FiiO - FT3

In that $ range, I would have to go with the Sennhesier HD6XX or a pair of reburb HD600 off the Sennheiser Outlet Store. FYI: I'm a huge Sennheiser fan just to let you know. I would also have to include the very solid Fiio FT3 in that group. I'm not really a big fan of ribbons yet so I won't even try. I also own a older pair of ATH AD900x and while it's really detailed, it lacks sub bass than modern music needs to have and also can have sibilance on some recordings. If you have a bass boost option, that might not be a problem. I've never heard a pair of the R70x, but I have never seen a bad review on one. \*\*\* As always, headphones are all about personal preferrence, get a demo or a return policy if at all possible.

Over the last decade or so, I’ve collected quite a few low fi and mid fi headphones. In a given month, I listen to all of them and a number of IEMs besides. For the price of one $1000 US headphone, I have a wide range of choices, depending on the music I’m listening to. All of my headphones have been purchased used or at a steep discount. They were purchased off of FBM, craigslist, eBay and various retailers who do sell some used items. Most of the headphones I have were $100 a pair and none over about $150. Also, I don’t sell something once I’ve acquired it. I just keep using it or repurposing it. In closed backs, I have the FIIO Ft1 and HiFiman HE R10D. In open backs, I have the Sennheiser HD 58x, GRADO 80e, the FIIO 350 ohm FT3 and the Audio Technica R50x. In planars I have the Monolith m1060c and the HiFiman Sundara. I’m running all of these balanced with the exception of the Grado. Also, I mix and match with my headphone amplifiers that are both balanced: IFI Zen Can solid state class A and Apos Gremlin tube amplifiers -each of which cost $150 or less. I believe I get more enjoyment out of my group of headphones then I would from one “ endgame” headphone - which rarely turns out to be an actual endgame headphone based on what I’ve seen in Reddit. Anyway, what I’m listening to the most right now is the FT3 on the Apos tube amplifier and the R50x on the solid state amplifier.

Don't get closed backs if you can use open back headphones, ft1 pros have qc issues. I'd get hd560s/6xx/58x(all not very comfortable)/shp9500 with eq or ft3 pro 350 ohm.

I think the ft1 is a great option, and a good baseline for eq. Or if you can find the ft3 on sale those are great. On Amazon they are going for like $150! They were a great buy at $300. Also aune ar5000 if you can find em for $250. Audio technica r50x or r70xa are also good ones.

They also make a 32ohm ft3, but it’s basically a different headphone. Similarly tuned, but a different driver/diaphragm. Ft3 (at least the 350ohm) is pretty good for gaming, but you probably have better options.

I use the Fiio FT3 and it's a delight, in case that helps; very well-balanced in all aspects.

For me, it would be the HD 800S OR the Fiio FT3 (350Ω).