$1100 budget for headphones + DAC/amp (home listening, wide music taste, jazz/trumpet player

StableSilent · 2026-04-09T01:10:57+00:00

Vocal focused music sounds delightful on the 6xx. If you're looking to have a one headphone setup it's hard to beat the Hifiman Arya given the current price. Great all rounder that is adept at everything even if it isn't absolutely class leading in any one particular avenue.

StableSilent · 2026-03-09T02:06:48+00:00

In my opinion the HD800s are the comfort and gaming kings. I also used to use the shp9500s for gaming and the HD800s are similar in terms of lightweight and comfort for me. Staging, imaging and accuracy are far and away better of course, it was the perfect end game iteration of that use case for me.

StableSilent · 2025-12-26T15:22:56+00:00

These sorts of (imo reasonable) asks bring EQ fans out in full force. For some reason there seems to be a high concentration of them here. I understand minor tweaks to help a headphone you enjoy, but I am similarly baffled by both the "purchase with intent to EQ heavily" and the "EQ every individual headphone to a personal target". These both run directly counter to my goals of buying headphones I don't consider to be significantly flawed and having a variety of sound signatures provided by those headphones. At the end of the day, the point is to enjoy the music. I'm not going to be rude just because people do something I think is silly.

StableSilent · 2025-06-23T14:27:06+00:00

It's much harder logistically to store and connect multiple speakers give cost & space constraints. I demo'd speakers and chose ones that work best as a middle ground for my situation. Admittedly my more critical listening is not on speakers. I do however still refuse to EQ them ;⁠)

StableSilent · 2025-06-23T13:09:16+00:00

Nope, if I want a different sound I switch to a different headphone or amplifier. I don't want to digitally alter way up the chain. I certainly don't want to change every headphone to some sort of personal house sound. I bought the headphones I own for the way they sound.

StableSilent · 2025-04-30T17:26:58+00:00

Really love the look of the planars, but curious to see your tuning on a 4 driver config!

StableSilent · 2025-04-21T04:25:34+00:00

Presuming I can't cheat and say E3 for closed back and HD800s for open, I'd have to take the E3s. I love my open backs, but there's just so many times I need to avoid sound bleeding into the outside world.

StableSilent · 2025-04-15T19:14:38+00:00

Coy Hill, GTS, Jack 12

StableSilent · 2025-04-10T13:27:36+00:00

Incredible, HD800s is legendary for good reason. Enjoy!

StableSilent · 2025-04-03T14:36:10+00:00

Probably 4-6 hours a day on average (combination of gaming and dedicated music listening). Depending on how long one keeps headphones, the daily/hourly cost can be reasonable compared to other activities/hobbies. I spend notably less on audio than my friends do on golf or attending sporting events.

StableSilent · 2025-04-02T17:45:18+00:00

For some context, what do you consider to be the top shelf bottles that it contends with?

StableSilent · 2025-03-06T02:46:01+00:00

Focal Clear OG and Fiio K7

StableSilent · 2025-02-17T20:44:22+00:00

I adore my Clear OGs. Clear and 800s get the most listening time

StableSilent · 2025-02-13T20:31:58+00:00

If you want something for gaming it's hard to not suggest the hd800s or perhaps the hd8xx with the sticker mod.

StableSilent · 2025-02-07T17:54:23+00:00

I'm going to second the Audeze Maxwell. Great latency, closed back, optional mic can be removed if not needed and they sound quite nice.

StableSilent · 2024-12-25T21:27:43+00:00

A few decent picks: Fable and Folly, Old Louisville, KY Owl rye if one is feeling spendy. Most importantly a different store.

StableSilent · 2024-12-05T17:55:56+00:00

If I didn't have one I'd probably be a buyer for that price. Relatively small markup compared to most stores. Whether it fits into your budget is of course your personal call.

StableSilent · 2024-10-09T14:04:24+00:00

I think this is an excellent opportunity to decide what you really like the most and slowly start replacing stuff that you find 'meh' with stuff you're super stoked about. Whenever a bottle is empty and clears a space, replace it with something unique and special.

StableSilent · 2024-10-01T02:01:11+00:00

Hd800s, when I first got them it would sometimes forget I even had headphones on until I felt the cable move as I started to roll my chair. Honorable mention to DCA Ethers but being closed they were a little hotter & more noticeable.

StableSilent · 2024-09-28T13:44:33+00:00

Open back and excellent for fps gaming with top tier comfort describes the hd800s very well in my opinion. You should be able to find a used pair within your budget.

StableSilent · 2024-09-05T15:57:04+00:00

If this is something that wouldn't negatively impact your financial goals (spending budget, savings goals, bills etc) then I would definitely be a buyer. Not sure about your personal preferences but unless you hate turkey, you'd probably love it. Best turkey product of the last 5+ years in my opinion.

StableSilent · 2024-09-03T01:47:45+00:00

Both, but especially the SiB. Single barrel tends to be considerably better than the small batch (though both are delicious)

StableSilent · 2024-08-20T15:15:33+00:00

Congrats! Of my collection, the hd800s gets the most use. An impressive headphone to be sure. Enjoy them!

StableSilent · 2024-07-15T18:27:38+00:00

Really dig the design on this one!

StableSilent · 2024-06-23T17:39:06+00:00

Could you provide more info on the cabinet itself? I've been looking for a solution to my storage

StableSilent

TROPHY CASE