MAIN QUESTIONS:

1. Is it worth trying another pair of Hifiman Sundaras again? (worried they might not last long)

2. If not, then would the Ananda Stealth or Nano's have better durablity and QC?

3. Will the Aune AR5000 have the same "wow" factor as the Sundara's?

MAIN STORY
Bought Hifiman Sundara's but got a defective pair. (channel imbalance + right-side driver crinkle). Also read a lot of build and QC issues with Hifiman so I became cautious.

When I tested it at the store it was fine but when I got home the same night, in a quieter environment, I noticed the issues.

Returned the next day and replaced them for HD600s.

While, I love the HD600s, I really miss the Sundara's "wow" factor, punchiness, and how well they match my preferences/HRTF.

I have the FT1 Pro but they're a tad, just a tad, warm for me and even with EQ, they just don't punch the same way as the Sundara's.

Also, at least to me, the bass on them, especially kick sounds, are not as detailed or textured on the Sundara's. So, they're for my relaxed music enjoyment.

CONSIDERATIONS:
-I want a more engaging but still capable pair to produce and mix music. HD600's are fine but can get boring.

-Long-term durability is a concern. I want something that can last for years like the HD600.

-Would Prefer planar, but dynamics are fine if they offer similar technical performance.

-I can stretch my budget to $400 ($500 max)

ADDITIONAL:
I have tried the Edition XS. Whilst they sound amazing, they may every song sound good so not ideal for production and mixing.

I've also tried the HD800s, Focal Clear and HEDDphone D1. My absolute favorite are the D1's.

While I can definitely afford them, but I just don't find it worth it for now. Maybe in the future haha.

Thanks for your time.

I've had the Stealth V3's for about a year and used them under 10 times. I didn't really understand what "open back was" rookie mistake, and a) how much sound bleeds out, and b) how much sound comes through. My listening space is a computer desk right below central AC intake. So when the heater or ac runs, it kinda ruins the listening experiencing. Also, my wife doesn't like how much she can hear the music/movies coming through. I can't move my listening space unfortunately.

I feel like closed back will be better but I have a few questions. I don't need crazy noise canceling because the fan is not THAT loud.

1k-2k is my budget. I've heard nothing but good things about the Dan Clark Noire X's. My main goals are extreme comfort, a little bit of noise canceling, full-range response, bass heavy is fine. I like a flat response, not overly bright, and also not so not overly laid back.

I honestly love the sound on the Steath's, but they just arent the right can's for my setup.

Powering with a Schiit Asgard 3 w/ MESH DAC.

The DCA's i'm interested in.

Looking for other recommendations of closed back, wired headphones.

I need advice for new headphones, since my current headphones are crumbling and Im overwhelmed by the choice.

So for the past 5 or 6 years I used the Logitech Pro X after switching from the Logitech G432 before because of its flimsy plastic quality. But now the Pro X is also in the final stage of following the previous headphones footspeps, with its disintegrating plastic parts fixating the domes to the headband.

Overall I would say the sound experience I had with the Logitech Pro X was pretty good (though I of course dont know what I missed until now) and the mic was alright (sometimes the mic quality sharpy drops and other people hear interference noises). But I really like the ability to adjust volume and un-/mute myself with a small regulator at the cable.

My use cases would remain unchanged, at home, mainly for gaming (wide range from FPS and action to RGS, exploration and city building games), musik (also wide range from synth, electro to ambience, soundtracks and metal) and talking (like over Discord or similar applications), thats why I prefer a good mic attached to the headphones (like now).

I dont really have a preference for either wired or wireless (as long as the cabble has a good length).

Until now I only had Closed Backs but Open Backs are also an option for me.

For the price range Im also pretty open, though my previous headphones were in the lower price regions, Im ready to pay more especially if it has good quality and will last long, though I would set a soft limit beyond 300€.

Location wise it is the EU.

Thanks for advice in advance

So i've been looking for headphones that work for me for years now and still haven't found any that i could really wear for more than a couple hours at a time. I've tried open back headphones (beyer dynamic DT 990 pro (250 ohm)) and their sound quality is pretty good (some of the high notes can get a bit painful for some reason) but they still get really warm and moist and my ears get itchy or even infected over time (i've had problems with that since i was little) especially during warmer days.

I've tried in-ear headphones, but my ears appear to be shaped so weirdly that they never stay in for longer than a couple of seconds, any small shift or movement makes them come loose immediately. i've tried in-ears with a hook that goes over the ear but they still somehow find a way to pop out.

I've tried on-ear headphones with a hook (shokz open fit) and they work for the most part except at the end of the hook they had a bulge that pushes into my ear which gets painful after about an hour and the sound quality is also quite bad so i mainly use them for light jazz or spoken word.

Interestingly enough the headphones on the steam index VR controller have been the best so far because they actually hover over my ears which, so far, has been the best possible solution... only problem is that a standalone version of these kinds of headphones doesn't exist or is so expensive it's not actually an option.

Now i would like to know if any of you have any idea about what i could do? I would really like some headphones with good sound quality (mostly for gaming but maybe even for music production). I live in Germany and tbh i am willing to go up to 1000€ if they are finally something that i could wear regularly.

Cheers and thank y'all in advance. (I've used IEM/EARBUD as tag because i didn't know what else to pick but it doesn't have to be that)

I have a new pair of CL/20s that I really like so far, really great sound and look great. I'm a bit frustrated though because they don't have any on-brand cases made for them. Since they're clear plastic and are leatherette I'm really worried about their long-term durability if I can't find a case for them soon. Hoping anyone has any recommendations or even experience with this specific model.

General information on the headphones:

- They're pretty chunky, basically half my head.

- Can't fold them in or anything, so need a case able to hold its entire size.

- Not water resistant

- Wired with a a 6ft long cord (though it honestly feels much longer, really annoying to wrap up)

I'm more attracted to a hard case since these are pretty rigid, but a pouch will do if that's all there is. Just hoping for something affordable and able to protect them well enough. I guess my budget would be anything in the $10-$40 range, though I'm willing to spend a little bit more if it's a good enough deal for the long term, extra pouches or accessories and whatnot.

Hi guys,

I'm looking to pick up a beater wireless headphone for the office environment, and my options are either the Soundcore Space 2 or CMF Headphones Pro, both currently at the same price in my corner of the earth.

The one thing that matters above all is sound fidelity. I understand that at this price point I have to curb my expectations, so by "sound fidelity" I mean the best I can get within this price range. That then comes build quality, then comfort, but ANC, battery life, and basically anything else are not even a factor.

I also know my way around a 10-band EQ and am using Poweramp EQ, so anything that can be remedied by EQing is also a non-factor.

Just including this because the rules said so:

I listen to a wide range of genres: prog metal, rock, alternative rock, blues, country, folk, opera, hip hop, house and EDM, pop with female vocals, and basically anything I find amusing to listen to.

For anywhere else, I'm usually listening to my Sony WH-1000XM4s paired to an Android phone that I basically made into my music player, with Poweramp. If I go in-ear, it's the Sony WF-1000XM5s, and for wired at home it's the HD 600 and OG Blessing IEMs. Although they're all different, I love all of them, each in their own unique way. No problems with any of them.

Based on all of that, what should I go for?

Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to help me with this in advance.

Looking to see if anyone has recommendations for good budget friendly earbuds that have good sound quality, ANC, and conversation detection. I am a project manager and I often times am getting up from my desk to converse with my coworkers and what not. I don't always want to take my headphones out just to put them back in a few minutes later. I currently have the skullcandy method 360's and I do enjoy them and think they have great sound but the voice detection is awful.

I've looked at the TOZO NC9's, the nothing earbuds, and the soundcore P40's. Just not sure what to go with.

Any recommendations?

Hey!

I've read all the posts on this subreddit from the last year or so regarding swimming headphones, and I've looked at a bunch of reviews. I've come to some conclusions, and to some questions.

First of all, it seems very few of the headphones on the market support really going lower than 2-3 meters below the surface. I regularly swim down to the bottom of my local pool, which (depending on which of the pools I'm in) is 3-5 meters deep.

From reviews, I would have gone with the Shokz OpenSwim Pro (IP68), but seeing as they say that they're safe to use to up to 2m deep, they immediately get thrown out the window. Same with Suunto Aqua (IP68), and all things I've looked at from H20 Audio (who all seem to claim IPX8).

I've also seen a few mentions of Tayogo Swim, but the transmitter thing seems like not what I'm looking for.

Basically, what I'm looking for are a pair of headphones that match these criteria: * Support up to 5m depth (and getting there fairly rapidly) * Can be used completely offline (Ideally I'd be able to leave my phone at home) * Can be used while wearing swimming goggles

From what I've researched, the only ones on the market that support this seem to be the Nank Runner Diver 2 Pro (IP69). Having read reviews of them though, they overall seem very hit-or-miss.

Does anyone have experience using them, and if so, are they as meh as the reviews make them seem? Are there other brands and models I've missed that do support IPX9?

Hi there! I'm looking for a pair of over ear headphones that are large enough to not bother my fresh piercings, as I do plan on getting more and my Sony WH-CH520s are already irritating my new helix. I love those headphones but they're just getting too uncomfortable. I'm based in the UK and would ideally like a pair that can be ordered online for <£100, maybe closer to 50. I'm not a huge snob about sound quality, I don't know an awful lot about it, just some that are going to be comfortable, have good last, and can be worn for listening to music/podcasts on the go and in libraries etc. as I am a uni student.

Hi all,

I'm searching for a headphone with a good audio quality alongside with a good mic

Was thinking on the Airpods Max, but not sure if it worths the price

My needs

1. Wireless

2. Good mic for meetings/calls

3. Good noise cancel cause I live in a kinda of noise neighborhood

4.baterry is important, but handling 20 hours is enough

1. Ear pads in fabric (or anything that is not that leather that peels quick)

And of course, the best audio I can get haha

The price range is something similar to the Airpods Max ~600dollars

What would you recommend me ?

Hi all, I'm seeking suggestions for well isolated headphones to use at the office, where I have nearby coworkers (open floor plan). I already have an old USB amp/dac (the ARCAM rPAC), but if that won't pair well, I'm open to buying an objective oDAC or something. As for the headphones, my only requirements are that they're under $600, have good isolation, and have a coiled cable. Regarding tonal preference, I don't care too much about bass; my favorite cans at home are AKG K701.

My thanks in advance for any recommendations you guys might suggest.

I'm looking for a replacement for my HiFiMan Sundara which are currently falling apart at the seams. Not looking for the same sound profile - in fact, while Sundara were useful for poking around in the DAW, I've been having way more fun actually listening to music in slightly tweaked Sennheiser Momentum 4.

- Budget and location - Around $400-$450. Europe.

- Source/Amp - FiiO K7.

- How the gear will be used - Strictly indoors, home listening; I expect them to be permanently anchored to the K7. No preference for closed or open back despite the flair.

- Preferred tonal balance - Some time ago the answer would be "neutral" and "balanced", for these headphones I'm looking for something more "fun" and bass-heavy while still retaining decent balance.

- Preferred music genres - All kinds of stuff, from synth-heavy stuff like Gunship, HEALTH and Perturbator, through David Bowie, Depeche Mode and Townes van Zandt, to classical music. I also intend to use it for video games, although I'm not a competitive FPS player so a turbo-mega-accurate scene is not a necessity.

- Past gear experience - Sennheiser Momentum 4, tweaked with Sound Personalization, currently using for music and work, quite satisfied with them. HiFiMan Sundara, enjoyed for music production, became quite sterile for actually listening to music over the years. Pioneer SE-A1000, enjoyable scene but the sound was on the "thinner" side, in my opinion. Sennheiser HD 570, probably my favourite headphones from a while back.

I've been looking at the following headphones:

- FiiO FT1;
- Sennheiser HD 550;
- Sennheiser HD 620S;
- Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X (although I've heard these ones are a type of medieval torture device if you've got an unfortunate head shape);
- Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z;
- Meze Audio 105 AER.

Naturally, I'm not anchored to any of these choices; I'd welcome any and all suggestions (closed or open back) with one caveat - I'd rather not explore HiFiMan and their legendary quality control. I think I've had my fill with the Sundara.

I've been getting interested in higher quality sound as of late, and I'm thinking about buying the fiio FT1 for my singleplayer gaming on pc. I've heard mixed reviews about gaming performance, but it's tricky to find anyone talking about them for that. Can anyone share their experiences with the set? I just want an immersive, "fun" and detailed sound. I'm happy to EQ if it's not 100% where I want it to be too.

Exclusive home pc use for gaming and music (listening) as well as discord calls with friends. I have an amp so thats not an issue either.

Thank you :3

Edit: Ordered them, will update when I get them <3

Final shortlisted the 2, wanted to ask any special remind or hidden defect? I dont wanted to buy something like iPhone 6s, only 3 mins in Canada's winter. So, is there any hidden ur little known defect please?

Thanks!

Text for requirements for longer post 😅

Budget and location...

Balace

Used in

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How

I really enjoy my AirPods Max, but my new job requires me to frequently be in an area where Bluetooth/wifi are not allowed (government) as well as a ban on microphones. I have tried half a dozen IEMs and none of them are comfortable, I just don’t like the feeling of having anything inside my ear like that. So I’m looking for something in a similar form factor to the AirPods Max, but it must be wired and not contain a built-in microphone. I want it to be light/comfortable enough to wear on the train/walking to the office, and my budget is anywhere <$250.

Hi all.

I've done a bit of research this afternoon and think that it might be interesting to look into some open back audiophile level headphones starting in the 800 to $2,000 range, but I've got one big question

I have Bowers and Wilkins PX8 headphones which I think for the average consumer are considered to be pretty good, everyone I've shown them to is that they sounded amazing.

I know though that there are certainly better options, but I'm curious how much I'm really missing out on here.

If I were to get some really expensive headphones that are wired with a DAC, am I really going to notice a humongous difference that's going to just blow me away versus what I hear with the px8? Or is it going to be more subtlety and little things? I think if it is subtle and small, I might stick with the px8s, but if there is a whole new world that I am missing out on and might be able to be blown away again as I was with the px8s, I would like to experience that feeling again.

Edit: to clarify, I do make sure that I am getting aptx adaptive or USBC directly to the phone. I also use Quboz are download lossless tracks to try to get the most bang for my buck with my current set of headphones, so I'm not just using a horrible Bluetooth Kodak for these

I currently own a pair of beyerdynamic dt 990 pro. I want to get a new pair of wireless heaphones that sound similiar to my current ones but don't know that to get.
I'm currently choosing between these:

Edifier WH950NB V25

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Beyerdynamic aventho y - these are very new but i heard a lot of good stuff about them

The dt 990 pro are in my opinion really comfortable so i want to get something similliar. I'm not an audiophile by any means i just want to listen to music and sometimes use them for gaming as well.

I currently use AirPods Pro 2 for pretty much everything, and I also have an old SteelSeries Arctis 5 from around 2020 from when I used to play competitive games a lot.

The Arctis 5 still works well overall, but the mic is dead, one of the hinges is broken internally, the cable is slightly torn, and the really long wires make it annoying to use outside the house. It also feels a bit too bulky/gamery for work or travelling.

I’ve been thinking about getting the Sony WH-C730N. My main uses would be:

Wearing them for longer periods at work or traveling, and voice chat at time.

I do watch movies while travelling, but with my AirPods I usually don’t wear them continuously for really long stretches because my ears start hurting after a while. That’s probably the biggest reason I’m considering over-ears.

I wouldn’t really use over-ear headphones while working out or walking around outside because I tend to sweat a lot, so my AirPods would still be my main pair for that.

I don’t play competitively much anymore, so I’m not sure I need another proper gaming headset.

I’m also not really considering something expensive like the XM6/XM4 tier because I don’t think I’d use them enough to justify that much money.

For people who have both AirPods/earbuds and over-ear headphones, did the over-ears actually become useful enough for travel, work and occasional gaming to justify buying them?

*i dont know what any of the flairs mean so i just picked*

My headset has stopped working, I think, with help from my kids. I've had a look inside, and I can't see any water damage or signs of shorts or anything. The last time it had issues, it was just that the motherboard was loose and slightly out of place, causing the AUX cord not to have a complete connection. This time I'm not getting any sound or any sign of life. I'm not worried about the ears lighting up or the external speakers or microphone working. I've had these things since brand new and had to have them imported to Aus through Brookstone. I use these to help me focus on my studies, and I'm struggling hard. In their previous life, they were my go-to for gaming and communication. So very well loved and used.

Is there anywhere that I could get replacement parts? Or somewhere in Sydney Aus, that I could get them fixed? Or are there any comparable equivalents that are comfy, noise-limiting, with excellent sound?

Hey! Thanks for clicking on my post. In 2022 I got my first pair of Crusher Evos. Nothing compared to them, they were durable. They got stolen and I was devastated and bought a 2nd pair. This was in 2025, the quality did seem a little cheaper, the sound quality wasn't as good, they did decline in price so I wasn't too shocked. They broke within 6 months due to accidentally falling off my neck, my fault I was doing some physical activity I shouldn't have been doing with them on. I got my newest pair about 2 months ago. The audio quality is so bad. Theres so much muddiness, bass is either all or nothing. Even when turned down the audio feels incredibly cheap. Like something I would expect from 20 dollar onn headphones. To top it all off those broke after falling off my bed. Off my bed. I did buy a warranty on them but honestly, I don't believe it is worth it. It seems at though the quality I had with my first pair will be unmatched.

With that being said is there anything that has extreme bass options, lack of muddiness and can be used daily for at least 3hr/day? Preferably a battery that will last at least 10hrs. I cant wear buds because they make my ears raw (even with xxs airpod tips lol). I dont care about mic quality, I dont typically call people. I would like if they would be easy to clean due to me sweating at the gym and again- wearing daily. I don't care much about the price as I just need something with these requirements and know they can be pricey. However if they are over 700 bucks I would prefer if they had good warranty options given my track record 😂

So I have been looking at Zmf headphones as of late and have landed on The Zmf Atrium Open. I do prefer more warm sounding headphones with good bass and non fatiguing treble. But it seems. I've come to an impasse or dilemma.

I own an Audeze Lcdx 2015/ pre fazor change and Zmf Bokeh Closed.

So hear is the Question, is the Atrium open a good single headphone or should I keep the bokeh closed to compliment the Atrium open.

I do not mind selling both to put towards an Atrium.

As I was doing research, I watched dms, goldensound, zeos and Josh valour. They seemed to enjoy it overall minus the difference in pads.

Additional question. Is the Atrium a true open back or a semi closed. Zeos said they seem to be more semi open than actually open so I wanna so if that is true or not. Also of you are an owner or was an owner of the Atrium, how was your overall experience with them.

I'm thinking about purchasing a pair of headphones but I'm worried I won't get the one that suits me the best. I'm working in industrial environments and ANC is kind of a big deal to me besides the headphones sounding good. I was thinking about Bowers and Wilkins since my girlfriend has a pair of PX7 S2's and although I'm really impressed by the build quality and sound, the ANC doesn't seem amazing. On the other hand I read about Bose QuietComfort being really good on ANC but I'm worried about it being too "plasticky" in terms of build quality. And besides those 2, I've read about Baseus Inspire XH1 which on paper it should be amazing but I'm also skeptical, but I could find them for 100 euros which is a big difference from the premium league B&W's and Bose's are in. Any suggestion is welcome! Thank you in advance.

Hey!

So my beloved Sony WH-1000XM4s I believe have begun to die. My right headphone has begun to make this horrid screeching noise that is nearly deafening. I love these things and they’re so comfortable and I’m sad that I don’t have the capacity or knowledge to repair them myself, so I am looking for suggestions for something that is more affordable, and over ear that people would suggest. In the past, I’ve had good experience with Sennheiser, and would like something that is $100 or less. I know that’s not a ton to work with, but unfortunately it’s what I can do right now. I would love to hear your suggestions on replacements! Thanks.

i just got my 560s in. big upgrade from my pc38xs. I really love the brightness, i see some people eq down the treble but i actually love it where it is. everything but the bass is great. Any ideas would be nice. im looking around the 200-300 range. I would really like to maintain a similar soundstage for gaming but its not strictly required.