Starting my audiophile journey (just have PC38x right now) and am looking for a planar magnetic headphone. I know Sundara is gonna be brought up, and I am pulled between the Sundara, the Edition XS, or one of the Drop/DCA Aeon Xs. My biggest concern with Sundara is comfort due to the lack of cup swivel and smaller ear cups. My PC38x definitely gives my ears and head issues after a few hours. Maybe there is no way to decide between Sundara and Edition XS without trying one, as the primary differentiating factor for me is comfort. If the Edition XS is indeed more comfortable than the Sundara, I would spring for it, but the $150 price gap is a lot for someone who would be looking into either an entry level dac/amp combo or stack as well. I mention the DCA Aeons just because I am also open to comfy alternatives below $500. The use case would primarily be listening to music during the work day in a WFH environment.
Don’t sleep on the HiFiMan HE-400se. It’s a fantastic, comfortable entry-level planar for $150. That would save you plenty of dough for a Schiit Magni-Modi ($200) or JDS Labs Atom+ ($210) DAC/amp stack.
I have the HE-400se and the Edition XS. Yes, the Edition XS are better in every possible way. But the HE-400se are $350 cheaper and have 7/10ths of the sonic qualities of the XS. Terrific value and a good, low-risk/low-budget place to start with planars and the HiFiMan house sound.
I can’t really give a bunch of suggestions. I’m recently got a bit more serious with the hobby. I originally started with Sennheirser HD600 many years ago.
I consider the Clear, Clear MG, but went to the Stellia, which are probably a little easier to drive than the Clears. I’ve been been able drive them with a PC, Note 20 Ultra with a basic USBC to 3.5mm dongle, and a Roku remote. I also picked and use a FiiO BTR5 DAC/amp combo. I picked a balanced 2.5mm cable. The FiiO can drive them with SE 3.5 cable too. The balanced cable gives little clarity and a lot more volume.
If you’re looking for something portable and pretty good device, I suggest to check out the FiiO BTR5. If you look at watch/read reviews, most people speak positively of it.
While the above options are usual suspects in your price range, I haven’t listened to either, and therefore would not consider giving an opinion on them, other than that they are well thought of by the community here and in your range. I have listened to higher end Schiit and found it good for the price. I have one of the iFi Zen products, and also find it good in everyday use, but it is not the one you would get for your clears.
Why am I writing this? To point out that in the lower price ranges you can often find them used and can also sell them for only a bit less than you paid. So you don’t need to obsess about it. If you don’t find someone whose judgment you trust from other reviews who HAS listened to the combo, just choose one of the community favorites and if you aren’t happy, plan to swap. As a new person to higher end, you are going to find that it may take years for you to learn your own tastes and you need to start somewhere. . . . . Oh, and I haven’t heard the Clears either - I’m probably one of the few old-timers around here that haven’t, but I trust the judgement of those who have to congratulate you on what is likely an excellent choice.
Hi all -
I know this isn’t pure audiophile territory, but is there a relevant alternative to AirPods? I’m looking for something that’s got quality sound, but also needs to have the phone call situation covered, as these would be for business trips, time in the office, etc.
Of course I know that sound from a wireless can’t compete with a lot of the market but still looking for thoughts. Current plan was to wait for the next iteration of the AirPods Pro (likely releasing this year), but this is something I will use non-stop. Not concerned with budget, as I have the ability to get partially reimbursed and write the rest off.
Thanks!
Way below your budget, but the wireless Koss Porta Pros with Yaxi’s are fine, have good battery life, a decent microphone, and are exceedingly comfortable. Possibly the new Koss’ that you can swap to wired are even better, IDK. The Koss use a wire/battery setup that drops below the collar for adjustment of volume and phone duties. Plus, their open design lets you hear when someone talks, and the smallish drivers don’t disturb others.
However, if you buy a pair, and get reimbursed, what’s the comptroller going to say next year when you spend 8 times the amount for Apple?
If you are strictly looking for TWS, then the N400 are very Harman curve orientated and were recently (not sure if still) on sale for $50 instead of $200.
Personally, for the use case you describe, I am a fan of my Shanling MW200. It’s not strictly wireless as you use whatever IEMs you prefer, but I have found it to drive the vast majority of my IEMs well and works well for calls etc. With the added benefit of being able to remove the IEMs from my ears and let them dangle around my neck.
A Go Blu (or Qudelix etc) also serves the same function, but is a little more cumbersome on the wires front, unless you get extra short cables for the IEMs.
Oh that Shanling looks cool as hell and a good solve! I have a Go Blu but have found it cumbersome w/ the added chords.
This would allow me to conceivably get some pretty damn quality IEMs and use them in a case similar to the AirPods. That connection, however, looks different than my Blessing2 for example, so forgive me, but what am I looking at to ensure it works as well as is intended? Sound quality is somewhat important, always, but definitely going to be using for calls, traveling, talking in loud places, etc.
They sell both an MMCX and a 2pin version. Fiio also has a similar thing but the 2pin connectors on the Fiio are flush and don’t work for all IEMs (unless they have upgraded it since last time I looked).
The Shanling is decent in terms of SQ, although it’s fairly neutral, nothing exciting going on. With the B2 Dusk I did find it to lack a little “oomph”, but that could certainly be psychological. It supports LDAC etc. and can also be used via USB (in case of low battery etc.)
Here’s my review of it: Review - Shanling MW200
If you have any specific questions, let me know.
No, this is super helpful and sounds like a perfect solution for me.
Only thing I would need to figure out is the appropriate IEMs. This would be used on a plane, in crowded offices, etc., so something that won’t have any sound leak.
Maybe I will splurge and get myself some Andromeda or 64 Audio IEMs.
Any specific advice on a set you found paired really well to get the most out of both pieces? I say this within reason, ofc, as I understand it’s likely not the same as running wire straight into source.
BTW, source would be iPhone streaming Quboz for the audio portion.
Mine have actually been paired with the Moondrop Aria for at least the last six months. I used to swap around a lot on them but ended up sticking with the Aria. The reason is mainly because the Aria is an easy listening, pleasant, tuning and I am only really using them while doing other things, so I don’t focus on the music 100%.
Usually I will have them paired with my phone and just hanging around my neck, while I listen to other stuff via wire from a different source. If my phone rings, I just pop them in and ready to go. If I leave my desk to do other things, the same story, just pop them in and press play.
I can’t comment on iPhone or Qobuz as I don’t use either.
Hi everyone. I have a question. Has anyone purchased the Pass Labs HPA-1 and has success using the Pre AMp setting with other equipment such as receivers?
Was thinking about upgrading my Burson Soloist SL to the Pass Labs HPA-1.
Thanks to anyone who can respond to a question like this. 
I don’t know if you have an iPhone or not. I do not. I know there are some convenient benefits with staying with the Apple ecosystem if you do have an iPhone.
I suggest checking out Soundpeats. They are usually very affordable. I’ve owned and use(d) several models for close to five years. I like their TWS because you can use either ear by itself. The call quality is good. If using one ear piece, they more prone to pick up more background noise. I only get complaints if it windy. With using both, no complaints, but noticeable.
I personally like their H1s. They have least bassy sound signature. No ANC, but has some other noise cancelling that works best with both ear pieces. Dual driver, which stays pretty clean at high volumes. The ear piece has around 5 or 6 hour charge, and gets around 40 with moderate volumes with the case. The case also has wireless charging. Does have a phone app, but it’s pretty basic. I have used these at home, out in the city,car rides, airports, and airflights. Gym use is limited to my apartment buildings very small gym that has no TVs, music, and maybe one or two other people using at the same time as me. I think they’re a little over priced at the MSRP of $80. Good value in the $50-$60US.
I have, and don’t use as much, the Trueengine 3ER. More bassy compared to the H1 by a good amount. Still sound good. Dual driver, no ANC, a little less battery time; about 35 hours. No app. Similar call quality as the H1. Decent value in the $50-$60 range.
I have their cheapest model. Still bassy. Similar the Trueengine. Not as dynamic or airy soundstage. I haven’t had complaints on soundquality. I used these at the gym, so I didn’t have many phone conversations. These are good choice about getting stolen or ruined by sweat/water because they’re about $25-$35US.
Soundpeats release a new model, the mini pro. Single driver, ANC, wired charging. Reviews I’ve seen/read have been positive. I expect the call quality to be solid and similar to the H1 and Trueengine. I think they’re around $50US
There are many of cheaper brands that make solid options such as Soundcore and Anker which have more features.
AKG N400NC. Originally $150, now $48. I bought a pair. Lovely, balanced sound quality. Adequate bass with properly fitting tips. One of the better-sounding TWS IEM’s I’ve tried. They work well with calls, too.
The only negative is the ANC. It sucks. But if sound is your priority, you’ll enjoy the AKG’s. They’re the “audiophile secret” among TWS IEMs per renowned IEM reviewer Crinacle, FYI.
Have you considered Etymotic IEMs? The deep insertion triple-flange silicone tips isolate the listener more than any other universal IEMs in existence, but can also be improved via a custom CIEM design.
The ER4 series is technically the most accurate and coherent frequency response in the industry, and has been from its start 30 years ago.
But beware “deep insertion” isn’t for everyone.
Beware ssssssibalence too.
Very helpful. There appears to also be an H2, which looks decent.
Not too concerned with the cost for something decent. And while I am an iPhone person, I just always assumed that Apple would be simply buying something for convenience and brand name, which, isn’t important to me.
I have never used deep insertion but am candidly weary.
The H2 did review well from the few reviews I read/saw. I prefer the bud style ear pieces over the stems. Especially the ones that are white. People may assume they’re Apple iPods, which are people know are in demand and can be pricy. Thus, increase the odds of getting robbed or worse.
Personally, I like the deep insertion IEM like the Ety 4PT/ER. Really good sound isolation and they do not come out or losen. I use to wear a custom molder ear piece for work, so I was use to things being in my ear by the time I got the Ety. They were no wear as discomfortable/painful as that custom mold. Took a month to get use to. With IEMs, you do need to be more weary about cleaning your ears and bacteria.
It’s good to have IEMs and OTE headphones. They may have similar sound, but it’s still different. Needless to say, IEM are way easier to travel with.
Are the triple flange thing tough to get used to? Not cheap IEMs so figured it’s worth asking.