I want to buy new open-back headphones for immersive story games, but I can’t decide which ones to buy.

Games like:

-The Last of Us
-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
-Detroit: Become Human
-Cyberpunk 2077
-Alan Wake

Basically, games that feel like a movie.

Current gear and my opinion on it:

-Bose 700 — Good highs, but almost no bass

-Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed — Horrible sound, good bass, and really comfortable

Maximum budget: $430 USD

What I’m looking for in headphones:

-Amazing bass so I can really feel explosions

-Good soundtrack reproduction so I can feel the emotion of a scene

-Good surround sound and imaging so I feel like I’m inside the game, with a kind of spatial-audio effect

-Replaceable earpads would be great

-Not too bulky

-A good all-rounder without any major weaknesses

-I don’t want to change or EQ or the stock sound

-Overall amazing sound that doesn’t lean too heavily in one direction, while still having good highs and bass, preferably with an emphasis on bass

I have a slight bias towards Sennheiser, but I’m open to anything.

Headphones I’m currently considering:

-Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
-Sennheiser HD 650
-Sennheiser HD 600
-Sennheiser HD 660S2

What would you recommend based on this information?

Edit:
I’m in a quiet room so noise doesn’t bother me.
Thank you all for the help.

Hello, all.

First time posting here. Just some quick background info. I am by no means an audiophile and am not after the latest and greatest listening experience. My primary use for headphones is for mixing/recording. I am looking for pretty good, not perfect.

With that said, I'm currently using a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros (250 ohm). I know they are notorious for their screeching treble frequencies, and am looking to purchase a pair of headphones to replace them. I've narrowed it down to either the HIFIMAN Sundara or the Ananda Stealth. These will be running through a Topping DX1 ii.

I know the Sundaras have a good reputation based on their performance-to-price ratio. However, the Ananda Stealth are a lot cheaper than they were before. Sundaras retail for $269.99 (CAD) while the Ananda Stealth go for $379.99 (CAD).

If anyone is familiar with both of these, based on the pricing and performance of these headphones, which of the two would you recommend? Keeping in mind that I'm looking for an upgrade on the DT 990s purely for mixing/recording. I can get a fairly decent mix on the DT 990s, but would like to upgrade and see if I can get the mixes better with these.

Thanks very much for your time.

$200 MAX, but I don’t want to go that high unless you really think it’s worth it.

Long time air pods user. Like 12 years ago I bought some audio technicas that hurt my ears and kinda gave up. Will use in office and light workouts, as well as some gaming.

Needs:

1. Wireless (will need to connect to phone)

2. Comfortable for 2+ hours (I have a big head and wear glasses)

3. Closed back

4. Noise cancelling optional

Open to spending up to maybe 250, but some room if needed to go up. Live in a rural area so don't have like a best buy close by to test stuff, so need to buy online.

I’ve landed on getting the asus rog kithara was wondering if anyone has a dac recommendation or if I even need one my motherboard is the asrock x470 taichi Budget is 150 US Will mostly be used in room

Anyone have these and can tell me how the bass and atmosphere actually sound. Looking for multiple opinions. I don’t care if the mk1 sound better or worse I wanna know comparisons to get an idea of what to expect from these and also can I use the meze boom mic on these. Kindly give me your observations and insights. I am looking for something that kind of will be jack of all trades I will only have one headphone. Already have topping d3 pro plus dac amp I know what the meze boom mic needs if it actually does work I just wanna know about this headphone more detail and if there any other recommendations or comparisons of this one for imaging, soundstage, treble sparkle, immersion, bass weight rumble and impact. Yes I am more of a fun energetic sound enjoyer I wanna feel like I’m in the game not observing it. :)

I want to start by saying I have a budget of around $500, I'm from the USA and plan to be shipping using Amazon.

I have three headphones in mind but am mainly considering comfort, neutral but detailed freq response (maybe a touch bright), and weight.

I'm using them for gaming, music listening, and pretty much just as a daily driver, driven thru an audio interface, NOT a dedicated amplifier.

My three main considerations have been:

-Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro x (a little scared of the clamp force, but I know I'd like the sound)

-Sennheiser HD 490 Pro (have heard before and was only a liiiittle disappointed by the bass)

- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro (Have not heard, i'd be buying preowned at $549 usd)

Let me know if you have any other recommendations that prioritize comfort and a clear, neutral to bright sound.

Hi everyone!

I'm currently searching for wireless noise-cancelling headphones, really only those where I can replace the cups/over ear parts/whatever if they start to flake or wear down in any other way.

I'm either eyeing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.) or the Sony WH-1000XM6. Does anyone know if the ear cups can be replaced for either of these?

Additionally, if anyone has other suggestions, I'd be happy to hear about them! I'd probably be fine with paying up to 400€ even though less would be absolutely fine as well of course 😅

Hello, I'm looking to get some wired earbuds that are specifically not in the over-ear cord iem style (I have tiny ears, glasses, and a lot of hair; I've tried conventional iems before and the cords fell off when I moved my head or adjusted my hair, which happens a lot because I like to sing along to my music pretty energetically). My current earbuds are wired Skullcandy Jibs and they're fine but I'd like to get a pair that are a bit more solid, y'know? I'll be pleasantly surprised if these last me until the end of the year, and they don't sound show-stoppingly amazing or anything.

I'm in Canada, I don't want to spend much more than 150 CAD, I love me some tasty tasty bass, I need silicone tips and want a 3.5mm audio jack and a mic in the cord. In terms of what I listen to, it's mostly around the pop/alt/rock centre of gravity, with some musicals in there too. I've got an iPhone 17 that I mainly listen to music on at home and while I'm out walking (will be using a dongle) and I want to watch more movies on my 9 year old MacBook Air.

A few months ago I got the Tangzu Wan'er SG2 Red Lion and found them sorely lacking. The mids were muddy and male vocals (which make up a lot of my most loved music) sounded awful in comparison to my cheap Jib set. I haven't touched them since the week I bought them.

There don't seem to be many options for me to buy anything like this in person where I live so I'll probably have to order online. I've been looking at Amazon for things that meet my needs, but it's so hard to tell what's credible or not.

Thank you!

Hey so I'm planning on picking up a set of Sennheiser 660s2 soon and was doing some research here and there and read I need a amp to go with it. The ones I keep finding are round $350-$500 AUD I'll be honest I'm not looking to spend that much since the headfones are already expensive enough haha. Is there any recommendations someone can give that I can look at round the $150 - $250 AUD mark? If there is even cheaper that does the same thing with power that would be even better :P. Looking forward to your recommendations for a new comer.

Hi everyone,

I need to buy a new pair of IEMs and I've gotten to the point where if I watch one more youtube review I think my head will explode. Please help.

My budget is anywhere from $200-$700. And I could buy used if I found the right set that was out of my price range.

For the past 12 years I have used to the same pair of IEMs--the FLC8s, a discontinued model from a dead company that was well reviewed and moderately popular a long long time ago. If anyone reading this has any experience with them, I used them with the red, grey, gunmetal filter combo. I think I bought them for around $350 if memory serves. Drivers are one DD and two BAs.

I don't really want to try my hand at describing the sound of the FLCs for fear of using the wrong audiophile term and then being pointed in the wrong direction by a well-meaning commenter. However, over the years, I have tried quite a few different IEMs that I was hoping would replace my trusty FLCs. All of them felt like they fell short one way or another to the point that it didn't make sense to drop a few hundred dollars on them. However, now that my pair is literally falling apart, I need to get some new IEMs.

My priorities are something I can listen to for hours and hours (fits great, non fatiguing) and that works as an all-arounder for all sorts of music (hip-hop to films scores, experimental electronica to Enlgish folk, Japanese post rock to jazz to DC post hardcore). I don't want to start collecting IEMs. I want to buy another pair that I'll be happy to use daily for the next 5-10 years and not feel the need to watch a single video review of a new set during that time. I don't like things to be too v shaped. At the risk of being wrong about my own taste, I think I like rich mids. I really like tactile, impactful sound where you can feel the texture of kick drums, etc. I think when it comes to bass I would prefer quality over quantity. I think I probably need some sort of vent to help with pressure build up.

Here are some of the sets I've tried and what I remember about them, ranging from below to above my price range. Most of these have been ordered and then returned on Amazon. Maybe this can help someone help point me in the right direction.

Source-wise, I either use an iPhone dongle, an RU7 (which I'm not in love with...can't stand the way the playback cuts out when I adjust the volume) or an old Dragonfly Red (love this thing although a bit heavy). Open to dongle recs as well, but no where near as important as new IEMs.

AFUL Explorer: Listened briefly to a friend's set. Fit great. Liked the way they sounded. Clearly technology has advanced in the last 12ish years. The bass was nice. Felt like they were missing a bit of detail in the mids and treble compared to my set. Understandable as they're 100 bucks.

Sennheiser IE600: Didn't like these at all. Way too v shaped for me.

Moondrop S8: If I remember correctly, I liked the way these sounded, but the pressure build up from the non-vented all BA design was so bad I couldn't listen comfortably for more than 20 minutes.

Hype 4 mkI: Too V shaped

Tea Pro: Too V shaped

Softears Volume S: REALLY didn't like these. Everything sounded so muddy. Are they too warm for me? I don't know. Felt like the entire tonality of everything was way off. Reviewers love them. I did not.

AFUL Performer 8: These I liked. Felt most similar to what I was used to with the FLCs, just technically better and more modern. Comfortable. Tonally correct. Didn't make my library sound wrong. Some things in the treble stood out a bit too much, but it wasn't a huge problem. I almost kept them. But they just didn't seem SO great that I wanted to spend the money. I will probably give the 8S a try as they are on Amazon, but I think the shells look so ugly I can't imagine I'd keep them.

MEST MKI & MKII: Bought and then sold each of these circa 2021. Both sets absolutely wowed me. However, neither fit me well. Not only were they too uncomfortable to justify the price, they just made some of my music sound weird. Sometimes, male vocals felt way to far back in the mix. Certain things felt like they were muted or missing. The MKII was better for me than the MKI, both in terms of fit and sound. Sometimes it would get fatiguing though, and I'd still have that problem with feeling like the mids weren't there enough for me. Eventually sold. But wow...feeling the hammer strike a piano string was pretty cool.

U12T: Also bough and sold in 2021. One of my least favorite sets I've ever heard. Tonally, everything seemed wrong. Very dry sound. Nothing about these impressed me. Really disappointed.

I think that mostly covers my misadventures in IEM shopping. As you can tell, I have spent years trying and failing to find something that sounds right, feels good, and makes me feel something like what I felt the first time I used my beloved, aging set.

When I produce music I use the Audio Technica r70x. I like them for a neutral full sized set. even though I'm sure the signature is different between these my FLCs, my music sounds correct on both...it's not like with some IEMs I've tried where certain things just feel like they are drastically at the wrong volumes and the tonality is way off.

I have a limited window to shop around for a new pair...I live in Peru and will be going back home to the U.S. for about ten days. I will JUST miss CanJam SoCal, which is a serious bummer because I would love to try some IEMs in person. If anyone knows of anyway besides CanJam someone in SoCal can try some IEMs on and see what they think, please let me know.

Otherwise, I plan to just try more things they have on Amazon. That means I miss out on things like the Top Pro, Mega5EST, and other sets that seems like they might work for me but that I wouldn't be able to really audition.

Any help will be appreciate. Any collector who lives in the greater LA area and would let me listen to a few of their sets, I will buy you a beer and throw you some cash for your time.

Thank you all so much.

I'm looking to upgrade for my aging Sony XM4s. I realise now I don't really care about Bluetooth or ANC (I usually have it off) and I don't travel often at all, but anyways. I was looking at a pair of Sennheiser 560S's, as they seem like they'd fit what I'm after quite well, but I thought I'd check to see if there's a choice I overlooked. They'll just be for music, no gaming, and my tastes are:

• Classic rock (Pink Floyd, Eagles, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac)
• Classic metal/hard rock (AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica)
• Some alt-rock/alt-metal (Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead)
• A light smattering of Electronic stuff (Daft Punk, mostly)
• A lil' bit of 70s Disco occasionally.

I'm definitely not a bass-head, preferring texture over thump, but the last two are what make me wonder if there's something more suited to me. I hear the 6XX's could be better in that department, but they're very hard to find here in Australia. Ideally I'd go and try some out, but it seems impossible to find a place with any displays set up. Audio stores only have the 800's at the lowest end, and retailers mostly just have XM6's and such on display. I'm located in Canberra, Australia on the off chance anybody has some ideas on that front.

The plan is to have them be able to run off a little USB-C dongle (Like a Fiio KA11 - open to suggestions here because I don't know anything) because my phone is where I listen to most of my tunes, streaming from my Navidrome server. They're FLACs, but still not ideal I imagine. That's kind of what led me towards the 560S's, because it sounds like they'll run off one of those little dongle DACs just fine.

Budget all-in is around $350AUD($250USD). I'll probably be waiting for sales anyway, so that might open up my options a little bit.

If I'm barking up the wrong tree or if I've missed a good option do let me know. This is a whole new world for me, so I'm just going by what I've read so far.

I previously had the Audio Technica ATH 40mx but it was seriously hurting my ears, so I returned it and purchased the beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro, but it is terribleee, the bass is so overpowering and the low frequencies have so much hype.
I don’t need anything particularly fancy, just something decently flat, and comfortable.

Budget I’m looking to spend is around $150 or so, but I wouldn’t be opposed to going a bit higher if needed.
Thank you for any recommendations :)

Hey y'all, my Bluetooth headphones are finally dying, so I need advice for replacements. These are my list of requirements.

Available in the US, preferably under $200, durable with replacement pads available, largely neutral sound profile, and for me, (all other things being equal) I like a high clamp force.

All the tech and stuff, even noise cancelling, isn't all that important to me although it would be nice.

I've been using the original DT 1990 Pro for over five years now, and I've honestly never had any issues with it. I don't really notice the infamous "8 kHz peak" that everyone talks about. In fact, I just bought a fresh set of Pad A last week after losing my old pair during a trip.

The DT 1990 Pro is still my favorite pair of headphones and the one I use daily. Aside from the pleather on the headband eventually disintegrating, it's been rock solid and I really don't have any complaints.

Over the years I've also owned the DT 700 Pro X, DT 770 Pro (250Ω), and the Sennheiser HD 600. I've never had any problems driving any of them, and I've genuinely enjoyed every one.

From everything I've read, the DT 1990 Pro MKII seems more like a tuning refinement than a major upgrade: a bit more bass, smoother treble, and a more natural overall presentation. What I'm trying to figure out is how much of a difference that actually makes. If it ends up being a $700 sidegrade rather than a meaningful upgrade, then I'm probably not that interested.

Budget: $100 AUD

How the gear will be used: to listen to records and CDs through headphones

Preferred tonal balance: I don't mind, but I mostly listen to blues and jazz

So I have the basic boy setup of the Audio Technica record player and a second hand CD player connected up to edifier speakers. Problem is they're powered, so they don't need an amp and I therefore have nowhere to plug headphones into. I'm getting a pair of ATH-AD500Xs, and need a nice budget amp that I can plug my stereo components into to listen to through the headphones.

One other thing.. all my components are silver, so I would really prefer something that colour. But, I also won't be too picky.

I’m looking to get a pair of headphones for my 8-year-old sister who is autistic. Loud environments can sometimes be really overwhelming for her, especially places like busy stores, family gatherings, car rides, or anywhere with lots of unexpected sounds. We’re hoping to find a pair of headphones that can help reduce some of that background noise and make those situations a little easier for her.The biggest thing I’m looking for is durability. My sister can be a little rough with her belongings, and headphones are something she could easily drop, pull on, twist, or accidentally damage while using them. I’ve seen some options that look great on paper, but I’m worried they might not hold up to everyday use.Comfort is also important because she may need to wear them for longer periods of time. I’m hoping to find something lightweight, not too tight around her head, and comfortable enough that she’ll actually want to keep them on. If anyone has experience with headphones for kids with sensory sensitivities, especially ones that can handle daily wear and tear, I’d really appreciate any recommendations. Looking for something practical that can survive everyday life while helping her feel more comfortable in noisy environments.

Hi guys! I know practically nothing about headphones. I need some for gaming and also music (I sometimes like to compose music). I mostly listen to metal, rock and jazz and I will be plugging them into my gaming computer. I would like to spend less than 150€, but if possible I would prefer less than 100€. I always used IEMs but I got an industrial piercing so now I can't really use them anymore without my piercing hurting. I'm in Rome so I have plenty of places to look for headphones. About the IEMs I loved how the sound felt real, almost like the music was in my own head. Unfortunately I lost the box so I don't know which model they are. Thank you so much for the help and have a great day! :3

I'm looking for 4 specific criteria :

- Has to be over-ear headphones and somewhat recent and Bluetooth

- Comfortable to wear for long periods as I'm someone who spends 4-5 hours a day listening to music so I have have it very often on me

- Weight : I would prefer headphones that aren't too heavy cuz it can be uncomfortable

- Good sound quality : as I spend lots of time listening to it and like having good quality I'd like to have one with a good base sound quality (or a personilazable sound).

- [Bonus] good ANC would be great

I was planning at first to buy the Sony xm5 or 6 but with what Sony recently did I'm don't really wanna buy from them anymore. But because of that I have no idea of where to god for headphones meeting these requirements.

My budget for new headphones is around 250€

Thanks for any suggestions !

I was looking at Sony WH1000XM6s for work, but they're $700 (AUD). I can pick up a BTR7 for $201. That gives me $500 to spend on cans and maybe a balanced cable. Closed backs a must because I want to use them in the office.

I do like my current WH1000XM4s, and my Beyer dynamic MMX-300 Pros that I use for gaming. Mostly listen to rock and rock adjacent music. Located in Australia if not obvious.

What cans should I look at? Or should I look at a BTR17 and $400 cans?

Budget is slightly flexible but I definitely don't want to go above $1000 Australian

Hi, so I've been listening with my HD650's mainly and I truly enjoy the sound but I've been craving some sub-bass or Heft lately, so I wanted to ask if you guys have any recommendations for Headphones that complement my HDs. Budget is right around 400€/$450, although I don't mind spending a little more or less, ha ha.

I'm not too adverse on IEM's either, right now I either use sr20se's (mainly on my motorcycle) or AKG K371's (I know, not IEM's) when I'm on the move, so having something I can use out and about contrary to desk-focused would be all right, but not important to me.

I'm not too picky on weight/feel either. Location is Germany.

From some quick research I found the Hifiman EditionXV whose Design I quite like. I'd love to hear opinions and/or recommendations!

Hi there. I'm looking for a headphone set up for watching movies/Blu-rays on an LG C6. I was going to buy a pair of Sony xm5s but after doing some reading I found out if I connect to BT there will be audio lag and if I plug them in directly I wont get surround sound which leaves me not really wanting to spend the 350 quid on them.

I wasn't sure what flair to use, I don't mind closed or open back.

What recommendations do people have for this use?

EDIT: I was looking at the Hifiman Sundaras, they seem nice. People say you need an amp/dac with them so the Fiio I was thinking of getting suits that, but I saw some mention of some people saying it needs an EQ as well? I wouldn't have that when watching movies only when using them with my PC so would that be a problem. They are a nice price at 230 so not particularly hard on the pockets. I know they aren't also Bluetooth but I'm ok with that. Any thoughts?

Ideally I would like a wired option for when I'm movie watching with also BT connection for when I'm just pottering around at home and not paying much attention. ( not sure if decent wired + Bluetooth is a thing ) Also I would like to be able to add a much longer wire to the headphones as the TV/connector I'll be getting is some distance from where I will be sitting. Does adding connection expansions reduce the quality?

Ideally Id like my headphones to plug into something that is then plugged into the tv so I don't have to worry about my headphone cable pulling on the socket on the back of the TV

Do I need a separate amp? Is this super important? If so any recommendations.

EDIT: I think I shall get a Fiio K5 as an amp/DAC - It's only 180 quid so wont too much to the cost of my shopping list. It seems well regarded, further reading sees a few notes saying the Topping DX3 pro+ would be a better pairing for the Sundaras which I am considering, they are similar price point.. - Any thoughts ?

I'm going to be getting a PANASONIC DP-UB820EBK in a couple of months so ideally it will work with the new Blu-ray player as well.

Hopefully there is an option that wont cost me more than 500 quid. I know this is probably on the low side but around that is what I can afford to spend.

I'm in the UK.

Hopefully I have provided all the info anyone would need, please let me know if I haven't. Was really looking forward to getting a new pair of headphones and finding out the XM5s aren't really what I need has been a little disheartening. Thanks for any help in advance.

Hey folks. My headphones are finally dying on me. Honestly surprised they lasted as long as they did.

Im behind on what's popular and favored by those who like to plug in at work or on those dog walks so I need suggestions for affordable but good quality headphones for my phone.

Bluetooth or wireless connection only. Im not opposed to trying out bone conduction, but I do sometimes work around machinery. I also wear glasses for those that know.

I appreciate any recommendations. Music and podcasts help keep me sane at work.

I'd say I dont want to spend more than 80 bucks, but 120 will be my emergency limit.

Thanks in advance

Lately I've realized I'm not always wearing earbuds because I want to listen to music.

Sometimes I just want a little personal space during my commute, while walking, sitting in a café, or even working in the office. Having earbuds in helps me stay in my own bubble without feeling like I have to interact with everyone around me.

The problem is I don't actually want full noise cancellation. I still need to hear train announcements, coworkers calling my name, or just be aware of what's happening around me.

So I'm looking for something around $50-80 that's comfortable enough for a few hours at a time and doesn't completely block outside sounds. Has anyone else been looking for earbuds for this kind of situation?