HD-681 EVO

I vastly prefer the SuperLux HD681 EVO to the HD681.

Everything. More open sounding, better bass, more depth, now comfy. I should say I've done the two super easy "mods" - removing the down filters and switching to the supplied velour pads.

I've tried few different and I highly recommend something with open back or semi-open. I use Superlux HD681 Evo. Not sure if you'll benefit from more expensive options.

Best deal for me were the Hifiman Sundara that I got for about 110 on Aliexpress during 11.11 sales. Also have a pair of he400se but the Sundara just sound more correct out of the box and the headband is a lot more comfy. In the ultra budget realm, I'd say my KOSS KPH30i with headband mod are still a true gem, and so are the KPH40i and the hyper-cheap Shini S520. If one doesn't want a pair of on ear, then: - KPH30i with big grado pads mod - SHP9500 for about 35-40$ on AliExpress when discounted - Fidelio X2HR around 70-80 euros - Superlux HD681Evo for about 30 - Kiwi Ears Altruva around 65-70 but you gotta EQ them if you want a less warm sound and better gaming performance.

Price to performance wired Superlux HD681 Evo or HD330 Pro will do the job. Wireless, general purpose - whichever is in your budget between Edifier 820, Soundcore Space One or Momentum 4

Have my superlux hd 681 for like 4 or 5 years, and they are awesome, using them for music and with the threaded extension I can use them for my guitar amp too, top tier and dirt cheap.

Superlux HD-681, mainly because of how much they offer for being literally $30

i dont own iems but i dont have a problem with the soundstage, its super easy to locate the enemy even in vertical aspect. At first i wasnt even aware how much of a difference they make over some ss arctis in that matter. Isolation obviously is bad because they are open backs, at first it was weird that i heard background noise like my pc running, my keyboard clicks but i get used to it after few days. I always heard them at some level with closed backs so it was just matter of getting used to. When any sound is playing in your headphones its not an issue at all in my opinion. Personaly these headphones are my endgame. I play at quite high level and they are better compared to my other headphones like Superlux hd681, Beyerdynamics DT990 Pro or Arctis 7.