THE Ultimate Audio Gift Guide for Yourself and Others!

[@GadgetryTech]

I meant to pin this! Please note that there are so many great and amazing products in every chapter found in this video. This video is meant to provide ideas in each category, and not as an exclusive list. If something isn't mentioned, it does NOT mean it's a bad product! beyerdynamic has some good headphones, there are countless awesome IEMs, DAPs, etc. There are many good gaming headsets as well. I was trying to limit how many products I covered in each chapter or this would easily pass 2-3 hours of play time. Having said all that, if YOU have some tips on various gear, or any products you love, share them in the comments! I highly encourage a positive dialogue amongst enthusiasts such as you all. Side note - this video will be too long for some. I understand that! Many people wanted a long format video, so here it is! I will have more concise and specific videos coming soon :). Thank you all for the support.

[@saibgassanov3378]

"Or this would easily pass 2-3 hours" so that's what we've been robbed of

[@1sebwick1]

Great video, thanks! Looking for new amp/dac combo for Hifiman Arya. You recommend smsl raw md1 but say it's not the best sound quality for the money (great feature set I know). What is your recommendation based on pure sound quality for day/amp pairing with Arya Organic?

[@Газимагомед-ф7й]

And when will the fiio k11 r2r review be released? Or will he come out at all?

[@equiknox_]

Hey man I am currently looking to gift a Ziigaat iem, been choosing between Arete and Odyssey. Which one do you think is better and what would be like the edge of Arete over Odyssey and vice versa?

[@angelofbliss]

Any recommendations for cable extensions ? For the ft1 pro need an extra 3 to 5 feet

[@theferbd2]

YES. he actually released the long video version! love the videos man.

[@GadgetryTech]

Hahaha you guys are crazier than me! Love the support

[@johnf.r6658]

I was hoping he did exactly this! Long content format is rare in these times

[@theferbd2]

@@johnf.r6658 Not only that. He is so good at it as well. Makes a hour plus video seem like a 20 minute one.

[@eclipse509]

I legit said "yay" out loud to myself when I saw this come up and it was an hour and a half long. Something relaxing about watching Joe review audio. They're like ASMR reviews. Guy knows his stuff and you can tell he's very passionate about it. Keep up the good work man!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Once the general consensus of my community post was to post the long form video, I committed to finishing it. This video took 9 days to make!!

[@capraaudio]

Hey Joe, thanks for the shout! Excellent video as always.

[@GadgetryTech]

More people need to know about you guys!

[@joshs2235]

Which headband strap fits FT1 Pro?

[@capraaudio]

@@joshs2235 the one labeled Sony mdr7506/fiio ft1

[@Imperiusprime1]

Can you make a dedicated video about earbuds as well please 🥺

[@AzraelMorrison]

Thank you Joe! This is exactly the video I needed. Using a jewelry tree as an IEM display is genius!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks!

[@JTB--]

Nice one Joe!! I took a leap of faith on the FiiO FT1 after your review and you were 100% correct!! A real Giant Slayer HP!

[@GadgetryTech]

That's awesome! You've been a long time subscriber here so I really appreciate the support and I'm glad you enjoy it!

[@andrewrehberg2414]

Easily my favourite video on youtube right now. Watched it a couple times already. Now I have a few wishlist items. Thanks so much for all the effort you put into this video.

[@GadgetryTech]

Wow, thanks so much!

[@verboten8]

Didn't think I was gonna watch the entirety of this video, but here I am. Great video, Joe. Thanks for this extensive coverage. Keep 'em coming.

[@ChadBlanchard23]

Thanks!

[@tomesz87]

After 9 days without a new video you made my day. Thanks for releasing the long version! I love your work man, keep it up!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks!

[@Slambear]

This video is the gift that keeps on giving. Still working my way through it, thanks!

[@Slambear]

Will be picking up some Edifier speakers as my next purchase.

[@GadgetryTech]

Nice!

[@SavageD-qi2ti]

Man I love the passion and excitement you bring to all of these videos. Made it to the end, and really appreciated all of the cool stuff you showed off. I'm the only audiophile I know, so I watched it for me, but still, nothing wrong with getting gifts for yourself too! Keep up the awesome work! Your videos just continue to be higher quality and bring more value every time I watch them, so you're definitely doing something right.

[@GadgetryTech]

Wow, that's a lot of very kind things to say! Thanks. I'm glad you enjoy the content

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

Never seen this channel before in my life, but putting Daft Punk and Tool in the thumbnail has my attention! 😂

[@GadgetryTech]

@@jakefromstatefarm1405 yesss. A person of culture I see

[@dforer32]

Awesome comprehensive list! Looking forward to watching through the whole thing in the next day or 2 and improving my setup a bit going into the new years! Appreciate the hard work!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much!

[@not_3than]

I think the long video is completely fine because of the chapters system on youtube. Instead of having to sort through multiple playlists/videos to find the advice you're looking for, you just skip to the timestamp. I respect you uploading the long form one, and hope to see more like these!

[@davidbock1801]

Dude. Great job. And, no, this vid is not too long. Big fan of the channel, Joe, and I always appreciate your disclosers re: affiliate links, gear that was sent to you, etc. So many shady audio reviewers out there.

[@listenjared]

You deserve a million subs man, one of the best interviewers in YT right now, in terms of sheer objectivity and effort to actually use the products you review. Wish you more success in the coming year!

[@ominouscry6886]

37:43 Thanks so much for this guide, got myself ASUS ROG Delta II for Xmas & I'm super happy with them, they're super comfy!

[@TheKingBoB5000]

This was really excellent. Much better than the "top 10" nonsense that plagues most gift or idea lists.

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

All great suggestions. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to share this with us all.

[@icexix9701]

Thanks for the awesome video. Just purchased the Aune AR5000 and the Creative Labs G8. Will be my first time getting a legit headphone and a Dac Amp. Excited to hear some good sounds while gaming (Non FPS), movie watching, and music. Great content and your opinion on all this is greatly appreciated!

[@biglebowski5207]

Great video bud! Own a few of the products here already and wasn't *shopping for new but enjoyed the breakdown across all of the components and use cases. Gets new users on the correct path toward eliminating confusion and choices and at the same time different ideas for the more experienced AG's out there.

[@palfotta]

This was a very entertaining video. I am happy you chose to release the long version afterall.

[@VarjoPira]

1:18:01 Amen. The older I get, the more I grow to appreciate the simple inclusion of a bag when I buy a product. Have a nice holiday, Joe!

[@hogibunz834]

I loved this video. This has so much Val you have no idea. Thank you so much for all you talked about and the money I’ll save because of you. Great content

[@GadgetryTech]

So glad you found it helpful! I appreciate the support

[@RyanH0809]

This was rad. Great job man. Super appreciate all the hard work and expertise.

[@ChadBlanchard23]

As always, great vid. Thanks so much for your content. Just placed an order for the Capra Audio head strap for the XS (very exciting) and have so many more plans in the works thanks to you. Keep 'em coming!

[@vvraithz]

I love all the ideas. I think the acoustic art is exactly what my office needs!

[@GadgetryTech]

They are seriously awesome

[@m1lkman1974]

Great video Joe! Thanks for all you put into the research and recording of it. I liked the length. With the chapters It's a one size fits all!! I always check for new content from your channel. Best of the holidays!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much! Glad to have you here!

[@christiharris292]

Excellent video. The content was brilliant, well laid out and extremely cohesive. Thank you! I'm sharing this with a new friend at work looking to jump in the audio hobby

[@DiabolusBR]

A long format is not suited for every day videos, but for compilations, best of, and major comparisons, these are great. Amazing video.

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much!

[@elg3la]

Great video. Even though I don’t think I apply to some of the items it was great to see and learn what I can add to my dream goals

[@f1watcher445]

Excellent video! Thank you and happy holidays!!

[@jamesberryman9893]

I'm glad you released the full video! I love my Hifiman Edition XS! I added Dekoni Nuggets to the headband because I have a small head, and I use them so much more now, especially for gaming. I wish they were 269 when I bought mine. I think they were close to 500 if I remember correctly. Still worth every penny.

[@cs7jay41]

Thanks for the awesome comprehensive video!

[@59CommandoLee]

As per, Joe....another Epic video!!! Fantastic job.

[@johnf.r6658]

Thanks for releasing long format videos, really enjoy sitting and paying attention to something... insted of doom scrolling till I get an epileptic attack 😂

[@GadgetryTech]

So no flashy lights in future videos?!? 🤣. I appreciate the support!

[@aco29]

Thank you Joe! Great job.

[@ryanspartan7853]

Such an awesome video Joe! Thank you!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks man! Glad you liked it

[@Tssukiii]

Crazy Video, thank you very much! Love the length 🔥

[@DanielZH]

Thanks a bunch for timestamps!

[@naturalfps]

Thanks for the vid man. You're goated as always.

[@mkouvgios]

great job as always Joe !.I personally have HD 490 PRO ,DT 900 PRO X , HD 560s, SIMGOT EM6L.For gaming for there is a clear rank: 490

[@zanychelly]

That was an impressive video. Thanks man

[@JONNYBLVZE]

Excellent Excellent Excellent! Video

[@masterbeef92]

Yoooo just last night I was looking for cheap audio sources for my ps5. Perfect perfect timing!

[@GadgetryTech]

niiiice!

[@blcky1545]

Amazing round-up, especially on the budget and accessory side. The Qudelix 5k mention reminded me of the recently released Fiio KA15, basically a less feature-packed 5k with 10-band PEQ, better power delivery (in desktop mode at least) and a pretty unique retro design. Might be worth a look for anyone looking into smaller/portable solutions.

[@GadgetryTech]

Good lookin out!

[@netocaste1510]

Great informative video Joe, thanks!!

[@GadgetryTech]

You're welcome!

[@AmberKierraKassidy]

transcribethis AI fixes this. Ultimate Audio Gift Guide presented.

[@cyberr3446]

YES THANK YOU FOR POSTING THE LONG VIDEO

[@GadgetryTech]

I gotchu

[@Jenzbullets]

Utterly fabulous video, thank you. The only trouble is there are about 15 things I need to buy for myself! LOL.

[@GadgetryTech]

haha, oh no!!! Take a pause and ask yourself with everythig you have now, what would be the most impactful upgrade for your music/gaming enjoyment. Start with those one or two things then pause again. Remember to enjoy the content as much as the gear!

[@BucketNakedz]

Automatic like for the hard work you do for us.

[@GadgetryTech]

Appreciate that!

[@tomaszbiak4333]

Thanks for the vid! You're awesome.

[@danilo9642]

I love the KOSS Ksc75s so underrated! They’re really good for Call Of Duty and any FPS shooter game they’re cheap but they don’t sound cheap at all! Highly recommend them!

[@GadgetryTech]

Koss KSC75 low key destroying most gaming headsets under $150 in gaming, some even more expensive haha

[@DoBoiCHEN]

so amazing collection

[@devilsthumb]

Used 2 hours of general leave at work just to watch this video! Hahaha, thanks GIJoe!

[@GadgetryTech]

🤣

[@TheGreektrojan]

Great video. Your reviews inspired me to grab a few pairs of headphones listed (since my 560s had some un-repairable damage, I decided to upgrade). I have the AR5000 and 490s with the refines on order. The AR5000 is straight up better to my ear by a notable margin and I actually find it more comfortable than both my old 560s and the 490s for my big head (though barely). The lower clamp force and bigger surface area of the cups distribute the force/weight better. They are also easier to drive than the 490s (though both are easy to drive). My favorite thing with the AR5000s is that they sound great/full/rich at notably lower volumes, so you don't have to blow your ears out. I'll have to compare the Refines when I get them, though. Easy recommendation

[@tjmeyer6656]

This is why he’s the GOAT!

[@AliArghavan]

Excellent Video!

[@educatedduck6618]

Are there still FPS concerns with the Maxwell? I care a lot about the competitive side, but the absolutely angelic reviews I’ve seen over the years makes me insanely torn. Would it be worth it to have the Maxwells for everything, and then something like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro for FPS, or is the difference not THAT worrisome?

[@davidvanbreukelen6593]

Cod was amazing with the maxwell, overwatch was overwhelming and distracting to be honest. It sounded weird, maybe it's the high treble and the lowered bass. It felt like a tin can and the high treble pierced my ears tbh.But i previously used a 40€ headset but returned the mazwell because of the hiss in the sidetone. I'll try another pair, but they almost all seem to have it. It's also quite heavy but with the freeze ear pads it's definitely more comfortable. It's still quite expensive for a headset with these downsides if you ask me, so I ordered the turtle beach 700 max 3 for more than half the price so I'll give that a try. Having to spend 50-60 euros after buying a headset is also a bit much, on earpads and the headband. The steel frame is also not extendable like other models which might be an issue for bigger heads. Music on the maxwell was amazing though, truly incredible and very enjoyable to just listen and chill. But it's a gaming headset and long term comfortability is important, and I read several stories of people having issues with the drivers after a while while being careful so it feels like a risky investment to me and it's certainly not the perfect headset even though it's pretty universally lauded as the best wireless headset. The mic is also really bad unless you have anc on low or high, the volume is really low for your friends and party members. Battery life is amazing, and the app is pretty buggy and nothing special. You cant use two devices at the same time when a call comes in. All in all, amazing sound quality but if I'm honest lacking in several other areas especially for the premium price. So if you're buying purely for fps maybe the turtle beach is the better option and apparently there is no cheaper audeze headset than the maxwell for media that's wired for example so rip your wallet.

[@SmokeyOwOs]

As someone that's owned it for some time They work great for cod and Marvel Rivals,warzone being warzone audio is never gonna be super accurate but I had a blast using them with different EQs in single player games. Big downsides is you cant play content and have it play the game audio at once like most headphones. But other than that it's battery life is insanely long and it takes not much time to fully charge. Worth the price even when it's not on sale. They're also good for just listening to music,even If you don't care to EQ

[@ZenSkorp]

Fantastic video, thanks a lot

[@OverHaze]

On the speaker front I can't recommend the iloud Micro's highly enough. For their size they are borderline miraculous.

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks for sharing!! I should have mentioned that the community share some of the stuff they love in the comments as well! The more we all help each other out, the better.

[@WhiteHartMart]

Great video Joe. I actually feel I have no need for new purchases though this Xmas. Thanks to your videos I'm already broke - but enjoying an Audeze Maxwell, Beyer MMX330 Pro, Schiit Hel+, Creative G8, Aune AR5000, Astro A50x and Acezone A-Spire Wireless. Thanks (I think :p )

[@dforer32]

What are your thoughts and comparisons on the hel vs the g8? All the features on the g8 are nice but I feel like I probably won't use 90% of them. Was actually considering just going with the fulla as I just need a little more volume in me h6epos pro and more audio clarity wouldn't hurt. But I may go for the gunner or g8

[@zerotactix5739]

Solid video. Id also recommend the AFUL Explorer iem for gaming. I feel it is slightly better than the EM6L with probably better depth perception. Solid pin pointing. Especially if you felt the EM6L is sibilant, the Explorer is great and you can turn it up higher in volume as well. Also the Kiwi Ears Allegro portable DAC - with my IEMs I can't tell any difference between the Zen DAC v1 and the Allegro. The separation and clarity is so good with my IEMs.

[@Rustydude2030]

room treatment. yes please. and budget/entry level perspective.

[@GadgetryTech]

Challenge accepted

[@evilmako]

This video was perfect.

[@Haru_no_ki]

I use a Scarlet Vocaster One and it worked like black magic. Got it for 40 euros and I use it mostly for my xlr fifine microphone, but i also got a jack adapter to use my Logitech Pro X 2 wireless headset and the bass and audio quality is crazy. Plus the features, I dont think something can beat it at that price point. Will get something that can actually power headphones once I decide on a pair.

[@MrFrogman311]

Released the long one! Yeesss!

[@GadgetryTech]

You guys gave me the encouragement to push through and release it! Thanks for the support

[@Lownwolf-sm5py]

the length of the video is great, contingent on the fact that you added chapters. i watched 85% of the video but was able to skip the parts that dont apply to me.

[@RobertAntonyJameson]

Nice suggestions! I own Arias & Mega5est and I still use Koss daily! Mostly being a KSC75 with the KPH40 headband I'll add a couple of ideas DAC/Amp the FiiO K7 is still good and affordable as a combo DAP Shanling M0 Pro is decent, cheap, portable and balanced For gaming IEMs the Kimera cable mic is GOOD, like really good I’m surprised the Kimera cable doesn’t get a lot of praise, I love it You connect it directly on the mobo out/in, which has low latency

[@Mark-mu4pj]

Thanks dude great video

[@johnnymac3826]

Insane video !

[@morganrajaonarivony7016]

Hi, For the same price, would you get the HD560s or the FT1 ? For reference I daily use: - Headphones : Bose QC45 - Iem : S12, Hexa, EW200 and Cadenza.

[@Газимагомед-ф7й]

And when will the fiio k11 r2r review be released? Or will he come out at all?

[@ALP-ve9ni]

Great content, much appreciated. 👍

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks, I appreciate you

[@madwatchmaker]

Awesome summary video. Btw, I would avoid Edifier as an owner of expensive Edifier tabletops xD

[@bill_g.]

any recommendations for RCA Analog-to-Digital for recording vinyl digitally?

[@megametallifan]

Great vid, thank you

[@adamcanterbury]

Loved the vid…. 😊

[@kristianriverasantiago1856]

Awesome vid Joe! Thanks! Came right on time! I’ve been looking to grab an Amp/Dac to use with my PC(mainly story games and music), Mac(music) and PS5(competitive gaming). I’m leaning towards the Qudelix 5k or the Fiio K11 r2r. What would you recommend? The Q5k is attractive for the PEQ on PS5, but maybe the K11 could be more versatile? Anyhow, can’t wait for your K11 r2r review!

[@blast2662]

Hello, thank you for great video! What would you prefer: SMSL RAW-MDA 1, xDuoo XA-02, Creative g8, comparing them only by sound and price? I'm choosing between these models. You can arrange them in descending order.

[@AyooJake]

hes right about koss they are great. probably gonna pick up porta pros.

[@tihammd]

I recently got hifiman arya stealth version for £500 I'm wondering what amplifier to buy for soundstage and detail but i don't want break the bank for an amplifier what do you think is the best option for me?😊

[@GadgetryTech]

So, amps shouldn't be helping with sound stage in particular, unless you're upgrading from a really bad amp. Depending on your budget, the new JDS Element 4 might be a good pick. For less, the Schiit Magni Unity (with DAC), the xDuoo XA-02, Fiio K11, and SMSL RAW-MDA1 will all work great.

[@tihammd]

Like i said I've bought the headphone for 500 pounds so i would hesitate to buy a dac amp which costs as much as the bloody headphone! Do you think mda1 can give me the best sound stage from all the options? I currently have dongle so the quality here is really poor i tried the headphones on fiio K9 pro and really loved the staging. I'm looking to get a similar stage from the new dac amp I'm buying and schiit is seriously expensive in the UK. Which one do you think would be best under 300?

[@timothyzila4705]

Lot of great picks, Joe! It's not available rn but how highly would you rate the Pietus Maximus (coming back in stock soon), as that's what I've been eyeing for an amp upgrade I highly recommend checking out the Hiby R4. it's practically replaced my Fiio KA17 and Qudelix 5K. The convenience of just having a standalone DAP is much preferable to me. Separate battery (I was constantly having to decide whether I could listen to music or needed to charge my phone with dongles.) If I want to get up and walk around I'm just putting one thing in my pocket versus putting my phone in my pocket and then trying to arrange the dongle so it's not strained or tangled. And on top of all that you get bit perfect playback and the most easy to tweak PEQ I've ever used. And actually good filters too! It's an insane value and I love the aesthetics too. It just feels good to hold and use.

[@hoover9390]

i will never skip ur videos

[@lofasz3328]

1:17:50 question about the headphones. I don't have large ears, but do the circular cups on some of these go over most peoples ears? Ears are oval shaped and I know some headsets/headphones are not over the ear because they've got small circular cups. Anyone have an experiences with some of these? My next question is whether any of these have mesh ear pads for better breathability. Or where to find that as an option for those of us who spend a lot of time on the computer for work/games.

[@Ryan-iv5fr]

man I want those refines so bad. Hope they for some reason come back out

[@GadgetryTech]

There is a chance! I've asked and I know they're trying to see if they can secure more inventory.

[@Ryan-iv5fr]

@ Oh no way, great news! Thanks! I’m also kind of torn on either possibly waiting for those then or just purchasing the AR5000’s.

[@kyotaro8oenagi]

35:34 is not a cloud 3 wireless but cloud 2 wireless headset model used

[@chepesk132004]

Thanks for this documental .

[@GadgetryTech]

Glad to be of service! 😁

[@joshs2235]

How do the Sennheiser HD 599 Special Edition compare to the other open back options? They sometimes go on sale for about $85 and seem like they could be a great value pick

[@TC-bz8sm]

Nice review! Just to make sure quedelix is better than xd05 T? Could elaborate a bit more tks

[@sageproductions3560]

Hey man, I love your content. It has been very educational since I've been shopping around for an FPS. After seeing your video on the Acezone A-spire wireless headset I went ahead on grabbed it. I was looking for any EQ presets for R6 Siege, but I couldn't find one. I saw in your squiglink that it was marked as coming soon. I am sure your extremely busy, but is there a set date I along any others could expect that EQ to be released? I play on the PS5 using the "nightmode" dynamic range from the in-game audio settings. Thanks again for all you're awesome content!!

[@GadgetryTech]

I'll definitely try to release one when I can. I haven't forgotten but it takes me a good 40 hours or so to measure, create, test, etc... Hopefully January!

[@sageproductions3560]

@@GadgetryTechthank you for the update, I will keep my eye out for it. Again thank you so much you are the GOAT!!

[@MagicznyRudy]

@GadgetryTech Please help me choose headphones for games and music Sennheiser HD 490 PRO or aune AR5000 ?

[@GiulioKhan]

The Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ is super interesting. I watched your in-depth review on it and am wondering if you've tested it at a keyboard setup. Does it pick up a lot of the switch noise from a mechanical keyboard?

[@Zaggetsu]

Would you recommend the R2R or the normal version of the K11 for Fiio FT1 Pro's? I love the FT1 Pro sound signature and haven't needed to adjust it at all.

[@chronicmayhem]

i watched the whole thing 👍

[@GadgetryTech]

LEGEND

[@Jzwiz]

Just ordered the watch box you showed, grabbed the black and red one. Was looking for something like this cause i started collecting iems. Also can verify the tripowin zonie cables are fire, grabbed a purple 3.5 and a blue 4.4. The sennheiser hd599 often go on sale for 90-99 dollars but i never see anyone mention them, are they that bad? Grabbed a pair to use for discord/ps5 games

[@TheDolphinzFan]

Of the IEMs can you recommend one with a more narrow nozzle. I have the crinacle blue and the nozzle is bit wide for me. Looking for sim racing game emersion maybe a little heavy on the bass.

[@urdogwaterbruh8361]

Man i can’t decide from the Maxwells or beyerdynamics mmx 300 pros.. i used Astro a40 for 12 years and im ready to change. I play on xbox and mainly FPS games.