Looking back, I could have been fully satisfied with Just a KSC75 and some modding. While I appreciate my more expensive gear and absolutely want to keep trying more, it's not so much of a drive to upgrade as it used to be. Just enjoy what you have

It is difficult when on this subreddit or like me watching various videos on YouTube that cater to the headphone market.

My setup certainly isn't bad. I like having a collection of stuff. I'm sure I could definitely upgrade. But I like collecting headphones. While it can be expensive, it makes me happy.

Me

at home: schiit bf2/64, lokius, jot2, valhalla 2. hd800, el-8

on the go: Fiio KA3, b2dusk, akg400nc

I'm satisfied

You satisfied with that?

What equipment do you have fella?

Depends on what my goal is. Enjoyment? Sure. Reference? Almost never.

As far as function, it's hard to do much better in a cost/performance model than the Etymotic ER4XR with comply tips. Especially when they go on one of their sub $200 sales.

But... compared to my reference speaker system I've not found a headphone system that can match, and that's troublesome because I need to work on headphones sometimes to match into the stage. Closest I can get there is currently HD800s + Smyth A16, but they are shit for isolation. Working on tuning in a pair of Aeon 2 Noirs with the Smyth but I'm not sure if it's going to work out.

I am fully satisfied barring an audition of the Hifiman Susvara (and a serious dealer discount). The amp/cans in my flair with a Marantz SACD30n and Music Hall MMF 7.3 as sources keeps me quite happy.

very much so

Hd 600 and 650 with high end set tube amp. Absolute endgame for me

I currently have: Sennheiser HD560s, Moondrop Kato, KZ ZS10 Pro, AKG N400NC, and some cheap Logitech speakers.

I stopped using the KZ ZS10 Pro a while ago. For desktop use, I use my 560S and I use my N400NC anytime I need some portable. The Logitech speakers are just when I want to have some music playings without having to put on any audio gear.

I just recently bought the Kato, so I have been using that as my main desktop audio device to try it out and see if it like it.

At this point, I'm pretty satisfied with my setup. I have been driving everything using built in 3.5 mm on laptop or an apple dongle. But, I am considering getting a Q5K as a portable and desktop dac. After that, I should be done with purchasing gear.

Luckily, I found my end game for keyboards, so that's only less expensive hobby. Using an Ikki68, unfortunately still waiting on GB key caps, but I won't be making any more unnecessary keyboard purchases.

Do I want to try more headphones and gear? Yes, always. Do I want to buy more headphones? Mmm, not really. I haven't found anything that I've really wanted to buy since I got my Shangri-La Jr. Certainly there are things I've enjoyed trying out and comparing to the Jr, but nothing that made me want to spend money. If anything, I should be selling some of my gear off as there's stuff that I barely use (e.g. my Elex).

For the full gear list:

Headphones: Hifiman Shangri-La Jr, Sundara, R7DX, Stax SR-L700mk2, DCA Aeon 2 Closed w/ Perforated Pads, Focal Elex, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal (and I sometimes use my wife's Sennheiser HD 6xx).

Amps and DACs: CCS-modded Stax SRM-006tA (currently broken, awaiting a replacement part), Stax SRM-D10, FiiO K9 Pro AKM (at my gaming desk), Topping D50s/A50s (in the living room), Qudelix 5K (office/portable).

IEMs: Samsung Galaxy Buds2

Me: Hd6xx, Modded HE4xx, Kato, MEST MKII, S12, Vulkan, a scattering of cheaper IEMs, Monoprice 788, BTR5 2021...

I'm never really satisfied, but I think I want one more full sized cans like the Meze 109 Pro. I think I'll stop there. Maybe.

I think I'm happy with what I have. I would be lying if I said I didn't have that itch for something more, but I don't have the money for it.

Current main set: HE-4XX AKG-K371 Moondrop Chus.

If I was to get anything new, it would probably be a new set of IEMs. Maybe the 7hz Timeless?

Some blessing 2 on the go, some good old kph30i on my pc, I'm loving it (although I'm looking to buy a more neutral pair of headphones)

Pretty satisfied with my kato and apple dongle. I’ve had this setup for months now and I didn’t feel the urge to upgrade.

Satisfied with

Iem: Sennheiser ie600 and etymotic er2xr. Headphones: Sennheiser HD599 SE, Beyerdynamic DT770 32ohm Dac/Music player: Sony nwa105, Fiio btr 5 Wireless: Soundcore Q30

Stopped buying anything else after ie600.

IEM:7hz timeless, Crinacle truth ear zero, Blon bl 03, air pods pro OG ,jabra elite 4 active Cans: Hifiman Sundara, Sennheiser HD650 Dac/Amp: Fiio KA1, Apple dongle, Topping E50,Topping L30 OG , Topping A90D Am I happy? For the most part yes. Do I need an upgrade ? Nope. Do I want an upgrade? Yes ! yes! Yes!

What are you doing?

I'm finished. ksc75 for vr and portable headphones, hd560s for at home headphones, and er2se for everything else. it's perfect for me

The susvara Is a hell of a rabbit hole to go down. It's a very fickle device, but a damn good one at that

Not yet, Im still missing an amp, a dac and hd 600 and dt 880 pro 600 ohms

Mostly satisfied, I could definitely go on indefinitely with what I got, but I think I'm going to get one more pair of headphones next year and depending what I get I might want to try a tube amp.

Quite satisfied with mine

My primary headphones are 6XX, sr80x and 361 with quedelix. They’re different enough from each other to satisfy my moods. With peq presets and some cross feed they sound amazing to me.

Mixing for TV and film.

Sweet man. I'm happy for you that sounds cool.

I jumped in with KZ’s 1.5 years ago… DQ6… I gave them to my apartment building’s super intendant. I couldn’t bring myself to give them to a friend.

ZAS & AST are fantastic especially now that I have a Qudelix 5K to EQ. The detail and sound experience is remarkable.

I’m ordering their AS16 Pro, because I think 8 BA’s will deliver the sound & detail I want. KZ’s dynamic drivers have too much bass for me. The AST is thick and has a bit too much mass to it. I can’t comfortably wear AST as long as my ZAS.

I’m going to check out the PR1 just to hear what their planar sounds like. I love what happens in the mids and high frequencies.

Logically speaking… there seems to be very little reason to spend over $200 for an IEM if you’re tuning/EQ’ing everything to the harmon line or some other particular setting.

If $30-80 hardware sounds the same as $1500 hardware tuned to the harmon line… there’s a weird value miss match.

I guess I'm not very picky (by audiophile standards). I appreciate quality, but I can also appreciate being 98% of the way there. For home listening, I'd be pretty much entirely happy with just my Sennheisers, a parametric EQ to fill in their bass and make a couple other tweaks, and a respectable-quality laptop headphone out (and I would listen that setup over literally any other headphone setup without PEQ - it's simply essential for headphones IMO).

Past that, it's the land of extremely marginal improvements and consumerism for consumerism's sake. I have much fancier stuff and like trying new fancy stuff, but if I'm being perfectly honest with myself, it's a waste of money chasing ultimately meaningless differences and marginal improvements. But it's fun, so...

B2 and KATO for on the go, R70x for home use. All of them are great for vocals. Yeah, I'm very satisfied with mine.

Me. There are other headphones that I really like such as Arya Stealth but none that are worth spending another extra $2000 for when I already have a pair of Focal Clear Mg's that I absolutely adore.

I can't really tell the difference between most amp/dacs especially when the Clear Mg's are so easy to drive so I just went with an exquisitely designed one - JDS Element III

Very satisfied with SHP9500 out of motherboard.

Blessing2Dusk/IkkoOH10/KZ Zs10 pro and LCD X 2021/RME ADI 2fs. I have nothing else i would like besides a DAP. 10/10

I’m perfectly satisfied with my collection and if i had to I wouldn’t buy any more. Nowadays I think less about buying new gear compared to a few months ago. That doesn’t mean I don’t want more though lol!

At home, I'm currently running a DCA Aeon 2 Noire with a D30 Pro/A30 Pro stack. Not too mention the HD600 and Elegia I haven't used much since I got my Noires.

- Am I satisfied? Yeah. It got rid of the upgradeitis I had with my Elegia...for now.

-Is it a fun setup? I like detail separation in music, so this is good enough for me. At least until I can raise my budget and get some electrostats :P

I have moondrop starfield's and M40X's when I'm on the go, but I don't want anything too fancy out of the house.

Im pretty happy with my setup.

Using the Focal Clear with RebelAMP, and SMSL SU-9N as a DAC.

HD 660s. Done.

I love my setup. I might someday upgrade my IEMs, but it doesn't make sense to at the moment since I'm working from home and not using them much.

Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT1990

Home source: laptop > apple dongle > JDS atom amp+

IEM: Thieaudio Legacy 4

On the go source 1: laptop > apple dongle

On the go source 2: Fiio M6

Main headphones - Sundara

amp- Magni Heresy

DAC- Modi 3+

IEM - Moondrop Starfield

TWS- Sony WF-1000 XM4, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and Live

That's what I use most. My headphone setup is used mostly for gaming these days and I have absolutely zero complaints. Love the Sundaras and even though I have the Harmon EQ setup I never use them like that.

The reason I have so many TWS is because I use them everyday M-F while I'm at work. The Sony are probably my favorite but, just for superior ANC tech. At the moment I'm waiting for a new set from Sony as my left bud started rapidly discharging. As I understand it this is a fairly common issue and the revised /B version they're sending has newer firmware that fixes the issue. It also takes awhile for the tips to soften up which you'll hear about if you watch any review on these. The LDAC does sound better IMO on hifi recordings but it absolutely swills battery on the earbuds and phone while in use so it's not something I use.

I've been using Samsung buds since the Buds + and I've never had an issue with any of them. My Pros still sound great but, I've had them since they came out and they don't hold a charge like they did. Even the Buds Live that I just got to try while the XM4s were in RMA sound surprisingly good for something that isn't even in your ear canal but, the ANC is just a gimmick on them. Samsung buds are just comfortable and although they don't have a full EQ like the XM4 but the software is better in general. Especially when switching devices.

Now the Starfields. I only really use them if I'm hot and don't want to wear headphones. I grabbed them because at the time they were recommended everywhere and weren't too expensive. I can't say that I've ever been very impressed with these. The build is pretty cheap looking and feeling. The sound isn't bad and it isn't great. They're just OK IMO

I'm satisfied with my current set and won't be upgrading or buying new gear until something spoils in my list

Headphones: M40x: unsatisfactory (confort and channel imbalance) X2hr: unsatisfactory (piercing highs) Portapros: very satisfying sound, comfort can be improved, will try yaxi pads, afraid they'll break tho. They sound a little veiled but tolerable.

IEMs: Zs10 pro: Extremely fatiguing, disappointed with them. Not buying from KZ again. Jabra 75t: Ok for bluetooth. Convenient and decent for the price.

Dac/amps (headphones): E30+L30: Decent stack, not worth the money anymore, slight annoyance with channel imbalance on L30 at low volumes because of analog volume pot. S9 pro: Good power for portable, harsh trebble, not experiencing the battery drain people are talking about, runs hot and build quality is only ok. Dx3 pro+: Very satisfied with everything except internal board is kind of loose. Everything else is perfect for me. Well worth the price. Bluetooth is insane too.

Speakers: Eris E5: Tbh, just skip on all "studio monitors" although these were an OK pair to start with. These need a sub. MediaDesk mkII 2.1: Fun 2.1 system. Doesn't play too loud but sub produces nice low end for the size. Mids are a bit too recessed. Micca RB42: Very limited due to their small size albeit impressive for 4 inch. Weird bump in mid-bass/lower midrange region. B&W DM-601 s3 + Temblor T10 sub: Insane sound no need for more atm. Everything I like in speakers. B&W is still KING.

Power amps: SMSL Ao200: Don't loose your time with Class D save some money and buy a real amp. Bryston 3B-ST: A LOT of GOOD power. Will drive anything. Get a Bryston if you can it's a safe choice.

TLDR: Semi satisfied audiophile. If you have recommendations for portable dac/amp solutions (~200-300$ CAD) and headphones with frequency response similar to Portapros but with more comfort and details (~300-400$), I'd be interested in hearing them. I don't like harsh or piercing trebble (young ears) and tend to enjoy warm sound signatures more.

Im currently satisfied. I pretty much only use the Ikko OH10 with an apple dongle connected to my phone. I also have the Moondrop Arias, Tin T3, Hifiman He400se, Koss ksc75, and the koss kph30i. These hardly get used tbh

I'm a newish budget-oriented normie. I'd like to get into higher tier stuff but most of my extra money goes to tools and/or lightsabers for now

I really liked my TruthEar Zeros (rip). Currently enjoying QKZ x HBB. I like those two more than Aria. I've also tried Chu, Mele, CRA, and 7hz zero.

I think my endgame is 7hz Timeless but I need to focus on cables (not the snake oil stuff) and ear tips as well as get another TruthEar Zeros. Since I work outside, moving and sweating a lot I'm kinda taking the pocket knife approach of a couple beaters/users with a high end "safe queen"

Headphones: Hifiman Sundara, Grado SR60 (detachable cable modded)

DAC: iFi Zen DAC (v1)

IEMs: CCA CRA

I'm quite satisfied with the setup, though I sometimes wish I had over-ears for on the go because my ears get fatigued from IEMs pretty frequently, especially during cold weather.

I'm also entertaining the thought of an upgrade from the CRAs or a complimentary TWS IEM.

And I'd like an open-back that's suited a bit better to gaming. But other than that I can't really complain. Not really expecting to replace the other equipment soon.

For headphones, I am 90% satisfied with the Edition XS. I may upgrade to the Arya V3, but not for a long while.

For IEMs, the Moondrop S8 is my endgame.

I would be satisfied with a fraction of the gear I have acquired. It is a cliche but true, at least in my case, that it is really about the music. I have always preferred to have more, value-oriented gear rather than less choices of totl stuff. The diminishing returns hit pretty hard over 500.00/component. Other than my primary dac (Gungnir Multibit A2), i haven't spent over 700.00 on any component, including my 2 channel rig. But I like having choices. And I don't have anything with which I am not satisfied.

Being satisfied with what I have does not mean not being interested in pursuing more headphones.

I'm far past the point of looking for an upgrade or endgame, I just enjoy different headphones and like collecting the ones I enjoy. I don't need a petty excuse like it being an upgrade over what I already have to justify it.

Thanks, it's a really cool job. Long hours, and can suck pretty hard but on balance it's great.

Just out of curiosity, what does the A16 do for the staging and imaging? I’m trying to read this product page but it doesn’t make much sense

The short story is that you stick microphones in your ears, and it tones out a room, then you put on headphones (without taking the microphones out) and it tones out the cans. It then does a fairly complex FFT to make the two mach with an incoming signal. It has a testing mode where you are supposed to guess if you have headphones on or if it's the speakers playing, for the first 15min or so of this test everyone I know has gotten it wrong at least 50% of the time, it's that good.

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That sounds fantastic! So it can theoretically bridge the tonal gap between any monitor and headphone? That must sound amazing with the HD800S

Yes, and yes. There are limitations, low frequency isn't perfect (obviously it's not moving the air that big drivers are, so you don't "feel" the bass the same). And you can't EQ a headphone to do "everything" as all headphones have a limitation but the HD800s are pretty close. Smyth also recommends STAX.

Also, if this isn't obvious, it does all of this at a 7.1.2 soundfield, so you can feed it a dolby atmos mix (or DTS:X) and you hear the full surround mix, with location accuracy. There is also a head tracking feature so you can turn your head and the "room" stays where it is.

Thanks for all the information! I’m going to look into this further. The spatial aspects are very intriguing to me.

It's very cool. It works best if you have access to a great sounding room to model.

Really satisfied with my old and trusty LCD-2.

Focal Clear og, Topping DX3 Pro+, B2Dusk, FiiO KA3.

Open Back: HD 6XX

Closed Back: K371

IEM: ER2XR

TWS: N400

Desktop DAC/Amp: JDS Labs Element(1st gen)

Portable DAC/Amp: Creative SXFI

Overall satisfaction: Honestly lost a lot of interest in other IEMs. Etymotics just win the comfort compared to the typical like 5.5mm nozzle IEMs. HD 6XX are good enough. K371 aren't my favorite(comfort could be a lot better if they had deeper earpads), but no pressing urge to replace.

AKG N400 is I think the item I'm the least happy with, despite using them a bit. Sound is solid, but passive isolation is terrible, ANC is a bit wonky, short term comfort is fine, but long term comfort is lacking, and I wish I wish I wish that there was a swipe-back command option to turn ANC on/off on the left earbud, since there is a swipe-forward you can use for talkthru/ambient mode toggle.

JDS Labs Element honestly has given me zero issues, looks great, don't see a reason to replace for a long time. Creative SXFI dongle doesn't seem the most power efficient, as it gets a bit warm in use, and phone battery drain gets a little high. Wouldn't MIND replacing it, but until it breaks or gets lost, not going to spend money on something else.

Satisfied for ~4 years now, approaching 5.

Bought a couple 2k iems, and it wasn't that much of a serious upgrade over .4k-1k items. Yeah, the expensive stuff are good but they aren't 3x-4x that mind boggling. (And no, the blessing 2 doesn't touch the big boys -- just to get it out there)

I might audition some totl big cans instead. I just find it amusing being in the sidelines seeing people cheerlead and have cult followers bite hard 😆 (while I enjoy my music).

Yeah these will do.

Arya Stealth V3 + Topping D10 balanced + Topping A30pro

Super-duper satisfied.

After trying out mutiple thounsand dollar headphones owning a few high-end headphones (Focal Clear), HD 600 and DT 1990 pro are still my favorite and not wanting to upgrade in the near future.

Headphones: Focal Elegia, Sundara, and 6XX

IEMs: Blessing 2, Tanchjim Hana 2021

TWS: Sony Link Bud S

I am pretty happy with my line up but there are constantly new things coming out that grabs my interest one way or another. Especially IEMs.

I'd like to have a planar IEM (looking at the moondrop stellaris), and another closed back that's more fun than my Elegia.

Fiio BTR3K with Grado SR80e, Bose QC35, or some Kliptsch or Sennheiser buds, or B&O TWS. All I need with tinnitus and 60 y/o ears that can't hear upper Hz anyway. I feel lucky that lower end gear is all I need. Anything to drown out the tinnitus sounds great to me!

Headphones: Hifiman HE1000 V2.

A planar with electrostatic-like speed. Great for Korean R&B like Heize that has layered vocals since they occupy their own space without stepping over each other.

IEMS: Sony IER-Z1R.

Fun sub-bass cannons that are forgiving of modern tracks.

DAC/Amp: iFi iDSD Signature.

TWS: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

I leave them on the Soft EQ setting to have something mellow to listen to while working in the office.

Definitely. But that dosen't mean I have fallen out of love with audio equipment. I'll still keep an eye on the hobby whenever I can.

Good question. I am pretty satisfy with my setup.

Headphones: Focal Radiance for closed back. LCDX-2021 open back.

IEM: Moondrop Starfield for sleeping. Kato for main.

DAC/AMP: Monolith THX 788

TWS: Galaxy Buds Pro for main. Beats Fit Pro for gym.

I’m just getting into audiophile stuff and this post helped me out a lot! I had no clue what an IEM or DAC was thanks to this set up list I was able to google/research them a a bit! Just to confirm, TWS means true wireless stereo right? In this case your phone.

that edit though lol

Seems like there will be future edits in your post, because in this hobby you are never satisfied with what you have, you will always look for that audio nirvana which doesn't exist. But that is part of the enjoyment too ironically.

I've read in some threads that people got burned out and eventually stopped and sell all their expensive gears, finally learning that it is always about the music not the gear. This I would call the "enlightened" level. Perhaps it will take decades if not years for some people. Even I am still in the honeymoon phase, trying out different gears and saving up for even more gears.

Perhaps one day I will achieve enlightenment too, BUT NOT TODAY, I still need to get that flagship headphone that I've been saving up for years for.

Such is the irony of being in this hobby. 💀

Is the CCA CRA good under 25$..?? Or should I upgrade to the newer CCA CRA+ or the KZ ZSN Pro X...??

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Have : blon bl03, tinhifi t3 plus, shouer s12 and HD 560s. Im perfectly happy. But at current sale i am gonna buy another blons so i can try bloxygen mod. Also maybe qkz x hbb to try out that fun tuning which im a big fan of ( i might prefer the blons to s12)and see if it worth buying it as present for friends in the future

dca aeon rt c, akg k712 pro, audeze lcd i3, xduoo xd05 bal, apple airpods pro 2… everything i need.

Aeon 2 Noire would be nice. But for now im satisfied

I bought a pair of HD 599's as an entry set and love the open backs, but after playing with sound tests for a few days I found out I could barely tell the difference between the bit rate that pandora streams at and anything better so id say im satisfied but also that im just not cut out for the hobby/enthusiast space.

I have the Blessing 2... is it worth the upgrade for the S8? I want to try a Full BA IEM.

My setup: Beyerdynamic DT 700 pro

Fiio E10k

Xduoo X3 II DAP

My main issue with this is finding time to actually enjoy it

I think I am. Took me some time experimenting but i recently grabbed a 2 months old Fiio k9 pro plus a new Hifiman edition xs all for less than $1K OTD after taxes shipping and everything . Super happy with this setup for movies gaming music etc

Headphones: Hd 650's, B&O H6, Audio Technica's mh40. And an assortment of cheap bluetooth and wired in ears

Amp: fosi audiobox4( 5654 tubes), Denon rcdm40, scarlett 2i4 .

I am fully satisfied with my setup, nothing crazy but gets the job done.

I myself upgraded from the Blessing 2 to the S8. IMO, the upgrade was absolutely worth it. From my experience, in terms of sheer detail retrieval, the S8 is so much better than the Blessing 2.

I'd say I've reached my peak in terms of IEMs, but can definitely improve on my source/headphones. The issue is my lifestyle involves alot of traveling so justifying spending good money on a good stationary setup is hard.

Headphones: Sony XM5, MDR-1AM2

IEM'S: IER-M9, ZSN Pro X, Fiio FF3

Portable DAC: Fiio KA3, BTR3K

TWS: Sony WF-XM3

DAP: Sony ZX300

I'd love to own the HD600 one day, with a good desk amp and DAC to go with it. I could also probably do better on the tws front.

Done. Found my end game and I’m satisfied.

Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 3, Koss KPH30i (broken)

IEMs: Thieaudio Monarch, Etymotic ER2XR, Moondrop Quarks

Currently using the Monarchs at home for listening, and I keep the ER2's as my trusty commuting/travel pair. The Monarchs have honestly quenched my thirst at this point considering I've had them for 10 months and haven't thought about even trying new IEMs. Detail retrieval to me is otherworldly, and the subbass prevalence is what I needed.

For the ER2's, the passive noise isolation is insane and having a single DD design means they'll endure being tossed around. They're great on planes, bus rides, trains, and are tiny. They have also been lifesavers, doubling as earplugs for concerts.

My Momentum 3s get the least use at this point, but once I end up working in an office again.... They'll get consistent use. They're fine and comfortable but just not convenient enough right now.

I find it really weird how many people spend too much time listening to the gear. I think what helped me when starting out, was always focusing on discovering new music. Only sad thing, is some really good albums are mastered like crap and hearing them on good hardware exposes them.

I'm also shocked at how some artists, like Kendrick Lamar, have exceptional sounding albums. Some smaller artists across the genre spectrum also do have well mastered records despite not being bankrolled by huge labels.

How are the IER-M9's? I had them on a short list before ending up with the Monarchs.

As a complete package they are absolutely incredible. They do a wonderful job of eliminating that "in your head" sound that most IEMs have. Super coherent, with excellent positioning to boot (some people say that they have it the best). Warm and laid back sounding but still being able to have a little excitement to not be completely boring like the M7 (IMO)

I can only compare it to the Andromedas since Ive tried those in store as well, the M9s just have a more pleasing tonality to them.

Build quality, size, comfort, and accessories are all also very impressive. You def get your money's worth.

I feel satisfied with what I have for the most part. Doesn’t stop me from constantly looking for the next new thing though.

I always think I'm satisfied but then I'll get the itch and buy something on a whim.

My pc desk setup is either gsx1000 (when gaming) or SMSL SU-8S (general use) to a Drop thx AAA connected to either my 7hz timeless or Ether flows with 1.1 mod. I'm mostly satisfied with this setup but im not sure if im getting the most out of the ethers or if its all just diminishing returns at this point. I'd like to try out some more DACs and Amps, but as of now i have enough side projects to be blissfully ignorant with the set up for now lol.

My laptop setup is a fiio e07k connected to hd6xx but i recently bought a sound blaster x1 just to make the set up a tiny bit more portable, just waiting for the post office to deliver it. Quality wise is great for on the go to play some games and discord with the homies.

My TWS for my phone mostly is Fiio UTSW5 earhooks with the 7hz timeless(if i dont have them connected on my desk) or galaxy bud pros which both do the job wonderfully

I use mine for paying guitar and listening to music. HD560 at home and Moondrop Aria for live playing.

Once I realized I would never be satisfied, it was a lot easier to be content with what I do have and not spend endless amounts of money on something better

Yes, some indie artists definitely know how to mix song better than some major mainstream artists from my experience.

thank u dude!!

Yeah i am. My setup is a mix of older and newer stuff that i've just built on through the last 15 years or so.

Source: PC (FLAC using the AudioBurst FX plugin for WinAmp and Amazon) and Rega Planar 3 Turntable

Phono: iFi Zen Phono (can't run into the Brio-R phono due to placement of turntable and cable routing, as it has really short cables)

USB to Coax: TeraDak TeraLink X2 with linear power supply (literally been running 24/7 for over 10 years at this point!)

DAC: Rega DAC-R (Coax input sounds better than USB to me)

AMP: Rega Brio-R

Headphone Amp 1: iFi Zen Can

Headphone Amp 2: Project Sunrise II

VanDamme, Cxnnected (Etsy customs) and Chord cables and i can't remember the USB cable but it's an older one that was about £40 years ago.

​

My headphones for years were Mr Speakers Mad Dog Pro, and I just got Sundaras and the Zen Can (plus a balanced cable). I'm really loving it, the Sundaras and Zen Can are great.

Just need another phono cable and a switcher box and then i can switch between the turntable and PC and either going via speakers (Dynaudio EMIT 10) and Project Sunrise II (powers my Mad Dogs) or Zen Can (powers my Sundaras) without messing with cables. The Brio-R has a fixed level recording out so i can just mute the speakers for headphone only listening and it works great.

I also would like a DAC for my office media PC and\or for my phone so looking at more iFi options that will power the Sundaras. Currently just using my phone to B & W PX7 over bluetooth - sounds really good but not as good as as my main setup.

​

I follow the hobby and it is just nice to read about...but it pays off as you never know when something in your budget will come along and blow your mind, much like the Zen Can and Sundara did for me. I'd like some wired IEMs for out and about and bed time, and maybe some Grados (i love metal and they're meant to be good for that) and maybe some Rega RX1 or RX3 speakers....

(oh and an office vinyl setup with an Audio Technica deck and some Edifier powered speakers....)

To go:

iPhone 13

KZ ZS10 pro w/memory foam tips silicone inners

Apple dongle

Home:

Swans M200

Velodyne CHT-10

Loxjie D30 Dac

This is my first real intro to audiophile territory and I’m digging this set up so far.

I have been through many IEMs in the past but I’ve settled on these for now

Headphones: HiFiMan Arya (V2), Audioquest Nightowl, Koss Porta Pro w/ Yaxi Pads, MDR-ZX110, Bose 700s

DAC: Topping E50

Amps: Cambridge Audio 851A, Loxjie P20, Schiit Magni (OG), Topping L50, Apple Dongle

Portables: Qudelix 5K, iPod Classic 160GB

I would say I’m happy-ish. The most commonly used combo here is the Nightowl/Qudelix, would honestly be happy just with that for most portable usage. Bose 700s are for work, budget headphones are my beaters, and E50 is in my stereo setup with the 851A.

I sometimes think about selling the Aryas and the P20/Magni/L50 amps because I seem to vastly prefer stereo listening, and so I almost never use them. Still, they’re my favorite headphone of all time, so it would be tough to part with them. Their use case for me is just so limited.