For those that wanna try the Edition XS. As someone with Fibromyalgia where any minor discomfort will be very painful. Get either a pad on the head that can add extra cushion, or a comfort strap like how the Sundara has. 3rd party makers make tons of these, so just do a lil research.
I recommend the Capra Strap it’s a 3D printed flexible strap that conforms very well around your head and doesn’t add much weight. That and hybrid velour pads solved all my XS discomfort issues.
@火水-g6u I mentioned fibromyalgia to help others who might relate to the issue, as minor discomfort can significantly impact us. Sharing my experience ensures people with similar challenges can make informed choices.
Yesss! I also have fibro, and the thing I struggle with the most with gaming headphones is when I wear them for a few hours, they really start to hurt the outer edges of my ears; I've been looking for something with great ear cushioning to invest in.
I'm currently using the HD 490 Pro, I've previously used the SHP9500 and the Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro, and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro really is an incredible headphone. The comfort, the great sound without EQ is amazing. The price is a bit expensive, but if you have the budget, the HD 490 Pro is a headphone to consider. If the budget is limited, the HD560s is also a successful headphone too. Great video Josh!
@ The 330 Pro's sound quality is really good, but the 490 has a distinct clarity. Also the 490 pro is much more comfortable than the 330. In long fps games, the 330 pro really squeezed my head a lot. But if you are satisfied with 560, you may not need to pay for 490. Or buy it from amazon, try it and return it.
@@mirliva thank you for the reply. What about 560s vs the 330? Did you hear footsteps easier on the 330? What about outside noise between the 560s/490. Would you say the 330 pro wasn’t affected because it’s ’semi open back’? I find on my 560s I crank the volume because I can hear my pc fans and outside noise to hear footsteps better.
I picked up the regular r70x headphones and paired with a dx3 pro+ per recommendations from watching videos on your channel and even 2 years later they still blow me away for gaming, movies, and music. I cant recommend that combo enough and any friend of mine that tried them on couldn't believe how light, comfortable, and the level of sound quality. I second your opinion of them being incredible for games like Tarkov. Thanks Josh.
My 560s recently broke (accident with home repair) and I tested some of these picks. I am smitten with the AR5000 as my clear winner. I found it slightly more comfortable than the 560s and even the 490 pro (though this is individual). Its incredibly easy to drive and works really well even at low volumes, which means you don't have to blow your ears and there is minimal sound leak. Highly recommended. I think they are a clear upgrade to the 560s/490. I think non-audiophiles in particular will enjoy the the sound profile better. Only downside really is that its a bit harder to isolate sounds for competitive FPS. You hear more detail but its harder to isolate it and locate it in space . Got it on sale for $270 which was a good value and well worth it. I do have a refine on order to test whenever it comes in but I can heartily recommend it. The 560s served me well for years though so that is a great option as well on a budget
I have an Edition XS off a JDS Labs Element 4. Absolutely amazing. I’ve had the AR5000 and it didn’t seem to stack up detail wise but I’d say it’s probably better with directional imaging. My first audiophile headphone was an Audio Technica so I’d like to try the Refine or even the original model. And I’m considering buying the Maxwell just to have a close back option. All good ideas though. I have a separate mic so I use a Meze single ended cable. I’d imagine the boom mic version is also excellent.
Awesome video! Keep the content coming! I appreciate that you had a section for immersive gaming. People usually only cover gaming from a competitive FPS perspective.
I had been using Sennheiser Game One for over 6 years (also have HD600 & HD58X), and had been waiting for PC38X wireless edition, as really wanted to go Sennheiser wireless, preferably open back (Turtle Beach Air is only option) and ended up with Razer Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 edition which I got recently only for $110 few days ago. Not into competetive gaming, still gotta play some hours to understand how they are.
I think my Modmic is lowkey one of the best pieces of audio gear I own currently. I won mine when I was a student around 8-9 years ago so it's not exactly as if I paid for it but it's truly lasted and has been used across 3 different pairs of headphones so far without any issues whatsoever. There''s the argument that an extra cable isn't the best sometimes although as somebody who doesn't need a mic that often, I really appreciate that I can just have it neatly out of the way on my desk when it isn't' in use and simply clip it on when I need it. I'd probably just pick up the wireless version when mine eventually breaks over something like the Meze mic as I like that Modmics can attach to pretty much any headphone.
i just used maxwells for the past week, wanted something a bit more freeing for gaming as i usually use hifiman Arya's amped and i have to say the maxwells sounded great but boy did those things have some issues. The internal amplifier was a very limiting factor for me, you cant really experiment too much with EQ and higher volume because that amp will clip with heavy bass and loud volume and when it does be prepared for some ear stabbing pain... it completely blows away any confidence you have in the headset when you want to crank it because you are not sure if and when its going to happen again... lots of reports of this on reddit... Audeze updated the headset some time ago increasing gain on the amp in general likely because of complaints of low volume but i feel like that may have had a large negative effect on the headroom for EQ and its quite easy to overdrive. My other issue was how the planar drivers themselves would behave within that closed back design, there would be a weird crackling/tingling sound from the drivers after an hour or 2 of use even when switched off, others have reported it too and some claim heat/humidity/moisture as being the issue but it seems to be just another downside of closed planars that cant really breath. Its a shame really because the sound quality in general was fantastic, amongst gaming headsets its stunning but it does have some quite glaring issues that get missed by reviewers but owners soon discover after some use. I think Audeze could probably solve at least the clipping issue with heavy bass by limiting the EQ options and/or reducing the general gain of the amp but it seems they have likely moved on from any major updates of the maxwells as they likely have something else in the pipeline... i hope whatever that may be they increase the quality and capability of that internal Amp.
I bought the PC38x since release. It's great with games, but it somehow ended up as a workheadset. It communtes with me to work everyday since I also want to game with them at home. Only downside is the side volume wheel. Seems that contact issues developing with use is common, and can cuase static and balance issues. Some people even bypass it with solder, but I just live with it since I do use it.
I'm not an audiophile but i would like to mention that gunfire sound design in Apex Legends is extremely loud, especially when using very bright iems/headphones. When I turn up my volume to hear enemy footsteps, the gunfire always ends up being unbearably loud. The KZ Zex Pro and the KZ PR1s are two of the few IEMs where I feel like i can turn up the volume to hear footsteps without the gunfire blowing out my eardrums. I'm no fps pro either, but i think their sound signature is perfect for Apex.
@@LazyGibbon Noice, hope you like them as much as I do. My point of comparison was the KZ ZS10 Pro which most people supposedly say is good for fps, but I find it makes gunfire way too loud in apex specifically. It also fitted my ears terribly, none of the different ear tips helped (not even the foam ones). The KZ Zex Pro is way more comfortable and has much better passive noise cancellation.
Subnautica with good headphones is terrifying! I'm looking forward to Subnautica 2 coming out next year. I'd also have put the Philips SHP9500/9600 on the list for under $100, especially for those with bigger heads or ears. I had the SHP9500 before my Edition XS and really liked it.
I have a lot of these already including the hd800s and I tend to gravitate back towards my hd598se that I've had for about 8 years. They're comfortable for long periods, durable, sound pretty good and have decent soundstaging. They're not too expensive either for the black "special edition" under 130, they are called the hd599 now.
If yall didn't know, the 7hz timless has AMAZING detail retrieval, soundstage/imaging, TEMBRE, and speed. Please, if you wanna try something awesome, try them out! (theyre coming out with a 2 version im gonna get too)
@@GoodBoyShep hows the depth on the soundstage? I've been planning on getting the mp145 because it's supposed to be really good at that particularly and I think my ears can take the nozzels.
In Europe the 560s sits at about €140, when discounted at around 120, and lately in special occasions even at 100-110. Really crazy bang for buck there
Dt900 Pro X but only WITH PERFORATED LEATHER EARPADS will take beating. With original pads direction is very good but distance is poor. With perforated pads these are fantastic for both distance and direction.
Love this video! I have the chu and Barracuda X (needed wireless on a budget) and was looking at the FT1 as a nice closed back option for music down the line
Josh will you please do a video on which dac/amp amps in general can use things like the meze boom mic? And maybe how as a consumer i can more easily find that info myself. I would love to kick back in my chair play a game and chat with my friends with a little boom mic on my focal elex instead of using my xlr mic but I don't want to use my controller for sound. I know adding the antlion mod mic is probably the best solution.
I had the Maxwells for a while and liked the sound quality, but ended up selling them because they didn't live up to my expectations in terms of comfort and fit. One thing that annoyed me greatly was how easy it was for the sound to become unbalanced. It would always be a bit off on one side unless I aligned them perfectly with pinpoint precision on my head, and every time the headphones moved slightly, the sound would immediately become unbalanced again and I had to pause whatever I was doing and readjust the position. Aside from that, I also couldn't use them for gaming sessions longer than maybe an hour, because my ears started aching after a while due to them constantly touching the drivers; something I don't have an issue with on any other headphones I've used.
How did I do? I have Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro's and a V-Moda Boom mic. I've been enjoying them, except the headphones get a little uncomfortable after long sessions around the headband and/or earcup. My comfort prize goes to my old Sennheiser 558's, they could be worn for hours upon hours.
I just bought HD599 and it’s amzing for the fps games. I have HD560S, AKG K712 & K702, HD650, Meze 109 Pro, Epos H6 pro open & closed, Sennheiser Game Zero & One. Still HD599 is my favourite for fps games because it has amazing positional and precise audio with relaxing sound characters. Wearing comfort is better than HD560S at least for me.
Think people forgot what budget means lol, lot of people think anything over 50 is expensive. No one ever mentions them but the sennheiser hd599 se goes on sale for $90 a lot and you can find any mic to use with it and it sounds very wide though slightly hallroomy if not set up properly
yeah, budget to me means under 50, but if you want a gaming headphone, you should spend more than that. after buying cheap iems for gaming, i wish i just spend little more and got a MUSIC headphone.
@ i hear some people really enjoy the truthear zero and zero reds for gaming (30-50 bucks depending when you get them) they sound great for music but i prefer openbacks cause im usually on discord too and hearing yourself through closedbacks or iems sounds weird compared to just naturally hearing your voice through opens. Plus the wider sound is nice for some games with positional audio. Most people though will grab whatever 10-20 headphone set they can find.
I just bought HD 599 again after few years and it’s amazing for the fps games. I have HD 560S, AKG K712 & K702, HD 650, Meze 109 Pro, Epos H6 pro open & closed, Sennheiser Game Zero & One. Still HD599 is my favourite for fps games because it has amazing positional and precise audio with relaxing sound characters. Wearing comfort is better than HD 560S at least for me
I got one last year. It’s sounds good (wasn’t completely mind blowing but nonetheless impressive). It’s pretty heavy and sounds a lot better with a decent amp (I run it with a schiit fulla but feel it could use even more juice). Also the mic on/off is a little less straight forward (always have to double check whether or not I am muted or not). Overall I end up using my epos h6 pro because of the simplicity and comfort (VZR is pretty heavy and gets hot on my head after a while). I think I also just prefer open back sound and being able to hear if my wife calls out to me or if the dog needs to go out.
Loved the video and comparisons with a beautiful tailoring towards the styles people tend to fall into. When mentioning of the microphones and testing the options, was there any reason as to why not suggest or trial the modmic wireless? I was curious when you mentioned a con of the modmic being an additional wire on top of the audio wires. I completely agree and this was the main reason I was always turned away from that line. I was curious where it would wind up in comparison with the others. Cheers!
What do we got today Joshua?????? A banger??? I got my HD6XX's in last week for gaming & music. Waiting on my Fiio Q3 to arrive. I'm using a Soundblaster G6 so far. Its aiiight.
The SHP9500/9600 should be on here. It makes the terrible audio in COD bearable. Where I would formerly not hear anything, I would hear footsteps and the direction they came from. It was a crazy novel concept for me.
For 5 bucks more than the Moondrop Chu you can get the KZ Castors which I would say are much better for not much more cash. More comfortable, a better cable that's actually removeable, adjustable audio with dip switches and they're dual driver so you get a bit more definition for hearing those footsteps. I have them both and I've pretty much abandoned my chu's.
The 490 pro is just a 560s with better build quality and minimal better sound performance that doesn't justify over double the price, imo. + the 38x is a sweatier option
@@FenrirAlter I have HD 490 PRO ,560S,DT 900 PRO X ,SIMGOT EM6L .HD 490 pro is the best at least for cod by far. However I have them connected with wifi zen dac v2.
@@FenrirAlter My cousin loves his 560s but I showed up at his place with my 490s and we did A/B comparisons all night. He was constantly impressed and vouched it was worth the price difference, though I did get them on sale for around 305 USD
@@FenrirAlterNo, it is not. This was mentioned by one reviewer and gets parroted all the time, and yet no one actually justifies why it’s a “560s in a better chassis.” Mid and treble presentation with the mixing pads are entirely different, with the 490 having a smoother recess in the mids; the only similarity being in sub bass extension. With the producing pads, it might as well be an entirely different headphone. Comfort, soundstage and imaging, are vastly superior on the 490 Pros. This is the issue with the current influencer landscape. You hear one reviewer knock a headphone, and you see that feedback repeated everywhere. The 560s are a great entry into the hobby, HD490 Pros they are not.
I own the Audeze Maxwell, sound is just incredible but even with WC Freeze Maxwell and WC HeadbandZ Maxwell it's still too heavy for my neck :/ Do you have an alternative with bluetooth, lighter and a very good sound? Even maybe more pricy. THX!
The best sounding Bluetooth headphones, besides the Maxwell, are the Focal Bathys and the Hifiman Amanda BT. Sadly they're both about 2.5 times the cost of the Maxwell.
What about the mic quality on that IEM (KZ ZEX pro)? It wasn’t on his comparison, anyone got experience with it? I use the mic a lot for work calls and the Maxwell disappoints in that regard, I am returning mine. Having BT was great but well…
XS not for single player too? Been using the Sundara and Ananda exlusively for those immersion type of games, and I have zero complaints. Sundara is already a really wide sound, but Ananda was an even bigger step-up. I'd assume the XS is not too far behind?
Got myself r70x for around $180. I was a bit skeptical when i heard that it needs a lot of power to drive. Turns out, even ps5 controller can get it loud enough for me. That makes me wonder, how loud are people using their headphone?
Sooo 38x or fiio ft1 with meze mic? Im not too worried about being super sweaty but what has better sound? I am a little apprehensive of open back but if the sound is much better than oh well. Also would I need a splitter for these if plugging into a dac/amp with separate headphone and mic connections??
Hi, I'm considering buying a Meze Empyrean Elite and I would sometimes to play some games. I have to check them out in some store whether I'll like their sound when listening to music but I won't be able to check games. How are they in some FPS games like CS? Are they good? Please let me know
For "cheap" the best one is the Edition XS at least for immersion, then best overall is obviously the HD800S. I feel privileged that comfort is not so important to me, so far I have yet to find a pair of headphones that make me think, (man I cannot stand these anymore) obviously speaking about audiophile grade headphones, I have had consumer headphones that were so cheaply made they had sharp edges in the earpads. I have even used Grados with L cushion pads notorious for being uncomfortable and still barely an issue.
This is a great list but you forgot the Sennheiser HE-1. Another great budget option that sounds better than all of these headphones. Just need to attach a mod mic to it 👍
Recommending the KZ ZEX Pro when Crinacle himself made it a point to boycott them openly is a choice…. There’s tons of other options in the IEM world that don’t have that kind of controversy you could’ve picked.
Biblically accurate audiophile in the thumbnail
underrated comment
11:54
Alright, “affordable” is under $50 for me. This was the WRONG video 😅
Dude said “affordable”, first pick ~$400 then immediately follows it up w a pair that is no longer in production 😂
If that's your budget looking into iems is not a bad idea.
Hey man been there! Try the KZ Pro iems. They're excellent for the $25 asking price! If you can afford slightly more look at moondrop's offerings :)😊
audiophile affordable
@@seowoo4585 lol pretty much.
For those that wanna try the Edition XS. As someone with Fibromyalgia where any minor discomfort will be very painful. Get either a pad on the head that can add extra cushion, or a comfort strap like how the Sundara has. 3rd party makers make tons of these, so just do a lil research.
I recommend the Capra Strap it’s a 3D printed flexible strap that conforms very well around your head and doesn’t add much weight. That and hybrid velour pads solved all my XS discomfort issues.
@@TenthMarigold Ive been thinkin about gettin one of those capra straps
@火水-g6u I mentioned fibromyalgia to help others who might relate to the issue, as minor discomfort can significantly impact us. Sharing my experience ensures people with similar challenges can make informed choices.
Yesss! I also have fibro, and the thing I struggle with the most with gaming headphones is when I wear them for a few hours, they really start to hurt the outer edges of my ears; I've been looking for something with great ear cushioning to invest in.
The ears are something youll get use to as long as its in the right position. But with a comfort mod youll love it!
bro actually put a 2010 fps montage as the intro, truly mad
The capra strap is a lifesaver for the edition xs. Completely resolved the comfort issue for me. 1:57
I'm currently using the HD 490 Pro, I've previously used the SHP9500 and the Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro, and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro really is an incredible headphone. The comfort, the great sound without EQ is amazing. The price is a bit expensive, but if you have the budget, the HD 490 Pro is a headphone to consider. If the budget is limited, the HD560s is also a successful headphone too. Great video Josh!
I have the 560s was thinking of giving the 330 pro a go what do you think? Do the 490’s sound way better than the 330’s? I mainly play fps games (cs2)
@ The 330 Pro's sound quality is really good, but the 490 has a distinct clarity. Also the 490 pro is much more comfortable than the 330. In long fps games, the 330 pro really squeezed my head a lot. But if you are satisfied with 560, you may not need to pay for 490. Or buy it from amazon, try it and return it.
@@mirliva thank you for the reply.
What about 560s vs the 330? Did you hear footsteps easier on the 330?
What about outside noise between the 560s/490. Would you say the 330 pro wasn’t affected because it’s ’semi open back’?
I find on my 560s I crank the volume because I can hear my pc fans and outside noise to hear footsteps better.
I picked up the regular r70x headphones and paired with a dx3 pro+ per recommendations from watching videos on your channel and even 2 years later they still blow me away for gaming, movies, and music. I cant recommend that combo enough and any friend of mine that tried them on couldn't believe how light, comfortable, and the level of sound quality. I second your opinion of them being incredible for games like Tarkov. Thanks Josh.
My 560s recently broke (accident with home repair) and I tested some of these picks. I am smitten with the AR5000 as my clear winner. I found it slightly more comfortable than the 560s and even the 490 pro (though this is individual). Its incredibly easy to drive and works really well even at low volumes, which means you don't have to blow your ears and there is minimal sound leak. Highly recommended. I think they are a clear upgrade to the 560s/490. I think non-audiophiles in particular will enjoy the the sound profile better. Only downside really is that its a bit harder to isolate sounds for competitive FPS. You hear more detail but its harder to isolate it and locate it in space
.
Got it on sale for $270 which was a good value and well worth it. I do have a refine on order to test whenever it comes in but I can heartily recommend it. The 560s served me well for years though so that is a great option as well on a budget
Same here.
I tried the HD 490 but my ears were hitting the drivers.
AR5000 are much more comfortable.
I believe for 11/11 sale i saw AR5k for $240
With additional discounts it was like $220 or something
I'd like to understand the performance differences between the ar5000 and hd 490 pro, particularly in terms of FPS for gaming.
Thanks for everything, Josh, wishing you and your family a happy Christmas
ZMF pilot pad on the maxwell is gamechanger
Awesome video Josh! The background music and the addition of your kid brought a lot of smiles 😁
I have an Edition XS off a JDS Labs Element 4. Absolutely amazing. I’ve had the AR5000 and it didn’t seem to stack up detail wise but I’d say it’s probably better with directional imaging. My first audiophile headphone was an Audio Technica so I’d like to try the Refine or even the original model. And I’m considering buying the Maxwell just to have a close back option. All good ideas though. I have a separate mic so I use a Meze single ended cable. I’d imagine the boom mic version is also excellent.
Haven't tried the element 4 but I have both the XS and the element 3. Awesome combo
@@ethangibbs5251 My Element 4 is on the way. i am very excited.
Would you say the element 4 is good for single player immersion gaming? I have the edition XS
@ Very good. I haven’t the XS and the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro limited. Makes both open up more. Great separation and staging too.
HD560S is a great pick for FPS too, especially for the price. I picked a pair up on prime day for $130. It goes to $150 a lot too
Absolutely, it’s a great option for FPS.
Excelente para shooter FpS y singleplayer
Refurbished on amazon for $99 too, thats how I get mine and in superb condition. Direct from Sennheiser so you know it was done well.
Perfect video at the perfect time. Content on Gaming headphones is highly appreciated.
Awesome video! Keep the content coming! I appreciate that you had a section for immersive gaming. People usually only cover gaming from a competitive FPS perspective.
Sundara sounds incredible for gaming. The clarity and punch (with EQ) smokes anything else ive used.
How you EQ?
The Edition XS is like a better version of the Sundars sound wise though. It's amazing for games and movies.
I had been using Sennheiser Game One for over 6 years (also have HD600 & HD58X), and had been waiting for PC38X wireless edition, as really wanted to go Sennheiser wireless, preferably open back (Turtle Beach Air is only option) and ended up with Razer Blackshark V2 Pro 2023 edition which I got recently only for $110 few days ago. Not into competetive gaming, still gotta play some hours to understand how they are.
I think my Modmic is lowkey one of the best pieces of audio gear I own currently. I won mine when I was a student around 8-9 years ago so it's not exactly as if I paid for it but it's truly lasted and has been used across 3 different pairs of headphones so far without any issues whatsoever. There''s the argument that an extra cable isn't the best sometimes although as somebody who doesn't need a mic that often, I really appreciate that I can just have it neatly out of the way on my desk when it isn't' in use and simply clip it on when I need it. I'd probably just pick up the wireless version when mine eventually breaks over something like the Meze mic as I like that Modmics can attach to pretty much any headphone.
i just used maxwells for the past week, wanted something a bit more freeing for gaming as i usually use hifiman Arya's amped and i have to say the maxwells sounded great but boy did those things have some issues. The internal amplifier was a very limiting factor for me, you cant really experiment too much with EQ and higher volume because that amp will clip with heavy bass and loud volume and when it does be prepared for some ear stabbing pain... it completely blows away any confidence you have in the headset when you want to crank it because you are not sure if and when its going to happen again... lots of reports of this on reddit... Audeze updated the headset some time ago increasing gain on the amp in general likely because of complaints of low volume but i feel like that may have had a large negative effect on the headroom for EQ and its quite easy to overdrive.
My other issue was how the planar drivers themselves would behave within that closed back design, there would be a weird crackling/tingling sound from the drivers after an hour or 2 of use even when switched off, others have reported it too and some claim heat/humidity/moisture as being the issue but it seems to be just another downside of closed planars that cant really breath.
Its a shame really because the sound quality in general was fantastic, amongst gaming headsets its stunning but it does have some quite glaring issues that get missed by reviewers but owners soon discover after some use. I think Audeze could probably solve at least the clipping issue with heavy bass by limiting the EQ options and/or reducing the general gain of the amp but it seems they have likely moved on from any major updates of the maxwells as they likely have something else in the pipeline... i hope whatever that may be they increase the quality and capability of that internal Amp.
got the 560s refurbished from sennheiser with a vmoda boom pro and i got no complaints, i love them!
I bought the PC38x since release. It's great with games, but it somehow ended up as a workheadset. It communtes with me to work everyday since I also want to game with them at home.
Only downside is the side volume wheel. Seems that contact issues developing with use is common, and can cuase static and balance issues. Some people even bypass it with solder, but I just live with it since I do use it.
Love to see more of this content man, good stuff!!
I'm not an audiophile but i would like to mention that gunfire sound design in Apex Legends is extremely loud, especially when using very bright iems/headphones. When I turn up my volume to hear enemy footsteps, the gunfire always ends up being unbearably loud. The KZ Zex Pro and the KZ PR1s are two of the few IEMs where I feel like i can turn up the volume to hear footsteps without the gunfire blowing out my eardrums. I'm no fps pro either, but i think their sound signature is perfect for Apex.
Literally convinced me to get them with this haha
@@LazyGibbon Noice, hope you like them as much as I do. My point of comparison was the KZ ZS10 Pro which most people supposedly say is good for fps, but I find it makes gunfire way too loud in apex specifically. It also fitted my ears terribly, none of the different ear tips helped (not even the foam ones). The KZ Zex Pro is way more comfortable and has much better passive noise cancellation.
Subnautica with good headphones is terrifying! I'm looking forward to Subnautica 2 coming out next year.
I'd also have put the Philips SHP9500/9600 on the list for under $100, especially for those with bigger heads or ears. I had the SHP9500 before my Edition XS and really liked it.
I have a lot of these already including the hd800s and I tend to gravitate back towards my hd598se that I've had for about 8 years. They're comfortable for long periods, durable, sound pretty good and have decent soundstaging. They're not too expensive either for the black "special edition" under 130, they are called the hd599 now.
They sometimes drop to $90 for the 599. Grabbed them then and they are super comfy
@@Jzwiz Nice, gotta love those sales!
For single player immersion... MY GOD DOES THE 7HZ TIMELESS SOUND SOOOOOOOO GOOD
If yall didn't know, the 7hz timless has AMAZING detail retrieval, soundstage/imaging, TEMBRE, and speed. Please, if you wanna try something awesome, try them out! (theyre coming out with a 2 version im gonna get too)
When?
@@GoodBoyShep hows the depth on the soundstage?
I've been planning on getting the mp145 because it's supposed to be really good at that particularly and I think my ears can take the nozzels.
@@Karasellers-jg3bp What specifically should I test em for ya
@@GoodBoyShep I was just curious how they convey distance in open-world games and the like.
In Europe the 560s sits at about €140, when discounted at around 120, and lately in special occasions even at 100-110. Really crazy bang for buck there
Nice video! Now we just need a video of gaming dac/amp
I use HD800S for pretty much everything but honestly for immersion and noise isolation I sometimes use my Truthear Zero Red and they're excellent
Speed/Street Triple too? This man has impeccable taste.
I'd be very interested in your thoughts on the VZR Model One.
Love these videos. I love to hear abouit headphones good for gaming.
Dt900 Pro X but only WITH PERFORATED LEATHER EARPADS will take beating.
With original pads direction is very good but distance is poor.
With perforated pads these are fantastic for both distance and direction.
Love this video! I have the chu and Barracuda X (needed wireless on a budget) and was looking at the FT1 as a nice closed back option for music down the line
Josh will you please do a video on which dac/amp amps in general can use things like the meze boom mic? And maybe how as a consumer i can more easily find that info myself. I would love to kick back in my chair play a game and chat with my friends with a little boom mic on my focal elex instead of using my xlr mic but I don't want to use my controller for sound. I know adding the antlion mod mic is probably the best solution.
You had me at the thumbnail...😂...well done man!
I had the Maxwells for a while and liked the sound quality, but ended up selling them because they didn't live up to my expectations in terms of comfort and fit.
One thing that annoyed me greatly was how easy it was for the sound to become unbalanced. It would always be a bit off on one side unless I aligned them perfectly with pinpoint precision on my head, and every time the headphones moved slightly, the sound would immediately become unbalanced again and I had to pause whatever I was doing and readjust the position.
Aside from that, I also couldn't use them for gaming sessions longer than maybe an hour, because my ears started aching after a while due to them constantly touching the drivers; something I don't have an issue with on any other headphones I've used.
Agree, try the Stealth 700 Gen 3. I'm actually very impressed and I might just sell my Maxwell's.
I have the both 560s and edition xs.
With eq I don’t even look at other options EXCEPT Maxwell.
I really want to try those.
How did I do? I have Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro's and a V-Moda Boom mic. I've been enjoying them, except the headphones get a little uncomfortable after long sessions around the headband and/or earcup. My comfort prize goes to my old Sennheiser 558's, they could be worn for hours upon hours.
What is your opinion about the Sennheiser HD599? Good video
I just bought HD599 and it’s amzing for the fps games. I have HD560S, AKG K712 & K702, HD650, Meze 109 Pro, Epos H6 pro open & closed, Sennheiser Game Zero & One. Still HD599 is my favourite for fps games because it has amazing positional and precise audio with relaxing sound characters. Wearing comfort is better than HD560S at least for me.
Think people forgot what budget means lol, lot of people think anything over 50 is expensive. No one ever mentions them but the sennheiser hd599 se goes on sale for $90 a lot and you can find any mic to use with it and it sounds very wide though slightly hallroomy if not set up properly
yeah, budget to me means under 50, but if you want a gaming headphone, you should spend more than that. after buying cheap iems for gaming, i wish i just spend little more and got a MUSIC headphone.
@ i hear some people really enjoy the truthear zero and zero reds for gaming (30-50 bucks depending when you get them) they sound great for music but i prefer openbacks cause im usually on discord too and hearing yourself through closedbacks or iems sounds weird compared to just naturally hearing your voice through opens. Plus the wider sound is nice for some games with positional audio. Most people though will grab whatever 10-20 headphone set they can find.
I just bought HD 599 again after few years and it’s amazing for the fps games. I have HD 560S, AKG K712 & K702, HD 650, Meze 109 Pro, Epos H6 pro open & closed, Sennheiser Game Zero & One. Still HD599 is my favourite for fps games because it has amazing positional and precise audio with relaxing sound characters. Wearing comfort is better than HD 560S at least for me
The whole 'precision' thing is a gimmick people pretend to understand.
Thanks for another great video. Have you tested the VZR Model One?
I got one last year. It’s sounds good (wasn’t completely mind blowing but nonetheless impressive). It’s pretty heavy and sounds a lot better with a decent amp (I run it with a schiit fulla but feel it could use even more juice). Also the mic on/off is a little less straight forward (always have to double check whether or not I am muted or not). Overall I end up using my epos h6 pro because of the simplicity and comfort (VZR is pretty heavy and gets hot on my head after a while). I think I also just prefer open back sound and being able to hear if my wife calls out to me or if the dog needs to go out.
Loved the video and comparisons with a beautiful tailoring towards the styles people tend to fall into. When mentioning of the microphones and testing the options, was there any reason as to why not suggest or trial the modmic wireless? I was curious when you mentioned a con of the modmic being an additional wire on top of the audio wires. I completely agree and this was the main reason I was always turned away from that line. I was curious where it would wind up in comparison with the others. Cheers!
What do we got today Joshua?????? A banger??? I got my HD6XX's in last week for gaming & music. Waiting on my Fiio Q3 to arrive. I'm using a Soundblaster G6 so far. Its aiiight.
Amazing video thanks bro
The SHP9500/9600 should be on here. It makes the terrible audio in COD bearable. Where I would formerly not hear anything, I would hear footsteps and the direction they came from. It was a crazy novel concept for me.
I have the Maxwell, but just got the TB Stealth Gen 3 and I honestly like it better.
Meze 105 Air or Aune AR5000 in sound quality in geral?
Budget definition has been changing drastically these days.
Everyone in the get rich quick schemes except me 😢
Have a great holliday season with you love ones Josh. Love your kid so cute.
For 5 bucks more than the Moondrop Chu you can get the KZ Castors which I would say are much better for not much more cash. More comfortable, a better cable that's actually removeable, adjustable audio with dip switches and they're dual driver so you get a bit more definition for hearing those footsteps. I have them both and I've pretty much abandoned my chu's.
Cant believe 490 pro wasnt recommended for competitive its beast with mixing pads
The 490 pro is just a 560s with better build quality and minimal better sound performance that doesn't justify over double the price, imo. + the 38x is a sweatier option
@@FenrirAlter I have HD 490 PRO ,560S,DT 900 PRO X ,SIMGOT EM6L .HD 490 pro is the best at least for cod by far. However I have them connected with wifi zen dac v2.
@@FenrirAlter My cousin loves his 560s but I showed up at his place with my 490s and we did A/B comparisons all night. He was constantly impressed and vouched it was worth the price difference, though I did get them on sale for around 305 USD
@@FenrirAlterNo, it is not. This was mentioned by one reviewer and gets parroted all the time, and yet no one actually justifies why it’s a “560s in a better chassis.” Mid and treble presentation with the mixing pads are entirely different, with the 490 having a smoother recess in the mids; the only similarity being in sub bass extension. With the producing pads, it might as well be an entirely different headphone.
Comfort, soundstage and imaging, are vastly superior on the 490 Pros. This is the issue with the current influencer landscape. You hear one reviewer knock a headphone, and you see that feedback repeated everywhere. The 560s are a great entry into the hobby, HD490 Pros they are not.
I was rocking XS but upgraded to Arya SE instead due to the comfort issue. Great headphone but way too loss for my style.
Ever since I got into estats my HD800 has been sitting. I use my Stax X9000 most of the time.
Thanks for this video. 😊 Wishing you and your family a Happy Holidays Josh! Woof.
I own the Audeze Maxwell, sound is just incredible but even with WC Freeze Maxwell and WC HeadbandZ Maxwell it's still too heavy for my neck :/ Do you have an alternative with bluetooth, lighter and a very good sound? Even maybe more pricy. THX!
The best sounding Bluetooth headphones, besides the Maxwell, are the Focal Bathys and the Hifiman Amanda BT. Sadly they're both about 2.5 times the cost of the Maxwell.
What about the mic quality on that IEM (KZ ZEX pro)? It wasn’t on his comparison, anyone got experience with it? I use the mic a lot for work calls and the Maxwell disappoints in that regard, I am returning mine. Having BT was great but well…
XS not for single player too? Been using the Sundara and Ananda exlusively for those immersion type of games, and I have zero complaints. Sundara is already a really wide sound, but Ananda was an even bigger step-up. I'd assume the XS is not too far behind?
All 3 are amazing for immersive gaming idk why he didn't add it for that part haha
Meze 105 or Senne 490 ? Meze's are a little cheaper in Poland.
I just ordered the pc38x headphones. Only paid 150 on Amazon. Merry Christmas
Got myself r70x for around $180. I was a bit skeptical when i heard that it needs a lot of power to drive. Turns out, even ps5 controller can get it loud enough for me. That makes me wonder, how loud are people using their headphone?
can you pls make a non budget video of this?
HD560S is actually a great multiplayer headphone
What is the best option out there dac/amp to pair with the Edition XS for using the Meze Mic with microphone input?
Schiit gunnr
Now for the list with no budget!
Sooo 38x or fiio ft1 with meze mic? Im not too worried about being super sweaty but what has better sound? I am a little apprehensive of open back but if the sound is much better than oh well. Also would I need a splitter for these if plugging into a dac/amp with separate headphone and mic connections??
Hi,
I'm considering buying a Meze Empyrean Elite and I would sometimes to play some games. I have to check them out in some store whether I'll like their sound when listening to music but I won't be able to check games. How are they in some FPS games like CS? Are they good?
Please let me know
Hifiman HE400se still my favorite!! Cheap and amazing for games!
Please review Ft1 Pro
For "cheap" the best one is the Edition XS at least for immersion, then best overall is obviously the HD800S.
I feel privileged that comfort is not so important to me, so far I have yet to find a pair of headphones that make me think, (man I cannot stand these anymore) obviously speaking about audiophile grade headphones, I have had consumer headphones that were so cheaply made they had sharp edges in the earpads.
I have even used Grados with L cushion pads notorious for being uncomfortable and still barely an issue.
0:38 OMG SO CUTEEEEE
What’s your opinion on the pc 38x vs the epos open back? Any reason to switch?
Will Maze boom Mic work/plug in FT1? I would like to see this combo in action.
The AKG 7XX is one that should have been on your list - positioning, sounssgatging, great sound and super comfortable.
I have the Maxwell, AR5000, FT1, and ATH-RX70x Refine (arriving by Q2 2025 per Apos). More of a single player person than an online multiplayer one.
For an upgrade in the closed back department, I’d go Focal Azurys. Only downside is that it cannot be ran balanced
AR5000 is good for movie and games?
Make a best DAC& dongle video
what about the HIFIMAN HE400SE
I swear he's just playing with us right now. Dude, will you just drop that arya unveiled review already?! God damn!!! 😂😂😂
When is the schitt gunnr video coming?
I use HD560S (:
Paired with Fiio K7 it sounds amazing for the price
This is a great list but you forgot the Sennheiser HE-1. Another great budget option that sounds better than all of these headphones. Just need to attach a mod mic to it 👍
koss ksc75
here u go, u get everything and every footstep and its like wallhack + one of the widest soundstage headphone
these hurt most ears after 15 minutes
@@KontrolStyle for me i forget its on my ears after 10 mins
Stupid question, but for the Meze boom mic, do I need a Y-splitter to plug it into the Sch. Gunnr?
yo, try the smsl dl200 its like the bigger brother of a topping dx3pro + but betterm
The baby video at the end...Awwwwww!!!!
I would actually like to see gaming videos from you 😂
I love play single player games with focal headphone
UA-cam should let give more than one thumb up when i vídeo is so helpful Greetings from México 👍🏻
I use hd 600 and edition xs for gaming, me likey
standard magnet he400se at 58$ is unbeatable imo
Powercolor AH10 under 110$ best choice
First headset was 350, second was 450…I didn’t go beyond that.
Affordable for a chemist and UA-camr are different things.
No SHP9600? Personally I think they're unbeatable for gaming for the price
AKG AR5000 and Shure 105 Air the timestamps are funny 😂
No mention of a single koss headphone in a gaming video is criminal behavior 😂
Recommending the KZ ZEX Pro when Crinacle himself made it a point to boycott them openly is a choice…. There’s tons of other options in the IEM world that don’t have that kind of controversy you could’ve picked.
Dac Amp ?
Is your budget casually just professional studio budget
10:02 you can hear obvious pops with this mic, surprised you didn't mention it.
hear*
@@steviejandjoseline776 Fixed... Thanks auto-correct! :D