It seems like people are loosing / already lost interest in quality audio. However, if someone is still interested, followings are my humble suggestions:
DAP :
FiiO M3 Pro ( no wireless audio) a fantastic cheap option for wired usage.
It's small but has a very decent amp, I could easily drive HD6XX with impressive results. All IEM and most portable cans can be driven easily without any external amp.
If wireless is needed Hidizs AP80 Pro ( over FiiO MY) I don't own it, but tried for a week or so ( little colder and typical analytical ? slightly thin sounding compared to M3)
If you have the Xiaomi K20 Pro/ K20 and only use iem, you don't need a DAP, trust me on this. It's fantastic!!
IEM:
All you need is either a BLON bl03 or Tin T2. I'm pretty sure no big brand iem under 500 USD comes close.
If you don't have time for tip rolling and don't have spare eartips, spend few bucks more and get the T2.
But if you're like me with boxes full of eartips, get the bl03 and find a tip that fits the short stem of bl03. If you can find a good fit, it will blow your mind.
Avoid KZ/ TRN and similar, simply not worth it when you have BLON/ T2 ( I know people in YouTube are liking Moondrop's offerings, but I have tried their most popular offering and gave them away after a week, they are not bad, but certainly overpriced)
On ear headphones:
Only one option for me, Sennheiser HD25. Period.
Over ear open back:
Sennheiser HD598 ( can be found well below 100 bucks, of course there are many more expensive options, but the return is miniscule for portable use)
Closed back:
AT M40X ( much better than M50X) Meze audio 99 classic ( expensive, bassy but pleasant sounding) or Neo ( slightly cheaper with very similar sound signature)
I wouldn't waste a lot of money on closed back headphones.
I am not listing my favourite open back headphones or large DAC/amps as they are not even transportable.
Now my least favourite topic:
Wireless audio:
Only 2 options for me ( though I've spent thousands on BTNC cans and popular ones are rubbish)
1. Get the fiio BTR3K and use your wired headphones with it ( I am still waiting for mine to arrive)
2. If only music/ movies- pxc550 II
If primarily for phone calls and some entertainment- QC35.
EVERYTHING ELSE IS SMOKING SH&T (1000XM4/3 are the absolute worst , ANC is perfect, almost spooky, sound and mic- comparable to the headphones given in business class flights)
Please feel free to troll and discuss.
DAP :
FiiO M3 Pro ( no wireless audio) a fantastic cheap option for wired usage.
It's small but has a very decent amp, I could easily drive HD6XX with impressive results. All IEM and most portable cans can be driven easily without any external amp.
If wireless is needed Hidizs AP80 Pro ( over FiiO MY) I don't own it, but tried for a week or so ( little colder and typical analytical ? slightly thin sounding compared to M3)
If you have the Xiaomi K20 Pro/ K20 and only use iem, you don't need a DAP, trust me on this. It's fantastic!!
IEM:
All you need is either a BLON bl03 or Tin T2. I'm pretty sure no big brand iem under 500 USD comes close.
If you don't have time for tip rolling and don't have spare eartips, spend few bucks more and get the T2.
But if you're like me with boxes full of eartips, get the bl03 and find a tip that fits the short stem of bl03. If you can find a good fit, it will blow your mind.
Avoid KZ/ TRN and similar, simply not worth it when you have BLON/ T2 ( I know people in YouTube are liking Moondrop's offerings, but I have tried their most popular offering and gave them away after a week, they are not bad, but certainly overpriced)
On ear headphones:
Only one option for me, Sennheiser HD25. Period.
Over ear open back:
Sennheiser HD598 ( can be found well below 100 bucks, of course there are many more expensive options, but the return is miniscule for portable use)
Closed back:
AT M40X ( much better than M50X) Meze audio 99 classic ( expensive, bassy but pleasant sounding) or Neo ( slightly cheaper with very similar sound signature)
I wouldn't waste a lot of money on closed back headphones.
I am not listing my favourite open back headphones or large DAC/amps as they are not even transportable.
Now my least favourite topic:
Wireless audio:
Only 2 options for me ( though I've spent thousands on BTNC cans and popular ones are rubbish)
1. Get the fiio BTR3K and use your wired headphones with it ( I am still waiting for mine to arrive)
2. If only music/ movies- pxc550 II
If primarily for phone calls and some entertainment- QC35.
EVERYTHING ELSE IS SMOKING SH&T (1000XM4/3 are the absolute worst , ANC is perfect, almost spooky, sound and mic- comparable to the headphones given in business class flights)
Please feel free to troll and discuss.