A KICK-ASS HEADPHONE SYSTEM with Spotify, AirPlay & Tidal for $500!
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- čas přidán 10. 06. 2024
- 👉🏻 This episode is brought to you by AudioQuest:
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🎥 Camera: Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🛋 My listening room in 2022:
darko.audio/darkos-listening-...
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
0:54 Sony & Sennheiser
5:04 Topping
12:42 Beyerdynamic
19:11 AKG
24:04 The 🌶 finding
25:12 The payoff
👉🏻 As seen in this video...
Sennheiser x Massdrop HD6XX
🛒 drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennhei...
Wiim Mini
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3TI6XWn
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3KL1lql
Topping DX3 Pro+
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3CWA3vf
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3CTi0pN
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohms)
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3RBSKse
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3Qe0DTB
🛒 (EU) www.thomann.de/gb/beyerdynami...
AKG K371
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3ebkIg2
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3RgFoSJ
🛒 (EU) www.thomann.de/gb/akg_k_371.htm
Sony WH-1000XM5
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3TGEqkb
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3eiu0XM
iFi GO blu
📖 ifi-audio.com/products/go-blu/
Zorloo Ztella
📖 www.zorloo.com/ztella
What is a binaural recording?
📖 splice.com/blog/what-is-binau...
What is the Harman target curve?
📖 www.headphonesty.com/2020/04/...
Max Cooper - 3D Reworks 001
🛒 maxcooper.bandcamp.com/album/...
#headphones #audiophile #bargain
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For me having grown up listening to speakers, I had to switch to a headphone system when I moved to an apartment for my studies, because no matter how much you treat the room leaving the cost out, I could not listen to music late at night, as I could back at home, without disturbing the neighbours. So I would like to add not only you solve the room problem but you also can listen to at whatever time you like at any volume and that's a big advantage if you live in an apartment.
@@BrentLeVasseur if you're roommate is complaining about noise bleed through a pair of open backs, you need to get a new roommate. That's some cry baby level sensitivity.
Finally someone who matches headphones with dacs/amps and talks from experience, and not just repeats what everyone else says on the forums...also very nice editing and very understandable. Thank God I found this channel! :) Could you please make videos like this with higher price points too? 750 USD, 1000 USD, 1500 USD, 2000 USD, etc.
For the DT 990, as the DT880 and DT770 etc, you can buy a new cable as well as about all other parts from Beyerdynamic... It's not as easily replaceable as for other headphones, but you don't need to throw the headphone away when something of that headphone breaks.
Thanks for the Max Cooper tip!
This is literally my bedroom budget listening set up - Topping DX3pro +, AGK closed and Wiim. It's an awesome little system.
Office set up Pre Box S2 Digital, ifi CAN Air, HD 58X Jubilee
Since the early 1980's I have always maintained that a good pair of headphones will be comparable with loudspeakers at 10 times the price. I still feels this hold true to this day.
Best video ever made, I don't know why more material isn't made on this same topic. Every single person thinking of getting into audio equipment needs to watch this and save themselves £££. So few have the space but also environment to really get into the classic hi-fi system. I have both types of systems and the speakers mostly lay dormant now except for the occasional vinyl listening outing as a treat because I enjoy the experience of using that format. Again, great, great video.
I went with this:
Atom Amp > $100
Atom DAC+ > $120
Sennheiser Jubilee > $140
Wiim Mini > $80
Same idea with the sub $500. Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for doing it.
Thanks for returning to headphones once again.I wouldn't mind, if you visited headphone territory more often.
With your recent pursuit of the all-in-one speaker system (which I basically like) I wonder how you can combine it with headphone listening without building two separate systems?
The audio presentation of these videos always delights. Thanks for minding the details.
3D Reworks 001
by Max Cooper 2020
You can find this on Tidal. Really awesome stereo imaging. It's a joy to listen to with good headphones 👍🏻.
I always look forward to Darko Audio's content. As always, excellent!
And thank you so much for putting this video on youtube!
I am an (old style) audio engineer and I strive to have my audio gear as professionally sounding as possible: flat as a table (when possible), not coloring the sound I listen with marvelous good sounding speakers/headphones/dacs and still get the most realistic, tru-to-the-really original sound possible.
I discovered your channel a few days back and I have enjoyed every video I watched. You strike me as a very knowledgeable audiophile that knows many audio fundamentals that pros respect and use in our everyday listening experience, yet keep an open eye on what it really means to listen to a wonderful sound that allows you to really have an out of this world listening experience. A seemingly perfect combination of an academic and an empirical knowledge blend together just right.
I will continue to listen to your videos with great delight.!
Being a shift worker, and my wife being a dayshifter, I find myself getting deeper and deeper into the headphone realm. And you really can't beat the bang for the buck. Great video, keep up the awesome work.
More headphone content please!
Mr Darko, thank you for another great video. I’ve just purchased the AKGs. Thinking of adding the Helm Bolt to my laptop for late night listening. I’ve been enjoying the KEF LSX for the last year again thanks to your videos. Keep up the good work. I’m enjoying this audiophile journey.
Just wanted to say; I really enjoy your videos. Making high quality audio accessible and understandable without pretension, from a music lovers perspective. Cheers!
I have the DT770 Pro (closed back version of DT 990 Pro) you nailed it they were bright to start with, after a few months they mellowed out and are very detailed. I use them with either a tube amp or Technics SU-G700M2 - they are excellent.
Thank you John for another great video. You findings are also an answer to Steve Gutenberg's latest video because it's much easier to play loud on a headfi system than a speaker system. In other words, it's easier to create the atmosphere of the recording.
Love to see more of this series at different price ranges
Thank you! This video was very helpful and purchased this amp/dac with the Sennheiser, subscribed, and became a patron, all to show my thanks. Take care!
What do you think? Are they much better than the likes of Sony or Bose Bluetooth headphones?
I'm a total newbie to all this; looking for a head-fi system in this price range. This was SO GOOD...I appreciate your knowledge and the G-rated commentary...hope this doesn't hit you wrong; I just get so tired of profanity-laced commentary that makes it hard to sort out the true meat of the video. WELL DONE from a new subscriber. Jim in FL
That was really useful. I wish more reviewers would suggest pairings like this. It’s makes for a really good place to start. For both speakers and headphone setups.
You need the Beyerdynamic dt1990, kick as imaging.
I have the Beyer Dynamic DT880, and i love them. I got them used from a video editing studio over 25 years ago. Day to day, i use Bluetooth buds, but for real enjoyment i put on the cans. Great episode.
As a Head-Fi man with a wife and three kids, this video speaks to me. Thank you so much John!
Hello, i got the topping amp and i feel the opposite way about the volume knob😅! I really preciate that the hole front and the knob is aluminium. And i also love the klick feedback and the fact that it has a knob instead of buttons. But that is how different everyone is about personal preference. Thanks for covering the topic, interesting to see your take on a budget headfi system.
Great vid John. It's a realm i no noting about, so it's good to see what options there are out there to get started with a headphone set-up. BTW didn't take you as a Ministry fan. Loved that album back in the day.
Thank you for yet another great video. Even though I'm not into speakers I find the videos and the podcast so entertaining that I continue to watch/listen to them. I'd love some more IEM coverage from time to time when you get a chance. Keep up the great work, cheers.
Very nice seeing your talk about headphones. Amazing job
Great video, John! Love the way you describe sound!
Many thanks for your insights and perspectives about a reasonably priced headphone setup. Great review.
Great video. I totally agree. I think you should have included the Hifiman Sundara in this group of headphones. I also think most people would prefer the DT770 more than the 990
Love the headphone content John. Totally agree with your comments on Hd650s and it’s refreshing to hear you comment on the difference between gain and power. I run mine with a Lehman linear amp which has the effortless fullness of ample power. Keep up the good work!
I enjoy your thought process in these reviews
For the DT 990's, I agree about the Tube amp. It really benefits from the warmth and open sound
I have these Sennheiser and this DAC on order. Good to hear it drives them well. I love the display on my e30 to confirm bit perfect output in my desktop PC Qobuz Sundara/ thx789 office setup but need this for my coffee table setup to also feed my amp and tower speakers Qobuz from my laptop. Props to your professional production and interesting reviews!
Great recommendations, Thanks!
At $300 the hifi man sundara is great. I also have the 6xx and now that they are at $280 I much prefer the sundara. Great soundstage and well balanced if you love bass then they aren’t the best choice. I good amp DAC will realize the full potential of the sundara but I have also been able to run them off my iPhone with an Apple dongle and they are still fantastic.
Thankyou for this video John , I took the Dac plunge for my Xmas present, matched the hardware with the Meze 99 classics and I am very happy with this set up using only Spotify connect.All the best for the NY.
Love the Senn Mom 4. Will look into this setup. Thx.
If you're patient or frugal the Drop HD6XX goes on sale once or twice a year ($180-200). Another great headphone option in this range is the Meze 99 Noir - closed back, easy to drive/mobile phone friendly, can listen forever/really comfortable. My biggest niggle with the Meze 99 is that if you take them out in the street and want to listen to music as you walk the spring mechanism in the headband tends to squeek like an old steel spring mattress! And yeah, as others have commented Schiit make amazing gear for this type of setup.
Thanks John for featuring Max Cooper tracks, gives my Focal Chora a workout
Thanks for the recommendation John. My first proper foray into the dedicated headphone hi-fi market and I’ve just picked up the Wiim Mini, DX3 Pro and AKG K371’s for a total of £385! Absolute steal when you consider the quality of sound they can collectively produce 👍
For about the same budget i got me:
-a used 660S for about 350€
-a ifi zen dac V2 150€
The result is great !
Same system here, sounds great!
currently using the ifi Zen Dac v1 with the 660S and Dt 1990 Pro
As always, fantastic content and I hope your health is improving John. Merry Xmas to you and family.
Great video, John. Thank you.
May I suggest the Sennheiser HD560s in addition to the other options? Not, because it‘s the exact system I endet up with (Topping, Wiim; recently upgraded to the Hifiman Edition XS though). But I think all things considered it‘s a great sounding headphone. Very good all around, especially for 149 euros/dollars: soundstage, bass and treble extension, clarity, detail… Just a terrific combination for the price. Gets more exciting with the Hifiman ;)
That was exactly what I thought in the middle of video. 560s is really a good starter
Yes I have the 560s and I have some high end headphones. I love it. It's a super Allrounder
Yeah, I have the 6xx and the 560s and I think the latter would be the better headphone. It feels less premium but it performs a bit better, is less thirsty and leaves a bit more of your budget left. Like John always says, he can’t test everything but some idiot in the comments will always have too many similar headphones.
Great vid John, I have the old Topping VX1 dac amp and it’s great.
Great video, as always. I have the AKG headphones, use them for commuting and they are a blast!!
Thanks for the video as always John. I like that you cover most of the audio spectrum from affordable to more expensive gear. I think this is a good starting point for someone to get into HiFi
I think you will find a brighter headphone or speaker setup will give you more width in the soundstage. This is because the spatial information relies on the phase information between the transducers, and that phase information is more perceptible in the high frequencies, simply because of the wavelength of the sound waves.
As a Beyer fan that daily’s a pair of 990 600ohm, I would like to recommend everyone the Fidelio X3. Incredible soundstage and tonality that I think any Beyer fan would love. Doesn’t have the same level of detail retrieval but a more buttery midrange and wider soundstage with excellent bass and localization. My refurbished EXS are on the way, my first planar cans. Hoping to find the next level.
I have both. I only put them on when my neighbors are asleep during the night time and during day time its all speakers. Best of both worlds. The plus on headphones is i can crank them up as loud as i want.
Love these budget system videos
Excellent...I am likely going to buy this set up...
Thank you ever so much, John!
I really enjoyed the talk on headphones in a system context. Keep following the rabbit 😎. Also thanks for introducing me to some great new music!
I would love to see more headphone videos. I moved to Tokyo 13 years ago and the walls are typically very thin, so I quickly got into the headphone market and fell in love. These headphones were kind of entry level cans IMO. I would love to see some more of the high end headphones, DACs, and amps reviewed.
My current setup is a JDS Labs O2/ODAC to AKG K712 Pro headphones.
Congratulations!
In this video I feel that you really burn for what you are presenting! Your passion for music and music reproduction is feelable and visible in your eyes! Thank you!
I wish I had gotten into headphones sooner. I've moved large speakers in and out of dorm rooms and then small apartments way too many times over the years. It just never occurred to me until after I bought a new tube preamp that happened to have a well reviewed headphone stage. And down the rabbit hole I went. Would love to see more head-fi videos.
Thanks for this video. Did not expect the Ministry cover art. Did not see you into that especially that album.
I love my Bayerdynamic DT990 headphones through a class A integrated amp and Linn front end. Not too bright at all and plenty of detail with a great sound stage. They suit my system very well. Great for late night listening when I don’t want to annoy my family and neighbours.
Please do a video on more expensive headphone systems, like 1000-2000 usd range perhaps(perhaps a segment with even more high end for those that would want that) - Would be very interested to hear your takes and recommendations.
Thanks for a very nice video
Thanks for your WiiM/Topping recommendation, which I've adopted, although I haven't received the 6xx headphones yet. Yes, a significant improvement already. using different Seenheiser headphones. A nice surprise with the WiiM is the 10-band EQ in the app. One can customize or make use of the many presets provided. This provides the ability to tweak the output - very effective & useful, and well-done WiiM.
My headphone system is Focal Clear 'phones (which I got new at half price!) and an iFi DSD Micro Black Edition. Great setup.
John I love your channel because you give real world reviews and not going deep on specs 👍
Great review, thank you.
This is an amazing video, thank you. I've just found your channel and I've binged so much of it! I think my entry to good audio listening will be some open-back headphones and an amp, which I will stream to from my iPhone. I'm trying to get my head around your spicy finding 🌶☺️; shall I just use the headphones with the iFi Go Blu, or is the Topping significantly better? I will just listen in my home office so I have the space for both. Thanks again 🙏
I built such a headphone system a couple months ago! I bought the Mezze 99 Classics (because looks does matter!) and connected them through the Audioquest Dragonfly Black to my Mac Mini, which is also my Roon Core. Quite an experience comparing to my speaker system :)
Very balanced as always. Thank you.
Great as always John! Probably you won‘t read this but it would be great to see a video about a 3k to 5k headphone set. I really enjoy my Sennheiser HD 800S + HDVD 800. Bought it in 2019.
Keep going, you‘re awesome!
The old school look of the beyerdynamic headphones makes them a real eye catcher!
Hey John, been a while since I last watched one of your videos - no idea why - but that cheeky grin and endless enthusiasm really reminded me what I’d been missing and to see the error of my ways! 😉 Cracking stuff. As a wanna-be audiophile without the financial free reign to actually do it properly, I decided a long time ago that head-Fi was the way to go, or to get somewhere near for a fraction of the cost, and without arguments with the Mrs about what speakers look like, or what can and can’t be done with the room to prevent it spoiling the sound. The secret to a long and happy marriage is learning how to compromise gracefully - same can be said for trying to scratch that audiophile itch if you don’t have the budget or live on your own 👍
I have a old school (pre chip shortage) Schiit modi, heresy and HD560s set up at work…. Man that system sounds great! Very pleasant to listen.
The 3d reworks was excellent. thank you. Topping pro + audeze lcd 2 classic headphones
I want to thank you for recommending the AKG K371. I bought it because of your video and I am absolutely blown away by the sound! And I am only using it with my iPhone. A Fiio DAC is on it’s way so it can only get better!
Comparing it with my Sony XM3 Bluetooth headphones, the AKG is MUCH better sounding.
Again, thank you for recommending them and letting me fall in love with music again!
Really enjoyed this one, the AKG's are on my wish list, p.s. now listening to American Head! Heaven't listened to The Flaming Lips for over a decade!
When my brother needed a cheap recommendation for something for his LSR305P II for use with his AT-LP120XBT, I suggested the slightly more expensive Topping EX5 and I have to say it is a great little unit for his needs at present. Sound is very decent indeed and for the money the feature set is superb.
When moving to Germany, I sold my existing Hifi system and decided to buy one of the best headphones that existed on the market because I couldn’t afford the loudspeakers and the amplifier that I was planning to buy in the future. So I bought the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro . This was 30 years ago and it’s still my reference for sound clarity and sound stage.
The headphones didn’t change much in the last 30 years. Even the impedance is the old school 250ohm that was a standard in old Hifi systems. So if the headphones managed to survive without radical changes for many years, than who am I to complain about a cable that cannot be detached. This cable is still as solid and as flexible as it was the day that I bought it. Tell me one product that survived so many years without replacing most of the interior.
Beyerdynamic decision to continue producing this model for over 30 years is a very bold statement. The headphones were amazing at the time and are still worth the conversation today.
I don't understand why it gets so much hate, with a good amplifier and just a bit of EQ it is amazing
@@Bernabaus Because people cant power them then tend to complain about the sound and also because many reviewers says these don't need much power and people settle without an amp
If you want to start with tubes, get the xduoo ta26. It's a more affordable, better and sleeker version of the darkvoice. Since it's an otl tube amp you have to use high impedance headphones. I love these with my hd650
I do love your headphone reviews. Would love to see a 1200 dollar kick ass headphone System.
Thank you for reopening my ears to the Joy's of detailed listening. After leaving school I worked at the local theatre where I learnt live sound engineering and went on from there into many aspects of live sound production including recording on location and in small studios. As life brings many changes so did work leave the hands on work for more production management. Constantly travelling meant having speakers etc was pointless, however my trusted Sennheiser hd 25's were always with me. Now many years later the HD 25's are still here enabling me to revel in the delights of Spotify.
Then I saw this little video pop up and what a difference it has made. In the video I picked up on almost a throwaway line about the ifi go blue.... the what?? Portable dacs.... I ordered the ifi and plugged in my hd 25's 😁🎶💖🎶😁 amazing! The depth and clarity is stunning!
But it couldn't end there, CZcams and it's algorithms went to work and the world of IEMs opened up😳😁
So now I have a set of LetShouer S12, an ifi go blu and a phone... who could have imagined this level of sound quality in such a small and affordable package twenty years ago....
My music listening has become completely transformed thanks to your little video and the choice you make as you go out the door. The four eq settings on the ifi are perfect and drive the S12's and the HD 25's beautifully.
May you, your channel and all who you share with continue to find joy and unity in the diversity of our music choices and the equipment that brings that joy to our hearts.
Thank 🕉💖🎶
Great video as always. Thanks for the heads up re Max Cooper. I downloaded the tracks and I must say it sounds wonderful. I will confess however that I'm using a Woo Audio WA7 fireflies DAC/Amp into a pair of Audeze LCD-X's. Bliss!
I love the entry-level headfi space. It was my only way to listen through different sound signatures and learn my own preferences.
It’s easy AB listening, the sound quality is quickly on a high level, or resolving enough, allowing more subtle differences to be relevant. I can’t get that with speakers.
I’m on an Ifi ZenDac v2 with Hifiman Sundaras. The Grado SR80s, Meze 99 Classic are still around and provide different flavors for those days!
Fantastic video and topic… if anyone is on a budget and new to Hifi, this stuff is the best to explore a little.
Thank You for the Max Cooper recommendation. Sounds fab on my Sennheiser Massdrop PC37x gaming headset
Listening to this on my DT990 Pro they are brilliant, actually really good for PC gaming.... what I do miss is my Phillips Fidelio the soundstage so incredible
thanks . i got the AKG . . love it .. combined with LG phone . ( cost $100+ now ) i use LG phones for music .. DAC and DTS .. so convenient and cheap to use . . no more fussing i have found bliss .
For the beyerdynamic dt990, a fairly common mod for it is to change the cable to a removable cable setup. I think they use a mini 3.5 mm for the connection so it doesn't have to be thrown away
Awesome review!
Just a question:
If you can Bluetooth stream high res audio from your mobile (ie Pixel 6 Pro) do you then also need the WiiM?
Will definitely purchase the combo just to try it!!!!
I have always loved headphones for listening to music ever since I got my first pair back in 1977; a pair of Koss Pro 4AAA "Stereophones" (as Koss used to call them). I still have them, and they work great with new ear pads I recently bought from Koss. I have other 'phones from HiFiman, AKG, Sony, Sviga, Bose, etc........but those Koss were the ones that started it all! Great video, John!
For $500 budget, one can add Drop HE-X4 to the list. That planar magnet is currently on sale for around $90 USD. It’s mid range is slightly recessed than that of HD650, but has a wider and deeper sound stage.
Please consider doing something like this with IEMs!
6XX on sale this weekend for $220!
100 % agree, there's no reverb in your head........! I love my speaker system, but the most accurate critical listening I have had, has been with IEMS and headphones
Glad to see you mentioning dongles again, and would love to see another comparison of some in the $300 range, e.g., iFi, Lotoo, Cayin, Luxury and Precision, etc. I just ordered the Lotoo PAW s2 to go with my final e5000 iem's and hoping to get a very portable kick ass system for about $550 that I can listen to anywhere.
Excellent video. I have an original DX3 Pro on my desktop and recently added a Topping A50S amp for some extra grunt with my Focal Elegia and Oppo PM2 phones. Excellent result. Topping really do ace the affordable desktop market.
Thanks for this video. Real world, glimpse of quality sound and affordable devices. Needed to engage more people with hi-fi for health and future of industry
So true, you're listening to your room instead of your speakers. I've had some measurements done and installed acoustic damping on my whole ceiling. Costst about €4k but I got an amazing good sounding room.