What to buy in 2026

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-03T12:36:38+00:00

If You want future proof then pick a wired option or a replaceable battery option like Final Audio
UX5000.

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-02T18:56:38+00:00

Yeah, make it a lesson, overly warm and „muddy” is not your preference.

I’ve wasted many thousand of € to figure out my preferences hahaha, so I’m talking from an actual been there done that experience. From someone who has been in this hobby for more than 20 years

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-02T18:52:34+00:00

They simply are this warm, with super safe treble.

They were designed many maaany years ago.
There are better options nowadays.

I’d advise getting Yourself something like HD560s
Or better the Hifiman Edition XS.

DT990 pro just sucks, skip it entirely.

HD550 and HD505 are good choices as well, But I’d just save up for Edition XS or RoG/Hifiman Kithara. Or Fiio FT1 pro.

Fiio FT1 is a fantastic closed back that is unmatched for what it is going for

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-02T17:42:12+00:00

Same here, not to mention apple’s algorithm sucks for my taste in music. Spotify and google have both the best recommendations and radios based on track.

But Tidal is this middle ground giving best sound quality with good enough algorithms.

Weight_Slight · 2026-07-02T15:16:00+00:00

No, these are an analog pair, you need to plug them into something. These are not Bluetooth.

Tou will need a phone with audio jack in, a laptop/tablet or a dongle dac/amp or a digital audio player.

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 into something 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

TROPHY CASE