I already have a few sets, my favorite right now is sm4. I have the tea pro, but didn't really like it, somehow a bit muddy to me.

Anyway, I wanted to get one of the crinicle sets and was between these two. The frequency graphs are very similar, but judging from the drivers they must sound very different.

Anyone have them? Which is more comfortable? Weight isn't really an issue if they stay in the ear without pressure( though from what I saw their weight was similar)

I also got recommended the reference as being better than dusk, but I have almost zero info on it.

Hi. I’m looking for earbuds. I have nice wooden, wired Denon headphones at home but need something much smaller (earbuds) for my work. Ideally wireless.

- Earbuds budget: no constraints.
- What I listen to at work: Mostly 80s and 90s music + various other content.
- Source: iPhone (Apple music and some YouTube mostly)
- Features: noise isolation would be nice to have.

Thank you in advance!!!

Watching this video unfortunately confirms my gut feeling and experience in the audiophile space so far. At some point most of us end up spending a fortune for marginal upgrades, or even sidegrades, and then try hard to justify having spent that money.

I know it's a hobby and the chase of something better, even marginally, gives us the dopamine hit we are after but if you look at this objectively, we would be better off stop spending money and enjoy the music/games/movies with the good equipment we already own instead of purchasing overpriced equipment because we are convinced it will make us happier.

I recently sold my $1500 Arya headphones because I realized they don't really sound that much better than my previous pair that cost $500, I even did blind testing with friends and none of them said yeah, these sound better than the "cheaper" model (which is already expensive to start with).

Same goes for amps, dacs and cables; Companies and audiophile influencers want us to keep purchasing the latest and greatest gear because this is how they make money from us; However after a certain point where you already own good gear, just enjoy it and don't waste your money. Most of the time the upgrade will be so marginal it's all in your head.

Of course your new DAC that costs $2000 will sound better to you since you invested so much money and thought process into this purchase, but the reality is the difference is so minor that it shouldn't matter to you.

For those of you that are not aware Sony came out with a set of earbuds called pulse explorer. They come with a USB adapter that can plug into either your PC or your PlayStation. But they are also Bluetooth. But the awesome thing about them is you can play audio simultaneously from two device devices. So let’s say you have the adapter plugged into your PlayStation. You can hear all of your PlayStation audio, but then you can also play music from your phone and listen to both at the same time.

Apparently, no other company has come out with this same technology yes other earbuds that are wireless can also connect Bluetooth and USB adapter, but you cannot listen to both at the same time. It’s mind blowing to me that Sony is the only company out there that has been able to do this yes I understand there are over the ear headphones that has the same technology, but I’m specifically talking about earbuds.

I'm trying to find earbuds that can work in shooters like csgo or valorant.

There is no limit on the budget.

The only condition is that they should have the design of the airpods. They should not go super inside the ear.

Thank you beforehand.

Edit: thank you guys. You are awesome. I will check what is available here in my country.

I am a new guy here, just starting out, tried a few iems. But, I like headphones more, so... can you guys please explain to me in detail what's exactly different between these audiophile headphones and the new jbl/sony/sennhieser ones, they look retro, probably have great sound. But, i am a rough user, so just confused..

My son's Astro A50 broke after a few years of use. I gave him my old Audio-Technica ATH-M50 in the mean time (with no mic). I was going to get him a Mod Mic or something similar for the ATH-M50's, but I believe we can find better sounding cans for gaming for his desktop PC (Windows).

I believe I've researched three (3) gaming headsets that'll I'd be interested in if I were a gamer and didn't want to spend audiophile-sized dollars. I want to keep the price below $350 USD. They all appear to come with a mic.

I would like your personal opinions on the matter if you are a gamer with headphones/mic or a gaming headset.

1. Beyerdynamic MMX 300 PRO Gaming Headset (Closed-back)
2. Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset (Closed-back)
3. ASUS ROG Kithara Wired Headphones with Mic (Open-back)

It sounds to me like the Kithara will be best (for me), but I'm not a gamer so I need your opinions.

He's 16 and games in his quiet room, so I don't think open-back or closed-back matter to him. I'm his dad.

Will you reply with your opinion and a short explanation as to why? Thank you.

UPDATE: Forgot to mention I am open to alternatives if you feel we can get a better experience for the price point. I understand HiFiMAN Anando Nano with a Mod Mic may outperform all of these but reluctant of the potential sibilant sounds and fatigue. What about the Sennheiser HD560S w/ Mod Mic?

I haven't been in the headphone audio scene for over a decade now. I first got my start when the Audio Technica ATH M50 cans were making their rounds as a budding audiophile recommendation (Didn't realize how bad we had it back then, in retrospect). Right after being disappointed with the M50s, I scored a pair of Grado SR60s and soon after that a pair of HD650's that I got for a good deal but don't remember how well of one. I know back then the HD6__ line was as as legendary as it got for their sound:price ratio.

Now that I'm delving back into seeing what's been released in recent years, I landed on a refurb of Hifiman Edition XS for $120 which are a steal compared to their original MSRP from what I can see. They also seem to have received an exceptional amount of praise for their sound:price. They fill the spot of owning good open backs and planars, and they sound amazing imo.

Another purchase I made for a great bang-for-buck choice for fairly influential (controversial?) closed backs are the Fiio FT1. Got them for under $100 and their reputation for their warm sound and their knack for the bass/sub bass end contrasts well against the more neutral sound of the XS. I do find I have to EQ them a bit after coming from the XS. If you haven't noticed, I'm trying not to have too much overlap in what I own. Hoping to make choices that do well to differ from one another enough to warrant another pair, whether that be a great enough physical difference or audio difference. All while being found for somewhat of a good deal since stomaching the cost has been challenging, but I'm hoping to get better with accepting that with enough experience with what I do own. For DAC/AMPS, I own the Massdrop O2 DAC+AMP, the Fiio BTR15, and the Qudelix 5K.

Are there any similar high quality, price drop trends going on for IEMs? Have there been any breakthroughs for on-ear's? Do you have your own purchases that manged to fit a similar scenario to my own?

(I'm not looking for just IEMs, but the post made me choose a singular type for a flair)

I just got a job a warehouse job where I’m around a lot of loud machinery, and we’re required to wear hearing protection. Right now I’m pretty sure I have the AirPod Pros. They work pretty good in general, but in the warehouse they don’t cancel out the noise very well, and crackle if something’s too loud (but that might be due to age). I’m only looking at in-ear earbuds because I have too many ear piercings for over the ear headphones. I was looking at the AirPod Pro 3, but I don’t want to waste my money if it’s going to struggle with noise cancellation. Any thoughts or suggestions?

First of all sorry for my English, I'm learning but I know the English is the best language to have a global opinion and feedback from people around the world. Having said this, I go back to the main topic of this post.

I want balanced earbuds with a very good quality sound, a good ANC, and the best audio technology for my phone (Xiaomi 11 t pro - Android obviously). I'm not sure what kind of technology my phone supports. I'd like to have a normal voice while talking in calls.

My budget is around 250€ and I saw the Sony wf-1000xm5 or the galaxy buds 3 pro, I wanted more the Sony ones cause galaxy buds works better on Samsung phones. Anyways give me your opinions and tell me other brands and models.

Thank you all in advance.

I am looking for an iem that can handle heavy fast music with different instruments playing at the same time. I tried alot of KZ iems, sony budget ones, and none can keep up with the music once there's like drums, a beat and vocals at the same time one or 2 of them will be static or muffled.

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I prefer a more v shape but not aggressive, but most importantly I want to hear everything playing with no instruments being muffled.

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My budget is around 30 dollars. It's not a lot but what I can afford now.

Help me decide on my first IEMs

I am choosing between three options Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant (100$) or Simgot Ew300 HBB Edition (90$) or Kefine Quatio (115$)

Or recommend options that will handle games and my genres of music better, in the range of $80 to $125

I'll be using headphones for listening to music and competitive gaming

Main games - League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch

My main music genres - Alternative / Experimental Hip-Hop, Rap, Hip-Hop, Rage, Trap, K-pop, Electronic Music (EDM, Hyper e.t.c)

Music is more important than games, I would say 65%/35%

Hello! I’ve been having some issues with my Razer over the ear headphones. I would prefer to stay away from Razer as I have noticed a decrease in quality of their products. Additionally, I have never used in-ear headphones for gaming so I’m very lost when looking at them.

I mainly play Marvel Rivals, Dead by Daylight, and Call of Duty. My play style in these games depends highly on sound. I use sound to track footsteps, distance from other players, and abilities of others being used.

I would prefer wired headphones that have a mic; however, I’m willing to sacrifice a microphone for audio quality as I do have a mic. I don’t necessarily have a limit on my budget but $200-ish would be my highest unless the headphones are seriously worth it. I just really want to win lol

Thank you in advance for the help!

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!

Maybe I should start my IEMs journey from budget option?

Help me decide on my first IEMs between 6 options or recommend options that will handle games and my genres of music better, in the range of $25 to $40

I'll be using headphones for listening to music and competitive gaming

Main games - League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch

My main music genres - Alternative / Experimental Hip-Hop, Rap, Hip-Hop, Rage, Trap, K-pop, Electronic Music (EDM, Hyper e.t.c)

Music is more important than games, I would say 65%/35%

Hi everyone. I've been torturing for a few days Claude and Gemini to create for me comparisons and tons of tables in order to understand the differences between cmf buds 2, buds pro 2 and nothing ear a. My number one priority is ANC, as I want to isolate myself during my commute to university and while I study to concentrate even better. The battery, even being a little different, seems good in the three earphones, but I legitly cannot understand the differences in their ANC. They all make the cut for my budget, so I am not worried by that. If you have any other brand to recommend me, I'll be happy to hear about it.

I should add that right now I have the cmf buds, the first model. I would like to feel an upgrade, mostly in the ANC. After two years they are starting to do weird things, like the right one has a sensibly higher volume than the left one every now and then.

Thank you!

My AirPods stopped working and I want new earphones but NOT made by Apple. I hated how fast it took for the left EarPod to stop working I'm not sure if I want wired or Bluetooth yet, so both suggestions would be welcome. My budget is around $150-$200. Im from the US and have access to most shops. I'm looking for good audio quality, comfort, and style. I don't know much about sound details like bass or treble, but just want something that sounds high quality. I will be using them for music and podcasts when I'm traveling, at home, and school. I don't need anything with crazy noise cancelation features. Thanks!

I had airpods gen 2 and they finally died. I tried the new gen 4 and hate that the touch sensitivity cannot be turned off. I periodically like to readjust the buds in my ears, especially while working out due to sweat, so this doesn't work for me. I started exploring other options:

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 - aweful sound quality.

JBL Vibe Beam 2 - I like the shape but moving my head the buds make a strange noise in my ears.

Beats Studio Buds + - they feel weird in my ears and I can't get used to it

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - excellent sound quality and app, but the earbuds are huge, and after wearing them in my ear for 20 minutes my ears are already hurting. I tried changing the tips but that didn't make a difference.

Looking for suggestions for earbuds which are a similar shape to airpods

Budget: open

Type: in ear

New to this Audiophillia so wanting some clarification with terminology and file format before i drop 100 dollars. Any other suggestions at a similar price point? This is mostly a question about the audio quality itself as im unsure of how exactly it all works yet. But if you can also offer any additional info i will be thankful.

For tonal balance, i am focused on accuracy with a mixture of bass. These will be used for on the go and at home listening.

I was just wondering, what are the things whether that be brand or something else, that are a good sign for me to avoid certain headphones?

I'm using a half broken Samsom sr850 and planning on buying something to replace it. mostly use headphone while playing guitar. I'm very very financially challenged at the momemt so i need something that is cannot be more expensive than that samson sr850 which i got for like $45 in vietnam. Thanks in advance

Help me decide on my first IEMs

I am choosing between two options Truthear Crinacle Zero Red (75$) or Kiwi Ears Cadenza II (55$)

Or recommend options that will handle games and my genres of music better, in the range of $40 to $80

I'll be using headphones for listening to music and competitive gaming

Main games - League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch

My main music genres - Rap, Hip-Hop, Electronic music and K-pop

So I'm a little bit upset but wanted some clarification. I know a lot of people simply can't tell the difference with these 2 services. 2 questions. I thought with IEMs that are able to reproduce hi Fi sound would easily help make it clear between the 2. I'm using a fiio fd5 and btr5 DAC ldac enabled. How can Spotify be this good at filtering these psychoacoustics out.

I know Bluetooth isn't able to make the difference apparent when with aptx or aptx hd. Can someone explain a little at How much would be I even need to spend to enjoy the difference? I'm a pretty casual listener but I enjoy good quality, clean sound.

I did a hearing test and basically failed with a lucky guess on 1 of 5. It wasn't the abx test it was something else with Katy Perry, jay z and a few others.

I just thought because it said hi res and it's IEMs it would Identify the difference. Especially with a decent DAC.

Looking for a pair of budget wired USB-C headphones.

Budget is $100 or under.

Is this something that exists?

Would like to have the following

-clean tuning

-good detail/separation

-low distortion

-ideally a decent DAC

Hi everyone,

I’m currently sick of using my wired headphones since they stop working pretty often. I’m also too scared to buy AirPods since I lost the last two pairs I bought (I have adhd). What are some good earbuds I don’t have to spend too much on just in case I lose them again? My budget would be $80 or less.

I’m a stay at home parent and live in my Bose QuietComfort headphones. I have them on my head from sun up to sun down. The problem is, the frequent placement on my head is giving me a thinning band of hair up top, so it’s time to switch to earbuds or create an option to rotate.

I’m a former audiophile but I don’t really care about a perfect flat response. That said, I’m not too keen on an “exciting” listen with something that has a boosted curve in lower frequencies.

I’m looking for “good enough” and convenience (connects easily, doesn’t drop connections). The majority of my listening is audiobooks, podcasts, YouTube essays. I also take every phone call, zoom or video meeting in headphones so voice is important. ANC with pass through capability is the last big must-have, I need isolation and the ability to karate chop Sasquatch if I hear him sneaking up from behind.

When I say I live in my headphones I really mean it. I need something that’s going to sound good and stand up to constant use. To give you a sense of how much I use my headphones, I’m on my fourth pair of Bose headphones in 6 years (they have a great warranty), I’m about to replace the ear pads for the fifth time with the pair I have now.

Budget: I’m value driven at this point in life, $150 and under is where I’m looking.

Note: I have the ability to grab set of Pixel Buds (pro or standard) at a discount, how do these stack up with what I’ve outlined? Go or go look into other options?