K361-BT

Just got M4s AND the BT700 dongle...it is absolutely transformative! The Dongle REALLY unlocks the potential of those headphones. I cannot believe how good they sound. They are almost up to the level of my FT1s and much more pleasant to use than my AKG K361BT for music and movies. Those are still great cans for sound effects work, but the Sennheisers kiosk the snot out of them for musical enjoyment!

I'd recommend stretching your budget for the AKG K361/371. 371 is more expensive than the 361 and has a more fun sound than the analytical 361. I found both to have great imaging and decent soundstage for a closed back. I don't know much about mics. I rock a 720p logi webcam and the mic works well enough.

Either my AKG K361 or KPH40. There are certainly “better sounding” things in my collection but none as versatile. Hifiman Edition XS build is dogshit and leaks sound like crazy, and IEMs irritate my ears if I start using them exclusively for multiple days at a time. If just sound specifically, my Softears Volume S would have no competition.

>ATH-M20xBT Instead of the M20xBT, just get the M40X. The M40X is better sonically, but yeah, you won't be getting the Bluetooth functionality. The M50X is fine too if you can find it in your budget range (actually I prefer the M40X when it comes to sound, but the comfort is a bit better on the M50X). Another option would be the AKG K361/371 if you can find them for cheap. I personally prefer the K361/371 over the M40x/M50x in terms of comfort, because both are way more comfortable for longer sessions. Lastly, I think you can try to find the Fiio JT3 (they are open-back tho). I haven't really tried them myself, but I saw good reviews on them. >Philips SHP9500 Not sure if I'm gonna recommend these to someone who's new into audio. The SHP9500 doesn't really have bass, and I predict their first reaction is gonna be like "where's the bass?"

For entry level I have the AKg K361. Very balanced tuning. Things like imaging and soundstage are middling but it sounds good. ThebAKG K371 is a warmer variant and more popular. Fiio FT1. Is a warm/dark headphone with high level technical performance (imaging/detail retrieval at its price point). Tuning is more hit or miss depending on who you are. But still a good option. For a dac all these headphones are easy to drive and I would recommend a Fiio KA11 for $30. I think this would be a solid foundation to start your audiophile journey