HIFIMAN - Edition XV

Hifiman Edition XV for sure

Mezes are definitely good for those who are blessed with less analytical ears. Nano were a tad harsh on the highs but I assume EQ will fix this? I'm going to try the xv again and see if I still like it, and try the stealth as well while im there. xv were funny, too bassy on some songs, too much high end on others, but eq again should fix.

XV are very good. They hit the mark for 85-90% of my wants. Soundstage isnt the best, imaging isnt either (not very good in front of the head), and some mid range frequencies sound slightly unnatural (violins especially). Unveiled solve both of these issues in a more expensive, more annoying package. Didn't bother with the nano because I know what to expect from it.

Sennheiser 490 Pro is designed to be comfortable. Other options are the hifiman xs / xv / ananda / arya. Meze 109 and 105 are very comfortable. There are also options from Audeze, Meze, and DCA if you're looking to spend a couple grand on comfy headphones.

For Hifiman, the price for the "next step up" Edition XS model has come down a lot. It's overtaken the Sundara as the default recommendation since it's a little more detailed and spacious-sounding, while just being a bit more in price. It's pretty similar to the Hifiman Ananda (which has also fallen in price). They also just recently released a model called Edition XV which seems to be a warmer version of the Hifiman house sound. Don't think there's anything better than the HD6XX still for the timbre and midrange quality. There is a new headphone called the HEDDPhone D1 that many have called a true upgrade to the HD600 series, but it's a lot pricier. The older Focal models (Elear, Clear, Elegia) have been getting retired in favor of the new Azurys and Hadenys models, so their price has gone down a lot on the secondhand market. I wouldn't say the Clear's exactly a direct upgrade of the HD600 series, but it does have a similarly intimate presentation while being a step up in resolution and bass impact. For the 990 Pro, Beyerdynamic's released some iterations such as the DT 900 Pro and DT 990 Pro X that require less power, have improved build, and dampen the treble more. I've heard mixed accounts though if it sounds "better". For me, I'd say the Sennheiser HD490 Pro is a better refinement that's still got that V-shaped sound and good imaging, but more balanced and versatile for different usage. It's also probably their most comfortable headphone imo. The Meze 109 Pro was also popular for a time because it was a more balanced sound than the bassy V-shaped Meze 99 (though now they've also released a Meze 99 v2 that supposedly refines the tonality).

Hifiman Edition XV is a game changer release nothing touches it under 500. Headphones to avoid despite what people say: DT990 pro and pro x Other than that I would recommend HD600, DT900 pro x, FiiO FT1 pro as alternatives Not a big I’m guy but here’s Some IEMs I’ve tried that are good for gaming: Truthear Hexa, Myer Audio CKLVX D41

Hifiman Edition XV if you want something to use at a desk. For anc Bluetooth headphones HDB 630 seem tk be incredible but I haven’t tried them

hifiman open backs, EQ correction to harman, happy days. All these sennheiser and beyer headphones lack the sub bass frequencies you need to hear in techno. yes, I agree, if you learn your headphones, any will do. But if you want to hear everything, for me, you can't beat a decent set of planars

Basically same genres. Honestly, I’d shoot for the 105 AER or 105 Silva. You can jump up to the Focal Azurys as well, but Focal can have some timbre issues for some as you get into the upper mids and treble. If you want to look at planars, I’d consider something like the Edition XV over the Stealth. It’s a darker, more suitable for casual listening. One benefit of the Meze is the AER will work with the Meze boom mic cable if you ever want to easily add a mic for voice chat. I run that same setup myself from time to time. And it’s a bit of a curveball, but if you’re open to IEMs I’d also look at sets like the Thieaudio Hype 4, Xenns Top Pro, or Punch Audio Martilo. All three will handle those genres well; I’ve run the Hype 4 for gaming many times as well; it’s one of my favorite sets for single player.

They are good, but those are good for the budget type headphones. HD6xx, Sundara, Edition XS/XV, Focal clear, Focal Elex, HD800S, Moondrop Cosmo/Para, DCA, and than there are e-stats Edit: than there’s a bunch of Peerless 50mm driver based headphone, and more luxury headphones like Meze and ZMF

The x2 is not worth a try, and it’s over priced at $200, for that price I’d pay a little more to get the Hifiman Edition XV, or Sennheiser HD550

I got a pair the other day and was not a fan. They just felt like ass compared to my favorite closed back planar, the Aeon RT Closed. they didn't get super loud either. And they didn't stay "awake" between audio streams. Like between youtube videos they would go into a low power state and upon starting the next video I would miss the first second or two of audio. I sent them back and got edition XV instead. Wireless just not for me I think. I have airpod pros for that.