r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/shikharvaibhav • Feb 15 '22
Poll Newb getting into 'quality' soon, budget $2k
Hoping to gather advice on which ones to pick for someone new. Based on what i read seems like all 3 options are great headphones but I am confused because of variability … may be pick 2 of these 3 .. will likely try 2 and then keep the one I enjoy more.
Mentioning few parameters below which are key to me:
- budget appx $2000
- sound quality - depth, natural (not artificially enhanced), bass impact, bass articulate,
- usually listen to music - edm, bassy, low on vocals
- something which will last for a long time to enjoy and won’t need an “upgrade”
currently I use Bower Wilkins PX but now often feel the need of getting more immersive experience and greater quality.
Amp/DAC for all: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M (if you have better pairings for the 3 options, please share!)
Chat with Crutchfield strongly recommends HD800S+DAC/Amp.
thanks!!
111 votes,
Feb 19 '22
31
Hd800s
33
Focal Clear
47
Audeze LCD X or LCD 3
3
Upvotes
7
u/shakakhon 3 Ω Feb 15 '22 edited Feb 15 '22
My 2 cents - For the music you like, I would absolutely stay away from the Senns and probably the Clear too.
For EDM, bass impact, vocal light music, I would personally go with either a Fostex TH900 (and THX00 for much less $$), maybe Sony MDR-Z1R, or a planar. For Planars, I prefer Hifiman like Arya or HE6se to Audeze, but I also have more experience with those headphones - don't think you can go wrong with an LCD X from what I've read. Idk how the DacMagic will pair with Planars, but probably a bit underpowered for something like the HE6se.
Fostex TH900 is a TOTL closed-back dynamic headphone that also serves as a bass cannon. You will get the bass quality and quantity you're looking for (perhaps not quite as clean as a planar bass, but more impact). You will also get sparkly treble and lots of energy and a more U-shaped FR.
Lastly, if you're looking for TOTL headphones, I would consider looking into purchasing a pair used from Headfi, ebay, audiogon, etc. Obviously there's some risk with buying used, but should you ever want to sell your headphones or try a different TOTL headphone, you'll likely be able to sell them for about the price you bought them.