My "upgrade" path was all over the place with upgrades, sidegrades and downgrades. Somewhat in this timeline DT770 > Sundara > HD6XX > DT1990 > Focal Elegia > Focal Celestee > Focal Clear MG > Aoen Noire 2 > Focal Clear MG > LCD X 2021 > 109 Pro. All that in a timespan around 5 years. And I think that with the 109 Pro I found my jam. Although Im still interested in the Arya Stealth. But the journey will probably end with the 109 pro for now. I noticed the following: - There are tons of good sounding headphones - There isnt really the "best" and - I kinda always want the one I dont have - Comfort is hella important - Deminishing returns begin quite early - I get used to the soundquality of my headphone. Which means after a few weeks or months even a +1000$ headphone sounds "normal" to me. A Focal Clear MG or LCD X sound as good to me nowadays as my DT 770 sounded to me when I was a teenager.
I was surprised that you downgraded from LCD X to the 109 Pro.... quite a difference in price tag. What was the main reason for this? The closed back isolation?
@@encodedlife LCD X sounded great, it had probably my favorite tuning. But it was just way to heavy. I only sold it because I couldnt wear it for more than half an hour or so.
@@encodedlife More money doesn't always mean better sound. What it costs a company to build vs what they sell it for can be drastically different. And if it's not comfortable to wear, it doesn't matter how good it sounds. You can't hear something that's not on your head.
Such an interesting video idea - following upgrade paths for headphones, within certain notable sound characteristics, aka Bass, Sound Staging, etc. Really enjoyed this one, Josh!
DT770 > HD 6XX > Beyer Custom One > Sundara > HD800S. This is my list as far as wired goes during my 13 year journey. I still use most of these, but I couldn't justify the cost of the HD800S for how often I would use them. If I had an EQ at the time, I probably would have kept them. I would love to try the Focal Clear next!
I would recommend spending time with different tunings since most will like whatever they've listened to a lot and an objectively and with subjectively better tuning can sound boring, dull etc to begin with. I took 4 years to realize how good the HD650 really is for example, but after properly testing over a 100 headphones I now know that I will love it forever. I'd recommend getting something you like, EQ it to Harman and see what you can improve by ear. This way you can find border conditions about bass extension, macrodynamics etc, but soundstage is a thing of it's own that requires different headphones.
Great video topic! You helped me get started with the HD6XX about 18 months ago. This past Christmas, I bought HE-5XX on a Black Friday deal through Drop and recently purchased the Edition XS. The HD6XX (as you mention) is a great intro HP, but as you learn more about what others can do, you get the itch to see what those other cans sound like. That prompted the sidegrade to the HE5XX to see what planar magnetics had to offer wrt sound staging, which I enjoy. That pushed me down the HIFIMAN path with the Edition XS, which I absolutely love. The XS has scratched my itch for now. I enjoy them thoroughly and don't want other cans at the moment. This newfound level of sound quality has pushed me into speakers, as I want to create what I have on my head in my room for others to enjoy. Thanks for the high quality and informative videos.
So my path has been chasing resolution and my music is variety, but my fav tends to lean acoustic with lots of Jazz small ensemble but also orchestral / classical. My first significant headphone purchase I qualify as my pre-audiophile journey and it was a pair of Sony MDR SA3000 cans. At the time, like 15 - 20 years ago I bought from my Sony store guy on a super sale at $200 vs. MSRP of $500. I was OMG blown away by the sound, couldn't believe a headphone could sound like this. Years later, soon after purchasing my first true HiFi stereo (a McIntosh SACD and 200Wx2 Integrated), I upgraded to the Sony MDR SA5000, the big hifi brother of the MDR SA300. No plastic, all magnesium build, it was a big step up from the previous MDR AS3000. A few years ago I bought my previous end-game plan Sennheiser HD800S. For many years prior I'd lusted fore the original HD800 and finally took the plunge. I was in heaven. After this I upgraded amplification, initially with a used older Burson that immediately took my HD800S to new heights. Over the last 2 years I added a pair of HD660S and some iEMS as well as a Questyle CMA Fifteen HP DAC AMP and a Burson Soloist GT reference HP amp. I now have upgraded my stereo chain and as part of this have a Holo Audio May KTE and a Serene KTE preamp that also has class A discrete HP amplification. I have taken my HD800S as far as it can go now and although every amp step up took them further, I think that when using the Serene or Burson Soloist GT (and even the Questyle), this is it so.... I ordered and am awaiting this week my new Hifiman HE1000SE headphones. I know you are thinking, this guy is a clean-freak resolution junkie, and you're probably right but I do intend two other additions over the next few years: a high end tube HP amp (a Feliks or maybe McIntosh MHA200) and an electrostatic setup (likely the Bravura and Sonoma combo by Warwick acoustics). So that is my past, current and future journey plan! Also interested in a closed back to compliment for certain scenarios, Lyric maybe? HD820S? We'll see. Thanks for this video, a great idea!
I bought the AKG Q701 as my first audiophile headphone and absolutely loved it. Then I got the DT 770 as a closed back pair and the Sundara as a planar pair. Now I'm looking at selling the Sundara and getting the Arya Stealth as an endgame headphone and will not purchase any high end headphones after that. The Arya are loved by basically everyone in this community, and I haven't tried them, but all the descriptions and comparisons I've heard of them is the sound I am after.
You quoted $400-500 for the HD660S, but they’re pretty consistently $300 on Amazon these days. I grabbed them for $300 when they first dropped. I also grabbed the LCD-X for $700 through Audeze’s B stock sale in November. I’m trying to decide if I should keep the HD660S. I might just end up using them for gaming. Solid imaging and so lightweight. The LCD-X are my go-to for basically any music, especially with some EQ
I bought Beige hd598's at the beginning of college, 8 years later i bought hd600's and they were too quiet for my headphone jack, then last year i discovered this whole rabbithole, now i'm rocking a modi magni stack with nice little collection of cans including the LCD-x 2021 and focal elegia. I like having different options, really want to get a nice electrostat at some point, but there are ZERO hifi stores within 3 hours drive of me where i could sample some.
HD 700 - LCD2C - LCDX - HD800S - EMPYREAN - LCD 4. Still have empyreans, LCD 4 and HD800S. These 3 headphones are very different and unique which gives me different aspects of the music. Probably looking at upgrading my gear next, I have the Topping A90D and D90 or might try and get the AB1266.
Very interesting outlay of the various uses and characteristics. Under the "Studio" section, including a couple of closed back options for tracking, is probably a worthwhile extension of what you have laid out. It also partly explains the popularity of the Audio Technica M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro. Both extremely durable and reliable for tracking purposes.
Yes, no matter how big budget the studio is, you can just about guarantee that their headphone arsenal is going to be made up of just four models of relatively inexpensive studio headphones: the Sony MDR-7506, Sennheiser HD 280, Audio-Technica M50x, or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.
So, storytelling time My current upgrade path starts with the r70x, sort of as a neutral reference, which then comes the elex, and then a retrofitted he6sev2 (obviously with the extreme price drop especially on used models) with enhanced coupling and far superior build running off high current amp for sure, all sharing similar features of having small scales but omnipresent in presentation + an ongoing path consisting of the HD zeus, then my currently running used hd800 (non-s, felt like as a collection the og makes more sense and the added sizzle actually works to the og's advantage, also cmiiw but its impossible to be found new so your only option is to go 2nd hand, added some dekoni perf sheepskins just to add more harmonics down low, which gives the perception of more mid-bass) which will potentially end with the d8000 pro, although more likely than not i will actually stop without (way too high of a price for a headphone, but i've yet to touch my OB speakers ever since moving out for college)
My upgrade paths: IEMs: - Shure SE-215 > Sony MDR-EX600 > Sony WF-1000XM3 Around-the-ear, Open: - Sennheiser eH-250 > Sennheiser HD 555 > Sennheiser HD 598 Around-the-ear, Closed: - Supreme CD-90 > Beyer Dynamic DT-770 Pro > Sony WH-1000XM4 My primary needs are not exactly hi-fi/head-fi, but rather monitoring. The Beyer Dynamic 770's are legendary for this usage, but it lacks airiness - hence the Sennheiser HD 598. The Sony's are lifestyle choices - they sound decent, and are wireless via BlueTooth with an effective noise cancelling to boot.
As somebody that listens relatively exclusively to classical music, I'm absolutely in love with my Focal Clear OGs after not getting on with the HD660s. Something about the Focal house sound clicks for me for the music I enjoy listening to.
I did Sony MDR-1000X to MDR-Z7 to MDR-Z1R. It made a lot of sense, because I like Sony's house sound, and each step was a noticeable increase in both sound and build quality. And they were both easy to drive and had included compatible 4.4mm balanced cables to match my WM1A Walkman. For me, the "future" doesn't really start before the Z1R starts to break down (which may be a while). I haven't really been impressed by open backs for my listening environments. I will say that the Audeze lineup appeals to me, because I demand strong bass from my headphones.
I started with HD650, now on LCD 2-C and looking at Empyreans as my endgame headphone, so we are pretty close. How much of an upgrade did Meze feel over LCD 2-C?
A couple of years ago I got a pair of 80ohm DT770s (on your advise actually). Then mid way through last year I got a pair of Phillips SHP9600s (also on your advice). I like both of these headsets but I was considering upgrades. Honestly the first 'upgrade' I thought I might try is the Hifiman HE400SEs. Just because I've never tried any Planar Magnetic headphones. And I was also interested in some HD6XXs or a pair of DT 1990s. Still, I fall into the catagory of listeners who is challenged. I'm 65 and, years of working around various machinery (jet engines for example) , have left me somewhat hearing impaired. So I'm hesitant to go too far down this rabbit hole. I love what I have. I love various music (its actually like a drug for me). So I appreciate your insight and advise. Please keep doing what you're doing.
Great vid. I got a pair of 10 year old Beyerdynamic DT 990s and replaced the pads a while back, but recently upgraded to Focal Clear Mg; really happy with my journey in audio so far.
I am at the very beginning of the journey, so the list goes: HD-555 plugged into front panel of PC -> Edition XS + E50/L50 stack. Change was soooo obvious that *I* could notice the improved details, positioning, wide sound stage, more refined lows, crystal clear highs. I wish I could spend a bit more money for (or at least try) Focal Clears, Meze 109 pros, Arya and Aeon Noire 2.
I went from crappy Jensen portable CD player pack-ins (on-ear) to Koss UR20s to Sennheiser HD 595s (briefly - hated the 1/4" jack and lack of sub-bass) to DT 770s to ATH-M50xBTs. I like the way the last two sound equally and the DT 770s were brilliant for office use, but since I work from home now, I needed something that could pull double duty for both work and and watching TV and not have to worry about cables. The ATH-M50xBT was the only reasonably priced Bluetooth headphone I could find that didn't sound awful. For me, $150 is about the limit for wired headphones, even though I'm the snobbiest of anyone I know when it comes to audio and have owned various headphones for 20+ years. As long as they are comfortable and provide a full, flat frequency response without any strange anomalies, I'm satisfied.
IEM: KZ ZS10 Pro -> KZ ZSX -> BLON BL-03 -> Thieaudio Monarch (OG) Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-1770/1990 Pro -> Focal Clear (OG) -> HiFiMAN Arya (V2) BT: Sony WF-1000XM4 -> Sony WH-1000XM5 So far so good, still thinking about getting the HiFiMAN HE1000 (V2 or V3) or even the Susvara to end it all.
I think upgrades are pretty good within a manufacturer's lineup. The "house" sound is something that people mainly point out with frequency response, but this is really made clear within the nuances of the FR. For example, timbre is simply not the broad strokes FR and is harder to pinpoint with measurements. This may not be as important to people who are non-musicians, but for musicians timbre is 100% required. A lot of times a reviewer will say a headphone has "good" timbre and it turns out that it is good if you've only heard these instruments played through a recording, and not in person.
My upgrade path currently looks like this: HD600 -> LCD-X (buying soon) -> Final D8000 Pro. The best midranges I heard at any price point are those. Currently looking for a bass headphone. Probably gonna start with a Philips X2HR, but D8000 Pro has the best bass I ever heard, so will be my endgame here too.
I went from Sony MX3 closed-back Bluetooth to the hd58x w/modmic5, then the pc38x, and finally the Arya stealth. Dac is gsx1000 w/atom amp+. I think I'm good. I got setups for console gaming, PC gaming, music, movies, and noise cancelling with this collection.
Great video! Thanks a lot. My path till this day looks like this: at the begining it was Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) + Lehmannaudio Linear amp. After some time I found the Beyer highs fatiguing - I could not listen to the music more than 20 minutes without a headache, so I did two things - upgraded analog board of the amp to the highest version which is Linear II (it's great that Lehmannaudio got such an option), and bougth the 6XX's. The problem was gone and the improvment was defenitly worth the price. With hard rock from the 60's and 70's, jazz / impro and blues stuff - I don't need to change anything - it's a great combo for that kind of stuff, but I also listen A LOT to the orchestral music, and some headphones that gives some more detail and have better soundstage but also keeps that special timbre would be great. That's the goal for now. Is the Elex comparably natural sounding headphone? Or mayby the 660s? I got the info that some ZMF's should be fine for me, but I saw the price... maybe some other time ;-). Again - thanks very much!
I started off my adventure into the audio world this year! I gave it a try and went with the SHP9600 as you recommended and its been a joy so far. Listening to all my old music was super satisfying. I think i will continue the Open-Back Route aswell. So far its looking like SHP9600 -> into either HD660s or HD6XX & a decent dac/amp and im set!
Depends on what you are after, but i would highly recomend hd660s because they are best all around headphone under 1000$ and in my opinion best headphone from sennheiser excluding he1. HD58x , HD560s , HD 600 are all very similar to 660s. The HD600 has narrow soundstage which made me claustrophobic compared to 660s. The HD58x has similar sound signature to 660s but lacks technical performance, has smaler soundstage , less details etc... The HD58x is great for the price but after listening to 660s i didn't expect that there would be a big difference but there is. The HD560s is more detailed , more neutral than HD58x where HD58x is more relaxed and warm tilting set the HD560s has more analytical sound to it . The HD650 and HD6xx are a bit different compared to all the others that i have mentioned. They are more focused on midrange, exspecialy vocals which are rich, forward and a bit warm sounding.
I really enjoyed this format of video. I have had my HD 6XX for about 4 years now and have been looking for a new pair of headphones but I really wasn't sure which direction to go in. One thing that would be a great add on video or to build on this topic would be how upgrading your headphones could influence your decision to upgrade amps and dacs. Going over when it makes sense to upgrade headphones vs upgrading other gear could help people in deciding what will actually help them get the sound they want.
One thing I did to my 6XXs was changing the foam covering the drivers from dust, to light ladies stokings - they're less laid back now and the midbass bump is not as noticeable. Also have the 58X - kind of everyday beaters for cellphone and PC use - definitely not as transparent and as clean in the mids and highs as 6XX. I think the 600 has the nicest and less laid back overall signature from the three of them.
Love the video, but just a small complaint, wider than 16:9 videos do not display well in landscape mode on newer phones, using black bars to normalise it back to 16:9 let’s people choose whether to view edge to edge or not
I have over 20 pairs of headphones but for day to day listening I use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M70x - more clinical than the 50s but I prefer that - and Aftershokz Aeropex (don't laugh - not for music, obviously, but for videoconferencing or watching TH-cam they are perfect). Neither are my favourite. When I was at college (70s) I paid $20 for a used pair of Wharfedale Isodynamic headphones; my best ever Hi-Fi investment. They sounded fantastic; they come up on eBay occasionally for 10 - 20 times the price I paid. Sadly mine died around 1988 so after much research I bought the nearest sounding equivalent I could find; a pair of Stax Gamma Pros with powered energiser, which are still going strong after 35 years.
Grado MS1i (Wood Mod) > HD600 Fostex T50RP MK III (Clay Mod) > HiFiMan Sundara 2021 Think my upgrades comes in a form of a better DAC and Amp. Recently bought the Atom+ stack and it pairs amazingly well with what I have at a very affordable price.
Three learnings as I’ve tried to upgrade. 1 More of the same may not satisfy. From Grado 80 to RS1 was an improvement but did not fill “the hole” I sensed. 2 The amp and amp/hp pairing really do matter. I hadn’t been so sure but the Nitsch Piety over the Schiit OG Magni was dramatic on Drop/Dan Clarke Aeon closed but not the Focal Elex. The amp can elevate the cans. A recent pilgrimage to The Schiitr allowed me to hear the modestly priced AKG K701, close cousin to my Q701. The (gulp) $1899 Folkvanger made those cans sing in both depth of bass and breadth of soundstage. 3 Burn in seems to be real for me. I bought and regretted the Shure 1540 to “upgrade” my closed back. Waaay too much bloat in the mid bass. Put them on and took them off soon, over the course of 3 years. Suddenly noticed in past 6 weeks “Hey! Sub bass is still emphasized but bloat is down to ‘acceptable’ bass head level.” Should have burned them in long ago. Upgrade? Lyr+ amp, then DC Aeon Stealth for sound OR a ZMF for the sound plus bling factor.
My personal upgrade path was 6xx, that's a pretty easy headphone to start with. Then the Sundara was so widely loved I got that. Then based on your review I got the Arya (non-stealth), and I loved it and it's my endgame! I love big/tall sound with lots of detail and good sound stage, and that was the Arya. I'm not the type that needs a collection, I'm happy with one or two headphones where I couldn't ask for much more I also tried speakers, where I got the Vanatoo Transparent One, and hopefully the SVS Ultra Towers soon. Then I think I have endgame for headphones and speakers!
So you're happy with your Arya, coming from the sundara? I got the hd598, then hd6xx, then the sundara and I am currently looking at my next upgrade. I was hesitant between the Arya or the clear.
@@astroman269 try the Chifiman He1000V2 on sale @around 2K. I currently upgraded or sidegraded from Arya. The hekV2 is phenomenal at classical, jazz, blues, and "lite rock" whilst the Arya is really great for punchy rock!
@@AmazingGamingsh Sundara are definitely much brighter and wider sounding but comfort, and driver matching/QC, I think is better on Sennheisers. You would have to try it for yourself, as it's plannar vs dynamic driver. 6XX as first pair of headphones is a decent choice especially with a bit brighter, transparent, and really hi- resolution electronics. I have a pair and with a slight cheap modification they're not bad. Sundara on the other hand is better with warmer source/amplification than the neutral. I think it's up to one's preferences.
I went from Beyerdynamic dt 770 and 880 to T1 2nd gen, to finally Audeze LCD-X, in great part due to this channel. I can say without hesitation that I am not going back. They're the best I think I could ask from a pair of headphones.
I've had a couple headphones but my main upgrade path went Hd650 -> Hifiman Ananda -> AKG K812 K812 is my absolute endgame imo there is nothing like it. (Even tho most people hate it lol)
I did so many mistakes along the way since entering this hobby, I wish I had these types of videos back then... I've had at least 40 different headphones and 90% of them are either sold or on the shelves never having any listening time... Great video.
Just now upgrading from Sundara. Using them for mixing together with my monitors. Bought a pair of Ananda Nano. Seems to be quite an upgrade and takes Eq well. Plan is to use it with Realphones (calibration+cross feed). I would use room simulations for translation checks. Think the Nano’s are good since they are so fast. They are a good compliment to my monitors. Still debating getting Arya Organic instead, but believe they are not as fast.
I loved your video idea! So, here's how it went for me: Personally, I got introduced to the audio space by a friend in 2019 and now I'm in deeper than he is :D I started out with a DT 990 and a set of Edifier R1700 monitors. In the following year I got a subwoofer and a pair of DT 1990s and HD 6XXs, both of which I still use daily. The year after that, I dabbled into the IEM space with KZ ES4s, then Tin T2s and Moondrop Arias and the Moondrop Blessing2:Dusk. The Arias I often lend to friends if they want to get into audio, the Blessing2 is my daily driver for when I'm working out or just want no external distraction when I'm focusing on my work. This year, I finally upgraded my speakers to Yamaha HS8s. For headphones, I do think that I want a pair of closed-backs like the DT 177X GO and a pair of either Focal Elex as upgrade to my open-backs, or even the original Focal Clear. I'd also like a good pair of planar headphones in the 300-700 bucks range. For IEMs I think also a pair of planar IEMs would be nice, but I don't think I'll ever buy ones more expensive than the Blessing2s. I just love them so much and there's nothing I'd want to be better, that's why.
I was never a headphone person. As an audiophile for over 25 years I was into home setups. But have had in the past Grado RS2 and RS1. At the time had a Dark Voice and a Grado amp, but never had the performance that grabbed my attention. Had to pack up home setup in 2021 while selling home and started to get into headphones. Started with Sony z7m2 (which I heavily modded) with a Schiit Asgard 3 and Modius stack. Now have a Audeze LCD XC (2021 model) with a Schiit Jotunheim 2 and use one of my older Proceed DAP R2R NOS DAC. PC is source, use EQ APO and entire setup is really tweaked including balanced power, cabling and heavily tweaked like I would my home setup. I love this setup, no upgrade desires, sounds absolutely stunning.
I went 6xx to Arya V2. Plan to upgrade in 6 or so years. Josh, if I'm in love with the Arya V2. What would you suggest as a true endgame headphone? I love everything about the Arya.
behringer um2 -> ath-m50x -> ath-ad1000x -> schiit magni3+ -> schiit modius E -> moondrop chu and starfield, i constantly switch out between my ad1000x's and iems, if im casually doing something then the majority of the time im using klipsch r41m speakers plugged into a sony n220 amp next upgrades are going to be either schiit asgard or jotunheim and then im 100% sure the next headphone im getting is either going to be the sundara, ananda, or the arya, just depends on how long im willing to save up
I got my HD600 pair 24 years ago as a present. It would be cool to get something that's considered better like the Clear MG, D8000 Pro or Diana MR... but I just can't justify it and the DAC/AMP upgrade they would need to really take advantage of them.
Atm I personally upgraded from a Hifiman 4Xx on the phone out from iPad/hifi amp to a Aune X1s GT dac/amp with Austrian Audio HI-X60 closed back headphones. This combo sounds so great, high improvement…warmer side of neutral over all, no lagging details, can listen for hours to them. Hope you get the chance to get your hands(ears) on this headphones…amazing soundstage and imaging for a closed back…
Started with Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: loved treble, didn't like boom-ish bass. Upgraded to DT 1770 Pro: didn't like sibilant treble, loved the bass slam. Moved on to Audeze LCD-XC: love the detailed non-sibilant treble, love the fast bass. I slightly miss the bass slam of previous cans, but it's a planar feature. I'm done upgrading.
I started with : For iems : Blon bl 03 paired with xDuoo link 1 - Upgraded to : Moondrop arias with upgraded insane cables from openheart 2 strands with 133 cores per strand paired - Moonriver 2 ( that cable spec might sound like a gimmick but sincerely I have never seen a cable improve iems or headphones more dramatically Josh please check those cables out). For headphones; I started with Fidelio x2hr paired directly with the unimaginable power of the MacBook Aluminum 2007 - later made a setup with the Moonriver 2 and then bought the SHP9600 cause I wanted some more transience but it wasn’t great. So my planned upgrade will be the sundaras paired with the Moonriver 2.
I’m accepting of your HD 6XX recommendation in the Studio segment, since it’s $50 more than ATH-M50x… presuming zero isolation is needed. But is your HD 650 recommendation indeed the starting point or the upgrade at $400+? There’s a reason why so many recording professionals are using Beyerdynamic DT 770 or ATH-M50x, and it’s not the product placement. They’re straightforward, sturdy, no nonsense headphones. Thanks for making the vid.
My upgrade path is... all over the place. It went from M20x > M50x > R70x > strictly IEMS > HD650 then ended up with the Sony CD900st. I have the funds for "higher end" headphones, but the CD900st hit all the right spots for me.
I think this is really interesting from an enthusiast but not audiophile perspective. I'd never think of my headphones from a sound-stage/neutral/etc perspective. For me it's how I use them and that's broadly split between games, movies, music, and travel. For gaming my path was loosely from the SHP-9600 (which was honestly my all around go-to for everything for some time) to now Audeze LCD 2-C. For gaming I generally prioritize a bass forward cinematic sound without the top end being over done. With headphones that focus too much on the top end I find gunfire in particular gets to be far too loud compared to the rest of the sound in the games I tend to play. For movies I had the 1more triple driver over-ears and just recently upgraded to the Meze 109 pro. With both I find the extra top end to be very engaging and brings out a lot of small details in film and TV. For music I keep a variety of things in hand depending on the mood. Senn 6XX for the neutral sound, monoprice retro modern for when I want that big stinky bass, Phillips x3 for just a relaxed vibe, and modhouse t50 argons for argon reasons. For travel I keep a pair of Sony xm5s for wireless convenience and moondrop Chu's if I need a more closed sound pretty much all the time. If I'm going on a longer trip I'll bring my Meze 99 classics. This is really the only area I'm considering making any further upgrades but it's a fine balance. I don't want to get anything too expensive with the risk of loss/theft and in the wireless area I find anything past the Sony's a hard sell for their price. There's great stuff out there but once you get past $500 it's hard to justify the cost vs the risk of loss compared to how good all around the Sony's have been for me.
I haven't found a true upgrade from the HD650, I always gain something and lose something. Now I understand why people just come back to the 650 after trying many different things. I had the Arya but returned it, technically better but not warm, smooth and natural sounding like the 650. The closest I have heard is the Audio Technica R70x, same excellent mid and smooth treble, but better bass, staging and imaging. Im looking to try the Clear MG this year.
Very interesting video. I had a bunch of sub £200 Sennheissers over 20-30 years, really nice and also comfortable for long periods. I am not someone who wants/needs to roll components, having stuck with one setup for 20 years. About 4 years ago I went on a major system upgrade, one that would be long term, Iwatched a lot of TH-cam reviews, particularly yours, Audiophiliac and John Darko, and decided to go for the AB1266 phi tc (your review and Steve G’s Audiophiliac), first with a topping A90 on your recommendation (great combination ), and then the In Pol Ear from Pathos (Steve G’s). Really love the 1266’s, initially my choice was to get a massive bump in the experience without having to factor in the room … and all the other issues with speakers. I have ended up also getting some amazing Sonos Faber Olympica nova 1’s that are so easy to place. I live in an apartment so switch between headphones and speakers depending upon noise considerations. Thanks so much for your channel.
from HD595 to DT770 to AKG 701 and now DT1990. Im happy with the DT1990 but after 2 years i start to ask my self what is the next step. i use them on a creative AE-7, so i ask my self isn't an upgrade a waste of money on a gaming soundcard. Is there something like the DT1990 pro just better?
The senn path was the pc363ds openning my eyes into better headphones and some soundstage. I then proceeded to get a hd650 and a fulla schiit. Those lasted me around 6 years, upgraded to a 660s2 recently and now finally bought a hd800s with a topping d10 and a schiit vali. Ive reached a good conclusion for a good while. I may upgrade the amp later but what i have has been amazing.
I still remember researching all I could find before buying my first pair of headphones, the DT 770s 2 years ago, and yesterday I took delivery of my new 560S's. Probably will move on to the Sundara when money allows. :D
Hi Joshua, I have just recently found your channel and very much appreciate the quality of your videos including your honest views and everything to the close ups and lighting. Although your channel is predominantly for the audiophile community would you ever consider doing a round up of the best headphones for digital pianos or other pluggable instruments. Not necessarily studio headphones because there might be a difference aimed more for mixing. More specifically for instrument practicing ( closed back). Some headphones that could bring the best of say, a digital grand piano with all the resonance, colour & fidelity that the latest high level sampled grand pianos bring. Anyway, I would appreciate if you considered it. Thanks again for all your videos… 🙏👍🤘🤙.
As someone stated before my journey has been all over. Mostly due to the fact that i´ve never known what i´m looking for in addition to newer having enough money to spend on "Hifi", so $ for buck has always been my, unwanted, quest. Started out with Samson SR850 (Cheap, uncomfortable and too bright) -> Audio Technica M50 (Uncomfortable and never liked them).-> Beyer Dynamics DT990Pro+Ifi Zen Dac (Comfortable and quite alright but, imo, lacked, what i now know is called, "soundstage")-> Hifiman He400i+Ifi Zen Dac which is a combo i love! So planars´s been what i´ve been looking for it turns out. At least Hifiman planars. The only question now is if it´s any use upgrading to the Sundaras? The rest in the lineup is sadly out of $ reach....
I bought my first rateable headphone in 2019 it was a M40X. Before the M40X I've never ever listened on anything more expensive then like 20$ so it was really wonderful after the first time I heared the M40X it was night and day. The M40X was influenced by my room mate at the time and also by the fact that I managed to broke all those cheap headphone in realtively fast so I bought the M40X. After the FiiO BTR 5's lauch I bought one early on (2020). I was going between my home town and uni quite a lot so it was a great addiction at that time. Right after this the M40X's hinge broke. My friend 3D printed a new one for my it was good but after that it was a bit clumsy. You neck would hurt etc also the other sides hinge broke also so I ended up buying a DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm in 2022 (later on I "repaired" the M40X but I never really use it so). For the that 250 Ohm DT 770 Pro I bought a FiiO K5 Pro ESS almost for the same money I sold my BTR5. I like this setup but I'm looking for an open headphone. I thinking between the DT 990 Pro and HD 600 but I'm not sure at all yet which one would be a better choice long term. Especailly the HD 600 is quite expensive compered to the DT 990 Pro. Any good advise ?
Hey a fellow m40x appreciator ^^. I don't have experience with the HD 600, but I do with the HD 580 and that was an amazing headphone. The difference between the HD 600 and the Beyer's is large. The sennheiser is a ready to go masterpiece, and the Beyer's are (my experience from the 770) flawed with mandatory tuning - but then killer bang for your buck headphones. The Sennheiser's are more expensive for a reason in this case. If you already have the 770's I would not recommend going for open backs with the same flaws and characteristics. Otherwise I would recommend the Hifiman He400se or Sundara's.
Hi Josh. I started with a pair of 660s, paired with the IFI Zen Can Signature with the 6XX tuning, connected to the IFI One Signature dac. Loved this combination. I had sound leak complains from my family, so I bought the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which I paired both with the IFI and my Leak Stereo 130, since they’re a bit easier to drive then the Senns. Then, finaly, a couple of months ago, I decided to see if the all fuss around Focal headphones made sense and bought my first pair of “high end” cans, the Radiance. Soundwise, they’re very different from both my 660s and the Beyers, and I have to say that I prefer the clarity and detail of both these headphones to the fuller overall sound of the Focal’s. I’m giving them a little more time, to go over different music genres (rock, dance & hip hop might work better with the Focal’s then jazz or classic) before deciding if I’m keeping them or not. I’m fairly new to this audiophile world, at least at this level, but I’m having so much fun with it. Rediscovering my old records, discovering new music. Awesome experience.
I've been in the hobby for 20 years, earlier this year I got a pair of HD800 with the mod that adds a ring too them. I took the mod out and they have become my daily driver.
Great video. I started down this road in the 90's but I went AKG K240s, AKG K301s + Sennheiser HD 280 Pros, AKG K7XXs + Audio-Technica ATH-M50, and am currently on HiFiMan Sundaras + Moondrop KATOs. The 240s and 301s were rock solid. The HD280 Pros lasted a decade and then fell apart. They were my in the office/travel headphones because the noise isolation was fantastic and they sounded way better than their price would have led you to think. I hated the headphones Sennheiser tried to replace them with. I also tried Audio-Technica ATH-M50s as office headphones and hated them only slightly less than those. The K7XXs broke around the XLR mini jack (the plastic surround shattered). The Sundaras had the headband crack on both sides at the same time (metal spring band contained within plastic surrounds) and the pads started to disintegrate around then, too. Bought nice microperf aftermarket ear pads and a cheap replacement headband that I had to modify to fit my giant head. I love the way the Sundaras sound, but the build quality leaves a lot to be desired. When I can get the Moondrop KATOs seated in my ear properly they sound pretty good and are nicely isolating. Unfortunately this is hard to do without constantly pressing on them from the outside. Which has always been my problem with IEMs and why I avoided them until recently (should probably have looked into custom molded ear pieces). I would love to find something like a higher end HD 280 Pro in terms of isolation and sound quality. Presently debating Focal Elegias for that purpose. Would also move on from the Sundaras to something more comfortable, but I want something with similar characteristics sonicly and not a crazy high price tag. So that is tricky. Also wish there were places to try gear before buying. I hate dropping $500 - $1000 on a pair of headphones not knowing if the fit and sound will work for me. But reliable channels like this one help tremendously in that regard.
M50 -> D7000 -> LCD-2.2 -> LCD-3 + HD800S + SR-007 8 years between the LCD-2 and LCD-3 and with the SR 007 coming soon I'm near the end of my journey. I might get a KGSSHV down the road but that's it.
Josh as much as I would love to take the risk and get the Focal Elex. It has to be addressed that headphone for some people has driver issues. It's not a cheap headphone and from what I've seen Focal and Drop ain't doing much to fix or compensate on that. There's a few reviews on Drops website of people expressing this.
Great informative video! My journey started with a pair of B&W PX but I soon realised that I wasn't getting most out of Tidal. The local hifi store had organised a demo evening on headphones and headphone amps. Not only did I hear many different sets but I learned a very important lesson that is often overlooked. The social part of listening. Being in a room with someone watching TV makes it impossible to go for open back headphones. Leaving the room because you invested in a nice system isn't very social either. My solution was found in a pair of Denon AH-D9200 headphones that I complemented with the Topping D70s Dac, a Bluesound Node streamer and a Feliks Echo mk2 OTL tube amp. It all fits on a nice side table next to my comfy chair. The Denon headphones sound already great with an iPad and dongle Dac but for long listening my side table system is amazing and very enjoyable while my wife watches TV.
I recently went from audio technica M50x to the Hifiman Edition XS for studio use. The Edition XS, although not super neutral, its much more so then my M50x lol. I honestly only really had the budget for a $300 headphone, but I saw your review at how good they are at the price of $500, and decided i wanted an endgame headphone. Sonically they are great, although my audio interface struggles to drive them and has small amounts of distortion, but build quality is lacking. Buy an extra pad for the headband if you have a smaller head and it makes it much more comfortable, also I would upgrade the stock cable to a very nice aftermarket one asap, as sometimes the cable causes buzzing and loses connection. It wasn't my audio interface, I tested it on two different interfaces, unless somehow they both had a faulty headphone jack. Just be wary of bad cable quality. Those things aside I still think the Edition XS is worth it for the price.
My first pair of good headphones was the Grado SR-80, which I got back in 2000 and still have today. In 2006 my wife gave me the SR-225 as a Christmas gift and I still have them. I used those with various stereo receivers until I bought a Focusrite 2i2 for home recording and then bought the Hifiman HE 400i (which I still have and was using them this morning). I jumped down the headphone rabbit hole in 2021 with a plan in mind. I decided on several headphones I wanted to collect so I bought an amp that I knew would be able to power anything. I got a Schiit Asgard 3 and a Modi 3+, and then the HD 6XX (which was NOT easy to get in 2021) then the B&W P7, then the Beyerdynamic DT 880 600 ohm. I also got a Schiit Valhalla 2 tube amp. The last headphone I will get in the coming weeks is the AKG K712 Pro. At that point I’ll be set with headphones. I wanted a good example of all of the major players in the headphone space that were under $500. The only other plans I have is upgrading to a Bifrost DAC and doing some upgrades to my Grados to make them more comfortable so I will want to listen with them more often. At that point I think that’s my end game. I love this hobby much more than HiFi with loudspeakers because you can get fantastic sound and a variety of sounds for a fraction of the price!
DT1990 pro to - LCD-X for most types of music and added - Focal Clear MG for vocals. To my ears, the Clear MG is better than others in it's price range for vocals, and is generally more fun despite a few shortcomings.
Forr the studio ,I started with Sennheiser 650's a little over a decade ago to AKG 712 for a few years to Neumann NDH 20 and finally arrived at the Audeze MM-500's 6 months ago and have felt satisfied that this the end of the road for what I need and want
I am considering going from the DT1990's to the lcd-x or aria next, have not tried either yet. What do you think of the lcd-x compared to the DT1990's? Looking for an upgrade from the DT1990 that introduces more warmth but still retains the clarity so that I can turn the music up without murdering my ears with the highs. Does the lcd-x do that for you? Cheers
My personal path through headphones: Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro -> Beyerdynamic T5p -> Mr. Speakers (Dan Clark Audio now) Ether C (before any of the Flow) -> Focal Elex -> Sennheiser X Drop HD58X -> Sennheiser HD600 (current). A bit of a roller coaster. Any recommendation for a closed headphone that is an "upgrade" for the Sennheiser HD600? To be honest, I do miss my Mr. Speakers Ether C (except for the lack of bass) and am tempted by the Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow. Scenario: - Music genres: Rock, Blues, Modern Orchestral & Metal - Movies usage but no gaming utility. - A headphone that is easy to be powered without the need of an amp (if that is even possible) Hope someone can help. Greatly appreciated. Cheers, G.
I suspect I'm an outlier... Before I got into (amateur) music mixing pre-2020, my best HP was a Sony MDR-7506. I've touched many models (especially sub $250., and especially from Drop!). I stayed away from Sennheisers - while the 58XX was decent enough, it was too dark for me so I never felt the need to try their better ones; same for Beyerdynamics. For a little while, my go to was the Audeze Penrose (!) because I liked the spatial audio/head tracking. Finally got into other planars via Monoprice. Right now my go tos (for portability) are Creative Aurvana Ace 2s, Apple AirPods Pros, and (B-stock) Audeze LCD-i3 (yeah, earbuds and in-ears). If I must use a full set of headphones, I have a closed back Rode NTH-100 (!).
My path until now is: Sen HD58X -> HarmonicDyne Zeus Looking now at maybe the LCD-X for the layering and bass reponse. Anything in the bass pass to upgrade to that has big soundstage and layering like the LCD-X but more bass? Looking for something cheaper than the LCD-4 at around 1300$. Thanks :) P.S What's the difference between LCD 4 and LCD 4Z?
Some might disagree with me on sound but my upgrade path was from ksc75x to Grado sr60x. Mostly for retro styling and lightweight portability. But it’s does feel like an adjacent upgrade in terms of sound
My path has been the HyperX cloud alphas -> Fidelio X2HR. Started it in high school and now I'm a university student. I'm trying to scrape together enough money for that new Moondrop USB amp and a nice closed back or the HD 600, I haven't entirely decided yet.
I’ve been a long-time audiophile. I always had a decent headphone but they were secondary to my speaker systems. When I decided a few years back to put together a headphone based system, I was already ahead of the game with audio knowledge. My advice to anyone starting fresh would be this: 1. Read & watch videos. Get you knowledge up! See what’s out there. 2. Demo if it’s feasible. It’s a much better option than buying used. 3. Plan your first system purchase around what you already own. If you’re starting from scratch, keep your total purchase under $1000. My first headphone based system revolved around an already owned CD player. Around that my purchases were a Focal + Drop Elex ($700) and a Drop CTH headphone amplifier ($250). 4. Don’t feel the need to “chase”. Chasing is where the money pit is! What they don’t tell you is that you can get 85% to 90% of the way there while staying under $1000 (or maybe $1500) for your entire setup. It’s that last 10 to 15 percent that costs!!!😵💫 5. Live with your initial system for at least a year before even considering to upgrade. Meanwhile learn, read, find reviewers who share your sonic preferences and even so who don’t. Approach your next prospective purchases with intent and objectiveness.
I started with Sennheiser 560s then purchased Hifiman HE-4XX then Hifiman Sundara. I still have all three. Wireless - Sony WH1000XM4 to XM5. Now thinking of Focal Elex but not a priority.
I'm currently going down a mix of neutral/soundstage. i.e my first was the HD660S and I wanted more soundstage and less focus on mids so ordered an Edition XS on my path to finding my preferred sound signature. If it turns out to be the sound signature I enjoy then I might end up saving up to get an Arya Stealth in the future, perhaps. I've been using studio monitor speakers for work for so long I just want something that can be atleast comparable to them in terms of neutrality, soundstage/placement and to sound good in all genres. The HD660s unfortunately does not sound 'complete', and I think something along the line of XS will. This is purely for my own enjoyment.
My current upgrade path so far has been: started with gaming headsets when I was young and stupid (last of them was HyperX Cloud) > HD 598 > HD 58x. I've been enjoying the HD58x for the last 4 years and I'm now looking for a worthy upgrade, something as warm but with better soundstage and imaging for gaming. I use a Fulla 2 as a dac/amp, I don't plan to upgrade it if not necessarily Any suggestions?
I started with the 4XX, then went Sundara - DT 1770 - Elex - 660S. Thinking of going to the 109 Pro before stepping into the larger $$. I will probably upgrade my Dac/amp first. (R2R DAC, Tube Amp )
from crappy Headsets back in 2008-2012 -> Mount Beyer DT990 -> MMX300 -> AKGK812 -> Sennheiser HD820 -> Fostex TH900mk2 (pad rolled to ZMF Universal Hybrid with customized Attenuation Rings), and now after finally listening to Atrium and Caldera at HighEnd Munich, I want to Upgrade to one of these 2. If it's Atrium i'll add a Tube AMP to my K9 AKM, if it's Caldera i'll stick with my K9 AKM at first and save some money for an additional Violectric HPA V222. Unfortunately i still can't decide which ZMF to go for :'D
Started many years ago with He400 and AKG K702. Had a Beyer DT 177X, Senn HD5XX and an HD6XX at different times. Moved up to a Focal Elex, Hifiman Arya v2 and DCA Closed X. My latest addition is the Hifiman HE1000v2. There have been several others but I (quickly) sold them because I didn't like the sound. Ear pad modifications have been important, ie. I still enjoy my AKG K702 with Brainwavz perforated pads. My Koss KPH 30i, with modified Grado earpads, is my go-to for audiobook listening while at home. I've had a similar progression with IEMs with the Moondrop S8 and the Theiaudio Monarch MKII being my endgame. My progression with DAPs has ended with the IBasso DX300. Ear tips have also been a (big) journey with the Spinfits W1 being the chosen ones. And also Amps and DACs have been a journey with my current setup being the Burson Soloists 3X and Schitt Bifrost 2. Also, an SMSL Su-9n with an XDuoo TA-20 amp is in the fold. This hobby has been fun.
What you have listed for the neutral-ish upgrade path is almost exactly what I did! Well with a twist, I started out with the HD650 for many years, found out I actually like the HD660S better, then I tried the Elex, then the Clear MG Pro, and now I use both the HD660S and the Clear MG Pro the most, and the old Hifiman HE-500 for genres that planars do better. I also had the pleasure of trying out the new Utopia 2022 on a loaner tour, and I still actually prefer the Clear MG even though the Utopia is a detail monster. So for now the Clear MG is where I'm staying.
Excellent topic for a video! Although as an audio enthusiast I`m currently at a point where I´m not looking for upgrades but rather enjoining different sound signatures. I have a 6XX, a Sundara and next I will probably buy a 1770 Pro and a tube amp, so I can have a good range of music experience.
The first part is totally correct, try lots of different styles, manufacturers sounds etc at the bottom end, work out what sound signature you like. After that everything is totally personal. If you want to follow someone, find that one who likes the same sound as you, otherwise ignore everything said by anyone reviewing a product over 100 pounds/dollars or your equivalent....
I am only two years into audiophile headphones and so far I went from Beyer DT770 Pro -> HD6XX -> Focal Clear OG. Might stick to Focal for next few years before moving to something else now.
The upgrade path depends on use case. It's a shame to see channels only focus on open back headphones. For home: DT 770 Pro 80 ohm --> DT 1990 Pro --> HD800s --> Diana V2 For travel: DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm --> DT 177X GO --> ??? I own other headphones but these were my consistent use paths. I'm really unsure where to go from the DT177X GO... I'm considering the Sony MDR Z1R but it's been out so long I'm worried it'll get a refresh just as I buy it. Also the single entry cable is amazing on the Beyer. Especially for travel.
Started with SendyAudio Aiva (Zeos Hype-Train). No regret on the purchase, just time reference. From there got the SHP9500. Found out first hand that open back headphones at cube farm are not the way to go. Got the Meze 99 Neo, not a fan. The day the Drop 177x and Brainwaze pads arrive to use at the office lock down starts. Positive note, open back headphones are an option again. After a while got the Focal Clear MG (OG). Few months go by and get the Focal Celeste on release day. Have not looked back at headphones. Took a small break from audio to move from Washington state to Arizona. Then bought a house. Now I have mostly switched to using IEM's. I am still trying to find the same level bliss as with Focal. I have gotten close. Granted, for IEM's I have limited myself to under $300 so it is not really fair. I just know I am more likely to take IEM's out of the house than headphones.
Hey Josh, video idea. Maybe you can collab with DMS to figure out a video where people can see which sound they like. You could play a track and give it more tops, mids, bass, etc. And you could talk about headphones for types of music. A techno-lover would get something different than a classical enthousiast.
My journey is still at it's infancy you might say. I've gone from the M50x (which I still use but only for general listening and gaming) to the HD660S. Also upgraded within the FiiO line from E17K to K5 Pro to K7. The 660s gives me everything I need and more currently. I listen to a lot of Indian music which is usually very packed with a lot of instruments going on at the same time the singer is performing. The ability of the 660S to push the singer's voice a bit forward is just perfection. With the M50x it all sounded like one muddled mess. Luckily was able to get the 660s on sale for $350.00 back in 2021. Also love the aesthetics and build quality as well. I can tell these are going to last me a long time.
I mod my M50x to give me a little bit of that mid range couple with a thicker pad replacement, it has improve massively. I won't be as good as more expensive pair, but hey it only cost $35 for the pad and the mod is easy.
My upgrade path is: Steelseries V2/200 -> Sennheiser HD58X -> Audio-Technica R70X ?-> Hifiman Edition XS / Audeze LCD-2C ?-> Hifiman Arya? Thought Focal Clear would be my endgame but I didnt like them at all, I want more fun headphones
I currently have a stable of IEM’s..but as for headphone…my Sen’s 650’s on the Xduoo 604 tube amp ..is very nice. I had the opportunity to try the Meze Emp’s …and I’m now ruined for headphones that I’ll probably never be able to afford. ..so IEM’s that are entertaining and great sounding..for a fraction of the cost of any of the upgrade headphones from the base Sen’s 600’s 😋
That opening made me think I wasn't wearing my glasses for a second
Well, he wanted to express his newfound blurry vision cuz he's wearing specs too XD
Astigmatism moment haha
same
My "upgrade" path was all over the place with upgrades, sidegrades and downgrades. Somewhat in this timeline DT770 > Sundara > HD6XX > DT1990 > Focal Elegia > Focal Celestee > Focal Clear MG > Aoen Noire 2 > Focal Clear MG > LCD X 2021 > 109 Pro. All that in a timespan around 5 years.
And I think that with the 109 Pro I found my jam. Although Im still interested in the Arya Stealth. But the journey will probably end with the 109 pro for now.
I noticed the following:
- There are tons of good sounding headphones
- There isnt really the "best" and
- I kinda always want the one I dont have
- Comfort is hella important
- Deminishing returns begin quite early
- I get used to the soundquality of my headphone. Which means after a few weeks or months even a +1000$ headphone sounds "normal" to me. A Focal Clear MG or LCD X sound as good to me nowadays as my DT 770 sounded to me when I was a teenager.
I was surprised that you downgraded from LCD X to the 109 Pro.... quite a difference in price tag. What was the main reason for this? The closed back isolation?
For me it was just Elegia -> Clear OG
@@encodedlife LCD X sounded great, it had probably my favorite tuning. But it was just way to heavy. I only sold it because I couldnt wear it for more than half an hour or so.
@@encodedlife More money doesn't always mean better sound. What it costs a company to build vs what they sell it for can be drastically different. And if it's not comfortable to wear, it doesn't matter how good it sounds. You can't hear something that's not on your head.
The Meze 109 Pro is a true marvel of engeneering.
Burning them in right now.🥳🙏😎
Such an interesting video idea - following upgrade paths for headphones, within certain notable sound characteristics, aka Bass, Sound Staging, etc. Really enjoyed this one, Josh!
id be more careful with dac/dap choice, the amps will upgrade to better whichever the pick is
its why 'experienced' is advised for topend buying, if not aim for flattest combo as possible for safer sound, but less magic
DT770 > HD 6XX > Beyer Custom One > Sundara > HD800S. This is my list as far as wired goes during my 13 year journey. I still use most of these, but I couldn't justify the cost of the HD800S for how often I would use them. If I had an EQ at the time, I probably would have kept them. I would love to try the Focal Clear next!
Call me crazy but I enjoy music better on my hd6xx over the hd800s
I would recommend spending time with different tunings since most will like whatever they've listened to a lot and an objectively and with subjectively better tuning can sound boring, dull etc to begin with. I took 4 years to realize how good the HD650 really is for example, but after properly testing over a 100 headphones I now know that I will love it forever.
I'd recommend getting something you like, EQ it to Harman and see what you can improve by ear. This way you can find border conditions about bass extension, macrodynamics etc, but soundstage is a thing of it's own that requires different headphones.
Great video topic! You helped me get started with the HD6XX about 18 months ago. This past Christmas, I bought HE-5XX on a Black Friday deal through Drop and recently purchased the Edition XS. The HD6XX (as you mention) is a great intro HP, but as you learn more about what others can do, you get the itch to see what those other cans sound like. That prompted the sidegrade to the HE5XX to see what planar magnetics had to offer wrt sound staging, which I enjoy. That pushed me down the HIFIMAN path with the Edition XS, which I absolutely love. The XS has scratched my itch for now. I enjoy them thoroughly and don't want other cans at the moment. This newfound level of sound quality has pushed me into speakers, as I want to create what I have on my head in my room for others to enjoy. Thanks for the high quality and informative videos.
Was waiting to see how the 109 Pro fit into the upgrade path from the thumbnail and it never was mentioned, that's odd.
So my path has been chasing resolution and my music is variety, but my fav tends to lean acoustic with lots of Jazz small ensemble but also orchestral / classical. My first significant headphone purchase I qualify as my pre-audiophile journey and it was a pair of Sony MDR SA3000 cans. At the time, like 15 - 20 years ago I bought from my Sony store guy on a super sale at $200 vs. MSRP of $500. I was OMG blown away by the sound, couldn't believe a headphone could sound like this. Years later, soon after purchasing my first true HiFi stereo (a McIntosh SACD and 200Wx2 Integrated), I upgraded to the Sony MDR SA5000, the big hifi brother of the MDR SA300. No plastic, all magnesium build, it was a big step up from the previous MDR AS3000. A few years ago I bought my previous end-game plan Sennheiser HD800S. For many years prior I'd lusted fore the original HD800 and finally took the plunge. I was in heaven. After this I upgraded amplification, initially with a used older Burson that immediately took my HD800S to new heights. Over the last 2 years I added a pair of HD660S and some iEMS as well as a Questyle CMA Fifteen HP DAC AMP and a Burson Soloist GT reference HP amp. I now have upgraded my stereo chain and as part of this have a Holo Audio May KTE and a Serene KTE preamp that also has class A discrete HP amplification. I have taken my HD800S as far as it can go now and although every amp step up took them further, I think that when using the Serene or Burson Soloist GT (and even the Questyle), this is it so.... I ordered and am awaiting this week my new Hifiman HE1000SE headphones. I know you are thinking, this guy is a clean-freak resolution junkie, and you're probably right but I do intend two other additions over the next few years: a high end tube HP amp (a Feliks or maybe McIntosh MHA200) and an electrostatic setup (likely the Bravura and Sonoma combo by Warwick acoustics). So that is my past, current and future journey plan! Also interested in a closed back to compliment for certain scenarios, Lyric maybe? HD820S? We'll see. Thanks for this video, a great idea!
I bought the AKG Q701 as my first audiophile headphone and absolutely loved it. Then I got the DT 770 as a closed back pair and the Sundara as a planar pair. Now I'm looking at selling the Sundara and getting the Arya Stealth as an endgame headphone and will not purchase any high end headphones after that. The Arya are loved by basically everyone in this community, and I haven't tried them, but all the descriptions and comparisons I've heard of them is the sound I am after.
You quoted $400-500 for the HD660S, but they’re pretty consistently $300 on Amazon these days.
I grabbed them for $300 when they first dropped. I also grabbed the LCD-X for $700 through Audeze’s B stock sale in November. I’m trying to decide if I should keep the HD660S. I might just end up using them for gaming. Solid imaging and so lightweight. The LCD-X are my go-to for basically any music, especially with some EQ
I bought Beige hd598's at the beginning of college, 8 years later i bought hd600's and they were too quiet for my headphone jack, then last year i discovered this whole rabbithole, now i'm rocking a modi magni stack with nice little collection of cans including the LCD-x 2021 and focal elegia. I like having different options, really want to get a nice electrostat at some point, but there are ZERO hifi stores within 3 hours drive of me where i could sample some.
SHP9500 -> Fidelio X2HR -> HD660S -> aaaaand DONE :)
HD 700 - LCD2C - LCDX - HD800S - EMPYREAN - LCD 4. Still have empyreans, LCD 4 and HD800S. These 3 headphones are very different and unique which gives me different aspects of the music. Probably looking at upgrading my gear next, I have the Topping A90D and D90 or might try and get the AB1266.
Very interesting outlay of the various uses and characteristics. Under the "Studio" section, including a couple of closed back options for tracking, is probably a worthwhile extension of what you have laid out. It also partly explains the popularity of the Audio Technica M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro. Both extremely durable and reliable for tracking purposes.
Yes, no matter how big budget the studio is, you can just about guarantee that their headphone arsenal is going to be made up of just four models of relatively inexpensive studio headphones: the Sony MDR-7506, Sennheiser HD 280, Audio-Technica M50x, or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.
So, storytelling time
My current upgrade path starts with the r70x, sort of as a neutral reference, which then comes the elex, and then a retrofitted he6sev2 (obviously with the extreme price drop especially on used models) with enhanced coupling and far superior build running off high current amp for sure, all sharing similar features of having small scales but omnipresent in presentation
+ an ongoing path consisting of the HD zeus, then my currently running used hd800 (non-s, felt like as a collection the og makes more sense and the added sizzle actually works to the og's advantage, also cmiiw but its impossible to be found new so your only option is to go 2nd hand, added some dekoni perf sheepskins just to add more harmonics down low, which gives the perception of more mid-bass) which will potentially end with the d8000 pro, although more likely than not i will actually stop without (way too high of a price for a headphone, but i've yet to touch my OB speakers ever since moving out for college)
My upgrade paths:
IEMs:
- Shure SE-215 > Sony MDR-EX600 > Sony WF-1000XM3
Around-the-ear, Open:
- Sennheiser eH-250 > Sennheiser HD 555 > Sennheiser HD 598
Around-the-ear, Closed:
- Supreme CD-90 > Beyer Dynamic DT-770 Pro > Sony WH-1000XM4
My primary needs are not exactly hi-fi/head-fi, but rather monitoring. The Beyer Dynamic 770's are legendary for this usage, but it lacks airiness - hence the Sennheiser HD 598. The Sony's are lifestyle choices - they sound decent, and are wireless via BlueTooth with an effective noise cancelling to boot.
As somebody that listens relatively exclusively to classical music, I'm absolutely in love with my Focal Clear OGs after not getting on with the HD660s. Something about the Focal house sound clicks for me for the music I enjoy listening to.
The HD 660S didn’t click with me either. I moved on to the Arya Stealth, and love them.
Z reviews said it best. Focal clear is just an overpriced beats. Sennheiser has way better resolution at a fraction of the price
I did Sony MDR-1000X to MDR-Z7 to MDR-Z1R. It made a lot of sense, because I like Sony's house sound, and each step was a noticeable increase in both sound and build quality. And they were both easy to drive and had included compatible 4.4mm balanced cables to match my WM1A Walkman.
For me, the "future" doesn't really start before the Z1R starts to break down (which may be a while). I haven't really been impressed by open backs for my listening environments. I will say that the Audeze lineup appeals to me, because I demand strong bass from my headphones.
Ah yes the beginner headphones for 600€
Mine is pretty interesting.
1. Phillips Fidelio X2-HR
2. Senn HD600
3. Audeze LCD 2-C
4. Meze Empyreans
I'm happy where I ended.
I started with HD650, now on LCD 2-C and looking at Empyreans as my endgame headphone, so we are pretty close.
How much of an upgrade did Meze feel over LCD 2-C?
A couple of years ago I got a pair of 80ohm DT770s (on your advise actually). Then mid way through last year I got a pair of Phillips SHP9600s (also on your advice). I like both of these headsets but I was considering upgrades. Honestly the first 'upgrade' I thought I might try is the Hifiman HE400SEs. Just because I've never tried any Planar Magnetic headphones. And I was also interested in some HD6XXs or a pair of DT 1990s.
Still, I fall into the catagory of listeners who is challenged. I'm 65 and, years of working around various machinery (jet engines for example) , have left me somewhat hearing impaired. So I'm hesitant to go too far down this rabbit hole. I love what I have. I love various music (its actually like a drug for me). So I appreciate your insight and advise. Please keep doing what you're doing.
Great vid. I got a pair of 10 year old Beyerdynamic DT 990s and replaced the pads a while back, but recently upgraded to Focal Clear Mg; really happy with my journey in audio so far.
I am at the very beginning of the journey, so the list goes:
HD-555 plugged into front panel of PC -> Edition XS + E50/L50 stack.
Change was soooo obvious that *I* could notice the improved details, positioning, wide sound stage, more refined lows, crystal clear highs.
I wish I could spend a bit more money for (or at least try) Focal Clears, Meze 109 pros, Arya and Aeon Noire 2.
clear jak chcesz cos dynamicznego, maja dobrego kopa i nie potrzebuja az tak dobrego dac/amp
I went from crappy Jensen portable CD player pack-ins (on-ear) to Koss UR20s to Sennheiser HD 595s (briefly - hated the 1/4" jack and lack of sub-bass) to DT 770s to ATH-M50xBTs. I like the way the last two sound equally and the DT 770s were brilliant for office use, but since I work from home now, I needed something that could pull double duty for both work and and watching TV and not have to worry about cables. The ATH-M50xBT was the only reasonably priced Bluetooth headphone I could find that didn't sound awful.
For me, $150 is about the limit for wired headphones, even though I'm the snobbiest of anyone I know when it comes to audio and have owned various headphones for 20+ years. As long as they are comfortable and provide a full, flat frequency response without any strange anomalies, I'm satisfied.
IEM: KZ ZS10 Pro -> KZ ZSX -> BLON BL-03 -> Thieaudio Monarch (OG)
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT-1770/1990 Pro -> Focal Clear (OG) -> HiFiMAN Arya (V2)
BT: Sony WF-1000XM4 -> Sony WH-1000XM5
So far so good, still thinking about getting the HiFiMAN HE1000 (V2 or V3) or even the Susvara to end it all.
I think upgrades are pretty good within a manufacturer's lineup. The "house" sound is something that people mainly point out with frequency response, but this is really made clear within the nuances of the FR. For example, timbre is simply not the broad strokes FR and is harder to pinpoint with measurements. This may not be as important to people who are non-musicians, but for musicians timbre is 100% required. A lot of times a reviewer will say a headphone has "good" timbre and it turns out that it is good if you've only heard these instruments played through a recording, and not in person.
My upgrade path currently looks like this:
HD600 -> LCD-X (buying soon) -> Final D8000 Pro.
The best midranges I heard at any price point are those.
Currently looking for a bass headphone. Probably gonna start with a Philips X2HR, but D8000 Pro has the best bass I ever heard, so will be my endgame here too.
Skip the LCD X/Phillips and use those funds for a rig behind the D8KP.
I’m selling off my Diana Phi since the Finals smoke them.
I went from Sony MX3 closed-back Bluetooth to the hd58x w/modmic5, then the pc38x, and finally the Arya stealth. Dac is gsx1000 w/atom amp+. I think I'm good. I got setups for console gaming, PC gaming, music, movies, and noise cancelling with this collection.
Great video! Thanks a lot. My path till this day looks like this: at the begining it was Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm) + Lehmannaudio Linear amp. After some time I found the Beyer highs fatiguing - I could not listen to the music more than 20 minutes without a headache, so I did two things - upgraded analog board of the amp to the highest version which is Linear II (it's great that Lehmannaudio got such an option), and bougth the 6XX's. The problem was gone and the improvment was defenitly worth the price. With hard rock from the 60's and 70's, jazz / impro and blues stuff - I don't need to change anything - it's a great combo for that kind of stuff, but I also listen A LOT to the orchestral music, and some headphones that gives some more detail and have better soundstage but also keeps that special timbre would be great. That's the goal for now. Is the Elex comparably natural sounding headphone? Or mayby the 660s? I got the info that some ZMF's should be fine for me, but I saw the price... maybe some other time ;-). Again - thanks very much!
I started off my adventure into the audio world this year! I gave it a try and went with the SHP9600 as you recommended and its been a joy so far. Listening to all my old music was super satisfying. I think i will continue the Open-Back Route aswell. So far its looking like SHP9600 -> into either HD660s or HD6XX & a decent dac/amp and im set!
I own the SHP9600 and HD58x. The HD58x are vey superior in every way, so HD6xx will definitely be even better for you.
@@kabloom6776 hey thanks on the advice! Noted :)
Depends on what you are after, but i would highly recomend hd660s because they are best all around headphone under 1000$ and in my opinion best headphone from sennheiser excluding he1. HD58x , HD560s , HD 600 are all very similar to 660s. The HD600 has narrow soundstage which made me claustrophobic compared to 660s. The HD58x has similar sound signature to 660s but lacks technical performance, has smaler soundstage , less details etc... The HD58x is great for the price but after listening to 660s i didn't expect that there would be a big difference but there is. The HD560s is more detailed , more neutral than HD58x where HD58x is more relaxed and warm tilting set the HD560s has more analytical sound to it . The HD650 and HD6xx are a bit different compared to all the others that i have mentioned. They are more focused on midrange, exspecialy vocals which are rich, forward and a bit warm sounding.
Did you pick either of them up? Impressions?
@@daibelhic476 hd600 with a good amp >>>>> 660s, 660s is just easier to drive, but it doesn't have the 600/650 magic
for Studio stuff, I'd also throw in the K712 Pro from AKG. it's a fantastic openback headphone.
I really enjoyed this format of video. I have had my HD 6XX for about 4 years now and have been looking for a new pair of headphones but I really wasn't sure which direction to go in. One thing that would be a great add on video or to build on this topic would be how upgrading your headphones could influence your decision to upgrade amps and dacs. Going over when it makes sense to upgrade headphones vs upgrading other gear could help people in deciding what will actually help them get the sound they want.
One thing I did to my 6XXs was changing the foam covering the drivers from dust, to light ladies stokings - they're less laid back now and the midbass bump is not as noticeable. Also have the 58X - kind of everyday beaters for cellphone and PC use - definitely not as transparent and as clean in the mids and highs as 6XX. I think the 600 has the nicest and less laid back overall signature from the three of them.
Love the video, but just a small complaint, wider than 16:9 videos do not display well in landscape mode on newer phones, using black bars to normalise it back to 16:9 let’s people choose whether to view edge to edge or not
I have over 20 pairs of headphones but for day to day listening I use a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M70x - more clinical than the 50s but I prefer that - and Aftershokz Aeropex (don't laugh - not for music, obviously, but for videoconferencing or watching TH-cam they are perfect). Neither are my favourite. When I was at college (70s) I paid $20 for a used pair of Wharfedale Isodynamic headphones; my best ever Hi-Fi investment. They sounded fantastic; they come up on eBay occasionally for 10 - 20 times the price I paid. Sadly mine died around 1988 so after much research I bought the nearest sounding equivalent I could find; a pair of Stax Gamma Pros with powered energiser, which are still going strong after 35 years.
Grado MS1i (Wood Mod) > HD600
Fostex T50RP MK III (Clay Mod) > HiFiMan Sundara 2021
Think my upgrades comes in a form of a better DAC and Amp.
Recently bought the Atom+ stack and it pairs amazingly well with what I have at a very affordable price.
Three learnings as I’ve tried to upgrade. 1 More of the same may not satisfy. From Grado 80 to RS1 was an improvement but did not fill “the hole” I sensed. 2 The amp and amp/hp pairing really do matter. I hadn’t been so sure but the Nitsch Piety over the Schiit OG Magni was dramatic on Drop/Dan Clarke Aeon closed but not the Focal Elex. The amp can elevate the cans. A recent pilgrimage to The Schiitr allowed me to hear the modestly priced AKG K701, close cousin to my Q701. The (gulp) $1899 Folkvanger made those cans sing in both depth of bass and breadth of soundstage. 3 Burn in seems to be real for me. I bought and regretted the Shure 1540 to “upgrade” my closed back. Waaay too much bloat in the mid bass. Put them on and took them off soon, over the course of 3 years. Suddenly noticed in past 6 weeks “Hey! Sub bass is still emphasized but bloat is down to ‘acceptable’ bass head level.” Should have burned them in long ago. Upgrade? Lyr+ amp, then DC Aeon Stealth for sound OR a ZMF for the sound plus bling factor.
My personal upgrade path was 6xx, that's a pretty easy headphone to start with. Then the Sundara was so widely loved I got that. Then based on your review I got the Arya (non-stealth), and I loved it and it's my endgame! I love big/tall sound with lots of detail and good sound stage, and that was the Arya. I'm not the type that needs a collection, I'm happy with one or two headphones where I couldn't ask for much more
I also tried speakers, where I got the Vanatoo Transparent One, and hopefully the SVS Ultra Towers soon. Then I think I have endgame for headphones and speakers!
So you're happy with your Arya, coming from the sundara? I got the hd598, then hd6xx, then the sundara and I am currently looking at my next upgrade. I was hesitant between the Arya or the clear.
@@astroman269 try the Chifiman He1000V2 on sale @around 2K. I currently upgraded or sidegraded from Arya. The hekV2 is phenomenal at classical, jazz, blues, and "lite rock" whilst the Arya is really great for punchy rock!
Would you recommend the Sundara over the 6XX as a first high quality headphone? :-)
@@AmazingGamingsh Sundara are definitely much brighter and wider sounding but comfort, and driver matching/QC, I think is better on Sennheisers. You would have to try it for yourself, as it's plannar vs dynamic driver. 6XX as first pair of headphones is a decent choice especially with a bit brighter, transparent, and really hi- resolution electronics. I have a pair and with a slight cheap modification they're not bad. Sundara on the other hand is better with warmer source/amplification than the neutral. I think it's up to one's preferences.
I went from Beyerdynamic dt 770 and 880 to T1 2nd gen, to finally Audeze LCD-X, in great part due to this channel. I can say without hesitation that I am not going back. They're the best I think I could ask from a pair of headphones.
I've had a couple headphones but my main upgrade path went
Hd650 -> Hifiman Ananda -> AKG K812
K812 is my absolute endgame imo there is nothing like it. (Even tho most people hate it lol)
I did so many mistakes along the way since entering this hobby, I wish I had these types of videos back then... I've had at least 40 different headphones and 90% of them are either sold or on the shelves never having any listening time... Great video.
Just now upgrading from Sundara. Using them for mixing together with my monitors. Bought a pair of Ananda Nano. Seems to be quite an upgrade and takes Eq well. Plan is to use it with Realphones (calibration+cross feed). I would use room simulations for translation checks. Think the Nano’s are good since they are so fast. They are a good compliment to my monitors. Still debating getting Arya Organic instead, but believe they are not as fast.
I loved your video idea! So, here's how it went for me:
Personally, I got introduced to the audio space by a friend in 2019 and now I'm in deeper than he is :D
I started out with a DT 990 and a set of Edifier R1700 monitors.
In the following year I got a subwoofer and a pair of DT 1990s and HD 6XXs, both of which I still use daily.
The year after that, I dabbled into the IEM space with KZ ES4s, then Tin T2s and Moondrop Arias and the Moondrop Blessing2:Dusk. The Arias I often lend to friends if they want to get into audio, the Blessing2 is my daily driver for when I'm working out or just want no external distraction when I'm focusing on my work.
This year, I finally upgraded my speakers to Yamaha HS8s.
For headphones, I do think that I want a pair of closed-backs like the DT 177X GO and a pair of either Focal Elex as upgrade to my open-backs, or even the original Focal Clear. I'd also like a good pair of planar headphones in the 300-700 bucks range.
For IEMs I think also a pair of planar IEMs would be nice, but I don't think I'll ever buy ones more expensive than the Blessing2s. I just love them so much and there's nothing I'd want to be better, that's why.
I was never a headphone person. As an audiophile for over 25 years I was into home setups. But have had in the past Grado RS2 and RS1. At the time had a Dark Voice and a Grado amp, but never had the performance that grabbed my attention. Had to pack up home setup in 2021 while selling home and started to get into headphones. Started with Sony z7m2 (which I heavily modded) with a Schiit Asgard 3 and Modius stack. Now have a Audeze LCD XC (2021 model) with a Schiit Jotunheim 2 and use one of my older Proceed DAP R2R NOS DAC. PC is source, use EQ APO and entire setup is really tweaked including balanced power, cabling and heavily tweaked like I would my home setup. I love this setup, no upgrade desires, sounds absolutely stunning.
I went 6xx to Arya V2. Plan to upgrade in 6 or so years.
Josh, if I'm in love with the Arya V2. What would you suggest as a true endgame headphone?
I love everything about the Arya.
behringer um2 -> ath-m50x -> ath-ad1000x -> schiit magni3+ -> schiit modius E -> moondrop chu and starfield, i constantly switch out between my ad1000x's and iems, if im casually doing something then the majority of the time im using klipsch r41m speakers plugged into a sony n220 amp
next upgrades are going to be either schiit asgard or jotunheim and then im 100% sure the next headphone im getting is either going to be the sundara, ananda, or the arya, just depends on how long im willing to save up
I got my HD600 pair 24 years ago as a present. It would be cool to get something that's considered better like the Clear MG, D8000 Pro or Diana MR... but I just can't justify it and the DAC/AMP upgrade they would need to really take advantage of them.
Clear OG is better but got it own driver issues in many models
Atm I personally upgraded from a Hifiman 4Xx on the phone out from iPad/hifi amp to a Aune X1s GT dac/amp with Austrian Audio HI-X60 closed back headphones. This combo sounds so great, high improvement…warmer side of neutral over all, no lagging details, can listen for hours to them. Hope you get the chance to get your hands(ears) on this headphones…amazing soundstage and imaging for a closed back…
Started with Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: loved treble, didn't like boom-ish bass. Upgraded to DT 1770 Pro: didn't like sibilant treble, loved the bass slam. Moved on to Audeze LCD-XC: love the detailed non-sibilant treble, love the fast bass. I slightly miss the bass slam of previous cans, but it's a planar feature. I'm done upgrading.
I started with :
For iems : Blon bl 03 paired with xDuoo link 1
- Upgraded to : Moondrop arias with upgraded insane cables from openheart 2 strands with 133 cores per strand paired - Moonriver 2
( that cable spec might sound like a gimmick but sincerely I have never seen a cable improve iems or headphones more dramatically Josh please check those cables out).
For headphones;
I started with Fidelio x2hr paired directly with the unimaginable power of the MacBook Aluminum 2007 - later made a setup with the Moonriver 2 and then bought the SHP9600 cause I wanted some more transience but it wasn’t great.
So my planned upgrade will be the sundaras paired with the Moonriver 2.
I’m accepting of your HD 6XX recommendation in the Studio segment, since it’s $50 more than ATH-M50x… presuming zero isolation is needed. But is your HD 650 recommendation indeed the starting point or the upgrade at $400+?
There’s a reason why so many recording professionals are using Beyerdynamic DT 770 or ATH-M50x, and it’s not the product placement. They’re straightforward, sturdy, no nonsense headphones.
Thanks for making the vid.
My upgrade path is... all over the place. It went from M20x > M50x > R70x > strictly IEMS > HD650 then ended up with the Sony CD900st. I have the funds for "higher end" headphones, but the CD900st hit all the right spots for me.
I think this is really interesting from an enthusiast but not audiophile perspective. I'd never think of my headphones from a sound-stage/neutral/etc perspective. For me it's how I use them and that's broadly split between games, movies, music, and travel.
For gaming my path was loosely from the SHP-9600 (which was honestly my all around go-to for everything for some time) to now Audeze LCD 2-C. For gaming I generally prioritize a bass forward cinematic sound without the top end being over done. With headphones that focus too much on the top end I find gunfire in particular gets to be far too loud compared to the rest of the sound in the games I tend to play.
For movies I had the 1more triple driver over-ears and just recently upgraded to the Meze 109 pro. With both I find the extra top end to be very engaging and brings out a lot of small details in film and TV.
For music I keep a variety of things in hand depending on the mood. Senn 6XX for the neutral sound, monoprice retro modern for when I want that big stinky bass, Phillips x3 for just a relaxed vibe, and modhouse t50 argons for argon reasons.
For travel I keep a pair of Sony xm5s for wireless convenience and moondrop Chu's if I need a more closed sound pretty much all the time. If I'm going on a longer trip I'll bring my Meze 99 classics. This is really the only area I'm considering making any further upgrades but it's a fine balance. I don't want to get anything too expensive with the risk of loss/theft and in the wireless area I find anything past the Sony's a hard sell for their price. There's great stuff out there but once you get past $500 it's hard to justify the cost vs the risk of loss compared to how good all around the Sony's have been for me.
I haven't found a true upgrade from the HD650, I always gain something and lose something. Now I understand why people just come back to the 650 after trying many different things. I had the Arya but returned it, technically better but not warm, smooth and natural sounding like the 650. The closest I have heard is the Audio Technica R70x, same excellent mid and smooth treble, but better bass, staging and imaging. Im looking to try the Clear MG this year.
Very interesting video.
I had a bunch of sub £200 Sennheissers over 20-30 years, really nice and also comfortable for long periods. I am not someone who wants/needs to roll components, having stuck with one setup for 20 years.
About 4 years ago I went on a major system upgrade, one that would be long term, Iwatched a lot of TH-cam reviews, particularly yours, Audiophiliac and John Darko, and decided to go for the AB1266 phi tc (your review and Steve G’s Audiophiliac), first with a topping A90 on your recommendation (great combination ), and then the In Pol Ear from Pathos (Steve G’s). Really love the 1266’s, initially my choice was to get a massive bump in the experience without having to factor in the room … and all the other issues with speakers. I have ended up also getting some amazing Sonos Faber Olympica nova 1’s that are so easy to place.
I live in an apartment so switch between headphones and speakers depending upon noise considerations.
Thanks so much for your channel.
from HD595 to DT770 to AKG 701 and now DT1990. Im happy with the DT1990 but after 2 years i start to ask my self what is the next step. i use them on a creative AE-7, so i ask my self isn't an upgrade a waste of money on a gaming soundcard. Is there something like the DT1990 pro just better?
I went from Senheiser HD280s --> SHP9500s --> Schitt stack with Sundaras. I'm more than content with the Sundaras, they sound incredible
The senn path was the pc363ds openning my eyes into better headphones and some soundstage. I then proceeded to get a hd650 and a fulla schiit. Those lasted me around 6 years, upgraded to a 660s2 recently and now finally bought a hd800s with a topping d10 and a schiit vali. Ive reached a good conclusion for a good while. I may upgrade the amp later but what i have has been amazing.
I still remember researching all I could find before buying my first pair of headphones, the DT 770s 2 years ago, and yesterday I took delivery of my new 560S's. Probably will move on to the Sundara when money allows. :D
Hi Joshua, I have just recently found your channel and very much appreciate the quality of your videos including your honest views and everything to the close ups and lighting.
Although your channel is predominantly for the audiophile community would you ever consider doing a round up of the best headphones for digital pianos or other pluggable instruments. Not necessarily studio headphones because there might be a difference aimed more for mixing. More specifically for instrument practicing ( closed back). Some headphones that could bring the best of say, a digital grand piano with all the resonance, colour & fidelity that the latest high level sampled grand pianos bring.
Anyway, I would appreciate if you considered it.
Thanks again for all your videos… 🙏👍🤘🤙.
As someone stated before my journey has been all over. Mostly due to the fact that i´ve never known what i´m looking for in addition to newer having enough money to spend on "Hifi", so $ for buck has always been my, unwanted, quest.
Started out with Samson SR850 (Cheap, uncomfortable and too bright) -> Audio Technica M50 (Uncomfortable and never liked them).-> Beyer Dynamics DT990Pro+Ifi Zen Dac (Comfortable and quite alright but, imo, lacked, what i now know is called, "soundstage")-> Hifiman He400i+Ifi Zen Dac which is a combo i love!
So planars´s been what i´ve been looking for it turns out. At least Hifiman planars.
The only question now is if it´s any use upgrading to the Sundaras? The rest in the lineup is sadly out of $ reach....
I bought my first rateable headphone in 2019 it was a M40X. Before the M40X I've never ever listened on anything more expensive then like 20$ so it was really wonderful after the first time I heared the M40X it was night and day.
The M40X was influenced by my room mate at the time and also by the fact that I managed to broke all those cheap headphone in realtively fast so I bought the M40X.
After the FiiO BTR 5's lauch I bought one early on (2020). I was going between my home town and uni quite a lot so it was a great addiction at that time.
Right after this the M40X's hinge broke. My friend 3D printed a new one for my it was good but after that it was a bit clumsy. You neck would hurt etc also the other sides hinge broke also so I ended up buying a DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm in 2022 (later on I "repaired" the M40X but I never really use it so).
For the that 250 Ohm DT 770 Pro I bought a FiiO K5 Pro ESS almost for the same money I sold my BTR5.
I like this setup but I'm looking for an open headphone.
I thinking between the DT 990 Pro and HD 600 but I'm not sure at all yet which one would be a better choice long term.
Especailly the HD 600 is quite expensive compered to the DT 990 Pro.
Any good advise ?
Hey a fellow m40x appreciator ^^. I don't have experience with the HD 600, but I do with the HD 580 and that was an amazing headphone. The difference between the HD 600 and the Beyer's is large. The sennheiser is a ready to go masterpiece, and the Beyer's are (my experience from the 770) flawed with mandatory tuning - but then killer bang for your buck headphones. The Sennheiser's are more expensive for a reason in this case. If you already have the 770's I would not recommend going for open backs with the same flaws and characteristics.
Otherwise I would recommend the Hifiman He400se or Sundara's.
Hi Josh. I started with a pair of 660s, paired with the IFI Zen Can Signature with the 6XX tuning, connected to the IFI One Signature dac. Loved this combination. I had sound leak complains from my family, so I bought the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which I paired both with the IFI and my Leak Stereo 130, since they’re a bit easier to drive then the Senns. Then, finaly, a couple of months ago, I decided to see if the all fuss around Focal headphones made sense and bought my first pair of “high end” cans, the Radiance. Soundwise, they’re very different from both my 660s and the Beyers, and I have to say that I prefer the clarity and detail of both these headphones to the fuller overall sound of the Focal’s. I’m giving them a little more time, to go over different music genres (rock, dance & hip hop might work better with the Focal’s then jazz or classic) before deciding if I’m keeping them or not. I’m fairly new to this audiophile world, at least at this level, but I’m having so much fun with it. Rediscovering my old records, discovering new music. Awesome experience.
I've been in the hobby for 20 years, earlier this year I got a pair of HD800 with the mod that adds a ring too them. I took the mod out and they have become my daily driver.
Great video.
I started down this road in the 90's but I went AKG K240s, AKG K301s + Sennheiser HD 280 Pros, AKG K7XXs + Audio-Technica ATH-M50, and am currently on HiFiMan Sundaras + Moondrop KATOs.
The 240s and 301s were rock solid. The HD280 Pros lasted a decade and then fell apart. They were my in the office/travel headphones because the noise isolation was fantastic and they sounded way better than their price would have led you to think. I hated the headphones Sennheiser tried to replace them with. I also tried Audio-Technica ATH-M50s as office headphones and hated them only slightly less than those.
The K7XXs broke around the XLR mini jack (the plastic surround shattered).
The Sundaras had the headband crack on both sides at the same time (metal spring band contained within plastic surrounds) and the pads started to disintegrate around then, too. Bought nice microperf aftermarket ear pads and a cheap replacement headband that I had to modify to fit my giant head. I love the way the Sundaras sound, but the build quality leaves a lot to be desired.
When I can get the Moondrop KATOs seated in my ear properly they sound pretty good and are nicely isolating. Unfortunately this is hard to do without constantly pressing on them from the outside. Which has always been my problem with IEMs and why I avoided them until recently (should probably have looked into custom molded ear pieces).
I would love to find something like a higher end HD 280 Pro in terms of isolation and sound quality. Presently debating Focal Elegias for that purpose.
Would also move on from the Sundaras to something more comfortable, but I want something with similar characteristics sonicly and not a crazy high price tag. So that is tricky.
Also wish there were places to try gear before buying. I hate dropping $500 - $1000 on a pair of headphones not knowing if the fit and sound will work for me. But reliable channels like this one help tremendously in that regard.
so many years and you still didnt bought a decent headphones, what a shame
M50 -> D7000 -> LCD-2.2 -> LCD-3 + HD800S + SR-007
8 years between the LCD-2 and LCD-3 and with the SR 007 coming soon I'm near the end of my journey. I might get a KGSSHV down the road but that's it.
Josh as much as I would love to take the risk and get the Focal Elex. It has to be addressed that headphone for some people has driver issues. It's not a cheap headphone and from what I've seen Focal and Drop ain't doing much to fix or compensate on that. There's a few reviews on Drops website of people expressing this.
Get a Clear OG. Little to no issues
@@jasonbhatnagar7134 I have nowhere near the funds for that. The Elex has gone down to 500$ at some points which is far more affordable than 1K
Great informative video! My journey started with a pair of B&W PX but I soon realised that I wasn't getting most out of Tidal. The local hifi store had organised a demo evening on headphones and headphone amps. Not only did I hear many different sets but I learned a very important lesson that is often overlooked. The social part of listening. Being in a room with someone watching TV makes it impossible to go for open back headphones. Leaving the room because you invested in a nice system isn't very social either. My solution was found in a pair of Denon AH-D9200 headphones that I complemented with the Topping D70s Dac, a Bluesound Node streamer and a Feliks Echo mk2 OTL tube amp. It all fits on a nice side table next to my comfy chair. The Denon headphones sound already great with an iPad and dongle Dac but for long listening my side table system is amazing and very enjoyable while my wife watches TV.
I recently went from audio technica M50x to the Hifiman Edition XS for studio use. The Edition XS, although not super neutral, its much more so then my M50x lol. I honestly only really had the budget for a $300 headphone, but I saw your review at how good they are at the price of $500, and decided i wanted an endgame headphone. Sonically they are great, although my audio interface struggles to drive them and has small amounts of distortion, but build quality is lacking. Buy an extra pad for the headband if you have a smaller head and it makes it much more comfortable, also I would upgrade the stock cable to a very nice aftermarket one asap, as sometimes the cable causes buzzing and loses connection. It wasn't my audio interface, I tested it on two different interfaces, unless somehow they both had a faulty headphone jack. Just be wary of bad cable quality. Those things aside I still think the Edition XS is worth it for the price.
My first pair of good headphones was the Grado SR-80, which I got back in 2000 and still have today. In 2006 my wife gave me the SR-225 as a Christmas gift and I still have them. I used those with various stereo receivers until I bought a Focusrite 2i2 for home recording and then bought the Hifiman HE 400i (which I still have and was using them this morning). I jumped down the headphone rabbit hole in 2021 with a plan in mind. I decided on several headphones I wanted to collect so I bought an amp that I knew would be able to power anything. I got a Schiit Asgard 3 and a Modi 3+, and then the HD 6XX (which was NOT easy to get in 2021) then the B&W P7, then the Beyerdynamic DT 880 600 ohm. I also got a Schiit Valhalla 2 tube amp. The last headphone I will get in the coming weeks is the AKG K712 Pro. At that point I’ll be set with headphones. I wanted a good example of all of the major players in the headphone space that were under $500. The only other plans I have is upgrading to a Bifrost DAC and doing some upgrades to my Grados to make them more comfortable so I will want to listen with them more often. At that point I think that’s my end game. I love this hobby much more than HiFi with loudspeakers because you can get fantastic sound and a variety of sounds for a fraction of the price!
DT1990 pro to
- LCD-X for most types of music
and added
- Focal Clear MG for vocals. To my ears, the Clear MG is better than others in it's price range for vocals, and is generally more fun despite a few shortcomings.
sold my Clear OG due to driver and comfort issues
Forr the studio ,I started with Sennheiser 650's a little over a decade ago to AKG 712 for a few years to Neumann NDH 20 and finally arrived at the Audeze MM-500's 6 months ago and have felt satisfied that this the end of the road for what I need and want
I went from Dt1990s to lcd-x in my home studio but have been tempting on swapping up for mm500s
I am considering going from the DT1990's to the lcd-x or aria next, have not tried either yet. What do you think of the lcd-x compared to the DT1990's? Looking for an upgrade from the DT1990 that introduces more warmth but still retains the clarity so that I can turn the music up without murdering my ears with the highs. Does the lcd-x do that for you? Cheers
My personal path through headphones:
Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro -> Beyerdynamic T5p -> Mr. Speakers (Dan Clark Audio now) Ether C (before any of the Flow) -> Focal Elex -> Sennheiser X Drop HD58X -> Sennheiser HD600 (current). A bit of a roller coaster.
Any recommendation for a closed headphone that is an "upgrade" for the Sennheiser HD600? To be honest, I do miss my Mr. Speakers Ether C (except for the lack of bass) and am tempted by the Dan Clark Audio Ether C Flow.
Scenario:
- Music genres: Rock, Blues, Modern Orchestral & Metal
- Movies usage but no gaming utility.
- A headphone that is easy to be powered without the need of an amp (if that is even possible)
Hope someone can help. Greatly appreciated. Cheers, G.
I suspect I'm an outlier... Before I got into (amateur) music mixing pre-2020, my best HP was a Sony MDR-7506. I've touched many models (especially sub $250., and especially from Drop!). I stayed away from Sennheisers - while the 58XX was decent enough, it was too dark for me so I never felt the need to try their better ones; same for Beyerdynamics. For a little while, my go to was the Audeze Penrose (!) because I liked the spatial audio/head tracking. Finally got into other planars via Monoprice. Right now my go tos (for portability) are Creative Aurvana Ace 2s, Apple AirPods Pros, and (B-stock) Audeze LCD-i3 (yeah, earbuds and in-ears). If I must use a full set of headphones, I have a closed back Rode NTH-100 (!).
My path until now is:
Sen HD58X -> HarmonicDyne Zeus
Looking now at maybe the LCD-X for the layering and bass reponse.
Anything in the bass pass to upgrade to that has big soundstage and layering like the LCD-X but more bass? Looking for something cheaper than the LCD-4 at around 1300$.
Thanks :)
P.S What's the difference between LCD 4 and LCD 4Z?
Some might disagree with me on sound but my upgrade path was from ksc75x to Grado sr60x. Mostly for retro styling and lightweight portability. But it’s does feel like an adjacent upgrade in terms of sound
My path has been the HyperX cloud alphas -> Fidelio X2HR. Started it in high school and now I'm a university student. I'm trying to scrape together enough money for that new Moondrop USB amp and a nice closed back or the HD 600, I haven't entirely decided yet.
I’ve been a long-time audiophile. I always had a decent headphone but they were secondary to my speaker systems.
When I decided a few years back to put together a headphone based system, I was already ahead of the game with audio knowledge. My advice to anyone starting fresh would be this:
1. Read & watch videos. Get you knowledge up! See what’s out there.
2. Demo if it’s feasible. It’s a much better option than buying used.
3. Plan your first system purchase around what you already own. If you’re starting from scratch, keep your total purchase under $1000. My first headphone based system revolved around an already owned CD player. Around that my purchases were a Focal + Drop Elex ($700) and a Drop CTH headphone amplifier ($250).
4. Don’t feel the need to “chase”. Chasing is where the money pit is! What they don’t tell you is that you can get 85% to 90% of the way there while staying under $1000 (or maybe $1500) for your entire setup. It’s that last 10 to 15 percent that costs!!!😵💫
5. Live with your initial system for at least a year before even considering to upgrade. Meanwhile learn, read, find reviewers who share your sonic preferences and even so who don’t. Approach your next prospective purchases with intent and objectiveness.
I started with Sennheiser 560s then purchased Hifiman HE-4XX then Hifiman Sundara. I still have all three. Wireless - Sony WH1000XM4 to XM5. Now thinking of Focal Elex but not a priority.
bro its not really an upgrade path all 3 are somehow in budget category and nothing special
I'm currently going down a mix of neutral/soundstage. i.e my first was the HD660S and I wanted more soundstage and less focus on mids so ordered an Edition XS on my path to finding my preferred sound signature. If it turns out to be the sound signature I enjoy then I might end up saving up to get an Arya Stealth in the future, perhaps. I've been using studio monitor speakers for work for so long I just want something that can be atleast comparable to them in terms of neutrality, soundstage/placement and to sound good in all genres. The HD660s unfortunately does not sound 'complete', and I think something along the line of XS will. This is purely for my own enjoyment.
My current upgrade path so far has been: started with gaming headsets when I was young and stupid (last of them was HyperX Cloud) > HD 598 > HD 58x.
I've been enjoying the HD58x for the last 4 years and I'm now looking for a worthy upgrade, something as warm but with better soundstage and imaging for gaming.
I use a Fulla 2 as a dac/amp, I don't plan to upgrade it if not necessarily
Any suggestions?
I started with the 4XX, then went Sundara - DT 1770 - Elex - 660S. Thinking of going to the 109 Pro before stepping into the larger $$. I will probably upgrade my Dac/amp first. (R2R DAC, Tube Amp )
from crappy Headsets back in 2008-2012 -> Mount Beyer DT990 -> MMX300 -> AKGK812 -> Sennheiser HD820 -> Fostex TH900mk2 (pad rolled to ZMF Universal Hybrid with customized Attenuation Rings), and now after finally listening to Atrium and Caldera at HighEnd Munich, I want to Upgrade to one of these 2.
If it's Atrium i'll add a Tube AMP to my K9 AKM, if it's Caldera i'll stick with my K9 AKM at first and save some money for an additional Violectric HPA V222. Unfortunately i still can't decide which ZMF to go for :'D
Neumann NDH20 / 30 are also really good for studio work, especially mastering.
Started many years ago with He400 and AKG K702. Had a Beyer DT 177X, Senn HD5XX and an HD6XX at different times. Moved up to a Focal Elex, Hifiman Arya v2 and DCA Closed X. My latest addition is the Hifiman HE1000v2. There have been several others but I (quickly) sold them because I didn't like the sound.
Ear pad modifications have been important, ie. I still enjoy my AKG K702 with Brainwavz perforated pads. My Koss KPH 30i, with modified Grado earpads, is my go-to for audiobook listening while at home.
I've had a similar progression with IEMs with the Moondrop S8 and the Theiaudio Monarch MKII being my endgame.
My progression with DAPs has ended with the IBasso DX300. Ear tips have also been a (big) journey with the Spinfits W1 being the chosen ones.
And also Amps and DACs have been a journey with my current setup being the Burson Soloists 3X and Schitt Bifrost 2. Also, an SMSL Su-9n with an XDuoo TA-20 amp is in the fold.
This hobby has been fun.
@JoshuaValour641 I'm not clear about your msg. ?
What you have listed for the neutral-ish upgrade path is almost exactly what I did! Well with a twist, I started out with the HD650 for many years, found out I actually like the HD660S better, then I tried the Elex, then the Clear MG Pro, and now I use both the HD660S and the Clear MG Pro the most, and the old Hifiman HE-500 for genres that planars do better. I also had the pleasure of trying out the new Utopia 2022 on a loaner tour, and I still actually prefer the Clear MG even though the Utopia is a detail monster. So for now the Clear MG is where I'm staying.
I also like my Clear MG very much. You should try original Utopia pads on it. They change the sound a lot. I like them even more.
Excellent topic for a video! Although as an audio enthusiast I`m currently at a point where I´m not looking for upgrades but rather enjoining different sound signatures. I have a 6XX, a Sundara and next I will probably buy a 1770 Pro and a tube amp, so I can have a good range of music experience.
The first part is totally correct, try lots of different styles, manufacturers sounds etc at the bottom end, work out what sound signature you like. After that everything is totally personal. If you want to follow someone, find that one who likes the same sound as you, otherwise ignore everything said by anyone reviewing a product over 100 pounds/dollars or your equivalent....
I am only two years into audiophile headphones and so far I went from Beyer DT770 Pro -> HD6XX -> Focal Clear OG. Might stick to Focal for next few years before moving to something else now.
The upgrade path depends on use case. It's a shame to see channels only focus on open back headphones.
For home:
DT 770 Pro 80 ohm --> DT 1990 Pro --> HD800s --> Diana V2
For travel:
DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm --> DT 177X GO --> ???
I own other headphones but these were my consistent use paths.
I'm really unsure where to go from the DT177X GO... I'm considering the Sony MDR Z1R but it's been out so long I'm worried it'll get a refresh just as I buy it.
Also the single entry cable is amazing on the Beyer. Especially for travel.
This was very interesting. I'd like to see you expand on this series, perhaps going into each of your categories in more depth.
My path has returned me to HD6XX and that’s where I’ll stay. I have wasted money spending nearly thousands on a sound I liked for a couple of months.
The kitchen radio also has a vocal focused performance
Started with SendyAudio Aiva (Zeos Hype-Train). No regret on the purchase, just time reference. From there got the SHP9500. Found out first hand that open back headphones at cube farm are not the way to go. Got the Meze 99 Neo, not a fan. The day the Drop 177x and Brainwaze pads arrive to use at the office lock down starts. Positive note, open back headphones are an option again. After a while got the Focal Clear MG (OG). Few months go by and get the Focal Celeste on release day. Have not looked back at headphones. Took a small break from audio to move from Washington state to Arizona. Then bought a house. Now I have mostly switched to using IEM's. I am still trying to find the same level bliss as with Focal. I have gotten close. Granted, for IEM's I have limited myself to under $300 so it is not really fair. I just know I am more likely to take IEM's out of the house than headphones.
Hey Josh, video idea. Maybe you can collab with DMS to figure out a video where people can see which sound they like. You could play a track and give it more tops, mids, bass, etc. And you could talk about headphones for types of music. A techno-lover would get something different than a classical enthousiast.
My journey is still at it's infancy you might say. I've gone from the M50x (which I still use but only for general listening and gaming) to the HD660S. Also upgraded within the FiiO line from E17K to K5 Pro to K7. The 660s gives me everything I need and more currently. I listen to a lot of Indian music which is usually very packed with a lot of instruments going on at the same time the singer is performing. The ability of the 660S to push the singer's voice a bit forward is just perfection. With the M50x it all sounded like one muddled mess. Luckily was able to get the 660s on sale for $350.00 back in 2021. Also love the aesthetics and build quality as well. I can tell these are going to last me a long time.
I mod my M50x to give me a little bit of that mid range couple with a thicker pad replacement, it has improve massively. I won't be as good as more expensive pair, but hey it only cost $35 for the pad and the mod is easy.
My upgrade path is:
Steelseries V2/200 -> Sennheiser HD58X -> Audio-Technica R70X ?-> Hifiman Edition XS / Audeze LCD-2C ?-> Hifiman Arya?
Thought Focal Clear would be my endgame but I didnt like them at all, I want more fun headphones
me personally i purchased the hd58x for the overall quality and vocal definition. Then, upgraded to the monolith m1070 as they were on sale for 220$
I currently have a stable of IEM’s..but as for headphone…my Sen’s 650’s on the Xduoo 604 tube amp ..is very nice.
I had the opportunity to try the Meze Emp’s …and I’m now ruined for headphones that I’ll probably never be able to afford.
..so IEM’s that are entertaining and great sounding..for a fraction of the cost of any of the upgrade headphones from the base Sen’s 600’s 😋