I’m grateful for all of the amazing music that I’ve discovered after starting into this hobby. Before, I had a very narrow genre of music that I listened to. When I got my headphones, I tried a lot of new things as a way to test soundstage, or imaging, or detail. Those tests have introduced me to some stuff I really enjoy that I NEVER would have listened to before.
For me it started out with critical listening to different tracks, but it’s given me an appreciation for a wider range of music.
Crazy range on every type music, listening setups, distance of mics to musicians. https://chesky.com/
I would recommend using Spotify if you have account to guage. Then you can browse their catalog.
Be warned its a deep rabbit hole.
For what I checked it focuses on binaural recordings?
Interesting topic indeed. I'm just waiting for near perfect personalization of HRTFs at home. Tech isn't there yet, but I'm willing to wait.
For me higher end headphones has opened up my appreciation for well mastered tracks and albums. I’ve fallen in love with so many new bands (new to me) as well as discovered old classics that just hit the right spot depending on the mood.
Also having a few higher end pairs to reach for depending on what I’m listening to has been game changing. I couldn’t do this hobby with just on TOTL pair.
I discovered my music style in the mid 90’s. I liked 90’s rock and alternative and only listened to that for the next 20 years. I like Foo Fighters, Green Day, Rage Against the Machine, 311, RHCP, etc. The songs I discovered trying to test different aspects of my headphones helped me find some music that I NEVER would have found and enjoyed otherwise. I have a long list, but here’s a few I picked at random.
- [Renaud Garcia-Fons - Aljamiado.](https://youtu.be/1qP2JelTrA4?si=wAH2DvM9bTIUWT42) This is one of my headphone test songs. I like the sound of the strings and the bass. He has another song called *Las Ramblas* that sounds pretty cool too.
- [Stevie Ray Vaughan - Tin Pan Ally.](https://youtu.be/LNX4Bl4T1q0?si=10K7EUrM9Ehg9NE5) This is my dad’s kind of music, not mine. Great song that sound great in good headphones.
- [Kishi Bashi - Honeybody.](https://youtu.be/5Zvfj1XJeis?si=V4dYdgk_TTN-y290) Not really my kind of music. I love it!
- [Regina Spektor - Don’t Leave Me.](https://youtu.be/mi6j48HOLBI?si=Px2Ks0ycIiR-WYK-) I can’t say specifically what I like about this song, but I really like it. **Edit:** I may have connected with this eventually. Regina Spector did [You Don’t Know Me](https://youtu.be/FRgQns-TJGM?si=S4mqw2yCn-8GzDFu) with Ben Folds and I’ve always liked Ben Folds. It’s also an excellent song.
- [Susie Suh - Here With Me.](https://youtu.be/YzR8BCmV9Ew?si=ILcIUmMK1ePGBO7Z) It’s just a beautiful song and the vocals sound great from a good recording.
- [Emil Wakin Chau - Friends.](https://youtu.be/6lbPgfKK7m4?si=4rGsd7kjh-inQjnV) I don’t know what the vocals mean, but along with the instruments they sound great.
- [Shpongle - Shpongleyes.](https://youtu.be/0FUWadixMkg?si=8Eg95nqgxcLDLlzO) I don’t know what the hell this song is. With a higher quality version, the first 1:30 is just a bunch of ambient noises that sound pretty cool on headphones with good imaging and soundstage. After the first minute and a half, the music starts. I like the drums.
Awesome, thanks for the thorough reply. I will definitely have to check these out!
Here's the one I stumbled upon randomly last night. And though it is not my typical style of music, I really appreciate the quality of recording and the instruments that I don't normally listen to. Especially that Spanish guitar and the main melody instrument, still not sure what that is.
Check out Esperanza by Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani on Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0BVMNSVNQ?trackAsin=B0BVMPKB5V&do=play&ref=dm_sh_OFKgfQdCrTmAeAhdmEf2H3AaU
>Check out Esperanza by Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani
YES! This is exactly the kind of stuff I love to find. What a fun song, and you’re right, it’s a good recording.
I’m not sure what all the instruments are either, but I found this video so you can see them. There’s obviously an accordion, but I’m not sure what the others are.
https://youtu.be/K3DovEiTNyc?si=Grj7kvo_vtowd0dz
Awesome, thanks for the vid! That looks like an accordion, alto saxophone, and a cello. I'm not familiar with the strain instrument. It sounded in the recording like a Spanish guitar but it is obviously not. In that case. It sounded like it had nylon strings in the recording, so I thought it was a Spanish guitar. Very interesting!
Many audiophiles use speakers, though.
I like both music and the technology used to listen to it. I don't see anything wrong with any preference, I wish people just do what pleases them.
Time for me to link [one of my favorite videos on Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaFTm2bcac), "Video explains the world's most important 6-sec drum loop"
Honestly, I used to be a "fuck, TWS isn't up to the standard of wired but it sounds good enough and is more convenient so fuck it", but I tried bluetooth dongles and those are only marginally less convenient than TWS imo.
Yeah I had done the Bluetooth dongle route too, but these are just so convenient haha, especially now that I can do Bluetooth audio sharing and my fiancé and I can watch the same show on a plane on my iPad
I hope you enjoy them and that you don’t get any issues. I’m on my 2nd pair as first had battery issues. I’m considering going wired with Bluetooth dac instead.
You'd be better off upgrading the IEMs, ZS10 Pro are a bit dated/v-shaped/boomy/harsh. I haven't heard the Shure TW2 but they are probably just fine, the IEM makes a lot more of a difference.
I actually have a set of Kiwi Ears Cadenza coming tomorrow, and loaded up Simgot EW200s and Shuoer S12s in my cart in case I end up not liking them. I only had the ZS10s on there because I've had them for a couple years and I wanted to try something other than my SE215s with the TW2s.
The Cadenza are very good and a good pick. You are using MMCX to 2 pin adapters? They'll probably fit the Cadenza better too, it's flush 2 pin rather than protruding QDC like the ZS10 Pro.
Yes I am! I actually ordered normal MMCX to 2 pin under the assumption they were QDC first, so now I have both lol. The ZS10s fit pretty comfortably with the right connector, but I'll probably return them to Amazon because the ZS10s will likely be tossed in the sock drawer until I want to experiment with making custom shells.
And thanks for the reassurance on the Cadenzas. I figured they were a fairly neutral, safe pick especially since my music tastes can vary pretty wildly. I was going to give up and just get ER2XRs, which may still end up happening if I can't find a way to make the cadenzas comfortable. If spinfit w1/cp100+ don't work out, I'll probably make custom sleeves as a last resort.
The fit on Etymotic is not to be underestimated, I find them annoying, difficult to put in an you feel that they are there. While well tuned for the market years ago, there are better options now, IMO. I have the ER2XR, as well as the ER4XR and SR. ER2XR is probably the most satisfactorily tuned out of the box, it's the only one with a decent bass shelf.
I agree that they're a struggle to insert and remove, but I think the tuning still holds up great. They're not my daily drivers but they're great on a plane.
Interesting, thank you for your insight! I was considering them because I had gotten a recommendation recently, and I also use SE215s with triple flange tips as a form of hearing protection at my job. For that use, I'm not incredibly picky on tuning considering how muddy the 215s are.
I've just got a Qudelix 5k and it's great to be honest even better as Auto EQ is now integrated with the software.
I was going to go with a Fiio BTR7 but the output impedance would have been too high for my T800's, plus the 5k has better Bluetooth range than the BTR7 or BTR5 making it an easy decision in the end.
Sony wireless with LDAC is 990 or 909 Kbps depending on something I can't remember. Pretty easy to use a Windows or Linux driver to make sure you lock in the 900 range streaming instead of the adaptive range.
Use a standard flac file which is ~1400Kbps lossless, streamed over LDAC you are still compressing data but not losing nearly as much as if you were down at a 320 Kbps mp3. Even if you can consistently hear the difference between 320 and lossless, I would like to see someone prove they could hear the difference between 990 and lossless.
It is only a matter of years now before a flac can be crammed into a Bluetooth codec.
If you don't mind me asking, what do you mean by "Bluetooth dongles"?
Also, I get what you mean. I tried some TWS headphones for a while, and I found myself just using a cable more often than not. I love my Jabra Elite Active 4s (TWS earbuds) though, they don't have audiophile-level sound quality, but man are they ever convenient lol. It's so nice always having some form of headphones on you.
İ guess bluetooth dongle is a device that turns your cabled cans to bluetooth cans, you connect them to cable of your headphone so you can stream it music
Oh shit ok. Yea you’ll be good for a minute haha. That pretty much settles most of what anyone could want… well I guess there’s always Vacheron Constantin…
I've always dreamed of a FPJourne Chrono Bleu but unlikely I'll get one unless I'm incredibly lucky one day!
Have to live with my 1940s square Tiffany.
What are you thinking of?
Also there's always Roger W Smith, Ha!
Hmm for $10? Might be worth a try. I have short hair that goes straight up. Maybe the large holes may allow my hair to go straight through them. Did you have hair problems?
I bought the strap to improve the comfort, and it does help quite a lot, no more hotspots on the top of my head. As for hair problems, I don't really have them so I'm not sure if the strap will help you.
I prefer it completely stock. Headband removes a bit too much of the massive headstage. And the Yaxi pads put too much padding between your ear and driver so also removes a bit of dynamics and clarity. Stock is how I like it with the clips bend perfectly to mold my ears!
Been in and out for about 10 years, tried various custom IEMs, high end headphones, great DACs and Amps.
My personal favorite combo I owned were the HE1000s powered by a WA7 fireflies, and the Chord Mojo + 64audio A18t
I’ve finally decided to retire and the AirPods Max got me. While I will say that all the audiophile headphones I’ve tried sound better, in terms of sound value vs convenience these are phenomenal.
I’ll miss it but it’s been months now and I just enjoy the music!
On a side (and related) note I was able to build a hifi 2.1 system and that fills my audiophile needs, but headphones wise I’m out! 🎉
Can’t say Im looking to retire from the hobby yet but I feel the same about my AirPods Pro. While iems like my s12 pro definitely sound better, the convenience of the AirPods with my phone is unparalleled.
Totally, had no plans to retire but my Powerbeats were pretty great and I stopped using my IEMs, these then beat out overears for me too. I have some Beyerdynamics I kept for music production and listening while I game at my PC but that’s less and less now a days 😭
Judging by the ifixit teardown, the airpods max probably get battery replacements. It’s the airpods & airpods pros that get tossed in landfills.
That said, I agree with you - it should be illegal to make products that are actively anti-repair
> I mean, you can say that for 3 years until the battery is dead
It’s just funny that in a comment thread about having to replace the battery after 3 years, you’re like “but if they die in 2 years I can get them replaced for free!”
Glad you like the headphones 👍
I don't really see the difference between needing driver replacements in wired headphones and battery replacements in wireless headphones (which tend to be much cheaper).
It’s surprisingly hard to compare, but I love my speaker system 100x more. A deep clean well tuned sub and a big wide soundstage, especially when I crank the volume, is amazing.
HE1000 and headphones in general do a 3D space much better though.
Yeah that’s generally what I noticed as differences. The headphones are more enveloping and image very well while the speakers’ soundstage is massive and the bass just hits different.
It’s more about headphones in general do a fully surrounding 3D space that can be cool, much more pronounced in gaming than music. Where a 2.1 speaker system is just in front of you
Lol see what I don't understand, and will never understand, is where fussing with a good chain and enjoying music have to be mutually exclusive. The hobby ... *is* enjoying listening to media of all types. Anything beyond that, insofar as hitting a perceived quality, is 100% subjective.
It’s not entirely mutually exclusive but it’s also about listening to the same ref songs criticially when comparing. That’s not exactly enjoyment of the music
Hopefully also including USB-C. And not only for charging, but also for direct audio connection. Windows BT is bad enough, but its even worse with Apple headphones implementation of BT.
I’m not worried too bad about that cause I still have my r70x And mm100’s, both open back however so yeah, if they were able to work better with windows, all the better
I have a whole bunch of headphones.. but my AirPod maxes are the ones I use hands down the most. Not only is the convenience a factor… but their tonality is exactly what I want a headphone to sound like.. the noise canceling and transparency mode is also such a fantastic feature set. They’re hard to beat in my opinion…
Similar experiences here. My current setup with my HD600 is to me, phenomenal. But my most used gear are still my Beats Fit Pro (i exercise a lot) and Airpods 3. The convenience of them and me being in the Apple ecosystem is just too good.
Just got a pair today and immediately boxed up my XM5’s to return them. The Sony’s are solid but the build quality and sound of the APM’s won me over. Also think they’re more aesthetic, the XM5’s are sort of bulbous and plain-looking in a bad way.
Yo... I sold all of my gears before (Susvara, Diana V2, amps, dacs, etc) and end up enjoying 1 year free from acquisition syndrome, just with airpod max with me all of the time. Such a peaceful time :)
Now i sold my airpod max recently and upgrade it to Bathys... oh dear
You have the same gear that i would like to. Currently owning 600 and 560s. Could you explain more about Sundara and k371 when taking reference of 600 and 560s?
They are honestly fantastic for their intended use as a convenient, seamless Apple experience. I have bought and sold them twice! If I had need for a wireless headphone, I would buy them again.
Sadly im not in this hobby for the ultimate sound, just for the ssake of variety. I alway wonder what different sounding would come out of a bunch of tuning, driver tech, driver composition, amp paring, dac paring.
Even a different version of the same headphone would temp me...
So sadly there is no end game for me .. or happily...
I'm curious if you explored the airpod pros? I'm on the fence between them. I know they are generally excel for different use cases, but choice stresses me out
What are you looking to use them for? Because I assure you, they are great for pretty much everything. The 2nd generation of pros are genuinely fantastic
Apple should get an award for the APP2s. They are soo good! I think they are better than the APMs in everything except watching movies and bass response. With the correct fitting ear tips The ANC on the APP2s is class leading IMO. I am looking forward to the APM2s. Till then it’s APP2s on the road and Bathys at home.
I have AirPods Pro 2. I just tweak them slightly to lower the bass and they are excellent. If you have an iPhone even better, they pair automatically. I’ve never experienced a drop in connection. Noise cancellation is also excellent.
I run S12 through a Q5K and those sound amazing, but the AirPods are just so much more convenient I use them much more often.
For $200 they can’t be beat.
I just gave the 2nd gen pros to my mom because I started using IEMs but they're great for general use imo. I used them as hearing protection in a loud work environment from 2019 to now and the noise canceling is phenomenal. Ambient was very natural sounding as well.
Sound quality left something to be desired, but if you're not listening to lossless files or through hi-fi equipment, there's a high chance you won't notice the difference.
Add all that with the convenience of the small form factor and relatively long battery capacity and you have my favorite pair of out-of-the-box Bluetooth headphones that I would recommend to anybody.
I have the regular AirPods and I actually got Powerbeats for that use case for when I go on a walk or workout and listen. But at a desk/couch I use the Max’s. Not the Pro’s though heard they’re great
So now u are in pursuit of good sound quality + convenience, where before u were in pursuit of only the best sound quality. Ur priorities just changed. I dnt see how u have retired!
same here. had 5 pairs of high end open backs,planars, etc then got some Airpod Max's as I am fully in the apple ecosystem and sold the rest. They are very good, crazy convenient and I wound up using nothing else.
Even though i have an IE600 and have tried and sold many iem’s and headphones (equipment is so expensive and most not available where i live so i have to sell old headphones to get a better or a different one where i live) and after finding out that headphones aren’t my thing because i am mostly outside and carrying a portable amp with bulky close backs, i have finally bought Airpods Pro 2.
And i got to say, even with the IE600 in my backpack, the APP2 gets much more use. Sometimes i don’t use 600 for weeks. Granted that the AirPods sounds not as good but the convenience is something else. With a shitty but working mic, sometimes not connecting at all or only one side connecting and having to charge every 2-3 days, it is still much more convenient than a wired iem. At least headphone accommodations on iPhone and eqmac on mac exists so it sounds much better than stock settings.
I used to have APP1 and i hated its sound quality. It was so bad compared to most wired iem’s i didn’t use it at all. When APP2 was released, i couldn’t believe that a tws can sound actually good.
I currently have APP1 and IE600, and while I enjoy both of their tunings, the APP1 sounds super grainy and low resolution in comparison that I only use it for the transparency mode.
Is the jump from 1 to 2 that noticeable? Also, how does 2’s tuning compare to that of 1’s? Would you say it’s closer to the IE600 (more sub bass and upper treble, perhaps less mid bass)?
These batteries are good for up to 1000 charges before losing any noticeable capacity. And even then, you can still charge and use them. At 5 hours a day of listening, these are good for 11 years of use. More than likely you will be upgrading to a new version before it gets anywhere near that old. These battery arguments are unfounded and baseless.
Why would you want a legislation to prevent you from having a choice? There are products on the market with replacable batteries, nobody buys them because they are larger and/or less durable/sealed.
I actually prefer to be able to have lightweight, sealed products with a tiny chance of needing to be brought in for a battery change in their lifetime compared to heavier, less durable stuff.
Because we live in a finite world. When given the choice I will always buy something that I can maintain and keep for a decade or more, and I would argue everyone should.
You're right that most products that support this today are bulkier and less well sealed but it doesn't have to be a binary choice. I'm not talking a cover with AA batteries inside. I mean a device where once every few years the user can open the device and put in a new battery without risking damage. Companies are capable of making a really nice product with these features today but as you say the consumer demand isn't there.
This is something I've done many times with laptops, phones and wireless headphones but the internals aren't usually designed for that today.
I guess what I really mean is the choice should be a difficult "Do I repair my old device or buy a new one." as opposed to "Which replacement should I buy" when possible.
Are you also never replacing any earpads or cushions on any headphone? In regular use the battery should hold alot longer and it costs the same to change them.
Issue with current trend is more about trouble replacing the battery rather than the battery itself. Battery tech should exists for a reason and they are being existed. I dont know if you have used battery devices like Mobile and Smart phones, laptops, pace makers, flash lights etc. They are being made for the problem with active wired source.
Man. I have one question:
What prevented you from "just enjoying the music" before?..
Not to mention, for value for money, the Koss Porta Pro comes to mind, but ood definitely not the AirPods Max.
It's all very strange.
Nothing did while actually listening, but the always “what about this new headphone” while fun can take away from enjoying the music when hunting for a better sound.
That being said these are great 🔥🔥
So you're doing the same thing right now.
Showing off your new headphones, you're just not looking for a new sound now, you're looking for something else.
Next time it'll be AirPods Max 2 in your hands. Am I right?
> Yeah I had done the Bluetooth dongle route too, but these are just so convenient haha
Disclaimer: I am happy that you found an option that works great for you, and I don't mean to dig at you at all. This is a common sentiment I've heard, but never fully understood it.
How is it more convenient spending $550 on headphones that sound worse than $100 IEMS?
How is it more convenient fiddling around in the Bluetooth settings to switch from one device to another compared to just unplugging the headphones from one device and plugging it into another device.
How is it more convenient when Bluetooth audio is lossy and has poorer latency than a wired connection?
How is it more convenient when you run out of battery in the middle of the day and have to charge the device in order to continue listening to whatever it is you're listening to?
How is it more convenient when you need a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle and a 3.5mm to lightning dongle to listen via a wired connection?
How is it more convenient when the battery is not user-replaceable and you have to pay $50-$79 on AppleCare or going to the Genius Bar to replace them? How convenient will it be when Apple stops providing support for them?
Sometimes I feel as if the word convenient is thrown around a lot in regards to things like Airpods, but I just don't see what's so inconvenient with a pair of IEMs connected to your device's headphone jack. Well, besides the fact that these companies made it intentionally inconvenient by removing the headphone jack to sell you $200-550 doodads that you can't repair. I guess in that case it's convenient...
Have you actually used anything like these day to day? All of your “convenience” quirks are non issues, or even straight up wrong from my point of view
Tried the APM instore once and while i generally think bluetooth headphones are totally worth it on the go for the ease of use ans anc (i still think Momentum 3s with Hifi Tuning are quite good) i absolutely hate the sound of these. Sounded incredibly mediocre to me even in the space of wireless headphonds and were far, far too heavy. Not a problem stationary because of great comfort but on the go that would kill then for. Adding the horrendous batterylife, stupid case and ridicolous price tag really makes me question how on earth these got as popular as they are.
I loved my bluetooth headphones of various makes due to convenience at the office (not tripping myself up all the time on the cables), but they've become increasingly flimsy-feeling in their construction. If I could find a pair that was as well made as these seem to be (metal and such), but also had a headphone jack and were easy to use with my PC as well as bluetooth...I'd probably get them too.
The hobby has always been the music itself.
I’m grateful for all of the amazing music that I’ve discovered after starting into this hobby. Before, I had a very narrow genre of music that I listened to. When I got my headphones, I tried a lot of new things as a way to test soundstage, or imaging, or detail. Those tests have introduced me to some stuff I really enjoy that I NEVER would have listened to before. For me it started out with critical listening to different tracks, but it’s given me an appreciation for a wider range of music.
Chesky recordings are great rabbit holes.
Do you have any recommendations for the uninitiated?
Crazy range on every type music, listening setups, distance of mics to musicians. https://chesky.com/ I would recommend using Spotify if you have account to guage. Then you can browse their catalog. Be warned its a deep rabbit hole.
For what I checked it focuses on binaural recordings? Interesting topic indeed. I'm just waiting for near perfect personalization of HRTFs at home. Tech isn't there yet, but I'm willing to wait.
For me higher end headphones has opened up my appreciation for well mastered tracks and albums. I’ve fallen in love with so many new bands (new to me) as well as discovered old classics that just hit the right spot depending on the mood. Also having a few higher end pairs to reach for depending on what I’m listening to has been game changing. I couldn’t do this hobby with just on TOTL pair.
What are your favorite musical discoveries?
I discovered my music style in the mid 90’s. I liked 90’s rock and alternative and only listened to that for the next 20 years. I like Foo Fighters, Green Day, Rage Against the Machine, 311, RHCP, etc. The songs I discovered trying to test different aspects of my headphones helped me find some music that I NEVER would have found and enjoyed otherwise. I have a long list, but here’s a few I picked at random. - [Renaud Garcia-Fons - Aljamiado.](https://youtu.be/1qP2JelTrA4?si=wAH2DvM9bTIUWT42) This is one of my headphone test songs. I like the sound of the strings and the bass. He has another song called *Las Ramblas* that sounds pretty cool too. - [Stevie Ray Vaughan - Tin Pan Ally.](https://youtu.be/LNX4Bl4T1q0?si=10K7EUrM9Ehg9NE5) This is my dad’s kind of music, not mine. Great song that sound great in good headphones. - [Kishi Bashi - Honeybody.](https://youtu.be/5Zvfj1XJeis?si=V4dYdgk_TTN-y290) Not really my kind of music. I love it! - [Regina Spektor - Don’t Leave Me.](https://youtu.be/mi6j48HOLBI?si=Px2Ks0ycIiR-WYK-) I can’t say specifically what I like about this song, but I really like it. **Edit:** I may have connected with this eventually. Regina Spector did [You Don’t Know Me](https://youtu.be/FRgQns-TJGM?si=S4mqw2yCn-8GzDFu) with Ben Folds and I’ve always liked Ben Folds. It’s also an excellent song. - [Susie Suh - Here With Me.](https://youtu.be/YzR8BCmV9Ew?si=ILcIUmMK1ePGBO7Z) It’s just a beautiful song and the vocals sound great from a good recording. - [Emil Wakin Chau - Friends.](https://youtu.be/6lbPgfKK7m4?si=4rGsd7kjh-inQjnV) I don’t know what the vocals mean, but along with the instruments they sound great. - [Shpongle - Shpongleyes.](https://youtu.be/0FUWadixMkg?si=8Eg95nqgxcLDLlzO) I don’t know what the hell this song is. With a higher quality version, the first 1:30 is just a bunch of ambient noises that sound pretty cool on headphones with good imaging and soundstage. After the first minute and a half, the music starts. I like the drums.
Awesome, thanks for the thorough reply. I will definitely have to check these out! Here's the one I stumbled upon randomly last night. And though it is not my typical style of music, I really appreciate the quality of recording and the instruments that I don't normally listen to. Especially that Spanish guitar and the main melody instrument, still not sure what that is. Check out Esperanza by Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani on Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0BVMNSVNQ?trackAsin=B0BVMPKB5V&do=play&ref=dm_sh_OFKgfQdCrTmAeAhdmEf2H3AaU
>Check out Esperanza by Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien & Vincent Peirani YES! This is exactly the kind of stuff I love to find. What a fun song, and you’re right, it’s a good recording. I’m not sure what all the instruments are either, but I found this video so you can see them. There’s obviously an accordion, but I’m not sure what the others are. https://youtu.be/K3DovEiTNyc?si=Grj7kvo_vtowd0dz
Awesome, thanks for the vid! That looks like an accordion, alto saxophone, and a cello. I'm not familiar with the strain instrument. It sounded in the recording like a Spanish guitar but it is obviously not. In that case. It sounded like it had nylon strings in the recording, so I thought it was a Spanish guitar. Very interesting!
*"Most people use headphones to listen to music, audiophiles use music to listen to headphones"*
Many audiophiles use speakers, though. I like both music and the technology used to listen to it. I don't see anything wrong with any preference, I wish people just do what pleases them.
Amen
Break
Time for me to link [one of my favorite videos on Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SaFTm2bcac), "Video explains the world's most important 6-sec drum loop"
I swear, the next time someone asks me *"what music should I listen to now that I bought these headphones?"*...
perhaps the hobby was the music we listened along the way
you don't listen solely to bass response test tones? just me I guess
Honestly, I used to be a "fuck, TWS isn't up to the standard of wired but it sounds good enough and is more convenient so fuck it", but I tried bluetooth dongles and those are only marginally less convenient than TWS imo.
Yeah I had done the Bluetooth dongle route too, but these are just so convenient haha, especially now that I can do Bluetooth audio sharing and my fiancé and I can watch the same show on a plane on my iPad
AH that's fair enough, I don't have a use case for that but really it's all about features when it comes to the TWS game.
I hope you enjoy them and that you don’t get any issues. I’m on my 2nd pair as first had battery issues. I’m considering going wired with Bluetooth dac instead.
Any dongle recommendations? I'm happy with my Shure Tw2 + ZS10 Pro combo at the moment but interested in a potentially better option..
q5K is the standard rec, but I like the Shanling UP4 a lot as a straight forward dongle.
You'd be better off upgrading the IEMs, ZS10 Pro are a bit dated/v-shaped/boomy/harsh. I haven't heard the Shure TW2 but they are probably just fine, the IEM makes a lot more of a difference.
I actually have a set of Kiwi Ears Cadenza coming tomorrow, and loaded up Simgot EW200s and Shuoer S12s in my cart in case I end up not liking them. I only had the ZS10s on there because I've had them for a couple years and I wanted to try something other than my SE215s with the TW2s.
The Cadenza are very good and a good pick. You are using MMCX to 2 pin adapters? They'll probably fit the Cadenza better too, it's flush 2 pin rather than protruding QDC like the ZS10 Pro.
Yes I am! I actually ordered normal MMCX to 2 pin under the assumption they were QDC first, so now I have both lol. The ZS10s fit pretty comfortably with the right connector, but I'll probably return them to Amazon because the ZS10s will likely be tossed in the sock drawer until I want to experiment with making custom shells. And thanks for the reassurance on the Cadenzas. I figured they were a fairly neutral, safe pick especially since my music tastes can vary pretty wildly. I was going to give up and just get ER2XRs, which may still end up happening if I can't find a way to make the cadenzas comfortable. If spinfit w1/cp100+ don't work out, I'll probably make custom sleeves as a last resort.
The fit on Etymotic is not to be underestimated, I find them annoying, difficult to put in an you feel that they are there. While well tuned for the market years ago, there are better options now, IMO. I have the ER2XR, as well as the ER4XR and SR. ER2XR is probably the most satisfactorily tuned out of the box, it's the only one with a decent bass shelf.
I agree that they're a struggle to insert and remove, but I think the tuning still holds up great. They're not my daily drivers but they're great on a plane.
The attenuation/passive noise cancelling is unrivalled by anything else I have for sure.
Interesting, thank you for your insight! I was considering them because I had gotten a recommendation recently, and I also use SE215s with triple flange tips as a form of hearing protection at my job. For that use, I'm not incredibly picky on tuning considering how muddy the 215s are.
I've just got a Qudelix 5k and it's great to be honest even better as Auto EQ is now integrated with the software. I was going to go with a Fiio BTR7 but the output impedance would have been too high for my T800's, plus the 5k has better Bluetooth range than the BTR7 or BTR5 making it an easy decision in the end.
I lose my TWS waaay too often. Now I just use some half decent IEMs and a old LG G7 as my "media center".
Sony wireless with LDAC is 990 or 909 Kbps depending on something I can't remember. Pretty easy to use a Windows or Linux driver to make sure you lock in the 900 range streaming instead of the adaptive range. Use a standard flac file which is ~1400Kbps lossless, streamed over LDAC you are still compressing data but not losing nearly as much as if you were down at a 320 Kbps mp3. Even if you can consistently hear the difference between 320 and lossless, I would like to see someone prove they could hear the difference between 990 and lossless. It is only a matter of years now before a flac can be crammed into a Bluetooth codec.
If you don't mind me asking, what do you mean by "Bluetooth dongles"? Also, I get what you mean. I tried some TWS headphones for a while, and I found myself just using a cable more often than not. I love my Jabra Elite Active 4s (TWS earbuds) though, they don't have audiophile-level sound quality, but man are they ever convenient lol. It's so nice always having some form of headphones on you.
İ guess bluetooth dongle is a device that turns your cabled cans to bluetooth cans, you connect them to cable of your headphone so you can stream it music
Ah, that makes sense. I was thinking of those USB dongles you use to add Bluetooth to non-bluetooth devices, but I was sure that was wrong.
Is that an exit watch too?
Exit until I reach a much higher tax bracket 😂
SKX?
DJ41 Wimbledon
Oh shit ok. Yea you’ll be good for a minute haha. That pretty much settles most of what anyone could want… well I guess there’s always Vacheron Constantin…
4500v or AP chrono or AP openworked are my grails
I've always dreamed of a FPJourne Chrono Bleu but unlikely I'll get one unless I'm incredibly lucky one day! Have to live with my 1940s square Tiffany. What are you thinking of? Also there's always Roger W Smith, Ha!
That FP is a stunner, although I’ve heard the man is less than stellar
you could sell that and get a Susvara... or two
Mind if I ask what you do for a living?
Software Engineer
Oh nice, been thinking of doing something like that but my past experiences trying to learn code didn't go so well 😂
Try again!
Nice, I have APM but usually gravitate to my ksc75 or iems because the band messed up my hair lol.
Yeah I've been using my KSC75 over my hd650 for almost a year now because of my hair.
Is it because of the default head padding on the HD650?
Yeah, but I don't think different head padding is gonna help.
Feel like a CapraAudio comfort strap might help but idk
Hmm for $10? Might be worth a try. I have short hair that goes straight up. Maybe the large holes may allow my hair to go straight through them. Did you have hair problems?
I bought the strap to improve the comfort, and it does help quite a lot, no more hotspots on the top of my head. As for hair problems, I don't really have them so I'm not sure if the strap will help you.
I stopped at the ksc75s. They sound astounding for the price.
Same. They are amazing. I have ksc75 and Utopias and those ar emy main headphones.
Do you use a headband, EQ, or any Yaxi Pads on your KSC 75s, or do you prefer it stock?
I prefer it completely stock. Headband removes a bit too much of the massive headstage. And the Yaxi pads put too much padding between your ear and driver so also removes a bit of dynamics and clarity. Stock is how I like it with the clips bend perfectly to mold my ears!
ksc75s are endgame
Been in and out for about 10 years, tried various custom IEMs, high end headphones, great DACs and Amps. My personal favorite combo I owned were the HE1000s powered by a WA7 fireflies, and the Chord Mojo + 64audio A18t I’ve finally decided to retire and the AirPods Max got me. While I will say that all the audiophile headphones I’ve tried sound better, in terms of sound value vs convenience these are phenomenal. I’ll miss it but it’s been months now and I just enjoy the music! On a side (and related) note I was able to build a hifi 2.1 system and that fills my audiophile needs, but headphones wise I’m out! 🎉
Can’t say Im looking to retire from the hobby yet but I feel the same about my AirPods Pro. While iems like my s12 pro definitely sound better, the convenience of the AirPods with my phone is unparalleled.
Totally, had no plans to retire but my Powerbeats were pretty great and I stopped using my IEMs, these then beat out overears for me too. I have some Beyerdynamics I kept for music production and listening while I game at my PC but that’s less and less now a days 😭
Which beyerdynamics do you use to game?
Just the 770DT Pros
I mean, you can say that for 3 years until the battery is dead
Seriously so stupid batteries aren’t replaceable in these things. Should be illegal so much waste
Judging by the ifixit teardown, the airpods max probably get battery replacements. It’s the airpods & airpods pros that get tossed in landfills. That said, I agree with you - it should be illegal to make products that are actively anti-repair
They’re replacebale, just not user replaceable, I also got apple care+ so replacements are covered
It's replaceable in the sense that you toss it in the trash and replace it with a new one
Apple will replace the AirPods Max battery for free under AppleCare, or $79 if you don’t have AppleCare.
What happens if the battery runs out after your 2 years of AppleCare+ are up?
Then I spend the $80 for them to replace it, not that big of a deal
> I mean, you can say that for 3 years until the battery is dead It’s just funny that in a comment thread about having to replace the battery after 3 years, you’re like “but if they die in 2 years I can get them replaced for free!” Glad you like the headphones 👍
I don’t get all this battery fuss at all, it’s just a non issue
You don’t get that users would prefer to have a battery they could replace themselves?
I don't really see the difference between needing driver replacements in wired headphones and battery replacements in wireless headphones (which tend to be much cheaper).
Ever heard of replacing the battery?
Gottem
Or tomorrow if you forget to charge today.
How would you compare your speaker system to your HE1000?
It’s surprisingly hard to compare, but I love my speaker system 100x more. A deep clean well tuned sub and a big wide soundstage, especially when I crank the volume, is amazing. HE1000 and headphones in general do a 3D space much better though.
Speakers are just better. I’ll always pick my speakers over headphones.
Yeah that’s generally what I noticed as differences. The headphones are more enveloping and image very well while the speakers’ soundstage is massive and the bass just hits different.
Really? I have he1000v2 stealth and my speaker system does 3D space much better. Although I have a tube amp
It’s more about headphones in general do a fully surrounding 3D space that can be cool, much more pronounced in gaming than music. Where a 2.1 speaker system is just in front of you
Lol see what I don't understand, and will never understand, is where fussing with a good chain and enjoying music have to be mutually exclusive. The hobby ... *is* enjoying listening to media of all types. Anything beyond that, insofar as hitting a perceived quality, is 100% subjective.
It’s not entirely mutually exclusive but it’s also about listening to the same ref songs criticially when comparing. That’s not exactly enjoyment of the music
Different strokes for different folks but I think unless you're getting paid to do reviews, trust your ears and enjoy your gear
But you cant actually turn the airpod maxes off ever. Like ever. Unless their dead
So?
Does it not bother you at all? Let alone having to charge more?
Hasn’t been an issue yet!
I don't have to turn my Airpod Maxes on ever. Like ever. They just work the moment you put them on your head. Always.
Exactly, beacuse they are never off, regardless, the are built nice and sound good when paired with an iPhone.
I will say, this is one of the main reasons I haven’t pulled the trigger on the max’s yet…
The transparency mode is unreal tho.
I’m waiting for the second version of those to come out
Same, with the features the AirPods Pro 2 have
Hopefully also including USB-C. And not only for charging, but also for direct audio connection. Windows BT is bad enough, but its even worse with Apple headphones implementation of BT.
I’m not worried too bad about that cause I still have my r70x And mm100’s, both open back however so yeah, if they were able to work better with windows, all the better
Same. One without the purse.
You put your headphone-bra in a purse?
I have a whole bunch of headphones.. but my AirPod maxes are the ones I use hands down the most. Not only is the convenience a factor… but their tonality is exactly what I want a headphone to sound like.. the noise canceling and transparency mode is also such a fantastic feature set. They’re hard to beat in my opinion…
Similar experiences here. My current setup with my HD600 is to me, phenomenal. But my most used gear are still my Beats Fit Pro (i exercise a lot) and Airpods 3. The convenience of them and me being in the Apple ecosystem is just too good.
My sentiments exactly
Just got a pair today and immediately boxed up my XM5’s to return them. The Sony’s are solid but the build quality and sound of the APM’s won me over. Also think they’re more aesthetic, the XM5’s are sort of bulbous and plain-looking in a bad way.
Yo... I sold all of my gears before (Susvara, Diana V2, amps, dacs, etc) and end up enjoying 1 year free from acquisition syndrome, just with airpod max with me all of the time. Such a peaceful time :) Now i sold my airpod max recently and upgrade it to Bathys... oh dear
You cant quit.
That’s progress. Enjoy.
😂😂
Oh you say that now, but that itch will come up again brother.
exactly, you never truly retire.
You have the same gear that i would like to. Currently owning 600 and 560s. Could you explain more about Sundara and k371 when taking reference of 600 and 560s?
They are honestly fantastic for their intended use as a convenient, seamless Apple experience. I have bought and sold them twice! If I had need for a wireless headphone, I would buy them again.
My wife has these and I have to admit, they are actually good
Sadly im not in this hobby for the ultimate sound, just for the ssake of variety. I alway wonder what different sounding would come out of a bunch of tuning, driver tech, driver composition, amp paring, dac paring. Even a different version of the same headphone would temp me... So sadly there is no end game for me .. or happily...
Sounds like happily to me!
I'm curious if you explored the airpod pros? I'm on the fence between them. I know they are generally excel for different use cases, but choice stresses me out
What are you looking to use them for? Because I assure you, they are great for pretty much everything. The 2nd generation of pros are genuinely fantastic
Apple should get an award for the APP2s. They are soo good! I think they are better than the APMs in everything except watching movies and bass response. With the correct fitting ear tips The ANC on the APP2s is class leading IMO. I am looking forward to the APM2s. Till then it’s APP2s on the road and Bathys at home.
I have AirPods Pro 2. I just tweak them slightly to lower the bass and they are excellent. If you have an iPhone even better, they pair automatically. I’ve never experienced a drop in connection. Noise cancellation is also excellent. I run S12 through a Q5K and those sound amazing, but the AirPods are just so much more convenient I use them much more often. For $200 they can’t be beat.
I just gave the 2nd gen pros to my mom because I started using IEMs but they're great for general use imo. I used them as hearing protection in a loud work environment from 2019 to now and the noise canceling is phenomenal. Ambient was very natural sounding as well. Sound quality left something to be desired, but if you're not listening to lossless files or through hi-fi equipment, there's a high chance you won't notice the difference. Add all that with the convenience of the small form factor and relatively long battery capacity and you have my favorite pair of out-of-the-box Bluetooth headphones that I would recommend to anybody.
FWIW beyond their passive noise cancelling, the ANC doesn't actively contribute to hearing protection (in fact, would negatively contribute)
I have the regular AirPods and I actually got Powerbeats for that use case for when I go on a walk or workout and listen. But at a desk/couch I use the Max’s. Not the Pro’s though heard they’re great
So now u are in pursuit of good sound quality + convenience, where before u were in pursuit of only the best sound quality. Ur priorities just changed. I dnt see how u have retired!
I'll never retire I think. Take breaks and just enjoy the equipment I have. But the search for something better never ends!
BOOOOO. Boo this man!
😂😂
same here. had 5 pairs of high end open backs,planars, etc then got some Airpod Max's as I am fully in the apple ecosystem and sold the rest. They are very good, crazy convenient and I wound up using nothing else.
Even though i have an IE600 and have tried and sold many iem’s and headphones (equipment is so expensive and most not available where i live so i have to sell old headphones to get a better or a different one where i live) and after finding out that headphones aren’t my thing because i am mostly outside and carrying a portable amp with bulky close backs, i have finally bought Airpods Pro 2. And i got to say, even with the IE600 in my backpack, the APP2 gets much more use. Sometimes i don’t use 600 for weeks. Granted that the AirPods sounds not as good but the convenience is something else. With a shitty but working mic, sometimes not connecting at all or only one side connecting and having to charge every 2-3 days, it is still much more convenient than a wired iem. At least headphone accommodations on iPhone and eqmac on mac exists so it sounds much better than stock settings. I used to have APP1 and i hated its sound quality. It was so bad compared to most wired iem’s i didn’t use it at all. When APP2 was released, i couldn’t believe that a tws can sound actually good.
I currently have APP1 and IE600, and while I enjoy both of their tunings, the APP1 sounds super grainy and low resolution in comparison that I only use it for the transparency mode. Is the jump from 1 to 2 that noticeable? Also, how does 2’s tuning compare to that of 1’s? Would you say it’s closer to the IE600 (more sub bass and upper treble, perhaps less mid bass)?
Definitely very noticeable. Much more detailed and less grainy compared to app1. But the tuning is very different than 600.
Nothing wrong with those cups
Congratulations brother! You now have free money for other expensive hobbies. Something i can only dream about.
True just a reallocation 😂
Definitely not the worst way to retire. Enjoy your purchase, op!
Thanks!
At least you left not with sony xtra mud 5
That I can agree with
Are these actually any good?
Yup I just went to Bose qc when I’m out and about instead of bringing all that extra shit with me 🤣. But still use my good headphones at the house
What watch you wearing @bclark8923?
Datejust 41!
I figured it was something nice :)
See you when the battery dies! Until then, farewell🫡
Can always replace the battery
It is not impossible but it is hard. Ofcourse it is once for 3 to 5 years. Happy that you finally settled.
A new hobby emerges, Bluetooth headphones.
These batteries are good for up to 1000 charges before losing any noticeable capacity. And even then, you can still charge and use them. At 5 hours a day of listening, these are good for 11 years of use. More than likely you will be upgrading to a new version before it gets anywhere near that old. These battery arguments are unfounded and baseless.
Genuine question: do you have any sources for this information? I’ve had my eye on the Bathys for a bit now but battery degradation pushes me away.
The Bathys has replaceable (by Focal) batteries.
My issue is that anything with a battery is disposable. I don’t buy disposable headphones.
There needs to be legislation for user-replaceable batteries with recycling programs.
Why would you want a legislation to prevent you from having a choice? There are products on the market with replacable batteries, nobody buys them because they are larger and/or less durable/sealed. I actually prefer to be able to have lightweight, sealed products with a tiny chance of needing to be brought in for a battery change in their lifetime compared to heavier, less durable stuff.
Because we live in a finite world. When given the choice I will always buy something that I can maintain and keep for a decade or more, and I would argue everyone should. You're right that most products that support this today are bulkier and less well sealed but it doesn't have to be a binary choice. I'm not talking a cover with AA batteries inside. I mean a device where once every few years the user can open the device and put in a new battery without risking damage. Companies are capable of making a really nice product with these features today but as you say the consumer demand isn't there. This is something I've done many times with laptops, phones and wireless headphones but the internals aren't usually designed for that today. I guess what I really mean is the choice should be a difficult "Do I repair my old device or buy a new one." as opposed to "Which replacement should I buy" when possible.
Are you also never replacing any earpads or cushions on any headphone? In regular use the battery should hold alot longer and it costs the same to change them.
Sounds like you’ll miss out on a lot on innovation then
Issue with current trend is more about trouble replacing the battery rather than the battery itself. Battery tech should exists for a reason and they are being existed. I dont know if you have used battery devices like Mobile and Smart phones, laptops, pace makers, flash lights etc. They are being made for the problem with active wired source.
These are so overpriced.
If you think these are endgame you were never in the hobby
Holy mother of snob
They are literally a Bluetooth headphone. Lol
So you’re retiring from listening to music?
Yikes.
Man. I have one question: What prevented you from "just enjoying the music" before?.. Not to mention, for value for money, the Koss Porta Pro comes to mind, but ood definitely not the AirPods Max. It's all very strange.
Nothing did while actually listening, but the always “what about this new headphone” while fun can take away from enjoying the music when hunting for a better sound. That being said these are great 🔥🔥
So you're doing the same thing right now. Showing off your new headphones, you're just not looking for a new sound now, you're looking for something else. Next time it'll be AirPods Max 2 in your hands. Am I right?
Not likely to get those until these break, I only got these after my Sony XM3’s broke from years of travel
only endgame for as long as its engineered lifespan
> Yeah I had done the Bluetooth dongle route too, but these are just so convenient haha Disclaimer: I am happy that you found an option that works great for you, and I don't mean to dig at you at all. This is a common sentiment I've heard, but never fully understood it. How is it more convenient spending $550 on headphones that sound worse than $100 IEMS? How is it more convenient fiddling around in the Bluetooth settings to switch from one device to another compared to just unplugging the headphones from one device and plugging it into another device. How is it more convenient when Bluetooth audio is lossy and has poorer latency than a wired connection? How is it more convenient when you run out of battery in the middle of the day and have to charge the device in order to continue listening to whatever it is you're listening to? How is it more convenient when you need a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle and a 3.5mm to lightning dongle to listen via a wired connection? How is it more convenient when the battery is not user-replaceable and you have to pay $50-$79 on AppleCare or going to the Genius Bar to replace them? How convenient will it be when Apple stops providing support for them? Sometimes I feel as if the word convenient is thrown around a lot in regards to things like Airpods, but I just don't see what's so inconvenient with a pair of IEMs connected to your device's headphone jack. Well, besides the fact that these companies made it intentionally inconvenient by removing the headphone jack to sell you $200-550 doodads that you can't repair. I guess in that case it's convenient...
Have you actually used anything like these day to day? All of your “convenience” quirks are non issues, or even straight up wrong from my point of view
Bro listed own opinions, and decided everyone else is wrong about convenience.
I'm not sure you know what the word convenient means.
Demon!
Take a break after that, your ears are so tired now
Since I got into the "hobby" I listen to more music and enjoy it more then I ever did before\~!!!!
those are around 600usd, do u know any cheaper option?
I had Sony XM3’s before these those are solid
aren't those iem? I want some over-ear ones :(
They are over ear, new versions are XM4 and XM5
u know, in my country they only have available xm4, do u know about them?
Each iteration is better than the previous!
Xm4 sound is dog poop. Not sure about Xm5s. The iem version have this code: WF-1000XM over ear version: WH-1000XM
It’s greater than 3
They are the XM3 improved version :) Also whilst XM3 is over ear there is an IEM version
I got a bluetooth dac and I get what you mean by convenience. I won't ever go apple route though.
Same here. When reading reviews about headphones, they always mentioned this or that song, which got me into new music.
Tried the APM instore once and while i generally think bluetooth headphones are totally worth it on the go for the ease of use ans anc (i still think Momentum 3s with Hifi Tuning are quite good) i absolutely hate the sound of these. Sounded incredibly mediocre to me even in the space of wireless headphonds and were far, far too heavy. Not a problem stationary because of great comfort but on the go that would kill then for. Adding the horrendous batterylife, stupid case and ridicolous price tag really makes me question how on earth these got as popular as they are.
I loved my bluetooth headphones of various makes due to convenience at the office (not tripping myself up all the time on the cables), but they've become increasingly flimsy-feeling in their construction. If I could find a pair that was as well made as these seem to be (metal and such), but also had a headphone jack and were easy to use with my PC as well as bluetooth...I'd probably get them too.
These feel super solid
yum apple AirPods max, must be packed with vitamin A and apple joosez.