[k273]

This question has been on my mind for some time; it's a broad question but I hope we can find some easier and helpful answers for people in the search for their endgame.

Is there a best value-for-money/bang-for-buck/Goldilocks-zone price range for:
1) digital audio players
2) digital to audio converters
3) solid state amps
4) tube amps
5) closed-back headphones/IEMs
5) open-back headphones

where there's a big increase in (sound) quality, which beyond those price ranges, only small incremental improvements/diminishing returns occur? If yes, what are the two/three best items within that price range of each respective item?

Thanks!

 

[msing539]

This will be a highly subjective discussion.

It will come down to your personal preference on sound and how much money you're willing to spend to get it.

 

[k273]

This will be a highly subjective discussion.

It will come down to your personal preference on sound and how much money you're willing to spend to get it.

True.
That's why I asked so that one may hopefully have some sort of a helpful departure point/some objectivity in their quest for those items.
I'm guessing putting some "price range" is easier and better than a price point.

 

[msing539]

True.
That's why I asked so that one may hopefully have some sort of a helpful departure point/some objectivity in their quest for those items.
I'm guessing putting some "price range" is easier and better than a price point.

A lot of people seem to end around $1000 (used HD800S, Arya Stealth, LCD-X, HE1000, etc.) I think there are several good headphones and iems under $300-500 US, especially if you're up for buying used.

 

[k273]

A lot of people seem to end around $1000 (used HD800S, Arya Stealth, LCD-X, HE1000, etc.) I think there are several good headphones and iems under $300-500 US, especially if you're up for buying used.

Thanks for this.
By the way I personally don't mind buying used.
What about DAPs? Any particular comments?

 

[msing539]

Thanks for this.
By the way I personally don't mind buying used.
What about DAPs? Any particular comments?

You're welcome--not much DAP experience. I have the HiBy R5 Gen II now. I do have a preference for Android-based DAPs since the OS is so familiar to me.

 

[Thomasr]

Recent thread related to headphones:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/where-is-the-price-performance-sweet-spot-in-your-opinion.970662/

Spoiler alert: opinions are all over the map.

 

[k273]

Recent thread related to headphones:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/where-is-the-price-performance-sweet-spot-in-your-opinion.970662/

Spoiler alert: opinions are all over the map.

Yeah, something like that.
I noticed that people repeatedly said ~400-1000 USD there for headphones *and* used.
Also, HD6xx and Sundara were the ones rather mentioned more on that thread. I'm curious as to why it is so.

What about DAPs? Do you have any opinion?

 

[dunring]

The Apple USB to 3.5mm adapter $9
7hz Salnotes Zero:2 $24
Best value for money, a great baseline everything else after hearing them.
SMSL DL200 $180 for a great amp DAC combo. Hifiman He5xx headphones.
I have all of those and would never sell them.

 

[earmonger]

I am very happy with Audio-Technica ATH-R70X (350 or a deal) connected to a VE Megatron ($56 shipped to US) out of my Macbook Air. IMO there is no need to spend kilobucks.

 

[silent-circuit]

You need to spend about $300 to get to my preferred options when it comes to full size headphones or IEMs,, but my favorites are more like $600-700, and those are used prices. Just recently committed to a pair of Empire Ears Legend X, which when they arrive will have the highest MSRP of anything audio related I own save the Martin Logan Requests. Curious to see if I notice much if any difference jumping from ~$800 new to ~$2200 new. One would hope, but I'm afraid my current gear may be working at the limit of my hearing.

DACs seem to top out around the same - $300 gets you something solid most people will be happy with, double that and you'll notice a difference but there will be debate if it's worthwhile, and beyond that it really is about diminishing returns.

 

[k273]

You need to spend about $300 to get to my preferred options when it comes to full size headphones or IEMs,, but my favorites are more like $600-700, and those are used prices. Just recently committed to a pair of Empire Ears Legend X, which when they arrive will have the highest MSRP of anything audio related I own save the Martin Logan Requests. Curious to see if I notice much if any difference jumping from ~$800 new to ~$2200 new. One would hope, but I'm afraid my current gear may be working at the limit of my hearing.

DACs seem to top out around the same - $300 gets you something solid most people will be happy with, double that and you'll notice a difference but there will be debate if it's worthwhile, and beyond that it really is about diminishing returns.

I'm really waiting for your reviews later!
And thanks for the insights.

 

[HiFiWar]

Thanks for this.
By the way I personally don't mind buying used.
What about DAPs? Any particular comments?

DAPs...used to be 1-2k. I'd say there's been a shift lately or really good DAPs coming in under $1k - Fiio M15S, Shanling M6 Ultra, etc.