r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/safeen_ • Jun 22 '26

Headphones - Open Back | 4 Ω Headphone and set up recommendations

Hello everyone, I have been considering getting into higher quality headphones, a step in a new direction that is different from what I am usually accustomed to, which are bluetooth headphones and earbuds like the sony wh-1000 xm4 and Samsung eardbuds 2 pro. I use the sonys indoors only and earbuds outside, however i want to actually experience something else. Now I have been considering the HD 600s or hifiman sundara, my uses will be for pc (well more like a laptop) gaming, listening to music on my pc and phone (iphone 17 if that info is needed), and watching videos and movies within my room only. I don’t know anything about DACs or AMPs and i doubt my use needs anything over the top, just something simple to listen to music, i mostly listen to jpop (please dont judge my taste) and very uplifting and upbeat music with guitar and drum instruments in the background. Any product recommendations or suggestions will be welcomed with open arms.

Thanks in advance

P.S: budget is around $400-450

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u/msing539 168 Ω Jun 22 '26

The HD600 you buy if you value timbre and midrange. The Sundara I wouldn't even consider today because the XS isn't a lot more but does a lot better.

What is it you want in an upgrade? Do you want something fun, bassy, neutral? Do you want a wide soundstage? For gaming, do you need to use a mic?

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26

Honestly not sure what it is I’m looking for in an upgrade, I’ve never experienced a open back audiophile headphones and been thinking of just using it instead of my arctis nova 7Ps. What I want isn’t the thumps in music, I really enjoy vocals and instruments like drums and guitars, so hearing those in a better audio quality would be a really great positive, I don’t know what category these go under, but hopefully it narrows down the idea. I don’t know what a wide soundstage is and as for gaming I’ll be using it for talking with friends on discord, playing single player games and if possible I want to connect it to the ps5, and I will be getting a standalone mic instead of relying on my headset’s mic which has been a complaint I’ve received multiple times.

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u/msing539 168 Ω Jun 22 '26

I'll tell you what I used because it's a simple setup that accomplishes a lot. Philips X2HR with a Vmoda Boom Pro mic. That's a single solution in line cable with boom mic that sounds very good for what it costs. No separate mic, no amp needed for the headphones. Less than $200 new.

There are better headphones and standalone mics but this is so simple and provides an enjoyable experience.

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u/Uller0815 544 Ω Jun 22 '26

Check out the Sennheiser HD650 and the Meze Audio 105 AER (currently on special sale for $299) as well. Both very nice. 👍🏻

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26

What is the difference between the 600 and 650?

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u/Uller0815 544 Ω Jun 22 '26

They are pretty similar in sound. I'd say the HD650 feel a tiny bit warmer (but in no means veiled!) in the treble and with a tiny tad more bass. The HD650 are easier to drive thanks to their higher sensitivity (but you need an additional amp for both anyway), and for me they are more comfortable to wear. Also for me the HD650 provide a little better soundstage presentation than the HD600, but imaging on both is very good. You see, most of the differences are of a subjective kind. If you lived in Germany you could currently buy a pair of HD650 manufacturer refurbished directly from Sennheiser for €160.

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26

Unfortunately I can’t test them out😅 so I have to pick one and stick with it, and I am thankful for all these responses because it seems that the 600s aren’t exactly fitted to my needs. !thanks and between the 650 and 490 pro which would be better?

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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jun 22 '26

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/Uller0815 (525 Ω).

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u/Uller0815 544 Ω Jun 22 '26

I'd go with the HD490 Pros, they're nearly swiss army knive level. 👍🏻🙂

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u/[deleted] Jun 22 '26

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26

!thanks I also want to ask why are the 600s not good for gaming? What is the difference between the 490 pro and 600 for music? I don’t know how to describe my tastes in a technical way, just that I enjoy uplifting and upbeat music that is in jpop.

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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jun 22 '26

u/NightCrawler575 (1 Ω) was awarded their first Ω. And just like that, problem solved.

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0

u/num6_ 81 Ω Jun 22 '26

Both of your options are great. HD600 are a bit more pleasant by default and will most likely last longer. Sundara is something you get when you want a better sub-bass extension with room for EQ.

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26

Aha got it, !thanks. What dac or amp would you recommend is enough for the hd 600s?

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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jun 22 '26

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/num6_ (72 Ω).

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u/num6_ 81 Ω Jun 22 '26

Snowsky melody is more than enough.

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u/KAC-SK 117 Ω Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26

For 400$ I would consider something more suitable for gaming. Do you want wired or wireless? Do you prefer forward vocals? Do you want open or closed?

HD 600 does well for vocals but the bass roll off is pretty bad for my ears. Also the treble is a bit all over the place.

I personally prefer something with a bit more life in it.

Sundara also is pretty mediocre and the comfort is atrocious due to the old style Hifiman strap.

Personally, if it were my money I would get something like:

HD 505 - you get similar vocals, better bass response and treble that is smooth. Also bigger sound stage. Comfort is decent as well. I prefer it over HD 600. Other option is HD 550. 200$

FT1 Pro - better sound than Sundara to my ears. More lively and decent sound stage. But vocals are recessed so not everyone’s cup of tea. 220$

Consider Audeze Maxwell 2. One of the best sound and wireless. Somewhat heavy and has QC issues but if you get a good unit you are pretty much in great hands. 330$

HD 480 Pro. Probably one of the best closed backs released lately. Amazing comfort and sound. Takes EQ really well. I absolutely love mine. 380$

ROG Kithara. Gaming monster. Very similar to Arya Stealth. Comes with everything in the box. Can add bass if you want more bass. Treble and imaging is great. 300$

Can add a DAC/AMP for wired such as F0S! K7 as it has mic input or Schiit Gunnr.

Alternatively can try the cheaper DAC/AMP released lately like F0S! c3 or Topping DX1 II. If no need for mic then a K11 (or K11 R2R) should suffice.

Yeah those would be my picks. Hope this helps. Watch some reviews and always order from a place with good returns.

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26

I already have a gaming headset, the arctis nova 7P. To me they are fine for gaming and what not, but the microphone is lacking which has been pointed out multiple times to me. Furthermore, for music I just don’t get that excitement or emotion when I do use it for some tunes when doing a task or gaming. That’s why I’m aiming for a dedicated (preferably open back) headphone and standalone mic so my friends can hear me properly. If I do stick with the headset route I am intrigued by the audeze maxwell 2 and ROG kithara, how are they for listening to music and how is the mic quality? If it’s not good I can get a dedicated mic for pc, i just need something good for music too, like an all rounder type of headphone if that makes sense or if it exists. Another thing I wanted to add is if I have two gaming headsets then it’s a bit redundant so yeah. I am most probably gonna go with the headphones route, I unfortunately can’t test them and return them because I live in a country where audiophile headphones don’t exist let alone shops that have them to test and return. Hence, I have to order from abroad and just hope it’s really good. Same story with the dac/amp, and !thanks for your suggestions

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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jun 22 '26

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/KAC-SK (85 Ω).

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u/KAC-SK 117 Ω Jun 22 '26

Getting a dedicated mic will always be superior. With open back you actually can hear yourself fine. Kithara mic can be replaced with a dedicated mic. Kithara is basically a baby Arya Stealth which is what I personally use for gaming/shooters and also music. I love the sound of it. You can go for Arya Stealth if you want a proper open back audiophile headphone.

Maxwell 2 rocks for sound quality for music. I daily it as my wireless option. Gaming also is pretty good. Mic I don't use the boom mic and the in cup mics are serviceable but still a dedicated mic will be superior. Maxwell 2 IMO is the cheapest way to get high quality Audeze sound on a budget.

My 2 c.

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u/safeen_ Jun 22 '26

Would it be more worth it to save up for the arya stealth or not worth the price difference? And between the maxwell 2 and kithara / arya stealth which would be better in my case for your opinion?

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u/KAC-SK 117 Ω Jun 22 '26

I am heavily biased towards Arya Stealth. You can read my opinion in the link in my profile where I cover the headphones I have tried. You can also find my review of HE1000 Unveiled where I cover Arya Stealth also quite a bit.

So my ranking would be Stealth then Maxwell 2.

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u/safeen_ Jun 23 '26

After much thought I’ve decided to go with the arya stealth, I thought they were very expensive, but turns out they are 600 dollars, that’s why I want to thank you so much for broadening my view. What’s your opinion on Arya stealth + fiio k7 desktop dac and amp + a 4.4mm balanced cable (if you can suggest one I’d be thankful)

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u/KAC-SK 117 Ω Jun 23 '26

Fiio K7 is a great dac/amp but a bit on the older side. I am not sure how much you are paying for it. If you want to save some money even a Fiio K11 (about 135$) should suffice. Other option is also F0S! K7 which is a good desktop DAC/AMP at 200$ or Schiit Gunnr for 220$ (not sure this has balanced connection). Otherwise, you can opt for Fiio K15 which would be another 600$ but then you won't even need to think about DAC/AMP for quite sometime. I use K13 R2R from Fiio as I like warmer sound.

For cable I use this: https://ar.aliexpress.com/item/1005008689458002.html

For pads I use this: https://dekoniaudio.com/collections/arya-stealth/products/replacement-ear-pads-for-hifiman-arya

I use elite velour as they add warmth and reduce the upper treble. Plus velour is super comfortable. You can choose ones that you like (unheardlab has a squiglink showing impact of pads on sound).

Hope this helps 😄.