A KICK-ASS HEADPHONE SYSTEM with Spotify, AirPlay & Tidal for $500!

[@nikolaspatelis149]

For me having grown up listening to speakers, I had to switch to a headphone system when I moved to an apartment for my studies, because no matter how much you treat the room leaving the cost out, I could not listen to music late at night, as I could back at home, without disturbing the neighbours. So I would like to add not only you solve the room problem but you also can listen to at whatever time you like at any volume and that's a big advantage if you live in an apartment.

[@Personalinfo404]

@@BrentLeVasseur if you're roommate is complaining about noise bleed through a pair of open backs, you need to get a new roommate. That's some cry baby level sensitivity.

[@RafiGish]

For the DT 990, as the DT880 and DT770 etc, you can buy a new cable as well as about all other parts from Beyerdynamic... It's not as easily replaceable as for other headphones, but you don't need to throw the headphone away when something of that headphone breaks.

[@EmmbrookSchool]

Best video ever made, I don't know why more material isn't made on this same topic. Every single person thinking of getting into audio equipment needs to watch this and save themselves £££. So few have the space but also environment to really get into the classic hi-fi system. I have both types of systems and the speakers mostly lay dormant now except for the occasional vinyl listening outing as a treat because I enjoy the experience of using that format. Again, great, great video.

[@nemanjamilosevic5361]

Yeah space is not the problem. When am I gonna turn these big ass speakers even halfway up? In most appartments it doesn’t make sense.

[@deangiopulos2028]

I went with this: Atom Amp > $100 Atom DAC+ > $120 Sennheiser Jubilee > $140 Wiim Mini > $80 Same idea with the sub $500. Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for doing it.

[@alexlazenby]

This is literally my bedroom budget listening set up - Topping DX3pro +, AGK closed and Wiim. It's an awesome little system. Office set up Pre Box S2 Digital, ifi CAN Air, HD 58X Jubilee

[@kNGXXX]

Finally someone who matches headphones with dacs/amps and talks from experience, and not just repeats what everyone else says on the forums...also very nice editing and very understandable. Thank God I found this channel! :) Could you please make videos like this with higher price points too? 750 USD, 1000 USD, 1500 USD, 2000 USD, etc.

[@dominikalbers6983]

Hello, i got the topping amp and i feel the opposite way about the volume knob😅! I really preciate that the hole front and the knob is aluminium. And i also love the klick feedback and the fact that it has a knob instead of buttons. But that is how different everyone is about personal preference. Thanks for covering the topic, interesting to see your take on a budget headfi system.

[@arievanderniet]

Thanks for the Max Cooper tip!

[@PhotoTubeUK]

Since the early 1980's I have always maintained that a good pair of headphones will be comparable with loudspeakers at 10 times the price. I still feels this hold true to this day.

[@theb4r138]

At $300 the hifi man sundara is great. I also have the 6xx and now that they are at $280 I much prefer the sundara. Great soundstage and well balanced if you love bass then they aren’t the best choice. I good amp DAC will realize the full potential of the sundara but I have also been able to run them off my iPhone with an Apple dongle and they are still fantastic.

[@renenowicki]

I have the Beyer Dynamic DT880, and i love them. I got them used from a video editing studio over 25 years ago. Day to day, i use Bluetooth buds, but for real enjoyment i put on the cans. Great episode.

[@edelweisskoenig]

Thanks for returning to headphones once again.I wouldn't mind, if you visited headphone territory more often. With your recent pursuit of the all-in-one speaker system (which I basically like) I wonder how you can combine it with headphone listening without building two separate systems?

[@jagkahlon]

I have the DT770 Pro (closed back version of DT 990 Pro) you nailed it they were bright to start with, after a few months they mellowed out and are very detailed. I use them with either a tube amp or Technics SU-G700M2 - they are excellent.

[@ylannjacobin3803]

For about the same budget i got me: -a used 660S for about 350€ -a ifi zen dac V2 150€ The result is great !

[@monotag]

Same system here, sounds great!

[@fist003]

currently using the ifi Zen Dac v1 with the 660S and Dt 1990 Pro

[@prioritymaleman]

I'm a total newbie to all this; looking for a head-fi system in this price range. This was SO GOOD...I appreciate your knowledge and the G-rated commentary...hope this doesn't hit you wrong; I just get so tired of profanity-laced commentary that makes it hard to sort out the true meat of the video. WELL DONE from a new subscriber. Jim in FL

[@the-mr-paul]

Great video. I totally agree. I think you should have included the Hifiman Sundara in this group of headphones. I also think most people would prefer the DT770 more than the 990

[@rigorhead01]

3D Reworks 001 by Max Cooper 2020 You can find this on Tidal. Really awesome stereo imaging. It's a joy to listen to with good headphones 👍🏻.

[@kwilj]

If you're patient or frugal the Drop HD6XX goes on sale once or twice a year ($180-200). Another great headphone option in this range is the Meze 99 Noir - closed back, easy to drive/mobile phone friendly, can listen forever/really comfortable. My biggest niggle with the Meze 99 is that if you take them out in the street and want to listen to music as you walk the spring mechanism in the headband tends to squeek like an old steel spring mattress! And yeah, as others have commented Schiit make amazing gear for this type of setup.

[@carefortops8976]

Thank you John for another great video. You findings are also an answer to Steve Gutenberg's latest video because it's much easier to play loud on a headfi system than a speaker system. In other words, it's easier to create the atmosphere of the recording.

[@jim010109]

Being a shift worker, and my wife being a dayshifter, I find myself getting deeper and deeper into the headphone realm. And you really can't beat the bang for the buck. Great video, keep up the awesome work.

[@H4lminator]

I want to thank you for recommending the AKG K371. I bought it because of your video and I am absolutely blown away by the sound! And I am only using it with my iPhone. A Fiio DAC is on it’s way so it can only get better! Comparing it with my Sony XM3 Bluetooth headphones, the AKG is MUCH better sounding. Again, thank you for recommending them and letting me fall in love with music again!

[@franciscojosecastanedojord3457]

And thank you so much for putting this video on youtube! I am an (old style) audio engineer and I strive to have my audio gear as professionally sounding as possible: flat as a table (when possible), not coloring the sound I listen with marvelous good sounding speakers/headphones/dacs and still get the most realistic, tru-to-the-really original sound possible. I discovered your channel a few days back and I have enjoyed every video I watched. You strike me as a very knowledgeable audiophile that knows many audio fundamentals that pros respect and use in our everyday listening experience, yet keep an open eye on what it really means to listen to a wonderful sound that allows you to really have an out of this world listening experience. A seemingly perfect combination of an academic and an empirical knowledge blend together just right. I will continue to listen to your videos with great delight.!

[@jinvid]

As a Head-Fi man with a wife and three kids, this video speaks to me. Thank you so much John!

[@jedrus1085]

I built such a headphone system a couple months ago! I bought the Mezze 99 Classics (because looks does matter!) and connected them through the Audioquest Dragonfly Black to my Mac Mini, which is also my Roon Core. Quite an experience comparing to my speaker system :)

[@Nekoelschekrat]

Started testing Beyerdinamic dt990, the Treble was to harsch. Sennheisser 600 were to analytic. More just for Fun i ordered the Sendy Audio Aiva and was flashed. Nice,smooth and lightly warm Sound. Plugged to an Ifi ZenDac and i am happy. But a little bit oder the 500 $.

[@bba935]

I would love to see more headphone videos. I moved to Tokyo 13 years ago and the walls are typically very thin, so I quickly got into the headphone market and fell in love. These headphones were kind of entry level cans IMO. I would love to see some more of the high end headphones, DACs, and amps reviewed. My current setup is a JDS Labs O2/ODAC to AKG K712 Pro headphones.

[@YoramPomer]

When moving to Germany, I sold my existing Hifi system and decided to buy one of the best headphones that existed on the market because I couldn’t afford the loudspeakers and the amplifier that I was planning to buy in the future. So I bought the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro . This was 30 years ago and it’s still my reference for sound clarity and sound stage. The headphones didn’t change much in the last 30 years. Even the impedance is the old school 250ohm that was a standard in old Hifi systems. So if the headphones managed to survive without radical changes for many years, than who am I to complain about a cable that cannot be detached. This cable is still as solid and as flexible as it was the day that I bought it. Tell me one product that survived so many years without replacing most of the interior. Beyerdynamic decision to continue producing this model for over 30 years is a very bold statement. The headphones were amazing at the time and are still worth the conversation today.

[@Bernabaus]

I don't understand why it gets so much hate, with a good amplifier and just a bit of EQ it is amazing

[@clickbaitpro]

@@Bernabaus Because people cant power them then tend to complain about the sound and also because many reviewers says these don't need much power and people settle without an amp

[@gdjfudge1]

That was really useful. I wish more reviewers would suggest pairings like this. It’s makes for a really good place to start. For both speakers and headphone setups.

[@miguelbarrio]

I think you will find a brighter headphone or speaker setup will give you more width in the soundstage. This is because the spatial information relies on the phase information between the transducers, and that phase information is more perceptible in the high frequencies, simply because of the wavelength of the sound waves.

[@swompthing2626]

I personally use The Philips FIDELIO 2XHR headphones on my system . They give me a full rich sound .

[@stephendixon8575]

Hey John, been a while since I last watched one of your videos - no idea why - but that cheeky grin and endless enthusiasm really reminded me what I’d been missing and to see the error of my ways! 😉 Cracking stuff. As a wanna-be audiophile without the financial free reign to actually do it properly, I decided a long time ago that head-Fi was the way to go, or to get somewhere near for a fraction of the cost, and without arguments with the Mrs about what speakers look like, or what can and can’t be done with the room to prevent it spoiling the sound. The secret to a long and happy marriage is learning how to compromise gracefully - same can be said for trying to scratch that audiophile itch if you don’t have the budget or live on your own 👍

[@samsmd]

I always look forward to Darko Audio's content. As always, excellent!

[@Kevinb1821]

I have the 560s sennheiser headphones and they are really good. The bass is ok but it the top end is great. I usually hate headphones. I hate things on my head and it just gets tiring but these are the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn. You can wear them for hours without your head hurting or getting tired from the music being blasted in your ear. The top band has a nice soft plush cushion for your head. Also if you let the head phone band stretch out for a day before using them. That hard clamp force will go away.

[@2ndAveScents]

As a Beyer fan that daily’s a pair of 990 600ohm, I would like to recommend everyone the Fidelio X3. Incredible soundstage and tonality that I think any Beyer fan would love. Doesn’t have the same level of detail retrieval but a more buttery midrange and wider soundstage with excellent bass and localization. My refurbished EXS are on the way, my first planar cans. Hoping to find the next level.

[@chotafallen8390]

Love my DT990pro 250Ohm with ifi Zen DAC over the Sennheiser. the 250 Ohm version is a beast speacially in price range till 250€ but they really need lot of power to drive

[@Oilcommunist]

Do you have hd6xx and dt 990? How can you compare them?

[@alexhofmann5844]

May I suggest the Sennheiser HD560s in addition to the other options? Not, because it‘s the exact system I endet up with (Topping, Wiim; recently upgraded to the Hifiman Edition XS though). But I think all things considered it‘s a great sounding headphone. Very good all around, especially for 149 euros/dollars: soundstage, bass and treble extension, clarity, detail… Just a terrific combination for the price. Gets more exciting with the Hifiman ;)

[@muhammadmahdirezapour7844]

That was exactly what I thought in the middle of video. 560s is really a good starter

[@RC-qc2nz]

Yes I have the 560s and I have some high end headphones. I love it. It's a super Allrounder

[@nickthegun]

Yeah, I have the 6xx and the 560s and I think the latter would be the better headphone. It feels less premium but it performs a bit better, is less thirsty and leaves a bit more of your budget left. Like John always says, he can’t test everything but some idiot in the comments will always have too many similar headphones.

[@rosswarren436]

Yes, indeed, I often tell people who love music but aren't interested in spending $2000 or more on a stereo to look towards a dedicated headphone listening stack. As you note, a modest $500 headfi system can rival the sound quality and presentation you get from a $2000 stereo (and they can listen with closed back headphones and not bother others around them too much). I'm setting up a "Schiit Stack" with a Modi 3+, Vali 2 (with three tubes to roll for fun), and a Loki EQ to pair with my Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones I picked up for $150. Fun stuff.

[@ralphhensel1537]

Dear John, It's very simple: no one can give you your health back. It must have absolute priority. There is a simple saying in Germany: "Less is more". I'd rather look forward longer to a new review or podcast from John Darko and his team than never get another one. Stay well! It's good that you listen to your doctors. And I will continue to watch your videos and listen to your podcasts. Even if we don't always agree, I appreciated them very much, if only for the good entertainment they provide. Enyou your holidays and time outs as much as you need them.

[@jongottesman1263]

What a creative viewpoint. My spouse does not share my taste in music and I sold my speakers many years ago and used my 28 year old Sennheiser HD 424's ever since. But I have wanted to upgrade and add a good quality DAC so this video was really fun AND helpful. Oh, also thank you for the music recommendation!

[@dannydougin3925]

Your spouse needs to be a bit more understanding of differences..... SMH

[@paleolifer99]

I hear you, and I love headphones. I think i have a pretty kickass headphone rig. But its just not the same as speakers playing live into a room. All that air being pushed into your space - it has more gravitas.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

I have both. I only put them on when my neighbors are asleep during the night time and during day time its all speakers. Best of both worlds. The plus on headphones is i can crank them up as loud as i want.

[@syanhc]

Headphones I own: Sennheiser HD600, Beyerdynamic T1 3rg gen., Grado RS2x, Audeze LCD-X, Airpod Max, Sony WH 1000m3 and WH 1000m5. IEMs: Audiofly AF180 mk 2, Sony WF 1000mh4, Shure SE535, Campfire Audio Andromeda Mk 2 and the Astel-Kern/Beyerdynamic T8ie mk 2. Amps: Marantz HD Dac1, Schiit Valhalla 2, Fiio Q5s, Astel-Kern AK20. Also the Hidizs S9 pro with my phone. My fav set up is the Marantz with the Beyer T-1s. Nothing beats the HD600 for the mids and detail. I think Grado have the best "live" sound. But the Audeze are outstanding with the Valhalla 2...

[@aaronwade2382]

What IEMS , would you recommend that could easily pair with an iPhone with dongle outside ? But also when I hook up to a dac at home would really bring the irm alive musically . I don’t mind suffering a little outside of my dongle can just about power them . Thanks for any feedback

[@marcusnz232]

My headphone system is Focal Clear 'phones (which I got new at half price!) and an iFi DSD Micro Black Edition. Great setup.

[@Belcanto401]

For $500 budget, one can add Drop HE-X4 to the list. That planar magnet is currently on sale for around $90 USD. It’s mid range is slightly recessed than that of HD650, but has a wider and deeper sound stage.

[@bitterandjaded_]

I wish I had gotten into headphones sooner. I've moved large speakers in and out of dorm rooms and then small apartments way too many times over the years. It just never occurred to me until after I bought a new tube preamp that happened to have a well reviewed headphone stage. And down the rabbit hole I went. Would love to see more head-fi videos.

[@rhorto01]

I wasn't initially trying to, but I did assemble a pretty nice inexpensive bluetooth headphone set-up with the Schitt Magni headphone amp ($99) with a Schiit Modi DAC ($129) paired with a $30 Bluetooth receiver with optical output, and Sony MDR-7506 headphones ($80). So for $338 casual streaming from my tablet sounds pretty nice. (Using my Grado hemp headphones sounds even better, but that is the nice thing with such systems, there is a lot of ways to make incremental upgrades over time.)

[@rosswarren436]

What Bluetooth receiver do you have that has an optical output? Thanks.

[@Olson34]

Love to see more of this series at different price ranges

[@whollymindless]

The audio presentation of these videos always delights. Thanks for minding the details.

[@batmanthinks]

For the beyerdynamic dt990, a fairly common mod for it is to change the cable to a removable cable setup. I think they use a mini 3.5 mm for the connection so it doesn't have to be thrown away

[@yin-fire3263]

Very nice seeing your talk about headphones. Amazing job

[@MufasaRizz]

You need the Beyerdynamic dt1990, kick as imaging.

[@mmorales508]

AKG headphones are very underrated people don’t pay too much attention to them until they hear them! I personally own a pair of Slovakian made K712 Pro and I will definitely take them to my grave 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@robmaxwell3678]

Glad to see you mentioning dongles again, and would love to see another comparison of some in the $300 range, e.g., iFi, Lotoo, Cayin, Luxury and Precision, etc. I just ordered the Lotoo PAW s2 to go with my final e5000 iem's and hoping to get a very portable kick ass system for about $550 that I can listen to anywhere.

[@danni0510]

I do love your headphone reviews. Would love to see a 1200 dollar kick ass headphone System.

[@marzcapone9939]

I really enjoy the HifiMan Sundara, open box prices is usually $260ish USD. They are very balanced, and you can easily change or upgrade the cable.

[@galessi1226]

Do your Sundays play ok through your phone? Or do they need an amp? ( I have the 400s...which work ok with just a phone)

[@galessi1226]

Sundara....not Sunday

[@marzcapone9939]

@@galessi1226 Not so well. I have a DAP, with 3 gain settings, and I use high gain for the Sundara.

[@kennethkenneth-zc8gz]

If you want to start with tubes, get the xduoo ta26. It's a more affordable, better and sleeker version of the darkvoice. Since it's an otl tube amp you have to use high impedance headphones. I love these with my hd650

[@stussho]

100 % agree, there's no reverb in your head........! I love my speaker system, but the most accurate critical listening I have had, has been with IEMS and headphones

[@tony9554]

Thanks John for featuring Max Cooper tracks, gives my Focal Chora a workout

[@chrism65]

DT 900 Pro X and a Fiio K7 is a really great combo at this same price point.

[@GilOnController]

Just wanted to say; I really enjoy your videos. Making high quality audio accessible and understandable without pretension, from a music lovers perspective. Cheers!

[@Michaelincontext]

Appreciated this, John. I've been through several configurations (and have several open back, one closed back, IEMs...) and have purchased an array of DACs. Amps, and one DAC/Amp combo (iFi Zen $189.00 kind of designed for the Sennheiser HD6XX), tube amps... I've also configured a few headphone systems for friends who had never gotten into music. Two things I enjoy - that you didn't mention - is an upgrade to balanced (XLR or 4.4mm) cables. Hart, Periapt Cables, et al have very good custom cables but you can also get an inexpensive balanced cable for the Sennheiser. Last, I swapped out the stock Sennheiser pads with the fenestrated lamb pads and they "seem" to give a bit more bass. And if a person wanted to save a bit more, the Sennheiser HD58X from Drop cost less and with the upgraded balanced connections, performs well. Last, a very affordable and very comfortable closed back is the SIVGA SV021 for $149. Add a balanced cable and pair with the iFi Zen, and it's pretty sweet. And still below your $500. That's my 2 cents! Thanks again. And thanks for the "3D Rework 001". A fun diversion.

[@tateforgey]

I have the HD6XX at me desk as my main computer headphones. I've always wanted to pair it with a dedicated headphone amp and the iFi Zen was at the top of the list. Have you had a chance to A/B that with Darko's recommendation? I'm wondering if you hear much of a real world difference.

[@joejarvis2497]

Thank you! This video was very helpful and purchased this amp/dac with the Sennheiser, subscribed, and became a patron, all to show my thanks. Take care!

[@LukeHarkonnen]

What do you think? Are they much better than the likes of Sony or Bose Bluetooth headphones?

[@blackgrape73]

Thanks for the recommendation John. My first proper foray into the dedicated headphone hi-fi market and I’ve just picked up the Wiim Mini, DX3 Pro and AKG K371’s for a total of £385! Absolute steal when you consider the quality of sound they can collectively produce 👍

[@m4nc1n1]

"The best stereo in the world can't beat a good pair of headphones" - Gene Simmons

[@danboy77]

I can’t listen to my hifi anymore since I discovered a problem that my sofa causes with the sound , speakers are great but only if you have a perfectly treated room, even the chair you sit on affects sounds. The most enjoyment I get when listening to music is always through headphones

[@andreaswoehler26]

Great as always John! Probably you won‘t read this but it would be great to see a video about a 3k to 5k headphone set. I really enjoy my Sennheiser HD 800S + HDVD 800. Bought it in 2019. Keep going, you‘re awesome!

[@jamesdwright]

Great vid John. It's a realm i no noting about, so it's good to see what options there are out there to get started with a headphone set-up. BTW didn't take you as a Ministry fan. Loved that album back in the day.

[@Mat-Thias]

Congratulations! In this video I feel that you really burn for what you are presenting! Your passion for music and music reproduction is feelable and visible in your eyes! Thank you!

[@bnc9261]

Thanks for your WiiM/Topping recommendation, which I've adopted, although I haven't received the 6xx headphones yet. Yes, a significant improvement already. using different Seenheiser headphones. A nice surprise with the WiiM is the 10-band EQ in the app. One can customize or make use of the many presets provided. This provides the ability to tweak the output - very effective & useful, and well-done WiiM.

[@masterblockwarrior]

That Max Cooper album is unbelievably good!

[@vivektanavde]

One reason I prefer headphones to loudspeakers is that I don’t disturb anyone when I am using headphones. I can listen to music without my wife complaining that is too loud. I love my 6xxs with a topping DAC and Amp set up.

[@yelnatsch517]

It's a shame they discontinued the Chromecast audio. I remember when they discontinued it and it was on clearance at BestBuy for $15.

[@TheBrigar]

I really enjoyed the talk on headphones in a system context. Keep following the rabbit 😎. Also thanks for introducing me to some great new music!

[@amaimonakihiko]

For the DT 990's, I agree about the Tube amp. It really benefits from the warmth and open sound

[@Poludioskroz]

Asus laptop + Pioneer A-30(integrated amp) + beyerdynamic dt990pro,that's my system,super happy.

[@rainasong8712]

I have these Sennheiser and this DAC on order. Good to hear it drives them well. I love the display on my e30 to confirm bit perfect output in my desktop PC Qobuz Sundara/ thx789 office setup but need this for my coffee table setup to also feed my amp and tower speakers Qobuz from my laptop. Props to your professional production and interesting reviews!

[@blanksy_-]

thanks . i got the AKG . . love it .. combined with LG phone . ( cost $100+ now ) i use LG phones for music .. DAC and DTS .. so convenient and cheap to use . . no more fussing i have found bliss .

[@jari121]

You described all those products very well. I have them all except Sony, 6XX and Wiim. I use Chromecast audio for streaming and I have a few dongle dacs from different brands. I mostly use AKG K371 and Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro headphones, which I think are better than DT990. Topping DX3 pro+ is a great dac/headphone amplifier for less than 200 euros.

[@MarkDavidMcCoskey]

I did a similar system last year, the Sennheiser HD 560S with the iFi Audio Zen DAC Amp V2, for under $400.

[@off2geo]

Phillips SHP6500, Fidelio X2HR or Fidelio X3. I have all three. Love them. These would be an EXCELLENT choice here.

[@bruffyb3796]

Already got the Sony and they sound great to my ears using LDAC. These alternatives all sound like they would be great though Mr Darko.

[@Zone1242]

Great video as always. Thanks for the heads up re Max Cooper. I downloaded the tracks and I must say it sounds wonderful. I will confess however that I'm using a Woo Audio WA7 fireflies DAC/Amp into a pair of Audeze LCD-X's. Bliss!

[@kindface]

I heard so much about the Sony WH1000XM5 that i had to test it for myself. Which i did just two days ago. I was somewhat disappointed. (Disclaimer: as i have impaired hearing but my low frequency hearing is intact, I’m therefore biased towards judging headphones and speakers by those frequencies.) The headphone’s base notes come through quite lumpy, not well resolved at all in layers. I immediately struck it off my list. Now I have to get back into the hunt again.

[@jonathanphillips5514]

I am similar, have just bought the Ifi Go Blue Dac so going to see what difference that makes with IEM'S first

[@robdjembe]

More headphone content please!

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

I would go for the Sennheiser HD560S that is much better than the one presented in terms of detail, soundstage and frequency range at top and bottom.

[@rosswarren436]

Just bought those and am loving them. Picked them up for just $150, a bargain. I know they might not be constructed as well as the 600 series, but soundwise, they are just as good, if not better. I needed some "flat" response headphones for critical listening to use when EQing some live recordings and the 560 S fits that bill very well, but I think I can still love using them for pleasure listening just as much. And they were almost half the cost of the HD 6XX...They also don't suffer from the "three blobs of sound" effect that the 600 series do.

[@WeileWorld]

I have 30 years old Beyerdynamic. Great quality and sound.

[@johnnixon2504]

I have a old school (pre chip shortage) Schiit modi, heresy and HD560s set up at work…. Man that system sounds great! Very pleasant to listen.

[@charlesnr]

Bandcamp rules for finding new performers and composers. There are still doing Bandcamp first of month days waiving fees to the performers. New to me composer Matt Ulery here in Chicago on Woolgathering records on Bandcamp. Really enjoying this binaural recording.

[@edhumm]

Thank you for reopening my ears to the Joy's of detailed listening. After leaving school I worked at the local theatre where I learnt live sound engineering and went on from there into many aspects of live sound production including recording on location and in small studios. As life brings many changes so did work leave the hands on work for more production management. Constantly travelling meant having speakers etc was pointless, however my trusted Sennheiser hd 25's were always with me. Now many years later the HD 25's are still here enabling me to revel in the delights of Spotify. Then I saw this little video pop up and what a difference it has made. In the video I picked up on almost a throwaway line about the ifi go blue.... the what?? Portable dacs.... I ordered the ifi and plugged in my hd 25's 😁🎶💖🎶😁 amazing! The depth and clarity is stunning! But it couldn't end there, KZbin and it's algorithms went to work and the world of IEMs opened up😳😁 So now I have a set of LetShouer S12, an ifi go blu and a phone... who could have imagined this level of sound quality in such a small and affordable package twenty years ago.... My music listening has become completely transformed thanks to your little video and the choice you make as you go out the door. The four eq settings on the ifi are perfect and drive the S12's and the HD 25's beautifully. May you, your channel and all who you share with continue to find joy and unity in the diversity of our music choices and the equipment that brings that joy to our hearts. Thank 🕉💖🎶

[@thomas6063]

Great video. I just returned my Beyer DT770 80s and ordered the AKG 371 yesterday. They arrived today only an hour ago. Haven't had the opportunity to listen to them yet but I did try them on for fit. The comfort level is better than that of the Beyerdynamic in my opinion. Can't wait to give them a listen tonight after dinner!

[@juanb6999]

What didn't you like about the DT770s?

[@slaphead90]

@@juanb6999 Well if he had my experience he probably found that the treble could strip paint off walls at 10 yards. Admittedly mine are the 32Ω version so that might be a factor.

[@jamesfield1674]

Listening to this on my DT990 Pro they are brilliant, actually really good for PC gaming.... what I do miss is my Phillips Fidelio the soundstage so incredible

[@leftymcbonechops2873]

Love your videos and your take on hifi. Coincidentally, I own both the BD DT990 and the Sennheiser HD 660. I found the BD at a thrift store for $5!!! I ordered new pads and love them. I think you’re right about the mid range on the Sennheisers. I switch between the two regularly using my iPhone, MacBook, Rega Brio, and PS Audio Sprout 100. Just wanted to contribute and say I feel validated because I love these and you just happen to praise them both in one video.

[@stuartamer8968]

Already owning the 990s and and Senheiser 660S, I thought I would try the AKGs and gotta admit, loving them. they have the depth of the Beiyers and the comforts of the Senheisers. No issues from the early wear either, they sounded good to me straight out the box.

[@harrybaque5502]

6XX on sale this weekend for $220!

[@robertnelson3179]

Thanks for this video. Did not expect the Ministry cover art. Did not see you into that especially that album.

[@paulreid944]

Really enjoyed this one, the AKG's are on my wish list, p.s. now listening to American Head! Heaven't listened to The Flaming Lips for over a decade!

[@TheIpadfanatic]

As always, well done. Mr. Darko. I also own the HD6xx and largely agree with your findings. I am curious whether or not you have ever considered trying the Sennheiser HD560s? I got a really good price on the 560s, so I decided to try them.They have all but supplanted the HD6xx for me. Not as lucious a midrange, but an airier top end, good bass extension and that perceived better clarity you get from brighter treble. Thanks again for an excellent video. Take care.

[@aweidenhammer]

I don’t think I’ve heard John ever discuss planar magnetic headphones. I’d be curious to hear his thoughts on those.

[@matthiasteubner1923]

Look at his review of Meze Empyrean. 😉

[@Koniotaur]

Thank you for yet another great video. Even though I'm not into speakers I find the videos and the podcast so entertaining that I continue to watch/listen to them. I'd love some more IEM coverage from time to time when you get a chance. Keep up the great work, cheers.

[@alonhadad9489]

Thanks for the great video I don't consider myself an audiophile. It is hard for me to hear the difference between different system, but one thing was clear for me my headphone system Sundara with amp/DAC sound much better than my much expensive LS50 WLS2