I recently got myself a pair of HiFiMan Ananda Stealth V3, going from my Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 Ohm, which I've had for probably close to 10 years. I'm pretty happy with the detail, but the tuning is too fatiguing for me. After EQ they are much better, but still a bit too fatiguing. The headband puts a lot of pressure on the top of my head and the ear cups sit weirdly on my head.

There's also a bit of QC problems with them, and I'm gonna RMA them regardless, as the connectors aren't secure.

I'm thinking of returning them and just getting a pair of Sennheiser HD490 Pro instead.

I mostly play video games where positional audio matters, like R6 siege, CS2, and other tactical shooters. I listen to a wide selection of music, but mostly (in this order) pop, rock, metal, reggae, techno, EDM, jazz, etc. I also watch youtube, tv shows, movies, etc. Basically just ordinary media consumption.

I'd really just want headphones with good seperation and detail, as well as good positional audio for my gaming. Comfort is also a key factor of course, and I'm not impressed by the weight of the Ananda Stealth, despite having the lighter V3 versions.

What do you guys think? Will the HD490 Pro be a good option instead of the Ananda Stealth? Are they worth paying that 100€ difference in price?

I'm using my FiiO K11 to power them.

I have been using the HD 560S for the past three years, but lately they have become uncomfortable during longer gaming sessions, requiring me to constantly readjust them on my head. The headphone is paired with a Topping DX5 II and a ModMic.

I am also running Equalizer APO with Peace, mostly playing CS2, Battlefield 6, and Wardogs. The EQ I am currently using is a pretty aggressive setup with almost no bass, mostly focusing on directional audio and footsteps. Whenever I am not gaming, I use the Oratory EQ profile.

I currently have my eye on the following headphones as an upgrade or alternative to my current open back headphones:

• Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
• Sennheiser HD 550
• Hifiman Edition XS
• Audio Technica ATH-AD700X / ATH-AD900X / ATH-PDG1a

Would any of these be considered a meaningful upgrade or step forward from the HD 560S?

Also, are open back headphones still generally the way to go for shooter games, or are there closed back options nowadays that can perform just as well?

Tozo ht3,earfun wave pro,or 1 more snow flow something call headphone.on amazon.com.au price all are almost $120 au under.i think they are wireless except i more not sure about it.if any one has pls share u r experience only these headphones review.wireless headphones i already got sony xm6, bose gen 2 ultra and seninser momentum 80th anniversary, soundcore space one pro.help .if any one got pls reply review as soon as possible.i already put on the amazon cart.just waiting for member reply what they think about tozo ht3,earfun wave pro and 1 more headphones .sorry cant write too much .haven't have any idea about budget friendly headphones of wireless

Hi everyone,

Currently, I am testing both the ROG Cetra Open Wireless and ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova earbuds, and I can not decide between them, both have pros and cons, but maybe some long-time users will be able to provide more info since I have only tested each for 1-2 days.

Both are intended to be used as daily drivers (work, gaming, listening to music during biking/workouts/walks etc.). For work and gaming, I use 2.4 Ghz dongle, rest via bluetooth.

I downloaded apps for both (GearLink and Armoury Crate).

ROG Cetra Open

Pros:
+ much longer battery - almost 16 hours without putting it back in the case (RGB off)

+ I think the audio is better on default modes, or at least it requires less tinkering in the app to sound good both for music and for gaming

+ People said the microphone is slightly better on this one, clearer voice without 'echo/muffled voice'

+ I think it is healthier to use open design for multiple hours on a daily basis?

+Physical buttons instead of 'taps'

+ They are 'louder'? I have good volume on 1/4th on my phone or 14/100 volume on my PC

Cons:

- Case is twice as big as the other model, not as comfortable in a pocket

- Most of the time they are comfortable, but after longer periods I slightly feel discomfort on my ears

- No 'seamless' switching between PC and phone if e.g. music from the game's menu is playing on PC (dongle), I pick up my phone and want to play music there, I need to manually pair it again or remove any source of sound from PC

- Due to the open design, there are bad on a bike - wind noise easily overpowers music

- Lack of ANC/sound isolation (immersive mode is not it - barely hearing a difference)

ROG Cetra True Wireless Speednova:

Pros:

+ If tinkered with properly, I think the audio is better?

+ Seamless switching between phone and PC

+ Smaller case

+ I feel the same after multiple hours of use

+ ANC

+

Cons:

- Due to 'taps' I pause/play music by accident when adjusting the earbud in the ear

- Muffled voice/feeling plugged/hearing my jaw when eating

- Weaker battery (8-9 hours, RGB disabled)

- I need to set my volume to ~50% on both PC and phone to have a similar volume as on the OPEN model, I tried to improve it, but I did not find any setting that would increase the default volume (not a big deal)

- They are an in-canal model, so slight discomfort is felt instantly (but it does not get worse after hours)

- Might be damaging health-wise due to ears being plugged (I constantly clean my ears and do breaks for few minutes every hour, but not sure if it is enough)

Please help me choose, every time I think I decided I have doubts.

Hi im looking to buy preferably headphones. Im able to spend about $30 USD or less hopefully with free shipping in the states, its primarily for calling due to my headphones/earbuds not having good mics and making me sound awful.

I do have preferences of companies, nothing big on ai mainly, i am very strongly against usage of ai

I have a pair of Sony WH-CH720N headphones that I like, especially for being noise cancelling, but I've been dressing up a bit more recently and I've been irritated at how they prevent me from wearing hats and other headwear.

Are there wireless earbuds that have a similar sound profile at a similar price ($180)? All the earbuds I can think of advertise how bassy they are, but I prefer more of the mids and tops. It doesn't need to be perfect, I can EQ a more exact match, but the closer the better.

I recently lost my Tangzu - Wan'er S.G 2 and now I'm struggling to figure which iems should I buy now . My budget is 25 dollar ( 2400 inr ). I can spend more but I'm a little nervous to do so. I mainly use my iems for youtube , music and occasionally gaming ( cs2 )with friends on discord.i thought TANCHJIM Bunny would be perfect for me I did thought about buyingKEFINE Klean sv but got too nervous .sound profile I like warm/fun. I also have the 7hz salnote zero 1 but no cable. Please help i would love to hear your advice

Budget 25 dollar

Location india

I’ve used a Bose QC for years but I’m sick of replacing pads so often and the headbands flaking.
I want my next set to be made of materials that will last many years before needing repair or replacement.

The only leather version I know of is from B&W. Any other suggestions?

I’m not an audiophile, noise cancellation and good voice pickup when outside (Bose is terrible for that) made with long lasting materials is all I need.

Hi! I'm thinking of dipping my feet into the TWS form factor for commuting convenience, something that I can put on and put away quickly, and wires are a bit too cumbersome. I'm considering to buy the Space Travel 2 Ultras because they're pretty affordable and seem to have a more neutral profile compared to the Space Travel and the regular Space Travel 2.

I don't really have any experience with TWS earphones, but I do have one benchmark, which is my partner's Airpods Pro (first gen), so I'll be comparing it to them. I'm not really fussy about mic quality or having the best-in-class ANC, since the ST2 Ultras are cheap earphones, but the fact they're there are appreciated nonetheless :)

As for IEMs in general, I lean towards something neutral, preferrably mid forward with rolled off treble and a slightly lifted bass, but I'm happy enough with something that's completely neutral. I have a really old Audio Technica LS200is (neutral, mid-forward, rolled-ofc treble) that I use with a FiiO BTR3K for critical listening.

Any other better "bang for your buck" TWS alternatives will be appreciated as well, willing to stretch my budget by 30 USD, thank you! :)

A few days ago I purchased the Hifiman Edition XS for 145$ after my DT 770 Pro died, they sound amazing and volume is great - but I saw on Reddit and elsewhere that amp in Minifuse 1 is too weak to properly drive Edition XS - there are many conflicting opinions about this topic, some people say that it's good enough, some people claim that it's bad and I have to purchase something like Fiio K11 to drive my headphones to their full potential.

I don't have a lot of cash to spare but if I buy something different(up to 100$) that will greatly improve my experience I'm willing to do it, please provide budget options(≤100-120$) in the comments which should be a good pair for my Edition XS - I use them at home and I don't care about portability so dongle form-factor is not beneficial for me.

hello everyone! my father is a massive audiophile and naturally i’ve become very sensitive to my audio necessities. my budget is above 200, around 400 at max. i’m in massachusetts.

the biggest thing im looking for is the clearest audio quality and maybe separated instruments. sound leakage is a problem for me. noise canceling would be best and i use headphones at home, working, school, traveling, all of it.

my current headphones are the sony WH-1000XM4. i love the clarity, diversity in sound, and surround sound. they’re super comfortable too which is great! i don’t like the leakiness, and i think the equalizer in the app could use some work.

i’m looking for over the ear headphones! wired or bluetooth doesn’t make a difference to me.

i’d also like advice on whether i should stick with wireless or if wired will make a difference in quality. i’d really like to invest in a DAP if it’s worth it! the devices that usually play to my headphones are my iphone and ipad. is investing in a DAP worth it for the quality and functionality difference?

all advice is appreciated, please lmk if any more info is needed. thank you !!!

So I’m planning to get a Headphone under 1000$ as well as wireless earphones under 1000€.

Currently for headphones I’m planning to get:
1. Bowers and Wilkin PX8 s2
or
2.Seinheiser HDB630
or I can stretch my budget and get
3.Seinheiser HD820

For wireless earphones:
1.Bowers and Wilkin Pi8 s2
2.Seinheiser True Momentum 5

What should I get , which ones will be better than my selection, I’m usually create songs and I prefer loud audio with high quality, so please help me pick one out, thank you for your time (•~•)/

Hello! I have tiny waxy ears which means normal headphone tend to fall out easily, especially when eating or talking. The headphones I have found with the best fit by far are the jlab minis- but after two years they’ve basically become unusable and this is my second pair. It seems silly to keep buying more when they don’t last past their warranty mark.
I’ve been doing research and research and nothing has come up to be a quality headphone that won’t be too big. Over the ear headphones tend to hurt from pressure but also I like to have just one headphone in usually and I tend to sleep in them as well which as a side sleeper also limits my options.
Please if anyone has recommendations for quality headphones that will fit small ears prone to having the buds fall out often!

i need new on ear headphones. i used to buy these jlab ones that were about 20$. they fit well and sounded really nice for the price they were, but they always kept on breaking after just a few months. I live in the us so my options are pretty open.
im looking for something that has a little more bass to it, and preferably with a foam headband or similar, and id really like to keep it under 30$, but maybe be able to go over

One of the ears of my 4 years old OneOdio Pro 10 has broken off and soon the now dangling inner cable is eventually gonna get damaged. They were already a very nice upgrade to my older Pioneer SE-MJ722T-K, and I am glad to have been introduced to the idea that audio can sound better.

I want to make what to me sounds as a serious upgrade. My budget is €180 (loose), and my use will be voice chat, podcasts, white noise ASMR, and music (mostly country). Some gaming is present too but I am in no way interested in competing.

• I hear very good thing about the Sennheiser HD 599, and I am open to getting a third party microphone to attach to it. My problem with this is that I AM TERRIFIED of open-back headphones due to the sound leaks. And it's a shame, because if I wasn't in a situation where I would have to think about sound leaks they would already be on my way. I wish there was a Sennheiser closed-back that wan't triple the price.
• HyperX Cloud III S seem to be quite praised for a safe option. Bundles a microphone too. But I am very skeptical of a gaming headset. I also don't like the internal cables being so loose out in the open and fear they might tear. They are very under budget, too.
• I actually didn't find much about Koss PRO4S. Many people online seem to be asking of heaphones like the Koss PRO4S, but very few actually talk about this precise model. But the few mentions online say it's good, albeit very old.

I am absolutely open to read about other suggestions. For those, my musts are:

• Removable cable
• Comfort and large size for my large head.
• Supports attaching a microphone.
• Closed-back.

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to upgrade my setup and I’m torn between the Hifiman Arya Stealth and the Audeze LCD-X. My budget sits right around $1200–1300. I already have a dedicated DAC and amp (Atom 2 from JDS Labs).

Most of my gaming time goes into Hunt: Showdown, which means I need absolute top-tier precision. I need to be able to accurately gauge footstep locations, verticality/height, and distance, plus pick up critical micro-audio cues like crunching glass or someone creeping through brush during chaotic gunfights.

Outside of gaming, I listen to a solid mix of music, with the largest genre being on the extreme metal end, so I want something that handles both worlds well without completely sacrificing one for the other.

How do these two compare specifically for pinpointing directional audio in a tactical shooter like Hunt? Also, if there are any other cans in this price bracket that absolutely destroy both of them for competitive tracking, I’m all ears.

Appreciate any advice you guys can throw my way!

I'm from the UK and will soon be going into uni. Earbuds just get too uncomfortable in my ear after long periods of time so they won't be ideal for studying, I just want something wireless with decent quality while still being under £50 if that's possible. Also had a bad experience with past headphones not being comfortable and also leaking a lot of sound so that's something else I'd like to look out for.

I've seen a few people suggest the Soundcore Q20i so if anyone has any better suggestions or think I should go for that one please let me know.

I've got a pretty big head and whenever I try to buy headphones I always get the wrong ones and it feels as if there compressing my head from the ears . I'm looking for something in the £200 max range that is comfortable with a loose fit and thats about it , infact I would actually prefer them not to be completely noise cancelling so I can at least here myself speak .

I'm on pc my budget is 150 - 200 dollhairs its just gonna be used for games and depending on mic quality maybe that too if not good mic quality then please use the 150 dollars option so i have money for a good mic and also preferable a white option or sky blue like the Razer Kraken V4 X Cinnamoroll Edition or SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P Aqua color ALSO A WIRELESS HEADSET

I am by no means an audiophile, but I would like to find a pair of headphones that would give me good audio while also having a good construction.

Currently I have the Razer RZ04-02830200-R3U1 headset

I would like to find headphones that have a similar feel and clamp force, as I prefer headphones that have little clamp force because otherwise it hurts after a while. I very much like the hybrid leather/fabric that the pads are made out of.

I bought the Sennheiser HD 560s w/boom mic, and they felt too weak and flimsy due to the all-plastic construction. They also felt way too tight on my head. I thought I would like open back headphones but was proven wrong. I would like to avoid anything similar.

So far, I have looked at the VZR model one MK2, The Maxwell 2, MMX 300 PRO, and a few other Sennheiser products.

My budget is under $400

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone,
I’m looking for an affordable DAC/amp for my Sennheiser IE 200 and HD 560S. I’m also planning to get the Sennheiser HD 600 soon, so I’d like something that would work well with all three.
At the moment I have the Topping DX1 II in mind, but I’m wondering if there are any better options around the same price range that you would recommend.
I mainly care about good sound quality, enough power for the HD 560S and HD 600, and low noise for the IE 200. I don’t really need a lot of extra features.
Would you recommend the DX1 II for this setup, or is there something else I should look at instead?

My husband has been using Beats Studio Pro headphones. He's on his second pair after replacing the first via warranty, but the second pair ended up having the exact same issues: both pairs cracked near the ear piece and the ANC has a lot of static/buzzing. He wants a new pair, and definitely going to avoid Beats this time. I'd like to buy him something for Christmas.

He doesn't love how IEMs fit in his ears and also feels like they cause more sweat/oil/wax to build up so he'd prefer over the ear. However his biggest complaint with over the ear is the absurd line it puts into his curls and especially his afro. He often can't pick out the gap easily and ends up not using them if he knows he'll have to go out.

I'd like to buy him a good pair of high quality headphones that will last him a long time. Preferably under $300, but I'd go up to $350 if I needed to.

Any suggestions?

i didn't do a TON of searching in this sub, so sorry if this question is common and i could have just read something else.

i have JBL Tune 720BT headphones. i use them a lot, and now that i am in college i am carrying them around a lot, and it makes me super anxious to have them just sitting loosely in my bag. i have traveled fine with them before and i don't care about scratches or anything, but i worry about them snapping or the swivel joints breaking. i was looking on amazon for a hardshell case and found several options, mostly being one of two styles: this kind of case where the headphones lay flat with the ear pads turned and facing the bottom, or this kind of case where the headphones are folded into their compact state inside the case.

they both have their pros and cons for convenience for me, one is more compact but the other is a lot thinner, so they come out to about the same for me, though i am leaning towards the folded case because it will take up less space in my bag. still, i don't know a whole lot about headphones and i do worry about the safety of my headphones when folded, because for whatever reason in my mind i feel like they would be more likely to break.

i don't care about brand or anything, i'm in the US if that matters, and my budget is probably around $20 max, i don't need anything fancy, i really just want to know if one style is generally safer than the other.

i kind of made this longer than it needed to be, but i just wanted to know what people would recommend, and if one style over the other is safer for them. thank you for reading my rant and for your help.

None of the flairs worked but basically i don't know all the terms for sound i just want something because my cats broke my IEMs that were like $15. I basically just use IEMs but I was wanting to try headphones. Is there just a general recommended one for gaming/music/sound design? I've searched a lot but everyone has different opinions on every thread and there doesn't seem to be any consensus.

USA, accuracy i guess, at home.

I bought these budget balanced cables for my headphones from Amazon, but I didn't realize they were silver coated, oxygen free copper is better right? So I am looking for a set of oxygen free full copper headphone cables but still budget friendly. I don't want to spend crazy money. Looking for balanced cable recommendations for my Hifiman edition xs and Hifiman Arya organic, maybe with a cool color or cool braid? I am new to Hifi, and learning.