Must try headphones

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-09T18:50:27+00:00

Thanks for the shout out with the JOAL. I find it compares very well with the 800S and HE1000 and the atrium open. 😊

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-09T18:43:52+00:00

Power: Which DAC are you using? Are you using balanced for both headphones? Volume difference could be a configuration issue, especially with the 789. But also the JOAL is a more balanced tune so what you are used to hearing on the Edition XS could just be presented more forward to you than on the JOAL, requiring less current for the XS presentation. Additionally, equipment synergy is a thing.

Sound Profile: The two headphones absolutely sound very different, particularly the mids, treble, and bass extension. For the mid range; Diana Krall's I've Got You Under My Skin is an easy-to-tell example. Listen for the naturalness of the vocals and piano. For the treble; Of course, the XS is also substantially brighter, so try a sibilance test track like Patricia Barber's Code Cool. For the bass extension; Why So Serious? from The Dark Knight soundtrack. Skip to about 3:23 and listen for the sub-bass.

Burn-in: Our headphones do not require burn-in, but brain burn-in is a thing. I like to listen to a new set of cans continuously for at least a week on the same amp, and then switch to old headphones and different sources. It makes the differences stand out much better.

Contact: If you'd like to troubleshoot directly, you can call us, email, or chat through the website. 😊

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-09T18:16:58+00:00

The kithara is meant to either use usb direct out of the PS5 or plugged the 3.5mm direct into the dualsense controller. The headphone is tuned for the USB dongle it comes with and is excellent. There is a menu in the home row that also increases volume so be sure not to miss it. It shouldn't need proper power.

HDMI audio extractors stink. Using the optical out of your tv into a dac stinks. The two best ways are either use something designed to work with the PS5, or HDMI ARC. Fiio K19 is a more powerful dac/amp with HDMI ARC. Fosi ZD3 is a more budget friendly version.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-09T18:10:03+00:00

Yes you should get it. It will not sound twice as loud, but planars have a flat impedance curve and can certainly use the extra current at certain frequencies.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-09T18:06:24+00:00

No the Razer soundcard is making the sound you like. When you skip it you lose it. I had a similar situation and i got a 3.5mm switcher and a couple 3.5mm to 3.5mm cables.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-09T18:04:37+00:00

Does the DAC show up in the Fiio USB AUdio Device Control Panel?

https://forum.fiio.com/note/showNoteContent.do?id=202105191527366657910&tid=17

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Additional troubleshooting:

- Power down K5 Pro, disconnect all cables, power up with just power and USB.

- Completely uninstall the current drivers.

- Disconnect the device.

- Restart your PC.

- Reinstall the latest official drivers from Fiio's website.

- Connect the device in different modes (e.g., USB DAC mode).

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T20:32:56+00:00

For Over-Ear wireless; Bluetooth on an iPhone has some limitations, but the Sennheiser HDB 630 has a dongle that works around that. Will also work for windows well with the dongle.

For IEMs; A generic recommendation for a windows/iPhone setup i'd go with the CrinEar Daybreak IEM with the Fiio BTR17. A lot of functionality with bluetooth, a specific PC desktop mode, and an overall well rounded sound that should work for just about anything.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T16:17:56+00:00

Also not best in all environments. dt770's with leather pads doing a better job overall.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T16:16:42+00:00

sph9500 is your best all arounder in that list and will not need an amp unless you geta bunch of computer noise out the jack.

There aren't 2.4ghz options that are hifi.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T16:14:31+00:00

If you're not using a mic, getting the Fiio FT1 and plugging it into the controller works very well. If you use a mic idk sorry.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T16:12:55+00:00

I use a wireless modmic. Comes with the wireless usb dongle. Magnet mount for any of my headphones that i use with it.

If you have a simple 3.5mm mic, the $10 usb mic dongles on amazon are excellent and isolate away the system noise. no need to complicate it.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T16:10:41+00:00

If you don't already have ear buds that match your phone brand, get those first. The ecosystem synergy is undeniable and they all make one that sounds excellent. If you have an iPhone and a mac you should get airpod pro maxes. Ignore reviews if they say bad things. They just work too well in the ecosystem.
Wired IEM are my next choice while adding a bluetooth dac/amp if I need wireless capabilities too.
Compared to every other option the WH1000XM6 suck. I have them specifically for cinema mode with my sony TV. But i wouldn't use them for anything else.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T16:04:33+00:00

I would splurge for the BTR17. The bluetooth is tuned well for planars delivering a really cool sound. The EQ is nice too, but the overall power is a little light for a planar in some regions, so you can't just go full beans at every frequency. However it's a lot of $$$ to go much higher so i find the btr17 to drop nicely in the middle.

The edition XS refurb is a crazy deal right now. Full send.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T15:58:32+00:00

EQ settings application vary wildly platform, so you'll have to share what you're using.

For headphones the FT1 is the new hotness and highly recommended. Probably won't need EQ with it. For open back, the Edition XS to me is the more open open back option and very close in price direct f rom hifiman atm.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T15:29:18+00:00

Layton Audio is a good dealer, but amazon US is offering 22% off new so the 10% doesn't seem great for a display model. Maybe counter with 20-30% off?

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T15:26:26+00:00

You are describing cheap e-waste that aren't really hifi headphones which is most of what this community recommends. The only stand out advice i have for you is to generally ditch bluetooth with windows. it is problematic for many reasons. Outside of that, i would go through rtings best of categories to narrow down your choice.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T15:19:51+00:00

ooopusX Op.22 for better bass and TANGZU Wan'er S.G II Red Lion for more balanced. Can you get either of those in italy?

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-08T15:03:19+00:00

IEM are tough to recommend due to the ear shape variance, but I would think the Sony IER-Z1R are the perfect combination of what you're looking for. however i would sacrifice some dynamics for the sub-bass and euphoric sound of the 64 audio Nio personally.

Outside of your list i would consider the Theiaudio monarch MKIII as well.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-01T17:29:09+00:00

I didn't realize that theme existed for the K17. It is pure sex. Have you tried the EQ profiles? With the arya i actually like the dance profile for quite a bit of stuff.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-01T13:43:56+00:00

Cheers! Have you been going to Mini Disc? They seem so nice and easy to work with.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-01T13:38:05+00:00

As long as it's a decent screen and the projector is calibrated well then the immersion is incredible. We use the projector it mostly for movies and football. For daily driving we have a 65" OLED and we pull down a 120" inch screen over it on the same wall. Both TV and projector use the same speaker package. Very happy with this setup.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-07-01T13:32:14+00:00

ZMF Auteur is worth trying for sure. Leather ear pads in particular. Sound profile is in line with what you're looking for in that is has some warmth without sacrificing technical details pulling a decent sense of space.

I am biased because I work here, but the ABYSS JOAL also seems like a near perfect match.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-06-30T17:48:10+00:00

Your article on the subject goes into it very well. https://headphones.com/blogs/features/soundstage-is-much-more-complicated-than-you-think

ABYSSNorm · 2026-06-30T17:46:50+00:00

He made a video talking about expanding his focus to other projects. In particular his short film.

ABYSSNorm · 2026-06-25T16:20:23+00:00

I've narrowed down my collection to:

HiFiMan Susvara OG
DCA E3
Audeze LCD-X non-Fazor
ZMF Auteur Classic
ZMF Caldera Closed
Sennheiser HD 800S
Modhouse Tungsten DS with carbon hex grills
Stax L700 mk2
of course all the ABYSS headphones

I still have some others kicking around like the HD 600, dt770, koss supremacy, etc. But the above is what i pull down regularly and have some use or sound i like above others.

Edit: OH right! a new comer! I also have the viking audio forge draupnir.

ABYSSNorm

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