Meze Audio - 99 Neo

You've got a large budget. If you're the kind of person who tries to keep the experiences fresh (like I am), maybe consider two different pairs. One for inside use (as people mentioned, Ananda Stealth or Ananda Nano seem to be insanely good for the price planars, but are likely to require EQ, may require a headband replacement, and don't really feel that premium), and one for outside (e.g. Audio-Technica M50x or something equally portable and maybe more engaging - I use Meze 99 Neo for that use case for example)?. There's really no single answer. I was hesitant to recommend something like my ATH-R50x for indoor use when I saw your comment on r/headphones initially, but they're the king of comfort for indoor use, if you're able to get them around 150 USD. Maybe Fiio FT3-32ohm can be an interesting option on the bassier side, it seems to have a somewhat special driver that approaches planars in detail. To make things easier, based on your previous experience, what kind of sound signature do you prefer (V, U, W, M, flat, bright/warm/neutral-leaning?). For reference, Both ATH-R50x and Airpods Pro are a neutral V, Airpods's V is a little more pronounced, R50x's is a little more mild.. And what do you consider to be fun (e.g. microdetail, emotional bassline, guitars being shredded, etc.)?

You could go for a Meze headphone and add their boom mic accessory (https://mezeaudio.com/products/boom-mic) Depending on your budget you could go for a 99 Neo https://mezeaudio.com/products/99-neo for $199 99 classic walnut for $309 https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-99-classics-walnut-silver-wood-headphones Or the open back 105 AER for $399 https://mezeaudio.com/products/105-aer In my opinion they sound really good for the price, and they look really good, at least to me. All locally crafted in Romania so you're directly supporting the European economy. The one caveat being that they're not wireless. Edit : and I think they'd look dope in meetings, no flashy lights, and the walnut is really classy if you're going for that one. No gamer design here

I had exactly the same experience, and I also read a fair amount of reviews before purchasing them. They sound muddy, like VERY muddy on busy (metal) tracks, and the low end is a mess. I tried balanced, unbalanced, Zen Dac 2, straight from the pc, but there's hardly any difference except for volume level. There's a blanket over the music, and I also think the treble sounds very thin and artificial. You hear the sizzle, but absolutely no "body" on cymbals. On some tracks it's unbearable to listen to, even with EQ. The Meze 99 Neo sounds way crisper and clearer in comparison, and people are saying they're super muddy. It does help that the pads on mine are super worn though. I'll return the FT1. The people who are saying "give them time" are either deaf or coping, or there's a chance that our pairs are faulty. I actually don't think they are, but Meze 99 Classic, Neo or Noir seem like a much better all-rounder, but hey, they're not the new kid on the block, so people of course aren't raving about them. Lastly, the build quality is decent at best, and I don't believe they'll hold up well.

Sure, I don't think they're bad, but they feel somewhat fragile, and I'm also not sure how well the wood will hold up. Bump them a few times and it might crack. I don't mind a dark tuning, but I think the FT1 lacks a lot of mids. I don't see how anyone can call these headphones "balanced", or "slightly warm". To my ears they're just extremely muffled. I tried any genre I could think of, but I didn't have a single "wow" moment and the Meze beat them in clarity in every single track, so for me these aren't worth the money. I'll look for something else, but I think I'm done with Fiio.

I really love my [Meze 99s](https://mezeaudio.com/products/99-neo). They're closed back. Personally I have the Walnut Gold ones but the silver and black ones are cheaper. Amazing sound quality, ultra comfy, and they look sick. They do have one with a built in mic but I don't think audiophile headphones should have mics in them. Just get a separate desk mic. They can also be driven on your phone. Open back isn't terrible for gaming and it allows you to control your voice volume better. This is my I use the Micco origen 3 dac amp. Can't link to amazon. Plug and play, haven't had any issues in 5 years. Easy recommendation.

Meze neo for me or if I'm lazy nothing ear a

I know I keep mentioning them but the meze range are hands down the most comfortable headphones I've worn in 40 years of headphone use. I use 99 neo daily and they're so comfortable id still use them even if I didn't enjoy the sound as much as I do. As I've got older I've really started to appreciate the comfort aspect a lot more than used to. Less tolerant of something that I use for hours at a time not being comfortable.

Meze 99 Neo Headset. Wired, but neutral looking and pretty good by the headphone-enthusiast standards. And actually made in Europe.

I agree, I have the 99 Neos and they are very comfortable and have the sound signature OP is looking for. I will say that the original ear cups wore out quickly where my eye glasses contacted them. I bought another set of the Meze pads ($20) this time around but I’ll try some different pads if it happens again. I believe Dekoni makes some nice ones. With Black Friday prices I think OP could get the 99s and Dekoni pads within their budget.

Forget wireless and check out the Meze Audio 99 Neo, for example! 👍🏻

Meze 99 Neo if you can/want wired. You can EQ using oratory1990 settings for Meze 99 Classic, and add a low shelf of 5dB to 8dB at 55 Hz frequency and you are good to go.