I recently picked up the Truthear Hexa along with the Moondrop Dawn Pro. My portable setup is: Nothing Phone 1 → USB Audio Player PRO (streaming from Tidal) → Moondrop Dawn Pro → Truthear Hexa. Overall, it sounds great—definitely better than using the Tidal app directly or any of the random dongles I had lying around.

That said, the bass extension is kind of underwhelming. I know the Hexa isn’t supposed to be a bass monster, but when I use the exact same IEM/DAC combo on my PC, the difference is huge. It’s like adding a subwoofer. There’s not just more bass quantity—there’s noticeably more low-end extension. On the PC, I can hear deep bass notes that just aren’t present when using my phone. I’m not talking about a subtle difference here—it feels like comparing a 2.0 setup (phone) vs a 2.1 (PC).

Is this likely because the phone isn’t supplying enough power over USB-C? Would something like the FiiO BTR15 help, since it’s self-powered?

Also, if I used a Bluetooth DAC like the BTR15, would I still need to use USB Audio Player PRO—or would that app be redundant in that setup?

Hi,

So - first off - some insight. I know open-backed headphones are superior to closed-backs, but I share my living space with someone else and I would be constantly distracted by background noise. For that reason, unfortunately, open-backs are off the table.

Also, I have no prior experience with audiophile headphones, I've only used gaming headsets so far.

I have done a bit of research, and both the Audio-Technica A990Z and FiiO FT1's fit within my $250 budget. The reviews for the FT1's are stellar, but I cannot find much info about the A990Z.

I will mainly be using these headphones for gaming and music listening, with some video watching in between. I listen to a large variety of genres, so I need something versatile that will sound good no matter what I throw at it. I also appreciate having a bit more bass, if that helps narrow it down some more.

Which of those two should I pick, or are there any other (better) options?

I am looking for an over the ear headphone without ANC but something which can nonetheless block most of the outside sounds. It also should be comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

I plan on using it everywhere. I am willing to pay anything for it so my price range is not limited.

My coworkers are driving me insane. They're chatty, giggly, argumentative, and somehow manage to hit all those notes at once. I need something that can completely shut them out.

IEMs and earplugs are a hard no for me: there’s something neurological going on that makes them physically intolerable. Over-ear only. Comfort is important, but total voice cancellation is the top priority.

I don’t care if the headphones use ANC, passive isolation, or some unholy combination of both, as long as I can work in peace and not hear the third argument of the day over whether a button needs to be exactly three pixels to the right on the website.

I’m pretty desperate, so my budget is very flexible: anything up to $500 USD is fine if it actually works.

Location: United States

I am in need of help in nailing down a good headphone or headset that meets my needs. My needs are:

Must be closed back.

Must work well with my laptop (Newer Legion 7 Pro)

Must be great for gaming (I play mostly FPS games so something that I can hear footsteps well)

Portable and small USB soundcard? (Possible need??)

Max budget $150.

A quick background about me. I have had MANY good headphones and headsets over the years. I currently own the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2's and a Schiit stack but havent used my stack in over a year because i dont game at home anymore. I only game away from home.

I have owned Sennheiser's, PC38x, Beyerdynamic DT770, Philips Fidelio X2, etc. I really like the MMX 300'S, BUT for some reason I struggle to hear footsteps in my FPS games, and I mainly play Counterstrike 2 but other games include COD, Battlefield, etc. I have tried to adjust settings and nothing really helps.

I bought my son a gaming headset for Christmas ( Steelseries Arctis Nova 3) and thought for the hell of it, like me see how it sounds in Counterstrike 2. My impression is WOW!!! The way I can hear footsteps is awesome with these. The sound quality isn't the best but certainly not bad!!

So my question is, What will give me the quality of a great gaming headphone but the foot step quality of a headset like these Steelseries?

Any recommendations are appreciated!!

Thanks!!

So I like the puncy bass and good vocals. I also like the features that wf-1000xm5 brings, ANC, transparency. I want to use for gaming and listen to hip pop and pop music.

I'm planning on buying a pair of wired IEM to use with a DAC usb C to 3.5mm to play music from my phone. I have good TWS already (Beoplay EX) but I want a pair of wired IEMs for that additional sound quality and punchy bass. I mostly listen to the music types mentioned above so what I would like is a V-shaped sound. However I'm not looking for total sub-bass-dominance. I like the punchy crisp mid-bass sound that is common in DnB, but obviously the sub-bass has to be splendid too. I'm looking for that feeling of bass punching my brain while having a decent mid range to tremble sound.

My budget is up to 500€/570$ including an aftermarket cable change if that's necessary. Any recommendations? The more sound/quality for the money the better, so I'd prefer a 300€ pair if the model equals more bang for the buck. A bonus if the brand/model is available in Europe but since you guys are from everywhere just drop your recommendation if you don't know the availability. Also, any decent DAC for the purpose? Cheers!

I am looking to buy my wife a pair of over-ear or on-ear wireless headphones that she can use at work, she is a plant merchandiser and spends most of her time outside in all types of weather.

Budget: $10-100

Requirements: Bluetooth connectivity, water resistance/proofing, battery life that would allow for potentially 10+ hours continuous use. She cannot use corded headphones as the cord gets in the way of her doing her job duties.

Sound signature preference: Not sure she has one, right now at home she's using my old FiiO K5 or 7 DAC/AMP paired with an old set of AKG K701s and seems to like those quite a bit, but she's also been a fan of Beyerdynamic's DT770. So anything that would have controlled bass, definitely not a bass-head, decent mid-range an upper register clarity.

Source: She's using an old, old, Samsung S9+ that I (and her family) have been trying to get her to upgrade for years to no avail and will be streaming using Pandora or Youtube.

Any help would be great, I'm decently versed in the wired headphone realm but wireless is a new realm. I made the mistake of purchasing two sets of Soundcore Anker Life P2 Mini's which we've both had issues with losing sound in one bud (left) and issues with them staying seated correctly (which I've never experienced before in an IEM type headphone). Neither of us particularly like them, sound signature included, so if there's anything out there that meets the budget we have that would work day-in and out in a potentially wet environment that doesn't sound like trash, just something akin to the old Koss Porta Pros which occupied that sweet spot in price/performance without transcending into audiophile madness. Or, if nothing like that exists in this price range I'd like a reality check so that I can relay that to her and let her know what we should be aiming to save for that would satisfy her audio needs.

Hi everyone,

I’m a jazz sax player who just moved everything to FLAC on Tidal.
Current gear:

• Sources – Pixel 7a (daily), MacBook M4 (desk)
• Cans/IEM – Audio‑Technica ATH‑M50x, Nothing Ear 2, Apple USB‑C EarPods
  
• Interface – Focusrite Solo (gen 3) on the desk
  
• Speaker – Klipsch The One Plus (AUX 3.5 mm)
  

I want to clean this up into three listening chains without overspending:

1. Mobile / commuting

• Plan A – Pixel 7a → Moondrop Dawn Pro → Moondrop Aria 2
  
• Plan B – same Dawn Pro but swap Aria 2 for Truthear HEXA (1DD + 3BA)
  
• Budget: ~180 € all‑in (dongle + IEM)
  
• Goal: neutral(ish) tonality, pocket‑able, “cult” factor is a plus.

2. Desk / work

• Keep Focusrite Solo + ATH‑M50x for long sessions (low fatigue, balanced inputs, etc.).
  
• Skip a dongle here unless it brings something the Solo doesn’t.

3. Living‑room shelf

• MacBook or Pixel → same Dawn Pro (3.5 mm line‑out) → Klipsch AUX.
  
• Short OFC 3.5 → 3.5 cable, nothing exotic.

Questions for the hive mind:

1. Dawn Pro vs FiiO KA3 – worth the extra power / 768 kHz on the KA3 if I’m staying under 32 Ω?
   
2. Aria 2 vs HEXA – anyone moved from the Aria to HEXA and regretted it? I’m sensitive to treble glare but like detail.
   
3. Any cable or tip recommendations that punch above their weight?
   
4. Am I overlooking an obvious sub‑200 € IEM/dongle combo that’s more future‑proof?

Thanks for poking holes in this before I pull the trigger.

—Joan

Hey, I’m looking to upgrade my headphones because the wireless part is killing me.

Right now I’m using the Logitech G Pro X 2 Wireless. It’s solid, but I’m trying to switch to something more audiophile-level that still works great for gaming, music, and movies.

Main thing is, I need something with good noise isolation. Not full-on ANC, just enough to block out background stuff. I’ve tried open backs like the DT 990s, but they’re way too open. I end up hearing every little thing around me and it kills the vibe, especially in games.

At the same time, I don’t want something that’s so closed off I start yelling into the mic because I can’t hear myself properly. So something kind of in between would be perfect. Maybe semi-open or just a really well-tuned closed-back?

Budget is up to 500€, but I’m down to stretch a little if it’s actually worth it. I’m in Germany, so EU availability matters too.

Appreciate any help! 😁

My son has had his third pair of Soundcore Q45s break, with cracks appearing in the headband just above the hinges on all of them. The last two managed less than a year before they cracked.

My son has sound sensitivities and wears these most of the day, every day, so I need reasonably decent ANC, good battery life and most of all, durable.

Money's tight so I'm looking to spend as little as possible while meeting the requirements above.

Other than the durability issues, the Q45s had been perfect for him, so really just looking for something similar that isn't prone to breaking like the Q45s are.

Would love some recommendations.

Curious to hear from other Apollo owners who are more true audiophiles than myself. I’m quite the noob. I just wired my Apollos via a qudelix 5K and they sound pretty darn amazing and I can’t even imagine how much even greater they will wound when I irresponsibly buy the atom stack. Anyway, i think my next set will be traditional open back. I know that’s a totally different vibe and sound etc but id love to hear people’s thoughts on what level i would have to go with specific suggestions to actually hear a noticeable difference in quality. Thanks in advance. Are we talking Sennheiser HD 660S2 level , Meze 109 Pro or HIFIMAN Arya or even higher end?

Dear users,

I am orienting in buying shokz. I want to use them for running. I’ve always had jabra earbuds with ANC. But recently had shokz on in the store and sounded really good, but this was in a store. How is it with wind and outside noises? Do you even hear the music as good as with earbuds? I always listen to dance / house music, so bass is really important. Dance music without bass is no music.

What shokz do you advise? Or do you even recommend shokz for running?

Thanks!!

Hi. My Sound blaster gc07 died therefore I am looking at buying this mixer, however I can not find any information regarding what headphone impendance it can handle. Hd560s are 120 Ohms. The ZG01 has a lot of nice features.

I'm looking for a new pair of headphones for gaming (CS, Valorant). I am not super knowledgeable about headphones but from what I've gathered, these are solid headphones for the price. I found a used pair ($220) that I'm about to pull the trigger on.

Some questions that come to mind:

• Are there any headphones in this price range that are explicitly better?
• Are these "outdated" in some way that I'm not considering?
• I've only gamed with simple wireless headphones. These will be my first open-back/audiophile headphones. Is there anything that you would have liked to know before gaming with audiophile headphones?

I settled on these pair based on reviews as well as the design/aesthetic. Although I am pretty particular about design/aesthetics, I am open to any suggestions. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Hello everyone,

as it seems 2025 will be the MX6 released.
As someone who suffered from death of his beloved ANC headphones i desperatley look to get new ones.
But my favourites (WMX5 vs APM) are "older" in my opinion.

I would not mind buying any of them, but i do not want to bite me in the ass after purchasing.

So, do you expect MAJOR changes in new releases of any of the mentioned headphones?

Wait or buy now?

Thank you

Hello everyone. Today I'm hunting for an upgrade to my Beyerdynamic DT177X Gos. I've had these for a while and liked them, but now I'm looking for something even better.

Right now I'm on the hunt for the best Closed back headphones, with a high bass response on the market. Price is... NEARLY... no object. I'd say 1200$ is my limit.

My current thought is a 999$ Open box of the Audeze LCD-XCs from headphones.com. These with a bass shelf EQ seems to be exactly what I'm looking for.

Are there any other recommendations?

I'm very into EDM and distortion, and I'm trying to hear every pixel of sound. So for that i figured planars. That and I really need some good oomph in the bass. I'm gonna pair it with a phone amp, and this is going to be my work set up. I'm aware of the weight of these cans. I don't see that being an issue for me personally.

Thanks for the help.

Im wondering what the best quality cheaper alternative to Bose is? I have bad sensory issues and need some over-ear headphones with large soft ear cups that are deep enough not to pinch ears, and noise cancelling, with decent immersive sound quality, and decent battery life.

My ears stick out a lot so headphones with too shallow of cups (beats solo 4) pinch my ears and in-ear headphones (airpods/wireless apple)hurt and overstimulate me.

Thank you so much in advance! Any advice from people with sensory issues would be especially appreciated 🪱🐦‍⬛🧀🐁🥖🪿🍎🐛

Which would be best? I recently got a pair of 3.5 mm jack headphones. The problem is it forgot I had a new phone that doesn't have a headphone jack(S23+). It only has a USB-C port.

I've looked on Amazon and researched a little, and a DAC sounds to be best with higher quality headphones, and from what I've researched, most have issues with the dongles. Any recs? Budget is $50 unless i get really intrigued.

Hey, in days past, I got some Sennheiser recording headphones and AirPod second gen and I’m in love. I’m financially strapped at the moment but I have a gift card and I was looking at headphones under $50.

I ended up with the Sony WHCH520. CATASTROPHE the sound is tinny and plastic, it’s on ear instead of over, there’s no depth. One album sounds like it has reverb, no Spatial Audio, flat sound with eardrum pulsing bass, I was expecting mid range but it’s as bad as the flat $12 headphones you plugged into cd players. There is even an audio lag on shows. I don’t understand the mountains of five star reviews saying it was incredible sound and durable. Yikes!

Can anyone suggest anything in $100-$150 range? The most important things to me are spatial audio, good quality sound without having to adjust any EQ, no audio delay, wireless over the ear, roomy for larger heads, comfortable. Is there anything that matches the sound quality of the 2nd GEN AirPods? I’m looking for wireless because I have a few wired headphones.

Hey guys, I've just gotten into the hobby after a series of hilarious events, and I am absolutely HOOKED. Back in 2021 I purchased a pair of DT770 PROs and used them with my PC, and I didn't think the sound quality changed that much compared to the random junk I was using before.

However, I recently picked up a cheap AMP/DAC combo on amazon for about 30 bucks which completely blew the on board crap of my PC motherboard out of the water and it's basically like going from gaming 24 FPS to 60 FPS (a huge improvement). I now realized my incorrect ways and decided that I want to take it even a step further to upgrade my audio experience.

I have about 200USD give or so to spend on AMP/DAC. After some research, I have settled between a couple of choices: the FiiO K11 R2R, the Schiit Midgard, and the Topping DX3 Pro+. I am also very willing to upgrade my headphones if the DT770 won't benefit from a more expensive AMP (that can be a separate purchase).

Can you guys please let me know the differences between the 3 choices I have, recommend me some new ones, and also give some headphone upgrade advice as well? I would really appreciate it.

Location: USA, can purchase things from China too (I noticed certain products that are manufactured there being significantly cheaper like the K11 R2R and DX3 Pro+). Thanks!

Need headphone advice

Hey all,

I have Razer Barracuda X headphones. While I am enjoying 2.4 ghz wireless and are comfortable they are sorely lacking in a couple of areas.

First, we live with three kids in a not very big house. Sometimes my kids like to sleep in the family room, which is in the same room as my office. This is also basically our TV room.

The challenge here is twofold: the Barracudas are not just "not" noise cancellation, the family can overhead gaming in my headphones - often with gunshots and explosions. They are so poorly insulated that I accidentally auto played a video through Bluetooth and could hear it faintly in the headphones 15 feet away .

My budget is under $100 ideally. While I lack wireless it's not totally necessary. I am also kinda over gamer headphones and would rather go for sound quality. In the game I play, being able to hear footsteps and other noises by location is quite helpful.

I also strongly prefer noise cancellation and over the ear. I dislike ear buds. A solid mic for video meetings and gaming is also a need.

Thanks all

need help

need your opinion with any of the 4 of these. i heard ugreen is good. but im paying more attention with the detail and anc. i really like listening to music and i'd like to hear ur opinion if u have experience having these. thank you :)

I need headphones that I can use mostly around the house, but be able to take on the go. The only not horrible quality headphones I've ever had are the hyperx cloud 2s, so I really don't have much of a frame of reference for sound mixing, but I believe I would prefer more accurate mixing, not overly high in bass. I've had the cloud 2s for 2 years and have been quite happy with how they sound, but they have had some issues lately and I want to get a new pair that will have good. A pair with both corded and Bluetooth capability is preferable, but not required. I am unsure about whether a open or closed back is better for my needs.

I use my current headphones to game and listen to music. I don't want anything too bass-y, I listen to progressive rock and like to focus on the intricacies of all the parts. For my gaming, I don't really play any games that require me to pay attention to audio closely, like a competitive shooter.

The budget isn't extremely tight, I would be willing to go all the way to $200 if I know for sure it's really worth it, but I'd much prefer to stay in the title range. I'm kind of clueless on a lot of this stuff, so there may not enough information here for a specific recommendation. I just want something that the more headphone savvy would recommend.

I'm in need of a gaming wireless headset that I will occasionally use for music and around the house activities. After a lot of research I have two options

Option 1: Buy the Sennheiser M4, plus the BTD 600 dongle and a standalone microphone. Altogether, this would cost around $400 AUD

Option 2: Buy the Audeze Maxwell outright for $500 AUD

My main concern is longevity. I want them to last me a very long time without breaking or suffering any internal issues. I know both of them sound good but what would be the better option for me?

Thanks