Audio Audiophile and gears

fLUX

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Aren’t they like 30k+ That’s way beyond my budget.



So like I said I am not an Audiophile so my answers will be in noob language so please bear with me.

What I don’t like about the M50X is that it feels that the sound is coming from far away and feels very muffled. Like someone has covered the speakers and you are still trying to listen. I listen at low volume and at low volume understanding the song becomes very difficult. Muffled would be the word I would use. I don’t feel the instruments.

I like music to pump me up, get my blood pumping type. These feel very mellow, boring. Like I said my favourite IEM so far has been KZ ZS 10 Pro. Listing to them is pure bliss. I feel like I am on a different planet, the music is in your face. The bass is just right not crazy. I can hear lyrics Crystal clear and even all the instruments.

With M50x it Also it gets really hot too use after a while and my ears start sweating and paining.

What do I need exactly

A) I don’t know the difference I guess either will be fine as long as the sound quality is good.

B) Wireless would be good, reason I was considering the Sony was because of wireless and ANC.

C) Haven’t tried a lot of headphones, more of a IEM guy. My favourite IEM like I said is KZ ZS 10 Pro. These are the best thing I have ever heard. Blon BL 03 is a good second choice. RHA MA 390 are not bad either.

D) For this again I am not sure I will be able to answer it properly given that I like the KZ which I don’t think has great soundstage I guess I am not sensitive to it.

E) Purely for enjoyment, don’t work on music at all.

Sennheiser HD6XX would need to be handcarried from US to avoid customs , will cost you about 14-15k sans the amp. Another OTL amp will set you back by about 20k , but at 35k this will trump the Sony XM3/XM4 which cost 16-21k at a level unfathomable for someone moving from Sony/M50X to HD6XX. It can be considered either as an investment or step one into a big rabbit hole. depending on how you can control your itches :)


The KZ ZS10 are known to be bright/sibilant to quiet a few friends/fellow members online , I feel your preference leans towards this kind of a signature. Personal preference wise I would rate M50/M50X as the worst of the Headphones I have tried by a good margin due to a variety of issues. Is your listening genre specific or you listen to a variety of genres , that would matter quiet a bit overall. Now coming to your pointers
A) All of us look for the best SQ what our budget can buy, but what is best for one need not be the best for another. In general terms people usually use warm/neutral/bright to describe the sound. Warm is generally high on bass and emphasis on vocals too , neutral is no emphasis on anything particular and bright where the instruments will zing through the presentation. If I had to take a guess you prefer the brighter side of the spectrum based on the KZ ZS10 but its highly likely you have not listened to the alternatives and like the ZS10 as they seem better than the M50X. If i had to recommend headphones I would probably recommend the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro to you as that might suit your taste. O

B) There are hardly any wireless headphones under 20k which sound great, lot of wired options under 10k would in all probability better them. But still the convenience of bluetooth, ANC is something to be considered and if they are valued at 70% in your weightage than its worth considering the Sony 1000XM3 , I had auditioned them long time ago and to me they are certainly enjoyable but at the cost of missing out on certain no of things. If you dont travel much and dont need to carry them across then skip bluetooth and ANC

C) Trying to reach out to people in your locality and auditioning stuff is the best way to expand your horizon. Tough now due to Covid but there is no better way to understand your preferences other than auditioning. The lack of such options here is what makes us make random purchases and later repent

You will need to spend on a headphone and a good dac/amp to experience something worthwhile. If possible save up for about 30k and then look up for wired open-back headphones + dacamp (if its for home use) , trust me you will be amazed at what you had been missing out on once you get a good headphone and a dac/amp :)
 

red dragon

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So like I said I am not an Audiophile so my answers will be in noob language so please bear with me.

What I don’t like about the M50X is that it feels that the sound is coming from far away and feels very muffled. Like someone has covered the speakers and you are still trying to listen. I listen at low volume and at low volume understanding the song becomes very difficult. Muffled would be the word I would use. I don’t feel the instruments.

I like music to pump me up, get my blood pumping type. These feel very mellow, boring. Like I said my favourite IEM so far has been KZ ZS 10 Pro. Listing to them is pure bliss. I feel like I am on a different planet, the music is in your face. The bass is just right not crazy. I can hear lyrics Crystal clear and even all the instruments.

With M50x it Also it gets really hot too use after a while and my ears start sweating and paining.

What do I need exactly

A) I don’t know the difference I guess either will be fine as long as the sound quality is good.

B) Wireless would be good, reason I was considering the Sony was because of wireless and ANC.

C) Haven’t tried a lot of headphones, more of a IEM guy. My favourite IEM like I said is KZ ZS 10 Pro. These are the best thing I have ever heard. Blon BL 03 is a good second choice. RHA MA 390 are not bad either.

D) For this again I am not sure I will be able to answer it properly given that I like the KZ which I don’t think has great soundstage I guess I am not sensitive to it.

E) Purely for enjoyment, don’t work on music at all.
So you will possibly enjoy something with pretty detailed trebly headphones with fast bass. And it shouldn't sound laid back at all.
IMHO, the options would be
1. DTH 770 ( closed, over the ear)
2. DTH 990 ( open, over the ear)
Both are very well built and comes in 80ohm ( and possibly 32ohm versions) so won't need an amp
3. This is my personal favourite and a polarising option. Sennheiser HD25 ( closed back, on ear) AFAIK it's available in Amazon India now for 8.5k ( bought it almost a decade back for 18k)
Cons: feels cheap ( completely plastic), not very comfortable. Uses the old connectors of HD600/650 etc.
Pros: Not audiophile type neutral but very much usable for production. Brilliant bass response ( personally don't like bass heavy headphones) but this bass is different (feels like you're monitoring your bass on stage..drowns nothing but can be heard and felt) Exceptionally clear highs (can be fatiguing for some...but you like OPPOTY!!) I can guarantee one thing, nothing comes close to this level of clarity in highs even headphones costing 3-4 times more.
The soundstage is small and completely inside the head ( even smaller compared to HD600) but very precise...
Build quality feels light and cheap, but it's impossible to break them. Mine survived rottie attacks. These are lifetime companions ( off topic: Sennheiser won't make audiophile headphones like HD 5,6,8 series anymore, but will continue to make their pro line, HD25, HD280,300 etc.)
Sorry for the long post.
Hello Experienced members,

In Todays Time, Is it possible to buy replacement Ear Pads for Sennheiser HD598 SE in India?
Not claiming to be experienced, but AFAIK you can get them from service centre ( if Amazon prices are abnormally high)
 
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blackscorpio

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Worse than H...I've experienced both, Audiophilia is the most slippery slope to bankruptcy.
I will think 100 times before buying a1000 EUR phone ( and will return it..) but happily spend more for the latest and greatest amp DAC and another pair of crazy expensive open back headphones fully knowing it won't sound any better than the LCD X ( beside having at least 10 pairs of similar sounding cans.
In fact was searching online for a DAP with Android 8 which is pretty close to 1k...
Recently discovered the sweetness of headphones (hd598), which were lying unused since I bought them few years ago, already looking for the next upgrade:banghead:. Was already in the stereo rabbit hole, now this. Killing me (my wallet).

If you want to avenge some one, just introduce them to Audio world. That's called SWEET revenge. :cool:

Now, planar or electrostatic?? or the well established HD660s? Though, I don't think my wallet will allow me for the next couple of months or so.
 
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Nalin

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Thats's why I always suggest never upgrade/downgrade/sidegrade within the same price bracket or tier as difference is not usually there except tonal changes here and there.

Always remember this one thing that Soundstage is KING, if your upgraded gear doesn't sound bigger and grander then yeah it's not an upgrade.
 
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red dragon

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Recently discovered the sweetness of headphones (hd598), which were lying unused since I bought them few years ago, already looking for the next upgrade:banghead:. Was already in the stereo rabbit hole, now this. Killing me (my wallet).

If you want to avenge some one, just introduce them to Audio world. That's called SWEET revenge. :cool:

Now, planar or electrostatic?? or the well established HD660s? Though, I don't think my wallet will allow me for the next couple of months or so.
Electrostatic for sure!!
 
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fLUX

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Recently discovered the sweetness of headphones (hd598), which were lying unused since I bought them few years ago, already looking for the next upgrade:banghead:. Was already in the stereo rabbit hole, now this. Killing me (my wallet).

If you want to avenge some one, just introduce them to Audio world. That's called SWEET revenge. :cool:

Now, planar or electrostatic?? or the well established HD660s? Though, I don't think my wallet will allow me for the next couple of months or so.

If you can get a good used deal on the higher range electro stats then go for it. Please note you will need to get an compatible amp/energizer , I have tried only the SR009 and was blown away by how they sounded.
 
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icysmoke

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If you can get a good used deal on the higher range electro stats then go for it. Please note you will need to get an compatible amp/energizer , I have tried only the SR009 and was blown away by how they sounded.
I have heard many people recommend used products. I cant find audiophile range headphones on olx. Is there any other place where these are listed.
I got a 599se used through a contact for just 4k. For things that last a long time. Used is definitely a great idea
 

Nalin

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Try this group if active on Facebook, many awesome used deals on regular basis. Got my used Andromeda 2020 from a person that is a local and also a friend, in fact you will make many friends there but I am not very active on Facebook. Just visit that site because I have joined 2-3 similar kind of groups there.

Pre Loved Gear for Sale - by The Indian Audiophile Forum
 

red dragon

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It's very unlikely to get a good used pair of Stax or electrostatic Koss in India (considering the ABSOLUTELY INSANE pricings of headphonezone)
If you're really interested, try getting the Koss Drop edition ESP95X ( they used to come with lifetime warranty)
A Stax will cost at least 5-6 times more even used ( as they are rarely depreciated).
PXL_20210702_123705956.PORTRAIT.jpg This puny DAP can power the Deva to ear splitting volume. Wondering why LG G8X can not with Sundara?
Don't have the Sundara ATM ( gathering dust at home)
Powered with D90/A90 stack, liked the Deva much more than Sundara ( Deva way more comfortable and fairly detailed to my ears) Why hifiman doesn't sell the blue mini seperately truly baffles me.
Got the Deva for less than 100EUR, at this price point it's not possible to get any better headphones.
Anyone sitting on the fence, get these at 10-12K INR. It's much more pleasant sounding than even HD560s.
 
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fLUX

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Try this group if active on Facebook, many awesome used deals on regular basis. Got my used Andromeda 2020 from a person that is a local and also a friend, in fact you will make many friends there but I am not very active on Facebook. Just visit that site because I have joined 2-3 similar kind of groups there.

Pre Loved Gear for Sale - by The Indian Audiophile Forum
This is the right group, however PLGS approvals happen very rarely and lot of people are still waiting to get in. Recommend to get into The Indian Audiophile Forum and be active , chances of getting added are higher then.
It's very unlikely to get a good used pair of Stax or electrostatic Koss in India (considering the ABSOLUTELY INSANE pricings of headphonezone)
If you're really interested, try getting the Koss Drop edition ESP95X ( they used to come with lifetime warranty)
A Stax will cost at least 5-6 times more even used ( as they are rarely depreciated).
View attachment 108346 This puny DAP can power the Deva to ear splitting volume. Wondering why LG G8X can not with Sundara?
Don't have the Sundara ATM ( gathering dust at home)
Powered with D90/A90 stack, liked the Deva much more than Sundara ( Deva way more comfortable and fairly detailed to my ears) Why hifiman doesn't sell the blue mini seperately truly baffles me.
Got the Deva for less than 100EUR, at this price point it's not possible to get any better headphones.
Anyone sitting on the fence, get these at 10-12K INR. It's much more pleasant sounding than even HD560s.

i know of a friend in Hyderabad who might be willing to part with a stack of the following https://www.hificorner.co.uk/stax-srs-3100-electrostatic-earspeaker-system-sr-l300-srm-252s.html
 
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blackscorpio

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@quaratineinthesejeans
seems like Koss Drop edition ESP95X is priced around $500 (just the headphones), which is very close to
do you still think Koss is better compared to stax?

currently I am leaning(after reading @quaratineinthesejeans comment about Sennheiser sold business) towards getting a HD650 which seems like a good deal & for the sake of having a very well regarded headphones in the stable. And I am also little confused either to get the HD600 or HD650, if I could I would have got both though.

I like only open-back & wide soundstage headphones. Earphones are okay but closed & IEMs, I won't touch them.
 

fLUX

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This puny Bluetooth dac/amp is driving my sundara to ear splitting levels too with 2.5mm balanced out, no idea why LG is not able to do that.
View attachment 108347


Volume should not be the prima facie evaluation factor , do try some desktop amps and you will be surprised at what a good desktop amp can bring to the table. I had got myself the HE560 and had a Fiio E17 which could drive the HE560 to volumes which can induce deafness on long hearing. Ultimately got a Class-A desktop amp and the level it scaled to was amazing.
 

red dragon

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Great...finally we are posting pictures!! @everyone, please post pics if possible.
Volume should not be the prima facie evaluation factor , do try some desktop amps and you will be surprised at what a good desktop amp can bring to the table. I had got myself the HE560 and had a Fiio E17 which could drive the HE560 to volumes which can induce deafness on long hearing. Ultimately got a Class-A desktop amp and the level it scaled to was amazing.
True, but something like G8X should also provide "good quality" amplification.
 

rockstah

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Volume should not be the prima facie evaluation factor , do try some desktop amps and you will be surprised at what a good desktop amp can bring to the table. I had got myself the HE560 and had a Fiio E17 which could drive the HE560 to volumes which can induce deafness on long hearing. Ultimately got a Class-A desktop amp and the level it scaled to was amazing.
Agreed, I'm also looking to get a schiit magni 3+ or heresy, they should be enough right?
Also Do you know any portable one that are as good as desktop ones.
 
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red dragon

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@quaratineinthesejeans
seems like Koss Drop edition ESP95X is priced around $500 (just the headphones), which is very close to
do you still think Koss is better compared to stax?

currently I am leaning(after reading @quaratineinthesejeans comment about Sennheiser sold business) towards getting a HD650 which seems like a good deal & for the sake of having a very well regarded headphones in the stable. And I am also little confused either to get the HD600 or HD650, if I could I would have got both though.

I like only open-back & wide soundstage headphones. Earphones are okay but closed & IEMs, I won't touch them.
Get the HD650 between the two ( I know the internet is full of opposite opinions) I have the HD600 and didn't have much opportunity to try the 650, they sound almost identical. If 600 is slightly inexpensive, get it. Both are great cans.
If you want bigger soundstage, then AKG K712 Pro. Will save you a lot of money and they are great too, but not very compact ( impossible to use outdoors)
 
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blackscorpio

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Get the HD650 between the two ( I know the internet is full of opposite opinions) I have the HD600 and didn't have much opportunity to try the 650, they sound almost identical. If 600 is slightly inexpensive, get it. Both are great cans.
If you want bigger soundstage, then AKG K712 Pro. Will save you a lot of money and they are great too, but not very compact ( impossible to use outdoors)
HD650 is $400 & HD600 is $300.

Are the HD650 still in production? Why I am seeing those only on very few websites, I know sweetwater is a reliable shop to buy from but Amazon.com would have been comfortable place.

Agreed, I'm also looking to get a schiit magni 3+ or heresy, they should be enough right?
Also Do you know any portable one that are as good as desktop ones.
Yea any portable recommendations?
 

fLUX

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Agreed, I'm also looking to get a schiit magni 3+ or heresy, they should be enough right?
Also Do you know any portable one that are as good as desktop ones.
Yup the schiit magni3+/heresy are really good amps. Portable amps which I know to be good overall are Ifi HIP DAC/AMP , Xduoo XD05+ dac/amp , Pico (purely a hp amp) at different price ranges, I personally have owned the below portable solutions excluding DAP's
i) Apex Glacier - Was a handy little device , did great as a portable dac/amp. Probably the best amongst the ones I owned.
ii) Aune B1 - This had plenty of power and was a pure class-A portable , went very well with HD6XX and did fine with the HE560 too
iii) Fiio Q5S - Had a really nice dac section, amp was fairly decent. Mainly used with IEMs

Ones I would love to try and as per online reviews seem to be well received are XDUOO XD05+ , I have moved out of portables primarily due to the pandemic and instead have invested upon my HP/Stereo stack.
Great...finally we are posting pictures!! @everyone, please post pics if possible.

True, but something like G8X should also provide "good quality" amplification.

They will do well but the portable solutions out there will be much better and the desktop solutions even more. I am not much into portables now , but I see Lotoo Paw S1/ Earmen Sparrow and other usb-type C dacs being recommended over budget DAPs or LG phones and many of the ears I trust have mentioned that they indeed perform much better.