Budget: preferably below 500 but I can go slightly over.
Source/amp: if an amp is required, I own the zen dac v2 and am looking at buying the zen ifi hip 2.
Usage: I would like to use it at the office, on public transport possibly and at home. I know that means basically everywhere, but they will not be a dedicated at home listening pair, for which I would choose open back.
Tonal balance: I would like to avoid an overly analytical and clean sound. A dynamic and within reason warmer sound would be nice.
Preferred music: I listen to hiphop (kendrick/kanye/jay-z/jid/...), pop, indie, film music (lotrs, westerns,...), Classical music/opera
Past gear experience: I recently started working so my previous experiences were always on a budget. I used the hyperX cloud alpha, I enjoyed the stronger bass. I also own beyerdynamic custom one pro plus, a more neutral sound with less bass, I enjoy using this pair, they are comfortable but lack a bit of flair.
My own research: I have gone through a few top 10 lists and two pairs stand out to me:
- Meze 99 classics ~ 300€
- beyerdynamic amiron wireless ~ 550€
They are quite far apart pricewise, but I don't see a lot of recommendations for headphones between €350-500. The Mezze seems to be a good pair, but are 200€ below my possible budget, and I would like to buy a pair that is the best I can afford and use them for a long time.
The amiron non wireless is open back which would be an issue, therefore I could opt for the (closed back) wireless version. I would use it wired most of the time and was wondering if this would be even worth it over the Meze.
Source/amp: if an amp is required, I own the zen dac v2 and am looking at buying the zen ifi hip 2.
Usage: I would like to use it at the office, on public transport possibly and at home. I know that means basically everywhere, but they will not be a dedicated at home listening pair, for which I would choose open back.
Tonal balance: I would like to avoid an overly analytical and clean sound. A dynamic and within reason warmer sound would be nice.
Preferred music: I listen to hiphop (kendrick/kanye/jay-z/jid/...), pop, indie, film music (lotrs, westerns,...), Classical music/opera
Past gear experience: I recently started working so my previous experiences were always on a budget. I used the hyperX cloud alpha, I enjoyed the stronger bass. I also own beyerdynamic custom one pro plus, a more neutral sound with less bass, I enjoy using this pair, they are comfortable but lack a bit of flair.
My own research: I have gone through a few top 10 lists and two pairs stand out to me:
- Meze 99 classics ~ 300€
- beyerdynamic amiron wireless ~ 550€
They are quite far apart pricewise, but I don't see a lot of recommendations for headphones between €350-500. The Mezze seems to be a good pair, but are 200€ below my possible budget, and I would like to buy a pair that is the best I can afford and use them for a long time.
The amiron non wireless is open back which would be an issue, therefore I could opt for the (closed back) wireless version. I would use it wired most of the time and was wondering if this would be even worth it over the Meze.
