[michaschm]

Hello,
 
 
well the title pretty much says it all.
 
I bought Xiaomi Pistons 3.0 already, but I doubt I can make full use of my new Fiio's potential with them, so I am looking for some additional recommendations.
Also I was thinking about the new Fiio EX1, due to all the reviews mentioning poor isolation I decided to continue searching though.
 
Purpose, Use: Walks, Hikes, public transportation
Genres: Synthwave, Ambient/Soundtracks, some Metal, (also audiobooks and podcasts, quality negligible there)
Budget: around +-100 €, maybe a little bit more
 
I will go and do some hands-on testing in shops in the coming days, but I don't live around a big city so my options there will be limited. If I find something of interest doing that I will report back.
 
 
Thanks in advance
Mike

 

[michaschm]

I guess I prefer a more neutral / unaltered sound, i. e. without too much emphasis on bass or anything like that.

 

[Beyakusenn]

The older generation of Momentum on-ears can now be found for less than €100. That's really a steal!
 
For in-ears I would recommend the HiFiMan RE-400. I have those with my X1 right now and they sound great!

 

[michaschm]

Thanks for the recommendations.
 
 
Yes well I've continued to look around (only online for now), also read a few threads and "best of" lists.
But, to be honest, I am a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of possible options.
 
 
Some models which seem interesting so far (on-ears):
 

1. Noontec Zoro HD
2. Beyerdynamic DTX 501p
3. Urbanears Plattan
4. Marshall Major (II)
5. Bose SoundTrue
6. Sennheiser Urbanite
7. AKG Y 50

 
 
Usually I like to buy well known and well received bargains...like the Xiaomi for example, which were a no-brainer due to all the positive feedback across the board.
In this niche / price segment something like that doesn't really seem to exist though, mostly due to the subjective nature of sound I guess.
 
 
However, I am still looking, so any further suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Beyakusenn]

 
Usually I like to buy well known and well received bargains...like the Xiaomi for example, which were a no-brainer due to all the positive feedback across the board.
In this niche / price segment something like that doesn't really seem to exist though, mostly due to the subjective nature of sound I guess.

You got it perfectly right. Sound perception is very subjective, so there is no telling what is 'the best' at a certain price point.
 
The Momentum on-ears I mentioned are incredibly cheap now compared to the time that they came out. When they came out they were €199,- and even then they were considered to be among the best in their price range.
 
I could tell you my personal preferences from the ones above, but you'll be the one using the headphones, so if you have the possibility to audition them: DO IT! It's much better than any advice we could give.
 
Most people also agree that the RE-400 performs much better than it's price tag suggests. It is however a warm sounding headphone and some people would like more bass and/or more treble.

 

[michaschm]

Found a few other interesting ones:
 

1. Grado SR60e
2. Skullcandy Grind
3. Bang and Olufsen H2

 
 
Although I don't like B&O for various reasons and the Skullcandies just look ridiculous with that skull....lol, from what I've read so far these seem really good.
 
 
I'll see what I can get my hands on tomorrow morning and will report back then.

 

[Beyakusenn]

 

1. Grado SR60e
2. Skullcandy Grind
3. Bang and Olufsen H2

SR60e Open design, so it leaks sound both ways. Not recommended for portable use. It's also uncomfortable.
Skullcandy: never liked it... Maybe you do, but I can't make a fair comparison myself when I'm this prejudiced.
B&O: Not my favourite brand either, but these are decent headphones. Worth listening to if you have the chance.

 

[ZoNtO]

.

 

[michaschm]

I finally went and bought some....until today I was using my old Superlux HD668B (which are extremely robust by the way). Not sure how known these are in non-German-speaking countries, but around here they (and a few others from the same brand) are often recommended as bargains.
 
 
I don't really enjoy them with my new FiiO X3ii though, or at least it feels like they even sounded better with the Xonar DX I had before. But well, I'm just done with a no-music phase anyway so that's pretty subjective.
 
 
BUT since I've taken my time now I was able to pick up two nice sales, namely:
 
 
B&O BeoPlay H2 for ​80 € / 90 USD
 
and Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear ​for 45 € / 50 USD
 
 
Pretty happy with my choices so far. Especially surprised about the detail of the latter, but of course they usually go for double the price. Really enjoyed testing the H2s as well, though if you listen to very bass-heavy stuff they seem to be overwhelmed easily, so for that probably not the best choice.
 
Also tested a few in the upper price class (few 200s and two 450+), but doesn't really seem worth it from what I've heard so far. At least for me.
 
 
Gonna burn these in now, thanks for the help.