# Headphone Recommendations (Wired)
As with many things, headphones can be subjective. What one person enjoys may not necessarily be universally enjoyed. These are just recommendations based on my experience.
## Terminology
**Open/Closed back** - Open back headphones leak sound and let sound in, unlike closed backs that provide isolation. As long as the room you listen in is relatively quiet, open backs are generally recommended. If you would prefer total isolation, closed backs or IEMs are your best bet. Otherwise, experimenting with open backs can provide a very natural and spacious sound thta more difficult to achieve in a closed chamber.
**DAC** - Digital to Analog Converter. Like a graphics card, but turns digital sound into analog for audio. Every computer has one, an external one is usually better, but not required.
**AMP** - Amplifier. Powers headphones. Some need more power than the standard headphone jack.
Headphones that perform better with an AMP and DAC will be labeled. The AMP/DAC recommendations are at the end.
## Under $100
If you wanna get something super cheap but still experience HiFi, get the [Samson SR850](https://www.amazon.com/Samson-SR850-Semi-Open-Back-Reference-Headphones/dp/B002LBSEQS) or [Koss KPH30i](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FBRYM1/ref=twister_B07PNK7Q7Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) (optionally get the [big pads](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MZGLB3F/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AX40W97M0K06L)). Both perform far above their price bracket.
For more headphones without having to read, check out this guide by DankPods. Great reccomendations, and entertaining. I have some different opinions, but he reccomends good stuff.
{%youtube jk-Tybi-ihw %}
## Under $500
| Name | Type | Price | AMP Needed? | Notes |
| ------------------ | ------------ | ----- | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Moondrop Aria](https://www.amazon.com/Moondrop-Performance-Diaphragm-Dynamic-Earphone/dp/B091DPFLSH) | IEM (earbud) | $80 | No | This is a relatively new IEM, basically a slightly cheaper version of the Starfield. Similar sound signature, slightly wider soundstage but less detail. |
| [Moondrop Starfield](https://www.amazon.com/Moondrop-Starfield-Nanotube-Diaphragm-Earphone/dp/B082NQFW16) | IEM (earbud) | $100 | No | Most recommend these as a benchmark IEM. You can replace the cable with one with a mic. |
| [AKG K371](https://www.amazon.com/AKG-Pro-Audio-Headphones-K371/dp/B07WZH7WM9) | Closed | $155 | No | One of the few extremely solid closed back headphones for the price. Limited soundstage but have great bass. If you like a ton of bass, these will do it.|
| [Sennheiser PC38X](https://drop.com/buy/drop-sennheiser-pc38x-gaming-headset) | Open + Mic | $169 | No | Great open headphones with a built in mic. One of the only headsets I have found that also has great sound quality. |
|[Sennheiser HD58X](https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-hd-58x-jubilee-headphones) |Open|$170| No| Don’t require an amp, not as good detail as the 6XX, but slightly more bass. If you can’t use an amp, these are a great option. If you are looking for something under $200, they are hightly recommended. |
[Sennheiser HD6XX](https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx)|Open| $220|Yes| These are considered the best bang for your buck for under $300. Like a more versetile and detailed 58X. Scale well with more aplification. Sennheiser has a line of "6 series" headphones that differ slightly - the HD650 is basically the same as the HD6XX, the HD600 has less bass but better detail, and the HD660s has better detail than all of them, but it doesn't really stack up to other headphones in the price range. 6XX is the best bang for your buck. |
[Meze 99 Neo/Classics](https://www.amazon.com/Meze-Classics-Walnut-Silver-Headphones/dp/B01EJMYOHO/ref=dp_fod_1?pd_rd_i=B01EJMYOHO&psc=1)| Closed| $200-300|No| These are some warm and dark headphones. Lots of bass and lacking treble. However, they are very comfortable and extremely well built. |
[Hifiman Sundara](https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Audiophiles-Comfortable-Fit-Register-Manufacturers/dp/B088T14XB8) |Open| $350| Yes| Arguably the best sound quality you will get under $500, they are consistently reccomended by many reviewers. Get replacement cables, the stock one is low quality. Take care of them and they will last, but the buid can be questionable (go with 6xx if you are concerned about that).
[Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk](https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/moondrop-x-crinacle-blessing2-dusk-1dd-4ba-in-ear-monitor-earphone)| IEM |$350|No| Fantastic IEM, one of the best earbuds on the market under $500. It has a larger nozzle, so of you have small ear canals it may not fit right.
[Drop x Dan Clark Aeon X](https://drop.com/buy/drop-dan-clark-audio-aeon-closed-x-headphones) | Closed | $399 | Yes | One of the best closed backs under 1k, the DCA Aeon X is superbly detailed and has some of the best sound stage of any closed back. DOes require some power to run, but is worth it.
## Over $500
| Name | Type | Price | AMP Needed? | Notes |
| ------------------ | ------------ | ----- | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
**[DUNU SA6](https://www.headphones.com/products/dunu-sa6?variant=32747857150023¤cy=USD&utmmedium=productsync&utmsource=google&utmcontent=sagorganic&utmcampaign=sagorganic&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8GXWYdXFTCk-LIc9eVL66SfawjP3wTov56YmeKDmnAnh---dloRKIaAgsbEALwwcB)** | IEM | $549 | No | Probably the best IEM under $500, and my personal daily driver. It's the last IEM you will ever need.
[Beyerdynamic DT1990](https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-1990-Pro-Black-Dt1990/dp/B01KM9EJ7I)| Open| $600|Yes| These are detail masters, fantastic for working with audio. Loads of punch and slam. The treble can be harsh (pad swaps can help this), but a great build and sound for the price.|
|[Focal Elegia](https://www.amazon.com/Focal-Audiophile-Circum-Aural-Closed-Back-Headphones/dp/B07J5MDMTQ)| Closed| $600| No| One of the best closed backs under $1k. Very punchy, excessively detailed, and great soundstage. However, it does have a bit of clamp force and the sub bass isn's super present.|
|[Focal Elex](https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-focal-elex-headphones)| Open|$700|No| This is probably one of the best open backs under 1k. Super dynamic and detailed, however can be agressive at times. |
| [Audeze LCD-2 Classic](https://www.amazon.com/Audeze-Classic-Headphone-Suspension-Headband/dp/B078922QVD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PHLSPWUPKM7R&dchild=1&keywords=audeze+lcd2+classic&qid=1627184087&sprefix=Audeze+LCD2+%2Caps%2C298&sr=8-1) | Open | $800 | Yes | These headphones have great detail, soundstage, and heaps of bass. They are very warm and a little dark, but pleasent to listen to. Be aware that all Audeze headphones are *very* heavy. |
| [Dan Clark Aeon RT OR Aeon 2 Noire](https://www.danclarkaudio.com/headphones/aeon.html)| Closed | $900 | Yes | This is probably, from a clinical perspective, the best closed back under 1k. It's not as fun as the Elegia, but it is the most comfortable on this list (maybe of any closed back headphone) and has superb detail. |
| [Focal Clear/Clear MG](https://www.headphones.com/products/focal-clear-over-ear-open-back-headphones) | Open | $990/$1500 | No | An amazing intimate headphone with some of the best bass I have ever heard. If you value punch, slam, and impact, this is the best one for you. Probably the only headphone on this list that is perfect sound-wise, but it's not as comfortable as... |
| [Audeze LCD-X](https://www.amazon.com/Audeze-Classic-Headphone-Suspension-Headband/dp/B078922QVD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PHLSPWUPKM7R&dchild=1&keywords=audeze+lcd2+classic&qid=1627184087&sprefix=Audeze+LCD2+%2Caps%2C298&sr=8-1) | Open | $1200-1700 | Yes | These are a grown up LCD-2C. Whatever those do, these do better. If I wasn't using the next pick, this would be my daily driver. |
| **[Sennheiser HD800s](https://www.headphones.com/products/sennheiser-hd-800-s-dynamic-open-back-stereo-headphones?_pos=2&_sid=e84056ec5&_ss=r)** | Open | $1700 | Yes | This is the best headphone I have ever heard. It doesn't have as good "punch and slam" as the Clear, but it has the best soundstage, clarity, and natural sound of any headphone. It's more comfortable than not wearing headphones. |
## AMP/DAC Combos
For more expensive combos, hit me up. These can run everything on this list comfortably, but more expensive heapdhones scale well with better amplification. These are just baseline recommendations.
| Name | Price | Notes |
| ---- | ----- | ----- |
| [FIIO BTR5](https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-BTR5-384K-Bluetooth5-0-Headphone-Unbalanced/dp/B07ZK3M6XK) | $100 | This is a great portable option and can run anything on these lists. Also has bluetooth, so you can use any of these wirelessly. |
| JDS Atom [AMP](https://jdslabs.com/product/atom-amp/) + [DAC](https://jdslabs.com/product/atom-dac-plus/) | $200 | This is a great desktop option that will drive most headphones. Plastic build, but solid. |
| Schiit [Magni Heresy](https://www.schiit.com/products) + [Modi](https://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1) | $200 | More power than the JDS Atom, and very well built. This is last setup most will ever need. |
| **[RME ADI-2 DAC FS](https://www.amazon.com/RME-Converter-ADI-2-DAC-FS/dp/B081CWQXGD)** | $1299 | Do you want to hear a chair squeak in the orchestra pit during the Star Wars theme? Do you want to hear every breath John Lennon takes in between signing? Get the RME and a Sennheiser HS800s and never look back.
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