Headphones we'd PERSONALLY buy - 2022 year end roundup

[@ResolveReviews]

If you're wondering about some of the prices you see in this video, some of those are sale prices or what we've seen them at on occasion and not their regular MSRP.

[@GrB-M]

A lot of IEMs/headphones go on sale fairly regularly even if you might have to wait a couple months, so it makes sense to use “regular” sales price over MSRP. IEM/headphones aren’t as bad as speakers with MSRP being inflated to account for going on sale a few times over the year but there are still a lot that go on sale often enough to make buying at MSRP a bad idea.

[@kyron42]

The dream Camry, was that a standard model or a hybrid?

[@DanTechTV]

Was wondering, because I have been waiting for a deal on a Sundara and haven’t seen it go below $299 in 2 years

[@shh532]

The HeKV2 with the new Stealth magnets is meant to be fixed at $2K as far as I can tell - not a sale price. So pretty damn crazy value that I think attention should be drawn to. The $2K segment for just buying headphones is pretty empty.

[@DanTechTV]

@Fisher Man it is definitely my next purchase. I am powering a set of Modhouse Argon mkiii’s off a THX 789 and I want to get a good set of open back headphones to contrast the darker sound of the Argon’s (especially for gaming). I had been thinking about the Focal Elex, but the new version of the Sundara seems like an insane value. My best open back headphones I had before were Audio Technica ATH-AD500X’s

[@tysontyson1244]

Headphone Show picks: $200 Moondrop KXXS Sennheiser HD560S Moondrop Kato Qudelix-5K + Truthear Hexa $500 Sennheiser HD6XX + Little Dot MKii HiFiMan Sundara + Atom DAC + Atom amp Moondrop x Crinacle Blessing2:Dusk HiFiMan Edition XS Sennheiser HD600 + Atom DAC + Atom amp $1000 Audeze LCD-2 Classic + Atom DAC + Atom amp Meze 109 PRO Symphonium Helios Audeze LCD-2F (2021) $2000 ZMF Caldera $3500 RAAL-Requisite SR1a $3500 Focal Clear + Darkvoice 336SE + Audio-GD NFB-11 Sennheiser HD800S 64 Audio - U12t HiFiMan HE1000 V2 Infinite Blah blah blah

[@rustamken4350]

Thank you!

[@black_n5492]

Was looking for this comment. You rock!

[@wetalkinb0utpractice]

Which of the headphones listed here would be the most comfortable to wear for long sessions?

[@TheSyntheticSnake]

@@wetalkinb0utpractice HD6XX are incredibly comfy imo, at the higher price point I think the Meze 109's are

[@wetalkinb0utpractice]

@@TheSyntheticSnake thanks! Might just have to pull the trigger on the 109's

[@jeffcarrozzi5918]

I love these long group discussions, you guys are awesome with a ton of good info for someone starting out in this hobby. Thank you!

[@aznsensation44]

I'd go with: $200 and under - Senn HD6XX $500 - Dan Clark Aeon X Closed $1000 - Hifiman Arya Stealth $2000 - Hifiman HE1000SE $2000+ - Stax X9000

[@x-techgaming]

$300 - DT700/900 $500 - HD660s2 $1000 - DCA AEON 2 NOIRE $1500 - HD800s/Arya Organic/Tungsten $2000 - CA-1a/HE1000v2 $2000+ - Immanis/Magna/Bravura/Aperio/Susvara

[@onepieceatatime]

It's impressive that you were able to make a 30-minute video ostensibly about "headphones" that is interesting, informative, and fun.

[@ScottoGrotto]

Delightful dialogue! Maggie’s ☑️ Quiet car for audio ☑️ Discussion and tangents ☑️ Tune amp like Valhalla 2 for Sen hd650 or ZMF Auteur Blackwoods ☑️ (mine) Really liked this video and all input! For a car, I’ve thought some kef 6.5 inch home coax speakers in custom enclosure s could be very good!

[@hekakain4108]

HD650s and Apple AirPods Pros with Mojo 2 and Poly are superb sounding... I'm still getting used to fine-tuning the Mojo 2 as I have only had it for two days. Great review, guys.

[@SuperReview]

Toyota Camry as a dream car is by far the spiciest take not only in this video, but on this channel. I thought you were joking about being dead inside.

[@kyron42]

But the Camry is Sportier and more refined, the Camry has been reimagined across the range, enhancing its already bold aesthetic. But the enhancements go deeper. Inside you’ll find more power, more fun, more technology and more safety features.

[@kyron42]

Hey Mark, so what are your picks in each category?

[@danterikxx]

I came for the HD 600 jokes and i was not disappointed

[@andikawidianto9060]

is hd 600 a great headphone ? im a newbie in headphone and plan to buy hd 600. And what about hd 600 In comparison to hifiman xs and sundara?

[@danterikxx]

@@andikawidianto9060 The HD 600 is a legend in this hobby.

[@KennyRain]

The hd600 may be the greatest headphone created making it a reference point for what you might want later… I use the jds labs atom+ heavy… gain pressed… around 1 o’clock… and it’s good for gaming music and movies… lacks stage but great sound separation and imaging

[@Reaperherpderp]

@@KennyRaini need a new headset whats good for ASMR and gaming?

[@KennyRain]

@@Reaperherpderp price range and budget is kind of everything… you can get the shp9600 with inline mike for around 80 bux… 32 ohm impedance, they get really loud without an amp… and the sound stage is pretty good

[@AverieS820]

Man, for below $200, Qudelix 5k was a genious answer by Resolve! That and any of the excellent budget IEMs currently in the market is pretty much all I need to be happy enough with.

[@semirrahge]

The Qudelix is absolutely the best DAC/amp for the price.

[@suwandicahyadi9213]

where u buy qudelix at? over here the price is like $220

[@rewwi10]

@@suwandicahyadi9213 get btr5 2021

[@profound369]

​@@semirrahge what difference does an amp make if its not adding extra power to your signal?

[@ograin8045]

@@profound369 better bt codec support, built in variable EQ, can be lower noise and bypass ground loop issues

[@eruilluvitar]

This was an awesome discussion! Thanks for all the awesome content and I hope all you have a happy New Year!

[@matthewweflen]

If I had 50k to spend only on headphones, I would get the TOTL from multiple companies. LCD-5, Meze Elite, Focal Utopia and Stellia, HD800, DCA Stealth, MDR-Z1R, ZMF Caldera, Fostex TH-900, Hifiman Susvara, Stax SR-X9000, etc. That way I would have many different form factors and sound signatures, and lots of backups if anything breaks. I would get an Astell & Kern CA1000 to power them and store my music.

[@savkhetan]

I bought the Sundara with the Atom stack based on these guys reviews a couple of years ago and I've loved them. Loved this discussion. Shows the amazing range of audio gear available to us these days. Great video!

[@bubberduck4964]

Still love it?

[@ToysForTheGods]

I love my Focals but they are heavy so they don't sit on my head for long periods of time. The HD600 is a timeless classic that gets more time on my head than perhaps it deserves, but for my head shape they are by far the most comfortable. I love all of my Beyer headphones as well, especially the 1990's but they are also a bit heavy so long sessions I feel like I am pushing them farther past my comfort. Currently I am pad rolling the new ThieAudio Ghosts and they are getting more and more impressive as I go through the huge box of pads that I own. Currently I am liking them with the Dekoni fenestrated sheep skins, they don't fit perfect as they were meant for the Beyers, but they make the headphones sound great, and make the soundstage enormous.

[@camoturtle18]

I used to wear a lot of iem’s and I can totally agree that they change the shape of your ear with time. I used to have trouble getting iems to stay in my ears for over 2 hours and now all of them stay in my ears for a much larger amount of time.

[@SupportNoob]

And that's not good for general hearing lol

[@camoturtle18]

@@SupportNoob I just meant in terms of comfort. Just because I wear headphones/iems all day doesn’t mean I’m playing my audio too loud. Moderate/quiet listening levels is fine for all day listening

[@kyron42]

Happy New Year from Australia. 2023 feels very similar to 2022.

[@GadZookz]

Thanks guys! Your collective wisdom is always welcome. Best wishes for 2023👍🏻

[@nike432]

Great review, very honest. In many areas I still enjoy my Senns. HD800s or HD820 much more than other $6,000 headphones. The improvement in the expensive ones is not absolute. So I prefer to use the extra money on another trip to Europe with my wife and visit new cities.

[@priedits]

I don't know, man. They have ultra cool soundstage , but otherwise they're meh

[@x-techgaming]

I suppose you haven't heard RAAL Immanis, CA-1a, or Warwick Bravura/Aperio?

[@mattwieb]

Great video. I'd love to see one with your personal favorites for different music genres, like: classical, jazz, punk, rock, ...

[@buffal0bilious]

As a city apartment dweller and public transit commuter, I do find that I enjoy closed backs more often than opens, not because they sound better, but because they're better at preventing my environment from ruining my music. Because of this, despite not being the best sounding variety of 'phone, if I could only own one pair, it'd be an ANC model. The best sounding headphones I've ever heard are open backs, but my environment negates their beauty.

[@lain2236ad]

I guess a LCD XC is your endgame then

[@millenwagon]

HD600 for me regardless of budget because it’s just so damn comfy and natural sounding.

[@TheManWithNoName686]

@1:30 Noise Canceling is for persistent droning noises, not sudden random things like trucks or people yelling. Common misconception. What you want is noise-isolating devices - IEMs fit the bill.

[@andreasjensen8451]

We need an updated version 👏🏼

[@masterxyr]

And now for the final (I think) comment and perhaps the only serious one, I'd love to see you guys also pick 5 albums. Like the 5 albums to take to a desert island

[@yen_quitebanal]

omg I just fell in love with all of these guys' voices!! Especially Andrew's!!

[@GadZookz]

Metal 571: Best Wishes For 2023! 👍🏼

[@StuartMawdsley]

Great video! I've just gotten into true HiFi and I'd love to see more like this. All of your perspectives were awesome to listen to, the quality of advice in amongst these scenarios was dare I say it.. Dynamic and generally just enjoyed the cohesion you all have as a group. Thanks for uploading this, it was a lovely video.

[@surjer69]

I only ever listen to my HD600's on either my audio interface, or my work PC headphone jack. I have never even THOUGHT of a headphone amp as they can get way louder than I can listen to. Why is it so popular for folks to recommend a headphone amp/dac. I feel they really dont need it and to hear the tonality difference wouldnt be for powering an under-powered headphone, it would be to color them with your fav amp. Thoughts? I don't have a headphone amp so I am honestly curious...

[@ChadBlanchard23]

Thanks so much! It would be great to get an updated version of this video.

[@camoturtle18]

I’m very curious as to what DMS thinks about the lcd-x 2021. And compared to an lcd2c and others at a similar price range.

[@YektaAEmre]

Endgame In ear=20 dollar iem+eq +apple dongle. Endgame Over ear= HIFIMAN he-x4 ($90)/hifiman he400se($150) or any better planar(planars are easy to eq that's why) +qudelix 5k balanced output.

[@billwiley7216]

I will add one thing is that one of the reasons headphone selection can be so different to different people is that each person their ears actually hear the different frequencies at different levels and it is not the same for everybody. Add in the individuals age and even hearing damage from being subjected to repeated loud noises can amplify these differences to the point one person may say that a certain headphone is too bright with the treble presentation a person with a certain amount of hearing loss or degrading in that frequency range may consider the treble that the other person said was too forward or bright that this person may find such to blend more naturally with their personal needs for hearing those frequencies. I have many times wondered if the sound engineers designing some models actually take into account say an older users hearing will not be as sharp as say a younger person that has not absorbed years of damage from loud noises when they design the sound curve on some models.

[@DeMorcan]

I got an ALO Studio Six headphone amp and the HE-1000 6 or 7 years ago. I am still listening with them. Of course the cost was less back then. I just enjoy the sound of the tube amp through those headphones.

[@samuelviden7412]

I got the Arya Stealths during September last year, and they are perfect for me. They excel in any music genre I throw at them, they have fantastic dynamics and speed, great soundstage and imaging and overall an extremely balanced timbre and tonality. Tried the Sennheiser HD 800S and 660S today, and those confirmed how much I love the Aryas. Great headphones, but the Aryas tick all the boxes for me.

[@kyron42]

I'm surprised there was no love for budget planars such as the X4 or the 400se.

[@Mr.Deeds.]

these dudes only see veiled senheiser...when there is SO MUCH outhere...and better. The 4XX and 400i/400se are affordabble planars that are better than HD600/650/etc....

[@rodiko2]

It would be cool to see a comparison video on which headphone, headphone dacs and amps are the best for a particular music genre. For example, as far as I've found out, Area Stealth excels in jazz and soundtracks since it has wide soundstage and great sub-bass; On the other hand, vocals from indie and pop music sound clear and warm on HD6XX (especially, paired with a tube amps, although I haven't tried a tube amp myself yet). I don't like much RAP, Hard Rock and Metal music. So, I wonder, which headphones and headphone systems would I rather avoid?

[@ozymandias7940]

It's really a frustrating and somewhat expensive journey choosing the HP that's right for you (or me) I must admit that I have purchased HP's in the past based on the recommendation of reviewers, some very expensive ones, and hated them. I have had a LOT of HP's and recently got rid of all but 3 pairs which I use all the time and surprisingly, some of the 'high end' HP's didn't make the cut. I kept my 13yo HD650's, my Focal Clear & the Sennheiser Momemtum 4's. The Focal Clear paired with my Burson Conductor 3 Reference solid state amp sounds really good to me.

[@neilrobins3329]

The same discussion would be good for headphone amps and DAC's

[@DICARLOPRODUCTIONS]

Very interesting talk!!!! :) I´m a studio engineer that does mostly mixing, and mastering. My studio monitors consist of Genelec 1029A´s, Presonus Eris 8´s, and my recently purchased Focal Shape Twins. My headphone collection consists of my Sennheiser HD-580´s, Beyer Dynamic DT-880 Pro´s, Ultrasound Pro 900´s, and Sennheiser HD-25´s. I mostly use my Sennheiser HD-580´s for mixing, and mastering, because of their almost totally flat response. I´ve been thinking of buying a pair of new headphones, and was thinking about the Neumann NDH-30, the Beyer Dynamic DT-1990 Pro, or maybe the Audeze MM-100, or Audeze MM-500. But, I´ve watched lots of headphone talks, and reviews lately, and somehow the Sennheiser HD-600 keep being mentioned. I love my HD-580´s, which unfortunately aren´t in production anymore. The HD-600´s were the successor to the HD-580´s. After watching 100´s of talks and reviews, I´m seriously thinking about buying the HD-600´s.

[@kazumasatou6124]

You guys helped me alot in making my purchases this year. Happy new year!

[@arnarn4112]

Interesting discussion. This year I found my personal (current) endgame - Focal Clear MG with RME adi-2 dac fs. I left LCD-2f as a backup 🙃

[@blackjack-ge3wt]

Agreed, the Adi-2 is a fantastically versatile device, if you learn how to use it. It really helped me explore what kind of tunings I like and what frequencies I am sensitive to.

[@chungang7037]

I keep hearing the the summit fi level dacs have better imaging and oval shaped soundstages around the head but find myself doubting it, the ADI-2 seems like ovverkill even for endgame but I love it nonetheless

[@RX-rd4sc]

How much mg is better than og clear?

[@brothatwasepic]

Yesss Andrew is wearing the Momentum 4. I love them

[@zacjones6711]

HD 600, 800s, and 820 bought them because everyone told me they were the ones to buy, I own and love their mic's. Returned the 820s (just bad sound) but kept the 600 and 800s though was never impressed with the sound at all as I could record a guitar track play it through them and was always disappointed. They fell apart which was rather quick - headband, many-earpads and horrid connectors on the headphones which forced me to buy a new set. Bought the LCD-X based on reviews and that was it, fell in love. I now own many different brands but Audeze are the ones that hooked me.

[@samyg123]

Ears and noses never stop growing. A keen reason to stick with universal fit IEMs

[@monochromios]

HD600+Forge and you can live happy for years (at least I am)

[@mizikacibalik]

16:20 exactly same thing happend at first i couldnt even seat them properly for couple months my ear was aching after that i could fit them deep and get a great seal without any discomfors

[@davidmason8212]

Why none of you reviewed the Hifiman Ananda SE ?

[@chungang7037]

You guys should do a similar video but for specific purposes; noise canceling, working at the office (all day comfort?), detail chasing, chillaxing, gaming, etc

[@Manupassero]

the KXXS is no longer sold... replaced by the Kato I believe

[@hpol3603]

In Sweden, the Arya (1.916 $) is more expensive then the 800S (1.820 $) 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ALnMO]

Nice video, I'm currently trying to decide between the $1K-$2K range myself

[@peergynt6515]

HD600 and Sundara are competitors at $500. Legend has it there are other headphones competing at this price point, but I have personally only heard rumors

[@Clout_chasing_boy]

Xs is light years ahead of sundara at 500 dollars

[@Mr.Deeds.]

HM Edition XS kills both.

[@peergynt6515]

​@@Clout_chasing_boy Light years ahead! That is longer than two football fields, out of my reach. Must be another rumor.

[@lol-vq8dh]

@@Mr.Deeds.and like double the price lol

[@Mr.Deeds.]

@@lol-vq8dh not quite....depends on where you buy them...but Yes they are more expensive....

[@gregbartosik5372]

What do you think about Sundara and Topping DX3Pro+ combo below 500?

[@ROFLWAFFLELAWL4]

If you're looking for a TWS setup then easily the UTWS5 MMCX version and grabbing a 20-30 dollar MMCX to 2pin connector is the best investment under 200. Just add a Salnotes Zero for another $20 ish and you've got a solid TWS with room to upgrade in the future. The reason for the MMCX to 2pin is because the standard 2pin UTWS5 has issues inserting as deep as you want in some IEMs like Moondrops that have recessed ports. The MMCX to 2pin adapter (the majority of highly rated ones) can fit in those recessed ports but the base UTWS5 is slightly too short and can be a bit finnicky. It still works, but just not as secure as you'd want it. Plus you get the bonus of being able to spin/turn it for a better fit. Just make sure to get the mini size of the adapter to reduce the amount of length you're adding.

[@jb678901]

Under $200...for me I am very happy with a set of the Shuoer S12's paired with KZ AZ09 Pro BT5.2 earhooks (in Power Mode). Price...about $140 for the S12's plus another $30 (AliEx sale price) for the earhooks. Great for home AND office. No ANC...but decent sound isolation, clear call quality (CVC), and convenience (wireless, TWS+). Comfortable to wear for hours with decent battery life (5.5 hrs in Power Mode for the earhooks + 42 hours with the case).

[@Johnny-i9e]

ready for the 2023 round up now

[@astorbeijer9424]

Freaking LOVE that Golden has become a part of the line-up. Not only does he give F**KING PERFECT reviews, he obviously has good interior design tastes by how well he hung all of those pictures behind him. THAT took a hell of a lot of mental/ physical effort. Good job Golden! 👍

[@Dcage13]

Please do an updated version of this episode for eynd of this year

[@CaveyMoth]

I don't know, guys. I think it helps to have at least 3 different headphones around. That way, if you get bored of your flagship, want to listen to different kinds of music, or are watching movies/playing games, you can switch it up. I would also suggest having a closed headphone to go with your open flagship, just for those noisy days when you want some more isolation. And then you should have an active noise cancelling headphone (or IEM) in case you're going to travel by air. It would be nice to be able to sit in your quiet listening room every day, but life always gets in the way.

[@deanokay666]

Be interested on your thoughts: across all headphones, at what price point do you get the best bang for your buck? Many thanks.

[@voodoochili12]

What do folks like for an all-rounder closed back mixing and mastering headphones? Monitoring and daily desk use not important.

[@rokhamler3352]

let's say you are listening to media mostly on the go, played from an android smartphone via a bluetooth dac/amp like Shanling UP4. Given those limitations, which IEMs make sense to buy still? Does it make sense getting things better/more expensive than the Moondrop Aria and will you be able to hear it with the given limitations?

[@AstaginaProject]

Blessing 2:Dusk (or just Blessing 2) and HD 58X, those are my recommendations for budget IEM and headphone. Yes, if you want to say those things aren't cheap, I don't say those are cheap but I say those are affordable to get. Trust me, it will be way better to buy those than buy $20-$40 IEM's every week or month. For the ToTL, of course without hesitation, I will pick U12t and HiFiman Arya.

[@hagoromootsutski9058]

Blessing 2 Dusk is so damn good man. For me, the tuning is almost perfect; it works fantastically with all genres of music. Aryas are fantastic too with a bit of treble spicy ness (still on the neutral side though). Love them both. B2D’s are my ‘warm’ IEMs that I chill with and the Aryas I use when actively listening.

[@pliedtka]

Maybe instead of 58X, 6XX, I would steer people towards 560S. My problem with 58X is grainy highs, 6XX is to dark with way too much lower mids and not enough extension. I would like to hear DT900X, but there's no dealer at my place.

[@Ghostling6180]

Similar "budget" pick for me, Blessing 2 and R70x. Blessing 2 for active listening and the R70x' when I want some warmth in my life.

[@1337wafflezz]

“you’re not seeing that much development on the high end of the market” in my opinion it’s because there is very little. 80-90% of potential sound quality is found in the in ear 50$ or less range apart from maybe insane soundstages

[@drewmorg.]

Currently running HD 560S and Schitt Magni+ coming in 2 days. Even powered through my UMC22 Behringer the HD 560S sound very crisp. I have thrown an EQ at it through Sonar and it sounds way better than stock.

[@SileDevil]

hd560s + oratory eq + amp sounds pretty good

[@drewmorg.]

@@SileDevil Good on a budget for sure. Not a fan of extra settings and softwares, prefer to run everything au natural. Ended up with Edition XS and the same Magni+ Amp/Dac combo. It's nasty!!!

[@life_in_solace]

What amp do yall use on the hd800S @dms

[@Voidward]

"For under a thousand, LCD2 classic and an atom stack." DMS giving me the feels by calling out my setup.

[@Karim-ik5ij]

Is the bass on that as legendary as they say?

[@Voidward]

@Karim The subbass is substantially more present than HD650 or anything else I've heard before it. To the point where you can tell some tracks sound off on KZbin because compression will truncate some of the low frequencies. And yes it add something that feels like it's straight up missing with other headphones. Imagine a monitor that shows you a new color, or a shade of red so saturated you've never seen it before.

[@davidrivera2165]

As a 62 year old, and 43 year into the Hi-Fi addiction, I love the fact that a $50K budget you have reached the lotto stage on the hi-fi Head space. At $50K, in traditional two channel system space at current price levels, you have reached the equivalent of $1,500 level for Hi-fi head gear. Believe me, I know.

[@dalegribble7125]

So, you are saying a real stereo system dropped in a living room that costs $50k does not produce the sound quality of a $1.5k headphone? I believe it. A headphone is a lot more controlled. What type of headphone voice coil do you like? Driver? Planar? What style of headphone too? Open back? Closed? Semi? I’m sort of addicted to audio too. Just curious, no need to answer. 😅

[@hiltonhosannah769]

Definitely an exaggeration and not a hard and fast rule - especially when you consider used prices on stereo gear. For example, I recently got a pair of DCM Time Window 3 speakers for ~$865 after tax and shipping, which retailed for $1,500 in '80 (~$5,400 in 2023 dollars). I absolutely prefer them to my HiFiMan Arya V2, which I got for a little more than the TW3s but still well under the $1,600 MSRP. My full stereo setup cost me ~$4K for nine inputs, MC cartridge, integrated amp, subwoofer, the aforementioned speakers and a pair of B speakers (Aeromax 2). That equal to the MSRP of an HD800S, Schiit Bifrost 2/64, and the Burson Soloist 3XP. No way I would trade the stereo for the headphone setup, but to each their own.

[@vpconcepts9838]

Happy New Year fellas. Timeless 7Hz in the $200 price point is the winner for me. 😉👊💯🎼🎉✨

[@4nanke129]

We need this 2024 year version, wonder if with some new headphones out like focal hadenys for example, some of the picks would change., Also would be a great idea to put a sample of 10sec music you would listen to on your pick headphones. For example, LCD-X and then 10 sec master of puppets in my case. :)

[@arthurhaywood2184]

A little bit curious that no one mentioned the 58X. They actually have a lot of qualities that make them a great value. I think that the 58X along with the German Maestro GMP 8.35 D Mobile make for a great open/closed budget combo. $50,000???😮 First thing I’m getting is a maxed out Blue Hawaii. A top of the line ribbon headphone would be next. That’d leave a lot left over so…..🤔

[@mast8536]

I just grabbed the AKG N5005 on sale for $199. I found very little info out there in terms of reviews or just people talking about them at all so its a bit of a gamble.

[@Ferrarimangp]

You guys were so close at the end to mentioning a car with Focals and you did! I'll just point out, the best choice would be a Lexus as they are designed to be the quietest on the road (double-paned glass, sound deadening foam throughout the cabin and even sound treatment in the wheel wells to reduce road noise). You can get a used ES or LS sedan for under 30k, and would still be as easy to maintain as a Camry :)

[@christiantan5341]

19:56 Lol, I'm wearing HD600's (not all over my body tho )

[@ranjanthomas5982]

You guys jumped from 2k to 50k. A missed opportunity to give us your picks for a more realistic 10k summit fi set up which is within reach for many people.

[@foupax]

1k reach is already within reach for many people.

[@kael13]

Honestly, comfort over sound is important to me over anything else with a headphone. I wouldn't buy anything if you get fed up with wearing it after an hour. And that's why I mostly prefer speakers.

[@AhloiFTW]

I just content enough with my headphone and now i just want to enjoy more music than worrying about fr etc, if i keep chasing on the "perfect sound" i may lost the intention of listening to music in the first place.

[@SakuraShuuichi]

My picks 200 ish range 7hz timeless, galaxy buds pro, or Meze99 noir 500 range moondrop blessing 2:dusk + FiiO btr5 or creative X1/SXFI amp 1000 ish range Focal Clear(sale price non MG) or Meze 109 pro + FiiO btr5 or creative X1/SXFI amp 2000 ish range Sennheiser HD800 s Money is no object, Sennheiser HE-1 > Susvara > Focal Eutopia My picks are based on headphones I have listened to(most of which i do not own), there is a lot of stuff I want to try but have not had an opportunity.

[@renzrulzz]

Is the ZMF Atrium a good headphone?

[@StoneColdClassics]

Why KXSS over Aria or Starfield? The KXSS is extremely similar to both and the Aria is around $110 cheaper for a virtually identical sound

[@robbyaceto4467]

thanks all, for the great reviewing. can i lean on your expertise for a second and ask a question?… I’m considering the HD650s for extended in-headphones practice sessions. can you tell me if a pro-level digital piano headphone output will be sufficient to drive them? thanks again, great channel.

[@hashemfahoum]

Fun fact: Chrono said "like" 9 times in 11 seconds from 14:50 to 15:01

[@theoracleprodigy]

Surprised no one mentioned the Meze Empyrean. I listed to the Meze 109 Pro and thought the Empyrean sounded more natural by far.

[@RavikantRai21490]

I own the HD 560S coupled with a Zen Dac V1 and it's out-fcukin-standing for me. I love this headphone.

[@ScottRawdin]

I watched several of your videos prior to making my choice. Beyer DT770 Pro 80 0hm. I tried the Rode NTH 100 which sound great... but I could easily understand the sad coments on the very poor build quality of the plastic adjustment button which often breaks, rendering the 150 euro headphones useless. The AKG K371 were very nice and light... but the Beyer pleased me more. Thank you all for your excellent videos which were essential to "widdle down" a short list of 3 to 5 candidates.

[@yeezet4592]

My only issue with the beyer is the nondetachable cable

[@musicxxa6678]

I'd get HD800S too. Very happy with Arya Stealth but more soundstage wouldn't hurt. For impactful and energizing sound i would probably get dynamic Focal or highly praised HE6se v2 as a complementary headphone. I guess the Arya Stealth is middle ground between hd800s and he6se v2. It's quite dynamic, vivid, relatively good impact and spacious. What i don't like about egg shape headphones in general is that their imaging is kinda confusing maybe because of my headshape. They have extremely good separation but images aren't spread out if that makes sense. Also the dynamics kinda soft. Can't get that tactility in the midbass although sub bass can be big.

[@kenneyt9]

hd800s with a tube amp is superb though , no more lack of a tick good bass . Just a completely different headphone

[@eddieconard]

Funny to see this and quite interesting although as a professional session musician here in Europe for the last 45+ years and played on more than 10 thousand records the Beyer Dynamic headphones still are the most used and popular especially for the price and listening is always going to be personal but interesting to see you young guys explore all the different choices and price but the real sound is in the ears themselves..

[@Florianski]

I recently sold almost my entire collection and splurged on my personal endgame: the he1000se powered by a topping d50s/a50s stack and i couldnt be happier with it ^^

[@Ginkoman2]

i dont understand why the Sennheiser 6cc and the 650 are always packed into one group. in europe i can get the 6xx for around 200 and the 650 for around 400 (msrp 499). was the 650 rereleased or are they just half the price in the US? i dont understand. especially since the HD600 costs 320 (msrp 399).

[@WillieBloom]

I “only” have the HD650 that i got NIB at a ridiculous price and added Dekoni hybrid elita pads. I could have gotten the HD600’s NIB on the cheap but I just didn’t want tech from the 1990’s. I think the 650 came out in 2003? I know there’s a difference but it’s not *that much* of a difference. Or? I just don’t get the fascination with HD600. I also own, among many other mid-high tier headphones both the HD800 and HD800S as far as Senns go. So I don’t use my 650’s much anymore because when I do, it seems to me like they’re veiled. My daily go-to’s, depending upon genre, are HD800S, Beyerdynamic DT700 (for thumping bass), DT900, Fostex TH900 (also for thumping bass), HiFiMan Arya Stealth, Audeze LCD-X pre-fazor. I have a few others but these are in the common rotation, on both sold state amps and OTL tube amps. But the HD600’s? That’s so last millennium. So many dynamic headphones and planars to choose from in all price brackets and you want the HD600’s? I guess it’s just like with pre-1973 American music cars. Despite all the kinds of new cars you can get today, some people just want that old ‘Cuda or the old Pony. That’s what you guys are. You want the old German muscle headphone.😂

[@Stringz]

well damn i think i need some personal help choosing because im still lost. But i guess the only way id solve this is to try them and see how the sound is for me personally hmmm.

[@bentobox3140]

I really like the budget shout since most reviews are kilobuck tier. I am more curious about how this video was filmed however. This panel sharing and clear video footage in a conversation format could be useful for people recording at a work forum. How did record this? Most recorded video forums have horrible SQ and video quality.

[@VioletGiraffe]

I'm surprised Topping DX1 was never mentioned. $100 ($75 on a sale) and you're settled for good, at least for any sub-$1000 headphones. You don't need an Atom stack or another expensive $200+ DAC/amp. This is the endgame, incredible value.

[@macs0544]

Is dx1 compatible with ps5?

[@PartOfTheGame]

I've been looking for the best gaming headphones that match very well with enjoying all kinds of music. So I need something with "surround sound" or as far as over-ear headphones can manage, but it also has a very good balance for listening to music; anything from Classical to EDM.

[@ozymandias7940]

Why do these reviewers choose the HD6XX as apposed to the HD650? (Which are supposedto be identical)

[@nusu5331]

I dont get it. I had an LCD-2F for quite a long time and barely used them, because i couldnt stand the shouty upper mids. How can these be the pick from someone that finds the Moondrop shouty (which i also find)?

[@pietossing]

$800 HD600+JDS Element 3. Tremendous joy. JDS Labs is not wrong, perfect channel matching brings great benefits to general listening.

[@757foks]

Actually I've been enjoying mentioned combo for few hours and it is a great combination. Element III also drives my DT1990 beautifully, it somehow sounds much better than Element II. I suppose it''s down to channel balance.

[@pietossing]

@@757foks they're using 1692 opamps in the Element 3, which are kind of magical as opamps go.

[@mitchquek]

I am new here, and curious to know what would be recommended for commuting? Noise canceling is a needed feature, it's been tough with background noises on the train especially.

[@oao8227]

I'd like to hear a video like but from working musicians. I want to buy a decent pair of IEMs at around the 600-800 range for performing and don't know what to buy. Any recommendations??? Planar? or?

[@jeffberger5773]

I have a focal clear og and a lcdx 2021, the only thing I have to power them is a chord mojo 2, im thinking about getting the og utopia since it is now 1000 dollars off, but I'm not sure if the mojo 2 would be good enough for the og utopia