$200 - $300 Audiophile System Build!

Today we hit the $300 AND $200 price point for an audiophile system!
$300 Build Here
$110 Xduoo Link 2 - amzn.to/3otDX3S
$75 SHP9500 - amzn.to/39oRIwD
$110 Starfields - apos.audio/products/moondrop-...
$200 Build
$110 Xduoo Link 2 - amzn.to/3otDX3S
$90 SHP9600 - amzn.to/3psYuqM
All alternatives mentioned
HD560S - amzn.to/2KYfEh1
Audioquest DragonFly - amzn.to/2YppJGI
Apple Dongles - amzn.to/39po22i
3.5 - RCA Cables - amzn.to/3t70GXe
Magni Heresy - www.schiit.com/products
apos.audio/products/xduoo-lin...
apos.audio/products/hifiman-a...
apos.audio/products/tin-audio-t2
apos.audio/products/topping-d...
Here are all my recommendations!
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT​
🥈 DIANA V2 - abyss-headphones.com/products​...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM​
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX​
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU​
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni​
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer.net/mmKDX​
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S​
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu​
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC​
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg​ / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n​
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X​
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5​
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Ny​
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT​
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1​
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl​
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53​
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i​
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN​
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF​
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1​
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R​
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q​
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8​
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG​
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam​
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📘 / joshua-valouryt​
📷 / joshua.valour​
🔔 / joshvalour​
💸PATREON💸
/ joshuavalour​
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - [e-mail]
#Audiophile​ #BUILD​ #Sennheiser
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@werewolf1e]

You should put non-Schiit alternatives.. they're really expensive to buy outside US (shipping + taxes doubles the price)

[@Brunnen_Gee]

Micca OriGen G2 is a great option. That's what I use and I see no reason to upgrade it, at least not out of necessity. I run my speakers out of it, plus all my headphones and IEMs.

[@Summer-xu8qu]

I mean, he did recommend non-schiit products???

[@256alexdt]

Amp ? Liquid spark, Atom ? Dac ? D30

[@wadez1000]

@@Brunnen_Gee Micca products are also rare outside USA.

[@Brunnen_Gee]

@@wadez1000 Ah, wasn't aware of that.

[@jmart360]

Perfect! Just what I was looking for. Keep It up, Joshua!

[@ulqi]

I've been recommending the apple dac for EVER. Every single time a friend ask me about cheap audiophile stuff, I'm always "go for KZ/Tin/Blon, an apple dongle and you're all set"

[@godlikecat]

Would I benefit from this dongle if my laptop doesn't have usb-c?

[@hal9xxx321]

IMO if you need more power, like say you're buying a HE4XX or a HD560s down the line, a Sonata HD Pro or something with a little bit more power than Apple dongle would be more suitable. Sonata HD Pro can "Almost" drive my HD650. Drives Tin P1, Blon-03, and Fiio FH3 pretty freckin' well if I say so myself. (ip7 user but never tried Apple dongle)

[@duke86fan]

best portable system under 50 bucks

[@Summer-xu8qu]

@@hal9xxx321 Yea, I'm have a Sonata HD Pro coming in to replace my apple dongle as a DAC. I'm curious about how the xduoo link 2 compares, do they have more power or cleaner output? I'm a bit skeptical about the xduoo tbh, especially when you can get a Heresy and apple dongle for that money.

[@madmatt151]

Silly questions, but the Apple dongle only work for Apple. Is there a similar item for USBC phones, Samsung?

[@wes008pwns]

Great video! This is the price tier that a lot of people get into the hobby at, so it's important to have recommendations at this level. It's also amazing how much better a setup you can get in 2021 for this money than you could ten years ago.

[@ivanmurraylee3885]

Greatly appreciate the guide and reviews, smooth clean and straight to the point, I was fortunate enough to buy a beginner audiophile setup just below 200usd, bought fiio k5pro at 130usd and HE400se at 70usd at Taobao and really loved the sound despite owning a ur22 paired with m50x, will be trying to switch the m50x to k5p pro next week and see how it sound.

[@astroworks9697]

Nobody on youtube has these kind of videos, what I've been looking for ! Thanks Joshua.

[@usps2996]

This video series has no business being this helpful and informative

[@Specias]

I love, love, love your voice. It’s so soothing. ❤️

[@luistariba9663]

im loving this series even when the target price differs from mine a learn a lot and add things to my amazon cart lol keep up the great work bro!

[@Ferryberg1]

Awesome one in the series Josh! Maybe a good idea is the following for a 500 dollar setup; Topping MX-3 speaker & headphone DAC/AMP(130), HD58X (170) and some Elac Debut's/Q acoustics/Dali's or another good 200 dollar-ish bookshelf speaker set! This is my dekstop setup and I think it absolutely ROCKS from a versatility and price to performance standpoint :). Cheers from the Netherlands

[@rohanleander]

Finally, thanks man, now I can save up and buy. God speed my dude.

[@verbalpics]

Really appreciate your presentation style, your wonderful depth of knowledge, and all the different ways you help folks make informed decisions. This is like the third video I've seen and enjoyed from you. Excuse me while I go smash that "subscribe" button.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Really, really useful video for aspiring audiophiles like me. You really brought up workable strategies and planning to maximize a limited budget. Media and thanks!

[@pierreyen-pon9046]

As usual very good content ! Thanks Josh

[@pliedtka]

Josh - Love the T-shirts, really cool. Yeah the Starfields at their price, sure. 10 bucks for a Apple dongle, unbelievable... HD560S no brainier choice

[@EternalLife91]

Great idea Joshua. You can make many different videos of builds in different price ranges 😊

[@corujariousa]

I've found your channel recently and see some good videos. I like how you present the topics. I am a subscriber now. Thanks!

[@karigori6415]

YES! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!

[@mazi4203]

This video is exactly what i needed Great video Keep up the good work

[@CidiousX]

Really confused why this guys hasn't got more than 500K subscribers yet.. his info is very solid and honest and the b-roll and overall video editing is really grant. His presentation is also solid. Subscribe guys!

[@jonwilliams2748]

I have a fiio btr5 with fiio fa7. I love the sound, and the btr5 comes in handy turning my old hk sound sticks into a Bluetooth setup 😃

[@sohailbarvar7817]

Wowww finalllllly Thanks man great job !!!

[@IamBlackwing]

Thanks for this! found a pair of HD560s refurbished for $100, and god damn they are like new. got that and a $50 Fosi Audio DAC Q4, and it's like I've entered a new world of audio, its lovely.

[@ranovee2682]

Just wanted to mention this as well to add to this already great video of tons of options but I would have definitely added some of the Koss offerings like the Porta Pros and the KPH30ik for like $40 and $25 respectively, which could open up a ton more for DAC options... Just insane sound quality for the price with those. No joke I have tons of solid headphones, hd58x, sundara, shp9600, some beyers and I find myself using porta pros when just sitting on my computer at home all the time.

[@SweatedPear]

Most anticipated video!

[@sarmehdi]

Because of the sheer number of options at the relatively lower end price point like this one, you could definitely do a multi-part series. This one could be the 200-300 Part 1-Headphones + IEM. You could follow up with all kinds of permutations, like Headphones+Dedicated Dac+Dedicated Amp, with the total build in the same 200-300 USD range. Anyways, really digging these videos! Keep up the good work

[@jeremygallimore3042]

New to your channel but very happy I found it. Great information thank you. Side Note: Pretty sure I saw a blurred TOOL album on your phone briefly. I'm a massive fan. Thanks again

[@philsprout3039]

I love your videos! You do such a good job separating your opinion from recommendations. Also, please review the TYGR 300R!!!

[@bluehathermit]

i have close to this set up and its great, instead of the xduoo i have the fiio btr5 that i use on the go and at home and for headphones i have the shp 500s and the blon Bl03. All together around 225$. Still new into audio so this is very much a "because the internet said it was good" set up but i like it and the sound im getting is the best i ever had. great video as always.

[@fernandoguerra3047]

These videos are addicting!!! I would love to see a full audiophile gaming setup including your microphone recommendation

[@shmilk]

I don't even need a setup but I still enjoy watching these :)

[@prem_amrit]

I bought an old Astlen&Kern Diana for like 300 bucks on sale and a dragonfly black for 110 bucks. It's a pretty amazing setup tbh , i really love the sound stage and the balance tone.

[@SWSW560]

Brilliant Josh. Thanks.

[@davdidit6]

Love this video, thank you! $500 system next? Please?

[@ChubiPanda]

Those moon drops are gorgeous.

[@krayozmines]

yes! (Moon) Drop dead gorgeous

[@tradergrowth_]

Ehy Josh great video! I really like this series! 2 requests: 1) I have a 99 Classic Meze Audio, what is the best DAC for it at a medium (max $350 price for the DAC) price point? 2) An update on the productivity use for the LG TV/monitor Thanks, and keep up the good work :)

[@MobileDecay]

Wow the latest Tool album is over 2 years old now. It feels like it came out this year! I love that album. ☺

[@chrisodillman3355]

that moment when you see the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC lurking in the background :-) Great video!!

[@kennyg7163]

Got the xduoo link2 the other day. I love it. My only gripe i have with it is if you put it in your bag and listening to music while youre on the go, whatever's in your bag will press the buttons. Youll either have quiet dead in the night volume, eardrum busting high volume, or it paused your song. I had to let the dongle dangle out my bag so its controls wont be messed up. I sure wish i found this video earlier coz i woulda went with the shp95/9600 instead of the takstar pro 82s and the starfield instead of the SSPs. But im still pretty happy with my current setup.

[@cerme92]

SHP9600 + DAC-X6 + BoomMic when need. Never been this happy with audio setup

[@MakenaKai]

Thank you for this bro!

[@Vonliktenstien]

I could whole-heartedly recc switching out the xduo for the BTR5. Gives you bluetooth LDAC, and balanced 2.5mm. Runs my 6XX's and Starfields like a dream.

[@reubenmccann7135]

I was literally searching for this video 3 hrs ago

[@captainkilos]

Bro this video was 🔥

[@ikejennings1154]

Nice review, JV, started last july of 2021..bought twss..so now i wanna go the wired route..purchased a set of whizzer bs1z, revonext rx6z, cca/ cra, faaeal rosemary 150 ohm, faaeal 64 ohm, snow lotus, monk plus, neoteck 106 bt/ 5.0/ 3.5 amp..im.good ta go..peace

[@thomasking684]

Ay, we asked for the vid and we got it. Nice thumbnail Josh, keep it up!

[@jedd1099]

I personally would have liked to see a closed back headphone recommendation as an alternative to the IEMs.

[@jarekharmening8993]

ATH-M40x for 99 bucks

[@pliedtka]

Yeah, for some there's no open back option and not that many good, comfortable closed back headphones. Still with M-50's, V shaped, but HD58X, 6XX (or any other with nice soft velour pads) are so comfy, nicer sound, cable is less microphonic, the whole thing doesn't squeak.

[@paultomaszewski1964]

Theiaudio Legacy 3 as a replacement for the Starfields, about the same price.

[@Brunnen_Gee]

Every time I see someone after closed back on a budget I always say Monoprice Modern Retro. You simply can't find better until you get to the $100 range, and I'd argue they compete very strongly with those. Throw some different pads on them and you have a bad mamma jamma set of cans for around $40ish.

[@ismajim]

Bayer Dynamic 770 pro

[@danielthakorlal9425]

Great stuff, thanks boss. Keep 'em comin'. Think you could do a gaming build in the future? That'd be fantastic.

[@jirapatthaenphromrat2910]

YEEEAHHH LOVE THIS BUILD

[@DibIrken]

Not gon lie. I thought you would recommend the BLON BL 03 but I understand that it is easier to fix bass than adjust the mids and highs. I approve this build. 👍

[@LakerTriangle]

This video should help a lot of people...Josh not sure if you remember starting me off 2 years ago with a 58x recommendation. Still using them to this day even though I have technically better headphones.

[@denem4173]

Nice one as usual. Maybe a gaming setup as your next video?

[@4dchessplayer516]

Its funny the shots of Josh, he looks all serious listening to the music, like its his job or something.

[@xbo_x3ui1der17]

You got yourself a sub

[@StrangerDanger0Snack]

I think the Fiio BTR5 is a better choice than the Xduoo Link 2. Same $109 price, but has 2.5mm balanced output and supports both USB and Bluetooth. It supports LDAC with 9 hours of battery life so you don't end up draining your phone battery to power it. I love the video though! I really just want you to review the BTR5 because I think it's a wonderful piece of kit that fills a niche. :p

[@rohanst1201]

Oh my god , I thought audiophiles were nothing but babbling baboons of money,but this absolutely helped me .Gonna buy the apple dongle soon for some KZ earphones. Wish you can do a 100 dollar and 50 dollar one as well.

[@The_Real_Frisbee]

$50? Bro, at that price you have two options: Apple dongle and Koss Porta Pro. If you only have $50 to spend though, audio is the last thing you need to be spending it on.

[@rohanst1201]

@@The_Real_Frisbee Lol my super cheap yet effective setup includes the KZ ZSN PROs with KZ gold silver iem cable and the apple dongle with my phone. Total cost would add up to be 54~55 dollars.(converted from Indian rupees to dollars)

[@tiroalblaco1]

Great Video!

[@geanmacedo8944]

Awesome channel... A awesome one

[@rodrocdl]

Awesome series! I've been eyeing the HD560S as an upgrade from my HD598

[@SalemaPsy]

I’m considering that upgrade but have my doubts if it is enough of upgrade or should save some more and get something like the 660s

[@Elazarko]

Any idea how the 560s compare to the shp9600? I'm sure both are great at certain things. I just can't seem to decide.

[@Elazarko]

Are the 560s boring? Or just an accurate sound that is still enjoyable?

[@jpined14]

Would love to see $5k set up. I think that’s a pretty sweet price point for a killer rig.

[@brandonr2188]

$$$$

[@NiquelBones]

i stopped listening like 15 mins ago cause of my adhd but the visuals and your voice made me just wanna keep watching the vid even tho i missed like half of it

[@mosasa1307]

why did your adhd make you stop watching? is it cause you got bored but for some reason like it and would like to watching it but you just need to "keep on moving"? at least that's how I feel most of the times when I just up and quite in the middle of somthing, even a movie! like Justice League Snyder cut. Lmfao I am on my 4 day watching it and still not done.

[@NiquelBones]

@@mosasa1307 yh kinda like that lol i like the vid but i just phase out for like 2 mins then im like oh shit what was this guy saying

[@mosasa1307]

@@NiquelBones I haven't got myself tested for ADHD. But that "phasing out" is just too common for me it's frustrating. Like I can attentively be looking and just a minute later I'm wondering wtf was I trying to understand.

[@NiquelBones]

@@mosasa1307 Fr im with you bro

[@1luvoneworld]

Joshua I need that t shirt! Great video.

[@bened22]

If you just want to listen at home I would go for the Philips Fidelio X2HR. No further equipment or tuning required, only maybe a shorter 3.5mm audio jack male to male cable for a few bucks. Strong base, present and natural mids, clear (enough) highs and an amazing soundstage. Very efficient, run on everything.

[@TimpTim]

This should help a lot of people. Tho info is available in the links, most newcomers need more specifics, eg. "the tins" doesn't help much. I like the additional favorites list you included.

[@m1kethe1ke]

lmfao this is sooooo good to see after I ordered my shp9500s and magni heresy!

[@shoto42]

My current set up is FiiO BTR5 which is around 120-130 dollar Dac/Amp which also comes with Bluetooth. It also has the ability to power the HD600. For my headphone/IEM I have the SHP9500 and with the BTR5 it boost the bass and sound. For IEMS I use Fiio FD1 because they’re pretty decent

[@voltgaming2213]

Another thing I recommend is a portable Audio player with go with this ,some from fiio can doble as a dac for your pc.

[@deykno87]

Earned my subscription

[@TheBase94]

My budget system is Fiio K5 Pro + Philips Fidelio X2HR, around 300$ too, amazing for that price!

[@humanemulator5297]

I have a Fiio M7 and a shp9500! It’s great

[@jjcornelio7741]

I currently have SHP9500 and Koss KPH30i with Yaxi Pads. And I'm using Tidap+UAPP on my LGV50.

[@zefanjaf]

I keep reading and hearing the 560s doesn't have (enough) bass. I just got them and I love them. And for me they have more then enough bass.

[@shadowpapito]

Good Job!!

[@klikreview2379]

E1DA 9038s $100 + Tin Hifi P1 $169 = great setup for my taste in music

[@trithos7308]

Now that I have a BTR5 I might look into getting the P1.

[@davidgarza8915]

I have both of these and can say that the Tin P1 is just okay using this setup if one uses an EQ app like Wavelet. But really to get the best out if the Tin P1 one needs to use it with the E1DA PowerDac v2 with EQ. It's actually crazy the difference between the two setups. The Tin P1 just has such a good synergy with the PowerDACv2.

[@klikreview2379]

@@davidgarza8915 i am using Parametric EQ from Oratory in UAPP Android

[@hawesome145]

Thanks dude really informative. Had my mind set on Fiio BTR5 amp and dac and Beyerdynamic DT990 pros, would you recommend this set up for iphone Apple Music high res lossless listening?

[@Eric-xx3mb]

I love you videos! Thanks for all the info. I know you kind of go over this in the video, but I'm curious to ask if the SHP 9500 really needs a DAC/AMP? It is such an easy pair of headphones to drive wouldn't you be better off saving the money on the dac and just using the SHP 9500 directly from your computer or phone? Will the DAC really make any difference with that set of cans? Thank you for your help.

[@teighan7829]

Would love a new one, $200-450 USD builds would be great!

[@tropicalfather9491]

just bought the chord mojo lol im so excited

[@drufnuf]

first of all I really enjoy your reviews and especially like the system builds. It would be great if you could review the Teufel Real Z. It's the successor of the Teufel Aureol Real (which I own) and I think this headphone is heavily underestimated and also not so well known. I think the Real Z could be a great contender to the likes of an AKG 702 or an 6xx. Soundstage may not be as wide as with other alternatives as it a half-closed design, but I think it fits well a s a very nice option for a 300 - 400$ system build. :)

[@dixieflatline1189]

A couple of nice options if going the IEM route 1) Mangird Tea IEM + Apple Dongle - $260 2) Lotoo PAW S1 + Starfield - $290

[@snowmean1]

I'm actually quite surprised to see you picked Xduoo Link2 over such beauties as Fiio BTR5 and Qudelix 5K which cost the same and are well known for their phenomenal sound quality.

[@toorandomenvi]

Topping d30 + Little Dot I+ + Sennheiser hd559 (keep your eye on massdrop since they have topping stuff very often)

[@Emira_75]

affordable is always most exciting. Even if you have boundless funds

[@TheCangle]

I was going to post my version of a $300 budget but then I quickly struggled to think of what I would get. The 6xx comes to mind but that removes budget for an amp/dac unless you buy used. Chi-fi iems as you chose are a good option but I'll let the expert share instead of my limited experience.

[@michaelwhitaker1972]

The IFI Zen Dac with the SHP9500's would be an amazing combo at $205.00 or you could upgrade the headphones to a 58x or the 4xx's and have a killer setup for around $300.00. That would be the way I would go personally, but all were good options.

[@dangerusdave44]

I just got the HD 560s and ended up sending back a K5 Pro and used the apple dongle instead. The K5 Pro is a tad cleaner and punchier but only marginally. The headphones are easily driven off the apple dongle on my computer. Used EQ software to turn up the bass. I even used the K5 as an amp only with the dongle dac and noticed little difference. Easy budget build, wildly impressed.

[@Elazarko]

How enjoyable are the 560s With well produced music? Do you have any idea how they might compare to the SHP9600?

[@dangerusdave44]

@@Elazarko I bought and returned a few alongside the 560s. I did not purchase the SHP9600 but i did purchase the X2HR. In comparing the two the 560s won easily when it came to sound reproduction and quality of drivers. For your other question the better production of the music the better the 560s perform. They are incredibly accurate at reproducing the authors intended sound. Some people say this is to a fault, as in it is not as entertaining as some other headphones make it out to be. I personally add a slight V shaped sound curve to my EQ though and find it to be amazing. Wrote a small comparison impression. www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/l1tom0/hd_560s_vs_880_600_ohm_vs_others/

[@Elazarko]

@@dangerusdave44 wow thank you for the great brakedown. I personally wish the 560s were just a little bit more forgiving when it comes to watching some KZbin or not the best produced music.. There has to be an amp that could make the 560s more forgiving with their sound right? Any idea of what could be the right portable and adorable amp? Is there any other headphone pair that comes to mid?

[@dangerusdave44]

@@Elazarko I have used the K5 pro, apple dongle alone, apple dongle with amplification and I am currently using the iFi Zen Dac/amp to see if I like it. I would highly recommend any 3 of them for the 560s. They are easy to power. For portability obviously the apple dongle...it comes in usb-c. I use a usb adapter for it on my computer it it works smoothly. The only other headphone I would recommend over the 560s at the same price range is the DT 880s but I would only mix them with the k5 pro. I have only tested a limited amount of headphones in this range though.

[@gavinator90]

Depending on your planned upgrade path and end uses, it may be better to purchase one great set of cans for ~$300 and then buy a nice mobile amp later in time. That way you can still use them, then get a great mobile DAC/Amp down the road to better your listening experience. Check out any closed-back, high sensitivity headphones. The best thing you can do is try them before you buy them, all headphones have a different sound profile, find one that suits your taste best.

[@eruilluvitar]

This was great! So much flexibility!

[@madmatt151]

Hey josh, great review. I've been watching a lot of your reviews and am enjoying them. I am trying to click on your links and many are working. Specifically all the ones under accessories, IEMs and amplifiers. Am I doing something wrong, since all the Amazon ones seem to not be working.

[@MrYamazaky]

I just did my own "$300 Audiophile System" last week, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro with the Schiit Stack (Modi 3 and Magni 3 ); Hopefully it was a alright choice as well 😬

[@dtann1414]

Just got this setup last month ! So happy with it

[@salemkhamis6788]

Hi im a huge fan of this chanel and ive been thinking of buying a new headphones but i only have a laptop no amp im curious can you still use the hd 560s or the hd660 sennheisers without an amp or do i need to buy one

[@simonrockstream]

NICE

[@colinmcauliffe5205]

I run a fosi audio dac q4 great little amp.

[@sumersharma9534]

I took some notes. Thanks. Have you heard/reviewed the OneOdio Studio Pro 50? I bought these after a little bit of researching and am running them from my phone and IMHO, they sound amazing. I can't even compare them to the previous cheap Bluetooth over ears that I was using (and still do for running and cycling)

[@hikmatamin]

Thanks for this video. I have the Sennheiser pxc550 first gen and was wondering if I could potentially benefit with getting a dac. I was happy with its sound when I got it but then that was before I had tried good sounding headphones. Now I am spoiled and looking for something better but was wondering if I can keep the headphones and invest in something that will make the pxc550 sound even better.

[@skook3640]

FX Audio X6 DAC AMP: $65 HD6XX: $220 Thats usually my $300 recommendation.

[@cronus33]

Thoughts on comparisons between 560s and hd6xx?

[@damau5687]

@@cronus33 The 600 series has higher resolution and better driver matching & build quality...

[@antpage2]

@@cronus33 i found te 560s to sound terrible. way too much treble and thin sounding. HD6XX is veiled. Better to use a tube amp for 6XX. One tat removes that veil and gives some soundstage.

[@rubino7]

@@antpage2 lol tube amp, come on man. Get a solid state amp if you even need one. If the headphones get enough power then skip the amp.

[@allenwalker125]

@@damau5687 use EQ, it's free

[@suba6639]

My daily drivers, are the tripowin tc-01, with faaeal hibiscus copper cable 3.5m, and a Samsung dongle dac (some people claim that the samsung dongle has more power than the apple dongle) all for just $78.

[@devinmatteson]

SHP9500 (~$75) + IFI Zen DAC (~$130) = ~$205 build. The IFI Zen DAC works really well at taming the SHP9500’s fatiguing highs, without loosing detail, and it’s ‘True Bass’ feature gives a really nice bass boost, balancing out the SHP9500.

[@iamkailong]

SHP9500 is the go to for any $75 to $250 build.(I got mine for just $50 like 5 years ago) It is good enough without much amplification, and scale pretty well into any mid range amp.

[@robertoarizmendi9207]

Thanks

[@abelfonseca]

Great videos Joshua. There is still a cheaper and very acceptable setup. You could do a video for a sub $100 setup which includes a zishan z2 as a dac/amp and a pair of chinese iems like the blon or the cca c10. The cheapest way to experience hifi sound imo. Keep it up !