviews, the M50x is not all that good. And so is the AKG K545. I think I have yet to experience "good hi-fi" audio. I suck at describing sound but here is a link to give you guys what kind of music I listen to:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961110959%2Fsets%2Ftraps-aint-gay

Based from these songs, I guess I need a bassy headphone. But not to the point where it just muffles everything and makes everything go quieter. It doesnt have to be closed back. And it doesnt have to be portable. As for efficiency, idk. Anything that is enough for my Topping NX4 to power. I guess u could say that im looking for an upgrade from my m50x kek. Max budget will be 400usd. I can push it to 600usd but only if it is really an excellent option.

Also, m a newbie so pls go easy on me. Hope I get replies from u ppl

 

[BDWoody]

My current setup is:
ATH-M50X ( Headphone)
AKG K545 (Headphone)
Sony MH755 ( IEM )
Tin Audio T2 (IEM)
Topping NX4 ( DAC & Amp)

Henlo good ppl.
So as you can see, my setup is not all that great. I only started looking into hi-fi audios this year. I am not very experienced. Those headphones/iems I bought are all from watching youtube reviews and asking around in discord servers. Only audio I am happy with is the Sony MH755 (as a portable set). Others are just not as great as I expected. Except for one thing. The Topping NX4. Which, apparently, is a recommendation from here(ASR). And I really like it so far. The bass boost is nice. gets loud and all. That is when I began to put trust on this server

OK so after watching some more reviews, the M50x is not all that good. And so is the AKG K545. I think I have yet to experience "good hi-fi" audio. I suck at describing sound but here is a link to give you guys what kind of music I listen to:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961110959%2Fsets%2Ftraps-aint-gay

Based from these songs, I guess I need a bassy headphone. But not to the point where it just muffles everything and makes everything go quieter. It doesnt have to be closed back. And it doesnt have to be portable. As for efficiency, idk. Anything that is enough for my Topping NX4 to power. I guess u could say that im looking for an upgrade from my m50x kek. Max budget will be 400usd. I can push it to 600usd but only if it is really an excellent option.

Also, m a newbie so pls go easy on me. Hope I get replies from u ppl

I have been very happy with my current dynamic duo, consisting of a Sennheiser HD 6xx (about $200), and my Etymotic ER4SR in ears (about $350).

I listen to everything, and like everything well balanced and accurate.

Welcome!

 

[wadec22]

My current setup is:
ATH-M50X ( Headphone)
AKG K545 (Headphone)
Sony MH755 ( IEM )
Tin Audio T2 (IEM)
Topping NX4 ( DAC & Amp)

Henlo good ppl.
So as you can see, my setup is not all that great. I only started looking into hi-fi audios this year. I am not very experienced. Those headphones/iems I bought are all from watching youtube reviews and asking around in discord servers. Only audio I am happy with is the Sony MH755 (as a portable set). Others are just not as great as I expected. Except for one thing. The Topping NX4. Which, apparently, is a recommendation from here(ASR). And I really like it so far. The bass boost is nice. gets loud and all. That is when I began to put trust on this server

OK so after watching some more reviews, the M50x is not all that good. And so is the AKG K545. I think I have yet to experience "good hi-fi" audio. I suck at describing sound but here is a link to give you guys what kind of music I listen to:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961110959%2Fsets%2Ftraps-aint-gay

Based from these songs, I guess I need a bassy headphone. But not to the point where it just muffles everything and makes everything go quieter. It doesnt have to be closed back. And it doesnt have to be portable. As for efficiency, idk. Anything that is enough for my Topping NX4 to power. I guess u could say that im looking for an upgrade from my m50x kek. Max budget will be 400usd. I can push it to 600usd but only if it is really an excellent option.

Also, m a newbie so pls go easy on me. Hope I get replies from u ppl

Some good choices for you depending on budget;
Expensive- Auduze LCD2C, Denon 7200
Mid-fi budget - Fostex variants - drop ebony, drop mahogany (don't do purpleheart, too bassy), Denon 5200, E-Mu Teak, Focal Elear
Inexpensive - used Denon D2000, Hifiman HE4XX, Creative Aurvana Live

Those are the ones I have personally tried that match up to the song samples above. enjoy!

 

[Patrick1958]

Add the Sennheiser HD58X to the list. These sound good, and with some (P)EQing really good.

 

[maxxevv]

Headphones wise in that price range, basically good, clean, bass with plenty of detail articulation ? (mass)Drop He4XX US$180, Hifiman Sundara US$350.

I can understand why you don't like the Tin Audio T2, I have it too, not the best of fit nor enough bass energy for a lot of genres.
You can look at budget stuff like the KZ ZS7. Or the BQEYZ BQ3, but its treble is a little more smoothed out, so some may not like that. But its wonderful sounding with a slight bass emphasis.

 

[wadec22]

Add the Sennheiser HD58X to the list. These sound good, and with some (P)EQing really good.

58X has a lot of distortion in the bass and sub-bass and to me sounds pretty flabby. for his music taste, I would avoid both the 6XX and 58X.

 

[Hipper]

You need to find somewhere to test out headphones, not just for sound but comfort.

Having said that I've always had confidence in Sennheiser over the years.

 

[matt3421]

if taking comfort into account, i would check out the HD599. easily one of the most comfortable headphones ever made. and they can be eq'd to a target curve

 

[wadec22]

You need to find somewhere to test out headphones, not just for sound but comfort.

Having said that I've always had confidence in Sennheiser over the years.

This is awesome advice if possible and a good reason to buy from someone with a great return policy like amazon if you don't have a local distributor. I am a great example of this, as I think the Sennheiser 650/6XX/600 all sound great but the clamp is just something I cannot get over, even with a used pair or using tricks like books and headband bending.

Comfort is king. That is why i have some Denon 7200 for my engaged listening/usage and Philiips shp9500 for relaxed media consumption like YT, Twitch, etc.

 

[wadec22]

if taking comfort into account, i would check out the HD599. easily one of the most comfortable headphones ever made. and they can be eq'd to a target curve

599 are very comfortable and great headphones. Again, given the tracks he likes, my personal opinion, these lack sub bass & bass response (at least in the first 5 min of what I listened to).

 

[Gabs]

Hi,

Maybe should you try to find and listen to the "Audioquest Nighthawk Carbon".
Of maybe the modhouse Argon ?
I would personnally dig into the Drop Fostex Ebony.
The more expensive Campfire Audio Cascade, could also be interresting.

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

I strongly recommend the HiFiMan HE400i @ $180...
I also recommend the Sundara @ $350.

IMHO the HE400i @ $180 is one of the best bargain in headphones oday. They will shame several headphones costing >$1000...
As an aside the proper use of EQ on fundamentally sound headphones such as those above can make these sound almost as good as anything out there...

 

[Gabs]

I have the HE400i. Although it's a very nice one I thinks it lacks bass according the requirement.
I never tried to eq it.

 

[wadec22]

I have the HE400i. Although it's a very nice one I thinks it lacks bass according the requirement.
I never tried to eq it.

what pads do you have on them? the 400i and he4xx are pretty strong in the bass department. keep in mind you can always throw on an all leather or protein pad (instead of stock hybrid) and you will get a better seal and even stronger bass response (admittedly too strong for my own personal taste)

 

[Gabs]

I have the stock one. I find the bass ok but I think maybe Leshphon would want more. I also have the Oppo Pm3, more (and nice) bass. The ones I mentioned before have more bass than that. Anyway thanks for the advice would you have any pad brand to recomend for the he400i ?

 

[wadec22]

I have the stock one. I find the bass ok but I think maybe Leshphon would want more. I also have the Oppo Pm3, more (and nice) bass. The ones I mentioned before have more bass than that. Anyway thanks for the advice would you have any pad brand to recomend for the he400i ?

now that makes sense. you my friend, are a bass head. not a bad thing, just a preference. the pm-3 are bass cannons. i tried the ZMF Ori in sheepskin on the 400i and it became a very bass heavy set. too much for me. and i do not care for that tight seal with a planar - where it creates that vacuum/suction feeling around your ears. you may like it though. brainwavz has a few cheaper alternatives but i would be hesitant, as they are pu leather - which will also enhance treble. for me, any added treble to the 400i/4XX would be fatiguing.

 

[Gabs]

Haha I never thaught I would be a bass head ! As soon as it does not bleed (too much) on the mids it's ok for me. Thanks again for the advices.

If I'm not mistaking, Kenerton headphones are also on the bassy side.

I do not like it but there is also the Meze 99 classic.

@Leshphon : if you have the Tin2 maybe you know about Senfer DT6 wich is IMO a little better. There is a Senfer UEs Pro wich is more balanced (IMO) with very nice and punchy bass. I would be looking for a headphone version of the UEs Pro. The Sendy Aiva seems overrated but would be a gold starting point.

Sorry, it's a lot of headphones I propose but actually you really have to dig and try if possible.

 

[wadec22]

Haha I never thaught I would be a bass head ! As soon as it does not bleed (too much) on the mids it's ok for me. Thanks again for the advices.

do you wear glasses? If you have glasses on, the seal is not tight and you will lose a substantial amount of bass - which would make you always want a bassier headphone. if you don't wear glasses, then yes, you sir just like powerful bass. fostex purplehearts give that kind of bass in spades as well.

 

[frogmeat69]

@Leshphon Maybe the Philips Fidelio X2 would be a model to try? I love mine, just a fun sounding open back with good bass and easy to drive. And they have come down in price, too.
The newest version is the X2HR, but you can still get the older model X2/27, not really any differences between them though from what I've read.

https://www.amazon.com/Philips-X2HR-Over-Ear-Open-Air-Headphone/dp/B01N5VHLUG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2IXWSZC5JLJX6&keywords=philips+fidelio+x2&qid=1567211180&s=gateway&sprefix=philips+fide,aps,157&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/X2-27-Headphone-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00O2Y2MZG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2IXWSZC5JLJX6&keywords=philips+fidelio+x2&qid=1567211421&s=gateway&sprefix=philips+fide,aps,157&sr=8-3

 

[watchnerd]

You need to find somewhere to test out headphones, not just for sound but comfort.

Having said that I've always had confidence in Sennheiser over the years.

Yeah, I like the way my HiFi Man cans sound, but after about 40 minutes, my ears start to get hot and they get uncomfortable.

My Senns, on the other hand, are so pillowy I can fall asleep with them on.