Yep. Used zmf cowhide pads.
Wouldn’t recommend the m40x But if you’re looking for a DJ headphone in that price range, then I would pick it over the M50x. I didn’t find the headband comfortable. And the aftermarket pads make the cups better.
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Hi everyone, I’m not sure I can ask about IEMs here, but I figured I’d give it a try. So far, I’ve only tried over-ear headphones. I currently own the AKG K371 and Hifiman Edition XS. I mostly listen to the latter but I do EQ it based on Oratory’s settings. I’d like to try an IEM mostly out of curiosity and to compare to these headphones. Naturally I’d like to stay on the cheaper side, but I don’t know if it would be “fair” to start with the budget IEMs. However, if a budget IEM gets me 90% of the way before or after EQ, that might be enough (preferably before EQ since an IEM might get more use away from my computer).
In summary, there are a bunch of IEMs nowadays and I’m not sure where to start looking to try something that can really showcase what an IEM can offer when compared to a headphone, budget or mid-range, any specific configuration (dynamic driver, BAs, etc.)?
Some general preferences: I like elevated sub-bass that doesn’t bleed too much into the mid-bass, I’m a bit sensitive to sibilance, I listen to a lot of genres but lately mostly metal and Japanese rock/pop.
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For a quick reprise of budget IEMs search or browse to @SenyorC’s topic on Ultra Cheap IEMs. Scroll down to the last year,
I hand out nice entry level IEMs to pre teens and early teens in my family as stocking stuffers. My choices are either the DUNU Titan S or the Truthear Crinnacle Zero:Red. The first is a bit more technical and detailed, the Red more relaxed and accessible. You won’t go wrong with either for $79 or less. To get significantly better you’ll spend double.
Hope this quick response helps.
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That zero:RED with Dunu S&S ear tips gets him to a close match with the K371. Both are tuned to the Harman preference frequency response curve.
The 7Hz Timeless will sound like a closed back HIFIMAN Sundara. But not like the official closed back Sundara, if you know what I mean.
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Note the cost difference. Under $79 vs $224 for the Timeless on Amazon.
No price range within budget was specified. Y’all know I generally don’t care for IEMs and my preference jumps from entry level to the $2500 Audeze LCDi4 without much in between.
Perhaps you could outline a couple of choices in the $150-300 range and reasons why you might want to consider them for the introductory use case requested.
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300± would be fine for me if it’s worth it. Thanks for the suggestions so far 
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I would personally suggest the Kiwi Ears Quintet at around 200. It is a very capable set of IEMs with a good tuning. You can then play around with EQ if you feel you want more or less of a certain thing to give you an idea of what you are seeking in an IEM.
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A year ago my wife and daughter needed a wireless over-ear close-back headphone. Since they use it mostly at home and don’t have a strong demand for ANC, I bought them (and myself, ha-ha) an AKG K361-BT, which combines the tonal balance of K361 with a long lasting battery and OK Bluetooth function. And it’s passive, so when you drive it off an amp, it’s just a good plain K361…
Just after 1 year in use the right driver of this AKG K361-BT stopped working. What a shame!
And now I’m looking for a replacement. I don’t feel like buying K361/K371 again if it’s only going to last so long. But I’m out of ideas for another budget wireless close-back that has good sound and doesn’t cost a fortune.
The budget is $100-250. I could go for an ANC option, but it typically bumps the price while I don’t have a strong use case for it, and my wife uses AirPods Pro outdoors anyways.
Any recommendations are welcome.
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Thanks for the suggestion, they look interesting. I know FR isn’t everything but they are very similar to the cadenza, huh? I might try to compare those.
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That is actually the description that I keep using for the Quintet, they are a Cadenza with everything about them improved.
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Looking for: Open back (I assume) over ear headphone
My price range is: Around $1k, could also be open box or used If available.
I like to listen to: Rock (Classic or modern), alternative, pop, jazz
I will be using them for: Critical listening, enjoyment, comparison with other headphones (Reference).
I personally wonder if this would be an interesting topic In its own right for educational purposes, but I am not yet at a level to create such a topic, so I shall throw this question on the pile
I’m looking for a neutral headphone with great soundstage. I have and love the Focal Clear and HD 600, and I am slightly lukewarm on my LCD-X 2021, though it has its moments. I like a neutral FR, though I suppose if I have to deviate in either direction it would be very slightly toward the warm, and I think I have a moderately strong preference for dynamic driver, but my planar experience is extremely limited, I just feel like the LCD-X has a somewhat unusual effect on timbre that I struggle to pinpoint, even with Resolve’s PEQ presets or the Audeze linear convolution filter on Roon. I would be listening on either a Topping A90D or Woo Audio WA22 with E70 Velvet DAC.
I have been very close on multiple occasions to ordering the HD 800S (used in good shape are available around $1,000), but my biggest hatred is excessive sibilance / fatiguing treble, so it is hard to put down that kind of money just for the abstraction of getting to check out the soundstage and have a point of reference for reviews. Even though I have the tube amp, I’m not confident it will tame them enough not to regret the purchase. It seems when I’m watching reviews that all of the headphones that seem to have the FR I like - neutral to very slightly warm, all seem to fall in the more intimate category, while the headphones that seem to get praised for soundstage tend to have spicy treble as biggest liability.
This got me wondering if FR has to lean bright or at least thin in the mids to get to an impressive sense of space. Is it possible to have a neutral frequency response or even slightly warm with an impressive soundstage? Bonus points if it has large slam factor. I don’t care as much if it is particularly detailed / resolving. I can forgive a slightly veiled, or even slightly lacking in bass if it checks the boxes of soundstage and a general sense of neutrality (I suppose that would basically be an HD 600, but expansive, not intimate). I would also be willing to consider a planar as long as it is not bright / sibilant / spicy in the treble or particularly affected by weird timbre. This would not be my only headphone, but one for the collection for purposes of enjoying wide open sonic spaces. If you have the perfect option for me and it is not in the sub $1k price range, don’t hold back - I’m really interested in understanding the topic and any ideas you all may have!
Tl;dr - Great soundstage possible with neutral frequency response around $1,000?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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If you can, try giving the Meze 109 Pro a listen. It’s a planar like tuning but slightly smoother and less cold without really being warm.
If you want to know more about what I personally think of them, my impressions are in the 109 thread here: Meze Audio 109 Pro - Official Discussion Thread - #41 by SenyorC
There are also plenty of other impressions in the same thread.
They are not quite as spacious as things like the Arya but they are not closed in either.
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This is the best description of my ebbs and flows with the LCD-X 2021 that I’ve read. Identical sentiment, with multiple PEQ settings, convolution files and Roon’s Audeze preset. This writer/editor tips his cap to you!
I’m looking for close to the same headphone as you, so I’m reading this thread with zeal. Right now, I’m zeroing in on the ZMF Aeolus, but that may be a bit too warm and lacking in soundstage for you.
Good luck!
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Type: OPEN
Price: 600$
I like to listen to: I want Studio Headphones. Hifi ones muddle the sound. I value clarity over sound stage.
I will be using them for: At home. Plugged directly into Computer with no DAC.
Alright, so the problem is my headphones keep breaking down. I’m going through a pair of beyerdynamics every 2 years. Either the cable pulls out, or the headband tears. I’ve had DT 770, 880, 990, 900ProX. I’ve tried to solder them and wrapped leather tape around the headband.
I’ve heard better but the 900ProX and the 880 are enough for me sound quality wise. 770 and 990 are bad. I really just need a Headphone which is built like a tank and will last for a few decades. Anything above 300$ will sound good so basically all I need is: BUILT LIKE A TANK
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Thanks for your response and directing me to that thread! It seems like the 109 Pro would be fairly similar to the Focal Clear from what I’m reading there, but I’ll definitely try to put ears on them at a Can Jam or meetup. I’m kind of curious about the Arya Organic and whether that might be a planar with a more agreeable timbre than the LCD-X to my ear. I am definitely a little concerned that they might be a little too bright, but if they’re not harsh / fatiguing / sibilant, they might be a fair compromise. From what I’m reading they seem like they might be the widest soundstage other than the HD 800S anywhere near that price… I’m definitely starting to realize that there is a tension with trying to collect a variety of headphones but then gravitating to the things I know I already like 
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Thanks for the reply! I’m glad it’s not just me with the LCD-X. I feel like the timbre is mentioned a little in some of the reviews, but generally it seems that people are really not bothered by it much and seem to love them. I keep shying away from them more and more with anything other than straight up EDM, which I only listen to occasionally (usually when playing Rocket League), so I was beginning to think it might be in my head, but that is the life of an audiophile!
For more typical I actually have a pair of Atriums on order, and I think they may well wind up being end game for my preferred style of headphone for most listening, so I definitely can see the appeal of the Aeolus. The ones I was asking about were more to try to establish some variety in my collection and to see if it is possible to find something that is both sonically inoffensive and makes me feel like the vocals are coming from anywhere other than inside my head 
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I haven’t gotten to try a pair myself, but in that price range for a tonally neutral experience and very solid build, maybe the Audeze MM-100 would suit you? If you want to take it another step, you can use Audeze’s software and / or presets in Roon if you use that player to apply EQ from the manufacturer to make them even more neutral.
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Reading very good things about new Aune AR5000, too:
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I have the Arya Stealth and love them. Resolve’s review was that the Organic is a touch brighter and the Stealth is still available.
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Hi, been trying to find the headphones for me.
Tried edxs and really liked them, but had to turn them up to loud to be safe. I tried Sennheiser hd 560s and didn’t like them ,very boring and lifeless. So would I like hd650? are they to close in sound and would I have to turn up the volume to get a good sound? Have to be careful with my hearing (my age)
Can you recommend any thing at around £400 that sound good at lower volume.
Using mojo 2 and android phone.
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