Take a look at these new AIAIAI TMA 2 Studio Wireless+.
A least you will listen wirelessly to 16 bits lossless music, they are available for preorder at 350 euro.
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Hello and thank you for the welcome!
I’m rather new to the audio game, so I unfortunately don’t have a dac or amp yet. It may be against some people’s philosophy, but I’m trying to build from a good set of headphones, and then worry about more minute differences in sound (dac/amp) later on. Thank you:)
Thanks for letting us know. It’s actually important information because if you want to be able to plug your headphones straight into a PC/Mac/laptop, that removes a lot of potential headphones that need power or current off your list.
With a $1K budget, most people will tell you to spend at least a couple of hundred on a dac/amp, even a dongle, to get the benefit of such a good headphone.
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This limits you to sensitive headphones – perhaps 25% or 35% of all models in the sub $1k price range.
For a neutral-to-bright profile without a DAC/amp, consider the Focal Elex or original Focal Clear, Grado, and Beyerdynamic (but NOT the 250 or 600 ohm models).
Unless you get an amp it’s probably best to avoid Dan Clark, Audeze, Sennheiser, HiFiMan, ZMF, and more.
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I wouldn’t spend on a Clear without putting $400+ into an amp, they are really amp picky.
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I would. I’ve used my Clear raw from a phone or PC “without displeasure.” It’s not the best, but very easy to drive. The Clear doesn’t do well on a cheap analytical setup (e.g., AKM, Cirrus, ESS DACs), but easily outclasses most other non-amped options.
I’d pick the Clear before a Grado or Beyer for sure, and @Kieo_Luveio wants brighter sound.
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Hey, thanks!!
I know it’s the typical response, but a little bit of everything. It’s mainly symphonic metal (Nightwish, Within Temptation, etc), as well as celtic folk (Cécile Corbel). Some other big artists are Indica, Tuomas Holopainen, Dave Matthew’s Band, Pentatonix, Rush, as well as a lot of classical music. Tyler Childer’s is also a favorite of mine.
So uh, yeah, to summarize, symphonic metal, celtic folk, and classical take up the brunt, with a sprinkle of everything else (minus more hardcore metal and rap). Hope this clarified a bit!
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Ahhh gotcha, I hadn’t really considered that. But yeah, it will not be plugged straight into a laptop/phone/etc. The 1k is budget purely for the headphones, with an extra couple hundred set aside for a dac/amp (I’d rather have headphones suited to my taste, and get a dac/amp to match, than vice versa).
Thank you!!!
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Thanks, that’s helpful. I’ll second the recommendation of @generic and recommend the Focal Elex or original Clear, then. Both are quite resolving/clear and have a nice punch to them (nice kick drum sound for metal). They can be a little peaky in the treble with symbols depending on the recording quality, but not too bad. I wouldn’t call the sound stage large, but it’s not small and both headphones have very good imaging capabilities. If you don’t want to use EQ, either would be my recommendation for best open-back headphone under $1000 that’s efficient enough to drive from a phone w/Apple dongle or a laptop. The Clear and Elex will both greatly benefit from a dedicated DAC and amplifier, though.
If you want to spend less and will be buying an amp and DAC right away, the HiFiMan Sundara is only $350 and is really really good. It’s not as sensitive as the Focal stuff, so it definitely needs an amp; something cheaper from Schiit or JDS Labs will be plenty for the Sundara.
Hope that helps!
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Thanks, NickZ.
I have researched and understand about the lower rez limitations of Bluetooth. Trying to get the most out of it as much as possible via the best wireless IEM for sound. And, I also want a decent pair of wired IEMs to go direct to DAC and higher rez sources when not working. Eventually for closed back headphones, too.
You’re all set with your priorities so we’ll see what the experienced people here can advise for specific units.
I don’t have much experience with iem’s and my hearing is probably worse than yours so I refrain from making recommendations.
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Thanks pennstac. Having a Bluetooth plug-in accessory/option to go with a higher quality wired IEM may be a great option to know more about. I do understand the limitations of Bluetooth capabilities, which is why I want to go the next step of having a decent and capable portable DAC.
And definitely proper earpieces (correct fitting) and what’s available for upgrading from the OEM ones is of interest, too. I’ve read some about it. I have issues with my current in-ears fitting properly. Frustrating! Look forward to your experience/advice!
Look at the video comparison of exactly what you’re looking for that @Resolve just posted.
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Saw the comparison video. Yes, the GO BLU was the best choice for me, being a “starter” in equipment and experience. It will fit what I want/need for now until I get more experience and expand my rig. And win the lottery…yeah, that will help with my Sennheiser HE-1 need. Thank you!
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Reporting back. The wife ended up making a great decision, without much of my help (turns out, I was too late in reporting back). I’m now the proud owner of the Focal Clear (OG), as she recalled me talking about them a while back and… oh my damn am I happy. I’m gonna spend the week revisiting some favorites.
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Congratulations Sir. What a wonderful gift. The Focal Clear is a favourite of mine. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.
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Congratulations! I’m glad you like them. I love mine and often think they could be a pair of headphones to keep for a lifetime.
To that end, it might be worth picking up a pair of replacement pads since the Clear will be discontinued at some point. The pads used to go for $200 but you can get them for $100 now from headphonesdotcom (here).
I find the Clear have an ideal combination of pleasing tuning, one that does well to extend so far at both ends of the spectrum, and impressive technicalities, and because of this, I find them to be excellent all-rounders that go well with all kinds of music.
Here’s wishing you much happy listening with them!
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You have an awesome wife. Enjoy!
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Thanks for the tip on the pads! I’m probably gonna order a few sets, just to be safe.
And yeah, so far, everything I’ve thrown at them regardless of genre has sounded amazing.
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Depending on how heavily you use them, each set can last several months to many years. YMMV. You may also wish to try Dekoni’s Focal pads. They change the tone and fit to a degree and in different ways, and you may find that one style is better than factory (or worse).
https://dekoniaudio.com/product-category/brands/focal/
Also see @Resolve’s review:
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