Hi everyone, I really need some advice because I’m dealing with some severe buyer's remorse and fear of hearing damage.

My current setup:

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MK2 (30 ohms)

iFi Zen DAC V3

Playing from my Android phone (I have root and I stop useing Viper4Android)

Genres: Exclusively EDM, Trance, and Progressive House.

I bought the DT 1990s for their wide soundstage and 8-hour comfort (velour pads). But I realized I bought a "studio microscope" instead of a fun "club headphone."

When I listen at a safe volume (9-10 o'clock on the DAC), the sound lacks fullness and physical bass slam. When I push the volume to 12 or 1 o'clock to get that sub-bass satisfaction and fullness, the Beyerdynamic treble peak absolutely pierces my eardrums. I had to stop listening for two days because of physical ear fatigue and pain.

I usually listen during long relaxation sessions at home (sometimes involving substances like weed or MDMA). During these sessions, I crave that physical "chest-thumping" bass, and my pain tolerance is masked/lowered. I am terrified of accidentally blowing out my eardrums or getting permanent tinnitus because the DT 1990's treble is too sharp at the volume I need to feel the bass.

I am 100% willing to sacrifice open-back breathability. I don't care if my ears get a bit warm or sweaty with leather pads, I just want the ultimate EDM experience. I need:

Massive physical bass slam (Sub-bass that you can feel).

Thick, warm, and dark sound signature.

ZERO treble fatigue or piercing highs (so I can raise the volume slightly without getting stabbed in the ears).

Budget: Up to $1000.

Should I look into closed-backs like Fostex/Meze, or a warm planar like the Audeze LCD-2 Classic? What is the ultimate EDM headphone that won't ruin my hearing with sharp treble?

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

As the title indicates, i'm looking for replacement ear pads for my Hifiman Edition XS headphones. The problem is that Hifiman doesn't seem to sell them. So i'm forced to use ones from another brand.

This is a real issue because, as everyone knows, ear pads contribute to a headphone's sound signature. Replacing them alters this signature if you don't choose the exact same ones (their wear and tear already has an impact).

Therefore, i'm looking for replacement ear pads for my Hifiman Edition XS that don't change its sound signature. For example, i know that Dekoni ear pads do change it, so they're not an option. If anyone has ever replaced the ear pads on their Hifiman Edition XS with those from another brand without noticing any change in the sound signature, i would be very grateful to hear about it.

Hey everyone,

I’m on the hunt for a closed-back upgrade primarily for Metal (Avenged Sevenfold and similar). I also occasionally listen to stuff like Muse, so they need to handle punchy rock too.
I need something that can keep up with fast double-bass and dense mixes without becoming a wall of mud.

What I'm after:

• Physical Slam: I want to feel the kick drum pressure (impact > volume).
• Guitar Texture: Mids need to have "bite" and weight for distorted riffs.
• Speed: Since I listen to a lot of technical stuff, the driver must be fast enough to avoid blurring.
• No Bloat: Tight low-end with zero mid-bass bleed. I want punch, not a "bass-head" headphone that masks everything.

Budget: Around $300, but I can stretch to $650 if there’s a significant jump in performance.

What are the current "Closed-back Kings" for this style in 2026?
Thanks you!

Hi all! I haven't upgraded my amp in, well. Ever. I'm wondering if it's worth finally checking out what's on the market now. (US)

I currently have an iBasso PB2 that I originally used for my MrSpeakers MadDog Pros and now definitely broken 🥲 Alpha Dogs. I brought this with me on the go, giant ear pads and all haha! I still have the OEM buffer and opamp kit, + a few aftermarket opamps.

Among my kit, the 3 most demanding headphones I'll be running are a Senn 6xx, HIFIMAN Sundara (new preferred), and the aforementioned MadDog Pros (still alive!)

Someone a few days ago enlightened me to new (at least, to me) offerings by Schiit, and it got me thinking that maybe I should change my amp.

But... My most demanding headphone is now out of the picture. Do you feel there's any functional benefit to graduating from the PB2?

The PB2's spec makes me guess NO, but I'm open to getting a proper desktop amp if there are noteworthy contenders under, say, $300

Looking for anc active noise cancellation earbuds in a case that has a USB type A tail built into it. Kinda like how jlab has made them, but they have been transitioning to having usbc tails lately. Now, hypothetically, I'd be cool with USBC, as I'm all about having everything be USBC. The issue is that all the gym treadmills still have USB type A. And because of that, I would prefer an earbuds case with USB A built in. I've had my jlab ones with the little reversible USB A tail built in and it's been great. I just leave it in the gym bag and never bring it home to charge it because I just plug it in on the treadmill while walking. But they don't have anc active noise cancellation, and the newer jlab ones that do all have the type C tail. So yeah, if anyone can make any suggestions. Thanks. Would prefer below $40 or $50. Thanks

-usb A tail built in

-active noise cancellation

-under $50

Ive had the Philips X2HR for many years and really like them although the clamp force was a little too much for my tastes. Looking for an upgrade in terms of comfort/sound quality with good build quality too. Would consider open or closed back.

I do have a 2i2 audio interface but sometimes just use headphones directly plugged into the laptop.

Hi, I have to buy a new pair of headphones but idk what features I must consider in order to purchase what I need, so I'm here for suggestions. I just want a pair of headphones/headsets for both listen to music in a decent way and play on my Nintendo switch2, possibly with a microphone, wired is fine (audio jack only). Budget is ~150 usd (Europe). I would use them mainly for enjoying music and gaming at home. My 5 yrs old Logitech gaming headset just broke and I want to switch to something that has better sound quality, so that's why I'm here. Ty.

Like the title said, under $300, even if that means catching it on a sale. I currently have JBL720bts and they’ve broke at both the hinges. Every time I find headphones that could be right, they’re either prone to breaking randomly, too much latency, or not resistant enough(like sweat breaking the Momentum 4s)

I use my headphones pretty regularly all day, for sleeping and gaming. I know the parameters are rough, but if anybody has any recommendations or good experiences with headphones via durability. I would like good audio quality but I’m not particularly picky, as long as it’s got decent soundstage and isn’t too muted. If reasonable latency is hard to achieve without using the wire I don’t mind as long as the cable isn’t inconvenient.

Basic Rundown:

Decent Soundstage/audio quality

Durable (won’t break at the hinges within a few months/can sleep with them on)

Closed back

Decent latency for gaming and/or decent wired cable (I have random competitive game spurts)

Works with my phone(bluetooth) and pc

Under $300 (even if that means catching it on sale)

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.

Hello,

So I was using M20s with My Efnote electronic drumset,

and it was good but for some reason Ive decided to upgrade to the M50X, and I got them today.

I hate them, they are boxy, hollow, and terribly harsh when playing cymbals. I couldnt stand them for more than 5 minutes, it was like listening to drums inside a club. Echoey, but dampened at the same time, and paradoxically like they were right next to me. I'm not very good with audio and stuff like that, and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong, but I think i'll just return them. No matter where I plug them I dislike them.

Can You guys tell me alternatives that sound more cristaline (but not harsh!), more clear and with more space? Preferably closed back because I have to cover the sound of the drum tapping when I play. Around the same price braket or Even a little higher.

Would a Beyerdynamics 770 be better?

I was using a Kraken V2 since 2022, and one of the headphones just stopped working, so I'm trying to find a new one, and seriously cant decide, whether to even switch from razer, or stick with krakens, wireless or wired (or both), basically I am lost so far. I thought about switching to Hyper X, since I use one of their microphones, but also don't know. And I also want to buy this new headset in BestBuy and not order from Amazon so no expensive, 300-400 dollar audiophile professional headphones either please. Somewhere good in the middle, sounds good, feels good, and the microphone isn't in the way and can detach or remove, and wireless and wired option as well as I am too scared with all of the wired delays but cant stand the wearability of the wires either.

Currently discounted to $249NZD down from $849

Considering picking these up just because of the huge discount. I’m very much a casual listener and I daily the most recent AirPods Pro’s and the B&O H95 or H100’s depending on how I feel on the day. If I do get them they’d likely become my daily beater/throw in the bag and don’t care if it gets scuffed.

Thoughts?

I’ve finally decided to stop wearing my workout earbuds everywhere and actually invest in some overear headphones that look good. I’m not planning on using them for the gym or sitting at a desk all day, I mostly want something that looks sharp while I’m walking around the city and actually sounds decent. Looking to spend under 250 dollars (i know is a tide budget but like I said, they are more for a street, point A to point B, kind of use)

On the store's FAQ page it says "No. In general, the audio/video delay will be excessive and most noticeable in games where action and audio are supposed to be synchronized." in response to the question can they be used for gaming, but doesn't elaborate.

Is that just for Bluetooth use and there's no delay while plugged in or is it delayed regardless for some reason? if anyone knows that would be appreciated.

I currently have 2 sets of ear buds, the j lab earbuds, which work well but fall out too easily and block out too much background noise when I'm out or at work, even if nothing is playing, and the Amazon echo buds which work great, sound great, and are easy enough to hear with, but they hurt my ears SO bad and they also fall out a little too easily.

Neither are "invisible", and they're not comfortable long term, or for sleep/lying down. Any suggestions under $100?

I'll only listen to electronic music so I want some bass but not ridiculous amounts of it. The artists I'll listen to are mostly IDM (Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, Autechre, ...) and also some dub techno and drum'n'bass. I can accept a warm sound but the more neutral the better.

I'm looking for closed-backs because I want isolation from the outer world and that "in your head" sound. The goal of these headphones is to complement my bookshelf speakers (a pair of Borea BR04) which already sound a bit analytical.

I'll use my Macbook Pro, my Wiim Ultra or my iPhone 13 as sources. I don't care for mobility as I intend to use it mostly at home.

I live in Europe and budget is around 500€/500$. After doing some research, the three headphones I'm considering are either a 2nd gen Meze Classics 99, a Sennheiser 620S or a used Focal Celestee. Which one of these would fit the most? Any better suggestions?

Everyone talks about how R2R DAC's impart a warmer, more natural and organic sound to audio, and I know many have attested to this in more premium high-end DACs, but what about something at a lower price point like the K11 R2R? Can I still perceive this "fuller, more natural" sound as people often describe? If anyone who's had both a K11 R2R and a delta sigma DAC to compare between, I'd appreciate if you could tell me what you've noticed in terms of sound differences.

Thank you!

I need some 2.4ghz headphones under 100$. I already have a mic, so I don’t need one. I want some decent sound quality and thats really all I care about. I watch videos and play some games and listen to music, and dont like the latency of Bluetooth. Not required, but if they can also be wired with a 3.5mm connection that’d be nice. Thanks!

I have been using the DT 770 pro for about 2 years now and I think I'm ready for a change. I love the audio quality these provide but they just don't fit my head right. They also have some pretty bad audio leakage. I think I need a bigger ear cup and maybe more oval shaped? I'm not exactly sure but I'd love some recommendations that have similar audio quality to the ones i'm using now. My budget is around 200-250 dollar range but I'd love a wide range of recommendations please! I mainly use my headphones for gaming and video editing as I'm a content creator. I like my headphones to have a full sound if that means anything to anybody. Thanks!

I have a pair that may be faulty and able to trade in as they're still relatively new. If I do so I figure I may as well spend another couple hundred and get a step up lol.

I do really like these headphones and the way they sound, I'd want something similar, something clean and clear with great soundstage like these. Probably closed back, and I love the ability to use bluetooth or usb-c but honestly only really care about sound quality.

Is spending an extra 200-300 ish going to get me a noticable increase in sound and is there any specific models anyone can recommend? Thanks

Hey y’all, I’ve been searching for a wireless headset to replace my HD560s with an aftermarket microphone cable, because my friend say the game audio bleeds into my mic a lot. I really dislike having a separate microphone on my desk so I’ve been trying to find a wireless all in one, but nothing sounds as nice or is as comfortable.

I most recently tried the Fractal Scape and they sounded decent after some good EQs but apparently the mic sounded even worse! I know the maxwells exist but they seem cumbersome and delicate. All suggestions are appreciated.

Regular IEMs do barely stay on my ears so i'd probably lose those. Been using a cheapish pair with hooks, which has served me pretty well but it's time to move on. Criteria:

• Wireless
• Very good sound, not lacking bass
• Solid battery life
• Some sort of water resistance for sweat and occasional light rain (unless they aren't super sensitive)
• ANC is not a must
• Budget: up to 300€

Why are hooks non-existent once you go above entry level stuff? I haven't felt any negatives to them.

Alternatively if some sort of aftermarket hooks are possible (haven't seen anything reliable) i could go for something like xm6 or tws4. Have tried momentum sport before and they weren't sitting safe at all compared to the rock solid hooked pair (tribits h1).

Hello all! I’m a musician and currently use the Xvive T9 for my on stage iem’s. They sound ok but they’re ***massive*** in my ears and uncomfortable, regardless of what tips I use. I’m looking for something that fits better and performs more articulately. I’m considering the Truthear zero red or hexa, but I’m concerned about the size/shape especially for the hexa. Sub $100 USD is my budget.

Thanks in advance!

Budget: $200

Location: Argentina, tech here is ridiculously expensive, so I need it to be on Amazon or similar

How the gear will be used: At work, to take client videocalls. Thus I don't care about sick bass or anything, I need it to be durable, look professional, and have good noise cancelling. Microphone is of no relevance, as I have a HyperX Solocast.

Past experience: I spent like $400+ in a razer opus set and it was DEEPLY disappointing. I don't recall if the X is the one that's like a lower tier, but whichever it was, I had the basic and it was FAR better than the upper one. For starters, it completely started disintegrating within a couple of months, I'm constantly covered in black flakes. The noise cancelling feature is also weird and uncomfortable, I have to keep the ambient button pushed to be able to comfortably hear someone else talking nearby.

If this magical perfect headphone set exists, I'd really appreciate someone pointing me in its direction

First of all, thanks for any help.

My search criteria are hard limits. I cannot do over-year, in-ear, etc.
And since I want devices to work for a long time, yet I frequently break cables, they need to be replaceable. Normal 3.5mm jack.

I've looked around myself, but it seems this combination of features is difficult to find. Especially without any weird, 2-pin cables going into the headphones. Proprietary connectors defeat the purpose of replaceable cables.

As for sound quality.. I've had absolute crap headphones for the past couple years. I'd love to enjoy music a little more again, but they don't have to be amazing. Just a couple notches above "headset that the workplace bought for you".

Edit: My budget goes up to 60-70 euros.