Hi everyone. I am student, so my budget is quite restricted. I would love to elevate my music consumption and I want to start listening to high-res content (ex. FLAC and MQA songs). Do you have any suggestion where can I begin? I’m currently looking at Schiit Modi 3 or Audioquest Dragonfly Black or Red and the pairing headphones would be DT990 Pro, or Grado SR80e or Shure SE215(IEM). I don’t know what’s good. My personal requirements would be Great Bass extension and sounds leaning towards more Warmer side. I don’t mind the headphones being open back or closed back as it’s primarily for home usage. I love bass and that’s one aspect I’m looking to enhance with my new setup. Please provide your thoughts and your suggestions for Amp/DAC Combo and the best sounding Headphones. Even though I am looking for bass, I want amazing sound. In another words, the sounds coming from it should make me cry. My current gear is just a pair of AKG earphones provided with Samsung Note 9. I used to listen to Creative EP630 untill I lost it. Then came some cheap JBL earphones like T110 and cl100si. Looking forward to sound that will blow my mind and make me feel the music.
I think you could get something like the hd58x that would fit your budget well, and it also would be something you might like from what you describe. I also think that for an amp, you could get fiio k5 pro (if they are in stock) and be pretty set imo, or you could get a portable dac/amp like a fiio q1 mk2 and have the ability to go portable if you want as well
Do you personally own HD58x? Could you describe more about the sound coming from it?
I do, if you are curious you can check what I have on my profile. They are a warmer signature with good clarity, an open and intimate sound, with good extended bass and treble. Also very good imaging. Overall it is somewhat relaxed and pretty immersive, and works well with most genre as well. Also they have great build and comfort too
If you wanted to try something different, the he4xx is a wide, v shaped headphone with very clear high end with great detail and a very quick sound. It also has bass that extends down very well, but needs a good amp to do so. Overall they aren’t as warm as the 58x, but do have the properties that would suit what you listen to
You have such an amazing collection of headphones. Which is your most fav pair? I know its like asking who is your fav kid, but what would you pick if you can only have that for the rest of your life?
Dang, that question gets me every time, I listen to them all about equally lol. I’ve just been in this hobby for a super long time
I guess it would probably be one of the more expensive pairs in reality, but if I had to pick a budget pair, it would probably be the 58x or the 4xx, or dt880 600 ohm, depending on what I was using them for and what circumstances I am in
58X would be a good starter if you want something warm with good bass. Or the he4xx. Can’t go wrong with either one.
Man, no love for the Nighthawk? Jk lol.
A lot of people seem to think the 58x sounds like the 660s when you take the foam out of the back. What are your thoughts on that @M0N?
The 58x has a similar tuning, but it doesn’t have as much detail as the 660, but the 58x is a really good value
While I like the Nighthawks, I listen to most all genre and would want something more neutral responding than the nighthawks
I was looking at HE4xx and DT990 Pro. But what’s the difference between 58x and 6xx? I am ready to buy a good Amp/DAC combo to drive these earphones. Like I said, when I listen I need to be really moved. Mind Blown. What about IEMs? I really haven’t tried the headphone format for an extensive period of time at all. So if I proceed to buy, this would be my first headphone.
hey man welcome to the community, i am also in college and on a tight budget. schiit has some great products but always be sure to shop around ebay and such. focus a lot of attention to reviews both written and video so you are well informed. also dont be afraid to send something back if you are being honest and within the refund policy
So the 6xx has better mid-range detail with a bit more refined sound, but doesn’t have as extended bass or treble, and doesn’t have as good imaging. The 6xx is also super picky amp wise, where the 58x is not. For most people I feel they will be more wowed by the 58x
The 4xx has a pretty good wow factor as well. The 990 can be pretty intense and TBH not something I would recommend. I would instead go for the dt880 600 ohm as I think it’s more refined
and yeah, 58x are insane. im glad they weren’t my first pair though, because with my old grados, 60s, 80s, and other headphones i learned to appreciate good audio and what to listen for and then boom-- 58x. amazing.
i just dont know where to go from here lol
If I was to buy 58x or he4xx, would a dragonfly black be enough to drive? The portability of Dragonfly Red or Black looks really tempting. I can use my phone too and can use it while travelling.
With the 58x, yeah I think you would be just fine, no problem. For the 4xx, you might want more. I would also actually recommend the fiio q1 mk2 if you can for a portable
So I guess then I have to narrow it down to 58x vs 4xx. Can someone explain to me about them in a head to head comparison style? It would be really useful for a newbie like me.
58X are much easier to drive and don’t need a super good amplifier.
Thanks for the welcome Adam. The thing is I am currently in Lithuania for my studies and I dont have so much luck. Amazon.de works and Aliexpress. I dont trust Aliexpress. Guess I have to find physical retailers for both the products. That’s also one of my concerns, 58x and 4xx are Massdrop products and they are just starting their EU program and both the products are out of stock. So what to do?
So the 58x is going to have a more warm and thick sound to it, and is a bit smoother sounding. It’s going to have a more relaxed yet enjoyable sound. The 4xx is more quick and immediately detailed, with an airy and clean sound, with a bit recessed midrange. It can have very deep bass that has a good amount of impact. The 58x is more narrow and intimate, where the 4xx is more expansive sounding. The 4xx needs a decent amount of of power though to get this done (but there are portable options as well