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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@arievanderniet]

Thanks for the Max Cooper tip!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍🏻.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.!

[@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?

[@jinvid]

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

[@samsmd]

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

[@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 $.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@swompthing2626]

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

[@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

[@marcusnz232]

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

[@Olson34]

Love to see more of this series at different price ranges

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@nottheonlyjustin]

I am running DT 1990 pros on an iFi zen amp and using a G6 as a DAC/preamp and just played the 3D reworks stuff!!!!!! That is an amazing find. I will save I use aftermarket velour ear pads and it tamed the brightness just enough to where this is my endgame I keep coming back to. Ive tried to upgrade a couple of times and it just didn't hit the same.

[@Cons2911]

Hello, I'm also looking to get an Amp or a dac, I have the same beyer. Question, I often see people mentioning zen dac but rarely zen can unless they are doing a stack. Can the dac drive the 1990,have you tried without the amp? Thanks in advance

[@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.

[@amaimonakihiko]

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

[@WeileWorld]

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

[@yin-fire3263]

Very nice seeing your talk about headphones. Amazing job

[@Ylm-r9g]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@whollymindless]

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

[@chrism65]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@MarkDavidMcCoskey]

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

[@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.

[@madbutfunnybats]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@WeebHub]

7:30 i have an hd 650 and my apple dongle on my iPhone gets them pretty loud btw

[@lawpenner]

Loud and distortion go hand in hand

[@enmanuel1950]

​@@lawpenner From most audio reviewers I've seen the apple dongle performs surprisingly well.

[@WeebHub]

@@lawpenner have u even tried one? the distortion is unnoticeable, but sure if you say so

[@RenePolster]

I use the Meze 99 Neo and i am still really Satisfyed with IT!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Omar_ZX]

2:56 well not exactly, they are a warmer darker tuning while also being less focused on vocals, very similar to the 600 to the 650

[@McanoLasala]

I own HD600, AKG K612 pro, AKG K361 (basically the K371 without that subbass elevation) paired with ifi Zen DAC and Soundcore Q30 BT headphones with EQ. And I think I'm done for years to come.

[@pliedtka]

Can you put your options how is the K612 Pro against HD 600. I wanted the 600 but is a bit pricey, so I'm leaning towards AKG. Have the HD 6XX but sometimes I wish for something more bright and neutral than warm.

[@tony9554]

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

[@PresidentCamacho24]

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?

[@Metal_seer]

Love the Senn Mom 4. Will look into this setup. Thx.

[@MufasaRizz]

You need the Beyerdynamic dt1990, kick as imaging.

[@rolandlickert2904]

I use Sennheiser 660 S with balanced cable and plug it into my HIBY R5 II which runs on A amp mode with pretty decent sound . Advantage doesn't need a DAC and the Digital player is more versatile use it in my car as well.

[@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 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@sgarridojr]

After much consideration today my Sundara and DX3+ PRO arrived. Testing the combo with some HIFI Deezer tracks. SO far is great :)

[@TheChiptallent]

I have the K371 BT And I use them with a schiit stack I use them Bluetooth to my Apple TV and wired to my LG V40 and Bluetooth to my iPhone 13 they are great all around headphones highly recommend

[@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!

[@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.

[@user-jh4ir6km5p]

iFi Zen DAC V2= $180.00 Sennheiser 6XX= $220.00 Total= $400.00 (plus tax if you live in the U.S.)

[@EricFaulkes]

I have the zen v2 dac too. Awesome piece of kit.paired with a pair of sennheiser hd560s. And a pi4 running volumio Its definitely tickled my fancy in the headphone side of things. Not bad for first set up

[@asan1050]

Great recommendations, Thanks!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@josexavierjr.5633]

I have always loved headphones for listening to music ever since I got my first pair back in 1977; a pair of Koss Pro 4AAA "Stereophones" (as Koss used to call them). I still have them, and they work great with new ear pads I recently bought from Koss. I have other 'phones from HiFiman, AKG, Sony, Sviga, Bose, etc........but those Koss were the ones that started it all! Great video, John!

[@robertaksland1471]

I drive my HD 6XX from my Dragonfly Red. Well inside the 500 dollar budget. As long as the Red is connected to a high power USB port it really shines with 300 ohm headphones.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

I love my Bayerdynamic DT990 headphones through a class A integrated amp and Linn front end. Not too bright at all and plenty of detail with a great sound stage. They suit my system very well. Great for late night listening when I don’t want to annoy my family and neighbours.

[@NotTheOnlyMattAround]

The Yamaha YH-L700A is an amazing Bluetooth option in the $500 range, but since they're relatively unknown you can almost always find a perfect second-hand pair for around $300. Add a Creative BT-W4 to the mix for a strong AptX Adaptive connection, and you have something amazing for virtually every application.

[@reuben.mathew2]

Love these budget system videos

[@kylewhitbread3326]

You mentioned a separate headphone amp might be worth a try. I have a Topping E30 (dc powered) into a Vali2 driving DT880 Pros and it's a great combination. The amp and 'phones were secondhand so total spend including powerbank was £400; add £50 for a midi-sized Denon CD transport off the 'bay and it's a compact system that makes some 'difficult' CDs listenable; all my favourites enjoyable; and has inputs spare for laptop and streamer.

[@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.

[@jody2965]

I agree there are instances where headphones can best speakers. In my small room I use speakers when watching KZbin, but when watching movies/tv or listening to music from my desktop, I will use my modded Koss KPH 30i/40's from the balanced output of my DAC/amp. The price to performance equation is not even close between those use cases.

[@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.

[@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.

[@DonJohn87_YT]

recommend beyerdynamic tygr 300r instead of dt 990, not as harsh treble but still amazing imaging etc