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.
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'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.
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
I recommend EPOS Game Zero for both FPS and single player titles. If you use AutoEQ presets on the EqualizerAPO it actually becomes a pair of fun music headphones too.
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.
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.
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??
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.
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 👍
Disappointed you recommended something from KZ and disappointed you used b-roll of the zex pro showing the crinacle logo. I know you know that crinacle disavowed these. This just comes across as either ill informed on your part, which isnt good or that you dont mind everything KZ has done in the past which is worse
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Noooo.... not the MAXWELL again! WHY...? Such an overrated, overpriced, heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, no soundstage, no detail, and way-to-flat sounding headphone. Not to mention the channel imbalance...
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!
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
Biblically accurate audiophile in the thumbnail
underrated comment
11:54
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.
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
The AKG 7XX is one that should have been on your list - positioning, sounssgatging, great sound and super comfortable.
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.
The capra strap is a lifesaver for the edition xs. Completely resolved the comfort issue for me. 1:57
Sundara sounds incredible for gaming. The clarity and punch (with EQ) smokes anything else ive used.
How you EQ?
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.
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.
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?
You had me at the thumbnail...😂...well done man!
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
I have the Maxwell, but just got the TB Stealth Gen 3 and I honestly like it better.
Love to see more of this content man, good stuff!!
Ever since I got into estats my HD800 has been sitting. I use my Stax X9000 most of the time.
Please review Ft1 Pro
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
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.
What’s your opinion on the pc 38x vs the epos open back? Any reason to switch?
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?
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.
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
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.
No SHP9600? Personally I think they're unbeatable for gaming for the price
Stupid question, but for the Meze boom mic, do I need a Y-splitter to plug it into the Sch. Gunnr?
Pls review the Beyerdynamic amiron 300 earbuds
I recommend EPOS Game Zero for both FPS and single player titles. If you use AutoEQ presets on the EqualizerAPO it actually becomes a pair of fun music headphones too.
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.
Amazing video thanks bro
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
Buying a headphone of 'precision' is the biggest gimmick. Go for what sounds good.
Powercolor AH10 under 110$ best choice
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.
10:02 you can hear obvious pops with this mic, surprised you didn't mention it.
hear*
@@steviejandjoseline776 Fixed... Thanks auto-correct! :D
wait wait wait. What happened to the legendary I saw ? (You changed it didn't you...)
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.
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??
standard magnet he400se at 58$ is unbeatable imo
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.
Thanks for everything, Josh, wishing you and your family a happy Christmas
koss ksc75
here u go, u get everything and every footstep and its like wallhack + one of the widest soundstage headphone
Couldn’t get on with the maxwell. To heavy, flaky dongle, preferred both the PC38X and AKG7XX
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 👍
Have a great holliday season with you love ones Josh. Love your kid so cute.
Disappointed you recommended something from KZ and disappointed you used b-roll of the zex pro showing the crinacle logo. I know you know that crinacle disavowed these. This just comes across as either ill informed on your part, which isnt good or that you dont mind everything KZ has done in the past which is worse
warning maxwell might be the most overrated option out there since people claim that most units have slight noise( including mine).
No mention of a single koss headphone in a gaming video is criminal behavior 😂
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!
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
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.
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.
3:42 almost 80*
Beyerdynamic TYGR should be on this list just saying
Haha what in the actual thumbnail was that?!
0:37 🧡🧡🧡🧡
hd 560s is S tier for competetive fps game.
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.
I thought this was Dimitri from Hardware Canucks at first based on the headset humonculus
I use HD560S (:
Paired with Fiio K7 it sounds amazing for the price
I use hd 600 and edition xs for gaming, me likey
I would actually like to see gaming videos from you 😂
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.
All my friends tell me my mod mic sounds like crap
I swear he's just playing with us right now. Dude, will you just drop that arya unveiled review already?! God damn!!! 😂😂😂
Awesome video Josh! The background music and the addition of your kid brought a lot of smiles 😁
Why is it so hard to find the Fiio FT1 on Amazon?
Voshua Jalour
shouts out to subnautica
Top 10 no budget when?
Noooo.... not the MAXWELL again! WHY...?
Such an overrated, overpriced, heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, no soundstage, no detail, and way-to-flat sounding headphone.
Not to mention the channel imbalance...
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!
Thanks for this video. 😊 Wishing you and your family a Happy Holidays Josh! Woof.
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.
You may have mentioned it but I think they boost the mic volume on the Maxwell when you engage the environment noise cancelling.
Audeze Maxwell - end of discussion
The thumbnail is absolutely unrespectful
misused word in title?
Oh thanks haha
lolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll headphone for gaming