# I need advice! **URL:** https://forum.headphones.com/c/advice-thread/10.md [Latest](https://forum.headphones.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.headphones.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.headphones.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the I need advice! category](https://forum.headphones.com/t/about-the-i-need-advice-category/689)
**Author:** [@taronlissimore](https://forum.headphones.com/u/taronlissimore)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2026, 2:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/about-the-i-need-advice-category/689 "2026-08-20T14:32:38Z")
Ask your questions here if you are looking for purchase advice. There are tons of knowledgable headphone enthusiasts here that would be happy to help you out :slight\_smile: ! Update We have changed the Purchase Advice … --- ## [General purchase advice: Ask your questions/for advice here!](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620)
**Author:** [@TylersEclectic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TylersEclectic)\ **Replies:** 6625\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2026, 1:01am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620 "2026-10-11T01:01:01Z")
The type of headphone/amp/DAC I am looking for is (Closed-back, open-back, in-ear, wireless, etc): My price range is: I like to listen to: I will be using them for: (Travel, commuting, home, gym, etc…): Please follow… --- ## [Best Guitar Amp Headphones](https://forum.headphones.com/t/best-guitar-amp-headphones/20498)
**Author:** [@Jozlyn222](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Jozlyn222)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 3:58pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/best-guitar-amp-headphones/20498 "2026-09-23T15:58:50Z")
I have an elderly friend who is asking for advice on obtaining a headphone for his guitar amp. He would like to spend under $300. Also, it can be wireless or wired. I imagine a question like this has previously been post… --- ## [Compact Speakers for Desk Use](https://forum.headphones.com/t/compact-speakers-for-desk-use/27400)
**Author:** [@marcgii](https://forum.headphones.com/u/marcgii)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 7:15am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/compact-speakers-for-desk-use/27400 "2026-09-16T07:15:52Z")
Right now I’m mainly considering the iLoud MTM MK2. They’re small enough and I want to try the built-in room correction feature. Other than this pair, the only other good options I know of are common recommendations li… --- ## [DAC / Amp Combo](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dac-amp-combo/27010)
**Author:** [@tomcrable](https://forum.headphones.com/u/tomcrable)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 10:06pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dac-amp-combo/27010 "2026-07-31T22:06:39Z")
I am currently using: Windows 11 PRO, Musicbee, WASAPI USB into Schiit Bifrost 2/64 XLR into Schiit Jotunheim 2 Have Focal Clear OG and Hifiman Sundara as my main headphones and usually use XLR connection on the Jotun… --- ## [Dongle DAC/amp with EQ](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dongle-dac-amp-with-eq/27207)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dongle-dac-amp-with-eq/27207 "2026-06-17T17:53:55Z")
I’ve got the CrinEar Protocol Max and love it! I need another DAC/amp to use with my iPhone. I could just buy another but I’d rather get something else if it meets my needs: USB-C input No battery/powered by phone PEQ … --- ## [Looking for new iem](https://forum.headphones.com/t/looking-for-new-iem/27169)
**Author:** [@Bookbear](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Bookbear)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2026, 9:54pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/looking-for-new-iem/27169 "2026-05-24T21:54:15Z")
Hello and happy summer! And since it IS summer, the windows are open here and the fans all over the house are roaring away. This makes listening with my beloved Arya Stealth headphones… problematic. I pretty sure I n… --- ## [Desktop DAC/Amp](https://forum.headphones.com/t/desktop-dac-amp/25537)
**Author:** [@TRDK](https://forum.headphones.com/u/TRDK)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 10:18am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/desktop-dac-amp/25537 "2026-02-26T10:18:49Z")
Cuurently I have: Dan Clark Audio Noire X Austrian Audio - The Composer in combination with iBasso D16. The only “small” challenge: It is a battery solution. I think the time has come to look for a powerful desktop … --- ## [Equalizer APO/Topping drivers/ASIO drivers not working together](https://forum.headphones.com/t/equalizer-apo-topping-drivers-asio-drivers-not-working-together/9925)
**Author:** [@rho](https://forum.headphones.com/u/rho)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2025, 10:28pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/equalizer-apo-topping-drivers-asio-drivers-not-working-together/9925 "2025-12-25T22:28:36Z")
Hardware/software involved: Lenovo Ideapad 520 (USB 2.0 output/Windows10) Topping DX3 pro (USB input) headphones Equalizer APO/Peace ASIO audio drivers Topping USB drivers Foobar2000 with foo\_input\_SACD component … --- ## [A70 pro clicks off briefly](https://forum.headphones.com/t/a70-pro-clicks-off-briefly/26368)
**Author:** [@Klute](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Klute)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2025, 6:23am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/a70-pro-clicks-off-briefly/26368 "2025-12-06T06:23:03Z")
What model are you having issues with?: Topping A70pro Describe your issue with the most detail you can: Every once in a long while my amp shuts off and clicks right back on, couldn’t be more than a second. I know it’s… --- ## [Listening room](https://forum.headphones.com/t/listening-room/26465)
**Author:** [@Klute](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Klute)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2025, 11:42am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/listening-room/26465 "2025-10-08T11:42:44Z")
The type of headphone I am looking for is (Closed-back, open-back, in-ear, wireless, etc): Have Tungsten on order My price range is: “reasonable” but open over time I like to listen to: Electronica I will be using the… --- ## [Audio Support - Question Submissions thread](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audio-support-question-submissions-thread/21527)
**Author:** [@GoldenSound](https://forum.headphones.com/u/GoldenSound)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2025, 2:53pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audio-support-question-submissions-thread/21527 "2025-09-29T14:53:42Z")
If you’ve got any questions related to audio, gear, software, headphones, anything at all, submit them here! Watch the first episode of ‘Audio Support’ here: --- ## [Jotunheim 2 or stick with Fiio K9 Pro for Arya Stealth?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/jotunheim-2-or-stick-with-fiio-k9-pro-for-arya-stealth/23117)
**Author:** [@Bookbear](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Bookbear)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2025, 2:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/jotunheim-2-or-stick-with-fiio-k9-pro-for-arya-stealth/23117 "2025-09-22T14:33:22Z")
Here’s my dilemma: I have a new pair of Arya Stealth cans. I love them, they are great. I currently have a FiiO K9 Pro (AKM model). I keep reading that the Aryas will truly sing if powered by a discrete class A amp. The … --- ## [Advice on a Headphone Specific System](https://forum.headphones.com/t/advice-on-a-headphone-specific-system/26193)
**Author:** [@cpd](https://forum.headphones.com/u/cpd)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 3:49pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/advice-on-a-headphone-specific-system/26193 "2025-09-17T15:49:03Z")
Hi all. I am new to the forum. I’m interested in your thoughts and advice on a setup exclusively for headphone use (DAC, amp, and potentially a streamer). It is not going to be near a PC, but I do like the desktop siz… --- ## [Minimum system for a premier listening experience?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/minimum-system-for-a-premier-listening-experience/26041)
**Author:** [@ADU](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ADU)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2025, 4:37am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/minimum-system-for-a-premier-listening-experience/26041 "2025-08-20T04:37:18Z")
A premier listening experience means a system that checks off most or all of the boxes for sound quality. IOW, a very spacious, open sound, with low distortion/noise, and good symmetry, clarity, and imaging. The headphon… --- ## [Recommended Gear](https://forum.headphones.com/t/recommended-gear/5467)
**Author:** [@ValentineLuke](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ValentineLuke)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2025, 12:52am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/recommended-gear/5467 "2025-08-19T00:52:22Z")
This thread is for the purpose of making recommendations on gear based on a tiered price syestem, similar to the Community Preview Program. The tiers are as follows: Tier 3- “Entry level”, Items up to $1000 USD. Tier … --- ## [Newbie here - Need advice on DAC/AMP combo, please](https://forum.headphones.com/t/newbie-here-need-advice-on-dac-amp-combo-please/25970)
**Author:** [@Rex\_Rocker](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Rex_Rocker)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2025, 9:11am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/newbie-here-need-advice-on-dac-amp-combo-please/25970 "2025-08-13T09:11:33Z")
Hello! Newbie here! Please go easy on me, haha. I recently got into the hobby. I first started getting into headphones because I moved into an apartment, and needed to play guitar quietly through my Line 6 Helix. I worke… --- ## [Things to consider before buying new audio gear](https://forum.headphones.com/t/things-to-consider-before-buying-new-audio-gear/25318)
**Author:** [@ADU](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ADU)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2025, 10:39pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/things-to-consider-before-buying-new-audio-gear/25318 "2025-05-18T22:39:12Z")
I thought this new video by Resolve was pretty good. So thought I’d start a topic to see what general tips or advice others might have on making new audio purchases from their own personal buying experiences. … --- ## [Cracking and popping in HQPlayer](https://forum.headphones.com/t/cracking-and-popping-in-hqplayer/25584)
**Author:** [@bassididdle](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bassididdle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 8:11pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/cracking-and-popping-in-hqplayer/25584 "2025-04-21T20:11:38Z")
Hi. I have an Hifiman Serenade and I love the sound. It is amazing with Roon and HQPlayer. But I have a huge problem. When on USB in Windows, the driver is very basic, only allowing for DoP with a VERY thin sound, and … --- ## [Hifiman Serenade for Denafrips Pontus 15?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-serenade-for-denafrips-pontus-15/25452)
**Author:** [@bassididdle](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bassididdle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 4:53pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-serenade-for-denafrips-pontus-15/25452 "2025-03-31T16:53:45Z")
Hi there! I have a Serenade dac/amp/preamp/streamer updated to the Hymalaya Pro Gold dac chip. Am only going to use it with headphones. I currently have the Hifiman Arya Stealth and the FiiO FT1 and FT1 Pro. They all … --- ## [IEM 101- looking for guidance](https://forum.headphones.com/t/iem-101-looking-for-guidance/25166)
**Author:** [@MTUK](https://forum.headphones.com/u/MTUK)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2025, 6:24pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/iem-101-looking-for-guidance/25166 "2025-03-09T18:24:43Z")
So I’ve been in this hobby for a while now and have my Clears, HE1000s, 660s and Focal Bathys. Pretty happy and feel I have a fairly good understanding of the market. I love the Bathys when I’m travelling but also inte… --- ## [Motorcycle In-Ear Choices](https://forum.headphones.com/t/motorcycle-in-ear-choices/1248)
**Author:** [@DGSKC](https://forum.headphones.com/u/DGSKC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2025, 3:51am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/motorcycle-in-ear-choices/1248 "2025-01-13T03:51:32Z")
I have communications gear attached to my motorcycle helmet. The microphone is a separate plug-in to the device so I don’t need or want a microphone. Wind noise is the issue. I would prefer a passive noise cancelling,… --- ## [2022 Headphones under $200 Shootout](https://forum.headphones.com/t/2022-headphones-under-200-shootout/20270)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2024, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/2022-headphones-under-200-shootout/20270 "2024-12-18T01:08:10Z")
This past Christmas was a rare event in that me, my parents, and my siblings and their families would all be together for a few days. Long story short I decided to purchase a selection of headphones between $100 and $200… --- ## [HE6se V2 Pad Replacement? (OG or Aftermarket)](https://forum.headphones.com/t/he6se-v2-pad-replacement-og-or-aftermarket/24682)
**Author:** [@all24bits](https://forum.headphones.com/u/all24bits)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 10:16am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/he6se-v2-pad-replacement-og-or-aftermarket/24682 "2024-12-02T10:16:30Z")
I have a defective pad on my HE6se V2. I need either replacement pads (stock) or I need a really great set of replacement pads that don’t alter the original sound too much. Does anyone have any suggestions on what or whe… --- ## [$10k high end DAC and amp upgrades](https://forum.headphones.com/t/10k-high-end-dac-and-amp-upgrades/15381)
**Author:** [@hnordberg](https://forum.headphones.com/u/hnordberg)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2024, 11:30pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/10k-high-end-dac-and-amp-upgrades/15381 "2024-11-08T23:30:47Z")
I’m looking to overhaul my system. Current chain: PC → Cheap USB cable → Hugo 2 → custom silver cable → Utopia My thinking is get: A high end DAC A good tube amp A better USB cable and/or a galvanic isolator Verité … --- ## [DAC Amp Suggestions](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dac-amp-suggestions/1576)
**Author:** [@jflores476](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jflores476)\ **Replies:** 243\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2024, 6:43pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dac-amp-suggestions/1576 "2024-10-08T18:43:38Z")
After reading the many great reviews and comments, I’ve about decided to spend my next $200 on a DAC / Amp with optical input. The Schiit stack for $199 (Magni 3 / Modi 2) looks pretty good. What else would compare in t… --- ## [OTC tube amp bass distortion with low impedance planars](https://forum.headphones.com/t/otc-tube-amp-bass-distortion-with-low-impedance-planars/23549)
**Author:** [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2024, 2:28am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/otc-tube-amp-bass-distortion-with-low-impedance-planars/23549 "2024-10-05T02:28:16Z")
I’ve had this Cayin HA-1A MK2 for some time now and I’ve noticed that the low bass distorts on certain songs with both my Hifiman HE6se V2 and Audeze LCD-5. It sounds flatulent or overly wet. The volume level doesn’t see… --- ## [Headphone amp recommendations](https://forum.headphones.com/t/headphone-amp-recommendations/685)
**Author:** [@Lalakai](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Lalakai)\ **Replies:** 759\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2024, 7:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/headphone-amp-recommendations/685 "2024-09-30T19:32:08Z")
for better or worse, I prefer the bigger over the ear closed headphones. Quite often the impediance of these units really over powers cell phones or portable players. Which is why I opted for a headphone amp and once a… --- ## [High end DAC upgrade](https://forum.headphones.com/t/high-end-dac-upgrade/20057)
**Author:** [@KaranGovil](https://forum.headphones.com/u/KaranGovil)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2024, 10:16am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/high-end-dac-upgrade/20057 "2024-09-17T10:16:07Z")
I am looking to upgrade (sidegrade?) my DAC from Holo May KTE that I recently sold. Here is my current chain: Source: SonicTransporter i7 → opticalRendu → Curious USB Amps: Eddie Current Studio B 300B (single ended), … --- ## [Neutral sound signature with amazing soundstage?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/neutral-sound-signature-with-amazing-soundstage/22801)
**Author:** [@Promee](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Promee)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/neutral-sound-signature-with-amazing-soundstage/22801 "2024-03-16T19:17:15Z")
Now that I have been promoted, it’s time to unleash the beast and start a new topic! I asked a similar question in the general purchase advice thread, but I want to expand this into a slightly more theoretical discussio… [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/c/advice-thread/10.md?page=1)