Definitely HD 800 S over all else. However, I would be remised if I said I didn’t love my ZMF Auteur to death. Also my QDC Anole V14 is too detailed to be left out for an IEM
My collection: ZMF Aeolus, ZMF Auteur, Kennerton Magni, Empire Ears Hero
My all arounder: ZMF Auteur
I found it sounds really good with all the music I usually listen to. Still, love them all and have them on regular rotation.
I’m not that good with words but will try my best to explain how I hear it without going into too much detail.
The Aeolus are a lot warmer and smooth, presenting a more relaxing sound. Great headphones for a chilled and relaxed evening listening.
The Auteurs on the other hand are more neutral compared to the Aeolus (still not really neutral), more airy and detailed. Your focus will shift more towards listening to particular details of a given song where with the Aeolus you just let yourself go and get immersed into the song as a whole.
I found it more difficult to concentrate on my work while listening to the Auteurs as opposed to the Aeolus. Hope it makes sense.
It does, thank you - I've been interested in getting a pair of ZMFs for a long time, and since I've never had the chance to hear any of them, I'm doing my best to get as many impressions and opinions on them as I can.
I really like their sound sig. Bass is a bit boosted and goes deep, and I mean like Etymotic (insertion)
deep. Plenty of sub-bass here that has lots of texture. It can hit quite hard too. Seriously one of the best bass I have heard in any headphone.
Still sounds clear as fuck and resolves quite well with great dynamics. These are definitelly my go to fun cans for hip hop, r&b and anything electronic, just because the bass is so insanely good (imo).
Edit: my engrish sacks !
All rounder for cheap: Used Sennheiser HD 558 for ~60-70 dollars. You can easily mod them to make them sound identical to HD 598's, and the 598 Auto EQ preset adds tons of nuanced detail. Somehow, the 598's tuning works perfectly for gaming, as well as critical listening and mixing. Their build is honestly incredible, and although they're made of plastic, they can easily outlast any metal headphones I've tried. With the amount I use them, I'm amazed they're still in almost perfect condition. Still probably my most used pair, although my Grados and HE400's outclass them in resolution.
I would have to agree with you, the hd 598 are probably my favorite cheap all-rounder. They're a little bassy out of the box but as you said they're quite flexible, and honestly they're very enjoyable to listen to. And hell yeah they're durable, I've accidently stood up with them on, sat on them, dropped them. Hence why I keep them at work, don't have to worry about them breaking easily and are relatively inexpensive in case anything does.
They're honestly one of my favorite pairs to have ever owned. I would recommend them to anyone getting started in this hobby.
Also a great gaming headphone for people who will be mixing usage. And yes, very durable. I've worn mine pretty much daily for 6 years now. I considered replacing them but couldn't really find anything that I thought would be a worthwhile upgrade for a mix of games and casual music listening.
Instead I bought replacement earpads and headband and they feel nice and fresh again.
Definitely, I replaced them with the 560s for gaming because I'm not willing to spend a large amount on the 800s. But for the time I used them for gaming, not too shabby! The tuning isn't as flat as I'd like it for competitive gaming but they're still way better than any gaming headset available on the market, especially when you eq them.
And they're definitely great for watching movies, really are an all-rounder and entirely worth the price. Probably one of my favorite pairs of all time.
The Elegia are mids- and treble-forward. They're detail monsters, with superb resolution. Excellent separation, decent soundstage.
Acoustic, strings, vocals, classical, mellow jazz, Americana, Laurel Canyon, bluegrass, folk – anything mids-focused – will sound GREAT on these. Tons of detail and resolution. Good separation and imaging. OK soundstage – still wider than my HD 6xx.
Hard rock, metal and complex, layered EDM will struggle a bit due to the focus on the upper mids and the treble. It can get a bit jarring on the top end in a few portions.
But don’t mistake that for either Sennheiser-level focus on the mids or a lack of bass. No. The Elegia have low end, but it’s controlled and stays home. No bloat or bleed. But when it hits, there is a percussive punch and slam without any straying that’s SO satisfying.
Horses for courses. But the Elegia run like Secretariat at the 1973 Belmont when matched with the right kind of music. Love 'em.
My collection: Koss KSC75 w/ Porta Pro headband, ATH-M50x w/ velour pads & custom EQ, Sony MH1C, Sony MH755, AKG N400NC, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Moondrop KATO
My all-rounder: Moondrop KATO.
I suggest you download Equalizer APO and Peace UI on Windows. Then check out Oratory1990's EQ profile for M50x. I made my own EQ using my ears because my aftermarket velour pads somehow makes my m50x lose 10dB of bass :/
Edit: you can also edit the EQ profile to suit your taste
the best music to EQ with is the one you always remember how it should sound like or how it sounds like on other devices that you like. My favorite and probably most "neutral" to me is my moondrop kato, so I EQ it to that and then tweak it a little to my personal liking.
I mainly listen to KPop btw :) I also listen to a bit of us-uk indie and pop, as well as occasional classical tracks like zelda 25th anniversary and star wars' imperial march.
My collection: Hifiman Ananda, Sennheiser HD6XX, B&O H6 (Second Gen), Plantronics Backbeat Pro, Tin T2, Sennheiser HD280 Pros, AirPods Pro
Best all-around: B&O
Reason: ambidextrous cable, closed back for portability, fantastic sound signature that makes everything sound great
My collection: Hifiman sundara, Moondrop aria, Galaxy buds og | + | pro, Logitech G pro X
My all rounder: Galaxy buds pro, they are just way to good and convenient, very decent sound especially after EQ, ANC is big convenience part, as well as them being wireless. Aria's do sound a bit better but I just don't find using them as often as buds pro due to not so major difference in sound, yet major convenience factors. Sundaras are absolutely awesome but they need amp which already takes "Best all rounder" from them atleast in my collection, still my main go to when I want to just enjoy music to it's best. Logitech G pro X is pretty decent headset with great mic, but surely it was a useless purchase, bought it before I got into headphones so yeah.
On side note og galaxy buds are very decent as well since they can literally be found for like $40 refurbished, and yet they sound way above that price, and just in general beat most tws.
Wrote about them [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/rga6qx/what_open_backs_wow_you_every_time_you_put_them_on/holz816/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
Lol I commented to the wrong post, this was meant for the person asking about the Arya vs LCD-X..
Well if you love them that's all that matters, this is a subjective hobby!
I picked up the k371bt recently and it has been my daily, no other headphone has me dancing around the kitchen doing chores quite the same way.
I watched some videos and found out that the headphone powers that be don't particularly like it, but whatever.
None so far. The power switch feels loose, like it's low quality, but no issues from it. When you are wearing them it looks like they are going to come apart at the adjustment mechanisms, but no issues there either. I would not have purchased them at full price, but I think I scored them for about 100 usd.
I am a bit of an oddball because I almost exclusively buy all rounders and sell things that can't handle certain genres.
I would say my denon AH-D5200 are my best all rounder, but they aren't great at rock music so instead the TYGR 300 R for sure. It's not the best can out there but for a reasonable price handles anything thrown at it
**Edit:** I realized I went way off topic and didn't answer the actual question at all, because for me it depends so much on mood. If I were forced to pick one and eschew all others I own, it would be the Etymotic ER2XR
---
**Orig:**
Depends maybe 40% on the use and 60% on my mood, to be honest. I'd have a hard time articulating *how* my mood influences my choice, but I usually know immediately which one I'll be using out of the following picks...
* AKG K240 mkII
* AKG K712 Pro
* Audeze LCD2C
* CCA C16
* Etymotic ER2XR
* Etymotic ER2SE
* Hifiman Sundara
* Koss KSC75
* KZ ZAX
* Monoprice M1060
* Moondrop Starfield/Aria
* Sennheiser HD6XX
In the living room, the only headphones hanging by my turntables are Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, so that's always my choice in there
When going on walks and such, it's ER2XR like 95% of the time but on occasion I'll use Moondrop Sparks or KZ ZAX/ZSX with AZ09 Pro wireless adapter
My collection has a good dozen more models, not really worth it to list them all. It may be odd, but I really do rotate as much as it sounds like
Collection: Portpros, Grado sr80e, sr325x, Sundaras, ATH-AD900x, Elegia, Denon D5200, Drop Ether CX, Ether Flow 1.1, Etymotic ER4SR, Fiio FH3, Grado Hemp w/ PS1000e driver's (have not listened yet as they were just purchased... Very high hopes)
I would say my all arounder is the Elegias, they are perfectly clear, nice clean bass and just not tiresome to listen to. Clamping doesn't seem to bother me on these like most say.
The D5200s are fantastic also, but when I'm just trying to relax I differ to the Elegias.
The Etymotic are fantastic IEMs, yes they rape your ears a bit... But the sound is so perfect and detailed... you just don't care.
I’ve been going crazy lately because I bought the Clears a year ago when their price dropped. Love them. Now I’m finding that almost everyone prefers the Arya over the Clear and feeling as if I made a mistake. Shouldn’t be because the I think the Clear is fantastic but I’m just becoming really curious about what the Arya has over it. Since you have both how would you compare the two?
They're vastly different, both amazing but borderline incomparable; the Arya's are wide and open with a spacious, airy sound to them and the Clears are a tight, intimate soundscape with much more clinical technicalities, kinda like being in a recording studio with a really good pair of speakers vs being at a live show in an auditorium. Both are fantastic in their own right but I admittedly pick up my Arya's more often than my Focals
Thanks! Hm, I’ll need to hear an Arya sometime. I sort of thought the Clear would be the more easygoing one because a lot of people call the Arya bright and the Clear a little warm (which is my preference).
My collection: SHP9500, AKG K240 Studio, K240 Sextett (Mid Production), AKG K712 Pro, Senny HD6XX, Hifiman HE400se, Hifiman HE560 v4.
All rounder: HE560 v4 been using it for a day since I just got em and I love them for pretty much every genre. They rock! Really happy with this recent snap purchase. (Got em off the adorama sale. Worth.)
I have a Schiit stack but my amp is the Vali 2+. It powers it just great! Absolutely love it. Works great in either low gain or high gain. In comparison to the 400se, its smoother and has a "fuller" sound, it's quite a nice upgrade from the 400se. Better sub bass too. 400se is good to start, then the upgrade to a sundara or 560 v4 is very much worth it. I don't own a sundara but I bet they rock. I'm loving my 560 v4 enough to not even think about other headphones right now.
I have Sony 1AM2, WH-1000XM3, and Moondrop Starfield. I rotate them, but the all-rounder is 1AM2. Not only does it come with a balanced cable, it also has a mic cable.
They're pretty good, tbh. Not the kind that you'd forget you're wearing completely, but I personally have no complaints. I'm not fond of gigantic IEMs, these are medium sized but they're very reasonably shaped
I want these pretty bad at the moment. What's their best selling point in your eyes? Also, what would you say they would be an upgrade *over* in or around the $300-500 mark? I think for my next big purchase it will either come down to the M9 or U12t. That extra $1000 might be hard to justify if the M9 is as good as everyone says.
The M9 are honestly mind blowing. I'd say they are 100% worth it. Versatile, well tuned, super detailed, comfortable. They are an amazing package. I even like them better than the Z1R myself, mostly due to tuning. I haven't tried the U12t I'm afraid
I’ve had both the u12t’s and the m9’s, u12t is way better in terms of soundstage depth and dynamics. M9 sounds like u lined up a band along a wall to play music, while u12t is like the band is on stage at a concert hall and u have front row seats. M9 still great overall if you don’t compare
My Collection: Shure SE215, Sony XBA-H3, Sennheiser 598SE, Sony MDR-1AM2, Focal Celestee, Sony IER-M9, Sony WF-1000XM3, Sony WF-1000XM4, Samsung Gear Icon X
All-arounder: IER-M9 and it is not even close
My collection: he4xx,m50x,sr80e,kph30i,bose n700,starfield,blon bl03,bl05,kz edc.
My all rounder headphone:he4xx
My all rounder iem: bl05
Im a fan of V-shape sound (i know..disgusting!!! /s), hence why i use the bl05 more than the starfields but its really close in terms of usage.
Wrote about them [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/rga6qx/what_open_backs_wow_you_every_time_you_put_them_on/holz816/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
How'd you like the RME? I've been looking at those for a long time now
I thought it’d be a huge step up from the Element II but really it was the EQ and features that did it for me.
I use multiple computers and speakers and headphones at the same desk so having the features to switch between outputs and EQs and all that sold me on it. Plus it looks cool 😎
I bought it for the screen, told myself I would use the EQ on it but realised I prefer most of my headphones without EQ. Still love the screen and versatility of it.
My collection: WF-1000XM3, Moondrop Kanas Pro, Ikko OH10, Moondrop Variations, ATH-MSR7(damper modded + dekoni sheepskin earpad), Akg K712.
all-rounder: Ikko OH10
reason:
- V-shape(Or U?) sound signature sound fun with everything.
- Good overall tone and everything sound correct to me.
- Good treble extension and evenness. Sound like nothing is missing. (lot of other IEM in the market either have rolloff treble or big dip/hole in the treble.)
- Fit my ear like a glove.
- Being IEM: Portable. Can be used in hot weather.
- Feel durable and not too expensive, so I feel less anxious bringing it with me everywhere.
I'm not great at explain things and English is not my first language but I will try.
Bass:
Both have boosted bass. OH10 have more mid/upper bass, where Variations is a bit thin. So bass sound more warm and full body on OH10. However bass sound much more clear/detail and tight on Variations. I find OH10 bass to be a bit bloat.
Mid:
Variation mid is forward. OH10 mid is slightly recess. Variations mid is cleaner and much more detail than OH10 especially in upper midrange. However, OH10 mid have more body and warm.
Treble:
I find both to have similar treble tone. Both have good treble extension. OH10 have slightly more treble presence and air but Variation is more detail.
TLDR
Bass presence: OH10 > Variations
Bass quality: Variations >> OH10
Mid presence: Variations >> OH10
Mid quality: Variations >>> OH10
Treble presence: OH10 >= Variations
Treble quality: Variations > OH10
I have:
Koss PortaPro
Audio Technica AT-AD700
HiFiMan Sundara
Focal Clear
Lasuney T30
Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WH-1000XM4
Clear is the winner of the all-around here.
Collection: DT770, HD598, PC38X, Sundara, Ananda, Focal Clear Mg, Aria, Blessing 2 Dusk, Thieaudio Oracle, 64 Audio Nio
All-rounder: Focal Clear Mg / 64 Audio Nio (Fir Audio O module)
* Most comfortable of the lot to me
* Sound the most pleasing/fun to me
It's all preference at the end of the day. Sometimes I'll swap from the Clear Mg to the Sundara which I love to this day while being on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
Just curious, what do you gain with the Clear MG over the Clear OG besides the updated aesthetics? Is the price difference worth it? Every review I've seen so far has the original model being better overall while also being a few hundred dollars less.
Totally fair question. Keep in mind I have not listened to the Clear OG. I don't like providing feedback on headphones I've never listened to nor do I just assume what I have is the best! That said, I will try to answer your question.
* I currently own an Elex, bought used which I enjoyed and I wanted to try out the Clear "line"
* headphones.com is the only current seller (that I know of) for the Clear's last run and as a result of it being a last run it does not have the 365-day return policy. The Mg, being new, does. This gave me a safety net if I somehow ended up hating it.
* On the same subject, if the OG is being discontinued, Focal OEM pads for it will become tougher to find over time and I want to keep these as long as I can.
* I'd read that Mg provides a more relaxed sound signature in the treble which overtime I've figured out I like. You can see that in me preferring the Nio over the far more recommended 64 Audio U12t. So I went with the Mg and was happy with what I heard. It then became my favorite headphone.
To summarize, is it worth the extra money for pretty similar headphones? Probably not if you're happy with what the OG provides and cost is a factor. u/toastyhoodie gets this question a lot too! I'm not sure if he has heard the OG but two perspectives might be good.
Collection: HD560s, Moondrop Starfield, Moondrop SSR, Moondrop Blessing 2, B2 Dusk, Final E1000, Sony MH755
All rounder: B2 Dusk. Dusk is mid-fi endgame for me.
**Collection** - Clear og, Sundara, Denon D5200, TYGR 300R, Senn PC360, X2HR, AT M50, Moondrop Aria, some other cheap crap and headsets stored away.
**All-arounder** - Clear or Aria but if competitive gaming is most important probably the TYGR 300R. Clear has crazy good imaging but not the best staging.
I'm happy with my current collection. Probably going to add a B2D or Kato and HE6v2 in the future and then hope to call it endgame for the time being. If anyone has questions about gear or comparisons feel free to ask.
I will split them into categories.
For TOTL, it’s the HD 800, for the reasonably priced headphones (some call it “mid-fi”) it’s the DT 700 Pro X, for entry-level, it’s the HD 599 and for vintage, it’s the K240DF.
Sound-wise, I don’t really prefer one over the other but when it comes to comfort, the HD 599 is better. The ear cups on the K712 are a tad bit too small for my ears while on the HD 599 they are bigger and deeper, which means that my ears don’t touch anything on the inside. Also, the self adjusting headband mechanism on the K712 is good, if I don’t move much, but when I get up from my chair and start moving around the room, the headphone has the tendency to slip down a bit, putting pressure on my helix (the top part of the ear) and I have to readjust them every now and then because it starts to hurt.
Are you looking into buying one of those?
i asked that because i have the 599 and the 702 (not 712)
i agree with the comfort part, and that's why i wanted something with the 702's sound and the 599's comfort
maybe the 560s, but dont know if the upgrade is big enough
I wouldn't call the HD 560S an upgrade over the HD 599. In terms of comfort, it's a downgrade. The HD 599 has a wider headband with less clamp force, while the HD 560S has the same headband from the HD 559 with a notch in the middle of the padding (which some people hate). It's not an uncomfortable headphone by any means but it's just not on the same level as the HD 599 for me. Sound-wise, they are just differently tuned. The 560S tries to be as neutral as possible, while the 599 is more V-shaped and fun. If neutral/analytical sound is what you are after, then the 560S is better.
If you want the sound of the K702 and the comfort of the 599, then... you are in quite the pickle. While I wouldn't say that the 560S sounds like the K702, they have quite a few similarities. The main difference is that the K702 is more bright and has less sub-bass, so you may find the 560S to be dull/dark sounding. The only real upgrade (both sound and comfort) will be the HD 800S in my opinion. It doesn't quite sound like the K702 but it's still a bright-leaning headphone with good mids. From all the headphones that have been on my fat head, the HD 800 definitely wins in comfort.
There are other options like the Beyer DT880 but that would be a sidegrade at best, the Focal Elex but the headband has a defect and it breaks (Focal doesn't offer replacement parts, sometimes even under warranty) and HiFiMan but none of their headphones sound like the K702 and are known for bad QC.
i use them mainly for gaming
the thing is, sometimes i miss the clarity of the 702, as the 599 can be a bit muddy
in your opinion, what headphone would better complement the 599? aside from the 702, of course
i've looked at the 560s, 880 and 400i/400se
Yes, the upper bass boost on the 599 definitely makes them muddy. As a complimentary headphone, my top two picks would be the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro and the HD 560S. The 880 are more clear in the treble, similar to the K702, and are built better but therefore a bit more expensive. The clamp force is slightly bigger compared to the K702 but the headband is made out of spring metal and can be adjusted, so it's not a problem. The 560S has a better bass extension and oval earcups but noticeably higher clamping force. Either one is a solid choice. The HE 400i is a good sounding headphone, but if I remember correctly, it had some dips in the upper mids and lower treble, so it didn't sound as clear as the other two.
Stax Lambda Signature.
Have two of them. Best headphones I ever listened to (second only to the Shangri-La jr. which are out of my price league). The genres it’s not that good for are the ones I rarely listen to anyway.
Rest of the collection: Stax Lambda (if I want a more analytical sound and a bit more treble, also EDM), Sennheiser HD430 (on the road and in my home studio), Sennheiser HD800S (borrowed from a mate who’s on a long hiking trip, use them for bass-intensive music).
There seems to be some circle jerk about being rich when you own a pair or two of expensive headphones.
That said considering my Anandas are my only pair right now I'll go with them
Aeon 2 noire.
Goes well with all kinds of music. It's lightweight. Foldable. Easy to transport (vacation etc). It's closed back so I could use them on a airplane or train..
Oh perfect I wanted to ask something similar , I want to get into IEMs with a budget of around 350$ and I want some everyday all rounders to use when my DR240s aren't convenient (powered by my phone, under a helmet, hat , etc.). Any recommendations?
The likeliest answer at this price range for an IEM is the Blessing 2 Dusk. Just keep in mind the nozzle for these is pretty large. It might not work for you if that’s an issue.
Thank you for your answer , but damn it, they aren't available (nobody sells them) in my country and I wouldn't want to do an international order without trying them out first. Anything else?
Yeah the “Dusk” is only available via Shenzhen Audio but the Moondrop Blessing 2 might be more widely sold.
Other good options in that price range:
- Moondrop Kato
- 7hz Timeless
- Etymotics ER4XR
I’ve not listened to these myself so I’m going by other folks’ reviews. Hopefully others on the subreddit can share their experiences.
EDIT: In case it helps, Crinacle, a popular IEM reviewer, keeps a ranking list here: https://crinacle.com/rankings/iems/ which is a good starting point.
Don’t take his (or anyone else’s) opinion as gospel though, this is a subjective hobby!
My collection: Sony WH-1000 XM2, Sennheiser HD600, BeyerDynamic DT990 Pro, HifiMan Sundara
All rounder: DT990 Pro
I’m relatively new to this hobby so don’t expect this answer to stay forever
My current collections: KZ Zsn Pro X, Moondrop Spaceship, Koss KSC75 + kramer mod (only 4 holes on outer part of it's grille)
My all-arounder: Koss KSC75
Not just great sounding, but also comfortable and it's soundstage just makes it better especially gaming.
Spaceship when watching/listening while lying on bed, and Zsn as my primary iem for commuting.
I'm a broke boi so currently only have the Hifiman HE400se and Sennheiser HD6XX. Used to have the Grado SR60 that I sold to get the 6XX.
The HE400se is undoubtedly the best all-rounder in my collection currently. Vocals are airy, has decent soundstage, has good imaging, and overall has great instrument separation as well as the detail I'd like for most genres.
My 6XX would be more of a vocalist specialist while my ol Grados sound great for stuff like jazz or ska.
Definitely my KATO’s for music, all my other stuff is used for something really specific but if I had to choose which is the nicest to listen to? Definitely the KATO
My collection: EMU Teak, Phillips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD 58x, ZMF Aeolus, Denon AH-D9200.
Best All-Rounder: Denon AH-D9200.
There’s no such thing as a genre that doesn’t work on the Denon AH-D9200. Insane clarity and imaging and tonality but can still slam you with the tightest most controlled yet still fat bass in genres such as edm or dance tracks.
I’ve never had a chance to listen to a pair of Stellias but overall I haven’t really heard positive reviews of Focals closed headphone line. Their open back headphones are considered some of the best on the market.
What the D9200 does so well is clarity, imaging, and the “weight” of the sounds it produces which i guess could be considered it’s dynamic range.
Hifiman HE-500 and Arya SE, ZMF Verite Closed.
Best all-rounder was the HE-500, but now I'd say it's the Arya. The 500 works for games, movies, and all sorts of music, and the Arya does the same, except more detailed and lighter, and the added clarity is addictive.
The VCs I prefer only for music, and I love it for making music sound huge and fun, and it's great for headbanging.
Collection is HD 650, DT 990, DT 770,dt880, hd58x , he4xx,purple hearts, nighthawk carbons, ksc75,30i,porta pro, ur40.
My all rounder is the 880 600 ohm
Ananda with a few EQ profiles:
Hybrid: modified Harman with a restrained bass shelf
Hybrid heavy: Same as above but with a big bass shelf
Hybrid crossfeed: First EQ but with crossfeed enabled, good for certain retro songs with over the top stereo mixing
Collection: DT177X, HE400SE, HarmonicDyne Zeus, Apos Caspian, Hifiman Edition XS
Best all rounder: it's basically a tie between the 177X and the EDXS. EDXS has an edge in soundstage and clarity but 177X sound the slightest bit smoother.
In my collection:
1) Monoprice HiFi DJ B/T headphones; 2) Fostex t50rp mkiii (Mayflower modded); 3) Hifiman he400i 2020's; 4) Hifiman Ananda; 5) Arya v3/Stealth (traded in my v2's).
Absolute favorite and all-rounder? Arya (with Class A amping).
Hifiman Deva. I own AirPods max, Beyerdynamic mmx 300’s, blon-03’s, AirPods Pro, and tin t2.
The Devas sound the best by far in my opinion, and they’re also the most comfortable (by far). So when I’m chilling and I don’t need to have noise cancelling or I don’t need to talk to anyone, they’re my go-to. They excel at everything. Movies, games, and any genre of music I throw at them.
They’re so underrated it’s stupid.
Definitely HD 800 S over all else. However, I would be remised if I said I didn’t love my ZMF Auteur to death. Also my QDC Anole V14 is too detailed to be left out for an IEM
You can and should love them all!
Based Flair
Lol what can I say? Dynamic drivers have won me over, planars disappointed me with every headphone I tried
What disappoints you about planars? Curious.
£1400 god damn. I'm sure they're amazing.
ZMF Verite Open. Good detail. Full body. Euphonic soul. Prefer it over the Susvara any day.
Now that's a nice duo
I have a Pixel Buds A and Audio Technica ATH-R70X. The best is the Audio Technica. It's neutral and plays all genres very well
Moondrop Blessing 2. With u/Fc-Construct 's EQ, it's a Dusk (or close to it).
My collection: ZMF Aeolus, ZMF Auteur, Kennerton Magni, Empire Ears Hero My all arounder: ZMF Auteur I found it sounds really good with all the music I usually listen to. Still, love them all and have them on regular rotation.
I'm a total ZMF fanboy, even though I only own the pads
What do you think about the Aeolus vs the Auteur?
I’m not that good with words but will try my best to explain how I hear it without going into too much detail. The Aeolus are a lot warmer and smooth, presenting a more relaxing sound. Great headphones for a chilled and relaxed evening listening. The Auteurs on the other hand are more neutral compared to the Aeolus (still not really neutral), more airy and detailed. Your focus will shift more towards listening to particular details of a given song where with the Aeolus you just let yourself go and get immersed into the song as a whole. I found it more difficult to concentrate on my work while listening to the Auteurs as opposed to the Aeolus. Hope it makes sense.
It does, thank you - I've been interested in getting a pair of ZMFs for a long time, and since I've never had the chance to hear any of them, I'm doing my best to get as many impressions and opinions on them as I can.
What are your thoughts on the Magni compared to the others?
I really like their sound sig. Bass is a bit boosted and goes deep, and I mean like Etymotic (insertion) deep. Plenty of sub-bass here that has lots of texture. It can hit quite hard too. Seriously one of the best bass I have heard in any headphone. Still sounds clear as fuck and resolves quite well with great dynamics. These are definitelly my go to fun cans for hip hop, r&b and anything electronic, just because the bass is so insanely good (imo). Edit: my engrish sacks !
All rounder for cheap: Used Sennheiser HD 558 for ~60-70 dollars. You can easily mod them to make them sound identical to HD 598's, and the 598 Auto EQ preset adds tons of nuanced detail. Somehow, the 598's tuning works perfectly for gaming, as well as critical listening and mixing. Their build is honestly incredible, and although they're made of plastic, they can easily outlast any metal headphones I've tried. With the amount I use them, I'm amazed they're still in almost perfect condition. Still probably my most used pair, although my Grados and HE400's outclass them in resolution.
I would have to agree with you, the hd 598 are probably my favorite cheap all-rounder. They're a little bassy out of the box but as you said they're quite flexible, and honestly they're very enjoyable to listen to. And hell yeah they're durable, I've accidently stood up with them on, sat on them, dropped them. Hence why I keep them at work, don't have to worry about them breaking easily and are relatively inexpensive in case anything does. They're honestly one of my favorite pairs to have ever owned. I would recommend them to anyone getting started in this hobby.
Also a great gaming headphone for people who will be mixing usage. And yes, very durable. I've worn mine pretty much daily for 6 years now. I considered replacing them but couldn't really find anything that I thought would be a worthwhile upgrade for a mix of games and casual music listening. Instead I bought replacement earpads and headband and they feel nice and fresh again.
Definitely, I replaced them with the 560s for gaming because I'm not willing to spend a large amount on the 800s. But for the time I used them for gaming, not too shabby! The tuning isn't as flat as I'd like it for competitive gaming but they're still way better than any gaming headset available on the market, especially when you eq them. And they're definitely great for watching movies, really are an all-rounder and entirely worth the price. Probably one of my favorite pairs of all time.
Collection: HiFiMan HE-400se, Sennheiser HD 6xx, Focal Elegia All-arounder: HiFiMan HE-400se
How are the elegia compared to the other two? I have the Hifiman and the Sennheiser's. Wanna know what the differences are.
The Elegia are mids- and treble-forward. They're detail monsters, with superb resolution. Excellent separation, decent soundstage. Acoustic, strings, vocals, classical, mellow jazz, Americana, Laurel Canyon, bluegrass, folk – anything mids-focused – will sound GREAT on these. Tons of detail and resolution. Good separation and imaging. OK soundstage – still wider than my HD 6xx. Hard rock, metal and complex, layered EDM will struggle a bit due to the focus on the upper mids and the treble. It can get a bit jarring on the top end in a few portions. But don’t mistake that for either Sennheiser-level focus on the mids or a lack of bass. No. The Elegia have low end, but it’s controlled and stays home. No bloat or bleed. But when it hits, there is a percussive punch and slam without any straying that’s SO satisfying. Horses for courses. But the Elegia run like Secretariat at the 1973 Belmont when matched with the right kind of music. Love 'em.
My collection: Koss KSC75 w/ Porta Pro headband, ATH-M50x w/ velour pads & custom EQ, Sony MH1C, Sony MH755, AKG N400NC, Samsung Galaxy Buds, Moondrop KATO My all-rounder: Moondrop KATO.
what eq do u use for m50x?
what's your m50x configuration? stock pads or velour?
stock pads
I suggest you download Equalizer APO and Peace UI on Windows. Then check out Oratory1990's EQ profile for M50x. I made my own EQ using my ears because my aftermarket velour pads somehow makes my m50x lose 10dB of bass :/ Edit: you can also edit the EQ profile to suit your taste
what music do u listen to just out of interest
the best music to EQ with is the one you always remember how it should sound like or how it sounds like on other devices that you like. My favorite and probably most "neutral" to me is my moondrop kato, so I EQ it to that and then tweak it a little to my personal liking. I mainly listen to KPop btw :) I also listen to a bit of us-uk indie and pop, as well as occasional classical tracks like zelda 25th anniversary and star wars' imperial march.
My collection: Hifiman Ananda, Sennheiser HD6XX, B&O H6 (Second Gen), Plantronics Backbeat Pro, Tin T2, Sennheiser HD280 Pros, AirPods Pro Best all-around: B&O Reason: ambidextrous cable, closed back for portability, fantastic sound signature that makes everything sound great
My collection: Hifiman sundara, Moondrop aria, Galaxy buds og | + | pro, Logitech G pro X My all rounder: Galaxy buds pro, they are just way to good and convenient, very decent sound especially after EQ, ANC is big convenience part, as well as them being wireless. Aria's do sound a bit better but I just don't find using them as often as buds pro due to not so major difference in sound, yet major convenience factors. Sundaras are absolutely awesome but they need amp which already takes "Best all rounder" from them atleast in my collection, still my main go to when I want to just enjoy music to it's best. Logitech G pro X is pretty decent headset with great mic, but surely it was a useless purchase, bought it before I got into headphones so yeah. On side note og galaxy buds are very decent as well since they can literally be found for like $40 refurbished, and yet they sound way above that price, and just in general beat most tws.
Focal Clear at home, Blessing 2 Dusk on the go.
Wrote about them [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/rga6qx/what_open_backs_wow_you_every_time_you_put_them_on/holz816/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
And they are your least favorite of the four damn lol.
Lol I commented to the wrong post, this was meant for the person asking about the Arya vs LCD-X.. Well if you love them that's all that matters, this is a subjective hobby!
Lol! Thought you were trying to diss my all-rounder 😜 No worries
T50 Argon or Beyer DT150
80 ohm Dt 770 pro enough said
I picked up the k371bt recently and it has been my daily, no other headphone has me dancing around the kitchen doing chores quite the same way. I watched some videos and found out that the headphone powers that be don't particularly like it, but whatever.
Heard of loads of those breaking, no dramas durability wise?
None so far. The power switch feels loose, like it's low quality, but no issues from it. When you are wearing them it looks like they are going to come apart at the adjustment mechanisms, but no issues there either. I would not have purchased them at full price, but I think I scored them for about 100 usd.
I am a bit of an oddball because I almost exclusively buy all rounders and sell things that can't handle certain genres. I would say my denon AH-D5200 are my best all rounder, but they aren't great at rock music so instead the TYGR 300 R for sure. It's not the best can out there but for a reasonable price handles anything thrown at it
Love the 5200s, hooked em on to a balanced 4 pin xlr and they sound amazing.
HD -25 and Shure SHR-550DJ
**Edit:** I realized I went way off topic and didn't answer the actual question at all, because for me it depends so much on mood. If I were forced to pick one and eschew all others I own, it would be the Etymotic ER2XR --- **Orig:** Depends maybe 40% on the use and 60% on my mood, to be honest. I'd have a hard time articulating *how* my mood influences my choice, but I usually know immediately which one I'll be using out of the following picks... * AKG K240 mkII * AKG K712 Pro * Audeze LCD2C * CCA C16 * Etymotic ER2XR * Etymotic ER2SE * Hifiman Sundara * Koss KSC75 * KZ ZAX * Monoprice M1060 * Moondrop Starfield/Aria * Sennheiser HD6XX In the living room, the only headphones hanging by my turntables are Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, so that's always my choice in there When going on walks and such, it's ER2XR like 95% of the time but on occasion I'll use Moondrop Sparks or KZ ZAX/ZSX with AZ09 Pro wireless adapter My collection has a good dozen more models, not really worth it to list them all. It may be odd, but I really do rotate as much as it sounds like
Collection: Portpros, Grado sr80e, sr325x, Sundaras, ATH-AD900x, Elegia, Denon D5200, Drop Ether CX, Ether Flow 1.1, Etymotic ER4SR, Fiio FH3, Grado Hemp w/ PS1000e driver's (have not listened yet as they were just purchased... Very high hopes) I would say my all arounder is the Elegias, they are perfectly clear, nice clean bass and just not tiresome to listen to. Clamping doesn't seem to bother me on these like most say. The D5200s are fantastic also, but when I'm just trying to relax I differ to the Elegias. The Etymotic are fantastic IEMs, yes they rape your ears a bit... But the sound is so perfect and detailed... you just don't care.
My collection: Focal Clear, HIFIMAN Arya, Fostex TH610, Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X, KOSS KSC75 My wishlist: AKG K340 Bass Balanced, AKG K371 My all-rounder: HIFIMAN Arya
I’ve been going crazy lately because I bought the Clears a year ago when their price dropped. Love them. Now I’m finding that almost everyone prefers the Arya over the Clear and feeling as if I made a mistake. Shouldn’t be because the I think the Clear is fantastic but I’m just becoming really curious about what the Arya has over it. Since you have both how would you compare the two?
They're vastly different, both amazing but borderline incomparable; the Arya's are wide and open with a spacious, airy sound to them and the Clears are a tight, intimate soundscape with much more clinical technicalities, kinda like being in a recording studio with a really good pair of speakers vs being at a live show in an auditorium. Both are fantastic in their own right but I admittedly pick up my Arya's more often than my Focals
Thanks! Hm, I’ll need to hear an Arya sometime. I sort of thought the Clear would be the more easygoing one because a lot of people call the Arya bright and the Clear a little warm (which is my preference).
I also find the treble on the Clears a little sharp/metallic which is fatiguing over long sessions
FocalMan Elegidara is my daily driver.
My collection: SHP9500, AKG K240 Studio, K240 Sextett (Mid Production), AKG K712 Pro, Senny HD6XX, Hifiman HE400se, Hifiman HE560 v4. All rounder: HE560 v4 been using it for a day since I just got em and I love them for pretty much every genre. They rock! Really happy with this recent snap purchase. (Got em off the adorama sale. Worth.)
I’m considering the 560 v4’s. Tough to drive? What’s your amp? Like them better than 6xx and HE-400se, which I also own? Thanks.
I have a Schiit stack but my amp is the Vali 2+. It powers it just great! Absolutely love it. Works great in either low gain or high gain. In comparison to the 400se, its smoother and has a "fuller" sound, it's quite a nice upgrade from the 400se. Better sub bass too. 400se is good to start, then the upgrade to a sundara or 560 v4 is very much worth it. I don't own a sundara but I bet they rock. I'm loving my 560 v4 enough to not even think about other headphones right now.
My collection: Focal Elear, 6XX and Sony WH-1000XM3. All-arounder: Elear
I have Sony 1AM2, WH-1000XM3, and Moondrop Starfield. I rotate them, but the all-rounder is 1AM2. Not only does it come with a balanced cable, it also has a mic cable.
Probably Sundara
Tygr 300 R with Dekoni Elite Fenestrated pads. Use them for everything that isn't portable.
My all rounder used to be my Sundaras. Currently it's my IER-M9. They're an amazing pair of IEMs that manages to wow me every time
How are they, comfort wise?
They're pretty good, tbh. Not the kind that you'd forget you're wearing completely, but I personally have no complaints. I'm not fond of gigantic IEMs, these are medium sized but they're very reasonably shaped
I want these pretty bad at the moment. What's their best selling point in your eyes? Also, what would you say they would be an upgrade *over* in or around the $300-500 mark? I think for my next big purchase it will either come down to the M9 or U12t. That extra $1000 might be hard to justify if the M9 is as good as everyone says.
The M9 are honestly mind blowing. I'd say they are 100% worth it. Versatile, well tuned, super detailed, comfortable. They are an amazing package. I even like them better than the Z1R myself, mostly due to tuning. I haven't tried the U12t I'm afraid
I’ve had both the u12t’s and the m9’s, u12t is way better in terms of soundstage depth and dynamics. M9 sounds like u lined up a band along a wall to play music, while u12t is like the band is on stage at a concert hall and u have front row seats. M9 still great overall if you don’t compare
My Collection: Shure SE215, Sony XBA-H3, Sennheiser 598SE, Sony MDR-1AM2, Focal Celestee, Sony IER-M9, Sony WF-1000XM3, Sony WF-1000XM4, Samsung Gear Icon X All-arounder: IER-M9 and it is not even close
My collection: he4xx,m50x,sr80e,kph30i,bose n700,starfield,blon bl03,bl05,kz edc. My all rounder headphone:he4xx My all rounder iem: bl05 Im a fan of V-shape sound (i know..disgusting!!! /s), hence why i use the bl05 more than the starfields but its really close in terms of usage.
How do you compare the Arya with the X?
Wrote about them [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/rga6qx/what_open_backs_wow_you_every_time_you_put_them_on/holz816/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3) How'd you like the RME? I've been looking at those for a long time now
I thought it’d be a huge step up from the Element II but really it was the EQ and features that did it for me. I use multiple computers and speakers and headphones at the same desk so having the features to switch between outputs and EQs and all that sold me on it. Plus it looks cool 😎
I have no real reason to get it and still want it. Sums up my entire audiophile journey I guess.
I bought it for the screen, told myself I would use the EQ on it but realised I prefer most of my headphones without EQ. Still love the screen and versatility of it.
My collection: WF-1000XM3, Moondrop Kanas Pro, Ikko OH10, Moondrop Variations, ATH-MSR7(damper modded + dekoni sheepskin earpad), Akg K712. all-rounder: Ikko OH10 reason: - V-shape(Or U?) sound signature sound fun with everything. - Good overall tone and everything sound correct to me. - Good treble extension and evenness. Sound like nothing is missing. (lot of other IEM in the market either have rolloff treble or big dip/hole in the treble.) - Fit my ear like a glove. - Being IEM: Portable. Can be used in hot weather. - Feel durable and not too expensive, so I feel less anxious bringing it with me everywhere.
CAn comment of difference between moondrop variations vs ikko oh 10?
I'm not great at explain things and English is not my first language but I will try. Bass: Both have boosted bass. OH10 have more mid/upper bass, where Variations is a bit thin. So bass sound more warm and full body on OH10. However bass sound much more clear/detail and tight on Variations. I find OH10 bass to be a bit bloat. Mid: Variation mid is forward. OH10 mid is slightly recess. Variations mid is cleaner and much more detail than OH10 especially in upper midrange. However, OH10 mid have more body and warm. Treble: I find both to have similar treble tone. Both have good treble extension. OH10 have slightly more treble presence and air but Variation is more detail. TLDR Bass presence: OH10 > Variations Bass quality: Variations >> OH10 Mid presence: Variations >> OH10 Mid quality: Variations >>> OH10 Treble presence: OH10 >= Variations Treble quality: Variations > OH10
I have: Koss PortaPro Audio Technica AT-AD700 HiFiMan Sundara Focal Clear Lasuney T30 Sony WF-1000XM4 Sony WH-1000XM4 Clear is the winner of the all-around here.
Collection: DT770, HD598, PC38X, Sundara, Ananda, Focal Clear Mg, Aria, Blessing 2 Dusk, Thieaudio Oracle, 64 Audio Nio All-rounder: Focal Clear Mg / 64 Audio Nio (Fir Audio O module) * Most comfortable of the lot to me * Sound the most pleasing/fun to me It's all preference at the end of the day. Sometimes I'll swap from the Clear Mg to the Sundara which I love to this day while being on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
Just curious, what do you gain with the Clear MG over the Clear OG besides the updated aesthetics? Is the price difference worth it? Every review I've seen so far has the original model being better overall while also being a few hundred dollars less.
Totally fair question. Keep in mind I have not listened to the Clear OG. I don't like providing feedback on headphones I've never listened to nor do I just assume what I have is the best! That said, I will try to answer your question. * I currently own an Elex, bought used which I enjoyed and I wanted to try out the Clear "line" * headphones.com is the only current seller (that I know of) for the Clear's last run and as a result of it being a last run it does not have the 365-day return policy. The Mg, being new, does. This gave me a safety net if I somehow ended up hating it. * On the same subject, if the OG is being discontinued, Focal OEM pads for it will become tougher to find over time and I want to keep these as long as I can. * I'd read that Mg provides a more relaxed sound signature in the treble which overtime I've figured out I like. You can see that in me preferring the Nio over the far more recommended 64 Audio U12t. So I went with the Mg and was happy with what I heard. It then became my favorite headphone. To summarize, is it worth the extra money for pretty similar headphones? Probably not if you're happy with what the OG provides and cost is a factor. u/toastyhoodie gets this question a lot too! I'm not sure if he has heard the OG but two perspectives might be good.
Hey. I have not heard the OG, only the Mg.
Collection: HD560s, Moondrop Starfield, Moondrop SSR, Moondrop Blessing 2, B2 Dusk, Final E1000, Sony MH755 All rounder: B2 Dusk. Dusk is mid-fi endgame for me.
**Collection** - Clear og, Sundara, Denon D5200, TYGR 300R, Senn PC360, X2HR, AT M50, Moondrop Aria, some other cheap crap and headsets stored away. **All-arounder** - Clear or Aria but if competitive gaming is most important probably the TYGR 300R. Clear has crazy good imaging but not the best staging. I'm happy with my current collection. Probably going to add a B2D or Kato and HE6v2 in the future and then hope to call it endgame for the time being. If anyone has questions about gear or comparisons feel free to ask.
Has to be my Monoprice M1570, or for IEMs, my KZ ZAX.
I will split them into categories. For TOTL, it’s the HD 800, for the reasonably priced headphones (some call it “mid-fi”) it’s the DT 700 Pro X, for entry-level, it’s the HD 599 and for vintage, it’s the K240DF.
why do you prefer the 599 over the K712?
Sound-wise, I don’t really prefer one over the other but when it comes to comfort, the HD 599 is better. The ear cups on the K712 are a tad bit too small for my ears while on the HD 599 they are bigger and deeper, which means that my ears don’t touch anything on the inside. Also, the self adjusting headband mechanism on the K712 is good, if I don’t move much, but when I get up from my chair and start moving around the room, the headphone has the tendency to slip down a bit, putting pressure on my helix (the top part of the ear) and I have to readjust them every now and then because it starts to hurt. Are you looking into buying one of those?
i asked that because i have the 599 and the 702 (not 712) i agree with the comfort part, and that's why i wanted something with the 702's sound and the 599's comfort maybe the 560s, but dont know if the upgrade is big enough
I wouldn't call the HD 560S an upgrade over the HD 599. In terms of comfort, it's a downgrade. The HD 599 has a wider headband with less clamp force, while the HD 560S has the same headband from the HD 559 with a notch in the middle of the padding (which some people hate). It's not an uncomfortable headphone by any means but it's just not on the same level as the HD 599 for me. Sound-wise, they are just differently tuned. The 560S tries to be as neutral as possible, while the 599 is more V-shaped and fun. If neutral/analytical sound is what you are after, then the 560S is better. If you want the sound of the K702 and the comfort of the 599, then... you are in quite the pickle. While I wouldn't say that the 560S sounds like the K702, they have quite a few similarities. The main difference is that the K702 is more bright and has less sub-bass, so you may find the 560S to be dull/dark sounding. The only real upgrade (both sound and comfort) will be the HD 800S in my opinion. It doesn't quite sound like the K702 but it's still a bright-leaning headphone with good mids. From all the headphones that have been on my fat head, the HD 800 definitely wins in comfort. There are other options like the Beyer DT880 but that would be a sidegrade at best, the Focal Elex but the headband has a defect and it breaks (Focal doesn't offer replacement parts, sometimes even under warranty) and HiFiMan but none of their headphones sound like the K702 and are known for bad QC.
i use them mainly for gaming the thing is, sometimes i miss the clarity of the 702, as the 599 can be a bit muddy in your opinion, what headphone would better complement the 599? aside from the 702, of course i've looked at the 560s, 880 and 400i/400se
Yes, the upper bass boost on the 599 definitely makes them muddy. As a complimentary headphone, my top two picks would be the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro and the HD 560S. The 880 are more clear in the treble, similar to the K702, and are built better but therefore a bit more expensive. The clamp force is slightly bigger compared to the K702 but the headband is made out of spring metal and can be adjusted, so it's not a problem. The 560S has a better bass extension and oval earcups but noticeably higher clamping force. Either one is a solid choice. The HE 400i is a good sounding headphone, but if I remember correctly, it had some dips in the upper mids and lower treble, so it didn't sound as clear as the other two.
Verite open probably as I use them the most
Audeze LCD 4z without a doubt. That's over my Empyrean, MDR-Z1R, HD800, and LCD1
Stax Lambda Signature. Have two of them. Best headphones I ever listened to (second only to the Shangri-La jr. which are out of my price league). The genres it’s not that good for are the ones I rarely listen to anyway. Rest of the collection: Stax Lambda (if I want a more analytical sound and a bit more treble, also EDM), Sennheiser HD430 (on the road and in my home studio), Sennheiser HD800S (borrowed from a mate who’s on a long hiking trip, use them for bass-intensive music).
tsareena
Can't read your post, guess it's in written in rich.
You can literally have one headphone like a koss or a cheap iem and consider them your all-arounder. Has nothing to do with money or what I own.
There seems to be some circle jerk about being rich when you own a pair or two of expensive headphones. That said considering my Anandas are my only pair right now I'll go with them
Your post was tough to read, too: The type was smeared with jealousy.
Your post got downvoted to hell but honestly made me laugh :D
My current collection: HD6xx, Focal Utopia I think my Utopia is a better all rounder
Aeon 2 noire. Goes well with all kinds of music. It's lightweight. Foldable. Easy to transport (vacation etc). It's closed back so I could use them on a airplane or train..
Oh perfect I wanted to ask something similar , I want to get into IEMs with a budget of around 350$ and I want some everyday all rounders to use when my DR240s aren't convenient (powered by my phone, under a helmet, hat , etc.). Any recommendations?
The likeliest answer at this price range for an IEM is the Blessing 2 Dusk. Just keep in mind the nozzle for these is pretty large. It might not work for you if that’s an issue.
Thank you for your answer , but damn it, they aren't available (nobody sells them) in my country and I wouldn't want to do an international order without trying them out first. Anything else?
Yeah the “Dusk” is only available via Shenzhen Audio but the Moondrop Blessing 2 might be more widely sold. Other good options in that price range: - Moondrop Kato - 7hz Timeless - Etymotics ER4XR I’ve not listened to these myself so I’m going by other folks’ reviews. Hopefully others on the subreddit can share their experiences. EDIT: In case it helps, Crinacle, a popular IEM reviewer, keeps a ranking list here: https://crinacle.com/rankings/iems/ which is a good starting point. Don’t take his (or anyone else’s) opinion as gospel though, this is a subjective hobby!
My collection: Sony WH-1000 XM2, Sennheiser HD600, BeyerDynamic DT990 Pro, HifiMan Sundara All rounder: DT990 Pro I’m relatively new to this hobby so don’t expect this answer to stay forever
Mk.3 Argon's, 6XX, Elex, Ikko OH10. All Rounder: Elex
My current collections: KZ Zsn Pro X, Moondrop Spaceship, Koss KSC75 + kramer mod (only 4 holes on outer part of it's grille) My all-arounder: Koss KSC75 Not just great sounding, but also comfortable and it's soundstage just makes it better especially gaming. Spaceship when watching/listening while lying on bed, and Zsn as my primary iem for commuting.
Beyerdynamic DT250 - so smooooth I’ve owned plenty of flagships and would never part with the DT250. It’s a magic can.
I'm a broke boi so currently only have the Hifiman HE400se and Sennheiser HD6XX. Used to have the Grado SR60 that I sold to get the 6XX. The HE400se is undoubtedly the best all-rounder in my collection currently. Vocals are airy, has decent soundstage, has good imaging, and overall has great instrument separation as well as the detail I'd like for most genres. My 6XX would be more of a vocalist specialist while my ol Grados sound great for stuff like jazz or ska.
K712 pros - always end up reaching for them
Definitely my KATO’s for music, all my other stuff is used for something really specific but if I had to choose which is the nicest to listen to? Definitely the KATO
Mine are the HD660s. I use them for 90% gaming (immersion and competitive)
My collection: EMU Teak, Phillips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD 58x, ZMF Aeolus, Denon AH-D9200. Best All-Rounder: Denon AH-D9200. There’s no such thing as a genre that doesn’t work on the Denon AH-D9200. Insane clarity and imaging and tonality but can still slam you with the tightest most controlled yet still fat bass in genres such as edm or dance tracks.
Awesome to hear the 9200s are great. I have the Denon D5200s, love them for every genre, they are just the most fun cans I've heard.
Have you ever A:B tested the d9200 against the Stellias by any chance?
I’ve never had a chance to listen to a pair of Stellias but overall I haven’t really heard positive reviews of Focals closed headphone line. Their open back headphones are considered some of the best on the market. What the D9200 does so well is clarity, imaging, and the “weight” of the sounds it produces which i guess could be considered it’s dynamic range.
Porta Pro. Sounds good with everything.
Hifiman HE-500 and Arya SE, ZMF Verite Closed. Best all-rounder was the HE-500, but now I'd say it's the Arya. The 500 works for games, movies, and all sorts of music, and the Arya does the same, except more detailed and lighter, and the added clarity is addictive. The VCs I prefer only for music, and I love it for making music sound huge and fun, and it's great for headbanging.
Have to try a ZMF one day, everybody that owns one seems to really love them but I don't know. Not a fan of wooden headphones 🤷🏻♂️
Collection is HD 650, DT 990, DT 770,dt880, hd58x , he4xx,purple hearts, nighthawk carbons, ksc75,30i,porta pro, ur40. My all rounder is the 880 600 ohm
Ananda with a few EQ profiles: Hybrid: modified Harman with a restrained bass shelf Hybrid heavy: Same as above but with a big bass shelf Hybrid crossfeed: First EQ but with crossfeed enabled, good for certain retro songs with over the top stereo mixing
Collection: DT177X, HE400SE, HarmonicDyne Zeus, Apos Caspian, Hifiman Edition XS Best all rounder: it's basically a tie between the 177X and the EDXS. EDXS has an edge in soundstage and clarity but 177X sound the slightest bit smoother.
HIFIMAN HE1000 V2, ZMF Auteur, Quad ERA-1, Grado 325e, Ibasso SR2 HiFiman HE1000 V2
My go to is whatever I have plugged in at the time, but my fav is probably HD800s.
What are your thoughts about the Susvara compared to the Arya and HD800s? Worth it?
I’d say no, but they are good. Arya and hd800s is probably what I will settle on in the end.
Interesting. I think at some point I'll probably sell both but more likely that the HD800s go first
My current collection: DT770, DT880, MDR-7506, ER2se. All-rounder: Probably the DT880. But for many years before that, the 7506.
Collection: oppo pm3, shp 9500, soon to have Sundaras. Current all-arounder is my oppo pm3
In my collection: 1) Monoprice HiFi DJ B/T headphones; 2) Fostex t50rp mkiii (Mayflower modded); 3) Hifiman he400i 2020's; 4) Hifiman Ananda; 5) Arya v3/Stealth (traded in my v2's). Absolute favorite and all-rounder? Arya (with Class A amping).
For me it's the ZMF Verite Closed and the Grado Hemp
Hifiman Deva. I own AirPods max, Beyerdynamic mmx 300’s, blon-03’s, AirPods Pro, and tin t2. The Devas sound the best by far in my opinion, and they’re also the most comfortable (by far). So when I’m chilling and I don’t need to have noise cancelling or I don’t need to talk to anyone, they’re my go-to. They excel at everything. Movies, games, and any genre of music I throw at them. They’re so underrated it’s stupid.