Hidizs S9 Pro amzn.to/3sUnjOV Focal Alegia amzn.to/3jwZvxD Helm Bolt Dongle DAC amzn.to/3BrNcbX Meze 99 Classic amzn.to/3kywosL Grado SR80X amzn.to/38CqfGJ Soundcore Liberty P3 amzn.to/3sXS4CH Soundcore Liberty Air Pro 2 amzn.to/3ymVYG1 Qudelix-5K Bluetooth USB DAC AMP amzn.to/38n6JO9 Schiit.com FX Audio D01 amzn.to/2WABiNv
The P3 are shockingly capable. With a little bit of EQ and some tip-rolling.. I mean why spend more? And just to be a weenie it's "Elegia" :P and it too benefits from EQ and tip..err.. pad-rolling.
I do love to FEEL the music in my body and that is why i prefer speakers and i dont want to have ear cushions on my head. Period. All your points are subjective and do not work for me.
Nothing beats feeling the kick drum punch you in the chest or the vibration of a well mixed sub bass or really feeling the dynamics when supplied with sufficient power Clarity in the mix and not having to worry about room acoustics definitely has it's perks But the experience you get from loudspeakers is far more pleasurable. Especially if you're living situation allows you to feed your speakers some power. Nothing like unwinding from a long week at work than blasting a good sound system
I love headphones. Are they better than speakers? I'd say sometimes. Just as sometimes speakers are better. For me they're all different experiences so they can't really be compared. What's better a car or a motorcycle? It depends, just like in this case. I still love music so I'll listen on whatever i I feel like listening in that moment.
You're spot on, Randy! Headphones - and especially used headphones - are an affordable way to experience different sound signatures. What really surprised me was how good vintage headphones can be. One of the best pairs I've found for imaging is the KH-51 from Trio (Kenwood), and they date back to 1971!
I work third shift, so headphones are a must for me. Music or movies sound great, without interfering with the family as they sleep. Cause I tend to stay on my third shift hours. My Audio Technica's are awesome. Great video ad usual, keep up the great work!
Headphones are a great option for an inexpensive way to get into listening to quality sound. Especially when not trying to annoy the people around you. I'm not a fan of noise canceling headphones as I don't like the pressure or feedback in order to provide the noise canceling.
Yeah, I love my open back headphones for the pressure relief. Headphones are definitely the best option when you are in an apartment, but I'll take speakers all day now that I have a house.
@Fisher Man Yeah and your gonna have to get a bluetooth speaker system to stop hearing about how seeing wires is annoying. Good luck with that it's always something with females.
@Fisher Man Yeah thats funny,your love of music and why its so fun to listen on good equipmment she will never get it. It does not compute,its highly illogical Captain. Glad you found a smart woman that loves you. It makes life better.
Yeah,my last two ex's my wife and girlfriend always wanted to ask me things when I wore headphones. God forbid I ask them something when they get zoned out watching a show. Its a gender difference. They focus so hard on watching T.V.
Randy, you nailed it again. This is it and this what we are living in. So far, I may spend thousands of Euros to Hifi systems… I still do and will too… but as I am watching your video with a headphone while my wife watching her favourite series, there is almost no way to enjoy these costly systems in living rooms. I am not even talking about speaker positioning, or some acoustic treatments those are necessary but stuck to “wife factor” ….and even without this you are not really allowed to listen your music on Sunday with all the kids and things going around in the living room. Unless you have a spare room, grown up kids and a very open minded wife who is bothering you about new amp and speakers, I think there is no way to enjoy your system … well, I am not counting the neighbours yet .. that might be another story but we are not getting there… Whenever I put my Sony Xm1000xm3, I always say “wow, how easy (and cheap!) to get wonderful sound” … You are absolutely right… let me check an iem from Soundcore ..
In an ideal world we could have that amazing system and use it all the time but folks like us with families headphones are a great option and one that I enjoy daily. Maybe even more than my hifi system.
I have so much trouble sitting still long enough to enjoy hifi home audio. So I purchased Status Audio Flagship ANC headphones. Good enough for 90% of my needs. My truck has the multi-thousand dollar system. Now that will tickle the jiggly bits.
Just received a Zen DAC V2 and a pair of Hifiman Sundaras. They make a fantastic combo. Don't believe the reviewers who say you need at least a full watt to drive Sundaras. That's absolute 100% 200 proof BS. The package with the phones arrived before the package with the DAC, so I plugged them into my computer's headset jack, and they worked fine. Could have used a little more power, but they were completely usable. They even worked with my cellphone, but a portable DAC/amp would be an improvement. With the Zen DAC, there are NO power problems. As I type this, I'm listening to Ennio Morricone sound track music. The volume knob is set at about 1 o'clock (max is about 5 o'clock), AND I HAVE BOTH THE POWER MATCH AND THE TRUEBASS TURNED OFF!!! The Sendaras use planar magnetic drivers. Planar magnetic drivers don't have a voice coil, like dynamic speakers do, so they have less moving mass. Less moving mass means less inertia, and this means they react more quickly to transients, and this allows them to resolve details in the music VERY well. Like complex music like Bach fugues? The Sendara is about as good as it gets, particularly at its $350 street price. Frequency response is pretty flat, with a little boost in the midrange. Treble is solid without sounding harsh, and the bass is tight and clean. Bassheads probably won't be satisfied with the bass, but the Zen DAC's Truebass function will put the hop back in your hip hop. Cable on the Sendara is interchangable. You can swap out the cable for a balanced cable and use the Zen DAC's balanced output if you want. Or just get a longer cable, if the stock 1.5 meter cable isn't long enough. The Sendaras are very comfortable, too. Listening to them for hours at a time is no problem.
With IEM's it always bothers me that you get massive changes in balance depending on how deep you push them into your ears. Sure, using the right tips you can find the position/balance that you prefer but I would still like to know what the engineers were aiming for. So with speakers you have room acoustics, with IEM's you have this "ear acoustics" issue to deal with.
Knowing your natural ear canal resonance (using an online tone generator), knowing the IEM, correct tip and tip positioning...will all go a long way to assuring consistency; with the proper EQ tuning. Did this for my pair of Earfun Free Pro 2's, custom tuned using the "AirReps15 6x" Android app, as the earbuds use an unlocked Airhora chipset that allows for this Android app tuning. I implemented Oluv's (10 band frequency/dB/Q) tuning for my resonant frequency target. Incredible and consistently SMOOTH and BALANCED results. The best part is that with these particular earbuds, once the tuning is done, it becomes the default/persistent tuning. Meaning that if they are unpaired/paired, turned off, or used with any other device (to include IOS devices), the custom tuning stays with the earbuds (no app required). Very good sound stage for IEM's. Incredible, considering the earbuds only cost me about US$46 on Amazon (delivered price) after discount/promo code.
@@jb678901 Why? You have just described what an impressive set of measures you had to take to tune your IEM's to your ears and preferences. So why is it superficial or incorrect in any way to interpret that as underlining my original claim? That we really have no idea what the engineers were hearing due to significant differences in sound caused by different ear-canals and tip insertions.
@@gaborozorai3714 The fit and forget comment is flawed by implying this effort is an IEM-specific exercise. As the sound source moves further away from the eardrum, the more variables introduced to the sound experience. IEM's, by definition, reduce the number of variables. Deep insertion IEM's, while I find them uncomfortable, further reduce those variables. Headphones have to address those same variables PLUS placement variation on head, ear shape/size, and other variations in the geometry given ear cup distance, that are avoid by IEM's. Of course, just as in the case of IEM's, the construction/design/materials of the earphones themselves. In terms of precise and consistent sound measurement/experience, no conventional sound system offers a fit and forget approach. The advantage of the IEM is that it reduces the variables sufficiently so as to allow for precise fine tuning with greater consistency of experience. It's neither better nor worse, just simpler for precise tuning efforts. In addition, they have to move much less air; again this further reduces the impacts of other external factors necessary to drive the device. Without spending huge money on custom IEM's, today's technology offers and unprecedented degree of personal customization at relatively low prices.
I got the Hidizs S9 Pro and the Dan Clark Aeon RT. It’s great. I like blasting music on my speakers during the day, but during the night when my roommates are trying to sleep, I can pop on my Aeon RTs and still get a great audio experience.
Randy, love your videos! Your injection of humor is amazing. You inspired me to put together a system. Picked up a pair of Elac Debut F6.2 towers, emotiva a-100 amp, and Fiio k5 pro DAC streaming Amazon HD. Took me about a month but I sourced from FB marketplace, Amazon, and eBay. Got everything for about $700. Thanks for the inspiration bruhhhhh
Greetings from Wales, I'm new to this, and enjoying your wisdom. I bought a used Mojo for £100, fed from my WiiM streamer. I also found some Grado 225x returns for £137, my first open-backed headphones. I am blown away by the sound, and its detail. I realise others will criticise my choice, which was dictated by price and used-availability, but I'm not sure my ears would appreciate the extra expense.
I don't know about headphones being cheaper than speakers. I tried out about a dozen pairs of headphones before I found a set, $350 Hifiman Sundara, that even compares to my speakers, the $300 Wharfedale Diamond 225, and I still prefer speakers every time, but I have to be considerate of the rest of the household. Luckily Emotiva makes an awesome amp, Basx A-100, that can handle both.
I got a pair of those during the sale, when they lowered the price, and they are nice, but I am not a phones guy, when I find a pair that compares to a pair of Bowers 704s2's then maybe, but probably not.
It may only happen to me, but I like listening to music with speakers better, I feel the music in my body. We are 75% water, and the vibrations are noticeable.
Got the Grado SR80-X. They’re pretty fine. A lot of others. The Moondrop Aria is amazing. But everyone. Do yourself a favor and get the Koss KSC75. They’re incredible. The single best deal in all of audio. $20 for amazing comfort and sound. Just do it
Headphone gang represent! While I've loved putting together a speaker setup on the relative cheap for me truly immersive listening is with headphones. Partially because I don't want my neighbors to hate me.
I started out with headphones, and inexpensive speakers. I've worked my way up to high end for both, and can honestly say that headphones don't compete with the immersive aspect of high quality speakers. Of course, it comes at a cost, and can annoy neighbors. And, sometimes you just want to vibe out with cans. Still, I feel for the headphone guys who haven't yet experienced a great speaker system in a great room, and think they've maxed out lol.
@@asplmn I'm in the working on my speakers phase, but I do like to be a good neighbor so for now high end for me is a good set of headphones. I have a friend with a very nice setup and agree that speakers do win when comparing at similar price points with no other concerns for a proper setup.
I settled on Sundara after trying about a dozen sets of headphones. I also tried Hifiman Ananda, which is about double the cost, and they they do some things better, but they present the sound much further away from my ears, and I went back to the Sundara because of that intimacy.
Randy !!! try the JBL endurance peak as they are a game changer mate !!! I have listened to a lots of headphones 🎧 in my time and they are outstanding !!! 😜👍🇦🇺
Randy, I think you should try out the B&O H9. I have had the H7 for years and I haven't found a closed back headphone like it. It's certainly does not have the final word in detail, and the frequency is probably not audiophile-flat. But I have not found any headphone that soundstages as well as it (forward soundstage especially), even my Sundaras. It also has pretty insane sub-bass while still being very clear. Especially for watching movies (bluetooth), there are so many times I have taken my headphones off to make sure my speakers and subwoofer aren't on at the same time because the images and bass seem to be coming from well outside my head.
I came from Ora graphene headphones to speakers elac unifi reference 62. I perfer the non fatigue and comfort of speakers in long sessions 2 + hours. The extra details and clarity aren't missed at all, your ear drums need the rest and recovery as pressure from headphones do damage. 3D layering of concentric speakers are out of this world at least to me who's used to iem and headphones.
Good one, Randy! I've always loved headphones ever since I got my Koss Pro 4AAA back in 1977. It was the best $50 I ever spent back then as a teenager. Those have some great imaging I discovered when listening to The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper" album on vinyl; the vocals on some tracks sounded like they coming from the top my head...........
I really appreciate that you focus more on speakers. I have a great set of headphones that I absolutely love, due to audiophile youtubers. However it is much harder to find channels that focus more on speakers.
I totaly agree with the fidelity experience… I bought a pair of “campfire honeydew’s” with the “dragonfly red” dac dongel and my beloved 80’s electronis music took me too an undiscoverd dimension. Prior to the campfires and the dragonfly I used the “Fiio btr5” combined them with my “Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro 80 ohm” headphones that I use for bass guitar (keep the wife happy) practice. The streaming devices are my lightning iphone and my usb-c ipad. All this spending was very easy without breaking the bank.
I could never get the BTR-5 loud enough to adequately drive my 80 ohm DT770s. I was very disappointed with the Beyerdynamics and ended up giving them to my son.
Currently using my Win10Pro PC to stream this channel. Win10Pro is hamstrung to 16 bits/48Khz (DVD). However, I am using IEM's (Tin T3+, US$65) with an after-market NiceHCK cable ($13 on 11.11 AliEx sale), plus a Dongle-DAC (CX Pro QC31993, $12 on AliExpress), USB A to C adapter ($2) and a Jitter-filter (Oehlbach Pureclock, $35). Pretty decent sound quality up to 32bit/384Khz, on the cheap. Of course, still TH-cam source, but the sound is pretty darn good.
Thanks for the headphone video! Hope you have more, decided to dig out my old senn 600hd and fish up a good iPhone DAC/amp to listen to my new Tidal subscription. Definitely more sound goodness than my AirPods are giving me.
Except for the unique, vintage, & very expensive AKG K1000, headphones pretty much sound like headphones. AKG (an Austrian company) also made what was once and possibly still is the ne ultra plus of phono cartridges, the AKG 100 LE. Don't bother looking for one; worldwide they only made 50 of them. They also made a few electrostatic headphones that don't require an energizer box, they just plugged straight in to the headphone socket.. Besides the great enjoyment headphones of this level can give, they can teach you how much hidden info is on your recordings and what instruments sound like when there is absolutely no distortion. Or at least no distortion added by drivers. Try a binaural recording or two. There are even audiophile binaural recordings. According to ebay, the most active audio equipment category is headphones.
I couldn't disagree more about "headphones pretty much sound like headphones". My exploration into headphones revealed a SHOCKING variability between sets, even those made by the same brand.
@@brandontheblack Not to mention variables for each headphone to include type of ear cup padding, ear cup mods (e.g.wadding), and ear cup positioning while on the head. Also, upstream power/signal transmission equipment interactions with each particular earphone.
I can hear more details in my headphones than my loudspeakers, but the soundstage isn't as good unless you are listening to binaural recordings. IEMs are mostly in your head, but still very detailed. $350 for my IEM/DAP, $900 for my balanced headphones/amp. $$$$ Speakers/amp. Headphones are the only way I can listen at night and enjoy a reasonable volume.
I have quite a few headphones. The most I've been willing to spend is $500 on Sennheiser HD660S. But one of the best deals for bang for your buck is the HD58X ($170) or HD6XX ($210). Yes, the 660S is better, but they are both fantastic for the money. I will not get rid of my 58X even with owning the 660S because they were my first really good pair
As a headphone collector myself, id advise you to sell everything thats worse than your best and research the jewels of the past, like Sennheiser HD-250 liner I - 600 ohm variant, Beyerdynamic dt-48 A, Elega 631, Perhaps you would enjoy K240 sextett - you can find it really cheap. I really enjoy vintage HD580, sounds better than modern variants, but Sony SA 3000/5000 compliments it in a fantastic way, which you can also find much cheaper than they are really worth. All of the above are worth more than they are going for, except Elega, but i doubt you will find one anyways. Have fun !
Bang on Randy! I agree 💯. I personally like speakers because of the experience that is displayed in front of you in the soundstage. One day I will get back into headphones. I'm just waiting for true wireless earbuds to really step up their game in sound quality and volume. I got tired of wires and a portable headphone amp/DAC attached to my phone.
Soundcores are very impressive. And any lack of resolution in the signal is made up for by lack of ambient noise. The eq is also incredible and needed as their stock sound signature is pretty obnoxious
@@cheapaudioman how low do they hit? That's my biggest concern. I listen to a ton of music with really low frequencies. It doesn't have to rattle my brain apart but it cannot be thin. I would like neutral everywhere or a smidge thick on the low end but have detail and ultra low end extension. I'll have to rewatch your review on those. Thank you. 🤘
If you dont mind a wireless over-ear headphone, I'd suggest giving the B&O H9 a shot while it's on sale. I have the H7s from years ago and it feels like my subwoofer is on when I'm listening to them while the rest of the range is very clear. They're not incredibly detailed, but they soundstage and image like crazy.
Indeed. Unlike most people, I use headphones solely for movies. They're great. I use AKG-k371, and the experience is amazing, and more enjoyable than a HT system, IMO. For music, I use a cheap Haylou GT2, and Tribit Stormbox Micro. I am not particular with music, but movies I'm very serious. I also have a X1S, and HE400se for movies. I pick & choose.
My current headphone set makes all of the sounds sound like everything is just little bit behind me. So, I have to pull them forward to the point of nearly being uncomfortable. However, I do really like to run the Dolby Atmos for Headphones app on my PC. The Dolby app makes the sound stage so much bigger. Both with my headphones and my Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 desk sound system. Have fun folks!
Very much agree with your comments and would add one other thing. My system is probably more expensive than you generally look at (1500 dollar + headphones and 1500 dollar + headphone amp) but I find that it is more forgiving of source recordings than going down the speaker route. My speakers and main amp is similar price level to the headphone system ie 1500 dollar amp and 1500 dollar + speakers. It is completely counter intuitive to me but may be down to the room effects you mentioned.
Headphones are possibly more accurate but speakers are much more fun IMO. If I'm auditioning a speaker on TH-cam I want accurate headphones, like the Sennheiser hd600. If I'm listening to music, I generally prefer my JBL speakers. I don't like headphones on my head, I dislike the wire, I don't like things in my ears and you miss out on imaging and soundstage IMO. It always sounds like speakers on both ears. Sometimes a headphone can create distance but I don't hear the surround, soundstage or imaging some people claim to hear with headphones.
Obviously all headphones sound different between the different models. I even had two headphones of the very same model and they sounded slightly different. A different pair of hands with maybe different solder etc. assembling them. Obviously we were talking about the spatial aspect of headphones compared to speakers, and in that way headphones just about all pretty much sound like headphones; with the sound seeming to hover inside or around your head instead of well in front of you like speakers. In addition to the vintage but advanced AKG K1000 I mentioned, Stax also come out with some headphones designed to have a non conventional way out of your head imaging. Koss and a few others came out with 4 channel Quadrophonic headphones back in the 1970's when quad was a factor for awhile. I think they were called the Koss Phase 4+4 headphones. With Quadrophonic, some people put two speakers well behind the two main speakers to recreate amazing depth. While others positioned their speakers so they sat immersed in the middle of four discrete channels of sound, with each corner of the room being occupied by a speaker, and totally different instruments coming out of each one. I've always thought of trying something like that but it would involve getting a quad decoder or receiver, Quadrophonic records and phono cartridge. Or a quad reel tape and 4 channel reel to reel tape deck. Quadrophonic cartridges had to have frequency responses way beyond the usual 20khz they had for mere stereo.. Many say developing cartridges for Quadrophonic sound with extremely extended high frequencies led to improved technology for stereo phono cartridges.
Im an headphone guy, and I have some real nice ones. But nothing, nothing can come close to a propper speaker setup. But that requires so much more than a simple heasphone setup.
I actually like open-back headphones for situational awareness. I don't like the feeling of being isolated from my environment at home or in the office.
I'm a "headphone guy" but I also enjoy my active desktop monitors as well as my 2 channel towers speaker setup. I actually think $ per $ you can't beat headphones for resolving listening. But speakers can give you a stage/scale experience that headphones cannot replicate. I got my focal clears for $500 used and my Maggie LRS for $650 can't touch them for fidelity. But my headphones cant touch my Maggies for staging.
They are better, if you like headphones more... They provide higher fidelity for a fraction of the price. They isolate any room issues and interaction, which is the main challenge for speakers. They are just different application, not a better one.
Wow! Thank you for your most excellent description and explanation of headphones and speakers.. by the way I am writing this in bed while my wife sleeps ;)
I'm only 2.5k in to my latest relatively tight 2 channel set-up. My Grado 125, Sen 650 and Dali IO4 Cans probably perform better objectively with a dragonfly red at about $450 all in than any speaker setup for anywhere near that price. Headphones for the price will always throw up better numbers and better dynamics for the price. The listening experience counts huge tho. I've never experienced the staging of a good 2 channel set up in headphones. Also especially with the Grado's and Send, but also with the Dali's listening fatigue is a real thing with headphones.
HPS: Have better immersion SPKR: You hear the sound of each channel with both of your ears, you feel the sub moving the air in louder spl and overall separation is better: Physics of the bigger magnet. I dont like the laid back feel the speakers share, even ones that are more forward will never feel as intimate as some of the headphones like DT-48, which brings me to conclude i would gladly sacrifice all the benefits of the speaker to feel like im actually there with performers. Its incredible once you invest time and money in headphones. And i did work on lots of great studio speakers, like top of the line Genelec, Focal, PMC... I still hear better microdetail with Sony SA 3000 than with Genelec 8050, better tone and realism with DT48 A than Focal sm9 or solo6be etc. Considering i payed 120 bucks for used Sony and 100 for DT48A, id say these couple thousand dollar speakers are not for people who seek only good sound, but specific studio use... Columbus, right? :P
While laying down a singing track . Headphones are important to be set right. No just listening to music. I always prefer speakers over headphones. They become uncomfortable no matter what brand. Earbuds are not comfortable either. Hey promote good headphones it’s cool. For me I like speakers. There’s a certain natural quality about sound waves traveling and resounding through a given environment. What do you think all those recording programs have room modeling choices galore for. To get the environmental quality that’s so desired into the music track for aliveness if you will. Nothing like awesome speakers in a grand atmosphere of complement. If I had to choose only one for the rest of my life and not the other. It’s speakers not in ear or over ear but free standing. Ty
I'm still using my 1970s Sennheiser HD480II headphones - just changed the ear pads once. Forgive me though for raining on the parade: Wearing HPs long term and always being tempted to pump up the personal volume can damage your ears, and they can cause ear infections. Also, I like to keep my ears open and listening to what else is going on in my house. Like the old adage says - HPs are a little like ear condoms ;)
I actually find i listen to my music at lower volumes on headphones than speakers. Open headphones let me hear what’s going on around me as well. I wear them a lot when the girls are hanging out at night so I can still tell if someone broke a mirror
I prefer My Hi-Fi speaker setup over my Headphones setup, I started with the headphones but once I got premium tower speakers I'll never be able to go back, I need to be able to feel the music, Speakers feel like they reach out with the sound and place it in my lap, hands, and chest, Headphones hold the sound on my head. Never thought Id be a speaker guy, my whole life ive been a die hard headphone advocate but now that I've tasted the other half It always feels like somethings missing when I sit back with my Sennheiser's and try to get lost in the music. (also group listening is a plus)
For sure. Off the top of my head the AKG K361, Grado SR80x, audio technical m40/50, fostex rp40/50 for headphones. Need to do some more thinking on IEMs
Hey l, I am torn between getting the Elac UniFi Slim BS U5 or the well praised UniFi UB52...suggestions? This will be my first experience with an Elac, and my first system. Probably 2 channel and may use the either the Outlaw RR2140 receiver or the Schiit Vida with the Freya preamp...something like that and if all goes well perhaps I'll try the Parasound A21+ or the Peachtree 500 amp (not the integrated) the amp. Thanks
Both my headphone rig and 2.1 are in my bedroom both are amazing but I use my Ether CX with IFI Zen dac and amp the most! I work a crazy schedule so yeah the wife.
topping e30 dac, topping l30 headphone amp and AKG 271 Studio. I'm still struggling to get as neutral sound from any speaker. There's never a room to make things worse either. Can replace the DAC and headphone amp with a Soundblaster AE-5 too.
It's probably breaking the ethical or moral audiophile code but I've stacked (2) bookshelf speakers and put 12" round lazy susan rotary panels on the bottom and between the two stacked speakers. I can rotate either in any direction. On the bottom are my ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and on top are the ELAC Solano jet ribbons. Powered by clean energy outlet and a Ican Pro Signature preamp into a Cambridge CXA81 80 watts per channel all XLR balanced connections. I definitely can't go buy every speaker and amp combination to test every possible scenario but this sounds pretty good and I'm no audiophile. I don't have a 20K system to compare it to so I really don't know any better. I do have a question about selecting speakers "A" vs "B" vs both on. Do the 80-watts get divided or ohms go to 12 from 6 or is it a true 80 watts per all 4 channels? Somehow I doubt it offers 80 watts per all 4 channels since it's technically only a 2 channel amp. The rep. didn't have an answer and the engineers never got back to me. Obviously this is not a $5K amp, only about $1,200 got it for half Cambridge refurb. When I go into double speaker mode it doesn't seem like there's any quality loss.
Randy, it’s been a while or at least since you went not so cheap. 😂 So I think I an ready to try headphones to watch TV at home (Netflix, etc.). I am tired of being told to lower the TV/music or the noise around me when I’m trying to have my little moment or ZEN time. 😂 can you please recommend a under $300 system? Please……
Under$300 headphones? I like Sennheiser hd600. I personally don't think they need an amp; I plug them straight into my phone. If you want wireless buds I like the Samsung Galaxy buds.
Any suggestion for a Bluetooth over ear closed back? I purchased the Sennheiser PXC550-II Off Crutchfield at a deep discount but I’m not happy with the output level, didn’t seem to have much juice
I wanna become one of your sponsors. I have ideas. Call me!. As for headphones, I heart headphones. Love my cheap Grados. Still listen to my ancient Superex electrostatics (and still worry about the transformer box will short out and fry my brain with 50KV of raw power!) And I don’t listen to the bass with those, cuz well there is no bass. And I just got an open box pair of HifiMan Anandas. I think I love them, but it depends on what’s on. If the recording sucks, it REALLY sucks through those cans. Thanks again for the insightful high-value rundown!
I'm currently on vacation and could use a set of balanced iem's, any recommendations? I get the "leaky headphone" complaints as well so I'm back to using iem's. The one's I use need an upgrade.
Not sure if there are any gamers here? I know headphones are cheaper than a high end home theater. But can a really good home theater setup beat a pair of high end headphones for competitive gaming where localizing things around you and players foot steps can give one an advantage? I game in my home theater and am trying to decide if a pair of headphones would provide any benefits in online multi-player over my 9.4.4 home theater setup?
One thing… Are speakers really better for your ears than headphones in the long term? Will blasting loud music through speakers damage my ears as fast as headphones?
My headphones and portable headphone amp is about $450. It sounds great and it is a great way for me to listen to my music without disturbing others. However, I prefer to listen to my $5000 system any time I can. The reason I think a hifi system is better than a headphone system is related to how you listen to live music. When I go to a concert I listen to the band on a stage through a speaker system. Even though my hifi system can't fully replicate a live concert, it does give you the same effect to a large degree. Can you imagine going to a concert and then putting on headphones to hear the music? It just wouldn't work. Headphones are great, but they don't replace my hifi system. Just my opinion. I'll listen to music any way I can.
I use my headphones AS speakers most of the time. I have a iFi DAC/Headphone amp that I push my Audio-Technica ATH-M50X. I don't always want them on my head so I just set them with the driver cups facing me and turn up the volume. Sounds fine as speakers. Plenty loud enough for games and watching TH-cam.
For iPhone users, the Apple dongle will be good enough for most people, and it's dirt cheap. It is a very high fidelity device. It's a shame it doesn't produce full output on Android. (not without jumping through some hoops), because the Google dongle isn't as good, and has less output level. (it's still pretty good though, and is also cheap)
I just want to know if I can have a setup where I could connect both my speakers and my headphones to a single audio interface which can then be connected to my PC
Fnbk yeah RANDY I've been wanting to step up my headphone game. I figure hey RANDY has a BBQ in his office, he know what the Fook is up. We love you RANDY you're a straight Batty Boy.
5:00 "40dB" me sitting in my 28dB noise floor room at night hating the bit of white noise the ANC option of my Bluetooth headphones produces *Nods* yeah! ... Wait no
I can't wear headphones for long gives you ear ache after a while, find wearing headphones give me fatigue. More likely to damage your hearing with headphones than with speakers.
Hidizs S9 Pro amzn.to/3sUnjOV
Focal Alegia amzn.to/3jwZvxD
Helm Bolt Dongle DAC amzn.to/3BrNcbX
Meze 99 Classic amzn.to/3kywosL
Grado SR80X amzn.to/38CqfGJ
Soundcore Liberty P3 amzn.to/3sXS4CH
Soundcore Liberty Air Pro 2 amzn.to/3ymVYG1
Qudelix-5K Bluetooth USB DAC AMP amzn.to/38n6JO9
Schiit.com
FX Audio D01 amzn.to/2WABiNv
The P3 are shockingly capable. With a little bit of EQ and some tip-rolling.. I mean why spend more? And just to be a weenie it's "Elegia" :P and it too benefits from EQ and tip..err.. pad-rolling.
Check out Thieaudio from Linsoul. Love that you reference Tool in some of your reviews. Thanks for keeping things in layman’s terms.
What's the best DAC to buy right now!?
I recommend the Lotoo Paw S1 Dongle DAC through which I’m listening 👂🏼 to our distinguished host, Cheapaudioman 😎
For me, the main advantage of headphones is removing the room acoustic from the equation. I still prefer the sound of loudspeakers though!
I do love to FEEL the music in my body and that is why i prefer speakers and i dont want to have ear cushions on my head. Period. All your points are subjective and do not work for me.
The room acoustics are the reason that SPEAKERS are better
Nothing beats feeling the kick drum punch you in the chest or the vibration of a well mixed sub bass or really feeling the dynamics when supplied with sufficient power
Clarity in the mix and not having to worry about room acoustics definitely has it's perks
But the experience you get from loudspeakers is far more pleasurable. Especially if you're living situation allows you to feed your speakers some power. Nothing like unwinding from a long week at work than blasting a good sound system
I love headphones. Are they better than speakers? I'd say sometimes. Just as sometimes speakers are better. For me they're all different experiences so they can't really be compared. What's better a car or a motorcycle? It depends, just like in this case.
I still love music so I'll listen on whatever i
I feel like listening in that moment.
You're spot on, Randy! Headphones - and especially used headphones - are an affordable way to experience different sound signatures. What really surprised me was how good vintage headphones can be. One of the best pairs I've found for imaging is the KH-51 from Trio (Kenwood), and they date back to 1971!
You found a great pair back in the day the midrange on most headphones was really muffelded.
w0w a can from 1971!
Little known fact; Audio Falcon Chicken Hawk got there humble start buy providing a easy copper mesh screen for glass crack pipes in the early 1990's.
I work third shift, so headphones are a must for me. Music or movies sound great, without interfering with the family as they sleep. Cause I tend to stay on my third shift hours. My Audio Technica's are awesome. Great video ad usual, keep up the great work!
Headphones are a great option for an inexpensive way to get into listening to quality sound. Especially when not trying to annoy the people around you. I'm not a fan of noise canceling headphones as I don't like the pressure or feedback in order to provide the noise canceling.
Yeah, I love my open back headphones for the pressure relief. Headphones are definitely the best option when you are in an apartment, but I'll take speakers all day now that I have a house.
@Fisher Man Yeah and your gonna have to get a bluetooth speaker system to stop hearing about how seeing wires is annoying. Good luck with that it's always something with females.
@Fisher Man Yeah I forget many people period dont like wires visible. I guess you have bluetooth everything.
@Fisher Man Yeah thats funny,your love of music and why its so fun to listen on good equipmment she will never get it. It does not compute,its highly illogical Captain. Glad you found a smart woman that loves you. It makes life better.
Yeah,my last two ex's my wife and girlfriend always wanted to ask me things when I wore headphones. God forbid I ask them something when they get zoned out watching a show. Its a gender difference. They focus so hard on watching T.V.
Randy, you nailed it again.
This is it and this what we are living in. So far, I may spend thousands of Euros to Hifi systems… I still do and will too… but as I am watching your video with a headphone while my wife watching her favourite series, there is almost no way to enjoy these costly systems in living rooms. I am not even talking about speaker positioning, or some acoustic treatments those are necessary but stuck to “wife factor” ….and even without this you are not really allowed to listen your music on Sunday with all the kids and things going around in the living room.
Unless you have a spare room, grown up kids and a very open minded wife who is bothering you about new amp and speakers, I think there is no way to enjoy your system … well, I am not counting the neighbours yet .. that might be another story but we are not getting there…
Whenever I put my Sony Xm1000xm3, I always say “wow, how easy (and cheap!) to get wonderful sound” … You are absolutely right… let me check an iem from Soundcore ..
In an ideal world we could have that amazing system and use it all the time but folks like us with families headphones are a great option and one that I enjoy daily. Maybe even more than my hifi system.
@@cheapaudioman Would a Yamaha AS-1200 amp be enough to power the Focal Stellia or Clear MG's? Or do they need some kind of dedicated headphone amp?
I have so much trouble sitting still long enough to enjoy hifi home audio. So I purchased Status Audio Flagship ANC headphones. Good enough for 90% of my needs.
My truck has the multi-thousand dollar system. Now that will tickle the jiggly bits.
Just received a Zen DAC V2 and a pair of Hifiman Sundaras. They make a fantastic combo. Don't believe the reviewers who say you need at least a full watt to drive Sundaras. That's absolute 100% 200 proof BS. The package with the phones arrived before the package with the DAC, so I plugged them into my computer's headset jack, and they worked fine. Could have used a little more power, but they were completely usable. They even worked with my cellphone, but a portable DAC/amp would be an improvement. With the Zen DAC, there are NO power problems. As I type this, I'm listening to Ennio Morricone sound track music. The volume knob is set at about 1 o'clock (max is about 5 o'clock), AND I HAVE BOTH THE POWER MATCH AND THE TRUEBASS TURNED OFF!!!
The Sendaras use planar magnetic drivers. Planar magnetic drivers don't have a voice coil, like dynamic speakers do, so they have less moving mass. Less moving mass means less inertia, and this means they react more quickly to transients, and this allows them to resolve details in the music VERY well. Like complex music like Bach fugues? The Sendara is about as good as it gets, particularly at its $350 street price. Frequency response is pretty flat, with a little boost in the midrange. Treble is solid without sounding harsh, and the bass is tight and clean. Bassheads probably won't be satisfied with the bass, but the Zen DAC's Truebass function will put the hop back in your hip hop.
Cable on the Sendara is interchangable. You can swap out the cable for a balanced cable and use the Zen DAC's balanced output if you want. Or just get a longer cable, if the stock 1.5 meter cable isn't long enough.
The Sendaras are very comfortable, too. Listening to them for hours at a time is no problem.
With IEM's it always bothers me that you get massive changes in balance depending on how deep you push them into your ears. Sure, using the right tips you can find the position/balance that you prefer but I would still like to know what the engineers were aiming for. So with speakers you have room acoustics, with IEM's you have this "ear acoustics" issue to deal with.
Knowing your natural ear canal resonance (using an online tone generator), knowing the IEM, correct tip and tip positioning...will all go a long way to assuring consistency; with the proper EQ tuning. Did this for my pair of Earfun Free Pro 2's, custom tuned using the "AirReps15 6x" Android app, as the earbuds use an unlocked Airhora chipset that allows for this Android app tuning. I implemented Oluv's (10 band frequency/dB/Q) tuning for my resonant frequency target. Incredible and consistently SMOOTH and BALANCED results. The best part is that with these particular earbuds, once the tuning is done, it becomes the default/persistent tuning. Meaning that if they are unpaired/paired, turned off, or used with any other device (to include IOS devices), the custom tuning stays with the earbuds (no app required). Very good sound stage for IEM's. Incredible, considering the earbuds only cost me about US$46 on Amazon (delivered price) after discount/promo code.
@@jb678901 Well, I guess that just goes to show that IEM's are not fit-and-forget devices. Headphones are better in this respect.
@@gaborozorai3714 Hmm...interesting take-away. Simple, short, terse...superficial. Good job. Enjoy.
@@jb678901 Why? You have just described what an impressive set of measures you had to take to tune your IEM's to your ears and preferences. So why is it superficial or incorrect in any way to interpret that as underlining my original claim? That we really have no idea what the engineers were hearing due to significant differences in sound caused by different ear-canals and tip insertions.
@@gaborozorai3714 The fit and forget comment is flawed by implying this effort is an IEM-specific exercise. As the sound source moves further away from the eardrum, the more variables introduced to the sound experience. IEM's, by definition, reduce the number of variables. Deep insertion IEM's, while I find them uncomfortable, further reduce those variables. Headphones have to address those same variables PLUS placement variation on head, ear shape/size, and other variations in the geometry given ear cup distance, that are avoid by IEM's. Of course, just as in the case of IEM's, the construction/design/materials of the earphones themselves. In terms of precise and consistent sound measurement/experience, no conventional sound system offers a fit and forget approach. The advantage of the IEM is that it reduces the variables sufficiently so as to allow for precise fine tuning with greater consistency of experience. It's neither better nor worse, just simpler for precise tuning efforts. In addition, they have to move much less air; again this further reduces the impacts of other external factors necessary to drive the device.
Without spending huge money on custom IEM's, today's technology offers and unprecedented degree of personal customization at relatively low prices.
Still enjoying my AKG K141s, bought them 35 yrs ago.
I think they still make them. That in itself speaks volumes (soz pun, couldn't help it).
I got the Hidizs S9 Pro and the Dan Clark Aeon RT. It’s great. I like blasting music on my speakers during the day, but during the night when my roommates are trying to sleep, I can pop on my Aeon RTs and still get a great audio experience.
Randy, love your videos! Your injection of humor is amazing. You inspired me to put together a system. Picked up a pair of Elac Debut F6.2 towers, emotiva a-100 amp, and Fiio k5 pro DAC streaming Amazon HD. Took me about a month but I sourced from FB marketplace, Amazon, and eBay. Got everything for about $700. Thanks for the inspiration bruhhhhh
Greetings from Wales, I'm new to this, and enjoying your wisdom. I bought a used Mojo for £100, fed from my WiiM streamer. I also found some Grado 225x returns for £137, my first open-backed headphones. I am blown away by the sound, and its detail.
I realise others will criticise my choice, which was dictated by price and used-availability, but I'm not sure my ears would appreciate the extra expense.
?
Wow now I understand why I gravitate towards my noise cancilng headphones, DAC ordered thanks for the great advice
I don't know about headphones being cheaper than speakers. I tried out about a dozen pairs of headphones before I found a set, $350 Hifiman Sundara, that even compares to my speakers, the $300 Wharfedale Diamond 225, and I still prefer speakers every time, but I have to be considerate of the rest of the household. Luckily Emotiva makes an awesome amp, Basx A-100, that can handle both.
I got a pair of those during the sale, when they lowered the price, and they are nice, but I am not a phones guy, when I find a pair that compares to a pair of Bowers 704s2's
then maybe, but probably not.
It may only happen to me, but I like listening to music with speakers better, I feel the music in my body. We are 75% water, and the vibrations are noticeable.
Got the Grado SR80-X. They’re pretty fine. A lot of others. The Moondrop Aria is amazing. But everyone. Do yourself a favor and get the Koss KSC75. They’re incredible. The single best deal in all of audio. $20 for amazing comfort and sound. Just do it
Headphone gang represent! While I've loved putting together a speaker setup on the relative cheap for me truly immersive listening is with headphones. Partially because I don't want my neighbors to hate me.
I started out with headphones, and inexpensive speakers. I've worked my way up to high end for both, and can honestly say that headphones don't compete with the immersive aspect of high quality speakers. Of course, it comes at a cost, and can annoy neighbors. And, sometimes you just want to vibe out with cans.
Still, I feel for the headphone guys who haven't yet experienced a great speaker system in a great room, and think they've maxed out lol.
@@asplmn I'm in the working on my speakers phase, but I do like to be a good neighbor so for now high end for me is a good set of headphones. I have a friend with a very nice setup and agree that speakers do win when comparing at similar price points with no other concerns for a proper setup.
my current setup are some nice large headphones and a sub right next to me , best mix
I tried a pair of Hifi man Sundaras and they are wonderful set of cans for $350. Love the intimacy of headphones.
I settled on Sundara after trying about a dozen sets of headphones. I also tried Hifiman Ananda, which is about double the cost, and they they do some things better, but they present the sound much further away from my ears, and I went back to the Sundara because of that intimacy.
Those are really good headphones
The Soundcore Llfe 30 noise canceling headphones are very good also. I don't really like IEMs much but I do use the Hifiman IEMs often.
Randy !!! try the JBL endurance peak as they are a game changer mate !!! I have listened to a lots of headphones 🎧 in my time and they are outstanding !!! 😜👍🇦🇺
Randy, I think you should try out the B&O H9. I have had the H7 for years and I haven't found a closed back headphone like it. It's certainly does not have the final word in detail, and the frequency is probably not audiophile-flat. But I have not found any headphone that soundstages as well as it (forward soundstage especially), even my Sundaras. It also has pretty insane sub-bass while still being very clear. Especially for watching movies (bluetooth), there are so many times I have taken my headphones off to make sure my speakers and subwoofer aren't on at the same time because the images and bass seem to be coming from well outside my head.
I came from Ora graphene headphones to speakers elac unifi reference 62. I perfer the non fatigue and comfort of speakers in long sessions 2 + hours. The extra details and clarity aren't missed at all, your ear drums need the rest and recovery as pressure from headphones do damage. 3D layering of concentric speakers are out of this world at least to me who's used to iem and headphones.
Good one, Randy! I've always loved headphones ever since I got my Koss Pro 4AAA back in 1977. It was the best $50 I ever spent back then as a teenager. Those have some great imaging I discovered when listening to The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper" album on vinyl; the vocals on some tracks sounded like they coming from the top my head...........
I really appreciate that you focus more on speakers.
I have a great set of headphones that I absolutely love, due to audiophile youtubers.
However it is much harder to find channels that focus more on speakers.
I totaly agree with the fidelity experience… I bought a pair of “campfire honeydew’s” with the “dragonfly red” dac dongel and my beloved 80’s electronis music took me too an undiscoverd dimension. Prior to the campfires and the dragonfly I used the “Fiio btr5” combined them with my “Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro 80 ohm” headphones that I use for bass guitar (keep the wife happy) practice. The streaming devices are my lightning iphone and my usb-c ipad. All this spending was very easy without breaking the bank.
Why didn't you use the BTR5 with Honeydews IEMs?
I could never get the BTR-5 loud enough to adequately drive my 80 ohm DT770s. I was very disappointed with the Beyerdynamics and ended up giving them to my son.
I love this channel, your love for audio and knowledge is great thing.
Agree 100%. In the headphone system, you do not have to budget $ for room treatment. But, as you say the impact is gone from a headphone system.
Currently using my Win10Pro PC to stream this channel. Win10Pro is hamstrung to 16 bits/48Khz (DVD). However, I am using IEM's (Tin T3+, US$65) with an after-market NiceHCK cable ($13 on 11.11 AliEx sale), plus a Dongle-DAC (CX Pro QC31993, $12 on AliExpress), USB A to C adapter ($2) and a Jitter-filter (Oehlbach Pureclock, $35). Pretty decent sound quality up to 32bit/384Khz, on the cheap. Of course, still TH-cam source, but the sound is pretty darn good.
Love your reviews! Always so informative!
Thanks for the headphone video! Hope you have more, decided to dig out my old senn 600hd and fish up a good iPhone DAC/amp to listen to my new Tidal subscription. Definitely more sound goodness than my AirPods are giving me.
Except for the unique, vintage, & very expensive AKG K1000, headphones pretty much sound like headphones. AKG (an Austrian company) also made what was once and possibly still is the ne ultra plus of phono cartridges, the AKG 100 LE. Don't bother looking for one; worldwide they only made 50 of them. They also made a few electrostatic headphones that don't require an energizer box, they just plugged straight in to the headphone socket.. Besides the great enjoyment headphones of this level can give, they can teach you how much hidden info is on your recordings and what instruments sound like when there is absolutely no distortion. Or at least no distortion added by drivers. Try a binaural recording or two. There are even audiophile binaural recordings. According to ebay, the most active audio equipment category is headphones.
I couldn't disagree more about "headphones pretty much sound like headphones". My exploration into headphones revealed a SHOCKING variability between sets, even those made by the same brand.
@@brandontheblack Not to mention variables for each headphone to include type of ear cup padding, ear cup mods (e.g.wadding), and ear cup positioning while on the head. Also, upstream power/signal transmission equipment interactions with each particular earphone.
Headphones great for watching TV sports. Puts you right in the crowd.
I can hear more details in my headphones than my loudspeakers, but the soundstage isn't as good unless you are listening to binaural recordings. IEMs are mostly in your head, but still very detailed. $350 for my IEM/DAP, $900 for my balanced headphones/amp. $$$$ Speakers/amp. Headphones are the only way I can listen at night and enjoy a reasonable volume.
I have quite a few headphones. The most I've been willing to spend is $500 on Sennheiser HD660S. But one of the best deals for bang for your buck is the HD58X ($170) or HD6XX ($210). Yes, the 660S is better, but they are both fantastic for the money. I will not get rid of my 58X even with owning the 660S because they were my first really good pair
As a headphone collector myself, id advise you to sell everything thats worse than your best and research the jewels of the past, like Sennheiser HD-250 liner I - 600 ohm variant, Beyerdynamic dt-48 A, Elega 631, Perhaps you would enjoy K240 sextett - you can find it really cheap. I really enjoy vintage HD580, sounds better than modern variants, but Sony SA 3000/5000 compliments it in a fantastic way, which you can also find much cheaper than they are really worth. All of the above are worth more than they are going for, except Elega, but i doubt you will find one anyways. Have fun !
Bang on Randy! I agree 💯. I personally like speakers because of the experience that is displayed in front of you in the soundstage. One day I will get back into headphones. I'm just waiting for true wireless earbuds to really step up their game in sound quality and volume. I got tired of wires and a portable headphone amp/DAC attached to my phone.
Soundcores are very impressive. And any lack of resolution in the signal is made up for by lack of ambient noise. The eq is also incredible and needed as their stock sound signature is pretty obnoxious
You could try to use hook type bluetooth dac/amps for iems. To make any high quality iem into tws ;). Theese amps come even with charging cases
@@cheapaudioman how low do they hit? That's my biggest concern. I listen to a ton of music with really low frequencies. It doesn't have to rattle my brain apart but it cannot be thin. I would like neutral everywhere or a smidge thick on the low end but have detail and ultra low end extension. I'll have to rewatch your review on those. Thank you. 🤘
If you dont mind a wireless over-ear headphone, I'd suggest giving the B&O H9 a shot while it's on sale. I have the H7s from years ago and it feels like my subwoofer is on when I'm listening to them while the rest of the range is very clear. They're not incredibly detailed, but they soundstage and image like crazy.
Headphones for watching movies doesn't get discussed enough. I like AKGs for their nice open soundstage, but would like to know what others are good.
Indeed. Unlike most people, I use headphones solely for movies. They're great. I use AKG-k371, and the experience is amazing, and more enjoyable than a HT system, IMO. For music, I use a cheap Haylou GT2, and Tribit Stormbox Micro. I am not particular with music, but movies I'm very serious. I also have a X1S, and HE400se for movies. I pick & choose.
My current headphone set makes all of the sounds sound like everything is just little bit behind me. So, I have to pull them forward to the point of nearly being uncomfortable. However, I do really like to run the Dolby Atmos for Headphones app on my PC. The Dolby app makes the sound stage so much bigger. Both with my headphones and my Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 desk sound system. Have fun folks!
Very much agree with your comments and would add one other thing. My system is probably more expensive than you generally look at (1500 dollar + headphones and 1500 dollar + headphone amp) but I find that it is more forgiving of source recordings than going down the speaker route. My speakers and main amp is similar price level to the headphone system ie 1500 dollar amp and 1500 dollar + speakers. It is completely counter intuitive to me but may be down to the room effects you mentioned.
Best headphone and IEM review and reasons for having , I have ever heard. Would love a review of your current home stereo setup.
you need to adjust the crosstalk. the absolute stereo separation causes headaches in many people.
Headphones are possibly more accurate but speakers are much more fun IMO. If I'm auditioning a speaker on TH-cam I want accurate headphones, like the Sennheiser hd600. If I'm listening to music, I generally prefer my JBL speakers.
I don't like headphones on my head, I dislike the wire, I don't like things in my ears and you miss out on imaging and soundstage IMO. It always sounds like speakers on both ears. Sometimes a headphone can create distance but I don't hear the surround, soundstage or imaging some people claim to hear with headphones.
Stax. Electrostatic headphones. Even a pair of good old lambda normal bias sound terrific.
Obviously all headphones sound different between the different models. I even had two headphones of the very same model and they sounded slightly different. A different pair of hands with maybe different solder etc. assembling them. Obviously we were talking about the spatial aspect of headphones compared to speakers, and in that way headphones just about all pretty much sound like headphones; with the sound seeming to hover inside or around your head instead of well in front of you like speakers.
In addition to the vintage but advanced AKG K1000 I mentioned, Stax also come out with some headphones designed to have a non conventional way out of your head imaging. Koss and a few others came out with 4 channel Quadrophonic headphones back in the 1970's when quad was a factor for awhile. I think they were called the Koss Phase 4+4 headphones. With Quadrophonic, some people put two speakers well behind the two main speakers to recreate amazing depth. While others positioned their speakers so they sat immersed in the middle of four discrete channels of sound, with each corner of the room being occupied by a speaker, and totally different instruments coming out of each one. I've always thought of trying something like that but it would involve getting a quad decoder or receiver, Quadrophonic records and phono cartridge. Or a quad reel tape and 4 channel reel to reel tape deck. Quadrophonic cartridges had to have frequency responses way beyond the usual 20khz they had for mere stereo.. Many say developing cartridges for Quadrophonic sound with extremely extended high frequencies led to improved technology for stereo phono cartridges.
Im an headphone guy, and I have some real nice ones. But nothing, nothing can come close to a propper speaker setup. But that requires so much more than a simple heasphone setup.
Ever since my best friend let me listen to “Dark Side of the Moon” on his headphones back in the ‘70s, I’ve been a headphone devotee.
I actually like open-back headphones for situational awareness. I don't like the feeling of being isolated from my environment at home or in the office.
I run my headphones through the Xduoo 604 ..but my IEM’s via the 4.4 are absolutely amazing on that package!
I'm a "headphone guy" but I also enjoy my active desktop monitors as well as my 2 channel towers speaker setup. I actually think $ per $ you can't beat headphones for resolving listening. But speakers can give you a stage/scale experience that headphones cannot replicate. I got my focal clears for $500 used and my Maggie LRS for $650 can't touch them for fidelity. But my headphones cant touch my Maggies for staging.
Exactly. I feel more like "I'm there" with my loud speakers then my high end headphones
They are better, if you like headphones more... They provide higher fidelity for a fraction of the price. They isolate any room issues and interaction, which is the main challenge for speakers. They are just different application, not a better one.
Wow! Thank you for your most excellent description and explanation of headphones and speakers.. by the way I am writing this in bed while my wife sleeps ;)
I'm only 2.5k in to my latest relatively tight 2 channel set-up. My Grado 125, Sen 650 and Dali IO4 Cans probably perform better objectively with a dragonfly red at about $450 all in than any speaker setup for anywhere near that price.
Headphones for the price will always throw up better numbers and better dynamics for the price. The listening experience counts huge tho. I've never experienced the staging of a good 2 channel set up in headphones. Also especially with the Grado's and Send, but also with the Dali's listening fatigue is a real thing with headphones.
ok, you are indeed an extraordinary reviewer.
HPS: Have better immersion
SPKR: You hear the sound of each channel with both of your ears, you feel the sub moving the air in louder spl and overall separation is better: Physics of the bigger magnet. I dont like the laid back feel the speakers share, even ones that are more forward will never feel as intimate as some of the headphones like DT-48, which brings me to conclude i would gladly sacrifice all the benefits of the speaker to feel like im actually there with performers. Its incredible once you invest time and money in headphones.
And i did work on lots of great studio speakers, like top of the line Genelec, Focal, PMC... I still hear better microdetail with Sony SA 3000 than with Genelec 8050, better tone and realism with DT48 A than Focal sm9 or solo6be etc. Considering i payed 120 bucks for used Sony and 100 for DT48A, id say these couple thousand dollar speakers are not for people who seek only good sound, but specific studio use... Columbus, right? :P
While laying down a singing track . Headphones are important to be set right.
No just listening to music. I always prefer speakers over headphones. They become uncomfortable no matter what brand. Earbuds are not comfortable either.
Hey promote good headphones it’s cool. For me I like speakers.
There’s a certain natural quality about sound waves traveling and resounding through a given environment. What do you think all those recording programs have room modeling choices galore for. To get the environmental quality that’s so desired into the music track for aliveness if you will.
Nothing like awesome speakers in a grand atmosphere of complement.
If I had to choose only one for the rest of my life and not the other. It’s speakers not in ear or over ear but free standing. Ty
I'm still using my 1970s Sennheiser HD480II headphones - just changed the ear pads once. Forgive me though for raining on the parade: Wearing HPs long term and always being tempted to pump up the personal volume can damage your ears, and they can cause ear infections. Also, I like to keep my ears open and listening to what else is going on in my house. Like the old adage says - HPs are a little like ear condoms ;)
I actually find i listen to my music at lower volumes on headphones than speakers. Open headphones let me hear what’s going on around me as well. I wear them a lot when the girls are hanging out at night so I can still tell if someone broke a mirror
@@cheapaudioman Fair point taken, it's probably time I replaced my Sennheisers and myself ;) All the best, Beamer.
Have you ever happened to listen to the edifier h840? If so what do you think about those? I've heard they sound pretty dang good for the price.
I prefer My Hi-Fi speaker setup over my Headphones setup, I started with the headphones but once I got premium tower speakers I'll never be able to go back, I need to be able to feel the music, Speakers feel like they reach out with the sound and place it in my lap, hands, and chest, Headphones hold the sound on my head. Never thought Id be a speaker guy, my whole life ive been a die hard headphone advocate but now that I've tasted the other half It always feels like somethings missing when I sit back with my Sennheiser's and try to get lost in the music. (also group listening is a plus)
I'd love seeying you do a budget headphone video in the future!
For sure. Off the top of my head the AKG K361, Grado SR80x, audio technical m40/50, fostex rp40/50 for headphones. Need to do some more thinking on IEMs
@@cheapaudioman Cheapest audiophile experience possible:
Earbuds: Nicehck b40, qianyun qian69
IEMS: x2 pro, moondrop spark, moondrop ssr, moondrop aria
Headphones: koss ksc75, kph30i
Everything else is wasting money on comfort or nitpicking/minmaxing sound
Blons for cheap iems
Hey l, I am torn between getting the Elac UniFi Slim BS U5 or the well praised UniFi UB52...suggestions? This will be my first experience with an Elac, and my first system. Probably 2 channel and may use the either the Outlaw RR2140 receiver or the Schiit Vida with the Freya preamp...something like that and if all goes well perhaps I'll try the Parasound A21+ or the Peachtree 500 amp (not the integrated) the amp. Thanks
Both my headphone rig and 2.1 are in my bedroom both are amazing but I use my Ether CX with IFI Zen dac and amp the most! I work a crazy schedule so yeah the wife.
topping e30 dac, topping l30 headphone amp and AKG 271 Studio. I'm still struggling to get as neutral sound from any speaker. There's never a room to make things worse either.
Can replace the DAC and headphone amp with a Soundblaster AE-5 too.
IEM is a way to go for cheap and casual good listening experience.
It's probably breaking the ethical or moral audiophile code but I've stacked (2) bookshelf speakers and put 12" round lazy susan rotary panels on the bottom and between the two stacked speakers. I can rotate either in any direction. On the bottom are my ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 and on top are the ELAC Solano jet ribbons. Powered by clean energy outlet and a Ican Pro Signature preamp into a Cambridge CXA81 80 watts per channel all XLR balanced connections. I definitely can't go buy every speaker and amp combination to test every possible scenario but this sounds pretty good and I'm no audiophile. I don't have a 20K system to compare it to so I really don't know any better. I do have a question about selecting speakers "A" vs "B" vs both on. Do the 80-watts get divided or ohms go to 12 from 6 or is it a true 80 watts per all 4 channels? Somehow I doubt it offers 80 watts per all 4 channels since it's technically only a 2 channel amp. The rep. didn't have an answer and the engineers never got back to me. Obviously this is not a $5K amp, only about $1,200 got it for half Cambridge refurb. When I go into double speaker mode it doesn't seem like there's any quality loss.
I hope you make your dream come true, and audiophile accessories from Falcon audio chicken hawk will become a reality.
I feel certain there are real debates somewhere on the internet about the merits of various steel wools for cleaning solder.
Randy, it’s been a while or at least since you went not so cheap. 😂 So I think I an ready to try headphones to watch TV at home (Netflix, etc.). I am tired of being told to lower the TV/music or the noise around me when I’m trying to have my little moment or ZEN time. 😂 can you please recommend a under $300 system? Please……
Under$300 headphones? I like Sennheiser hd600. I personally don't think they need an amp; I plug them straight into my phone.
If you want wireless buds I like the Samsung Galaxy buds.
What camera, lens are you using to record your videos
Thank you so much for the education sir
Any suggestion for a Bluetooth over ear closed back? I purchased the Sennheiser PXC550-II Off Crutchfield at a deep discount but I’m not happy with the output level, didn’t seem to have much juice
I wanna become one of your sponsors. I have ideas. Call me!.
As for headphones, I heart headphones. Love my cheap Grados. Still listen to my ancient Superex electrostatics (and still worry about the transformer box will short out and fry my brain with 50KV of raw power!) And I don’t listen to the bass with those, cuz well there is no bass. And I just got an open box pair of HifiMan Anandas. I think I love them, but it depends on what’s on. If the recording sucks, it REALLY sucks through those cans. Thanks again for the insightful high-value rundown!
I'm currently on vacation and could use a set of balanced iem's, any recommendations? I get the "leaky headphone" complaints as well so I'm back to using iem's. The one's I use need an upgrade.
You never rolled over and crushed your speakers or had their cables wrap around your neck.
Could you do a myth vs truth on audio subjects for us newbies. Like does audio cables make a difference?
Not sure if there are any gamers here? I know headphones are cheaper than a high end home theater. But can a really good home theater setup beat a pair of high end headphones for competitive gaming where localizing things around you and players foot steps can give one an advantage? I game in my home theater and am trying to decide if a pair of headphones would provide any benefits in online multi-player over my 9.4.4 home theater setup?
One thing… Are speakers really better for your ears than headphones in the long term? Will blasting loud music through speakers damage my ears as fast as headphones?
Although $600 Breyerdynamics 1990 cost more than most of your picks, they're great headphones.
To support this channel, I have an original pair of Grados, SR60, never been used, message me for shipping
Depends. Speakers are very nice for racing games and headphones are better for shooters.
My headphones and portable headphone amp is about $450. It sounds great and it is a great way for me to listen to my music without disturbing others. However, I prefer to listen to my $5000 system any time I can. The reason I think a hifi system is better than a headphone system is related to how you listen to live music. When I go to a concert I listen to the band on a stage through a speaker system. Even though my hifi system can't fully replicate a live concert, it does give you the same effect to a large degree. Can you imagine going to a concert and then putting on headphones to hear the music? It just wouldn't work. Headphones are great, but they don't replace my hifi system. Just my opinion. I'll listen to music any way I can.
I use my headphones AS speakers most of the time. I have a iFi DAC/Headphone amp that I push my Audio-Technica ATH-M50X. I don't always want them on my head so I just set them with the driver cups facing me and turn up the volume. Sounds fine as speakers. Plenty loud enough for games and watching TH-cam.
Under $200 best combo is Phillips 9500 + Fiio E10K best combo
For iPhone users, the Apple dongle will be good enough for most people, and it's dirt cheap. It is a very high fidelity device. It's a shame it doesn't produce full output on Android. (not without jumping through some hoops), because the Google dongle isn't as good, and has less output level. (it's still pretty good though, and is also cheap)
Plus one on being pleasantly surprised by Soundcore BT IEMs. Makes me wonder what their 40 mm BT headphones sound like (hint, hint, nudge).
Love this
I just want to know if I can have a setup where I could connect both my speakers and my headphones to a single audio interface which can then be connected to my PC
Can you check out the Massdrop Sennheiser HD58X?
What happened to your Elegia review?
If you add a fan or mild white noise to the bedroom then maybe you can listen to more open headphones at night.
I've never been a fan of headphones, it lacks the 3D sound imagining that a quality surround system can provide.
Do a review for the Focal ELEGIA plz
just plug in some ksc75s to your phone. blissful audio for like 15 bucks
How about the “audio hiss” on those soundcores?
Fnbk yeah RANDY I've been wanting to step up my headphone game. I figure hey RANDY has a BBQ in his office, he know what the Fook is up. We love you RANDY you're a straight Batty Boy.
Any warm, bassy, thick sounding headphone with slightly rolled off treble under $100?
most sennheiser sound that way
AKG “K” series. Warm but retains detail, easily driven, within your budget.
5:00 "40dB"
me sitting in my 28dB noise floor room at night hating the bit of white noise the ANC option of my Bluetooth headphones produces
*Nods* yeah! ... Wait no
Ho hay….. 1 more quad iem right in front of you…. Love my akg headphone….gonna try the mezze…..looking for a warmer sound
I can't wear headphones for long gives you ear ache after a while, find wearing headphones give me fatigue.
More likely to damage your hearing with headphones than with speakers.