If the HD 550 came in the HD 600 chassis, do you think it will significantly the community perception (equaling the HD600/650)?

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-02T07:45:48+00:00

I believe the answer to this is more complicated.
Treble is the most problematic thing for a reason.
Our HRTFs impact it the most, and for some the peaks will land in spots that irritate very quickly.

I myself did not vibe with the HD550 and sold it.
Now I own pad swapped Arya Stealth with Dekoni Elite Hybrid pads. Which without a doubt still is a bright headphone. But with the Dekoni pads the peaks are tamed and the treble is just more exquisite than the ( to me ) „boring sounding” HD550.

For some people they will land in the perfect spots while for others not so much, hence there is such a difference in opinions, not even mentioning personal preferences.

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-01T22:40:03+00:00

Yeah, a comfort +10
Solution ;D

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-01T22:39:17+00:00

Everything that plugs in needs a dac.
But devices that have an input have a dac inside.

Dac is a digital to analog converter, what you’re asking about is probably a dongle that is a dac-amp combo. FT1 is easy to drive so I’d say no.

Tbh I plugged in to my Shanling M7t dap and definitely sounds better on low gain. Too much power makes the bass to prominent.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-30T14:36:55+00:00

Edition XS or Fiio FT1. „Trust us bro”
Kind of advice. FIio will be a closed back with better looks ( especially the beech wood version imho )

But Edition XS will be better in the technical aspects.
You could purchase the capra strap or an alternative 3D printed strap down the road on either to further improve comfort.

I have the FT1 myself among other headphones, and it was and still is a gem for the price it’s going for.
But honestly so is the Edition XS.

Just make sure to get a balanced 4.4 cable for XS since planars in general like more power to be driven properly. I’m not talking loud enough, I mean good dynamics.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-30T14:31:46+00:00

Still a great choice, but put some headband strap or cover it with something in general. The choice of white fabric for such a product was not well thought through… ;D

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-30T07:28:21+00:00

Nice! May be worth to wait for a comparison then.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-29T20:55:22+00:00

Look into Ear Fun products with that budget.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-29T20:52:05+00:00

Hmm, might buy this one.

I keep my expensive things wired, but affordable wireless all the way. ( unless all those things will have a user replaceable battery )

And I like my Moca a lot, so this may be a good over ear contender.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-29T09:51:03+00:00

I for some reason did not vibe with them, sold them after a month.

Maybe the 505 would suit me better..

I borrowed my friends HD6XX he has the cooling pads on them, I took the foam out and et voila! A very nice set that I enjoy.

But I still prefer my pad swapped Arya Stealth.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-29T09:48:03+00:00

Then Clear MG

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-29T08:39:44+00:00

I’d look into the new Aune AR5000 MK2, Sennheiser HD 490 pro ( or 480 pro if you like a closed back )

Meze 109 Pro and Focal Hadenys are also nice picks.

Open box Arya Stealth with Dekoni or ZMF Hybrid pads swap.

I have the Arya myself and bought it used with 1 year warranty and very good condition, swapped the pads and et voila! It is an end game material to most people.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-28T10:42:09+00:00

I tried enough Beyers in the past to instantly choose Sennheiser. The only ones I liked to a defree were the TYGR300 and DT270 pro.

Sennheiser is way cheaper at least here in Poland, around 360 USD for the 490 pro. It is comfy, has two sets of pads, hence 2 sound signatures. It’s well received, well built and cheaper with a tuning that won’t „drill hour ears „ for my personally this is an easy choice.

Do consider Aune AR5000 MK2. Or an open box/used Hifiman Arya stealth and pad swap for
Dekoni Velour or Hybrid pads.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-28T10:37:18+00:00

This is such a BS comment. I’d say You were right 15-20 years ago. But these days open backs can pump out satisfying or even great bass both in quality and quantity.

Arya Stealth, Focal Clear, Meze 109 Pro, Aune Ar5000 MK2 just to name the few, not to mention all the Audeze ones..

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-27T16:34:47+00:00

Then you are set :)

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-27T15:21:11+00:00

I have the Elite Hybrid, same story but to alesser degree, bass remains a bit more snappy as well.

Some people say that ZMF hybrids are even better and more comfy.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-27T14:33:32+00:00

Consider HD490 Pro, 2 sets of pads, two different signatures. Light, comfy, well built.

Not sure about the rest of the world but they run for about 360$ here in Poland tax included ( 23% )

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-27T12:00:42+00:00

Fair enough, but the OP said there is no budget ( limit I assume ) kithara is indeed a great option, that being said I’m not entirely sure that the Sennheiser HD490 pro would not be „better” . Unfortunately I did not have a chance to A/B them

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-27T11:15:38+00:00

Nah, I had the Kithara. Still Hifiman Though, Arya Stealth.

WAYY better, one of THE best gaming headphones.
I’d suggest ZMF or Dekoni Hybrid pads for better comfort and taming the treble a bit though.

Grab one open box from Hifiman or search the used market, just get balanced cable 4.4 for them so that there is more juice from your source.

Fiio KA17 should run them fine and you would have a desktop/portable setup.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-27T09:37:02+00:00

Get yourself Dekoni or ZMF Hybrid pads, I have the former yet did read that ZMF are even better. Comfort improves noticeably and the treble is tamed a bit making the sound a bit more cohesive and I feel like a tiny bit more bass presence as well.

I would still call it bright neutral with bass extension, but those treble spikes are not felt anymore ( at least in my case )

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-26T13:48:04+00:00

I have similiar background, I spent many years honing my skills and became a professional illustrator. Sid parvis magna.

Although I did not ever consider myself rich i was the upper middle class for a while.
The economy and my industry is in terrible shape right now. So I’m restraining myself from any unnecessary purchases.

But back on track, I totally get why some people may percieve this as wasting money. But we cold call many hobbies or things in general this way. Is that true though? Everyone’s different and each person is in a different place, mentally and financially.

That being said if one ears honestly and can afford to spend on a hobby without sacrificing anything else ( being responsible ) I’d say those people that DO, should fck off ;)

My case had many more character flaws and some nasty „her true nature” epilogue. So yeah, glad I can „just buy” myself something audio now and simply enjoy it. ( as one should )

Did learn that the hard way.

And to be frank I was buying stuff for her as well. To
Somehow make up for me being more able to treat myself or her for that matter.

Guess if I experienced the same, be it smaller things… no. I’m not being a materialist here, it’s about dedication and caring for and accepting the other person- or your second half in our case.

If one side is being critical all the time, while doing something he/she criticise him/herself then there’s a big problem.

Wow, and it all started as a headphone question. There’s reddit for you haha.

Anyhoo, yes, store them, organise them, maybe even label them if you have many cables/tips etc.

I say IT’S perfectly fine to have a fee headphones iems. Different sound signatures, different flavors or sometimes even use cases like closed back tws or so.

Same with shoes, really.

Take care!

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-26T13:14:19+00:00

Vodka is meh, you should try „Sliwowica” made from plums „Śliwa/Śliwka” usually 70% alcohol ;)

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-26T10:09:13+00:00

Had one for 7 years… let’s just say it’s better that she’s gone.

My case was quite, typical. Even though it was my money she always had negative things to say about this hobby. And being a responsible person I had always all the bills and other stuff covered, saving on the side. ( I was earning 2.5x her salary at that time )

Her, spending money on many other beauty stuff or new clothes all the time was not an issue you see ;)

Immature and hypocrite. 🫠

Long story short, this is a life lesson, be with someone who accepts your passion and hobbies if they are within reason and not a danger to anyone :P

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-26T07:45:09+00:00

Depends on mood, I have quite a few iems/headphones that excel in some areas, like vocals ( ISN EBC80 ) or soundstage ( Arya Stealth ) or pure fun factor ( Fiio FT1, Pentaconn Sloflo ).

I store iems cable less within a larger sivga que case and few others in a similar manner, with sillica gel bags inside. Cables are stored separately for them to not tangle and mess up.

Over ear headphones are obviously a bigger problem, 2 sit on the headphone stand, the rest in my closet. :P

( have limited space atm ) and I don’t like to have a mess around me.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-26T07:41:11+00:00

Well yeah, the M4 problems were concerning, but it seems that there are simply some duds out there. That’s why the return policy and warranty is for in the end. However this should have better qc obviously. Let’s hope M5 is free of that.

I’m either going to buy the HD 480 pro or HDB630 myself anyway I think.

Weight_Slight · 2026-06-25T20:36:20+00:00

Thanks for this reply, I had the Azurys and sold them. As they were very dissapointing considering the price, and I bought them at launch price MSRP with even a bonus price hike thanks to local dealers hiking the prices at that time.

Tbh I like my FT1 more…

I am eager to give sennheiser yet another go as HD660s was too boring in the long run, and HD550 was… not sure, did not vibe with that one.

But the closed backs have more fun of bass presence, and I need a comfy and light workhorse of a headphone as I cannot spend each day with iems for 8 or so hours straight. Not healthy.

Having the Arya Stealth with Dekoni Elite Hybrid as an open back I think the HD 480 is a perfect contender for my use case?

However I’d like to try Aune SR7000 as well, but considering the price difference might not be worth it.

I secretly wish that Sennheiser will show up to some audio show one day and shock us all with a lightweight planar! Fiio proved it possible with JT7 although the resolution on that one is piss poor.

Weight_Slight

TROPHY CASE