They're a bit pricey, but I love it.
They sound good and they're built like tanks.
They sound good and they're built like tanks.
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I have an honest question... why would/did anyone buy these things? They sound terrible, lack audio standards to produce the best possible sound via Bluetooth. There are so many other over the ear headphones that are miles better....
Is it just for the Apple integration?
Is it just for the Apple integration?
In my home studio, I use a Sennheiser HD650. It costs US$550. It passes through a US$480 Monoprice Monolith 24459 headphone amp, and US$300 SoundID Reference calibration software. While I primarily use speakers for mixing, I need this headphone setup to be as balanced as my speaker setup, but with a closer perspective while I am bringing up individual tracks, and checking mixes. I could have gotten the cheaper Drop HD6xx, but they are not available in my country, and didn't want to buy second hand. Regardless, I think the HD650s and the associated hardware and software are definitely worth it.
For casual listening, I use the same HD650 plugged straight into my MacBook Pro M1. I like it because it is not hyped in any particular part of the spectrum. While I'm not a basshead and usually listen flat, the bass region responds well to a gentle tweak without much distortion if the recording is too reticent.
For wireless casual listening, I got an AirPods Max. It sounded closer to my HD650s than the XM4 (too bassy and claustrophobic), and the QuietComfort 45 (too sparkly). They also cost about US$550. The NC and transparency mode is second to none, and the dynamic head tracking is amusing. I like them. I think they were worth it. It's nice that they are being discounted now.
For casual listening, I use the same HD650 plugged straight into my MacBook Pro M1. I like it because it is not hyped in any particular part of the spectrum. While I'm not a basshead and usually listen flat, the bass region responds well to a gentle tweak without much distortion if the recording is too reticent.
For wireless casual listening, I got an AirPods Max. It sounded closer to my HD650s than the XM4 (too bassy and claustrophobic), and the QuietComfort 45 (too sparkly). They also cost about US$550. The NC and transparency mode is second to none, and the dynamic head tracking is amusing. I like them. I think they were worth it. It's nice that they are being discounted now.
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I will say, I tried them out at the store recently and I liked the sound better than my XM4s, they were way comfier too. I'm hoping for a second gen that fixes a lot of the first gen problems and hopefully also comes with a better carrying case, that I'll consider, the current ones have too many gotchas (power off, lightning usage, etc) but they are nice so hopefully second gen is more well rounded if it happens. Always the best rule of thumb with Apple products anyway: wait for 2nd gen if you don't need to buy right away.
I like your comment on "wireless casual listening". I also have the Sennheiser HD650 and have them working with a Schiit Asgard DAC/Amp. Some days I go wireless, some days I go wired for a better listening experience. I do have other wired and BT headphones and and older PS Audio GCHA Headphone Amp. and Musical Fidelity M1 DAC.
Why settle for one flavor of sound reproduction? I drink more than one kind of wine 😁
Still too expensive even with the great build quality. While my Sony XM4s don't have the same build quality, they sound better and are less expensive even compared to the sale price.
Not worth it even on sale.
Not worth it even on sale.
The more I start looking into decent headphones the more tired I grow of it.
So many different opinions, so many different flavours.
DAC wise Schiit are unavailable in the UK right now, but ProJect Audio seem like a decent alternative.
I’m close to the point where I just grab a pair of Max and forget about this whole subject.
